{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Independent\", state = \"ME\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-december-podcast-king-discusses-new-gun-safety-legislation-with-senator-mark-kelly-and-former-maine-us-marshal", "In December Podcast, King Discusses New Gun Safety Legislation with Senator Mark Kelly and Former Maine U.S. Marshal", "2023-12-30", "2023", "2023-12", "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 Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the December episode of his \u201cInside Maine\u201d podcast, in which he discussed new gun safety legislation to save lives in Maine and across the country. During the podcast, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) joined Senator King to discuss the GOSAFE ACT which they recently introduced to limit the sale, manufacture and transfer of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms like the one used during the October 25th attack in Lewiston. Later in the podcast, retired U.S. Marshal Chief Noel C. March shared insights from his four decades in law enforcement on gun safety, community engagement, and how the GOSAFE Act would save lives and make it easier for law enforcement to respond to mass shootings.\n\nAccording to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more mass shootings in the United States in 2023 than days.\n\n\u201cFor too long, communities across our country have felt the devastation and heartbreak of America\u2019s gun violence epidemic \u2013 with each mass shooting and senseless act of violence leaving Americans to wonder if they or their loved ones will be next,\u201d said Senator King. We owe it to the people of Maine, and victims of gun violence across the country, to prevent more gun violence while protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. Saving lives remains my one and only goal.\u201d\n\nAs the son of two police officers, Senator Mark Kelly learned the value of public service at an early age. Senator Kelly earned his B.S. degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and later an M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. As a Navy pilot, he made multiple deployments on the aircraft carrier USS Midway and flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm. Senator Kelly is the recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and multiple Air Medals. He has logged more than 5,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft and has over 375 carrier landings. Senator Kelly retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain. Senator Kelly is Chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, where he plays a leading role in getting our airmen and soldiers the tools they need to do their jobs, while also expanding Arizona\u2019s role in our national defense.\n\nNoel C. March is a Lecturer of Justice Studies and Director of the Maine Community Policing Institute at University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). From 2010 to 2018 he served as an appointee of President Barack Obama as the United States Marshal in Maine where he represented the U.S. Department of Justice in the protection of our federal courts and judges, the investigation and apprehension of federal fugitives, the investigation of registered sex offenders, confiscation of criminal assets and support of the witness protection program. Chief March is now a nationally recognized subject-matter-expert in Community Engagement, Community Oriented Policing and Campus Safety who has served on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Board of Directors. Noel is a graduate of the 170th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy as well as the University of New England and the University of Maine Graduate School, where he earned degrees in Organizational Leadership and Peace & Reconciliation Studies, respectively.\n\nSenator King previously led bipartisan, common-sense legislation to address the gun violence epidemic in the United States while protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. The Safer Communities Act, passed in 2022, includes increased mental health resources, funding for red flag laws, and enhanced background checks for buyers under 21.\n\nBill text for the GOSAFE Act can be found here. Senator King\u2019s new op-ed on the GOSAFE Act can be found here.\n\nThe \"Inside Maine\" podcast airs on the last Saturday of the month and aims to keep Mainers informed about issues, how they affect life in the state, and how they factor into Senator King\u2019s work.\n\nTo listen to the December edition of Senator King\u2019s podcast, click here. You can also find it on Apple Podcasts.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-va-treasury-department-to-simplify-travel-reimbursements-for-medical-care", "King Urges VA, Treasury Department to Simplify Travel Reimbursements for Medical Care", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "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. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), is urging the Department of Treasury and Department of Veterans Affairs to better support veterans seeking the benefits they\u2019ve earned. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and VA Secretary Denis McDonough, King and a bipartisan group of colleagues urge the federal government to address some important structural issues within the VA\u2019s travel reimbursement program that is affecting the ability of veterans \u2013 especially low-income veterans and veterans in remote rural communities \u2013 to managing their VA Beneficiary Travel Pay reimbursements.\n\nUnder current federal law, most low-income veterans and veterans with a service-connected disability are entitled to reimbursements for travel to and from their VA medical appointments. For many veterans, especially low-income veterans in rural communities who have to travel long distances to access their VA health care, these reimbursements are essential. However, the current system for VA Beneficiary Travel Pay reimbursements has left too many veterans, who are entitled to travel reimbursement, waiting months with hundreds of dollars in unpaid claims at any one time \u2013 putting their financial stability at risk.\n\n\u201cVeterans who rely on this and other VA programs should have an easy way to ensure that they are receiving the benefits they are owed,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cOur veterans deserve much better, especially when they are simply trying to receive the benefits they have earned.\u201d\n\nMany veterans across the country have complex health conditions and require numerous medical appointments each month. Under the current system, veterans who receive travel reimbursements via direct deposit are unable to reconcile travel claim payments with their bank statements. When veterans receive multiple reimbursements on varying timelines, it is exceptionally difficult to determine the status of each individual claim, leaving many veterans with outstanding claims they are unable to account for.\n\nIn the letter, the senators asked Yellen and McDonough to respond to the following questions by January 15, 2024: How can veterans currently track individual beneficiary travel reimbursements after they have filed the initial claim; which agency bears responsibility for determining what information is included in the PPD of PPD+; and are VA and Treasury considering implementing a numerical identification system that veterans can use to track their individual claims and associated payments?\n\nIn addition to King, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) signed the letter.\n\nRepresenting a state with one of the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, 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 August, Senator King joined the Maine Delegation in sending a letter to the VA identifying challenges with the VA\u2019s new Beneficiary Travel Self Service System, implemented more than three years ago, including processing delays and the need for a high-speed internet connection to access the system. Earlier this year, King also introduced bipartisan legislation to support veterans with mental traumas, as well as celebrated President Biden signing his legislation into law, which increases benefits for veterans and military families.\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-demand-va-better-protect-veterans-from-prescription-opioid-abuse", "King, Colleagues Demand VA Better Protect Veterans from Prescription Opioid Abuse", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "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, a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to step up its efforts to protect veterans from prescription opioid abuse. In a letter from King and his committee colleagues to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, the Senators are urging the department to take swift action following reports that found a majority of non-VA health care providers are not meeting the VA prescription opioid safety standards.\n\nA recent report from the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) found third-party administrators have failed to provide adequate oversight of whether Veterans Community Care Network health care providers were completing and certifying VA\u2019s Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI) training.\n\nThe OIG also found approximately 14,700 of 18,200 non-VA providers in the Community Care Network who prescribed opioids to veterans in fiscal year 2021 had not completed VA\u2019s OSI training and did not certify their mandated review of VA\u2019s guidelines. Lapses in oversight have resulted in the over prescription of opioids from both the VA and Community Care Network providers \u2014 increasing veterans\u2019 risk of sedation and overdose.\n\n\u201cWe write today to discuss our concerns with the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 oversight of non-VA providers who prescribe opioids to veterans,\u201d the Senators wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. \u201cIn Fiscal Year 2022, the Department spent more than $27 billion in the community for health care services for veterans. VA must ensure the dollars it spends result in high-quality, safe care for veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is clear VA and its contracted third-party administrators failed to do their due diligence in ensuring the health and safety of the veterans in their care\u2026As stated many times before, we feel if there is an issue at one location, it will likely occur elsewhere. The Department must work not only to address the shortcomings outlined in these OIG reports but also to ensure lessons learned are implemented system-wide,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\n\u201cIt is the responsibility of VA to ensure the veterans in its care, or that of its community partners, are being provided high-quality care. We urge VA to act to ensure our nation\u2019s veterans are not put at risk when seeking care in the community\u2026VA can outsource the work \u2014 but it cannot outsource the responsibility for taking care of our veterans,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nRepresenting a state with one of the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, 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. Earlier this year, King introduced bipartisan legislation to support veterans with mental traumas, as well as celebrated President Biden signing his legislation into law, which increases benefits for veterans and military families.\n\nThe letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary McDonough,\n\nWe write today to discuss our concerns with the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) oversight of non-VA providers who prescribe opioids to veterans. We are particularly concerned with providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Network (CCN) not querying state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) before prescribing opioids to veterans, creating life-threatening patient safety concerns. In Fiscal Year 2022, the Department spent more than $27 billion in the community for health care services for veterans. VA must ensure the dollars it spends result in high-quality, safe care for veterans.\n\nBackground\n\nIn 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared deaths involving illicit drugs and prescription opioids a public health emergency. In recognizing this epidemic, Congress included a provision in Section 131 of Public Law 115-182, the VA MISSION Act of 2018, which obligates the Department to ensure all covered non-VA health care providers certify they have reviewed the evidence-based guidelines enumerated by VA\u2019s Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI). Section 131 was included in the law as part of Congress\u2019 emphasis that non-VA providers should be informed of VA best practices and guidelines when prescribing opioids. Studies at the time indicated veterans were twice as likely to die from accidental opioid overdoses than non-veterans.\n\nAs a result, to satisfy the terms of their contracts, the third-party administrators (TPAs) responsible for contracting with community care providers \u2013 Optum Public Sector Solutions, Inc., (Optum) and TriWest Health Care Alliance (TriWest) \u2013 must require CCN providers to check their state\u2019s PDMP prior to writing an urgent/emergent prescription for a controlled substance, regardless of any state law exemption. Veterans sent to VA\u2019s community care partners should never worry that providers are not in compliance with the contracts governing their care.\n\nIn a September 2023 report titled Oversight Could Be Strengthened for Non-VA Healthcare Providers Who Prescribe Opioids to Veterans (Oversight Could Be Strengthened), an audit by the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found VA\u2019s Office of Integrated Veteran Care (IVC) did not ensure TPAs were diligently checking if non-VA providers were completing and certifying VA\u2019s OSI training module, thus failing to provide adequate oversight of CCN providers. In a separate September 2023 report titled Review of VHA\u2019s Oversight of Community Care Providers\u2019 Opioid Prescribing at the Eastern Kansas Health Care System in Topeka and Leavenworth (Review of Eastern Kansas), the OIG found this same lapse in oversight at the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System resulted in patients being dually prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines from a combination of VA and CCN providers, thereby increasing patients\u2019 risk of sedation and overdose.\n\nIt is clear VA and its contracted TPAs failed to do their due diligence in ensuring the health and safety of the veterans in their care, particularly in the case of the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System. Risk-mitigation is one of the most important steps in preventing opioid addiction. VA owes it to those in its care to take every prescribing precaution necessary as our country faces the ravages of the opioid epidemic. As stated many times before, we feel if there is an issue at one location, it will likely occur elsewhere. The Department must work not only to address the shortcomings outlined in these OIG reports but also to ensure lessons learned are implemented system-wide. This is especially true as VA starts to negotiate the contractual requirements for the second-generation CCN contracts.\n\nOversight of Non-VA Opioid Prescribers\n\nThe Oversight Could Be Strengthened audit found that, while VA\u2019s CCN contract with TriWest requires the TPA to ensure prescribing providers certified they reviewed the OSI guidelines, Optum\u2019s contract does not. Both TPAs\u2019 contracts require their outreach and education programs to include network participation requirements, including acknowledging receipt of and adherence to the OSI guidelines. However, both contracts did not require the TPAs to monitor and ensure providers actually certified their review of the OSI guidelines; therefore, neither TPA made completing VA\u2019s OSI training a condition to CCN participation. The audit found the IVC believed the TPAs\u2019 contracts required providers\u2019 completion of the OSI training. Consequently, neither VA nor the TPAs monitored training completion. This miscommunication constitutes an unacceptable oversight. How does VA plan to address this specific oversight failure, and how does VA plan to avoid such situations in the future?\n\nThat same audit found approximately 14,700 of 18,200 non-VA providers in the CCN who prescribed opioids to veterans in FY 2021 had not completed VA\u2019s OSI training module and did not certify their mandated review of VA\u2019s OSI guidelines. As of August 2022, VA had just under 10,000 CCN providers across all CCN regions documented for completion of OSI training; this represents only 1.5 % of active providers targeted for OSI compliance. This unacceptable lack of adherence to OSI guidelines cannot go unchecked. To that end, the Department must do more to oversee the TPAs. What steps has VA taken to correct this oversight failure and increase OSI training completion?\n\nThe Review of Eastern Kansas showcases an egregious example of the consequences of this lapse in oversight. A veteran who had previously been identified as high-risk for an opioid overdose was referred by their VA provider for a community interventional pain management consult with a non-VA community pain specialist in the summer of 2017. The specialist prescribed multiple opioids despite the patient being referred to the consult for exhibiting opioid-seeking behavior. The OIG\u2019s inspection found the opioids prescribed by the non-VA specialist were not in the veteran\u2019s Electronic Health Record medication profile, suggesting the provider did not comply with VA\u2019s OSI guidelines, by failing to query Kansas\u2019 PDMP. This veteran died from combined alprazolam and methadone intoxication in early 2018. Despite having access to the veteran\u2019s records that indicated opioid-seeking behavior, the non-VA pain specialist prescribed opioids at dosages equal to 300 mg of morphine. This provider\u2019s negligence led to the death of a veteran when simply following VA\u2019s OSI guidelines would have made it clear this veteran should not be prescribed opioids.\n\nThat same review also highlighted incomplete and delayed documentation from CCN providers, including a failure to provide VA with documentation pertaining to controlled substances prescribed \u2013 such as the type of medication prescribed (e.g. opioids or benzodiazepines), the rationale for the medication, and dosing parameters. The OIG also highlighted a lack of CCN provider documentation of OSI risk-mitigation strategies. Two other case examples where patients received multiple controlled substance prescriptions from VA and non-VA providers were also uncovered. What are VA\u2019s plans to: 1) ensure community providers query state PDMPs, 2) require provider documentation of OSI risk mitigation strategies and 3) improve care coordination through the return of medical records from community providers?\n\nIt is the responsibility of VA to ensure the veterans in its care, or that of its community partners, are being provided high-quality care. We urge VA to act to ensure our nation\u2019s veterans are not put at risk when seeking care in the community. To that end, we request VA re-examine its non-concurrence with Recommendation 5 in the Review of Eastern Kansas. This recommendation directed the Under Secretary for Health to consider issuing formal guidance to all VA pharmacy staff regarding best practices for conducting PDMP queries upon receipt of controlled substance prescriptions from CCN providers. VA did not concur with this recommendation, stating \u201cThis recommendation is based on review in one state. State requirements for private sector prescriber PDMP reporting vary significantly, and specific geographical nuances do not necessarily indicate a perpetual challenge across the enterprise.\u201d Too often we have seen findings in one hospital, one state, or one VISN point to a larger problem across the system. Given community providers are not consistently querying PDMPs themselves, VA must step in to protect veterans. VA can outsource the work \u2013 but it cannot outsource the responsibility for taking care of veterans. We look forward to your re-examination of this recommendation.\n\nThe OIG made three recommendations in the Oversight Could Be Strengthened audit, including clarification of IVC and TPA roles with respect to ensuring OSI compliance, ensuring IVC strengthens its monitoring controls over TPAs in regards to OSI compliance, and ensuring IVC more effectively monitors CCN providers\u2019 completion of required prescription drug monitoring program queries. The IVC agreed with these recommendations and has submitted action plans. We request an update on implementing these action plans no later than November 15, 2023.\n\nWe look forward to your response and thank you for your continued support of veterans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-hamas-use-of-rape-during-october-7th-terrorist-attack-on-israel", "Collins, King Join Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Hamas\u2019 Use of Rape During October 7th Terrorist Attack on Israel", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "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. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, have joined a bipartisan resolution condemning Hamas for using sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war against Israelis during the October 7th terrorist attack.\n\nMore than 1,200 people were killed on October 7, 2023 by Hamas in its terrorist attack against Israel, the deadliest terror attack in the country\u2019s history. Since the initial attack, investigators have spoken to survivors, witnesses, first responders, and viewed security footage to determine that dozens of women were raped and sexually-assaulted during the attack. International organizations like Human Rights Watch and the United Nations have passed resolutions stating that rape and gender-based violence can constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.\n\n\u201cHamas\u2019 widespread use of sexual violence against women in Israel during the terrorist attack on October 7 must be condemned unequivocally,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cIt is imperative that we unite against these barbaric acts to hold Hamas accountable, support survivors, and provide justice for victims.\u201d\n\n\u201cViolence against women is a barbaric, inhuman tactic and most recently was used indiscriminately as a weapon of war during the October 7th terrorist attack against Israel,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe atrocities of gender-based violence must always be called out and condemned wherever, whenever and to whomever the violence occurs. Hamas has repeatedly called for the complete annihilation of the Jewish people and rejects any peaceful resolution of Jewish and Palestinian territorial claims to the land stating, \u2018There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad.\u2019 Terrorism, including rape, will not create a more democratic Israel nor lead to self-determination for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who are not Hamas terrorists. We must be unwavering in our denunciation of rape and gender-based violence against Israeli women\u2014and the hateful sentiments behind them.\u201d\n\nEarlier this week, Senator Collins led a bipartisan group of Senator colleagues in a letter to the United Nations (UN) for its inaction regarding Hamas\u2019 widespread sexual violence, including mass rape and mutilation, against women in Israel on October 7, 2023.\n\nJoining Collins and King on the resolution are Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Katie Britt (R-AL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).\n\nAs a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins consistently advocates for funding for VAWA programs. Senator King is an original cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Act of 2019. With Senators Collins and King\u2019s support, Congress passed a funding package for FY 2021 that included $513.5 million for the VAWA programs \u2013 an increase of $11 million from FY 2020.\n\nFull text of the resolution can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cyberspace-solarium-co-chairsndaa-marks-meaningful-advancements-in-cybersecurity", "Cyberspace Solarium Co-Chairs:\r\nNDAA Marks \u201cMeaningful\u201d Advancements in Cybersecurity", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "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. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), Co-Chairs of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), today released the following statement on the inclusion of several key cybersecurity provisions in the final version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Once the President signs the bill into law, 58 out of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission\u2019s 82 recommendations have now become law \u2013 roughly a seventy percent success rate.\n\n\u201cIt is critical that the United States continue to improve the cyber resiliency of its armed forces both at home and abroad, and the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act addresses this need with a meaningful provision to assess their ability to remain resilient and reconstitute functions in the case of a cyber emergency. This provision gets the ball rolling on the similar issue of continuity of the economy planning that the nation so desperately needs \u2013 a key recommendation of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.\n\n\u201cThe security of our nuclear command, control, and communications mission is existentially important, and the NDAA\u2019s focus on bolstering its cyber resiliency is wise and timely. This is one of the many important provisions of military cyber resiliency that we are proud to see in this year\u2019s defense bill.\u201d\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA includes legislations to establish a pilot program to test the cyber resiliency and reconstitution of military installations in the event of an attack on regional critical infrastructure \u2013 a top priority of the CSC and its follow-on Cyber Solarium 2.0 effort. It also requires the establishment of a team dedicated to improving the cybersecurity of the systems and networks that support the nuclear command, control, and communications mission.\n\nSignificant cybersecurity provisions supported by CSC in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act include:\n\nA pilot program to test the cyber resiliency and reconstitution of military installations in the event of an attack on regional critical infrastructure.\n\nThe codification of funding authorities within the State Department to provide cybersecurity assistance.\n\nIncreasing military cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan to identify opportunities to defend military networks and counter malicious cyber activities.\n\nImproving the cybersecurity of the systems and networks that support the nuclear command, control, and communications mission.\n\nThe clarification and harmonization of the Department of Defense\u2019s \u201cStrategic Cybersecurity Program\u201d to better ensure the Department\u2019s ability to conduct critical military functions.\n\nThe development of cyber support mechanisms for each of the geographic combatant commands.\n\nThe establishment of a pilot program to assess the standards and readiness of personnel in the United States Cyber Command.\n\nCreate a pilot program to establish a Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve to provide additional manpower to United States Cybercommand.\n\nConducting a study on the personnel and resources necessary to improve the Cyber Mission Force\u2019s occupational resiliency.\n\nThe expansion and extension of cybersecurity partnerships in Southeast Asia.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-celebrate-wreaths-across-america-day", "Senators Collins, King Celebrate Wreaths Across America Day", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "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 The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 16, 2023 as \u201cWreaths Across America Day.\u201d The annual event honors our nation\u2019s fallen heroes with commemorative Maine-made balsam wreaths laid by thousands of volunteers across the globe, including by a convoy that travels from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.\n\n\u201cWreaths Across America honors the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThe longevity and growth of this Maine-led tradition is a testament to our deeply rooted gratitude for our nation\u2019s servicemembers, and the selfless dedication of all who make it possible each year.\u201d\n\n\u201cInternational Paper is proud to be a partner and supporter of Wreaths Across America. This day is an important tradition to commemorate our fallen heroes, and we are honored to be a part of this special day,\u201d said Dr. Alissa Campbell Shaw, Senior Manager, Global Corporate Social Responsibility & Community Engagement, and Executive Director of the IP Foundation at International Paper, which operates a plant in Auburn.\n\nWreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,200 locations across the United States and abroad. In 2022, approximately 2.5 million wreaths were laid, including more than 150,000 at Arlington National Cemetery. Each wreath is crafted in Maine.\n\nThe general public can register to participate in Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery here.\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be read here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-introduce-bill-to-name-acadia-visitor-center-in-honor-of-former-majority-leader-george-mitchell", "Collins, King Introduce Bill to Name Acadia Visitor Center in Honor of Former Majority Leader George Mitchell", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "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 and Angus King, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, have introduced legislation to honor former Majority Leader U.S. Senator George Mitchell. The bill would designate the Hulls Cove Visitor Center at Acadia National Park as the \u201cGeorge J. Mitchell, Jr., Visitor Center\u201d.\n\nGeorge Mitchell, born in 1933 in Waterville, is an American politician and diplomat who served as a member of the U.S. Senate (1980\u201395), as majority leader (1989\u201395). He later served as a special adviser to the peace process in Northern Ireland under President Bill Clinton (1995\u20132000). Mitchell also served as a member of the special envoy to the Middle East under President Barack Obama (2009\u201311), and spent time in the judicial branch, when he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to serve on the U.S. District Court of Maine.\n\n\u201cDuring his storied career in public service, George Mitchell was a peacemaker, a statesman, and a loyal champion of the State of Maine,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cNaming Acadia\u2019s Visitor Center in his honor will serve as a reminder of his commitment to improving our country and inspire others to do the same.\u201d\n\n\u201cGeorge Mitchell has dedicated his life to public service, working across all three branches of federal government, in pursuit of a more perfect union,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThroughout his career, George Mitchell has largely embodied the character of our state motto\u2014Dirigo\u2014 a leader working to resolve conflicts here in the United States and around the world. Renaming the Acadia National Park Visitor Center after Majority Leader Mitchell will remind Maine people and tourists alike what it means to give back, tackle hard challenges, and overcome the odds in an effort to provide a better future for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe would like to thank Senators King and Collins for their efforts to recognize Senator George Mitchell who has given so much to Acadia National Park by naming the Hulls Cove Visitor Center in his honor. As National Parks tell the story of America\u2019s greatest natural and cultural places, it is important to recognize its champions,\u201d said Eric Stiles, President and CEO of Friends of Acadia.\n\nCompleted by December of 1986, Hulls Cove Visitor Center originally served as the park\u2019s administrative headquarter and visitor center. Funding for the building came from the Mission-66 Program, a nationwide effort to improve infrastructure in America's national parks from 1956-1966.\n\nTo read the full text of the bill, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-final-2024-defense-bill-with-king-backed-provisions-to-strengthen-national-security-and-support-maine-jobs", "Senate Passes Final 2024 Defense Bill with King-Backed Provisions to Strengthen National Security and Support Maine Jobs", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "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-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees and Veterans Affairs Committee, hailed the bipartisan Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) \u2013 which will strengthen America\u2019s national security, support our men and women in uniform, and boost Maine communities through the dozens of businesses that serve the military\u2019s technological and manufacturing needs.\n\nToday\u2019s vote was on the final defense legislation after months of bicameral negotiations, and includes a number of provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for veterans, two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build, provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and stronger measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. It is now headed to the House of Representatives, where swift bipartisan passage is expected.\n\n\u201cFor over six decades, Congress has put aside partisan differences to improve America\u2019s national security and support our servicemembers. I\u2019m proud that we could continue the tradition this year to pass an annual defense bill that will make our nation\u2014and our state\u2014safer and stronger,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cAs our global community faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in our military\u2019s greatest asset \u2013 its people. We have a responsibility to serve our men and women in uniform just as they serve us, and this bill lives up to that obligation with the largest pay raise in more than 20 years and assistance for our military\u2019s spouses. The legislation also supports good-paying jobs in Maine communities, particularly through its funding for shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. These funds will help the shipyards plan their futures, continue to build the highest-quality ships, and maintain the submarine fleet that our Navy needs to accomplish missions across the globe.\n\n\u201cThere are many more important provisions in this legislation \u2013 including steps to modernize our nuclear arsenal, fight the opioid epidemic, and deter Chinese aggression,\u201d continued Senator King. \u201cAll told, this year\u2019s NDAA will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the men and women who serve in our military.\u201d\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 includes King-backed provisions to:\n\nINVEST IN MAINE SHIPBUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS. The FY24 NDAA authorizes two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and $780 million advance procurement of an additional DDG to be purchased next year that Bath Iron Works can compete to build.\n\nThis legislation also supports critical Maine National Guard facilities and authorizes $544 in funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) modernization efforts \u2013 including their Dry Dock extension that will allow PNSY to increase its capacity to maintain the Navy\u2019s submarine fleet.\n\nFUND MAINE INNOVATION AND SMALL BUSINESSES. This legislation supports Maine-driven research and development in the Arctic training capacity, composites development and 3D printing, munitions, F135 engine upgrades, mass timber integration, and hypersonic technology. The legislation also includes support for APEX Accelerators, which help small businesses obtain and navigate Department of Defense contracts.\n\nSUPPORT AMERICA\u2019S SERVICEMEMBERS AND MILITARY SPOUSES. The FY24 NDAA includes Senator King\u2019s Military Spouse Employment Act which will help military spouses find remote work in the federal government while their spouses serve in the armed services. Recruiting and maintaining a high-caliber, all-volunteer force also continues to be a high priority. This legislation includes a 5.2 percent pay increase for military and civilian personnel, the highest pay raise in over 20 years for the military and over 40 years for civilians.\n\nThe months and years after separation from the military remain a challenge for our veterans. The FY24 NDAA adds the Department of Labor to the Department of Defense -Veterans Affairs Joint Executive Committee partnership that will ensure full collaboration and synchronization between these three critical agencies that assist transitioning servicemembers and veterans searching for fulfilling employment in civilian life.\n\nIMPROVE HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR MAINE\u2019S COAST GUARD. This legislation includes critical oversight on Department of Defense programs that support Coast Guard members, including how the Department funds housing allowances and how the Department supports change of duty station moves.\n\nDETER CHINESE AGGRESSION. It's no secret that the People's Republic of China has emerged as America's primary competitor, as the only nation with the intent and the capability to mount a sustained challenge to the United States' security and economic interests. The FY24 NDAA continues to focus on the long-term strategic competition with China by investing in contested logistics capabilities forward, pacific-based training and exercises, key regional partnerships, and other forward-based systems and installations needed to quickly blunt Chinese aggression if needed.\n\nMODERNIZE CRITICAL NUCLEAR DETERRENTS. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader working to modernize the nation\u2019s nuclear triad and address the threats posed by new hypersonic weapons. From the B-21 Raider to the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent to a tactical sea-launched capability, the bill continues to build capability and capacity. This year\u2019s bill also includes significant investments in preventing proliferator states and terrorist groups from developing or acquiring Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).\n\nADDRESS EVOLVING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAPABILITIES. This legislation includes a Senator King-led provision to evaluate technology, including applications, tools, and models, to detect and watermark generative artificial intelligence. This provision would allow the DOD to better identify and detect deep fakes and false information created by bad actors employing AI technology.\n\nCOMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRAFFICKING. The opioid crisis continues to hit close to home, killing two people in Maine every single day. This legislation supports plans to counter fentanyl trafficking and counter transnational organized crime.\n\nSUPPORT RECRUITING IN THE NORTHEAST: This legislation includes a Senator King-led provision encouraging the DOD to focus America\u2019s recruiting efforts on remote geographic areas lacking military infrastructure and presence.\n\nTRAIN THE MAINE NATIONAL GUARD. This legislation provides our Maine National Guard funding from training and new infrastructure to operational deployments.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-passes-kings-bipartisan-bill-for-easier-electronic-access-to-duck-hunting-permits", "Congress Passes King\u2019s Bipartisan Bill for Easier, Electronic Access to Duck Hunting Permits", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "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. Senator Angus King, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus, today celebrated the Congressional passage of legislation that will streamline the duck stamp process for Maine hunters. The bipartisan Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 will provide access to the stamp on smartphones to help more people enjoy waterfowl hunting, remove barriers to getting outdoors, and increase revenue for conservation programs funded by stamp sales. The legislation passed the Senate in July and now heads the President\u2019s desk for signature into law.\n\n\u201cFrom Bean Boots to Old Town Canoes, generations of Maine people have pioneered innovations to make getting outdoors easier. Decades later, this same commitment still drives sportsmen and women across our state and is the guiding principle of the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 embraces 21st century technology to make the great outdoors more accessible than ever. I\u2019m proud that Congress was able to work together on a bipartisan basis to continue making recreational activities a simpler pursuit for all.\u201d\n\nAll waterfowl hunters at or over the age of 16 must possess a current signed Federal Duck Stamp, along with state licenses and permits, to hunt legally. The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 builds off a successful pilot program in 28 states that offer E-Stamps for 45 days of hunting. Along with the digital access, physical Duck Stamps would still be available for purchase from the post office and other authorized retailers.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Tom Carper (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Garret Graves (R-LA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA).\n\nThe legislation is backed by a number of leading conservation and wildlife organizations including the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus and Ducks Unlimited.\n\nAs Chairman of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee and Vice-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus, Senator King is among the Senate\u2019s loudest voices encouraging outdoor recreation. Last year, he pressed the Biden administration on two of his top priorities for the National Park Service (NPS): securing enough funding for necessary park maintenance and ensuring sufficient staffing of America\u2019s greatest treasures. Senator King also helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act 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", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-announce-2023-maine-nominees-to-the-united-states-military-service-academies", "Senators Collins and King Announce 2023 Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "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\nAlec Smith Hermon Hermon High School\n\nBenjamin van den Heuvel Berwick Noble High School\n\nBrennan Mackey Rockport Camden Hills Regional High School\n\nColby Ting Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\n\nColter Olson Old Orchard Beach Yarmouth High School\n\nJason Melanson Brewer Brewer High School\n\nJonathan \u201cJack\u201d Curtis Woolwich North Yarmouth Academy\n\nLucas Mac Phee Ellsworth Homeschool\n\nMatthew Powers Turner North Yarmouth Academy\n\nPatrick Delaney Gorham Gorham High School\n\nSofia Mavor Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\n\nTyler Bartick Fryeburg Fryeburg High School\n\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nAddison \u201cTadd\u201d Nelson Bath Cheverus High School\n\nAidan McAuslin Yarmouth North Yarmouth Academy\n\nBrady Kezal Saco Thornton Academy\n\nCormac McKenney Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School\n\nGiacomo Smith Whitefield Erskine Academy\n\nUnites States Military Academy - West Point\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nAshley Houde Saco Thornton Academy\n\nBrady Kezal Saco Thornton Academy\n\nCaden Dufour Turner Hebron Academy\n\nCasey McDonald Ellsworth Ellsworth High School\n\nGiacomo Smith Whitefield Erskine Academy\n\nJoseph Griffin Hodgdon Hodgdon High School\n\nLucas Harmon Monmouth Monmouth Academy\n\nLucas Mac Phee Ellsworth Homeschool\n\nMax Kennedy South Portland South Portland High School\n\nRyan Glidden Hallowell Hall-Dale Middle and High School\n\nSarah Hubbard Palmyra Nokomis Regional High School\n\nThomas Leopold York Harbor Phillips Exeter Academy\n\nUnited States Naval Academy - Annapolis\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nAidan Gagnon Sanford Sanford High School\n\nAidan Sullivan Berwick Noble High School\n\nAlec Smith Hermon Hermon High School\n\nAshley Houde Saco Thornton Academy\n\nBenjamin van den Heuvel Berwick Noble High School\n\nBrady Kezal Saco Thornton Academy\n\nBrooke Wardrop Scarborough Scarborough High School\n\nCasey McDonald Ellsworth Ellsworth High School\n\nColby Ting Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\n\nCora Birknes Yarmouth St. Andrew\u2019s School\n\nDaniel Landry Portland Deering High School\n\nDavid Steinbrick Jr. Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School\n\nEmily Donlon Saco Thornton Academy\n\nGeorge Cutone Kennebunkport Kennebunk High School\n\nGracie Rooney West Bath Morse High School\n\nHadyn Forbes York York High School\n\nJacob Lavi South Thomaston Oceanside High School\n\nJaxson Redmond Kennebunkport Kennebunk High School\n\nJoseph Griffin Hodgdon Hodgdon High School\n\nLucas Harmon Monmouth Monmouth Academy\n\nLucas Mac Phee Ellsworth Homeschool\n\nNathaniel \u201cCole\u201d Gorsuch Falmouth Falmouth High School\n\nRyder Owens Buxton Bonny Eagle High School\n\nSarah Hubbard Palmyra Nokomis Regional High School\n\nSean Allen Cumberland Greely High School\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cyberspace-solarium-co-chair-celebrates-senate-confirmation-of-national-cyber-director-nominee", "Cyberspace Solarium Co-Chair Celebrates Senate Confirmation of National Cyber Director Nominee", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "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. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), today released the following statement regarding the Senate confirmation of the new National Cyber Director, Harry Coker.\n\nThe National Cyber Director position has not had a Senate-confirmed leader since February 2023. The National Cyber Director plays a key role in leading the development of U.S. cybersecurity policy and strategy; the creation of the position was a key recommendation from CSC. Read the administration\u2019s announcement HERE.\n\n\u201cI am relieved that the Senate has confirmed Harry Coker as the permanent replacement for the National Cyber Director position; Coker\u2019s long and distinguished career in government has included posts in the National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Navy. After meeting with Coker at length, I firmly believe that his experience \u2013 and the expertise and skill-set it imbued him with \u2013 makes him highly qualified for the position. Looking forward, it is important to reiterate the necessity of strong, permanent leadership in the Office of the National Cyber Director to protect our country from an increasingly dangerous threat landscape. The NCD is effectively the \u2018coach\u2019 of the U. S. cybersecurity team, and I know that Harry will work diligently and collaboratively to protect our country,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cI would also like to emphasize my deepest appreciation and gratitude to Kemba Walden who recently left the post of Acting National Cyber Director. During her tenure, she did fantastic work guiding our nation\u2019s cybersecurity policy, notably developing and rolling out the National Cyber Strategy Implementation Plan. I look forward to Harry Coker\u2019s own success in the role and will continue to support him as he leads our country forward.\u201d\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress\u2019 leading experts on cyber defense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyber strategy that emphasizes layered cyber deterrence. 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\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/that-is-downright-dangerous-king-says-of-us-reliance-on-china-for-lithium", "\u201cThat is Downright Dangerous,\u201d King Says of U.S. Reliance on China for Lithium", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "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 today continued expressing urgency for streamlining the permitting process, so that renewable energy projects can be built responsibly in support of America\u2019s race against climate change. In a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining, King questioned Dr. Steve Feldgus, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management and Mr. Rich Haddock, about the changes needed in America\u2019s bureaucratic, time-consuming permitting process to achieve the historic clean energy opportunities presented by the landmark Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nLithium is one of the most commonly used critical minerals in the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, it can take more than a decade to obtain a mining permit for this critical mineral in the United States.\n\n\u201cI'm surprised that hasn't come up today. Isn't that a part of this discussion, to be sure, that because we can't afford 14 years to permit a lithium mine to support the EV industry, 85 percent [in Q4 2022] of the lithium [batteries] we're now using comes from China. That is downright dangerous,\u201d said Senator King.\n\n\u201cWe wholly agree that permitting reform is an important aspect of what we need to do to be able to secure our supply chain,\u201d agreed Haddock.\n\n\u201cWhen a new mine is being permitted, is there any requirement for a cleanup fund to be guaranteed as part of the permitting process? Usually that's often the case in any kind of permitting of a major development,\u201d questioned Senator King.\n\n\u201cThere is, Senator, we have bonding requirements. Dr. Feldgus has said that the bonding in Nevada, the bonding in the United States, is the best in the world. We also provide long term funds for long term,\u201d responded Haddock.\n\n\u201cSo, the problem of abandoned minds and mines is really for mines that are in the past, not new minds that are going online in the future,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cThat's correct,\u201d replied Haddock.\n\n\u201cI would appreciate it if you could share with the committee your thoughts on permitting reform in terms of what changes might be required in federal permitting requirements. Obviously, states are all different, but that would be helpful to us if you have suggestions, because there are discussions going on, on this committee about permitting reform that will go over into next year. So that's a bit of homework for you,\u201d concluded Senator King.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that deliver on the clean energy potential of last year\u2019s historic Inflation Reduction Act. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to deliver carefully considered, timely approvals of sorely-needed clean energy projects. In addition to a recent discussion with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 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", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-charge-to-curb-pollution-threat-posed-by-foam-containers", "King Joins Charge to Curb Pollution Threat Posed by Foam Containers", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "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. Senator Angus King has introduced bicameral legislation to phase out single-use plastic foam food service products, \u201cloose fill\u201d such as packing peanuts, and non-medical disposable coolers \u2013 materials known to cause adverse health effects and pollute waterways. The Farewell to Foam Act would prohibit the sale and distribution of these items beginning January 2026 while aiming to support the transition to alternatives.\n\nExpanded polystyrene (EPS), known more commonly as plastic foam, is one of the most harmful forms of single-use plastic. These materials, which also often contain other toxic additives such as flame retardants and colorants, are known to have negative impacts on human health, with links to central nervous system damage and increased risk of cancer. Additionally, they are difficult to recycle and prone to break up into tiny pieces \u2013 or microplastics \u2013 and often wash away into the environment, especially waterways. It is estimated that Americans use at least 5.6 billion pieces of plastic foam products each year.\n\n\u201cAs anyone who\u2019s been on riverbanks or the coast can tell you, pollution in our waters is on the rise \u2013 threatening public health, economic security, and the future of our planet,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Farewell to Foam Act would phase out harmful foam food containers and single-use foam storage bins to protect our families and friends from ingesting these dangerous microplastics that have negative impacts on human health. We need bold action to tackle this global crisis, and this bill is a common-sense step we can take to reduce our dependence on this particularly harmful form of plastic.\u201d\n\nThe Farewell to Foam Act aims to build on Maine\u2019s progress and reduce plastic foam pollution nationwide by requiring food service providers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to transition their stock of EPS products such as food ware, coolers, and loose packing fill to alternative materials by January 1, 2026.\n\nThe bill also authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to impose escalating penalties on establishments that violate the EPS prohibition during one calendar year: $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation, and $1,000 for the third and subsequent violations. Service providers and retailers with annual revenue less than $1,000,000 and manufacturers and distributors with annual revenue less than $5,000,000 will not be penalized more than once during any seven-day period. The legislation provides exemptions for EPS material used for medical, industrial, or safety purposes.\n\nAdditional Senate cosponsors of this legislation are U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey, (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nA copy of the bill text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-a-new-letter-sent-today-maine-congressional-delegation-continues-to-press-for-independent-army-inspector-general-investigation-of-events-leading-up-to-the-lewiston-shooting", "In a new letter sent today, \r\nMaine Congressional Delegation Continues to Press for Independent Army Inspector General Investigation of Events Leading up to the Lewiston Shooting", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "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 and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden sent a follow-up letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, to further press for a comprehensive review of the facts leading up to the October 25 mass shooting at Just-In-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille in Lewiston.\n\n\u201cWe believe it is imperative that you, as the Inspector General of the Army, conduct an investigation separate from the ongoing administrative review conducted pursuant to the Army\u2019s Suicide Prevention Program regulations. This tragedy warrants a much broader, independent inquiry,\u201d the Delegation wrote in the letter. \u201cWe must work to fully understand what happened\u2014and what could have been done differently that might have prevented the Lewiston shooting\u2014on the local, state, and federal levels. We must also give the American people confidence that the investigation is comprehensive and unbiased.\u201d\n\nSecretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth, and Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense Robert P. Storch were copied on the letter.\n\nOn November 2, Senators Collins and King sent an initial letter requesting an Inspector General investigation into the facts and events leading up to the shooting.\n\nThe full text of the letter is as follows:\n\nLieutenant General Donna W. Martin\n\nInspector General\n\nU.S. Department of the Army\n\n1700 Army Pentagon, 3E588\n\nWashington, D.C. 20310\n\nDear General Martin: We write regarding our request for your Office to conduct a comprehensive review of the facts and events leading up to the October 25, 2023, mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.\n\nOn November 15, 2023, Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo sent a letter suggesting that the U.S. Army Reserve\u2019s \u201cadministrative investigation into the actions and events that preceded SFC Card\u2019s death\u201d is sufficient to satisfy our request. Our staffs subsequently contacted you and reaffirmed with the Army\u2019s Legislation, Investigations, and Nominations (LI&N) Division our request that you launch a separate, concurrent investigation into the facts and events leading up to the Lewiston shooting as soon as possible. On December 5, 2023, the LI&N Division confirmed that the ongoing investigation is an \u201cadministrative investigation mandated by Army Regulation 600-92, not an Army Inspector General (IG) investigation.\u201d\n\nWe understand, consistent Army Regulation 600-92, that an investigation is completed for every suspected or confirmed suicide, and we support such an investigation in this case. Nevertheless, Army Regulations appear to specifically anticipate the need for \u201cconcurrent investigations\u201d in certain circumstances. Indeed, Army Regulation 15-6.B.5 makes clear that investigations \u201cmay be conducted before, concurrently with, or after an investigation into the same or related matters by another command or agency.\u201d As you know, there is precedent for Inspector General inquiries following shooting events involving current or former military personnel.\n\nWe believe it is imperative that you, as the Inspector General of the Army, conduct an investigation separate from the ongoing administrative review conducted pursuant to the Army\u2019s Suicide Prevention Program regulations. This tragedy warrants a much broader, independent inquiry. We must work to fully understand what happened\u2014and what could have been done differently that might have prevented the Lewiston shooting\u2014on the local, state, and federal levels. We must also give the American people confidence that the investigation is comprehensive and unbiased.\n\nThank you for your attention, and we reiterate our request that you begin your work on this matter expeditiously.\n\nSincerely,\n\nSenator Susan M. Collins\n\nSenator Angus S. King Jr.\n\nCongresswoman Chellie M. Pingree\n\nCongressman Jared F. Golden\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-introduce-legislation-to-protect-rural-seniors-access-to-care-halt-damaging-medicare-staffing-rule", "Senators Collins, King Introduce Legislation to Protect Rural Seniors\u2019 Access to Care, Halt Damaging Medicare Staffing Rule", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "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 This week, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan group in introducing the Protecting Rural Seniors\u2019 Access to Care Act. This legislation would prohibit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary from finalizing a proposed nursing home staffing rule that would hurt facilities across Maine and could force many to close. Additionally, the bill would establish an advisory panel on nursing home staffing that includes voices from both urban and rural communities nationwide. The panel would submit a report to Congress that analyzes workforce shortages and makes practical recommendations to strengthen the workforce.\n\nOn September 1, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule that would mandate new minimum staffing standards for long-term care (LTC) facilities. According to CMS, 75 percent of nursing homes would have to increase staffing to comply with the proposed standards \u2013 a threshold especially hard to reach in rural areas, which already face historic staffing shortages.\n\n\u201cAllowing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019 staffing mandate to be forced upon all nursing homes would be a disaster for older Americans who reside in rural areas, as many do in the State of Maine,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation would allow for the chance to negotiate fair rules for all long-term care facilities, helping to avoid wide-scale displacement of residents and closures of rural nursing homes that are facing severe staffing shortages.\u201d\n\n\u201cRural Maine seniors already face many challenges accessing affordable, quality healthcare because of both their distance to medical facilities and the availability of healthcare workers in rural areas,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cThe Protecting Rural Seniors\u2019 Access to Care Act would avoid a one-size-fits-all approach that the government is seeking and protect Maine\u2019s nursing homes. As we work to tackle workforce shortages across many industries, we must listen to our rural communities closely for ways to address their specific needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are extremely grateful for Senator Collins\u2019 and Senator King\u2019s support for the Protecting Rural Seniors Access to Care Act,\u201d said Angela Westhoff, Maine Health Care Association President and CEO. \u201cLong term care is experiencing a severe staffing crisis and the CMS minimum staffing rule will only further exacerbate the work force shortage. Maine continues to experience a cascade of nursing facility closures that limits access to care for our state\u2019s older adults and individuals with disabilities. Two-thirds of our nursing homes would not be able to comply with this unfunded federal mandate. We appreciate Senators Collins\u2019 and King's steadfast leadership in sustaining access to long term care for Maine\u2019s most vulnerable populations.\u201d\n\nWhile CMS estimates the cost for this rule is $4 billion, LeadingAge, the association for nonprofit providers of aging services, believes that the CMS proposed budget is significantly underestimated. LeadingAge estimates that the rule\u2019s staffing requirements will cost providers nearly $7 billion in the first year alone.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by more than 90 organizations. For the full list of endorsements click here.\n\nAlong with Senators Collins and King, the legislation is sponsored by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Roger Marshall (R-KS), James Lankford (R-OK), Jon Tester (D-MT), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).\n\nTo read the full text of the bill click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-collins-pingree-request-additional-flexibility-for-funding-to-support-migrants", "King, Collins, Pingree Request Additional Flexibility for Funding to Support Migrants", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "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.\u2014U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, are requesting that if Congress provides additional funding for the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), that the 45-day limitation on that aid be increased to 180 days. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas, the Maine Delegation is requesting an extension of the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) eligibility period \u2013 which typically lasts 45 days, but has no defined legal limit.\n\nThe Delegation wrote, \u201cWe write to request that, should Congress provide additional funding for the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), you remove the 45-day limitation on aid from future SSP Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and increase the limitation to 180 days. Restricting services to those who have been released by DHS in the past 45 days will limit the eligibility of municipalities and groups in Maine and other states located further from the southern border to apply for SSP funding, and end the critical support from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program Humanitarian (EFSP-H) they have counted on for years.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe SSP NOFOs\u2019 45-day limitation is inappropriate for migrant destination locations like Maine. Maine immigrant services groups struggle with the 45-day limitation because migrants arriving in the state have typically been released from DHS custody many days prior, reducing the period in which these individuals and families may receive support. This reality makes it impossible for many Maine programs to access SSP funding that they have depended on under the EFSP-H program to support and assist migrants,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe Delegation concluded, \u201cWe understand that DHS can revise NOFOs through administrative action that does not require further legislation. The 45-day requirement does not appear in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2023 (Div. F, Title II of P.L. 117-328) that created the SSP. DHS created the requirement of its own volition, and DHS has the ability to amend or remove the requirement going forward.\u201d\n\nFEMA\u2019s Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) provides supplemental grants to local government and nonprofit organizations to support and help expand existing programs for individuals and families who are experiencing hunger or homelessness. In 2019, Congress appropriated EFSP funding specifically to supplement humanitarian relief for migrants encountered by DHS\u2014known as EFSP-H. Neither EFSP nor the EFSP-H require the 45 day limit.\n\nEFSP-H has been replaced by a new grant program, which is called SSP. Among the changes in SSP are new requirements for determining whether non-federal entities are eligible for migrant assistance funding, including a restriction that limits services to a 45 day limit of the migrants\u2019 release from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody.\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Mayorkas:\n\nWe write to request that, should Congress provide additional funding for the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), you remove the 45-day limitation on aid from future SSP Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and increase the limitation to 180 days. Restricting services to those who have been released by DHS in the past 45 days will limit the eligibility of municipalities and groups in Maine and other states located further from the southern border to apply for SSP funding, and end the critical support from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program Humanitarian (EFSP-H) they have counted on for years.\n\nThe SSP NOFOs\u2019 45-day limitation is inappropriate for migrant destination locations like Maine. Maine immigrant services groups struggle with the 45-day limitation because migrants arriving in the state have typically been released from DHS custody many days prior, reducing the period in which these individuals and families may receive support. This reality makes it impossible for many Maine programs to access SSP funding that they have depended on under the EFSP-H program to support and assist migrants.\n\nWe understand that DHS can revise NOFOs through administrative action that does not require further legislation. The 45-day requirement does not appear in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2023 (Div. F, Title II of P.L. 117-328) that created the SSP. DHS created the requirement of its own volition, and DHS has the ability to amend or remove the requirement going forward.\n\nThank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you regarding the action that you plan to take on removing or extending the 45-day limitation on future Notices of Funding Opportunity for the Shelter and Services Program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-resolution-to-recognize-2024-as-the-national-year-of-democracy", "King Introduces Resolution to Recognize 2024 as the National Year of Democracy", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "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 After an increase in threats to democracy, U.S. Senator Angus King has joined his colleagues to cosponsor a resolution honoring 2024 as the National Year of Democracy.\n\nDemocracy is under attack across the world. According to a report published in 2022, 61 countries have seen a \u201csignificant\u201d increase in threats to the electoral process, civil and political rights, and the strength of government institutions since 2017. Furthermore, global levels of democracy have steadily declined since the mid-2000s. Democratic values are also under attack in the United States, with a growing movement to oppose the peaceful transition of power following an election, as well as the rising influence of misinformation.\n\n\u201cThe peaceful transfer of power we enjoy in America is a historic anomaly \u2013 and one we should be proud to defend and protect,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThis resolution encourages Americans to reflect on the merits of democracy and on the example that our system of government provides to the world. In the face of state-level threats that undercut the fundamental right to vote for millions of Americans, Congress must continue to recognize the importance of voting and encourage continued civics education so that all Americans can continue to reap the benefits of our unique experiment in self-government.\u201d\n\nSenator King is an active, vocal supporter of democratic values and freedom. Earlier this fall, he introduced the Voter Choice Act to support the adoption of a ranked choice voting (RCV) model for federal elections \u2013 and also previously introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, which would set basic national standards for voting rights, end partisan gerrymandering and help eliminate the undue influence of secret money in our elections. He also released the draft Electoral Count Modernization Act to shape the conversation around establishing clear, consistent, and fair procedures for the counting and certification of electoral votes for the presidency. This past September, Senator King also introduced a resolution to recognize the month as \u201cNational Voting Rights Month.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senator King, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Braun (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bob Casey (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).\n\nFull text of the resolution is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-presses-military-to-address-geographic-diversity-in-recruitment-efforts-plans-to-recruit-in-the-northeast", "King Presses Military to Address \u201cGeographic Diversity\u201d in Recruitment Efforts, Plans to Recruit in the Northeast", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "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 In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, U.S. Senator King today pressed top military recruiting command officers on the status of \u201cgeographic diversity\u201d recruitment efforts across the military. Specifically, he asked Major General Johnny K. David, United States Army; Rear Admiral Alexis T. Walker, United States Navy, Major General William J. Bowers, United States Marine Corps, and Brigadier General Christopher R. Amrhein, United States Air Force, about the specific steps the military could take to bolster recruitment in Maine and to market the valuable vocational training that comes with military service.\n\nAs the military struggles to reach recruiting goals, King urged the officers to look into solutions for reaching potential recruits in Maine and other northeastern states.\n\n\u201cI'd be interested in some data on geographic diversity. In other words, where are your recruits coming from? I'm concerned. I've seen data in the past that our all-volunteer Army and Navy and Marines and Coast Guard and Air Force are turning into a geographically limited body. In other words, more recruiting from the South and Southwest, or more people coming in rather than from the North and the Northeast,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cSo, I'd be interested in that data. One of the problems \u2014 I\u2019m from Maine \u2014 one of the problems is we've lost active duty military bases in the Northeast almost entirely. So, our young people don't ever see anybody in uniform. We had a Naval Air Station in Brunswick for 60 years, and kids grew up in Brunswick seeing the Navy on the street, and they were their coaches and their friends and their school teachers. That's something we have to sort of actively overcome.\u201d\n\nSenator King also highlighted the critical vocational training and leadership that comes with military service \u2013 and urged the military to use this information in their recruiting and marketing campaigns.\n\n\u201cThere are few jobs in our society where a young person can have as much responsibility and access to training as in the military. You should sell that. I seriously think I'd like to see an ad in the Super Bowl that says, you want to get a head start, join the army, join the navy,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cIt's an opportunity that young people have that I don't think is marketed as much. I see the ads, you know a few good men, and they're good. But one of your selling points is that you're giving people an opportunity at training that they'd have to pay thousands of dollars for if they were going to a community college or an access to leadership that they would never get at the age of 22 or 23 or 24. So, that's free advice for what it's worth.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King has worked to ensure the Armed Forces are able to provide opportunities for young Americans and can meet recruitment goals necessary to protect American interests. He has repeatedly pressed top Pentagon nominees about the concerning shift in the U.S. military\u2019s active duty members increasingly coming from the South and West, and the decline in military representation from the Northeast and Midwest. In the Senate-passed FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, Senator King also secured a provision encouraging the DOD to focus America\u2019s recruiting efforts on remote geographic areas lacking military infrastructure and presence.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-1-million-for-maine-agricultural-producers", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $1 Million for Maine Agricultural Producers", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "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. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that five farms in Maine will receive a total of $1,009,892 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program.\n\n\u201cMaine is known throughout the country for our wild blueberries, potatoes, dairy, and many other wonderful agricultural products.,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThese investments will help diversify our state\u2019s homegrown products, making them more accessible and appealing to consumers.\u201d\n\nWhen we help create processing opportunities for Maine farms, we shorten the local supply chain,\u201d said USDA Maine Rural Development Director Rhiannon Hampson. \u201cThis results in more choices for Maine consumers, as well as more opportunities and revenue for farmers. The Rural Development grants announced today offer businesses a chance to sustainably jumpstart growth, create jobs and enhance the \u2018multiplier effect\u2019 of the dollars being awarded.\u201d\n\nThe VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. The program is competitive, and USDA evaluates applications at the national level. This year, five Maine farms submitted winning proposals:\n\nBalfour Farm ($249,917) will use its working capital grant funds to expand the processing, marketing, and sales of its frozen fresh sausages and cured meats, creating one new job. The organic dairy farm and creamery is in Pittsfield.\n\nFields Fields Blueberries ($10,000) secured planning grant funds to assess the feasibility of expanding the market for its blueberry crisp. The business will explore options for co-manufacturing and available distribution channels and will assess what would be necessary in terms of production scale. The farm is in Dresden.\n\nHerbal Revolution Farm & Apothecary ($250,000) will use its working capital grant funds to expand the production, marketing, and sales of herbal tinctures, tonics, teas, scrubs, and elixirs. The project will increase wholesale and retail sales and allow the business, located in Union, to hire up to four additional staff.\n\nLedgeway Farm ($249,975) will use its working capital grant funds to expand processing, marketing, and sales of its diverse array of goat milk soap bar products. This project will allow the Pittston farm to grow its customer base and create two new jobs.\n\nWilliam H. Jordan Farm ($250,000) will use its working capital grant funds to expand processing, marketing, and sales of its shelf-stable products and frozen vegetables. This project will attract more customers to the farm store and expand its line of frozen and shelf-stable products offered through retail and wholesale channels. The fifth-generation Cape Elizabeth farm expects to add two jobs because of the project.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-cross-border-money-laundering-and-financial-crimes", "King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Combat Cross-Border Money Laundering and Financial Crimes", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "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 Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) have introduced legislation to combat cross-border money laundering. The Combating Cross-border Financial Crime Act of 2023 would establish a Cross-Border Financial Crime Center within the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate investigations and information-sharing related to financial crimes with a nexus to the U.S. border.\n\nWhile multiple U.S. agencies broadly address financial crimes, there is no agency whose mission is to focus solely on cross-border financial crimes, or to coordinate related investigations and information sharing. This lack of coordination contributes to the current 99 percent failure rate, when it comes to criminals laundering funds through the U.S. The legislation would create a central hub, the Cross-Border Financial Crime Center, to coordinate and analyze financial crime data and investigations across the federal government.\n\n\u201cOur current response to cracking down on illicit cross-border trade is broken, and siloed departments are creating gaps for money launderers and other criminals to slip through,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Combating Cross-border Financial Crime Act of 2023 would establish a Cross-Border Financial Crime Center within the Department of Homeland Security that coordinates information sharing, so federal law enforcement can work seamlessly with state, local and international partners to fight crime, terrorism and the financial structures that enable them.\u201d\n\n\u201cInternational kleptocrats, criminals, and cartels are exploiting regulatory and enforcement gaps to move their loot across our borders and launder it through our financial system,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cMy bipartisan bill with Senator Cassidy will better coordinate our whole-of-government response to financial crimes and help ensure the kleptocrats and criminals hiding their money in America will be held to account.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe U.S. needs a coordinated effort to combat counterfeit and illegal goods crossing our border. Our current approach is simply not working,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cA Fusion Center dedicated to fighting illicit trade will protect Americans and stop drug traffickers, Chinese counterfeiters, and other bad actors from profiting off of gaps in our customs laws.\u201d\n\nThe United States and its global partners have a 99 percent failure rate when attacking the financial networks of transnational criminal organizations. As a result, massive illicit proceeds flow through the U.S. financial system each year, totaling approximately $466 billion in 2021. These illicit funds enable transnational criminal organizations, kleptocrats, tax evaders, and terrorists to expand their empires and undermine American national and financial security, and our public health infrastructure.\n\nThe new center would be located within the lead criminal investigation arm of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). HSI is well-positioned to house and operate the Center because the agency has unique access to the cross-border trade data required to combat trade-based money laundering. The Cross-Border Financial Crime Center Act also provides stable funding for the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Trade Transparency Units (TTU) program. The TTU program prevents criminal actors from exploiting international trade and financial infrastructures by establishing agreements with partner nations to share import-export data. The bill prohibits funding for the Center or the TTU program from being used to support any immigration removal or enforcement activities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressional-delegation-urges-va-to-ensure-reliable-wi-fi-service-at-maine-cbocs", "Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Ensure Reliable Wi-Fi Service at Maine CBOCs", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "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.\u2014U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, are calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) to provide all Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Maine with reliable WiFi service. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, the delegation shares that reliable, high-speed WiFi is critical for continued healthcare service for Maine\u2019s veterans \u2013 and the comfort of the patients seeking care.\n\nThe delegation wrote, \u201cWe are writing to inquire about the status of the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 NEXTGEN initiative to ensure Wi-Fi at all Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Maine. As you may know, none of Maine\u2019s eight CBOCs have public Wi-Fi. Calais and Lincoln have no employee Wi-Fi whatsoever; and Caribou, Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston have limited Wi-Fi for staff. It is clear that Wi-Fi services in all CBOCs will improve staff efficacy and patient experience, medication management, and the ability to utilize a network via laptop to support the PACT model of care, moving from room to room to the patient.\u201d\n\n\u201cTechnology plays a critical role in providing healthcare in Maine, especially given the remoteness of many areas. The need for guest Wi-Fi impacts the veteran experience in VA Maine by limiting the ability to self-check in and do travel benefit forms via the \u201cMy HealtheVet\u201d portal. Internal Wi-Fi would increase time spent with patients and external Wi-Fi would decrease wait times for veterans checking in via their cell phones. Furthermore, access to the internet can be a form of relief for patients and visitors who are in a facility for multiple appointments,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe letter concludes with the delegation asking for a specific implementation timeline and understanding of when WiFi will be installed at CBOCs in Maine.\n\nWhen will each Maine CBOC get Wi-Fi?\n\nWhat is the national timeline for NEXTGEN implementation?\n\nHow does the implementation of NEXTGEN Wi-Fi in Maine compare to implementation in other states?\n\nWhat challenges have you identified to improve the availability of Wi-Fi across all CBOCs, and how are you addressing them?\n\nHow can Congress help ensure a swift rollout of NEXTGEN?\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary McDonough,\n\nWe are writing to inquire about the status of the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 NEXTGEN initiative to ensure Wi-Fi at all Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Maine. As you may know, none of Maine\u2019s eight CBOCs have public Wi-Fi. Calais and Lincoln have no employee Wi-Fi whatsoever; and Caribou, Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston have limited Wi-Fi for staff. It is clear that Wi-Fi services in all CBOCs will improve staff efficacy and patient experience, medication management, and the ability to utilize a network via laptop to support the PACT model of care, moving from room to room to the patient.\n\nTechnology plays a critical role in providing healthcare in Maine, especially given the remoteness of many areas. The need for guest Wi-Fi impacts the veteran experience in VA Maine by limiting the ability to self-check in and do travel benefit forms via the \u201cMy HealtheVet\u201d portal. Internal Wi-Fi would increase time spent with patients and external Wi-Fi would decrease wait times for veterans checking in via their cell phones. Furthermore, access to the internet can be a form of relief for patients and visitors who are in a facility for multiple appointments.\n\nHistorically, the VA has utilized a Kiosk system for veterans to check in for appointments, update personal information, and provide insurance information and travel benefit claims. In 2021, the VA announced a new check-in platform, thus retiring the Kiosk system altogether. This new platform requires self-check-in with smartphones, which naturally require Wi-Fi service for veterans with limited or no data plans on their phones, putting them at a disadvantage and increasing in-person check-ins.\n\nWith the advent of telehealth in 2003 and all the opportunities that virtual appointments provide, it would be beneficial to have the guest Wi-Fi available for these vulnerable patients who may have a variety of limitations that preclude a face-to-face visit while in the clinic. For example, a COVID-19 exposure, symptoms requiring social distancing, or the urgent need to video visit with a provider that may be remote to the patient site. All of these healthcare scenarios can vastly be improved with the availability of a guest network.\n\nMoreover, per VHA notice 2021-16, all vaccines and medications in pharmaceutical grade require constant temperature monitoring for medication refrigerators and freezers to meet the US Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. The use of the CenTrak monitoring system requires a Wi-Fi system in place to record and monitor the temperature and variances, forcing the Maine VA to balance taking on a certain level of risk with medication and vaccine storage in our rural CBOCs.\n\nIn 2021, this led to VA Maine incurring two significant losses: Caribou\u2019s CBOC saw $9,500 in lost medications due to a refrigerator malfunction without timely notification to staff/RN manager; Houlton\u2019s CBOC saw $4,370 in lost medications due to a refrigerator malfunction without timely notification to staff/RN manager. This is unnecessary and unacceptable, and we request that the VA prioritize Maine\u2019s rural CBOCs in their national rollout.\n\nIt would be extremely helpful to understand the NEXTGEN implementation timeline better as it relates to Wi-Fi, specifically for Maine. Therefore, we respectfully request that you respond to the following questions:\n\nWhen will each Maine CBOC get Wi-Fi?\n\nWhat is the national timeline for NEXTGEN implementation?\n\nHow does the implementation of NEXTGEN Wi-Fi in Maine compare to implementation in other states?\n\nWhat challenges have you identified to improve the availability of Wi-Fi across all CBOCs, and how are you addressing them?\n\nHow can Congress help ensure a swift rollout of NEXTGEN?\n\nWe look forward to receiving your response addressing this issue. Thank you for your consideration and continued service to our veterans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-save-lives-protect-2nd-amendment-rights-for-law-abiding-americans", "King Introduces Legislation to Save Lives, Protect 2nd Amendment Rights for Law-Abiding Americans", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "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 In the wake of mass shootings across the country, including at home in Lewiston, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) will be introducing legislation today with his colleague, Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), to curb mass killings, without hindering Americans who own a firearm for self-defense or the marksmen who head to the shooting range or the woods during hunting season. The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act, will protect communities from gun violence while safeguarding law-abiding Americans\u2019 constitutional right to own a firearm for legitimate self-defense, hunting and sporting purposes.\n\nThe bill is also cosponsored by Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).\n\n\u201cFor years, I have said that rather than using the appearance of these guns to restrict them, we should instead focus on how these weapons actually work and the features that make them especially dangerous,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Gas-Operated Semiautomatic Firearm Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act addresses the lethal capacity weapons like the one used in Lewiston and most of the deadliest mass shootings across the country. Nothing can bring back the lives of our family and friends, but responsible actions moving forward can reduce the likelihood of such a nightmare happening again in Maine or anywhere else.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur country is reeling from a gun violence crisis that has taken far too many lives in New Mexico and across this country. The American people deserve meaningful action from Congress. That\u2019s why I\u2019m introducing the GOSAFE Act,\u201d said Senator Heinrich. \u201cLike many New Mexicans, I am a gun owner. I firmly believe we must uphold the laws that protect safe and responsible gun ownership. This bill achieves that, while taking steps to get those firearms that are inherently dangerous and unusually lethal, designed for maximum harm, out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves or others. By giving law enforcement the tools and time needed to keep our communities safe, this pragmatic legislation will save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a gun owner, a combat veteran, and the husband of a survivor of gun violence, I know firsthand the damage a firearm can do on the battlefield or at a neighborhood grocery store,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cAnd as our country and communities have experienced mass shooting after mass shooting, it's past time we look at fresh approaches to protect Arizona kids and families from the most dangerous weapons. The GOSAFE Act is a targeted bill that protects the rights of responsible gun owners while regulating the most dangerous semi-automatic rifles, detachable high-capacity magazines, and accessories that have increasingly concerned law enforcement and been used over and over again in mass shootings.\u201d\n\n\"For more than two decades, Colorado has had to grieve over one incident of senseless gun violence after another. Gun violence has become normal in this country, and it has shaped the ways our kids are growing up,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThe GOSAFE Act is common sense gun safety legislation to keep weapons of war out of the hands of the wrong people, while respecting responsible gun owners. With this bill, we are taking an important step to combat gun violence in our communities and demonstrate to our children that we will not fail them.\"\n\n\u201cThe recent horrifying shootings in Lewiston, ME are a grim reminder of the ever-growing list of places in America bound together by a terrible common thread \u2014 communities devastated by individuals armed with high-powered semi-automatic firearms coupled with large capacity magazines,\" said Kris Brown, President of Brady - United Against Gun Violence. \"The GOSAFE Act will take significant steps to end the proliferation of weapons that are designed for the battlefield and mitigate targeted mass violence. Brady thanks Senator Heinrich and Senator King for introducing this legislation to help free America from the epidemic of mass shootings.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs weapons of war have become commonplace in America, so has the unfathomable carnage they bring to our communities,\u201d said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety. \u201cWe applaud Senator Heinrich and Senator King for introducing this new and innovative legislation that would ban gas-operated assault weapons and high capacity magazines, which are capable of creating devastating destruction in extremely short timeframes. We urge Senator Heinrich and King\u2019s colleagues to pass it before yet another community is forever scarred by someone filled with hate and armed with an AR-15.\u201d\n\nSenator King previously led bipartisan, common-sense legislation to address the gun violence epidemic in the United States while protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. The Safer Communities Act, passed in 2022, includes funding for red flag laws, enhanced background checks for buyers under 21, and increased mental health resources.\n\nA fact sheet and bill text for the GOSAFE Act can be found here and below. Senator King\u2019s new op-ed on the GOSAFE Act can be found here.\n\n+++\n\nThe GOSAFE Act would:\n\nRegulate Sale, Transfer & Manufacture of Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms\n\nThe GOSAFE Act would regulate the sale, transfer, and manufacture of gas-operated semi-automatic weapons by:\n\nEstablishing a list of prohibited firearms;\n\nPreventing unlawful modifications of permissible firearms;\n\nMandating that future gas-operated designs are approved before manufacture; and\n\nPreventing unlawful firearm self-assembly and manufacturing.\n\nProtect Americans\u2019 Second Amendment Right\n\nThe GOSAFE Act protects Americans\u2019 constitutional right to own a gun based on a firearm\u2019s established use for self-defense, hunting, and sporting purposes. The bill accomplishes this by including exemptions based on maximum ammunition capacity according to a firearm\u2019s individual class: a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.\n\nThis capacity must be \u201cpermanently fixed,\u201d meaning the firearm cannot accept a detachable, high-capacity magazine that would increase the number of rounds that can be fired before reloading and make reloading easier.\n\nExemptions include:\n\n.22 caliber rimfire or less firearms\n\nBolt action rifles\n\nSemi-automatic shotguns\n\nRecoil-operated handguns\n\nAny rifle with a permanently fixed magazine of 10 rounds or less\n\nAny shotgun with a permanently fixed magazine of 10 rounds or less\n\nAny handgun with a permanently fixed magazine of 15 rounds or less\n\nLimit High-Capacity Ammunition Devices, Outlaws Conversion Devices\n\nThe GOSAFE Act limits a firearm\u2019s ability to inflict maximum harm in a short amount of time by directly regulating large capacity ammunition feeding devices. The bill would limit the number of rounds that large capacity ammunition feeding devices are permitted to carry to 10 rounds of ammunition or fewer. Additionally, the GOSAFE Act makes conversion devices, including bump stocks and Glock switches, unlawful.\n\nCreate Voluntary Buy-Back Program\n\nThe GOSAFE Act will protect the value of firearms already owned before enactment and prevent stockpiling of these lethal firearms and large capacity magazines by establishing a voluntary buy-back program. It would allow firearm owners to voluntarily turn over and receive compensation for non-transferrable firearms and magazines as defined by this legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-golden-announce-applications-are-open-to-fill-judicial-vacancies-in-maine", "King, Pingree, Golden Announce Applications are Open to fill Judicial Vacancies in Maine", "2023-11-27", "2023", "2023-11", "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 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced they will convene an advisory committee to review and provide recommendations to President Biden on candidates to fill a vacancy on the United States District Court for the District of Maine and a vacancy on the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit:\n\nSenator Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announce applications are open for the upcoming vacancies for United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maine and United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.\n\nSenator King, Congresswoman Pingree and Congressman Golden have convened an advisory committee to review and provide recommendations to President Biden on candidates to serve as United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maine due to the upcoming retirement of Judge John Levy and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit due to the upcoming retirement of Judge William Kayatta, Jr.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-armed-services-committee-chairs-to-fight-chinas-technology-threat-through-2024-defense-bill", "King, Colleagues Urge Armed Services Committee Chairs to Fight China\u2019s Technology Threat Through 2024 Defense Bill", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "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-Maine) is calling for congressional leaders to prevent global adversaries, like the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC), from acquiring sensitive U.S. technologies. In a letter to the chairmen and ranking members of both the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, King and his colleagues strongly encourage the leaders to include clear, bold language in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to address the national security threat posed by America\u2019s sensitive technologies with dual-use applications being acquired by China through American businesses\u2019 investments.\n\n\u201cThere is strong bipartisan consensus in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives that Congress must act to address the national security threat posed by these outbound investments,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWe have known for some time that U.S. companies are sending capital, intellectual property, and innovation to the PRC, fueling its advance in dual-use critical technology areas. To safeguard our national security, the U.S. needs visibility into our vulnerabilities by requiring, at a minimum, notification of sensitive investments by U.S. firms in these countries.\u201d\n\n\u201cNone of the tools currently at the government\u2019s disposal, however, fully address the specific risk posed by the transfer of U.S. capital and know-how to our adversaries,\u201d the senators added. \u201cIn order to protect our interests, we need to evaluate the full scope of our vulnerabilities and use the data and insight provided by outbound investment screening to implement tools that ensure sensitive technologies with dual-use applications are not further ceded to adversaries.\u201d\n\nOn the Senate side, the letter is signed by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-M.D.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).\n\nA member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues. In addition, Senator King is seen as a national leader in fighting threats from technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission \u2014 which has had dozens of recommendations become law. Most recently, he introduced bipartisan legislation to better evaluate national security threats posed by China. Earlier in the year, he introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a commission tasked with developing a comprehensive whole-of-government approach for how the United States should address the economic, security and diplomatic challenges posed by China.\n\nThe letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith:\n\nWe are deeply concerned about the potential national security threats posed by outbound capital flows and knowledge transfer to the United States\u2019 adversaries, particularly the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC). To this end, we write urging you to ensure that language addressing outbound investments in certain sectors of foreign countries of concern is included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2024, and ideally strengthen the language.\n\nOn July 25, 2023, the Senate voted overwhelmingly (91-6) to include Amendment No. 931 in the NDAA, which would establish an outbound investment screening program led by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce. It requires United States entities to notify the U.S. government of investments and activities in specific technology sectors in countries of concern.\n\nThere is strong bipartisan consensus in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives that Congress must act to address the national security threat posed by these outbound investments. The Administration is also focused on the issue. On August 9, 2023, the President issued an Executive Order (E.O. 14105) titled Addressing United States Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern, seeking to deal with this same issue set. In fact, the E.O. goes beyond notification to consider prohibition of investment in some sectors.\n\nWe have known for some time that U.S. companies are sending capital, intellectual property, and innovation to the PRC, fueling its advance in dual-use critical technology areas. To safeguard our national security, the U.S. needs visibility into our vulnerabilities by requiring, at a minimum, notification of sensitive investments by U.S. firms in these countries.\n\nOutbound investment screening will fill a gap in our ability to combat this growing national security threat. This is not novel, nor a threat to America\u2019s outwardly facing economy. The United States has deployed a number of tools to protect against technology theft by our adversaries, including export controls, sanctions, and inbound foreign investment screening, even as it remains one of the most open economies in the world.\n\nNone of the tools currently at the government\u2019s disposal, however, fully address the specific risk posed by the transfer of U.S. capital and know-how to our adversaries. In order to protect our interests, we need to evaluate the full scope of our vulnerabilities and use the data and insight provided by outbound investment screening to implement tools that ensure sensitive technologies with dual-use applications are not further ceded to adversaries.\n\nThe last thing we should be doing is facilitating technology that could one day be used against us, whether through espionage at home or against our servicemen and women deployed to fight for their nation.\n\nIn the interest of U.S. national security, we urge you to ensure that robust language addressing the threat posed by outbound investments in countries like the PRC is included in the 2024 NDAA that goes to the President for his signature.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-federal-government-to-use-maine-mass-timber-for-federal-construction-projects", "King Urges Federal Government to Use Maine Mass Timber for Federal Construction Projects", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "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, co-chair of the Senate Working Forest Caucus, is calling for the utilization of mass timber in federal building projects. In a letter to the Government Services Agency (GSA), King and a number of his colleagues questioned the agency about its process on integrating mass timber into the federal procurement process and using low-carbon building materials in the construction and renovation of federal buildings.\n\nThe Senators also highlighted the opportunity mass timber products present in creating rural jobs, reducing wildfire risk, increasing forest resiliency and reducing the carbon footprint of federal buildings. Nationally, the forest products industry employs roughly 925,000 people directly and supports nearly 2 million jobs indirectly. In Maine, the industry supports nearly 14,000 jobs across the state.\n\n\u201cBy incorporating more mass timber products into federal buildings, the GSA has a unique and historic opportunity to help reduce the carbon footprint of federal buildings, all while reducing waste and construction costs and increasing seismic and fire resiliency,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\n\u201cSince 2015, mass timber has seen unprecedented growth in its use across the United States \u2014 from just a handful of buildings 8 years ago to almost 2,000 today. Further, the mass timber industry offers Americans access to good paying forestry jobs,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has been a national leader in efforts to support Maine\u2019s forest products industry. This past April, alongside Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and the Working Forests Caucus, Senator King introduced a resolution to recognize the 151st Arbor Day. He also introduced the bipartisan Future Logging Careers Act to help train the next generation of Maine loggers.\n\nMost recently, Senator King introduced the bipartisan Timber Innovation Act for Building Rural Communities Act to improve forest health and support Maine\u2019s rural economy, as well as the Jobs in the Woods Act to improve forest industry improvement. He also introduced legislation to establish a \u201cFuture of Forests\u201d panel tasked with making recommendations to secure the health of America\u2019s forests. Senator King was also 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.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found below or here.\n\n+++\n\nDear Commissioner Doomes,\n\nWe write to urge you to increase the utilization of mass timber in federal building projects. Mass timber products represent an opportunity to both create rural jobs, reduce wildfire risk, and increase forest resiliency, while also reducing the carbon footprint of federal buildings.\n\nAs you know, the impact of the federal procurement process is significant \u2013 with the GSA Green Building Advisory Committee reporting that federal funding supported the construction of over 253 million square feet of buildings, representing more than $11 billion in value. By incorporating more mass timber products into federal buildings, the GSA has a unique and historic opportunity to help reduce the carbon footprint of federal buildings, all while reducing waste and construction costs and increasing seismic and fire resiliency.\n\nSince 2015, mass timber has seen unprecedented growth in its use across the United States \u2013 from just a handful of buildings 8 years ago to almost 2,000 today. Further, the mass timber industry offers Americans access to good paying forestry jobs. In fact, in Oregon, employment in this sector has grown six times faster than it has in the rest of the United States over the past decade.1\n\nGiven the numerous benefits of American-made mass timber and wood innovation products, please provide answers to the following:\n\nWhat steps is GSA taking to implement the language included in the FY23 omnibus appropriations bill, directing the agency to work with partners to expand the utilization of mass timber and innovative wood products in federal buildings?\n\nHow can federal agencies better incorporate mass timber into the planning, construction, and renovation of federal buildings and what guidelines are you putting in place to make happen?\n\nWhat challenges exist in expanding use of American-made mass timber and other innovative wood products in federal buildings?\n\nHow has the GSA collaborated with the Forest Service on these efforts?\n\nWe applaud the initial steps that GSA has taken to identify ways to increase the sustainability of the building materials used in the construction of federal buildings and increase the use of mass timber. We look forward to hearing your response to my questions and continuing to work with you to promote the use of mass timber in the public procurement process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-8-million-for-maine-preschools-serving-low-income-families", "Collins, King Announce $8 Million for Maine Preschools Serving Low-Income Families", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "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 Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services received $8,000,000 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Early Childhood Development\u2019s Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program. This funding will allow the State of Maine to expand access to high-quality preschool for children from low-income families.\n\n\u201cEarly childhood education is an investment in the future of our children,\u201d Senators Collins and King said. \u201cThis funding will expand access to pre-K and help build an educational foundation for Maine children that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe first five years of a child\u2019s life lay a foundation for future development and learning. Federal funding to advance a coordinated system in Maine will help young children and families get the critical services need, including developmental screenings and high quality early care and education,\u201d said Stephanie Eglinton, Maine Children\u2019s Alliance.\n\nThe PDG B-5 program supports state efforts to create or enhance preschool programs in high-need communities, while developing infrastructure to better deliver preschool services.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-election-day-king-bennet-introduce-bill-to-encourage-ranked-choice-voting", "Following Election Day, King, Bennet Introduce Bill to Encourage Ranked Choice Voting", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "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 Following the recent Election Day, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) have introduced the Voter Choice Act to support the adoption of a ranked choice voting (RCV) model for federal elections, also known as an \u201cinstant runoff.\u201d The Voter Choice Act provides $40 million in federal grants to cover up to 50 percent of the cost for state and local governments that choose to adopt RCV.\n\nIn most U.S. elections, a candidate can win without receiving a majority of votes cast, and are often motivated to attack their opponents rather than make a compelling case to the public. Instead of voting for a single candidate, RCV allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate earns a majority after counting first choices, the last-place candidate is eliminated and voters for the eliminated candidate then have their ballot count for their next choice. The process repeats until one candidate earns a majority. By rewarding candidates for appealing to a broad swath of voters, RCV can discourage extreme partisanship, motivate candidates to focus on substantive issues, and ensure that election winners better reflect the views of most voters.\n\n\u201cIn the face of threats that undercut the fundamental right to vote for millions of Americans, we must act to protect our democracy,\u201d said King. \u201cThe Voter Choice Act would help communities advance the vast majority of voters\u2019 priorities by instituting ranked choice voting, like the system that Maine already uses for its primary and federal elections. In such a polarized political climate, this bill would force candidates to appeal to a broader electorate rather than a small, outspoken faction. We must continue working towards improving our great democracy and that begins with restoring faith in our electoral system.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs partisanship continues to harm our democracy and impede progress, we need to make government work for the American people,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cRanked choice voting gives people more options at the ballot box, increases political competition, eliminates costly runoffs, and rewards candidates who appeal to the broadest swath of voters. Our bill provides vital support for states and local governments that choose to make this important transition.\u201d\n\nRCV is the fastest-growing election reform in America. As of the 2022 elections, RCV has been used in jurisdictions like Maine, Alaska, New York City, and San Francisco.\n\nAs a former member of the Senate Rules Committee, Senator King has been a longstanding supporter of increasing access to voting. He previously introduced the Freedom to Vote Act which would set basic national standards for voting rights. It would also end partisan gerrymandering and help eliminate the undue influence of secret money in our elections. In October 2021, he delivered an impassioned speech on the Senate floor urging action on voting rights, stating that we are currently \u201cat a hinge of history\u201d that will determine the future of the American experiment in self-government. He built on these arguments in a speech from the Senate floor where he called for reforms to the filibuster to allow for common sense voting rights legislation to pass. He also released the draft Electoral Count Modernization Act to shape the conversation around establishing clear, consistent, and fair procedures for the counting and certification of electoral votes for the presidency.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maines-congressional-delegation-and-governor-mills-continue-push-to-prohibit-offshore-wind-development-in-maine-fishing-grounds", "Maine\u2019s Congressional Delegation and Governor Mills Continue Push to Prohibit Offshore Wind Development in Maine Fishing Grounds", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Representatives Jared Golden (ME-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Governor Janet Mills sent a letter today to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) urging them to completely exclude Lobster Management Area 1 (LMA 1) from the Wind Energy Area (WEA) for potential wind power development in the Gulf of Maine. The letter was sent following last month\u2019s release of the draft WEA which excluded much of LMA 1, but identified two Secondary Areas within LMA 1 for further input and possible inclusion in the final WEA.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate that BOEM has listened to our requests, and those of Maine\u2019s fishing community, and removed Lobster Management Area (LMA) 1 from the Draft,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201c... Given these past communications with BOEM, we are concerned that the Draft WEA identifies Secondary Areas A and B\u2013 encompassing more than 200,000 acres in LMA 1 \u2013 as areas for offshore wind that BOEM may incorporate in a final WEA following additional input on their suitability and potential conditions for inclusion. Given the importance of these fishing grounds to Maine\u2019s fishing industry, the significant feedback that your agency has already received, and the recently passed Maine law that disincentivizes development in LMA 1, it is clear these areas are inappropriate for inclusion in the final Wind Energy Area.\u201d\n\nThe Congressional Delegation and Governor believe that clean energy can offer economic and environmental benefits for Maine that must be pursued prudently and responsibly with a commitment to minimizing to the greatest extent possible the impact on fishermen, recreation, and other crucial ocean uses that are critical to Maine. LMA 1 is a critical and highly productive fishing ground for a variety of sea life, including lobster. In a recent report, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Development (BOEM) identified more than 9.8 million acres in the Gulf of Maine, including LMA 1 and areas closed seasonally or permanently to protect the North Atlantic right whale, as potential commercial offshore wind sites. Prohibiting offshore wind development in LMA 1 would help to avoid conflict with the New England commercial and recreational fishing industries.\n\n\u201cAs BOEM moves forward with the identification of the Final WEAs, we strongly encourage you to work closely with Maine\u2019s fishing industry to understand existing uses and reduce impacts to the heavily regulated offshore groundfish fleet. We want to ensure that any areas leased in the Gulf of Maine avoid and at the very least minimize impacts to the fishing industry whenever possible,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\n\u201cThe Maine Lobstermen\u2019s Association (MLA) appreciates that BOEM\u2019s draft Wind Energy Area (WEA) avoids much of Lobster Management Area 1, but we remain strongly concerned that two large swaths of critical fishing grounds within LMA1 are still under consideration for offshore wind development. Maine lobstermen are proud stewards of the Gulf of Maine and are troubled by the potential impact of offshore wind development, particularly within LMA1, on the environment and our fishing communities. MLA is tremendously grateful for the steadfast effort of Governor Mills and Maine\u2019s congressional delegation in urging BOEM to exclude all of LMA1 in the final WEA,\u201d said Patrice McCarron, Policy Director of the Maine Lobstermen's Association.\n\n\u201cAs fishermen we continue to raise the concerns we have regarding offshore wind. The exclusion of LMA1 including the secondary areas gives Maine fisheries the best chance of surviving,\u201d said Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and Director of the Maine Lobstering Union.\n\nThis letter, and the draft WEA announcement, follows a June letter in which Governor Mills and the Maine Congressional Delegation urged BOEM to remove Lobster Management Area 1 and other areas from any further consideration for commercial offshore wind leasing and to fully consider the views and concerns of Maine fishing communities while it continues to weigh leasing areas.\n\nA map of the draft WEA can be found on BOEM\u2019s Gulf of Maine webpage. BOEM has opened a 30-day public review and comment period on the proposal. To comment on the draft WEA please go to regulations.gov and search for docket number BOEM-2023-0054. BOEM will accept comments through November 20.\n\nThe text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-maine-farmers-access-to-global-markets", "Collins, King Join Bipartisan Legislation to Support Maine Farmers\u2019 Access to Global Markets", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "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 Susan Collins and Angus King have cosponsored legislation to help Maine\u2019s wild blueberry and potato farmers boost exports of their crops. The Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act (Specialty CROP Act), aims to address high tariffs, burdensome labeling requirements, and other trade barriers that restrict U.S. products from accessing foreign markets, threatening rural communities and agricultural producers who depend on customers overseas.\n\n\u201cMaine is known throughout the country for its potatoes and wild blueberries,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cBy increasing reporting requirements for agricultural trade, this bipartisan bill would provide U.S. farmers with greater assurance that they are competing in a fair global market, and that their high-quality products have every opportunity to continue to reach consumers worldwide.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe agriculture community is at the heart of Maine\u2019s identity and is essential to our state\u2019s economy,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act (Specialty CROP Act) is a great step forward to ensure that Maine farmers can compete on even terms with farmers from other countries \u2013 helping to save and revitalize our small businesses here at home. As the agricultural industry faces challenges resulting from changing global markets, we must level the playing field by providing needed resources and support to our American businesses.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would help farmers by making key improvements to the annual U.S. Specialty Crops Trade Issues Report, to more effectively identify and combat unreasonable trade barriers, including:\n\nExplicitly requiring participation and engagement from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR);\n\nHighlighting specific trade barriers that limit the export competitiveness of specialty crops in specific markets, including tariff and non-tariff barriers;\n\nIncluding an assessment of whether each trade barrier is subject to a U.S. FTA or international agreement;\n\nIncluding specific information with respect to actions taken, or expected to be taken, by the U.S. government to address or resolve each trade barrier; and\n\nRequiring a request for comment from both the public and the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables.\n\nRequiring the report to be made public, while allowing for a classified annex in order to protect U.S. national security and economic strategy.\n\nContinuing to define \u201cspecialty crop\u201d as \u201cfruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.\u201d\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Risch (R-ID) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), David Valadao (R-CA) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) will introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nSenators Collins and King have been strong advocates for Maine and America\u2019s agriculture industry. Together, they have worked to support Maine\u2019s lobster fishery, the wild blueberry industry, and potato farmers. Senator King previously led the introduction of the Expanding Agricultural Exports Act which would boost marketing efforts and overseas sales for American agricultural products, including seafood. Senator Collins is a co-sponsor of that bill.\n\nRead the text of the legislation here and a one-page summary of the bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-biden-to-push-for-chinese-crack-down-against-fentanyl-in-meeting-with-president-xi", "King, Colleagues Urge Biden to Push for Chinese Crack Down Against Fentanyl in Meeting with President Xi", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "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 is joining his colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden urging him to tackle the fentanyl crisis during his meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC). In their letter, the senators focus on the devastating impact of fentanyl in the United States and the PRC\u2019s ineffective policies to control the fentanyl supply chain.\n\nThe letter calls on President Biden to urge President Xi to do more to stop the flow of precursor chemicals that are sent from the PRC to Mexico. These chemicals are used to manufacture deadly drugs, which are then trafficked across our southern border. From 2020 to 2021, the number of primarily fentanyl-related deaths in the United States increased by 24.1 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Maine, 716 people died of drug overdoses in 2022. Nearly 80% of these deaths can be attributed to fentanyl.\n\n\u201cIt is evident that the PRC plays a significant role in the production of fentanyl making its way into our country; contributing to the alarming rates of addiction and fatal overdoses across the United States,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter continued, \u201cBeyond supplying the chemicals to produce the deadly drug, businesses in the PRC are also assisting Mexican transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in laundering the money that comes from selling the illicit drugs in the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is our understanding it is not only a priority of the United States to minimize the PRC\u2019s involvement in the fentanyl supply chain, as even Mexico has urged President Xi to stop the flow of fentanyl,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cIf Mexican TCOs have a large portion of their supply chain effectively cut off by the PRC, it is likely we will see a drastic drop in illicit fentanyl being trafficked across our southern border and killing vulnerable Americans.\u201d\n\nKing joined Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) in sending the letter.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nThe devastating impact of the fentanyl epidemic on our communities and families cannot be overstated. We strongly request that you urge President Xi Jinping, in this week\u2019s meeting, to take decisive action in curbing the production and export of fentanyl-producing precursor chemicals from the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).\n\nIt is evident that the PRC plays a significant role in the production of fentanyl making its way into our country; contributing to the alarming rates of addiction and fatal overdoses across the United States. Prior to 2019, the PRC was the world\u2019s primary source of fentanyl until the substance was effectively banned. Despite the prohibition on producing fentanyl itself, pharmaceutical labs in the PRC still profit from the drug through the development and sale of precursor chemicals that are used to make fentanyl. Beyond supplying the chemicals to produce the deadly drug, businesses in the PRC are also assisting Mexican transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in laundering the money that comes from selling the illicit drugs in the United States.\n\nDespite many of the precursor chemicals being technically legal to sell, it is clear the PRC can do much more to adequately regulate the businesses that sell these chemicals to eager buyers. For example, responsible sellers in the chemical industry typically implement required identity checks of those who are attempting to buy their product. According to a former DEA agent, \u201c\u2026 to sell non-listed chemicals, a good-faith seller would normally ask a buyer about the intended use of the compound and whether the buyer had the backing of a company or institution, such as a research organization or university.\u201d It is clear PRC companies are not voluntarily inquiring about the potential nefarious uses of their products when they are selling to international buyers. As such, there is undoubtedly more oversight the PRC can be conducting to make certain these precursor chemicals do not end up in the hands of illegal drug manufacturers.\n\nAs we all understand, tackling this crisis will require a multifaceted approach, and a crucial element is holding those responsible accountable. Addressing the role of the PRC in the fentanyl trade is paramount to our collective efforts in combating this epidemic. It is our understanding it is not only a priority of the United States to minimize the PRC\u2019s involvement in the fentanyl supply chain, as even Mexico has urged President Xi to stop the flow of fentanyl. If Mexican TCOs have a large portion of their supply chain effectively cut off by the PRC, it is likely we will see a drastic drop in illicit fentanyl being trafficked across our southern border and killing vulnerable Americans.\n\nFrom 2020 to 2021, the number of primarily fentanyl-related deaths in the United States increased by 24.1 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately 26.1 out of 100,000 deaths in the United States are related to fentanyl up from 5.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2016. With each passing day, our nation\u2019s fentanyl crisis continues to intensify, with no end in sight without prompt action from our Chinese counterparts. We strongly urge you to use this opportunity to implore President Xi to finally put an end to the manufacturing of illicit fentanyl and hold the PRC accountable for its role in contributing to the fentanyl crisis.\n\nThank you for your attention to this very important matter, and we look forward to your timely response and action.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cramer-introduce-legislation-to-protect-education-benefits-for-military-families", "King, Cramer Introduce Legislation to Protect Education Benefits for Military Families", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "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-Maine) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) have introduced a bill to protect the educational benefits of military dependents if the servicemember who transferred them those education benefits is dishonorably discharged from the military due to domestic or sexual assault against a family. The Safeguarding VA Dependent Education Benefits Act of 2023 would ensure that sons, daughters and other dependents would still have full access to benefits even if their household member is dishonorably discharged.\n\nCurrently, if a servicemember is dishonorably discharged, their dependents automatically lose all transferred education benefits including tuition, room and board, and living stipends. Additionally, it has the potential to deter victims from reporting abuse or testifying against their abuser.\n\n\u201cEducation should never come at the expense of one\u2019s safety or wellbeing \u2013 or make these family members suffer further for others\u2019 violent crimes,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Safeguarding VA Dependent Education Benefits of 2023 protects dependents and helps victims of abuse feel empowered to speak up while ensuring they\u2019re still able to access critical education benefits. The entire family serves when a military member signs up to serve and we owe it to them to provide the upmost support and protection.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamilies of servicemembers make many sacrifices in the service of supporting our country. These dependents rely on transferred GI educational benefits and stripping this benefit revictimizes them,\u201d said Senator Cramer. \u201cOur support for servicemembers extends to their families, and this is a small step to support victims of domestic violence.\u201d\n\n\"Victims of domestic abuse have already been physically and emotionally betrayed. They shouldn't also have to lose the education benefits they were counting on to make their lives better,\" said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. \"Senators King and Cramer introducing this bill gives hope to military spouses and children who silently serve our country and are fighting for a better future.\"\n\n\"Protect Our Defenders fiercely supports Senators King and Cramer in their recognition and efforts to reinstate educational benefits for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence,\u201d said Adelaide Kahn-Fowler, Director of Programs & Policy, Protect Our Defender. \u201cToo often family members of service members who experience sexual and/or domestic violence are forced to stay silent out of the fear of losing the benefits that they are otherwise entitled to. This bill would go a long way towards empowering survivors.\"\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. Earlier this year, Senator King cosponsored bipartisan legislation to address food insecurity challenges across the military. This year he also introduced a bipartisan bill to help military spouses build successful careers while their family members serve the country, and in last year\u2019s NDAA, he helped secure a basic needs allowance for servicemembers below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to assist them with affording basic necessities, particularly food.\n\nAdditionally, he recently spearheaded the passage of legislation to better track and study servicemember suicides by job assignment. Senator King has also worked to properly honor and recognize the sacrifices of Purple Heart medal recipients, protect veterans from fraud, and expand veteran assisted living services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-murkowski-release-statement-on-new-binding-supreme-court-code-of-conduct", "King, Murkowski Release Statement on New, Binding Supreme Court Code of Conduct", "2023-11-13", "2023", "2023-11", "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 Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) released the following statement after the Supreme Court announced the adoption of a binding code of conduct:\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s welcome news that the Supreme Court has taken the steps to draft and adopt its own code of conduct. The Court\u2019s authority rests entirely upon its credibility and integrity and the American people want to know that there is a guidebook for occupying a seat on our nation\u2019s highest court. This code of conduct will help rebuild the credibility gap that we have started to see in our highest judicial institution.\n\n\"While the Court\u2019s code doesn\u2019t go as far as we would have liked, it\u2019s an important step in the right direction towards reestablishing public confidence in the judiciary.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, King and Murkowski introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the Supreme Court to create its own code of conduct, and appoint an official to review potential conflicts and public complaints. Justices of the Supreme Court are currently the only federal judges not explicitly bound by a code of conduct which provides guidance on performance of their official duties and engagement in outside activities; the Executive and Legislative branches of government currently abide under similar processes to maintain accountability and public trust in institutions.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/home-of-the-brave_king-releases-statement-in-observance-of-veterans-day", "\u201cHome of the Brave\u201d \u2013 King Releases Statement in Observance of Veterans Day", "2023-11-11", "2023", "2023-11", "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. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:\n\n\u201cIn 1918, members of the Allied Forces and Central Powers laid down their arms to mark the end of the Great War (World War I). While victory came at a tremendous cost, it was a historic triumph of freedom over the forces of tyranny. Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11 became the date each year for us as a country to remember and honor the over 9 million lives, and 116,000 American lives, that were lost in that terrible conflict. Following World War II, our annual remembrance was expanded to honor all who served and became known as Veterans Day. Those who returned home, those who are still missing, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice\u2014our veterans and their families represent the very best of what this county has to offer and I am deeply thankful for their selfless service.\n\n\u201cIn Maine, over 10% of our citizens have served in the armed forces. This makes Maine one of the highest-ranking states in terms of veterans per capita, a fact that should instill tremendous pride and a sense of responsibility in every one of us. As we recognize our veterans today, together, we must ensure that their service continues to be honored into the future. Joining the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee this Congress has allowed me to better ensure the voices of Maine veterans are heard and that our veterans receive the proper support that they deserve.\n\n\u201cAfter observing American troops defend Baltimore Harbor from the British Navy during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key put pen to paper and created our national anthem. It is telling that he chose to write the last lines of the first stanza in the form of a question:\n\n\u201cO say does that star-spangled banner yet wave\n\nO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?\u201d\n\n\u201cHe did so, I believe, to illustrate that the United States can only be the land of the free if it is also the home of the brave. Without brave men and women committed to protecting our country, we could not enjoy the many freedoms we hold dear. Today, we commit ourselves to celebrating these men and women and honoring their service to our country.\n\n\u201cIt is my privilege to honor the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Sentinels who served our nation. Let us join hands in the common purpose of serving these veterans as they have served us \u2014 they and their families represent the best of America.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/for-veterans-day-senator-king-interviews-vietnam-war-nurse-turned-trailblazing-biologist", "For Veterans Day, Senator King Interviews Vietnam War Nurse Turned Trailblazing Biologist", "2023-11-10", "2023", "2023-11", "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 In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of \u201cAnswering the Call: Maine\u2019s Veteran Voices.\u201d In the 12th interview of the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress\u2019 Veterans History Project, Senator King sat down with Beth Parks of Corea, Maine. Parks is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a nurse during the Vietnam War and later went on to become a wildlife biologist in Maine. During the interview, King and Parks discussed saving lives in Vietnam, overcoming gender barriers, and the importance of Veterans Day.\n\n\u201cBeth embodies the selfless spirit that inspires people to serve our country,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThroughout her life, she has continued to put others first. Not only did she save countless lives in Vietnam, but she has also spent time caring for patients in hospitals around the world. Even today, she spends her time taking care of those unable to take care of themselves. In this Veterans Day special of \u2018Answering the Call: Maine\u2019s Veteran Voices,\u2019 I am proud to share the story of a Maine veteran whose dedicated service to our nation and the state of Maine makes it clear that no barrier is insurmountable.\u201d\n\nBeth was born and raised in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York \u2013 knowing from a young age she wanted to be a nurse, like her mother. She left New York to study nursing in Washington, D.C., where she met her husband. During her time in D.C., Beth remembers Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington, waving to President and Mrs. Eisenhower marching with her husband in the parade for President Kennedy\u2019s inauguration. When her mother fell sick with cancer, Beth moved up to Boston to take care of her and then later ended up working at the hospital in Glen Falls. While working as a nurse in the northeast, she remembers hearing ads on the radio asking for nurses to volunteer to serve in Vietnam. Inspired by the men and women who served in World War II and remembering her own family\u2019s patriotism, she volunteered to go overseas.\n\nPrior to her departure, she went to medical field service school at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, for six weeks. However, it was on the ground in Vietnam, working at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit, where she says she learned how to take care of soldiers in the field. During her year in Vietnam, she treated hundreds of U.S. soldiers and helped to build a new aid and evacuation hospital. After Vietnam, Beth spent two years in Germany where she worked at the Second General Hospital \u2013now Landstuhl Regional Medical Center \u2013 treating wounded soldiers. She left the service in 1969 and stayed in Germany for an additional year as a civilian.\n\nWhen she returned to the United States, she moved to Clearwater, Florida, where she worked as a nurse at a local hospital. In 1970, she decided to pursue a college degree and in 1971 left nursing completely. She studied biology at St. Petersburg College and then went on to the University of North Carolina Greensboro \u2013 later transferring to Wake Forest University. After graduating, she moved to Orono to study wildlife biology at the University of Maine, becoming one of the first women to go through the wildlife master\u2019s program. In 1974, Beth became \u201cthe coyote biologist,\u201d studying their pack hierarchy, and continued to work with the animals until 1979. Beth then went on to work in permitting for coastal development and later took a job with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, working 4H programming for Penobscot County.\n\nToday, in her retirement, she is an avid wildlife photographer and works as a caregiver in Corea, Maine.\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.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. Senator King uses this interview series to learn and share the stories of the lives, service, and sacrifices of Maine\u2019s veteran community. He has been among the Senate\u2019s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Additionally, he recently spearheaded the passage of legislation to better track and study servicemember suicides by job assignment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cornyn-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-va-customer-service-office", "King, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect VA Customer Service Office", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "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-Maine) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) are introducing legislation to protect the customer service process and experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Improving Veteran Experience Act of 2023 would establish into law the Veterans Experience Office (VEO), making it a permanent fixture to help meet the increased demand for services.\n\nEstablished in 2015, the VEO collects veterans\u2019 feedback through surveys and uses that data to enhance the VA\u2019s website and other resources used by veterans interacting with the VA, but is currently not a legally established branch of the VA. To protect it from being reconsidered by future administrations or Congressional sessions, the Improving Veteran Experience Act of 2023 would codify the VEO into law so it can continue to provide consistent care into the future.\n\n\u201cMaine\u2019s veterans have consistently answered their call of duty, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are able to access their hard-earned benefits smoothly and efficiently,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Improving Veteran Experience Act of 2023 would ensure that our veterans receive the best possible customer service from the VA, whether it\u2019s 20 weeks after transitioning to civilian life or 20 years. Our veterans dedicated their lives to guaranteeing our freedoms here at home and this bill would make sure we are being responsive to them long after they\u2019ve retired the uniform.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe brave men and women who have selflessly served our country deserve the highest-quality health care, services, and benefits,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cThe Veteran\u2019s Experience Office helps the VA deliver tailored, efficient customer service to our veterans, and I\u2019m glad to support this legislation to make it permanent.\u201d\n\nThe VEO uses a human-centered-design (HCD) approach to serve veterans, and more accurately meet their needs, by asking open ended questions of customers and stakeholders to constantly integrate feedback into solutions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-64000-additional-h-2b-visas-to-be-issued", "Collins, King Announce More Than 64,000 Additional H-2B Visas to be Issued", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "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 Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are expected to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24), on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.\n\n\u201cThese additional H-2B visas are a welcome relief for small businesses throughout Maine that continue to face a shortage of employees,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThese visas are a lifeline for our state\u2019s economy, helping businesses meet the increasing demand for their products and services.\u201d\n\nThe FY 24 H-2B supplemental allocation is expected to include 20,000 visas for workers from Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras. In addition to the 20,000 country-specific allocation, 44,716 supplemental visas would be available to returning workers who received an H-2B visa, or were otherwise granted H-2B status, during one of the last three fiscal years.\n\nSenators Collins and King have consistently pushed DHS and DOL to increase the availability of H-2B visas, and they have worked to ensure that the H-2B visa program is efficient and effective. Last year, they successfully urged the agencies to release the maximum number of H-2B visas \u2013 marking the first time that the Departments issued a single rule making available H-2B supplemental visas for several allocations throughout the entire fiscal year.\n\nIn June 2023, Senators Collins and King sent a letter sent to DOL Acting Secretary Julie Su requesting an explanation for the extreme delays affecting the processing of labor certifications for H-2B visa applications.\n\nThe DHS appropriations bill passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 27, 2023, includes report language drafted by Senator Collins directing DHS, in consultation with DOL, to produce a report on \u201cthe economic impact of the H-2B visa program on a state-by-state and national level; the estimated number of H-2B visas that would have been required to meet demand in FY 2023 on a state-by-state and national level; and any adverse economic impact that resulted from the inability to meet such demand.\u201d\n\nAs 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###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-introduce-bill-to-monitor-mountain-snowpack-across-maine", "Collins, King Introduce Bill to Monitor Mountain Snowpack Across Maine", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "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. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have introduced legislation to help monitor mountain snowpack across Maine. The Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Act would establish a network of snow and water monitoring stations across Maine and the Northeast to better track mountain snow accumulation and precipitation rates \u2013 to help Maine\u2019s communities and businesses adapt to changing dynamics.\n\nAs climate change continues to disrupt weather patterns, expanded resources are needed to help bolster both impact research and response. In Maine, decreased snowfall, increased rainfall and rising temperatures due to climate change have already had substantial effects on the environment, as well as the recreation and forestry industries which are critical to the state\u2019s economic success.\n\n\"Access to more accurate weather data is essential for informed decision-making, especially with recent unpredictable shifts in weather patterns,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis bipartisan bill would establish a network of snow and water monitoring stations in Maine and across the Northeast, which will serve as crucial infrastructure in our efforts to closely track the effects of climate change on precipitation, sustain our seasonal winter economy, and safeguard our environment.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn a global scale, climate change is one of the greatest existential threats we are facing today,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cHere in Maine, we are already seeing the impact firsthand with increased temperatures, above average precipitation and less snowfall \u2014 impacting not only our environment, but also the recreation and forestry industries which are important economic drivers for our state. The Snow Survey Northeast Expansion Act will help expand the tools and resources needed to track the impacts of climate change to better inform the Maine industries that are heavily reliant on weather forecasting.\u201d\n\nSenators Collins and King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act \u2013 a bill led by King and cosponsored by Collins \u2013 and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-van-hollen-reed-murphy-and-colleagues-push-for-more-information-around-strategy-to-defeat-hamas-protect-civilians-in-gaza", "King, Van Hollen, Reed, Murphy and Colleagues Push for More Information around Strategy to Defeat Hamas, Protect Civilians in Gaza", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "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-Maine) joined Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and 21 of their colleagues in a letter to President Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel\u2019s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza.\n\n\u201cWe have joined you in condemning the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel and agree with you that Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. We applaud your actions to secure the release of two American citizens held hostage and support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages. In the days and weeks since these attacks, you have rightly demonstrated America\u2019s commitment to support Israel in this dark hour,\u201d the Senators begin.\n\nThey continue, \u201cThe attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States\u2019 own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: (1) learn from the mistakes the United States made in our fight against terrorism by focusing on realistic and achievable military goals; and (2) abide by the laws of war, including the protection of civilians. Doing so also offers Israel the very best chance of success against Hamas in the days and weeks ahead. These steps are also necessary to create the conditions for a lasting peace, including two states for two peoples.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe believe the United States should immediately provide Israel with the funding it needs to replenish its defensive systems, including Iron Dome and other air defense capabilities. But to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel\u2019s operations inside Gaza, we respectfully ask your team to provide us with information relative to these two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza,\u201d the Senators write.\n\nThe Senators go on to ask for responses on a series of wide-ranging points, including an assessment of the viability of Israel\u2019s military strategy in Gaza, and whether it prioritizes the release of hostages, whether there is an achievable plan for governing Gaza when the Israeli military operation ends, and if Israel supports the conditions necessary to ultimately achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Senators also ask what specific mechanisms the Administration is putting in place to ensure that Israeli military operations conducted inside Gaza are carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law and to ensure that any U.S.-provided equipment is used in a manner consistent with U.S. law. They request an assessment of whether Israel\u2019s military rules of engagement, particularly regarding mitigation of civilian casualties, align with U.S. policy and practice. And they ask the Administration to seek immediate public assurances from Prime Minister Netanyahu that his coalition government will immediately stop the escalating extremist settler violence directed against unprotected Palestinians in the West Bank, as well as assurances from President Abbas that his government take steps to quell any violence against Israelis.\n\nLastly, in their letter, the Senators press for answers on how assistance will advance our efforts to engage with Israel, Egypt, and the broader international community to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, noting, \u201cwe must not only do our part to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza, but also insist that Israel take all necessary measures to help us facilitate such relief to the two million civilians living there, half of them children. That includes fully restoring water, electricity, and communication services, expediting fuel deliveries through already well-established systems for avoiding diversion to Hamas, and opening the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel to increase urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza. Aid workers and civilian sites like schools, hospitals, and UN facilities must be protected.\u201d\n\nThey close, \u201cWe support additional assistance to Israel that: 1) aligns with an Israeli strategy that you believe will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas; 2) prioritizes the release of hostages; 3) advances a viable and achievable military plan that supports a long-term vision for peace, security and Palestinian self-determination in the form of a two-state solution; 4) abides by U.S. and international law, including the protection of civilians; and 5) advances efforts to provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The information requested in this letter will help us assure that U.S support for Israel\u2019s operations inside Gaza achieves these objectives.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senators King, Van Hollen, Murphy, Schatz, and Reed, the letter was signed by Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-inn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nWe have joined you in condemning the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel and agree with you that Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. We applaud your actions to secure the release of two American citizens held hostage and support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages. In the days and weeks since these attacks, you have rightly demonstrated America\u2019s commitment to support Israel in this dark hour.\n\nThe attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States\u2019 own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: (1) learn from the mistakes the United States made in our fight against terrorism by focusing on realistic and achievable military goals; and (2) abide by the laws of war, including the protection of civilians. Doing so also offers Israel the very best chance of success against Hamas in the days and weeks ahead. These steps are also necessary to create the conditions for a lasting peace, including two states for two peoples.\n\nWe believe the United States should immediately provide Israel with the funding it needs to replenish its defensive systems, including Iron Dome and other air defense capabilities. But to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel\u2019s operations inside Gaza, we respectfully ask your team to provide us with information relative to these two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza.\n\nFirst, it is in America\u2019s interest to ensure that any military plans to fight Hamas do not produce the same strategic mistakes as many U.S. military operations over the past few decades. As we review the Administration\u2019s supplemental request for military assistance to Israel, we respectfully ask that you share with us your assessment of the viability of Israel\u2019s military strategy in Gaza, and whether it prioritizes the release of hostages. We would also like to better understand whether there is an achievable plan for governing Gaza when the Israeli military operation ends. We further seek to understand if Israel supports the conditions necessary to ultimately achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.\n\nSecond, we ask you to inform us about what specific mechanisms you are putting in place to ensure that Israeli military operations conducted inside Gaza are carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law and to ensure that any U.S.-provided equipment is used in a manner consistent with U.S. law. Relatedly, we would like to know your assessment of whether Israel\u2019s military rules of engagement, particularly regarding mitigation of civilian casualties, align with U.S. policy and practice. In addition, to prevent another front from opening in the West Bank, we ask that you obtain public assurances from Prime Minister Netanyahu that his coalition government will immediately stop the escalating extremist settler violence directed against unprotected Palestinians there, as well as assurances from President Abbas that his government take steps to quell any violence against Israelis.\n\nFinally, we request information on how our assistance will advance our efforts to engage with Israel, Egypt, and the broader international community to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. As we consider additional military assistance to Israel, we must not only do our part to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza, but also insist that Israel take all necessary measures to help us facilitate such relief to the two million civilians living there, half of them children. That includes fully restoring water, electricity, and communication services, expediting fuel deliveries through already well-established systems for avoiding diversion to Hamas, and opening the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel to increase urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza. Aid workers and civilian sites like schools, hospitals, and UN facilities must be protected.\n\nWe support additional assistance to Israel that: 1) aligns with an Israeli strategy that you believe will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas; 2) prioritizes the release of hostages; 3) advances a viable and achievable military plan that supports a long-term vision for peace, security and Palestinian self-determination in the form of a two-state solution; 4) abides by U.S. and international law, including the protection of civilians; and 5) advances efforts to provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The information requested in this letter will help us assure that U.S support for Israel\u2019s operations inside Gaza achieves these objectives.\n\nMr. President, your leadership at this time of crisis has been vital. We appreciate your attention to these urgent matters.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-in-seeking-extended-public-comment-period-for-farmers-to-review-visa-programs", "Collins, King Join Bipartisan Group in Seeking Extended Public Comment Period for Farmers to Review Visa Programs", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "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 Susan Collins and Angus King have joined together on a bipartisan letter seeking expanded comment periods for temporary access visa programs used by Maine\u2019s farmers and ranchers. In letters to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, the Senators request a 60-day public comment extension for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed rulemaking, \u201cModernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections, 88 FR 65040,\u201d and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed rulemaking, \u201cImproving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States, 88 FR 63750.\u201d\n\nThe Senators\u2019 requests were prompted by farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural stakeholders in their states who are only now finishing harvest season and are increasingly concerned that DHS and DOL will finalize the rules before they can fully assess and comment on the new federal mandates on agricultural employers. They also noted that four other regulatory actions of interest to these stakeholders have comment periods ending during the comment period of the DOL and DHS proposed regulations.\n\n\u201cThe United States takes pride in producing the world\u2019s safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply. Our nation\u2019s ability to do so is entirely contingent on the strength of our agricultural workforce. The H-2A program provides a critical labor pool without which many producers in our states would struggle or be entirely unable to operate,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cAny proposed regulatory changes to the H-2A program have potential ramifications for the entire American agricultural supply chain and food security. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that our constituents be provided adequate time to thoroughly analyze this proposed rule and its effects on their operations. Moreover, this comment period is occurring while many producers in our states will be occupied with fall harvest and unable to dedicate time to developing meaningful comments,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nIn addition to Senators Collins and King, the letters were signed by U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), James Risch (R-Idaho), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Kennedy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).\n\nRead the signed letter to Mayorkas here and the signed letter to Su here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-call-on-army-inspector-general-to-review-lewiston-shooting-events", "Senators Collins, King Call on Army Inspector General to Review Lewiston Shooting Events", "2023-11-06", "2023", "2023-11", "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 Susan Collins and Angus King sent a letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, calling for a comprehensive review of the events surrounding the Lewiston shooting on October 25, 2023.\n\n\u201cAs we continue to grieve the needless loss of life that day, we must work to fully understand what happened\u2014and what could have been done differently that might have prevented this tragedy\u2014on the local, state, and federal levels,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cGovernor Janet Mills has announced the creation of an independent commission to evaluate \u2018the facts of what happened on that tragic night, of the months that led up to it, and of the police response to it.\u2019 We fully support that effort. It is also important that we understand what occurred, or failed to occur, at the federal level, including within the Department of the Army.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Congress exercises its oversight responsibilities and considers potential legislation, we request that your Office conduct a comprehensive review of the facts and events leading up to the Lewiston shooting,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cNothing we can do will bring back the lives lost in this tragedy, but we can work together to help prevent future shootings.\u201d\n\nThe letter includes the following questions:\n\nWhat concerns were raised by (or to) Army personnel regarding Mr. Card, including with regard to his mental health? When were those concerns raised, and what actions were taken in response?\n\nWere all existing Army regulations, policies, and procedures followed with regard to Mr. Card?\n\nUnder what circumstances does the Army report its personnel to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)?\n\nUnder what circumstances would the Army seek to invoke a state's crisis intervention laws to temporarily remove firearms from the possession of a soldier who is a danger to themselves or others? Were any attempts to invoke such laws made with regard to Mr. Card?\n\nIs there anything that Army personnel should (or could) have done consistent with existing law to prevent the events of October 25, 2023?\n\nAre there any existing laws, regulations, policies, or procedures that prevented the Army from alerting or communicating with any judicial, law enforcement, healthcare, or other entities that could have taken action to prevent the mass shooting on October 25, 2023?\n\nWhat reforms or actions, if any, is the Army undertaking in response to the events of October25, 2023? What actions does your Office believe the Army should take?\n\nClick HERE to read the full letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-funding-to-support-planning-initiatives-in-rural-communities", "Collins, King Announce Funding to Support Planning Initiatives in Rural Communities", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that GrowSmart Maine has been awarded $304,636 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant program. This funding will support GrowSmart\u2019s program training recipients in 10 Maine towns on land use planning processes that will address critical issues including farmland protection and farm viability, affordable housing, and climate change prevention and mitigation.\n\nGrowSmart supports communities in managing change and accessing resources by convening diverse stakeholders, including urban planners/developers, real estate/housing developers and financers, and environmental specialists working on conservation and land use. Ten communities have enrolled in the new Building Community Strength program: Calais, Danforth, Enfield, Houlton, Machias, Mexico, Presque Isle, Roque Bluffs, Skowhegan and Winn.\n\n\"GrowSmart Maine creates new opportunities for rural communities, revitalizes downtown infrastructure, and promotes job creation,\" said Senators Collins and King. \"This investment will support GrowSmart\u2019s important work to provide rural communities with access to the strategic and organizational support needed to flourish now and in the years to come.\"\n\nRCDI grants are awarded to help non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities, and federally recognized tribes support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-for-expansion-of-food-allowance-for-active-duty-servicemembers-and-families", "King Calls for Expansion of Food Allowance for Active Duty Servicemembers and Families", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "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, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is joining 18 of his colleagues in calling for an expanded food allowance for servicemembers and their families to be included in the upcoming annual defense legislation. In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the leadership of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, the Senators urged them to expand servicemember eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)\n\nAccording to a July 2022 study from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, 24 percent of all active duty servicemembers experienced some level of food insecurity over the prior 12 months. As it is currently implemented, the BNA reaches fewer than 3,000 servicemembers.\n\n\u201cOur servicemembers are our military\u2019s greatest resource,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cWhen they experience hunger, we put our national security at risk. We must give members of our military every possible tool to focus on the mission and be ready to defend our Nation when called to action. As you negotiate during conference and reconcile the differences between the House and Senate bills, we urge you to do right by our servicemembers and their families, who sacrifice considerably when they volunteer to serve.\u201d\n\nThe BNA program provides a monthly allowance to qualified eligible low-income active duty servicemembers with dependents. This allowance assists military families with accessing basic needs, most notably food insecurity. The expanded program will address the growing number of servicemembers who are food insecure and will support long-term efforts in solving military hunger.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. Earlier this year, Senator King cosponsored bipartisan legislation to address food insecurity challenges across the military. This year he also introduced a bipartisan bill to help military spouses build successful careers while their family members serve the country, and in last year\u2019s NDAA, he helped secure a basic needs allowance for servicemembers below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines to assist them with affording basic necessities, particularly food.\n\nA full copy of the letter is available here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith:\n\nWe write to request that the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA) include Section 621 of the House bill (\u201cBasic needs allowance: exclusion of basic allowance for housing from the calculation of gross household income of eligible member of the Armed Forces\u201d) and ask that the Senate recede with respect to Section 605 of the Senate bill (\u201cModification of calculation of gross household income for basic needs allowance to address areas of demonstrated need\u201d). This legislation will best address the needs of the substantial number of servicemembers and their families who are food insecure, as identified in recent data and reporting by the DoD.\n\nThe BNA program, established by Congress in the FY2022 NDAA, provides a monthly allowance to qualified servicemembers to make up the difference between their gross household income and the income needed for members of the household to attain a modest yet adequate standard of living (currently the eligibility criteria and benefits are aligned with 150 percent of the federal poverty level). This allowance addresses readiness, retention and recruitment challenges resulting from the scourge of food insecurity among our active duty military families, a growing problem that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has prioritized addressing.\n\nIn July 2022, the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness released a new analysis2 suggesting that previous assessments have underestimated the size of the problem and the number of servicemembers enduring food insecurity. Rather than the 0.1 percent of the force previously identified as food insecure, the updated analysis showed that 24 percent of all active duty servicemembers\u2013approximately 286,800 individuals\u2013experienced some level of food insecurity during the previous 12-month period, with junior enlisted servicemembers facing the highest risk. Similar rates of food insecurity among active duty military households have been documented in the Status of Forces Spouses Survey, reporting by the RAND Corporation and several different surveys conducted by national military service organizations.\n\nAs it is currently implemented, the BNA reaches fewer than 3,000 servicemembers, just a tiny fraction of the 286,000 who are estimated to experience food insecurity. The most significant issue limiting the reach of this program is the counting of the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as income for most servicemembers. Food insecurity is a problem that impacts servicemembers at every duty station in the United States, and BAH should be categorically excluded as counted income for the BNA, as has been recommended with broad bipartisan support in House-passed NDAA bills during the past three cycles. This common-sense adjustment to the eligibility guidelines for the BNA will help ensure the majority of military families who struggle with food insecurity are able to access this critical support.\n\nBy including Section 621 from the House bill (\u201cBasic needs allowance\u201d) in the final version of the NDAA, Congress can expand much-needed access to the BNA during a time when hundreds of thousands of servicemembers struggle to put food on their tables for themselves and their families. As such, we request that the House provision to expand eligibility for the BNA be included in the final FY2024 NDAA to strengthen the BNA program and adequately address the substantial need identified in the DoD\u2019s own assessments.\n\nOur servicemembers are our military\u2019s greatest resource. When they experience hunger, we put our national security at risk. We must give members of our military every possible tool to focus on the mission and be ready to defend our Nation when called to action. As you negotiate during conference and reconcile the differences between the House and Senate bills, we urge you to do right by our servicemembers and their families, who sacrifice considerably when they volunteer to serve. Thank you for your consideration of this request, and we look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-stresses-enormous-problem-of-va-workforce-shortages-in-veterans-committee-hearing", "King Stresses \u201cEnormous Problem\u201d of VA Workforce Shortages in Veterans Committee Hearing", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "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 In a hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), U.S. Senator Angus King expressed the urgent need for the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA) to find pragmatic, workable solutions in order to keep VA facilities properly staffed, fully open, and industry-competitive. He questioned Tracey Therit, the Chief Human Capital Officer within the VA, about the direct effect that bureaucratic hiring processes and lack of staff can have on veterans seeking care.\n\n\u201cWe're turning away and losing veterans because of lack of staff. It's an enormous problem. I understand it's a problem throughout the society. Every business that I talk to is short of staff. But I want to talk about the staffing problem in the VA, and that's where you might be able help us. There are two issues that I've identified. One is pay and the other is red tape. Let's talk about pay for a minute\u2026but of the time to fill [job openings], the lowest are generally urban areas and the highest are rural areas. Now, this is a small sample, but I'd like you to do this analysis on a broader sample and see if I'm correct. But I believe that you'll find that rural areas are having a harder time,\u201d began Senator King. \u201cThe time to fill in Maine is 251 days. In White River Junction, it\u2019s 261 days. In Providence, it\u2019s 127. I think that's where we get to the pay part. The difference in pay between different areas of the country, I think, is obsolete because people can work anywhere. You can now live in rural Maine and work remotely for the VA in Boston. Why would you go to work for the VA in Togus, Maine at a 15-percent or 20-percent pay cut if you can work remotely in Boston? Do you see what I mean? We're hurting the competitiveness of our rural VA facilities. So, I think we should really have a rethinking of the pay differential, which is based on times you didn't have remote working, people weren't as mobile. This is national competition for professionals. Ms. Therit, you've nodded a few times. What do you think?\u201d\n\n\u201cSo, I think Mr. Perry and I may join forces on answering this question. I agree. I think the authorities that we have in the Pact Act have helped us to level some of those gaps or close some of those gaps that you've talked about between urban and rural because we're able to offer more incentives to those rural facilities,\u201d replied Tracey Therit.\n\n\u201cBut I know that Togus is not competitive with Boston or New Bedford or Providence,\u201d replied Senator King.\n\n\u201cWe still have a long way to go. And then working with organizations like the Federal Salary Council and the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee, that's where I'm trying to spearhead some of these efforts at a broader level. I know Mr. Perry's team is working on one deliverable that we still owe the committee from the Pact Act, which is the Rural Recruitment and Retention Plan, where we can put more effort into reducing the red tape that you're seeing,\u201d said Therit.\n\n\u201cI haven't gotten to that yet. Yeah, but look at the pay issue. I mean, I believe that the whole idea of differential pay in different regions based on cost of living is somewhat obsolete because when you're competing for a healthcare professional, they have nationwide choices, and to have a significant disadvantage in pay\u2026I don't think it's any coincidence that White River and Togus are the ones that are lagging here, because they both have really good management. I know the people at Togus. They're terrific. So, it's not a management issue. It's that they've got to compete, and they have to compete with local hospitals. That's a real problem. To hire a professional at Togus or Wright River is around 250 days\u2019 time to fill. At our Northern Light Healthcare Facility, which is in the same region in northern and eastern Maine, it's 56 days. Maine Health, it's about 89 or 90 days, but significantly below. And yet that's who we're competing with. We have to really think hard about all the steps, and here's one of them. My understanding and my research tells me that there's something like 24 steps to hire somebody in the VA, and at Northern Light, it's seven. We\u2019ve got to rethink that, it seems to me, because, again, we're in a competitive situation,\u201d concluded Senator King.\n\nA member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Senator King is committed to ensuring veterans and their families receive their earned benefits and support from the VA. Most recently, he led a letter asking the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to find workable solutions to staffing long term veteran care. Senator King has repeatedly pressed the VA on the need to hire and retain more staff in order to meet the demand for veteran care. Senator King also spearheaded the passage of legislation to better track and study servicemember suicides by job assignment. Senator King has also worked to properly honor and recognize the sacrifices of Purple Heart medal recipients, protect veterans from fraud, and expand veteran assisted living services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/arctic-caucus-co-chairs-commend-implementation-plan-for-the-high-north-region", "Arctic Caucus Co-Chairs Commend Implementation Plan for the High North Region", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), co-chairs of the Congressional Arctic Caucus, released the following statements after the Biden Administration released its detailed Implementation Plan for the U.S. National Strategy for the Arctic Region (NSAR). The NSAR Implementation Plan builds upon past efforts to increase security, environmental protection, sustainable economic development and international governance in the High North.\n\n\u201cAs an Arctic Nation with land, economic interests and national security stakes in the High North, the United States must develop policies for the region in a thoughtful, comprehensive way. The Administration\u2019s approach takes a clear-eyed view of the need to pursue responsible opportunities across the Arctic; curb and limit carbon emissions to protect the region, and strengthen international relationships \u2013 a significant priority given Russia\u2019s aggression and defiance of global norms. I take pride in my work as Co-Chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, and will continue to work in a bipartisan way to promote America\u2019s leadership and active role in the High North.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve led the effort to increase U.S. attention and investment in the Arctic, and am encouraged we are progressing from simply publishing policies to prioritizing implementation and real-world leadership,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cThe United States must lead in the Arctic. The next step is for the Biden administration to reflect the Arctic as a priority in the President\u2019s Budget by requesting funding and resources for 21st century infrastructure, icebreakers, and domain awareness. I will keep pressing this administration and all future administrations as we continue to invest in America\u2019s Arctic.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and as 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. Along with Caucus co-chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), King introduced the Arctic Commitment Act earlier last year to improve America\u2019s posture and opportunities in the Arctic. He\u2019s been calling for the appointment of an Arctic Ambassador since 2015, and has continued to press the Administration on the effort this year. King also recently laid out the challenges and opportunities of a warming arctic in an article in the Wilson Quarterly, and in this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act, he successfully secured the inclusion of provisions to increase America\u2019s activity and opportunities in the Far North.\n\nA copy of the implementation plan can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-38-million-in-liheap-funding", "Maine Delegation Announces $38 Million in LIHEAP Funding", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced that Maine has been awarded more than $38 million in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) in 2024.\n\n\u201cOver 45,000 Maine households rely on LIHEAP to stay safe and warm during the winter,\u201d said the Maine Delegation. \u201cWith home heating prices set to remain at near record levels in the coming months, it\u2019s essential that this assistance continues to get to the families that need it most. Securing these resources has been a shared priority, and we remain committed to that mission so hard-working Maine families have one less thing to worry about as temperatures drop.\u201d\n\nAlongside $36 million in regular block grant appropriations, over $600,000 of the FY 2024 funding will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the delegation championed and that Senator Collins negotiated with 9 of her colleagues.\n\nLast year, Senator Collins and Representative Golden successfully led efforts to secure a total of $6.1 billion for LIHEAP in FY 2023.\n\nNationwide, an estimated 6 million households receive assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP, including over 45,000 Maine households. LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. You can find more information on LIHEAP in Maine or apply for funding for the upcoming winter heating season HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-healthy-childhoods", "King, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Healthy Childhoods", "2023-10-23", "2023", "2023-10", "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.\u2014Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced legislation to promote healthy childhoods for children across the United States. The Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACE) Act would authorize grants to public health entities for the prevention of negative events during childhood like violence, abuse or neglect. The public health entities, like the Center for Disease Control (CDC), would use these grants for prevention activities or intervention. The CDC Director would also be required to conduct studies and research on ways to prevent negative childhood experiences.\n\nExisting research shows that certain negative events, circumstances, or maltreatment during childhood \u2013 known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) \u2013 are associated with negative health outcomes both in childhood and later in life. An increased understanding of the connection between ACEs and long-term health is now even more critical, as studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that social isolation, school closures, and other stressors unleashed by the coronavirus pandemic may be amplifying the need for additional mental health resources.\n\n\u201cOver the last several years, unprecedented challenges have inflicted serious traumas on our children, while at the same time hampering their social ties and support networks. These traumas hurt right now \u2013 but their lingering effects may be even more severe,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cStudies have shown that Adverse Childhood Experiences \u2013 or ACEs \u2013 can contribute to long-term health challenges. We need more data to understand and mitigate these impacts, particularly in light of rising rates of mental health challenges for our young people. I\u2019m proud to lead this bipartisan bill with Senator Murkowski, and urge Congress to take this step so we can find opportunities to help our children grow into healthy adults.\u201d\n\n\u201cChildren should be able to face life with positivity. Sadly, too many kids in Alaska are forced to deal with difficult family situations, and are faced with adverse childhood experiences that impact their mental health in the long term,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m joining Senator King on this effort to protect kids against adverse childhood experiences, while encouraging parents and families to work on creating healthy relationships and habits.\u201d\n\n\u201cGiven the connection between ACEs and the risk of overdose and suicide, it is critical that we invest in efforts to prevent ACEs in all communities,\u201d said Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO, Trust for America's Health. This important legislation would support research to build upon our previous understanding of trauma and ACEs and give communities the tools to help protect children and promote lifelong health and well-being.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery child is filled with tremendous promise,\u201d said Dr. Melissa Merrick, CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America), \u201cPromoting positive childhood experiences sets them up to thrive. PCA America supports the Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences Act which will boost resources for preventing, mitigating, and understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences through data-driven, evidenced-based strategies and activities that leverage multi-sector partnerships.\u201d\n\nAccording to the CDC, an estimated 62 percent of adults surveyed across 23 states reported that they had experienced one adverse childhood experience and nearly one-quarter reported that they had experienced three or more. The CDC has recognized adverse childhood experiences as a major public health concern and made it a priority area for focus in the National Center for Injury Prevention. However, there remain significant gaps in research to better define and understand these negative experiences. The King-Murkowski bill would make funding available to build on previous research and better understand how these negative experiences effect people throughout their lives.\n\nThis legislation would:\n\nAuthorize the CDC Director to award grants to States, territories, Tribes, and local governments to carry out programs to prevent negative childhood experiences. The grants can be used for:\n\nDirect prevention or positive experience promotion interventions; and\n\nImprove data collection and analysis.\n\nRequire the CDC Director to conduct studies, evaluations, and research to address ACEs and promote PCEs.\n\nLast year, Senators King and Murkowski were honored with the \u201cPublius Award\u201d from the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress for public service and pragmatic solutions that avoid the political winds of the day. They have consistently worked together to, improve healthcare options for Mainers and Alaskans like expanding telehealth access, expand the mental healthcare workforce in rural America, and lower winter energy costs for families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-cosponsor-resolution-recognizing-national-early-childhood-literacy-awareness-day", "Collins, King Cosponsor Resolution Recognizing National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "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 The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins\u2019 (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) to designate today, October 20, 2023, as National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day. The resolution, which highlights the importance of access to high-quality early childhood education programs, is also co-sponsored by Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).\n\n\"Fostering literacy in early childhood is crucial for preparing students in Maine and across the country for a lifetime of reading and learning,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cOur bipartisan resolution seeks to ensure that students from all social and economic backgrounds have access to programs that promote childhood literacy and language development.\u201d\n\n\u201cEarly Childhood Literacy programs are instrumental in helping young children cultivate their reading skills while opening their minds to new worlds and ideas,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cBy investing in programs like Head Start, we are investing in the success and well-being of our children and families, and fostering a brighter future for the next generation of Mainers. I remain dedicated to supporting these programs that have already strengthened communities, in Aroostook County and across Maine, and I am proud to be a co-lead on this resolution to continue providing resources for all Maine children.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am so grateful for the efforts of Senators Collins, King, Capito, and Manchin for their efforts to recognize October 20, 2023, as National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day. Highlighting the importance of literacy from the very start of a child's life has great benefit, in particular for our most vulnerable populations. Head Start has a long history of family partnership and community collaboration in efforts to build strong language and literacy foundations for our children. Supporting Families, Caregivers and Early Educators as they build literacy into their interactions with children has long lasting positive impacts. Thank you, Senators, for highlighting the precious gift we can give to all children - a lifelong love of reading and books,\u201d said Chair of Maine Head Start Directors AssociationCristina Salois, MS Ed.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of all the members of The LITEArary Society, I would like to thank Senator Collins and Senator King, as well as Senator Manchin and Senator Capito, for introducing a resolution to designate October 20, 2023 as \"National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day. This resolution will raise awareness about early childhood literacy issues at the national level and encourage greater support to help children achieve reading proficiency-one book at a time. I am incredibly grateful for the extraordinary support of the Senators to make this very special day, a reality,\u201d said Rania Zuri, Founder and CEO of The LiTEArary Society, Inc., an entirely youth-led nonprofit organization with the mission of ending book deserts for disadvantaged preschool children globally.\n\n\u201cFrom birth to age 5, a child\u2019s brain develops more than any other time in life. Early Head Start and Head Start know one of the best ways to support healthy brain development is to read, read, read,\u201d said Executive Director of the National Head Start Association Yasmina Vinci. \u201cWe thank Senators Collins, King, Manchin, and Capito for calling attention to the importance of early childhood literacy and the simple truth that success in school and life depends on every child being ready to read. Likewise, we applaud 18-year-old Rania Zuri of Morgantown, West Virginia, CEO of The LiTEArary Society, for her work with communities to encourage the support needed to help every child achieve reading proficiency.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/governor-mills-and-maines-congressional-delegation-react-to-boems-draft-wind-energy-area-proposal-for-gulf-of-maine", "Governor Mills & Maine\u2019s Congressional Delegation React to BOEM\u2019s Draft Wind Energy Area Proposal for Gulf of Maine", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "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 Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Congressional Delegation issued the following joint statement today in response to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)\u2019s release of its draft Wind Energy Area (WEA) for the Gulf of Maine:\n\n\u201cWe look forward to reviewing the proposal in detail, but we are encouraged that the Bureau has initially listened to our concerns and those of the fishing community by excluding Lobster Management Area 1 in its draft. We are opposed to any inclusion of Lobster Management Area 1 in the final WEA and we strongly urge the Bureau to continue to engage with Maine\u2019s fishing community, Tribal governments, and other stakeholders during the comment period. We believe that clean energy can offer economic and environmental benefits for Maine that must be pursued prudently and responsibly with a commitment to minimizing to the greatest extent possible the impact on fishermen, recreation, and other crucial ocean uses that are critical to Maine.\u201d\n\nThe announcement comes after a June letter in which Governor Mills and the Maine Congressional Delegation urged BOEM to remove Lobster Management Area 1 and other areas from any further consideration for commercial offshore wind leasing and to fully consider the views and concerns of Maine fishing communities while it continues to weigh leasing areas.\n\nA map of the draft WEA can be found on BOEM\u2019s Gulf of Maine webpage. BOEM has opened a 30-day public review and comment period on the proposal. To comment on the draft WEA please go to regulations.gov and search for docket number BOEM-2023-0054. BOEM will accept comments through November 20.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-increased-use-of-online-streaming-platforms-king-joins-colleagues-in-urging-fcc-improve-access-to-local-media", "With Increased Use of Online Streaming Platforms, King Joins Colleagues in Urging FCC Improve Access to Local Media", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "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 and 19 of his colleagues are pushing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve access to local media on streaming platforms, in a letter they sent to the Commission. Current law and Commission rules state that traditional cable and satellite networks must work directly with a local television station before broadcasting local news, sports, and other programming. However, linear streaming services over the internet are not required to negotiate directly with local television stations.\n\nStreaming services have a large and growing portion of the video media market as consumers cut-the-cord and make the switch from traditional television providers like cable and satellite TV to streaming service over the internet. In 2014, nearly 9 in 10 households subscribed to cable or satellite. This year, fewer than half of families subscribe. As consumers show their preference for the freedom that streaming services provide, it is critical for Congress to ensure continued access to local reporting on viewers\u2019 communities.\n\n\u201cInternet-based streaming services now have a sizable portion of the video programming distribution market \u2013 and this is only expected to grow as streaming companies actively urge consumers to switch from traditional television providers like cable and satellite TV to virtual offerings and other video streaming services. The shift from broadcast, cable, and satellite to streaming has profound impact on existing laws, regulations, and agreements that have been foundational in support of public safety and access to local news,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nThe Senators continued, \u201cIn light of these marketplace changes, we urge the Commission to examine the video marketplace and seriously consider how it can ensure the viability of local broadcast stations and promote localism.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senator King, this letter is signed by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren, (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioner Carr, Commissioner Starks, Commissioner Simington, and Commissioner Gomez:\n\nWe write today out of concern for the future of the media market and our constituents\u2019 ability to access broadcasters\u2019 unique locally-focused content on streaming platforms, otherwise known as virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPDs).\n\nUnder current law and Commission rules, a traditional cable system or other multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) must gain consent from a local television station before retransmitting its signal. This retransmission consent system was the centerpiece of Congress\u2019s commitment in the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act to providing local television stations the ability to offer American viewers more locally-focused programming. In 2014, the Commission initiated a proceeding to evaluate the potential modernization of the definition of MVPD to include streaming platforms that offer linear multichannel programming. Virtual MVPDs are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as traditional distributors, including with respect to retransmission consent and requirements to negotiate directly with local television stations for the retransmission of their programming.\n\nMeanwhile, nearly a decade since the public comment period closed, there has been a monumental shift in the marketplace and the way people access video content. Internet-based streaming services now have a sizable portion of the video programming distribution market \u2013 and this is only expected to grow as streaming companies actively urge consumers to switch from traditional television providers like cable and satellite TV to virtual offerings and other video streaming services. The shift from broadcast, cable, and satellite to streaming has profound impact on existing laws, regulations, and agreements that have been foundational in support of public safety and access to local news.\n\nIn light of these marketplace changes, we urge the Commission to examine the video marketplace and seriously consider how it can ensure the viability of local broadcast stations and promote localism. As the expert agency, the Commission should be developing a record and recommendations to ensure that our regulatory system \u2013 which has enabled a thriving locally-focused broadcast system that is the envy of the world \u2013 is not undermined by the explosion of new technologies that were not foreseen even a mere decade ago. Accordingly, we urge you to refresh the aging, unclosed record from the 2014 proceeding by seeking new public comments to provide updated video marketplace information.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important issue, and we look forward to your prompt reply.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-and-cassidy-lead-letter-urging-labor-department-to-remove-barriers-holding-back-vets-from-job-opportunities", "King and Cassidy Lead Letter Urging Labor Department to Remove Barriers Holding Back Vets from Job Opportunities", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) are pushing the Department of Labor (DOL) to change eligibility criteria for veterans looking to enter the workforce. In a letter to Assistant Secretary James Rodriguez, they urged the DOL to categorize transitioning service members as eligible for career services programs funded by Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG).\n\nThe JSVG program provides federal funding to State Workforce Agencies, allowing them to hire staff to provide veterans and eligible persons facing barriers to employment with individualized career and training-related services. The programs also help employers fill open positions with job-seeking veterans. Unfortunately, transitioning servicemembers are currently ineligible to participate in JVSG programs because they aren\u2019t yet formally considered \u201cveterans.\u201d\n\nThe Senators wrote, \u201cA transitioning servicemember who is not designated as lacking career readiness standards, and who proactively reaches out to local career center supported by a JVSG funded staff member to prepare for their transition, are ineligible to receive the full suite of services that are otherwise provided to veterans with significant barriers to employment. This gap in providing much needed employment services for transitioning servicemembers can and should be easily fixed by changing the eligibility criteria to include all transitioning servicemembers up to 6 months prior to their separation.\u201d\n\n\u201cEach year, approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life,\u201d they continued. \u201cThis period is a precarious time for servicemembers full of uncertainty for themselves and their families. Among the many stressors experienced by transitioning servicemembers is the challenge of finding a job.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe therefore request that you change the eligibility criteria for the Jobs for Veterans State Grant, and finding other ways to improve the servicemember transition experience. Ensuring a fulfilling career is a critical step in transitioning out of the highly structured military way life, and the Department of Labor has an important role to play in providing the training and assistance that servicemembers require to do so,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nSince joining the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), Senator King has been working on improving the servicemember-to-veteran transition process. In May, he led a bipartisan letter to urge the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Denis McDonough to improve connections to local resources for servicemembers transitioning to civilian life. He also introduced the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act which would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, participate in TAP classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims as TAP classroom instructors are not legally allowed to help veterans fill out benefits paperwork.\n\nThe letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Assistant Secretary Rodriguez,\n\nWe are writing to bring to your attention to an inadequacy in the eligibility criteria for programs under the Department of Labor\u2019s Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) for servicemembers transitioning out of the military. Under the current guidance for this grant, assistance to transitioning servicemembers is only provided if the installation commander finds that servicemember lacking in their career readiness standards. In those cases, the servicemember can be referred to an American Job Center and is eligible to receive case management services from a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialist through JVSG-funded programs. However, this only accounts for approximately 20 to 30-percent of servicemembers.\n\nOn the other hand, a transitioning servicemember who is not designated as lacking career readiness standards, and who proactively reaches out to local career center supported by a JVSG funded staff member to prepare for their transition, are ineligible to receive the full suite of services that are otherwise provided to veterans with significant barriers to employment. This gap in providing much needed employment services for transitioning servicemembers can and should be easily fixed by changing the eligibility criteria to include all transitioning servicemembers up to 6 months prior to their separation.\n\nEach year, approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life. This period is a precarious time for servicemembers full of uncertainty for themselves and their families. Among the many stressors experienced by transitioning servicemembers is the challenge of finding a job. It can often be surprising and demoralizing to be rejected from scores of job applications over a period of months after having had a clear structure in the military. Struggling with unemployment, or finding a lack of fulfillment in their employment, can cause poorer mental health and well-being among veterans.\n\nTragically, the disproportionate number of veteran suicides occur within two to three years of separation from active duty. It is of paramount importance that we provide the resources necessary for servicemembers to find meaningful employment in a field of interest during this difficult time.\n\nWe therefore request that you change the eligibility criteria for the Jobs for Veterans State Grant, and finding other ways to improve the servicemember transition experience. Ensuring a fulfilling career is a critical step in transitioning out of the highly structured military way life, and the Department of Labor has an important role to play in providing the training and assistance that servicemembers require to do so.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-importance-of-nuclear-deterrence-to-better-protect-against-adversaries", "King Highlights Importance of Nuclear Deterrence to Better Protect Against Adversaries", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "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 In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King, Chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, questioned former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl \u2014 the Vice Chair, Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States \u2014 about the increasing need to bolster the United States\u2019 nuclear deterrence capacity while working to secure additional non-nuclear tactical options.\n\nEarlier this week, Senator King and Senator Fischer, the Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee released a statement commending the Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States on the release of its final unclassified report.\n\n\u201cIt seems to me that the threat of the Russians using tactical weapons in Ukraine has sort of woken us up, that you talk about the President having options. Our deterrent fails if our only option is massive retaliation and the adversary doesn't believe we'll go to that option based upon the use of a tactical nuclear weapon,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cThat brings us back to SLCM-N [Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missiles] need further options on the tactical level, which we sort of abandoned for 50 years. Senator Kyle, isn't that something that we \u2014 I realize you discussed this with Senator Fisher but I hope you'll emphasize that point \u2014 we need more options for the President in a case of a limited use of nuclear weapons?\u201d\n\n\u201cThat's absolutely right. Our report considers a lot of different elements. And without trying to go into a lot of detail, the tactical options are really important, because the way you get into this is probably not a bolt out of the blue, but rather an escalatory system that starts with conventional and then ends up with a small nuclear yield and then something bigger and perhaps a coercive attack,\u201d replied Kyl.\n\n\u201cIf our only deterrent capacity is a massive retaliation, that's not credible, and therefore deterrence fails at that lower level. Is that correct,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cIn my personal opinion, that's correct. I'm not sure I speak for everyone, and all I can tell you with respect to the consensus of the Commission is that we all agreed that the President needs more options, and not just with regard to the kind of weapons and the yield on those weapons and so on. We talked a lot about our space capabilities. We talked about missile defense, including missile defense of the homeland against these coercive attacks. As Madeline [Chair of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States] said, one of the things that we're concerned about is a Chinese or Russian coercive attack, somewhat limited, maybe against industrial infrastructure, maybe military infrastructure, but the kind of attack that would tell us if you don't buckle under to what we demand, there's a lot more where this came from,\u201d responded Kyl.\n\nA 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. As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Strategic Forces \u2013 which oversees the United States\u2019 nuclear arsenal and posture \u2013 Senator King has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries. Senator King recently expressed concern 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\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-following-bidens-oval-office-speech-on-freedom-and-democracy", "King Releases Statement Following Biden\u2019s Oval Office Speech on Freedom and Democracy", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "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-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement following President Biden\u2019s speech to the nation on the war between Hamas and Israel, and the global imperative to support democracy over tyranny and terrorism:\n\n\u201cThe causes of freedom, democracy, and self-defense are core American guiding beliefs. In fact, Thomas Jefferson, after writing the Declaration of Independence, swore eternal hostility against tyranny over the mind of man. Fighting tyranny, and deterring tyrannical aims, is a founding principle of this nation \u2013 and it\u2019s nothing less than the current stakes we face. It\u2019s time for Congress to act. Our security at home depends on a strong national defense and supporting the freedom of our democratic allies and partners around the globe.\n\n\u201cAcross the world, we are watching as terrorist groups massacre innocent civilians at a music festival, as tyrannical regimes target innocent civilians at their dinner tables, and as dictatorships threaten to invade democratic, sovereign nations.\n\n\u201cSince the 2006 Palestinian elections in Gaza which Hamas won and their violent expulsion of Fatah the following year, Israel has been defending itself from a terrorist organization that prides itself on the destruction of Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish people. The massacre, and hostage taking, on October 7th further proved that no wall, no blockade, and no amount of military might on the border will change Hamas\u2019 steadfast belief. But what October 7th did show violent actors is that Israelis and the free world can unite together\u2014even in the darkest times\u2014to fight for democracy, self-determination, and the safety of the global Jewish diaspora.\n\n\u201cFor over a year and a half, Ukraine has similarly, and bravely, defended its freedom and sovereignty from a bloody, unprovoked invasion by an autocratic dictator. Putin believed he would quickly defeat his neighbor, rebuild the Soviet Union, and divide the Free World, but on every count, he has failed. While this war has waged longer than expected, it is because of the undeniable fortitude of the Ukrainian people, and the support of the global community, that the global resolve to protect freedom and democracy is as strong as it has ever been.\n\n\u201cAs I said to President Zelenskyy in January, and as President Biden shared with the people of Israel, their fight is our fight \u2013 and that\u2019s why we must provide the Israelis and Ukrainians with what they need to defend themselves. If we don\u2019t provide this assistance, dictatorship and terrorism will be emboldened to spread\u2014just like we saw in the lead up to World War II. It is up to all of us to remind the world that freedom and self-defense will always be the basis of a just society and a steady global order.\u201d\n\nSenator King is an active, vocal supporter of democratic values and freedom. In January, King visited Zelenskyy in Ukraine to understand the dynamics on the ground. He has also continuously questioned international experts on Putin\u2019s strategy and how to best support Ukraine.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-resolution-co-sponsored-by-collins-king-in-support-of-israel", "Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Co-Sponsored by Collins, King in Support of Israel", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Defense, and Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, joined nearly all of their Senate colleagues in passing a bipartisan resolution in support of Israel. Senators Collins and King are co-sponsors of the resolution, which passed the Senate by a vote of 97-0.\n\n\u201cThe Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, including Israeli efforts to diminish the threat posed by Hamas; reaffirms Israel\u2019s right to self-defense, and is committed to helping Israel safeguard its people from future aggression,\u201d the resolution states. \u201cThe Senate reaffirms Israel\u2019s right to self-defense, and is committed to helping Israel safeguard its people from future aggression; and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas\u2019 war on Israel, including Hamas\u2019 intentional targeting of, and attacks against, civilians.\u201d\n\nA copy of the resolution can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-ask-cms-to-withhold-burdensome-staffing-mandate-need-permanent-workforce-solutions-to-support-veterans", "Senators Ask CMS to Withhold Burdensome Staffing Mandate, Need Permanent Workforce Solutions to Support Veterans", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-Maine), members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), are fighting to keep many VA facilities open nationwide, by asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to find workable solutions for staffing shortages at long-term care facilities across the country. VA and long-term care facilities serve retired veterans and future demand is expected to grow.\n\nIn a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-Lasure, the senators ask CMS to withhold from establishing staffing mandates for long-term care facilities and instead work with Congress on flexible, commonsense solutions. Strict federal staffing proposals would be detrimental to many VA facilities across the country that would be unable to meet the minimum staffing requirements to remain open.\n\nThe CMS rule being considered would establish minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Nursing Home Reform initiative. According to the latest polling, 80% of nursing facilities across the country would be unable to meet the minimum requirements to remain open if the rule is enacted.\n\n\u201cWe write today to express concern over the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019 (CMS) proposed rule, entitled \u2018Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting\u2019 (RIN: 0938-AV25), particularly as it relates to veterans\u2019 access to long-term care. The Rand Corporation estimated 80 percent of the nation's 18 million military veterans will have some need for long-term services. Should this proposed rule move forward, it is imperative that the regulations placed on facilities do not inadvertently lessen aging veterans\u2019 options for care. We recognize the importance of high-quality service, but as drafted and without revisions, this proposal may have unintended consequences that will close nursing homes,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cFundamentally, we must address the pipeline of health care workers moving into the industry. The potential of prolonged staffing shortages across the healthcare sector must be taken into account. A recent article published by KFF that examined the impact of CMS\u2019 proposed rule found that, \u201c\u2026 among all nursing facilities, fewer than 1 in 5 could currently meet the required number of hours for registered nurses and nurse aides.\u201d Given the broad impact of CMS\u2019 proposed rule for facilities across the country, we are concerned the policy will further inhibit veterans\u2019 access to long-term care services if the workforce dynamics aren\u2019t drastically improved by the proposed implementation dates,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cAs rural facilities in our states struggle to stay afloat, we were disappointed to see the agency\u2019s failure to provide sufficient weight to the care provided by Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and other key staff. Nursing facilities across our states employ a substantial number of LPNs and rely on these professionals to support our veterans and seniors alike. The decision to discount LPN staffing as part of any staffing minimum requirement appears misguided. We urge the department to reconsider this approach and instead look for a way in which we can promote greater collaboration among all clinical staff for the benefit of facility residents,\u201d they concluded.\n\nEarlier this year, the senators took part in SVAC hearing where they questioned Jonathan Blum from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services about this push for minimum standards across the VA even if it results in the closing of facilities.\n\nClick here to read the letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-160000-for-rumford-police-department-mental-health-and-wellness", "Collins, King Announce More Than $160,000 for Rumford Police Department Mental Health and Wellness", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King (I-ME) announced that Rumford Police Department has been awarded a total of $163,462 through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services\u2019 (COPS) Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) grant program to provide greater mental health support to law enforcement officers and their families.\n\n\"Law enforcement officers willingly place themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. It is our responsibility to equip them and their families with the necessary resources to safeguard their well-being,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThis important funding will support mental health programs for the dedicated men and women who make up the Rumford Police Department, as well as their families.\u201d\n\nRecent studies have found that law enforcement officers have a 54% increase in suicide risk, compared to civilians. This risk is magnified for departments with less than 50 full-time officers, a category which includes the vast majority of Maine\u2019s police departments.\n\nLEMWHA implementation grants support state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement agencies seeking to implement new or enhance existing programs that offer training and services on officer emotional and mental health, peer mentoring, suicide prevention, stress reduction, and support services for officers and their families.\n\nIn August of 2022, the Public Safety Officer Support Act, co-sponsored by Senator Collins, was signed into law. This bipartisan legislation acknowledged the reality that law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency responders face a heightened risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorders that may lead to trauma-induced suicides. The bill expanded the Public Safety Officers\u2019 Benefits (PSOB) program to both create an avenue for officers to seek disability benefits for PTSD, and allowed families of officers who die by trauma-linked suicide to apply for death benefits.\n\nSenators Collins and King have been longstanding supporters of law enforcement officers. Last year, they announced more than $700,000 to hire new law enforcement officers in five communities across Maine and have repeatedly voted for spending packages that increase funding for the COPS program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-risch-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bolster-rural-forestry-workforce", "King, Risch Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Rural Forestry Workforce", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Angus King and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), co-chairs of the Senate Working Forests Caucus, today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve forest industry employment and participation through a grant program aimed at rural and underserved communities. The Jobs in the Woods Act would support developmental programs designed to better equip and train the forest products workforce for careers with the U.S. Forest Service and timber industries. Nationally, the forest products industry employs roughly 925,000 people directly and supports nearly 2 million jobs indirectly. In Maine, the industry supports nearly 14,000 jobs across the state.\n\n\u201cMaine\u2019s forestry industry has been foundational for our state economy for generations, and is critical to our continued economic success,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cAs the industry continues to evolve, we must ensure our forestry workforce has the proper training and skills to help responsibly manage our forests while growing our local economies. The bipartisan Jobs in the Woods Act will make substantial investments to support new and innovative workforce programs \u2013 helping Maine people get good, quality jobs and securing the future of our state\u2019s timber industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaintaining a robust and skilled forestry workforce is essential to Idaho\u2019s forest and economic health,\u201d said Senator Risch. \u201cThe Jobs in the Woods Act will empower our rural communities to build up the timber workforce with educational and training programs to ensure Idaho continues to effectively manage our forests and prevent catastrophic wildfires for years to come.\u201d\n\n\"The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast applauds Senator King for cosponsoring the Jobs in the Woods Act and fully supports this important legislation,\u201d said Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors Northeast. \u201cTargeted workforce education and training programs are needed to provide pathways and open doors to careers in the logging and forest trucking industry. Good jobs are plentiful in the industry and opportunities are strong for the next generation, particularly in the rural areas where this legislation would have the greatest impact.\"\n\n\u201cMaine landowners rely upon a well-trained workforce to harvest timber and move it to market,\u201d said Dan Lamontagne, President and CEO of Seven Islands Land Company. \u201cSeven Islands Land Company strongly supports the Jobs in the Woods Act, which will provide workforce development opportunities across the forest industry, and help students transition into rewarding forest-based careers in rural, timber-centric communities across the state. Thank you to Senator King for his leadership on this issue, which is so important in Maine and across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom the forests to the mills, ongoing labor shortages present real challenges for Maine\u2019s forest products businesses. It is predicted that by 2030, we need to recruit 5,000 additional workers to fill shortages, which makes legislation such as the Jobs in the Woods Act important for our industry,\u201d said Patrick Strauch, Executive Director of Maine Forest Products Council. \u201cThe grants provided by this legislation could make a real difference in helping meet our current and future workforce needs. The Maine Forest Products Council thanks Senator King for his advocacy and support.\u201d\n\n\u201cLike other parts of the country, Maine is experiencing labor shortages in the forest product industry,\u201d said Ryan McAvoy, a Sappi North American Wood Procurement Region Manager. \u201cWe have challenges filling jobs from the stump to finished product, and we need help educating, training and bringing younger people into our workforce. The Jobs in the Woods Act would greatly assist in developing and sustaining a viable workforce for the forest products industry here in Maine, as well as other states around the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe sustainability and competitive viability of the forest products industry relies on an intact, healthy wood supply chain, including a viable workforce. The Jobs in the Woods Act provides workforce training opportunities for those interested in a career in forestry,\u201d said Tim O\u2019Hara, Forest Resources Association Vice President of Government Affairs. \u201cA key component of the legislation includes education opportunities to expand high school forestry curricula in rural forest-based economies. These programs will provide an opportunity for young adults to establish a good career in the communities where they were raised.\u201d\n\n\u201cLabor shortages across the forestry sector are hindering our ability to get critical work done on the ground. State and federal agencies, NGOs and the timber industry are all struggling to find qualified applicants, impacting everything from forest land management to the forest products supply chain. This has consequences for forest product pricing and availability, wildfire scale and scope, and for the average American\u2019s day-to-day,\u201d said Scott Phillips, President of the National Association of State Foresters. \u201cState foresters recognize the Jobs in the Woods Act as an indispensable and necessary intervention for the future of our nation\u2019s forests.\u201d\n\nThe Jobs in the Woods Act is cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).\n\nA one-pager on this legislation can be found HERE.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has been a national leader in efforts to support Maine\u2019s forest products industry. This past April, alongside Senator Risch and the Working Forests Caucus, Senator King introduced a resolution to recognize the 151st Arbor Day. He also introduced the bipartisan Future Logging Careers Act to help train the next generation of Maine loggers.\n\nMost recently, Senator King introduced the bipartisan Timber Innovation Act 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. Senator King was 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.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-va-leaders-to-smooth-job-transitions-for-servicemembers-entering-the-workforce", "King Urges VA Leaders to Smooth Job Transitions for Servicemembers Entering the Workforce", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "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 In a joint hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), U.S. Senator Angus King, questioned Honorable James D. Rodriguez \u2014 the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans\u2019 Employment and Training at the Department of Labor \u2014 about how to ensure specialized military job skills are easily transferred to the civilian workforce.\n\nSenator King specifically requested the joint hearing earlier this year to focus on a \u201cwarm hand-off\u201d for active duty military transitioning to veteran status. Earlier this year, Senator King also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand job opportunities for veterans by allowing them to utilize skills they learned in the military.\n\n\u201cWe talked about credentialing. Isn't one of the issues with credentialing state laws and to what extent are we able to work with states and state compacts, so if you learn to be a plumber or electrician in the military, you don't have to go out and spend a year going through a state process to get a license to be a plumber or electrician. Mr. Rodriguez, what's your view of that one,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cI apologize there, Senator. One of the things that was passed in 2021, that there was an ability for states to have reciprocity agreements with regards to accepting those license and credentials,\u201d answered Rodriguez.\n\n\u201cAnd is that happening? That's my question,\u201d said Senator King.\n\nThat's one of the things we're working on with the states. We're trying to ensure that they understand one, that agreement exists, but also for the military spouses to be educated about that as well, as well as the Department of Defense's legal departments to ensure that they can provide support to those military spouses, to have conversations with the state departments,\u201d responded Rodriguez.\n\n\u201cI think that would be a place where some emphasis should be placed to work with the states, press the states because all the states talk about wanting to help veterans. This is one clear way they can do it,\u201d concluded Senator King.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, he has worked to properly honor and recognize the sacrifices of Purple Heart medal recipients, protect veterans from fraud, and expand veteran assisted living services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-fischer-welcome-key-report-on-us-strategic-posture", "King, Fischer Welcome Key Report on U.S. Strategic Posture", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Angus King (I-Maine)and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, released the following statement after the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States released its final unclassified report:\n\n\u201cAs the top members of the Strategic Forces subcommittee, we understand the need for a nuclear force posture that can successfully deter adversaries in a worsening global threat environment. We appreciate the bipartisan Commission\u2019s work to develop and unanimously endorse this report. We look forward to continuing conversations with the Commissioners on their findings and options to strengthen our national defense.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 2022) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) established the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States (Commission), and tasked it with examining the long-term strategic posture of the United States. The Commission\u2019s report includes a comprehensive review of the current and projected threat environment; an assessment of our current nuclear weapons policies and strategic posture; and recommendations for the most appropriate strategic posture and nuclear weapons strategy.\n\nThe bipartisan Commission is led by Madelyn Creedon, who most recently served as Principal Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) from 2014 to 2017, and former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona.\n\nThe Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on the findings of the Commission\u2019s report at 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, October 19th.\n\nClick here to read the report.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-winter-approaches-king-joins-bipartisan-letter-to-help-reduce-energy-costs", "As Winter Approaches, King Joins Bipartisan Letter to Help Reduce Energy Costs", "2023-10-16", "2023", "2023-10", "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 is urging the Biden administration to help reduce energy costs ahead of the winter season. In a bipartisan letter, King is calling on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take additional steps to reduce energy costs for Americans through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills by providing payment and energy crisis assistance.\n\nThe senators wrote, \u201cAmid increased energy prices resulting from Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine and inflationary pressures, LIHEAP has become even more important for helping families pay their energy bills without foregoing other essentials.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, supplemental funding is needed once again as we head into another winter heating season. Winter heating prices are expected to remain roughly as high as last year, and LIHEAP applications are up significantly. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors\u2019 Association, states are reporting increases of up to 20% in the number of LIHEAP applications since last year. With limited funding, states will face tough choices about the amount of assistance they can provide and the number of people they can serve,\u201d they continued.\n\nNationwide, an estimated 6 million households receive assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP, including over 45,000 Maine households. LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources.\n\nSenator King has consistently worked to ensure Maine people have low, reliable energy and heating costs. Senator King has been one of the Senate\u2019s most vocal advocates for the Low Income Heating Aid Program (LIHEAP). He helped to secure more than $6 billion for the LIHEAP program in the FY2023 appropriations packages. Previously, Senator King announced that Maine received over $90 million \u2013 twice the average allocation \u2013 in 2022 LIHEAP funding thanks to increased investments included in the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.\n\nIn addition to King, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Edward Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Catherine Cortez Mastro (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Robert Casey (D-PA), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennett (D-CO), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Bernard Sanders (I-VT).\n\nThe full text of the letter is below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Director Young and Secretary Becerra:\n\nWe appreciate the Administration\u2019s strong support for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). As high energy costs and increased demand for LIHEAP assistance continue to put a strain on program resources, we urge you to include supplemental LIHEAP funding in any additional request you submit for FY24 appropriations.\n\nAs the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months. Amid increased energy prices resulting from Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine and inflationary pressures, LIHEAP has become even more important for helping families pay their energy bills without foregoing other essentials. Last year, with your help, we worked to reduce this burden by providing $2 billion in emergency supplemental LIHEAP funding, reaching a total of $6.1 billion for FY23.\n\nUnfortunately, supplemental funding is needed once again as we head into another winter heating season. Winter heating prices are expected to remain roughly as high as last year, and LIHEAP applications are up significantly. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors\u2019 Association, states are reporting increases of up to 20% in the number of LIHEAP applications since last year. With limited funding, states will face tough choices about the amount of assistance they can provide and the number of people they can serve.\n\nIn preparation for winter heating season, ensuring that LIHEAP is well-funded will help guarantee that the program has the resources it needs to help as many eligible low-income households and seniors as possible. To that end, we urge you to continue your strong support of vulnerable Americans by requesting supplemental funding for this critical program. Thank you for your attention to and consideration of this request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-750000-to-respond-to-opioid-crisis", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $750,000 to Respond to Opioid Crisis", "2023-10-13", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Public Safety has been awarded $760,000 through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services\u2019 (COPS) Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) program to help combat the opioid crisis in Maine. This funding is one of only 13 AHTF awards made nationwide this year.\n\n\u201cWe must not relent in our efforts to address the ongoing opioid crisis, which affects far too many families in Maine,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThis important funding will help to ensure that Maine\u2019s law enforcement officers have the resources they need to help keep our communities safe and effectively address this public health emergency.\u201d\n\nAHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies in areas with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. Specifically, this funding will support efforts to locate or investigate illicit activities, through statewide collaboration, related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.\n\nSenator Collins successfully secured a nearly 10% increase in total funding for the COPS office to help combat the ongoing nationwide drug crisis through the Fiscal Year 2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) funding bill. This included $35 million for the AHTF program.\n\nThis year, Senator Collins announced that the government funding package\u2014which Senator King also voted for\u2014included a number of substance use disorder policies to respond to the ongoing opioid crisis. The package was signed into law in December of 2022 and included a nearly $300 million increase in funding to specifically combat the opioid epidemic, through improving treatment and prevention efforts; finding alternative pain medications; addressing workforce needs, especially in rural communities; and promoting research.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-legislation-to-end-institutional-child-abuse-in-residential-treatment-centers", "Collins, King Join Legislation to End Institutional Child Abuse in Residential Treatment Centers", "2023-10-10", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have cosponsored bipartisan legislation to reduce institutional child abuse in residential treatment centers. The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act would provide greater oversight and data transparency for youth treatment programs, implement urgent recommendations to develop information-sharing systems among states, and promote best practices for identifying and preventing institutional child abuse.\n\n\u201cTragically, families across our country have reported that their children have experienced horrifying incidents of abuse when seeking treatment for substance, behavioral, and mental health challenges,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation would address this urgent issue through the promotion of best practices and increased oversight of youth treatment programs to help to ensure the safety of all children while they seek the care they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cChildren across the nation deserve a safe and supportive environment to learn and grow during their formative years \u2014 especially children already working through mental and behavioral health challenges,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act would provide greater government oversight of residential treatment facilities that help treat our children dealing with these conditions. Thanks to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working to ensure that all Maine children, and children across the country, feel safe at live-in organizations that aim to help our children succeed.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe know that children are abused in residential institutions every year. We know the abuse takes the form of restraints, isolation, and neglecting kids\u2019 needs. We don\u2019t know much else - there is gravely inadequate oversight. The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act shines a light onto youth residential institutions and charts a course towards safe, effective treatment that is close to home. We applaud Senators Collins and King for their commitment to kids,\u201d said Ben Jones, J.D., Director of Legal and Policy Initiatives at Lives in the Balance.\n\nMore specifically, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act would:\n\nEstablish the Federal Work Group on Youth Residential Programs, comprised of representatives from the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and other relevant federal agencies.\n\nDirect the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on the use of restraints, seclusion, and other restrictive interventions in youth residential programs.\n\nThe Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act is sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tina Smith (D-Minn), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) have also joined as cosponsors.\n\nBill text can be found here.\n\n###???????", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-new-biddeford-regional-representative-legislative-assistant-and-legislative-correspondent", "King Announces New Biddeford Regional Representative, Legislative Assistant and Legislative Correspondent", "2023-10-06", "2023", "2023-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "BRUNSWICK, ME \u2013 The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today announced the hiring of three Maine people to support his efforts serving people across Maine. Sarah Stanley is joining Senator King\u2019s team as the York Country Regional Representative based in Biddeford; Marielle Thete, who previously served as Senator King\u2019s scheduler, is returning to serve as a Legislative Assistant overseeing immigration, education and judiciary policy; and Maria Kuhn, who also previously served in Senator King\u2019s office as a 2020 intern, is returning as a Legislative Correspondent covering immigration, Indian Affairs and telecommunications. Both Marielle and Maria will be based in the Senator\u2019s Washington, D.C. office.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m so proud of the work my team has done on behalf of the people of Maine over the years and am excited to build on that success by welcoming Sarah, Marielle and Maria to the team,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cTheir passion for public service is crystal clear and I know they have the skills and dedication to help make Maine a better place to live, work and raise a family. I cannot wait to see all the great contributions they will make in the many months and years to come.\u201d\n\nSarah Stanley is an 11th generation Maine person who most recently worked as the New England Program Manager for the National Forest Foundation (NFF). At the NFF, she led on the ground projects in White Mountain and Green Mountain National Forests. Prior to her time with NFF, she served as the Executive Director of the Kennebunk Land Trust. Sarah is a Registered Maine Guide, is CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certified and holds a private pilot\u2019s license with a seaplane rating. She earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies & Politics from Bates College and a M.S in Environmental Studies & Sustainability from Unity College.\n\nMarielle Thete, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, proudly grew up in Portland. Prior to returning to Senator King\u2019s office, she served as a Director of Government Relations at the ONE Campaign where she focused on U.S.-Africa policy. She also previously served as the Program Manager for CARE\u2019s Learning Tours, which hosts delegations in countries across the globe to experience firsthand the impacts of U.S. investments and foreign aid. Marielle first worked on Senator King\u2019s team as a state scheduler. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from Wheaton College (MA).\n\nMaria Kuhn grew up in Falmouth. She is the founder of a Gen Z nonprofit, Drive US Forward, that works for gender equity in transportation safety. She previously worked for SKDKnickerbocker, a public affairs consulting firm, and interned for Senator King in the spring of 2020. Maria earned her B.A. in Political Science from Columbia University.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-honored-with-congressional-sea-services-award-for-his-leadership-on-behalf-of-the-navy-and-coastguard", "King Honored with Congressional Sea Services Award for his leadership on Behalf of the Navy and Coastguard", "2023-10-05", "2023", "2023-10", "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 was honored by the Navy League Capital Council as the 2023 recipient of its Congressional Sea Services Award in an event held on Capitol Hill. This award, presented annually to a member of Congress, recognizes outstanding leadership and contributions to the United States Sea Services. Senator King accepted it on behalf of the men and women of the sea services and shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works (BIW) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.\n\nSenator King was presented with a binnacle, a casing that holds a ship\u2019s compass and lamp \u2013 which will reside in his Senate office for a year. The traveling \u2018trophy\u2019 is the actual binnacle from the Sioux Falls Victory ship that saw action, and received a battlestar, in the amphibious assault of Okinawa, Japan in 1945. The ship also served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.\n\n\u201cWe all talk about ships and we talk about aircraft, but it\u2019s the people \u2013 the wonderful people that we have serving us,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe military and our first responders, when you think about it, have the only jobs where you sign your name you\u2019re putting your life on the line. That\u2019s not true for 95-percent of the jobs in our society. These are the young people who put their lives on the line when they sign up and it\u2019s something that we have to constantly remember.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a tremendous honor and I really am overwhelmed and delighted, but I have accepted it on behalf of the shipbuilders in Maine, the shipbuilders in Mississippi, the Coasties along the Maine coast and the Naval personnel all over the country. This isn\u2019t my award, this is their award. Thank you,\u201d concluded Senator King.\n\n\u201cSenator King has been a long-standing and outspoken advocate for our nation\u2019s safety and security. He has tirelessly fought for a strong national defense, with particular emphasis on maritime forces and seapower, championing funding and innovative policies to increase United States shipbuilding capacity and support for our nation\u2019s critical workforce,\u201d the citation from the Navy League Capital Council read.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator King has been a steadfast supporter of the Navy and Coast Guard. He recently secured key provisions in the FY 2024 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 A list of Senator King\u2019s major provisions in the 2024 NDAA can be found HERE. Additionally, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visits Maine shipyards regularly, at the invitation of Senator King, most recently at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/arctic-caucus-co-chairs-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-economic-relationship-with-iceland", "Arctic Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Bill to Strengthen Economic Relationship with Iceland", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "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. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), co-chairs of the Senate Arctic Caucus, have introduced a bill to expand and improve economic ties with Iceland. Currently, Icelanders are not eligible for economic visas to visit and conduct business in the United States, one of the only Arctic nations whose residents face such a barrier. The Nordic Trader and Investor Parity Act would expand access to trade and investment visas for Icelanders, resulting in expanded economic opportunities for both nations. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have also cosponsored the legislation.\n\nIceland\u2019s largest trade partner is the United States, accounting for approximately 20% of Iceland\u00b4s total trade in goods and services. Currently, Iceland is the only Nordic country whose nationals are not eligible for American treater trader and investor visas.\n\n\u201cThe United States is an Arctic Nation, and has many significant economic and national security interests in the High North\u2014so we must solidify our ties with our allies and expand access to the American economy,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Nordic Trader and Investor Parity Act would increase access to trade and investment visas for Icelanders looking to do business in the United States while increasing our country\u2019s economic footprint in the Arctic nation. As our adversaries continue to venture northward, hoping to control the economy of the Arctic region, there should be no doubt that free trade and open access is the name of the game in the High North.\u201d\n\n\u201cIceland and Alaska have many shared interests,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cIt is long past time that the people of Iceland are able to share in trade and investment opportunities in the United States. Opening up economic visas for Icelanders will allow our Arctic neighbors to bring the innovations they are making in energy capture, ocean sciences, and sustainable fisheries to Alaska and the Lower 48.\u201d\n\nTreaty trader (E-1) and treaty investor (E-2) visas are nonimmigrant visas for nationals of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation. Treaty trader and treaty investor visas are temporary nonimmigrant visas. These visas were created to facilitate and enhance economic interaction between the United States and other countries.\n\nAn E-1 visa is for individuals entering the United States to engage in substantial trade,\n\nAn E-2 visa is for individuals entering the United States to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which that person has invested.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and as 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. Along with Caucus co-chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), King introduced the Arctic Commitment Act earlier last year to improve America\u2019s posture and opportunities in the Arctic. He\u2019s been calling for the appointment of an Arctic Ambassador since 2015, and has continued to press the Administration on the effort this year. King also recently laid out the challenges and opportunities of a warming arctic in an article in the Wilson Quarterly, and in this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act, he successfully secured the inclusion of provisions to increase America\u2019s activity and opportunities in the Far North.\n\nThe full bill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-76-million-for-disability-transition-services-in-maine", "Collins, King Announce More Than $7.6 Million for Disability Transition Services in Maine", "2023-10-03", "2023", "2023-10", "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, Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) will receive $7,632,256 over a five-year period through the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF). The funding will support a project aimed at improving the successful transition to adulthood for children and youth with disabilities in Maine by enhancing access to coordinated transition services.\n\nDespite recent progress, many students with disabilities in Maine graduate from high school each year without ever researching potential future careers, gaining paid work experience, applying for Vocational Rehabilitation, or being aware of Independent Living services.\n\n\u201cIt is critical we work to ensure all Maine students have access to the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions at important crossroads in their development,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThis investment will transform the lives of children and youth with disabilities in Maine and contribute to building a more inclusive and prosperous future for our state. Every single individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and play a part in the success of their community.\u201d\n\nMaine DVR's proposed project will leverage the resources of the Maine DVR, the Maine Department of Education, and Alpha One \u2013 Maine\u2019s Center for Independent Living, in partnership with three Local Educational Agencies as pilot sites.\n\nSpecifically, this project, the \u201cPathways to Partnerships Model Demonstration,\u201d will focus on achieving five primary objectives:\n\nLaunching a web-based sustainable hub for cross-agency transition information, training, and learning opportunities.\n\nDeveloping accessible on-demand curricula on various transition topics for children, parents, educators, and service providers.\n\nEnrolling participants in virtual services, including career exploration, peer mentoring, and independent living skill building.\n\nIncreasing stakeholder knowledge of work incentives and benefits counseling for individuals receiving Social Security benefits.\n\nPromoting the use of work-based learning, internships, pre-apprenticeship, and Registered Apprenticeship for children aged 10-13 and youth aged 14-24, as well as educators, families, service providers, and other stakeholders.\n\nMaine DVR expects to increase enrollment and access to Pre-Employment Transitional Services (Pre-ETS), enhance career readiness, and employability skills for 300-500 children aged 10-13, and improve the employment rate and quarterly earnings of 300-500 transition-age youth eligible for Pre-ETS or Vocational Rehabilitation services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-forest-health-support-rural-maine-economies", "King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Forest Health, Support Rural Maine Economies", "2023-10-03", "2023", "2023-10", "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, alongside Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), have introduced bipartisan legislation to improve forest health and support Maine\u2019s rural economy. The Timber Innovation Act for Building Rural Communities Act would require the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a method where it can accurately monitor and measure the carbon impacts of forest management. It would also set up several grant programs to support Maine wood products businesses.\n\nIn 2018, Senator King was key in ensuring the Timber Innovation Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation that aims to find new and innovative uses for wood as a building material, was included in that year\u2019s Farm Bill. The forestry and forest products sector is one of Maine's strongest industries, producing 2.5 times the concentration that would be expected for the state\u2019s size.\n\n\u201cMaine\u2019s forest products industry is inseparable from our state\u2019s history, culture, and economic success,\u201d said Senator Angus King. \u201cThe Timber Innovation Act for Building Rural Communities Act would build on this legacy and provide both funding and infrastructure to responsibly track the health of our forests, and all those Maine businesses reliant on their longevity. If anyone knows the value of planting seeds for a prosperous future, it\u2019s Maine\u2019s forest products industry that is out there working the forests for the continued success of our communities and our state economy. Thanks to my bipartisan partners in Congress, we have the ability to build on this legacy as a leader in American forestry.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the Senator was a key voice and co-sponsor in the previous Timber Innovation Act in 2018, we feel it is incredibly important to have his leadership and voice on the newest bill. The Wood Innovation Grant is included in the Act, and the expansion of that program in 2018 has had an incredibly positive impact on innovation in the forest products industry,\u201d said Alex Ingraham of Pingree Associations. \u201cAllowing for more efficient processes, and innovations to be implemented while also providing key dollars for research and development. The language of this act also answers the next step from the TIA in 2018, where market demand was built for mass timber. The demand is now there, new projects are being announced daily, but we are lacking manufacturing and more importantly data correlation from the forest to the products, particularly for mass timber. This bill helps create the path to building those answers and creating a more climate friendly built environment.\u201d\n\nThe Timber Innovation for Building Rural Communities Act would:\n\nRequire the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in consultation with Tribes, State Foresters, and private sector partners, to establish a platform for measuring, monitoring, verifying and reporting data about the carbon impacts from forest management and wood products.\n\nReduce the matching requirement for the existing Wood Innovation Grant Program and direct that priority be given to proposed projects in communities with higher-than-average unemployment, that recognize or enhance carbon reduction strategies in building design, or report on the resilience and economic benefits of the proposal.\n\nEstablish the Wood Building Accelerator Grant Program to fund programs that support the critical elements of designing and building with wood, including traditional wood products, mass timber and other advanced wood products.\n\nEstablish the Rural Infrastructure and Building Pilot Program to fund pilot programs that demonstrate the use of innovative wood products in the construction and renovation of rural infrastructure and building projects, such as affordable, modular housing.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has been a national leader in efforts to support Maine\u2019s forest products industry with efforts to address climate change, support the health of ecosystems and bolster sustainable wood production. This summer, during a Senate Energy and Natural Resource hearing, Senator King pushed for proactive forest management. During his questions, he highlighted the growing risk of severe wildfires and pressed the Director of the U.S. Department of Interior\u2019s Office of Wildfire Land on solutions to reduce these risks. Earlier in the year, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation that would establish a \u201cFuture of Forests\u201d panel tasked with making recommendations to secure the health of America\u2019s forests.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-lee-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-create-one-national-made-in-usa-labeling-standard", "King, Lee Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Create One National \u201cMade in USA\u201d Labeling Standard", "2023-10-02", "2023", "2023-10", "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. \u2013U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) today introduced a bill that strengthens and simplifies American manufacturing by creating one national \u201cMade in USA\u201d labeling standard. The Reinforcing American-Made Products Act would ensure that the federal government maintains authority over setting country-of-origin labeling standards, preventing a variety of state-by-state logos and labels that would confuse consumers.\n\nUnder current conditions, businesses that make their products in the United States face a patchwork of different state laws \u2013 making compliance costs burdensome in order to ensure products can be sold across the country with the designation. Varied state regulations also expose manufacturers to unnecessary litigation. The Reinforcing American-Made Products Act would fix that by creating one national standard.\n\n\u201cWhen a consumer sees a \u2018Made in the USA\u2019 label, they know they\u2019re purchasing a high-quality product and supporting American jobs,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Reinforcing American-Made Products Act would ensure that a \u2018Made in the USA\u2019 label is a simple, straightforward way to help consumers make informed decisions about the products they intend to buy. Thank you to Senator Lee for working with me to support American manufacturers and streamline this process for consumers who want to support American workers.\u201d\n\n\u201cNow more than ever, Americans care about the \u2018Made in USA\u2019 label; and they should because it shows consumers a product is of high quality and supports good jobs here in America,\u201d said Senator Lee. \u201cUnfortunately, some states have made it unnecessarily difficult for businesses to use the \u2018Made in USA\u2019 label and empowered trial lawyers to get rich through differing labeling standards. This bill solves that problem by making one national standard for the \u2018Made in USA\u2019 label.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are proud to employ more than 750 associates across our Norridgewock, Norway and Skowhegan, Maine factories who produce high-quality athletic footwear through New Balance\u2019s long-standing commitment to domestic manufacturing,\u201d said New Balance Athletics, Inc.\u2019s Amy Dow. \u201cSenator King\u2019s legislation will ensure a federal standard for \u2018Made in U.S.A.\u2019 that would eliminate conflicting state and federal law for American manufacturers and support future domestic manufacturing growth.\u201d\n\nThe Senators\u2019 legislation passed the Senate unanimously in 2020 and 2021. This year, the House of Representatives has showed increased interest in the bill. The House Energy and Commerce Committee plans to hold a hearing on the legislation, signaling growing bipartisan, bicameral support for a uniform \u2018Made in America\u2019 standard.\n\nThe full bill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-september-podcast-king-highlights-steps-to-help-maine-seniors-stand-strong", "In September Podcast, King Highlights Steps to Help Maine Seniors \u2018Stand Strong\u2019", "2023-09-30", "2023", "2023-09", "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 The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the September episode of his \u201cInside Maine\u201d podcast, in which he shared his thinking with guests on prevention methods to keep older Maine people and Americans \u2018Stand Strong\u2019 throughout their golden years and avoid injuries from falls. During the podcast, he spoke with Florida Representative Congresswoman Lois Frankel and Peggy Haynes, a consultant for MaineHealth and previously served as its Senior Director of Healthy Aging.\n\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older. In 2021, there were 325 deaths in Maine attributed to older adult falls and Maine ranked 8th highest in the nation per capita on the rate of deaths due to falls. Earlier this week, Senator King introduced legislation that would encourage proactive home modifications and increase access to preventive screenings for older Americans to keep them healthy and thriving \u2013 and avoid costly injuries; Representative Frankel plans to introduce House companions of this legislation in the near future.\n\n\u201cWe all know the saying that \u2018an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,\u2019 so preventative care is a win-win for patients, family support systems, Medicare beneficiaries, and taxpayers,\u201d said Senator King, a founding member of the Congressional Task Force on Falls Prevention. \u201cAs we work to support our older Maine neighbors, we must ensure that they have all the necessary support to continue \u2018Standing Strong\u2019 throughout their golden years. With the help of reduced-cost tools like grab bars, and expanded access to telemedicine, older Maine people will be able to avoid preventable injuries. It\u2019s the difference between spending a few hundred dollars on household items and spending thousands recovering from an avoidable injury. Thanks to my colleague, Representative Frankel, and Peggy Haynes, for working with me to support our community\u2019s most vulnerable members.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Lois Frankel has spent her life delivering positive change to her community as a civic leader, state legislator, mayor, and now Member of the United States House of Representatives, serving on behalf of Florida\u2019s 22nd district. She currently sits on the House Appropriations Committee where she serves on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies and the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs subcommittees. Margaret \u201cPeggy\u201d Haynes, MPA, BA, is a consultant for MaineHealth and previously served as Senior Director for MaineHealth\u2019s Partnership for Healthy Aging (PFHA) and Elder Care Services. Ms. Haynes has over forty years of leadership experience working with older adults in programs designed enhance their ability to live independently in the community. Under her leadership of MaineHealth's Partnership for Healthy Aging (PFHA), the organization has received national recognition for efforts in health promotion and collaboration between health care and community organizations, and has led the successful translation and national dissemination of A Matter of Balance to a Lay Leader model.\n\nSenator King remains committed to supporting Maine\u2019s seniors. This podcast follows Senator King\u2019s Thursday introduction of the initial components of his \u2018Stand Strong\u2019 legislative package. This package includes the reintroduction of the Preventative Home Visits Act as well as the reintroduction of the WELL Seniors Act. These bills will expand Medicare benefits to provide home modifications to prevent falls, make telehealth services more accessible, and include more comprehensive screenings during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. This package is accompanied by the creation of the Congressional Task Force on Falls Prevention, co-founded by Senator King and Congresswoman Frankel.\n\nFall prevention interventions can be as simple as installing a grab bar or signing up for an exercise class that improves balance; and the cost-effectiveness is clear-cut. Hospitalizations are expensive, and the cost to Medicare and other payers to replace a hip can be tens of thousands of dollars. In terms of direct medical expenditures, falls cost our healthcare system $50 billion annually, with 76% of that borne by Medicare and Medicaid. The CDC estimates that the 2014 total direct cost of treating non-fatal falls in Maine was $255 million. However, direct costs do not account for the long-term effects of these injuries, such as disability, dependence on others, lost time from work and household duties, and reduced quality of life.\n\nThe \"Inside Maine\" podcast airs on the last Saturday of the month and aims to keep Mainers informed about issues, how they affect life in the state, and how they factor into Senator King\u2019s work.\n\nTo listen to the September edition of Senator King\u2019s podcast, click here, or find it on Apple Podcasts.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-avoid-government-shutdown-through-short-term-funding-agreement", "King Votes To Avoid Government Shutdown Through Short-Term Funding Agreement", "2023-09-30", "2023", "2023-09", "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. Senator Angus King released the following statement after the Senate passed a bipartisan bill 88-9 to fund the government for 45 more days, averting an immediate shutdown:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote from Congress will protect and sustain the current government services and operations that every American relies upon \u2013 from soldiers and seniors to small businesses and the most vulnerable among us \u2014 but it should not have come with so much bad faith and brinksmanship. The fact that this 45-day spending bill doesn\u2019t contain the drastic and damaging cuts sought by fringe members is a welcome reality check.\n\n\u201cAlthough I would have preferred that the provision providing funding for Ukraine\u2019s fight against Putin\u2019s aggression have remained in the bill, its removal by the House Republicans should not be seen as representing a meaningful shift in the overwhelming bipartisan support for Ukraine \u2014 both now and in the future.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-following-death-of-his-colleague-senator-dianne-feinstein", "King Releases Statement Following Death of his Colleague, Senator Dianne Feinstein", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Following the passing of his colleague, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThere is no one in this body that has been a stronger defender of Democracy and transparency in government than my colleague and friend, Senator Dianne Feinstein. Time and again, she served as an example to her constituents in California, and Americans across the country, that it is important to do what is right regardless of the politics of the moment. In 2014, as the Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Feinstein led the release of the report on the review of the CIA detention program following 9/11 which had been prepared by the Intelligence Committee. She stressed the importance of releasing the report publicly, in spite of the argument that it could be used to incite bad will toward our country, saying on the Senate floor that \u2018history will judge us by our commitment to a just society governed by law and the willingness to face an ugly truth\u2026\u2019 Her words and legacy continue to ring true today. We all need to be a little more like my friend Dianne \u2014 even when it\u2019s hard. For while it is easy to disagree with your opponents, it is far harder to disagree with your friends.\n\n\u201cJust yesterday, Senator Feinstein took one of her last votes on the Senate floor while I was presiding \u2014 representing her people in her final hours. May the Senate remember her words, may the Country appreciate her voice and may we all continue in \u2018our commitment to a just society.\u2019 My thoughts are with her daughter, Katherine Feinstein; her son-in-law, Rick Mariano; and her granddaughter, Eileen Feinstein Mariano. May her memory be a blessing.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-postmaster-dejoy-to-urgently-address-unacceptable-maine-postal-deficiencies", "Maine Delegation Calls on Postmaster DeJoy to Urgently Address \u2018Unacceptable\u2019 Maine Postal Deficiencies", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "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. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden are calling on Postmaster Louis DeJoy to urgently address troubling deficiencies found among U.S. Postal Service (USPS) operations in Maine. The letter follows the release of a recent U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) report, requested by Senator Collins and Congresswoman Pingree last year, that found over 150,000 pieces of delayed mail across five mail delivery units in Southern Maine.\n\n\u201cThe USPS is a lifeline for Mainers, from delivering paychecks and medical supplies to connecting loved ones. We have heard frequently from constituents in recent months that deliveries have slowed or even stopped for days at a time, prompting concerns about missing essential mail,\u201d the Delegation wrote. \u201cUnfortunately, the OIG\u2019s report confirmed major deficiencies at all five locations surveyed, impacting mail delivery, customer service, and property conditions. On one morning in March 2023, more than 150,000 pieces of delayed mail were found across the delivery units. Put simply, this is unacceptable.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, the Maine Delegation requests that Postmaster DeJoy address these deficiencies and provide an update on implementation of the OIG\u2019s recommendations to improve service and conditions at the surveyed locations and implement previously recommended actions to retain staff.\n\nThe letter is available here and copied below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Postmaster DeJoy,\n\nWe write today concerning recent audits completed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) at five delivery units in Southern Maine and request an update on efforts to address recommendations outlined in the OIG\u2019s report.\n\nThe USPS is a lifeline for Mainers, from delivering paychecks and medical supplies to connecting loved ones. We have heard frequently from constituents in recent months that deliveries have slowed or even stopped for days at a time, prompting concerns about missing essential mail. Unfortunately, the OIG\u2019s report confirmed major deficiencies at all five locations surveyed, impacting mail delivery, customer service, and property conditions. On one morning in March 2023, more than 150,000 pieces of delayed mail were found across the delivery units. Put simply, this is unacceptable.\n\nUSPS management must urgently address the deficiencies identified in the report. In addition to its findings, the OIG included ten recommendations to improve service and conditions at the surveyed locations. We support implementing these recommendations and request an update on USPS management\u2019s response to each.\n\nFurther, we note that the report emphasizes that understaffing represents a significant barrier to efficient and quality service in Southern Maine. To this end, we additionally request an update on USPS\u2019s progress in implementing the recommendations made by OIG in its April 2023 report on Postal Service Non-Career Turnover, after a nationwide audit found that schedule flexibility and supervisor relations are major challenges to retention.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to our offices.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-overdoses-rising-senators-king-and-capito-designate-september-as-national-recovery-month", "With Overdoses Rising, Senators King and Capito Designate September as \u201cNational Recovery Month\u201d", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Angus King (I-Maine) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), today applauded the unanimous passage of their bipartisan resolution designating September, 2022 as \u201cNational Recovery Month.\u201d The Senators\u2019 resolution comes as overdoes are rising across the nation. 2021 saw a 15 percent increase in overdose deaths nationwide, with communities across the country losing over 100,000 loved ones \u2013 including 600 in Maine, a record high for the state. The resolution specifically recognizes the many challenges contributing to growing substance use disorders and the need for more community resources and education to help address the crisis.\n\nIn addition to Senators King and Capito, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.).\n\n\u201cTo anyone suffering from substance use disorders, your communities and loved ones are here for you \u2013 we see you and we want to help,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe last few years have not been easy, there have been periods of immense stress, difficult isolation, and unexpected hardships for all Americans. These conditions have been even more challenging for those battling substance use disorders. During this year\u2019s National Recovery Month, we must recommit ourselves to supporting those struggling with this deadly public health issue, providing more resources to address our nation\u2019s opioid epidemic, and becoming more compassionate as communities. Together, recovery is possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cRaising awareness of the available treatment and recovery measures is incredibly important as addiction continues to devastate communities and families in West Virginia and across the country. I am hopeful that with this resolution, which designates the month of September as \u2018National Recovery Month,\u2019 that more people will become educated about treatment options and supports for those in recovery. This is a critical component of the spectrum of solutions needed to save lives and fight back against the scourge of addiction, and I am proud to lead my colleagues in introducing this resolution,\u201d Senator Capito said.\n\n\u201cThe drug epidemic continues to ravage our communities across West Virginia. From April 2021 to April 2022, we lost 1,420 West Virginians to drug related overdoses, and the COVID-19 pandemic made this heartbreaking issue much worse,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cEvery West Virginian has been impacted by substance use disorder, and it is our responsibility to provide our family, friends and neighbors with the support and recovery services they need and deserve. I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in designating September as National Recovery Month to help bring awareness to this crisis facing so many of our fellow West Virginians and Americans.\"\n\n\u201cEvery New Mexican deserves to live a life free from substance use disorder, and have the opportunity to access the support and medical care necessary to reach their fullest potential. As we continue to address the opioid epidemic, it is vital that we remove the stigma surrounding recovery services and support our friends and family in recovering from substance use disorder,\u201d said Senator Luj\u00e1n. \u201cI\u2019m proud the Senate passed this resolution that recommits us to the importance of better serving those experiencing substance use disorder and providing a pathway to recovery.\u201d\n\nThirteen percent of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use during 2020, largely due to increased stress and isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic. It\u2019s estimated that the total cost to the country from substance abuse disorders, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, and involvement of the criminal justice system, is $78,500,000,000 annually \u2013 a figure that continues to grow.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-introduce-bill-to-expand-popular-grant-program-for-maine-organic-farmers", "King, Pingree Introduce Bill to Expand Popular Grant Program for Maine Organic Farmers", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "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. Senator Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree have introduced legislation to ensure Maine organic farmers and businesses are well equipped to expand their businesses, reach new markets and further support Maine\u2019s agricultural economy. The Organic Market Development Act would codify and increase support for an existing, and highly popular, grant program, which would help resolve supply chain gaps as demands for organic products continue to rise.\n\nIn a 2020 study, Maine, per capita, ranked second in the country for the availability of organic food. For every 100,000 Maine people, there are 37 organic farms located across the state \u2013 with Maine vegetable farms producing the most organic produce in the nation.\n\n\u201cAs Maine\u2019s organic farmers face increasing challenges from changing global markets, climate change, and more, we must continue to provide resources and support to help them evolve with the times,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Organic Market Development Act would codify an existing and highly in demand grant program to ensure the continuance of grant funding to Maine\u2019s organic farmers so that they can respond to these challenges and pave the way for the future of the organic food industry. Thanks to Representative Pingree for supporting Maine farmers and the entire American agriculture industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cOrganic agriculture sales reached over $60 billion in 2022 and continues to grow, building a more resilient and sustainable food system. As more farmers consider making the transition from conventional to organic farming, we must strengthen organic processing and storage and enhance market opportunities,\u201d said Congresswoman Pingree, a longtime organic farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce the Organic Market Development Act alongside Congresswomen Kuster and Salinas and Senator Baldwin to expand and create new markets for organic products.\u201d\n\n\"Organic Market Development is critical for Maine's producers to be able to access funding and support for processing infrastructure and market creation,\u201d said Sarah Alexander, Executive Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). \u201cWe can keep more money in Maine's rural farming communities if producers can add value to their products before they're sold. This could especially benefit our organic dairy community by adding organic dairy processing and cold storage in the state, both of which are currently lacking.\"\n\nRetail sales of organic fresh fruits and vegetables were an estimated $19.2 billion in 2021 and have steadily trended upward for the past two decades. In 2021, U.S. sales of organic food products reached $52 billion, nearly double the sales done in 2010.\n\nThe Organic Market Development Act will:\n\nIncrease the capacity of the domestic organic product supply chain for producers, handlers, suppliers, and processors of certified organic products;\n\nModernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems;\n\nImprove the capacity of eligible entities to comply with applicable regulatory requirements or quality standards required to access markets;\n\nExpand capacity for processing, aggregation, and distribution of certified organic products to create more and better markets for producers of certified organic products; facilitate market development for domestically produced certified organic products;\n\nConduct feasibility studies and market viability assessments to inform organic transition strategies and opportunities;\n\nAddress barriers to entry to organic product certification for historically underserved entities; and\n\nSupport market and promotional activities that help build commercial markets for certified organic products in the United States.\n\nSenator King has been a strong advocate for Maine farmers. He previously introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill to boost marketing efforts and overseas sales for American agricultural products with Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). Their Expanding Agricultural Exports Act is estimated to increase agricultural exports by $7.4 billion by doubling funding for the advertising programs of agricultural goods in foreign countries. Additionally, Senator King has worked to support Maine\u2019s lobster fishery, wild blueberry industry and potato farmers. King has also co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to combat the unfair practice of mislabeling non-dairy products using dairy names.\n\nCongresswoman Pingree, a longtime organic farmer, is a member of both the House Agriculture Committee and House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, and is Co-Chair of the House Organic Caucus. In Congress, Pingree has distinguished herself as a strong supporter of organic and sustainable agriculture, authoring the landmark Agriculture Resilience Act, which sets a bold vision of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by 2040. As the only House Agriculture Committee member who has on-the-ground experience as an organic farmer, Pingree is a voice for small family farmers and local agriculture producers during Farm Bill negotiations. Because of her leadership, the 2018 Farm Bill more than doubled funding for organic research, created the first federal produce prescription program, and created the local agriculture market program with permanent federal funding. This summer, Pingree brought House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn \u201cG.T\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) and other Committee members to Maine for a Farm Bill listening session.\n\nSenator King and Representative Pingree were joined by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Representative Annie Kuster (D-NH-02) in introducing this legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-introduces-legislation-to-help-older-americans-stand-strong-and-avoid-injuries-from-falls", "Senator King Introduces Legislation to Help Older Americans \u2018Stand Strong\u2019 and Avoid Injuries from Falls", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "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. \u2013With Maine losing hundreds of residents each year from household falls, Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today is announcing legislation which would help older Maine people \u201cStand Strong\u201d and avoid injuries from falls. The Stand Strong legislative package would encourage proactive home modifications and increase access to preventative screenings for older Americans to keep them thriving while avoiding costly injuries. The package includes the reintroduction of the Preventative Home Visits Act and the WELL Seniors Act. These bills would expand Medicare benefits to cover home modifications, ensure the accessibility of telehealth services and include comprehensive screenings during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits.\n\nOn a percentage basis, Maine leads the nation with the largest 65 and older population. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older. In 2021, there were 325 deaths in Maine attributed to older adult falls and Maine ranked 8th highest in the nation per capita on the rate of deaths due to falls.\n\n\u201cWe all know the saying that \u2018an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,\u2019 so preventative care is a win-win for patients, family support systems, Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayers,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe \u2018Stand Strong\u2019 legislative package will ensure older Maine people have access to preventative care like home modifications and telehealth accessibility \u2014 hopefully leading to less falls and injuries which are costly for the patient and taxpayers alike. I\u2019m thankful to my colleague and co-founder of the Congressional Task Force on Falls Prevention, Representative Lois Frankel for her help in making sure older Americans across all communities can continue to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senator King\u2019s leadership in advancing proven strategies to reduce falls among older adults. Strengthening Medicare annual wellness visits to address falls risk screenings, expanding access to home safety improvements, and conducting an outreach campaign and program evaluation are important steps forward. We look forward to working with partners in Maine and across the country to help make the case for these long-overdue policy improvements,\" said Ramsey Alwin, the President of the National Council on Aging.\n\nAcross the nation over 3 million older people are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries each year, and over 800,000 patients are hospitalized because of a fall injury. Additionally, the financial impact of treating falls related injuries costs the nation $50 billion annually for the effects of these falls.\n\nThis \u2018Stand Strong\u2019 legislative package is accompanied by the creation of the Congressional Task Force on Falls Prevention, co-founded by Senator King and Congresswoman Frankel.\n\nLater this week, Senator King will interview Representative Frankel and Peggy Haynes, a consultant for MaineHealth and previously the organization\u2019s Senior Director of Healthy Aging, during his \u201cInside Maine\u201d podcast which drops on Saturday, September 30.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/were-in-a-race-against-climate-change-king-stresses-in-committee-hearing-to-expedite-clean-energy-project-approval-process", "\u201cWe\u2019re In a Race\u201d against Climate Change, King Stresses in Committee Hearing to Expedite Clean Energy Project Approval Process", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "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 today continued expressing urgency for streamlining the permitting reform process, so that clean energy projects can be built responsibly in support of America\u2019s race against climate change. In a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, King questioned Mark Compton, the Executive Director of the American Exploration & Mining Association, about the important role permitting reform plays in a clean energy future and how to best streamline the permitting process to achieve this goal.\n\nKing began his remarks by laying out the global impact of climate change.\n\n\u201cI want to just put this hearing in a little bit of perspective. We're not talking about rolling back mining regulations or shortening statute of limitations in order to have somebody make more money. We're trying to beat climate change, and we're in a race, and it's a race in a matter of months and years. I just heard on the radio this morning that glaciers in Switzerland have declined 10% in the last two years. That's astounding if you think about that, these are glaciers that have been there for thousands of years. So, this is an urgent environmental priority. And it strikes me that one of the problems is that we're treating this as sort of environmental growth or environmental protection,\u201d began Senator King.\n\nHe continued by highlighting the connection between green energy and permitting reform.\n\n\u201cGreen energy is over here, and permitting reform is over here. And they're not [merely] related \u2013 they're intimately related. For example, one of the things we haven't talked about today is grid access. We have environmental projects, wind and solar projects that can't get on the grid because of the inadequacy of the grid. Well that means there's going to have to be transmission. I was at a meeting last week on transmission. There are three major transmission projects in the west, the shortest of which has been at it 21 years from the time of the inception of the project to the time it's going to go online. The longer, I think, is about 25 years. That's another example of exactly what we're talking about,\u201d said Senator King.\n\nKing then asked Compton about streamlining the mining permit process.\n\n\u201cSo, I guess what I would like, and perhaps we could take this for the record, is some specificity about what makes it take 14 years to do a mine. In other words, how much is NEPA, how much is local permitting, how much is state, how much is litigation? Do you see what I'm asking? Mr. Compton it would help us, I think, if we knew exactly where the bottlenecks were, and then we can move to try to address them. By the way, the comment about litigation reminded me of Jarndyce versus Jarndyce, Dickens' famous case in Bleak House, where the lawyers passed the litigation on from generation to generation. You said half of a person's life could be spent permitting one project. How about the role of state and local permitting? Because we're all talking about federal permitting and NEPA. But aren't state and local permitting issues also at stake here,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cThey absolutely are. And we need better coordination between federal and state and local permitting and being able to, when one or the other has completed analysis, for the others, to be able to use that analysis. But you're absolutely right. If we are truly going to tackle climate change, we have to get serious about this now. And to your point about the various phases of mining in the mining lifecycle, every bit of those phases need to be constricted. Exploration can take up to ten years or more before we even get to the start of permitting. Having the USGS doing additional research and mapping and sharing that information with mining companies can help shorten that period of time,\u201d responded Compton.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s a good example of it. I think what we need is a little bit of urgency on this issue, because we are in a race with the warming climate and the effects, the catastrophic effects that's going to have on us,\u201d concluded Senator King.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that deliver on the clean energy potential of last year\u2019s historic Inflation Reduction Act. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to deliver carefully considered, timely approvals of sorely-needed clean energy projects. In addition to a recent discussion with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 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", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-and-protect-maine-forests", "King Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen and Protect Maine Forests", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "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. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Working Forests Caucus, has introduced legislation to protect and restore Maine\u2019s forests, aiming to bolster both the economic success and environmental health of the state. The bipartisan bill, America\u2019s Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration (ARCs) Act of 2023, would work to restore ecosystems, boost carbon sequestration through tree planting, improve fire risk reduction and expand forest products and wood innovation. The forestry and forest products sector is one of Maine's strongest industries, producing 2.5 times the concentration that would be expected for the state\u2019s size.\n\n\u201cThe health of America\u2019s forests has long been essential to the long-term economic and environmental health of our nation,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cAs one of the most forested states in the country, Maine understands that working forests support jobs and communities, help to prevent forest fires, and mitigate the effect of climate change. In the face of shifting market demands and increasing risks of forest fires, we need to encourage innovative solutions that support the long-term health of our forests and our timber industry. This legislation is the approach we need at the moment \u2013 a commonsense, bipartisan bill that protects our forests today and lays the foundation plants the seeds of future success by incentivizing forward-thinking technologies like cross-laminated timber.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile we were fortunate to have avoided impacts from widespread wildfires, as other states have seen in recent years, the Maine Forest Products Council appreciates Senator King\u2019s efforts to protect this important resource for this and future generations,\u201d said Patrick Strauch, Executive Director of the Maine Forest Products Council. \u201cMaine\u2019s forests are working, providing more than $8 billion in economic benefits to our state annually. America\u2019s Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration Act would help protect our valuable forest resources while expanding the use of innovative forest products.\u201d\n\nThe America\u2019s Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration (ARCs) Act of 2023 would:\n\nSequester Carbon and Improve Ecosystems Through Revegetation: By creating a locally-driven, national revegetation effort. ARCs establishes regional revegetation task forces, each comprised of federal agencies and on-the-ground, non-federal partners. Regional task forces will each develop a 10year comprehensive revegetation strategy and implementation plan, and carry out the plan with special attention paid to ensuring adequate nursery and seed capacity.\n\nMitigate Carbon Emissions Through Wildfire Prevention: By incentivizing more mechanical thinning and timber harvesting projects on National Forests at very high risk to wildfires. ARCs establishes a non-federal funding stream for these projects through an innovative, first-of-its-kind approach that allows money exchanged for voluntary carbon credits to be used by the Forest Service and its state and local partners.\n\nStore Carbon Through Expanded Use of Wood Products: By increasing mass timber (e.g., crosslaminated timber) demand, research, and education; by ensuring salvage logging projects can be completed in a timely manner, where appropriate, after disturbance events; and by expanding the use of biochar, a specialty charcoal with immense carbon sequestration potential.\n\nEradicate Invasive Grasses That Make Rangelands More Flammable: By establishing action plans to identify and eliminate harmful invasive grasses, such as cheatgrass and ventenata, that make landscapes more prone to wildfires.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has been a national leader in efforts to support Maine\u2019s forest products industry with efforts to address climate change, support the health of ecosystems and bolster sustainable wood production. Most recently, Senator King introduced the bipartisan Timber Innovation Act to improve forest health and improve Maine\u2019s rural economy. This summer, during a Senate Energy and Natural Resource hearing, Senator King pushed for proactive forest management and highlighted the growing risk of severe wildfires and pressed the Director of the U.S. Department of Interior\u2019s Office of Wildfire Land on solutions to reduce these risks.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator King also introduced bipartisan legislation that would establish a \u201cFuture of Forests\u201d panel tasked with making recommendations to secure the health of America\u2019s forests. He also was 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.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-golden-call-on-va-secretary-to-provide-funding-for-safe-firearm-storage", "King, Pingree, Golden Call on VA Secretary to Provide Funding for Safe Firearm Storage", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "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 During Suicide Prevention Month, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, are urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide more resources and better protect veterans struggling with mental health conditions. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, the Maine Delegation is requesting the VA set aside funding for Regional VA Offices to provide veterans gun safes and lockboxes to safely store firearms.\n\nMaine\u2019s veteran population suffers from one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. As part of the Governor\u2019s Challenge, the VA, the Maine Bureau of Veterans Service and partner organizations have attempted to distribute gun locks and safes upon request to help decrease suicides and self-harm. Studies have shown these distribution efforts can help save lives, and, in turn, the demand for safe firearm storage has been high. The Maine Bureau of Veterans Services received over 2,500 requests for gun locks over the past three years. Unfortunately, due to limited funding, fewer than ten Maine veterans received gun lockboxes or safes.\n\n\u201cOn average, seventeen U.S. veterans die by suicide every day. A rate that is 57% greater than that of their civilian counterparts. In the state of Maine, roughly 75% of these deaths of despair are self-inflicted using a firearm,\u201d wrote Senator King and Representatives Pingree and Golden. \u201cDuring your recent visit to Maine, we discussed how essential safe gun storage can be to a veteran in crisis. In addition, you learned about some of the current work being done by the VA in Maine to provide veterans with gun safes, lockboxes, and locks as part of the Governor\u2019s Challenge. Gun safes were particularly sought after by veterans.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cThat is why the Veterans Benefits Administration should set aside funding for Regional Offices to buy and give away gun safes and gun lockboxes to provide safe storage options for veterans. A number of studies have found that gun storage, such as gun locks, lockboxes, and safes can help prevent suicide. These devices create a moment of pause for veterans who are contemplating harm; putting time and space between a person in crisis and their firearm can save a life.\u201d\n\nAs a result, we believe that it is important for the VA to set aside specific funds to distribute gun locks, lockboxes, and safes to veterans in need. We need innovative approaches to support veteran suicide prevention efforts, and providing funding to the safe storage of guns would be incredibly impactful in helping reduce the high rate of veteran suicide,\u201d the concluded.\n\nIn August, the Delegation welcomed Secretary McDonough to Maine, at the invitation of Senator King, to visit Togus and see firsthand the challenges facing Maine veterans. During the trip Secretary McDonough visited the Rumford VA Clinic to see the progress made since last year\u2019s enactment of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Pact Act. He also toured Maine Veterans Home in Augusta and the Portland VA Clinic, then joined a panel discussion at the University of Southern Maine for the launch of a statewide \u201cNo Homeless Veteran\u201d Challenge.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary McDonough,\n\nOn average, seventeen U.S. veterans die by suicide every day. A rate that is 57% greater than that of their civilian counterparts. In the state of Maine, roughly 75% of these deaths of despair are self-inflicted using a firearm. During your recent visit to Maine, we discussed how essential safe gun storage can be to a veteran in crisis. In addition, you learned about some of the current work being done by the VA in Maine to provide veterans with gun safes, lockboxes, and locks as part of the Governor\u2019s Challenge. Gun safes were particularly sought after by veterans.\n\nThat is why the Veterans Benefits Administration should set aside funding for Regional Offices to buy and give away gun safes and gun lockboxes to provide safe storage options for veterans. A number of studies have found that gun storage, such as gun locks, lockboxes, and safes can help prevent suicide. These devices create a moment of pause for veterans who are contemplating harm; putting time and space between a person in crisis and their firearm can save a life.\n\nAs part of Maine\u2019s Governor\u2019s Challenge, the VA, the Maine Bureau of Veteran Services, and partner organizations are providing information on gun storage and working with gun shops and ranges to allow veterans to safely store their guns in times of crisis. These groups have been distributing gun locks and gun safes since 2020. The demand for these products is clear. To that end, there have been over 2,450 requests for gun locks. However, due to a lack of resources, less than 10 gun lockboxes or safes have been distributed. We can and must do better.\n\nAs a result, we believe that it is important for the VA to set aside specific funds to distribute gun locks, lockboxes, and safes to veterans in need. We need innovative approaches to support veteran suicide prevention efforts, and providing funding to the safe storage of guns would be incredibly impactful in helping reduce the high rate of veteran suicide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/weve-been-a-free-lunch-for-china-senator-king-observes-while-emphasizing-need-for-a-strong-deterrence-strategy", "\u201cWe\u2019ve been a free lunch for China,\u201d Senator King Observes While Emphasizing Need for a Strong Deterrence Strategy", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "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 today spoke to top China experts about American defense policy and the need to deter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from influencing American companies, elections, and interests. In an open hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee (SSCI), King asked Dr. Glenn Tiffert \u2013 a distinguished research fellow at the Hoover Institution \u2013 about the importance of a strong deterrence strategy to ensure the United States can defend itself from multiple forms of Chinese aggression.\n\nIn a conversation with Dr. Tiffert, Senator King asked about the importance of deterrence against Chinese aggression.\n\nWe've spent practically all this hearing talking about the problem, and I'm interested in some of the solutions. I believe that one of the great failures of American policy going back at least three, maybe four administrations is the lack of deterrence,\u201d began Senator King. \u201cWe have been a free lunch for China in terms of cyber: the OPM hack, the, the egregious stealing of intellectual property, nothing ever happens as a result. We talk about, Presidents talk about, we will respond in some way at some time of our choosing, never happens. Dr. Tiffert, don't you think we need to develop a stronger deterrent, declaratory policy that if you interfere in this country in illegal and malevolent ways you're going to pay a price?\u201d\n\n\u201cI would agree with that. Absolutely. And developing tools of economic statecraft, I think is something we need to devote a significant attention to, because obviously, we want tools that fall short of war with regard to deterrence,\u201d responded Dr. Tiffert. \u201cSo yes, I mean, for too long, we've indulged asymmetry throughout our relationship with China. Everything from journalists visas to students to the way businesses operate, who can do business in China. There's a fundamental mismatch between a closed society, a one-party dictatorship like China, and an open multiparty democracy, like the United States. This is something that I think a lot of countries are waking up to around the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf they want to compete, that's fine, we can compete. I believe we can compete successfully, but if they are taking advantage of the openness of this society, visa vie the close nature of their society, there should be some response,\u201d concluded Senator King.\n\nA member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues. In addition, Senator King is seen as a national leader in fighting threats from technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission \u2013 which has had dozens of recommendations become law. Most recently, he introduced bipartisan legislation to better evaluate national security threats posed by China. Earlier in the year, he introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a commission tasked with developing a comprehensive whole-of-government approach for how the United States should address the economic, security and diplomatic challenges posed by China.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-and-colleagues-seek-to-protect-affordable-equitable-internet-access-for-all-maine-people", "King and Colleagues Seek to Protect Affordable, Equitable Internet Access for all Maine People", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "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 and several of his Senate colleagues are calling on the FCC to protect affordable and equitable Internet access for all Maine people. In a letter to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Senators are urging the FCC to expeditiously reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act and restore net neutrality protections. By doing so, this would allow the FCC to better protect consumers from harmful practices online, promote affordable access to the internet, enhance public safety, increase marketplace competition, and take other important steps to benefit our nation\u2019s digital future.\n\n\u201cOnly with Title II classification can the FCC prohibit unreasonable and unjust practices of broadband providers, effectively protect network resiliency and national security, ensure service quality, expand internet access, and combat anti-competitive practices. The FCC is the agency with expertise in broadband policy, and reclassifying broadband as a Title II service is a requisite step in the FCC\u2019s efforts to serve the American people and conduct proper oversight of broadband internet,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nThe Senators continue, \u201cYou have unequivocally condemned the FCC\u2019s past actions to roll back net neutrality policies and relinquish FCC authority over broadband. Now that the FCC has a full complement of commissioners, we urge you to act to protect the free and open internet for all Americans. We commend you for your leadership and appreciate your attention to this important topic.\u201d\n\nAs Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus, Senator King has been a strong advocate for expanding affordable, equitable internet access as a way to increase economic opportunity across America. Last year, he cosponsored the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act to reinstate net neutrality protections and stop discriminatory practices like blocking, speed throttling, and paid prioritization. He was a key negotiator of the historic broadband provisions in the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which are expected to deliver over $400 million for Maine\u2019s broadband expansion. King has fiercely defended the importance of net neutrality and previously introduced the Save the Internet Act to restore the consumer internet protections. He has also written an OpEd with Senator Booker on the importance of the open Internet.\n\nThe letter is cosigned by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2019i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Chairwoman Rosenworcel:\n\nWe write regarding the Federal Communication Commission\u2019s (FCC\u2019s) rightful authority over broadband internet access. Now that the FCC has a full slate of commissioners, we urge you to expeditiously reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act. Doing so will enable you to effectively protect consumers from harmful practices online, promote affordable access to the internet, enhance public safety, increase marketplace competition, and take other important steps to benefit our nation\u2019s digital future.\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has left no doubt that, now more than ever, broadband is essential. Over the past three years, Americans have come to rely on the internet for everything from education and healthcare to commerce and connection to loved ones. Three-fourths of Americans say that internet access is as important as water or electricity,[1] and broadband usage during the pandemic grew at the highest rate of increase in nearly a decade.[2] With the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress made historic investments to ensure every American can access what has become the country\u2019s primary communications network. By passing that historic law, we recognized the necessity of affordable, reliable, high-quality broadband internet connections. Now, the FCC\u2019s regulatory classifications should reflect what Americans and Congress know to be true: broadband internet access service is an indispensable part of American life.\n\nDespite the essential nature of broadband, the previous Administration\u2019s FCC voted to repeal net neutrality protections, and with it threw out most of the Commission\u2019s ability to enforce the consumer protection, competition, public safety, and universal service principles at the heart of the Communications Act. Net neutrality is a set of guidelines necessary to keep the internet open to all and free of discriminatory practices by providers. It forbids Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from blocking or slowing down customers\u2019 access to sites or apps; charging websites to reach users at quicker speeds; and instituting other unjust, unreasonable, and discriminatory practices. Net neutrality creates an internet ecosystem that is free and open to all, and it benefits consumers, small businesses and rural residents alike. Critically, repeated court rulings have made clear that reclassifying broadband as a telecommunications service is the only way the FCC can use its legal authority to reinstate net neutrality, which will protect online expression, catalyze competition, and increase innovation.\n\nReinstating the Commission\u2019s rightful Title II authority over broadband will also benefit the public in areas beyond net neutrality. Since the previous Administration erroneously classified broadband as an information service, we have heard from constituents, companies, and entrepreneurs about the need for the FCC to reassert its authority so it can prevent broadband providers from engaging in practices that harm online users as well as potential new entrants into the broadband marketplace. Only with Title II classification can the FCC prohibit unreasonable and unjust practices of broadband providers, effectively protect network resiliency and national security, ensure service quality, expand internet access, and combat anti-competitive practices. The FCC is the agency with expertise in broadband policy, and reclassifying broadband as a Title II service is a requisite step in the FCC\u2019s efforts to serve the American people and conduct proper oversight of broadband internet.\n\nYou have unequivocally condemned the FCC\u2019s past actions to roll back net neutrality policies and relinquish FCC authority over broadband. Now that the FCC has a full complement of commissioners, we urge you to act to protect the free and open internet for all Americans. We commend you for your leadership and appreciate your attention to this important topic.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-more-than-4-million-for-maine-gear-up-program", "Maine Delegation Announces More than $4 Million for Maine GEAR UP Program", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "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. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, have announced the U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University of Maine $4,058,656 for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Maine RISE program. GEAR UP Maine, run by UMaine Farmington and the non-profit Syntiro, has helped prepare Maine students for postsecondary education since 1998, including more than 29,000 students since 2007.\n\n\u201cFor decades, GEAR UP has helped to provide a solid foundation for students across Maine who at times might have felt that opportunities for a postsecondary education were financially out of reach,\u201d the Maine delegation said. \u201cBy equipping our young people with the resources and guidance needed to build a brighter future we are, in turn, making investments in the future of Maine.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly pleased to have GEAR UP funded in Maine again,\u201d said Debbie Gilmer, GEAR UP Maine Project Director. \u201cThis multi-million dollar investment in youth from Maine's most rural and economically disadvantaged communities, including a GEAR UP scholarship program, will help address the inequities facing rural students, their families and their communities.\u201d\n\n\"The University of Maine at Farmington has a long history of supporting the success of students from rural communities, the first in their families to pursue postsecondary education and other underserved students. Over the last 25 years, the GEAR UP program has transformed the futures of thousands of Maine students by raising their aspirations and preparing them to affordably attend and complete college, helping more of Maine\u2019s young people reach their full potential through this proven program,\u201d said University of Maine Farmington President Joseph McDonnell. \"We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has agreed to fund this program to continue this work and grateful to Sens. Collins and King and Reps. Pingree and Golden for their ongoing support of our partnerships with Maine students and schools.\"\n\nGEAR UP Maine has prepared economically disadvantaged students in Maine for college by providing tutoring, mentoring, academic and career counseling, and exposure to college campuses since its establishment in 1998. Many of the participants of the program go on to earn college scholarships.\n\nOver the course of seven years, the annual $4 million grant funding will allow the program to follow cohorts of seventh graders through the first year of their post-secondary experience. GEAR UP Maine has 53 school partners located in Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Oxford, Somerset and Washington counties.\n\nThe Maine delegation has been supporting GEAR UP Maine for many years. In 2021, with the understanding of how many students GEAR UP supports, they challenged the Department of Education when it rejected UMaine\u2019s application for a renewed GEAR UP grant. They have also secured millions of dollars for the program in prior appropriations spending bills.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-celebrate-national-lobster-day-2023", "Senators Collins and King Celebrate National Lobster Day 2023", "2023-09-25", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Susan Collins and Angus King today are celebrating Maine\u2019s lobster industry after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan resolution designating September 25, 2023 as \u201cNational Lobster Day.\u201d National Lobster Day recognizes the cultural, economic and environmental importance of the iconic species, which is a foundational part of Maine\u2019s economy. Senators Collins and King have sponsored similar legislation in recognition of the day annually since 2015.\n\n\u201cFor decades, Maine lobstermen and women have committed themselves to the sustainability and long-term health of our waters \u2014 because they know that one day, just like those who came before them, it will be the turn of future generations to take to these tides. The industry is not just a cornerstone of our state\u2019s economy, but is a vital component of our history, heritage, and identity,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cToday, we recognize the resiliency and success of our lobstermen and women, and the people across Maine, who wake up each day to power the fishery.\u201d\n\n\"Lobster is deeply ingrained in the heart and soul of Maine, where coastal and island communities depend on this historic industry,\" said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. \"National Lobster Day offers an important opportunity to celebrate our delicious, sustainably sourced product with the country, and its positive contributions to the Maine economy. We're thankful to Senator King for his ongoing support of this important occasion.\"\n\nLobster is a top economic driver for the state of Maine and, in 2022, the industry brought in over $388,000,000. Senators Collins and King have been vocal champions for the lobster industry in the U.S. Senate by pushing back against policies that could hinder future growth and successes. Late last year, 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 arbitrary regulations that would have been devastating for the industry.\n\nClick here to read the full resolution.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cramer-shaheen-rounds-introduce-bill-to-help-servicemembers-access-benefits", "King, Cramer, Shaheen, Rounds Introduce Bill to Help Servicemembers Access Benefits", "2023-09-22", "2023", "2023-09", "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.\u2014Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Mike Rounds (R-SD) have introduced a bill that would provide support to veterans in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) applying for their well-deserved benefits. The TAP Promotion Act would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, participate in TAP classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims as TAP classroom instructors are not legally allowed to help veterans fill out benefits paperwork.\n\nThrough BDD, servicemembers can file expedited claims and complete medical evaluations before leaving service. Receiving accelerated claims decisions means transitioning servicemembers would have minimal gaps in essential care like mental health counseling and medication management once they officially leave service.\n\n\u201cEvery year approximately 250,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life. Whether the servicemember is finishing their first deployment, or retiring, transitioning back into civilian life is a major life event full of uncertainties,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe TAP Promotion Act would allow these servicemembers to connect with an informed, VA accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned. Thanks to my colleagues for understanding the importance of serving our veterans\u2014just as they have served us throughout their careers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Transition Assistance Program is invaluable for servicemembers to access resources for their transition back to civilian life,\u201d said Senator Cramer. \u201cState and county VSOs are an essential resource for veterans looking to utilize the many benefits available to them. Our legislation will provide greater access to these organizations during the program.\u201d\n\n\u201cLeaving military service and returning to civilian life marks one of the largest challenges our service men and women face. We must to do everything we can to ensure they have access to the full range of benefits the VA offers as they take that next step,\u201d said Senator Shaheen. \u201cThe TAP Promotion Act will provide our veterans with important mentorship from VA representatives to ensure they can access the benefits they\u2019ve earned. The sooner they access those resources, the sooner they can successfully transition to the next stage of their lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur men and women in uniform represent the best of our country,\u201d said Senator Rounds. \u201cWe have a duty to make certain they receive the benefits they have earned once their service is complete, and Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) in South Dakota play a key role in doing just that. I am pleased to join Senator King in introducing this bipartisan legislation that would allow VSOs to connect with service members as they go through the Transition Assistance Program and help them apply for their VA benefits before leaving the military.\u201d\n\nTAP is offered at over 300 installations around the world and helps prepare servicemembers for civilian life. Having an accredited representative physically present in TAP classrooms during VA briefings would create another bridge for transitioning service members to veteran status.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/his-fight-is-our-fight-king-says-in-response-to-zelenskyy-visit-to-capitol-hill", "\u201cHis Fight is Our Fight,\u201d King Says in Response to Zelenskyy Visit to Capitol Hill", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "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.\u2014Today, U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers:\n\n\u201cFor over a year and a half, Ukraine has bravely defended its freedom and its sovereignty from a bloody, unprovoked invasion by an autocratic dictator. Putin believed he would quickly defeat his neighbor, rebuild the Soviet Union, and divide the Free World, but on every count, he has failed. While this war has waged longer than expected, it is because of the undeniable fortitude of the Ukrainian people, and the support of the global community, that freedom and democracy will prevail.\n\n\u201cWhile weapons are launched to counter the ruthless Russian aggression, let\u2019s be clear: they are also sending a signal to all opponents of freedom-loving people. If we waver, China will take note; if we don\u2019t continue showing resolve, North Korea will see opportunity. We have seen dictators in the past, and their endgame is dominance, not democracy.\n\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve told Maine people and said to President Zelenskyy in January, his fight is our fight \u2013 and that\u2019s why we must provide the Ukrainians with what they need to defend themselves. If we don\u2019t, dictatorship will spread\u2014just like we saw in the lead up to World War II.\n\n\u201cThomas Jefferson, after writing the Declaration of Independence, swore eternal hostility against tyranny over the mind of man. Fighting tyranny, and deterring tyrannical aims, is a founding principle of this nation \u2013 and it\u2019s nothing less than the current stakes we face.\u201d\n\nSenator King has been a vocal advocate of supporting the \u2018will to fight\u2019 of the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression. In January, King visited Zelenskyy in Ukraine to understand the dynamics on the ground. He has also continuously questioned international experts on Putin\u2019s strategy and how to best support Ukraine.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-on-va-to-protect-veterans-from-scammers-when-filing-for-benefits", "King, Colleagues Call on VA to Protect Veterans from Scammers when Filing for Benefits", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "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. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, is joining a group of bipartisan colleagues in calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to step up its protections for veterans against predatory scammers looking to cash in on their hard-earned benefits. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, the lawmakers urge the department to enforce existing protections for veterans filing for disability benefits. They also request additional resources to hold bad actors accountable for scamming veterans.\n\nSenator King is a cosponsor of bipartisan legislation, the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act that would create criminal penalties for organizations charging 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.\n\n\u201cWith the PACT Act providing the largest expansion of veterans\u2019 benefits in decades, veterans are increasingly becoming the targets of predatory, quasi-legal claims consultants,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. \u201cThe Department must exercise every enforcement tool at its disposal and request those it needs to better protect veterans from bad actors looking to take advantage of them.\u201d\n\nCurrent law prohibits individuals and businesses from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA claim unless they are accredited through the VA. Additionally, under current law, fees for assistance may only be charged after the VA makes a decision on an initial claim. However, the VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law because criminal penalties were eliminated from the statute nearly 20 years ago.\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cOur mission is to protect veterans and ensure they are not paying unqualified individuals to receive their benefits. As co-sponsors of the GUARD VA Benefits Act to reinstate criminal penalties, we believe VA must enforce the law and protect veterans from unaccredited individuals looking at veterans as a payday. Veterans shouldn\u2019t have to turn to outside consultants to work through the initial claims process.\u201d\n\nContinuing their efforts to protect veterans\u2019 benefits, the lawmakers pressed the VA to look into what else the Department can do to help protect veterans and their hard earned benefits. They also asked the VA to clarify its position on what protections are given to veterans who are choosing to pay for assistance from consultants, especially on contracts where a veteran agrees to pay a product of the increase in future benefits.\n\nThe lawmakers conclude their letter by writing: \u201cMaintaining the current status quo is not an option for our veterans who risked their lives to defend our country. We cannot allow unaccredited individuals to target veterans offering them access to VA benefits for a price. We appreciate your attention to our request, and look forward to working with VA on solutions to help protect veterans and keep their hard-earned benefits where they belong.\u201d\n\nSince his appointment to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee earlier this year, 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. Senator King hopes to help improve the Department\u2019s capacity by investing in its workforce, facilities, and other modernization efforts.\n\nThe letter was also signed by additional Senate sponsors of the GUARD VA Benefits Act, including Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jack Reed (D-R.I), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).\n\nRead the lawmakers\u2019 full letter HERE or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary McDonough,\n\nWe write today to inquire about the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) enforcement of existing protections for veterans seeking assistance with filing initial claims for benefits and what resources are needed to enhance protections at the federal level. With the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 providing the largest expansion of veterans\u2019 benefits in decades, veterans are increasingly becoming the targets of predatory, quasi-legal claims consultants. The Department must exercise every enforcement tool at its disposal and request those it needs to better protect veterans from bad actors looking to take advantage of them.\n\nVeterans are increasingly facing more scams targeting them and their hard-earned VA benefits. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) testified during an April 19, 2023, Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing Veterans Consumer Protection: Preventing Financial Exploitation of Veterans and their Benefits, its reporting network received more than 150,000 complaints of fraud and illegal business practices in 2022, resulting in more than $414 million in damages.\n\nThis was an increase of more than 50 percent from the previous year. Additionally, VA testified more than 40 percent of all complaints received by veterans from 2018 to 2022 were against unaccredited individuals. We passed the PACT Act last year to provide toxic-exposed veterans their earned VA care and benefits. We did not expand benefits as a way for unaccredited scammers to profit from veterans.\n\nWhile veterans should never have to pay to get the benefits they have earned, we are faced with the reality that many veterans are choosing to pay for assistance filing for benefits.\n\nConsequently, VA needs to clarify its position and what protections are afforded to veterans in contracts for assignment of future benefits. Recently, VA\u2019s Office of General Counsel (OGC) provided views to the Senate Committee staff articulating a contract between a veteran and individual, based on the increase in benefits, is an assignment of benefits, in violation of section 5301 of title 38. Specifically, OGC suggested that in a scenario where a veteran enters into a contract for four times the monthly increase in future benefits, it would be a violation of section 5301(a)(3)(C) specifically, which states \u201cAny agreement or arrangement for collateral for security for an agreement that is prohibited under subparagraph (A) is also prohibited and is void from its inception.\u201d Furthermore, VA provided technical views on H.R. 1822, the Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services (PLUS) for Veterans Act of 2023, stating VA is opposed to a fee structure calculated as a product of five times the monthly increase of future benefits. However, VA did not mention in its technical assistance whether it considered this fee\n\nstructure a violation of the assignment of benefits, as it did in its response to the Senate Committee staff. This is a discrepancy in an interpretation that must be made clear.\n\nAs VA testified at the April 19, Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing, and an April 27, 2022, House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing, Ensuring Quality Representation in the Veteran Benefits Claims Process, VA has oversight over non-accredited individuals assisting with claims but few enforcement authorities to protect veterans. For the past few years VA has asked for re-instatement of criminal penalties for those who assist with claims outside VA\u2019s accreditation scheme. We have attempted to pass these enforcement mechanisms, but efforts have stalled the last three Congresses. Furthermore, VA argues the only redress is to send a cease-and-desist letter to the individual or company informing them of their non-compliance with statute and refer the case to state law enforcement. However, we would like to know if there is anything else, short of re-instating criminal penalties, which can be done to help protect veterans and help keep their earned benefits where they belong, in the pockets of veterans.\n\nOur mission is to protect veterans and ensure they are not paying unqualified individuals to receive their benefits. As co-sponsors of the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act to re-instate criminal penalties, we believe VA must enforce the law and protect veterans from unaccredited individuals looking at veterans as a payday. Veterans shouldn\u2019t have to turn to outside consultants to work through the initial claims process. We want to know what, if anything, VA is doing to ensure veterans are not overwhelmed filing initial claims. We do not want to limit a veteran\u2019s ability to seek help, we are simply trying to guarantee, when a veteran seeks assistance, they can trust that the individual meets the highest ethical and professional standards and they will not have to give up their hard- earned benefits to access VA.\n\nGiven the current state of affairs where unaccredited individuals continue to charge veterans for assistance, we respectfully ask VA to respond to the following inquires no later than October 30, 2023.\n\nWhat is VA\u2019s official position on contracts in which a veteran agrees to pay a product of the increase in future benefits?\n\nIf the above contracts are a violation of the assignment of benefits under section 5301 of title 38, what if any remedy or enforcement is there? Is it limited to civil enforcement by the veteran?\n\nIf VA believes these contracts are a violation of assignment of benefits, why is VA not enforcing that law on existing contracts?\n\nHas VA ever sent a cease-and-desist letter to an individual or company for assignment of benefits in a contract?\n\nWithout re-instating criminal penalties for violating VA\u2019s accreditation scheme, what else can VA do aside from sending a cease-and-desist letter and or referring it to a state law enforcement agency?\n\nIs there anything VA can do without further legislation to enforce its accreditation?\n\nWhat is VA\u2019s definition of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims?\n\nAt what point does third party medical evidence become preparation of a claim?\n\nDo medical providers need to become accredited if they are assisting with medical evidence as part of an initial claim?\n\nWhat consequences does VA see if Congress authorized accreditation for assistance with initial claims?\n\nDoes VA believe the above consequences outweigh continuing without criminal penalties?\n\nHow many letters has VA sent to unaccredited individuals and companies since January 2023?\n\nHave any of those letters resulted in the ending of an illegal practice?\n\nWhat resources short of re-instatement of penalties does VA need to prevent unaccredited individuals from contracting with veterans?\n\nMaintaining the current status quo is not an option for our veterans who risked their lives to defend our country. We cannot allow un-accredited individuals to target veterans offering them access to VA benefits for a price. Every day we continue to allow this market to flourish, veterans are losing money. We appreciate your attention to our request, and look forward to working with VA on solutions to help protect veterans and keep their hard-earned benefits where they belong.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-help-our-kelp-act-to-protect-maine-coastal-ecosystem", "King Introduces \u201cHelp Our Kelp Act\u201d to Protect Maine Coastal Ecosystem", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Angus King (I-Maine) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), have introduced bicameral legislation to protect at-risk marine life and ecosystems. The Help Our Kelp Act would invest federal resources towards state, local, and federal efforts to restore and protect kelp forests against climate change and other human-caused disruption.\n\nKelp forest ecosystems in Maine and along the nation\u2019s shores provide food and habitat for hundreds of fish and marine mammals. These aquatic regions stabilize Maine\u2019s coasts allowing for responsible economic activities including fishing, shipping, and innovations in the blue economy. Over the last 50 years, changes in climate, poor water quality, and overfishing have damaged between 40-60 percent of America\u2019s kelp forests.\n\n\u201cHealthy waters make for healthy people, but climate change and human activity are having an impact on these our coastal ecosystems \u2013 so we need to protect the beauty and bounty they provide,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Help Our Kelp Act is an important step to ensure that our iconic Maine fisheries, and surrounding communities, are able to serve as a habitat for marine life well into the future. We need continued investments and safeguards to protect our fisheries, and our Maine way of life. My gratitude goes out to my colleagues for recognizing the importance of kelp forests and working to protect one of Maine\u2019s vital resources.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s incredible to see these important environmental issues getting attention at the federal level. Seaweeds are essential to a thriving ocean and we are still learning about the positive benefits they provide in creating the ocean abundance that all of humanity relies on. By helping to restore and research natural seaweed beds throughout the US, this bill can help ensure that natural seaweed populations \u2014 and marine ecosystems \u2014 remain intact for future generations to come,\u201d said Briana Warner, the CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms.\n\n\"Kelp has provided a documented ecosystem benefit to important U.S. west fisheries, and globally. As we look ahead to Gulf of Maine fisheries under changing ecosystems, funding for further kelp research will underpin our needed understanding of what we can expect from coastal habitats of the future, and the fisheries that depend on the vital nursery habitat which kelp provides,\" said Alexa Dayton, the Executive Director of the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries.\n\nThe Help Our Kelp Act would:\n\n1. Establish a new NOAA grant program to fund conservation, restoration, and management efforts;\n\n2. Focus on addressing the greatest relative regional declines, long term ecological or socioeconomic resilience, or are in focal recovery areas identified by Tribal, federal, or state management plans; and\n\n3. Authorize $5 million per year from FY2024-FY2028.\n\nIn the Senate, this legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).\n\nIn the House, this legislation is also cosponsored by Representatives Susan DelBene (D-WA-01), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA-44), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), and Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15).\n\nBill text can be found here.\n\nA bill summary can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-287000-in-additional-funding-for-community-mental-health-services", "Senators Collins, King Announce $287,000 in Additional Funding for Community Mental Health Services", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS) will receive a total of $287,194 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration\u2019s (SAMHSA) Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program. This funding is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), and is in addition to the more than $4 million Maine DHHS will receive in Fiscal Year 2023 through the MHBG program.\n\n\"Mental health remains a critical component of overall community health,\" said Senators Collins and King. \"This funding will help to enhance our state's capacity to address mental health challenges effectively while helping to ensure that every individual in our state has access to the support they need.\u201d\n\nThe MHBG program supports grantees in carrying out plans for providing comprehensive community mental health services. Specific targeted populations include adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-nearly-12-million-for-atlantic-salmon-habitat-restoration-in-maine", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $1.2 Million for Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration in Maine", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Today, Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that four Maine organizations will receive a combined total of $1,196,000 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service to help restore habitats for endangered Atlantic salmon in Maine. Maine is home to the only remaining populations of wild Atlantic salmon, a species listed as endangered since 2000 due to threats from dams, pollution, and historic overfishing.\n\n\u201cThe health of our natural habitats is critical to the survival of species like the Atlantic salmon,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThese investments will support the protection and restoration of our existing, native Maine salmon habitats. The funding will also support efforts to reverse the habitat degradation that has contributed to the declining Atlantic salmon population in Maine\u2019s watersheds.\"\n\nThe funding is allocated as follows:\n\nAtlantic Salmon Federation - $50,000 to implement five projects aimed at restoring access to Atlantic salmon spawning and rearing habitats in the Kennebec River watershed; and to conduct a fish passage feasibility study at the Chesterville Wildlife Management Area Dam.\n\nProject SHARE - $264,000 to replace undersized culverts at 13 sites across the Dennys, Machias, Pleasant, Union, and Narraguagus River watersheds; to restore freshwater habitats in the Narraguagus River watershed; and to conduct fish passage feasibility studies at the Great Works Dam and at Marion Falls fishway.\n\nDowneast Salmon Federation - $277,000 to support fish passage improvements at the Gardner Lake Dam; to conduct fish passage feasibility studies at the Cherryfield Ice Control Dam on the Narraguagus River, and the Gardner Lake Dam on the East Machias River; and to support future habitat restoration in those watersheds.\n\nThe Nature Conservancy - $605,000 to complete the final designs to remove Guilford Dam and restore the adjacent floodplain; and to improve fish passage at three high-priority road crossings over streams in the Piscataquis River watershed.\n\nHabitat degradation is one of the largest obstacles to recovering endangered species like Atlantic salmon. Efforts funded through these partnerships will target priority habitat restoration actions determined by NOAA Fisheries to be necessary for Atlantic salmon recovery.\n\nSenators Collins and King have been consistently supporting Atlantic salmon habitats in Maine. They previously secured $1.5 million for Atlantic Salmon Habitat restoration projects and more than $7.5 million in federal funding to restore fish access to migratory and spawning habitats within the traditional Passamaquoddy homeland. They also secured more than $22 million to remove dams and install fish ladders in the Penobscot and St. Croix Rivers allowing the endangered Atlantic salmon, along with other fish species and wildlife, to move along migrations routes with ease.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/during-suicide-prevention-month-king-questions-va-officials-on-work-to-improve-care", "During Suicide Prevention Month, King Questions VA Officials on Work to Improve Care", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Today, during Suicide Prevention Month, U.S. Senator Angus King, discussed the importance of providing resources and support for veterans going through mental health challenges. In a hearing of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, King questioned Dr. Matthew Miller, the Executive Director for Suicide Prevention with the Veterans Health Administration through the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Gilly Cantor, the Director of Evaluation and Capacity Building at the D\u2019Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, about what the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can do to treat mental health challenges and prevent veteran suicide. He also discussed the importance of staffing up VA facilities to better treat our veterans going through these challenging times.\n\nMany of these issues were raised in King\u2019s two-day tour of Maine\u2019s VA facilities in August with VA Secretary Denis McDonough.\n\nSenate King began his questioning by asking about how financial strain is a big contributor of suicide ideation among the veteran community.\n\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Chairman. Dr. Miller, nice to see you in person we talked last week. One of the main issues that seems to be motivating suicides is financial and financial distress. And I think the data is four times \u2013 veterans with incomes below $50,000, who have financial problems are four times as likely to have ideation of suicide. What about a pilot in the helpline of the crisis line of having some financial expertise that could be referred? Are you having a financial problem? Here's somebody you can talk to. Is that something we could work on,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cYes is the short answer what you're getting at though sir is an important point in terms of instead of having maybe the referral from the Veterans Crisis Line \u2013 go to mental health \u2013 maybe it would be more appropriate for it to go to a financial counselor, in which case, then there's a ripple effect in capacity with mental health you save by putting people in the right place at the right time,\u201d responded Dr. Miller.\n\n\u201cSo, is this something that you don't need legislation? Is it something you could you could pilot for? In one vision, for example,\u201d said Senator King.\n\n\u201cYes, what we can pilot is we're starting a new Veteran Center for Financial Empowerment, that center will offer through VBA and services that are available with VBA referral to free consultation for financial issues. That'll allow us to get some initial data on demand and need and be able to report that back to you for next steps,\u201d replied Dr. Miller.\n\n\u201cI'd appreciate it. I think that's an important step. Let's see what the data shows us because it does appear to be one of the one of the causal causation factors,\u201d Senator King concluded.\n\nSenator King then questioned Ms. Cantor on what the VA can do to address the workforce shortage for healthcare professionals.\n\n\u201cI can tell you from the point of view of what I hear from my veterans in Maine, they really like the care that they're getting from the VA. They are impressed by the personal qualities of the people that they meet with and they get great care. Now, one of the issues is access. The question is, when do you get the care? And that's a larger issue. We've got an enormous shortage in this country of mental health professionals. In fact, we've got an enormous shortage of just about everything,\u201d Senator King began.\n\n\u201cOne of our major hospitals just told me recently they're short 800 nurses. I mean, that's what we're up against. So, I think we need to understand that it's not for lack of trying that the VA is short staffed. This is a nationwide problem in and around the VA, but just generally. So, the question is, I think, what tools can we provide to the VA that they can more effectively compete in the workforce market? And I don't expect you to answer that. But if you have any thoughts, Ms. Cantor,\u201d Senator King continued.\n\n\u201cI mean, that's a great idea. That's a great idea, Senator, I think one of the things that this is not necessarily helping with mental health specifically, but it's a model that could be applied. There's a great program out of New York City, called \u2018PROVE\u2019 that is a peer to peer model. And they train their social workers and their social work program to work with veterans. And in addition to helping a peer to peer model, which again, can be upstream from other challenges and help people feel connected on campuses, it is training a new workforce of culturally competent social workers. And I think that models like that could be applied outside of the social workspace. It's something that could be done,\u201d replied Ms. Cantor.\n\n\u201cI don't know the number, but it's my understanding that a huge percentage of physicians are partially trained at the VA because of the high-quality care and program and education that can be offered there. It's surprising to me that it's not a more competitive place to work that people would be interested in working,\u201d continued Ms. Cantor.\u201d\n\n\u201cWell, I do think this is something we need to think about it. If this is a competitive marketplace, we're going to have to \u2013 for example, I learned recently, no one in the federal government is allowed to be paid more than the president. That's $400,000 a year. Try hiring a cardiologist for $400,000. I mean, that's the kind of thing that we need to discuss. We need to talk about waivers and to be sure that we have access to the professionals that we need,\u201d concluded Senator King.\n\nRepresenting a state with one of the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King has been a stalwart champion for veterans and servicemembers in Maine and across the country. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, he is committed to ensuring veterans and their families receive their earned benefits and support from the VA. He recently spearheaded the passage of legislation to better track and study servicemember suicides by job assignment. Senator King has also worked to properly honor and recognize the sacrifices of Purple Heart medal recipients, protect veterans from fraud, and expand veteran assisted living services. In a recent hearing, Senator King also urged VA officials to work with Congress to alleviate the challenges through the removal of salary caps and the creation of incentivized benefits.\n\nTo watch or download the exchange click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-on-biden-administration-to-lower-prescription-drug-prices-using-existing-authorities", "King, Colleagues Call on Biden Administration to Lower Prescription Drug Prices Using Existing Authorities", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "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. Senator Angus King is calling on the Biden administration to do everything in its power to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. In a letter with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Lloyd Doggett, King urges Commerce (DOC) Secretary Gina Raimondo and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to ensure a current Administration Working Group is taking steps to ensure the American people have access to reasonably priced prescription drugs \u2013 having not received any updates on the Working Group\u2019s progress for \u201cmore than two months.\u201d Last year, Senator King helped to pass the Inflation Reduction Act which included long awaited drug pricing reform, including lowering the costs of insulin and an out-of-pocket cap for adults on Medicare.\n\nIn March of this year, HHS and DOC announced the formation of the Interagency Working Group for Bayh-Dole to explore the Administration\u2019s powers under the Bayh-Dole Act to authorize the production of generic prescription drugs \u2013 known as \u201cmarch-in\u201d authorities.\n\n\u201cWe are writing to request information about the Interagency Working Group for Bayh-Dole (Working Group) and to urge the Working Group to move swiftly to lower drug prices for Americans,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWe are pleased that the Working Group will consider price in its evaluation of the Administration\u2019s march-in authority, but we are concerned that there have been no public updates about the Working Group\u2019s membership, process, timeline, or scope of work in the more than two months since it was first announced.\u201d\n\n\u201cLast summer, Congress passed overdue drug pricing reforms to help older adults afford their medications by empowering Medicare to negotiate some drug prices for the first time, limit price spikes, and cap out-of-pocket costs. Though this represents critical progress, more must be done to curb excessive drug prices, including for the more than 200 million Americans who are not on Medicare,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cThe Biden Administration can use its existing authority to step in on behalf of all Americans and rectify pharmaceutical industry abuses that have allowed drug prices to skyrocket, and it can do so without waiting for permission from Congress.\u201d\n\nSenator King is committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for Maine people. He recently wrote an op-ed in the Bangor Daily News about his work to expand telehealth access and ensure rural Maine households have the 21st century connections they need to access online healthcare.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Raimondo and Secretary Becerra,\n\nWe are writing to request information about the Interagency Working Group for Bayh-Dole (Working Group) and to urge the Working Group to move swiftly to lower drug prices for Americans. We are deeply disappointed that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rejected the petition to march-in on the prostate cancer treatment enzalutamide, also known by its brand name Xtandi, which was developed with taxpayer dollars yet costs as much as six times more in the United States than in peer countries.[1] In its response to petitioners, HHS completely ignored the central question posed in the petition: whether the drug\u2019s high price violates the statute\u2019s requirement that the invention be made available to the public on \u201creasonable terms.\u201d[2] We are pleased that the Working Group will consider price in its evaluation of the Administration\u2019s march-in authority, but we are concerned that there have been no public updates about the Working Group\u2019s membership, process, timeline, or scope of work in the more than two months since it was first announced.\n\nAmericans pay two to three times more for brand-name prescription drugs than individuals in peer countries.[3] Last summer, Congress passed overdue drug pricing reforms to help older adults afford their medications by empowering Medicare to negotiate some drug prices for the first time, limit price spikes, and cap out-of-pocket costs.[4] Though this represents critical progress, more must be done to curb excessive drug prices, including for the more than 200 million Americans who are not on Medicare.[5] The Biden Administration can use its existing authority to step in on behalf of all Americans and rectify pharmaceutical industry abuses that have allowed drug prices to skyrocket, and it can do so without waiting for permission from Congress. As your agencies work together to \u201cdevelop a framework for implementation of the march-in provision,\u201d[6] we urge you to consider the following:\n\nConsider whether a drug is priced higher in the United States than other high-income countries in the definition of \u201creasonable terms.\u201d[7] Of the seven march-in petitions filed since 1980, all of them have been rejected by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)[8] despite provisions under the Bayh-Dole Act (Bayh-Dole), codified at 35 U.S.C. 203, that allow the federal government, in certain cases, to grant licenses to a \u201cresponsible applicant\u201d for inventions developed with federal funds.[9] The government may exercise this taxpayer protection authority when \u201caction is necessary to alleviate health or safety needs\u201d or when an invention\u2019s benefits are not \u201cavailable to the public on reasonable terms\u201d per the plain text of the statute.[10] And as legal experts have repeatedly concluded, a product\u2019s price plays a critical role in determining whether it is reasonably available to the public.[11] \u201c[T]he words \u2018reasonable terms\u2019 have uniformly been interpreted [by courts] to include price.\u201d[12] Or put another way, \u201cif a drug company is not charging a reasonable price for a drug, or if its pricing harms public health by substantially restricting access to the drug, the federal government is well within its rights to ensure the availability of cheaper generic versions.\u201d[13] Legal experts from Yale Law School, Harvard Medical School, and Columbia Law School have declared these tools to be \u201cintegral, longstanding, and legitimate parts of our patent systems.\u201d[14] To ensure these tools are exercised and have a clear standard to trigger their use, the NIH and other health technology funding agencies should consider adopting a standard wherein a subject invention is not considered available on reasonable terms if the list price of a prescription drug that includes the invention is not the lowest available in any of the 15 countries with the largest gross domestic products and per capita incomes at least half that of the United States. This would be consistent with \u201cMost Favored Nation (MFN)\u201d policies adopted in some COVID-19-related contracts, including regarding nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, also known as Paxlovid.[15] The Working Group may wish to consider additional standards, but a clear definition and way to evaluate price is essential to ensure predictability for all parties on when taxpayer protection authorities will be exercised.\n\nExpand the scope of the Working Group to include a review of other public interest licensing provisions in the Bayh-Dole Act, such as paid-up licenses. It should be uncontroversial to expect U.S. taxpayers to pay no more than peer nations for medicines they paid to invent. In the case of government health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, this expectation should be indisputable. The Working Group should identify achieving fair drug prices in federal programs as a reason to exercise the agency\u2019s paid-up license. Under 35 U.S.C. 202, the federal government holds an irrevocable, non-transferable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced on its behalf inventions developed with its funding.[16] Unlike march-in rights, the government using its paid-up license is not contingent on the contractor or assignee failing to make the invention available on reasonable terms or action being necessary to alleviate health or safety needs. Legal experts contend that the plain reading of the statute suggests the Section 202 license includes production of drugs for Medicare and Medicaid.[17]\n\nEnsure the framework contemplated by the Working Group includes a robust appeals process for petitioners. The Working Group is charged with developing a framework that \u201cclearly articulates guiding criteria and processes\u201d for making march-in determinations.[18] It is critical to ensure that an appeals process does not permit the same individuals to consider the appeal as those who rendered the initial decision. Following the NIH\u2019s denial of the march-in request for Xtandi, petitioners wrote in their request for an appeal that a decision to delegate the appeal to the same office that reviewed the original petition \u201cwould be tantamount to no review at all.\u201d[19] This would also ensure that the individuals considering an appeal have a fresh perspective on the subject.\n\nProvide a list of drugs developed with taxpayer funds and related patents. The public deserves greater transparency related to taxpayer developed drugs. The Working Group should disclose patents that benefited from government resources, which could be subject to authorities under Bayh-Dole. Any eligible drug product should also include information about research and development costs incurred by the manufacturer and the amount of government funding provided, including through tax credits and direct funding.\n\nClarify guidelines for disclosing government support on patent applications. A recent Government Accountability Office report highlighted that NIH grant awardees are not always disclosing government support on patent applications.[20] The NIH \u201cis the largest public funder of biomedical research and development,\u201d which supports critical drug development and may lead to the identification of new uses for existing drugs.[21] Yet, NIH awardees did not disclose NIH support on almost 15 percent of patents submitted between 2012 and 2021.[22] Proper identification of the NIH\u2019s contributions is necessary to understand taxpayers\u2019 rights as to enjoying the benefits of these discoveries.\n\nEnsure officials involved with the Working Group are free from conflicts of interest. Public officials are required to follow federal ethics laws,[23] and appointees are subject to additional requirements as outlined in President Biden\u2019s Executive Order on Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel.[24] However, recent reporting has exposed troubling gaps in existing ethics requirements. For example, a Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that thousands of senior government employees held stock in companies that their agencies regulated.[25] For the public to have confidence in this process, individuals charged with representing, supporting, or serving on the Working Group should adhere to high standards for preventing conflicts of interest. People should know that the government is working on their side, not on behalf of the companies whose profits could be affected by Working Group decisions.\n\nEnsure the Working Group involves a wide range of government offices, including representatives from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), National Economic Council (NEC), and Domestic Policy Council (DPC). Consistent with the \u201cwhole-of-government approach\u201d announced by your agencies,[26] we urge you to involve representatives from the FTC, NEC, and DPC in the Working Group. We also recommend you consider including representatives from government agencies responsible for prescription drug purchasing and/or reimbursement, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs.\n\nEnsure balance and transparency of Working Group proceedings. HHS has announced its intention to convene a workshop in 2023; however, no other information has been provided about the Working Group\u2019s meetings or consultation process. Corporate interests will undoubtedly seek to influence the Working Group\u2019s framework to protect their profits. In designing and running this process, HHS and the Department of Commerce (DOC) should ensure that consumer advocates, academics, and other public interest stakeholders have equal opportunities to inform the Working Group\u2019s products as other parties. The Working Group should not hold invitation-only meetings or stakeholder calls. All consultation and briefings on the framework should be public and open to all interested participants. The Working Group\u2019s proposed framework should follow a standard notice and comment process that invites written comments from the broader public as well as public hearings. This public engagement process should not be contracted out to a third party, and if agencies other than HHS and DOC choose to run parallel processes to gather feedback on Working Group products, they should abide by these same standards.\n\nPublish the final \u201cframework for implementation of the march-in provision\u201d by December 31, 2023.[27] HHS has stated that it will \u201cconvene a workshop in 2023 to further refine the cases for which HHS could consider exercising march-in authority\u201d and \u201cto assess when the use of march-in is consistent with the policy and objectives of the Bayh-Dole Act.\u201d[28] To ensure timely relief for consumers who face high drug prices, we urge you to convene this workshop no later than September 1, 2023 and to publish a final framework no later than December 31, 2023.\n\nWe support President Biden\u2019s goal of lowering drug prices for Americans, and if adopted, we believe these principles will allow the Working Group to fully and independently study these authorities. In an effort to learn more about this effort, we also request answers to the following questions by June 23, 2023.\n\nWill you ensure that the Working Group\u2019s discussion of price includes whether a drug\u2019s price is higher in the United States than in other high-income countries?\n\nWill the Working Group consider reasonable pricing as it relates to the use of paid-up licenses?\n\nWill you ensure that the framework contemplated by the Working Group guarantees a robust appeals process for petitioners?\n\nWill you ensure the Working Group publishes a list of drugs developed with taxpayer funds and related patents to increase transparency?\n\nWill you ensure the Working Group clarifies guidelines for disclosing government support on patent applications?\n\nWill you ensure members involved with the Working Group are free from financial conflicts of interest?\n\nWhich other agencies or offices will be represented on the Working Group?\n\nWill you include representatives from the FTC?\n\nWill you include representatives from NEC?\n\nWill you include representatives from DPC?\n\nWill you include representatives from agencies responsible for prescription drug purchasing and/or reimbursement, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs?\n\nWill you ensure that consumer advocates, academics, and other public interest stakeholders have equal opportunities to inform the Working Group\u2019s products as other parties?\n\nWill you commit to making meetings of the Working Group public?\n\nWill you commit to managing the public engagement process in-house, rather than hire a third-party consultant?\n\nWill you commit to publishing a proposed \u201cframework for implementation of the march-in provision\u201d for public comment no later than September 1, 2023?[29]\n\nWill you commit to publishing the Working Group\u2019s final \u201cframework\u201d no later than December 31, 2023?[30]\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/how-feasible-is-watermarking-of-ai-generated-images-king-asks-in-senate-intelligence-hearing", "\u201cHow Feasible is Watermarking of AI-Generated Images?\u201d King Asks in Senate Intelligence Hearing", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King spoke with an AI scientist about the need for regulation and liability of computer-generated or -altered content. In an open Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, King asked Dr. Yann LeCun \u2013 a New York University Professor of Computer Science and Data Science at New York University \u2013 about what is technologically feasible in terms of implementing watermarks (a small icon or caption) for users to discern between real and artificially created content.\n\nKing began his questioning by asked how about the feasibility of labeling AI-generate content.\n\n\u201cNow, Dr. LeCun, a very practical question. How feasible is watermarking of AI-generated images?\u201d King asked. \u201cThis is of concern to us, frankly, because we are very likely to be subject to AI-generated false disinformation, very skillful. Our face, our voice, our gestures, but completely false. How feasible is it to require that AI-generated images on Facebook or on TikTok or Instagram all be watermarked or labeled in such a way so that the consumer will know that they're looking at something that isn't real \u2026Is that something we should be thinking about here as we're thinking about regulation?\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator, this is a very timely question. Of course, it is technically feasible. The main issue is for a common standard to be adopted industry wide. So there needs to be a common way of watermarking, invisible or invisible way, using steganography,\u201d LeCun responded. \u201cThe fact that the process by which a piece of information has been produced. This can be done with images and video and audio, such that a computer can detect whether the system has been generated by a generative AI system. But the user will have to not counteract. It will have to use the products to produce it that obey that standard. And so that needs to be adopted industry-wide. The problem is much more complicated for text. There is no easy way to hide a watermark inside of a text. People have tried to do this by kind of manipulating the frequency of different words, but it's very far from perfect. But for text, text is produced by humans. It's not like a photograph which you can take anywhere. Text, in the end, the person posting the text has to be responsible for that content.\u201d\n\nSenator King has been a leading voice in fighting threats from technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission \u2013 which has had dozens of recommendations become law since its launch in 2019. As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees, Senator King has been a strong supporter of increased watermarking regulations. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act legislation includes a Senator King-led provision to evaluate technology, including applications, tools, and models, to detect and watermark generative artificial intelligence. Additionally, he recently had an exchange during a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, where he raised the question of what Congress and the private sector can do to combat fake and misinformation online.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-national-voter-registration-day-king-introduces-resolution-to-recognize-september-as-national-voting-rights-month", "On National Voter Registration Day, King Introduces Resolution to Recognize September as National Voting Rights Month", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Today, on National Voter Registration Day, U.S. Senator Angus King is introducing a resolution to recognize September as \u201cNational Voting Rights Month.\u201d The resolution encourages voter registration in the month of September and pushes Congress to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to preserve the right to vote.\n\n\u201cIn the face of state-level threats that undercut the fundamental right to vote for millions of Americans, we must act to protect our democracy,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cFree, fair and open elections are the backbone of our national commitment to government of the people, by the people, and for the people \u2013 and through our efforts to increase voter turnout, we will do our part to pass this experiment in self-government on to the next generation of Americans. I encourage all Maine people, and Americans across the country, to register to vote today so that they can participate in our democracy this upcoming election season.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senator King, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell, Tom Carper, Bob Casey, Dianne Feinstein, Tim Kaine, Amy Klobuchar, Ben Ray Lujan, Ed Markey, Alex Padilla, Tina Smith, Debbie Stabenow, Chris Van Hollen, and Sheldon Whitehouse.\n\nAs a former member of the Senate Rules Committee, Senator King has been a longstanding supporter of increasing access to voting. He previously introduced the Freedom to Vote Act which would set basic national standards for voting rights. It would also end partisan gerrymandering and help eliminate the undue influence of secret money in our elections. In October 2021, he delivered an impassioned speech on the Senate floor urging action on voting rights, stating that we are currently \u201cat a hinge of history\u201d that will determine the future of the American experiment in self-government. He built on these arguments in a speech from the Senate floor where he called for reforms to the filibuster to allow for common sense voting rights legislation to pass. He also released the draft Electoral Count Modernization Act to shape the conversation around establishing clear, consistent, and fair procedures for the counting and certification of electoral votes for the presidency.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-urge-fda-to-crack-down-on-mislabeling-of-non-dairy-products", "Collins, King Urge FDA to Crack Down on Mislabeling of Non-Dairy Products", "2023-09-18", "2023", "2023-09", "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 joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in advocating for American dairy farmers and calling out the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for letting non-dairy lab-grown products illegally label their products with dairy terms. The bipartisan group highlighted the proliferation of imitation products, specifically the new cell-based, lab-grown imitators that are using dairy terms like milk, cheese and yogurt.\n\n\u201cFor decades FDA has allowed non-dairy products to illegally use dairy terms to label their imitation products, most of which are nutritionally inferior to the real dairy foods they purport to emulate,\u201d wrote the Senators in a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf. \u201cPublic health is now facing a new, additional perpetrator \u2013 Cell-based dairy imitation products. These are synthetically created options posing as natural foods, many of which are nutritionally inferior to the dairy products they imitate.\u201d\n\nCurrent FDA regulations define dairy products as being from dairy animals, however, the FDA has failed to enforce these regulations, allowing non-dairy products to use dairy names, leading to the rapid growth of mislabeled alternative products that contain a range of ingredients and nutrients that are often not equivalent to the nutritional content of dairy products \u2013 including cell-based, synthetic dairy imitation products. By using dairy names like milk, these synthetic products are posing as natural foods, clearly violating the FDA\u2019s standards of identity, which requires the food product be made from milk from an animal.\n\n\u201cIt is critical that FDA intervene to prevent this new violation committed by cell-based foods from compounding the harm Americans are already experiencing from FDA\u2019s decades of inaction on plant-based mislabeling,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cNew developments in food science should advance new and innovative products, not cause deeper injury to public health. It is FDA\u2019s job to ensure a stable and transparent marketplace to support safe innovation while protecting Americans.\u201d\n\nMaine dairy farmers and creameries provide 4,733 direct and 10,201 indirect jobs and generate $904 million in direct economic impact and $1 billion in indirect economic impact.\n\nSenators Collins and King previously introduced the bipartisan DAIRY PRIDE Act to combat the mislabeling of non-dairy products like nut, oat, soy, and, now, lab grown options. Their legislation would require non-dairy products to no longer be mislabeled with terms such as milk, yogurt or cheese.\n\nThe letter was co-signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).\n\nThe full letter is available here and below. An online version of this release is available here.\n\n+++\n\nDear Commissioner Califf,\n\nWe share with you a dedication to ensuring a safe and honest marketplace that furthers the health and well-being of all Americans. From this shared commitment, we write today to again voice our strong concerns over the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s lack of enforcement of dairy standards of identity and bring to your attention the emergence of cell-based imitation products to market.\n\nFor decades FDA has allowed non-dairy products to illegally use dairy terms to label their imitation products, most of which are nutritionally inferior to the real dairy foods they purport to emulate. Americans rely on FDA for marketplace safety and transparency, both of which are vital for Americans to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their families. After decades of FDA allowing this blatant mislabeling, demonstrated confusion over the nutritional content of dairy imitators has medical and health professionals documenting the real harm and public health concerns of FDA continuing to fail to enforce.1 FDA\u2019s lack of enforcement is failing the American public.\n\nPublic health is now facing a new, additional perpetrator \u2013 Cell-based dairy imitation products. These are synthetically created options posing as natural foods, many of which are nutritionally inferior to the dairy products they imitate. Their use of dairy terms is another clear violation of FDA\u2019s standards of identity, which requires the food product be made from milk from an animal.\n\nIt is critical that FDA intervene to prevent this new violation committed by cell-based foods from compounding the harm Americans are already experiencing from FDA\u2019s decades of inaction on plant-based mislabeling.\n\nNew developments in food science should advance new and innovative products, not cause deeper injury to public health. It is FDA\u2019s job to ensure a stable and transparent marketplace to support safe innovation while protecting Americans, and Congress has ensured FDA has the resources to do so. We strongly urge you, as FDA Commissioner, to enforce dairy standards of identity and stop synthetic imitation products from using dairy terms.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cyber-solarium-co-chairs-to-tout-commissions-success-and-path-forward-at-tuesday-forum", "Cyber Solarium Co-Chairs to Tout Commission\u2019s Success and Path Forward at Tuesday Forum", "2023-09-18", "2023", "2023-09", "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-Maine) and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), Co-Chairs of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), today released the following statement prior to their Capitol Hill event discussing the successes of CSC efforts since its implementation in April 2019 and what the commission hopes to accomplish in the near future. Since its launch, the commission has seen about 70 percent of its recommendations fully or partially implemented.\n\nJoining King and Gallagher on the panel will be Chris Inglis, the former National Cyber Director, and Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, the Executive Director of the CSC. Maggie Miller, a cybersecurity reporter at Politico, will moderate the conversation. The panel comes on the heels of the recently released National Cybersecurity Strategy which lays out the Biden Administration\u2019s policy goals for the nation\u2019s roles, responsibilities, and resources in cyberspace in addition to the nomination of Harry Coker to fill the vacant National Cyber Director role.\n\n\u201cOver the course of several years, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission has proven that its report is not just sitting on a shelf collecting dust. We are proactively meeting the urgent needs of American cybersecurity policy to protect national critical infrastructure, enhance public-private and international collaboration, invest in federal network security, improve the cyber ecosystem, and impose costs on threatening actors,\u201d Senator King and Congressman Gallagher said. \u201cIn Congress, we recognize that keeping the momentum going to meet these goals will not be without challenges or difficult conversations, but we intend to continue providing resources to support our country\u2019s cybersecurity needs. With strong, forward-leaning partnerships across the public and private sectors, we can achieve national cyber resiliency and prepare our country for success in cyberspace.\u201d\n\nAs Co-Chairs of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), Senator King and Representative Gallagher are recognized as two of Congress\u2019 leading experts on cyberdefense and are strong advocates 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\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-funding-opportunities-for-debris-removal-in-coastal-communities", "Maine Delegation Announces Funding Opportunities for Debris Removal in Coastal Communities", "2023-09-18", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced that $19 million in federal funding is now available to combat marine debris in coastal communities through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) Sea Grant Program. This grant program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support healthy marine ecosystems nationwide. The funding opportunities are part of nearly $3 billion in targeted investments by NOAA in the areas of habitat restoration, coastal resilience and weather forecasting infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n\u201cAs residents of the most beautiful coastal state, we deeply value the long-term health of our oceans and coastal communities,\u201d the Maine delegation said. \u201cThis funding will help organizations and non-profits keep our oceans clean in groundbreaking ways. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already proved itself as a once-in-generation investment in our state\u2019s future success so we are pleased to see additional targeted investments will be available to support coastal communities.\u201d\n\nThere are two funding opportunities available for interested applicants:\n\nThe Marine Debris Challenge Competition will include approximately $16 million in funding available to support innovative, transformational research-to-application projects that will address the prevention and removal of marine debris, with award periods of three years. This opportunity is open to any person or group within the United States or its territories, as well as tribal nations within those geographies. Applicants must submit proposals in partnership with a relevant Sea Grant Program. Please note that it is not a requirement that investigators, including the principal investigator, be part of a Sea Grant program.\n\nThe Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions opportunity will include approximately $3 million in funding available to support the creation of coalitions and partnerships to address marine debris prevention and removal. Applications for this opportunity must be submitted through a Sea Grant Program, and partnerships are encouraged.\n\nSenator Collins was a member of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the infrastructure package, which includes money for marine debris removal programs. Senator King was also a key negotiator of the package securing $47 billion for climate change and coastal resiliency in addition to transformational investments in broadband infrastructure. Reps. Pingree and Golden strongly supported the House passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which is expected to deliver approximately $2.5 billion to Maine over the next five years for critical broadband, transportation, energy, and environmental projects.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-commemorating-pow/mia-day", "King Statement Commemorating POW/MIA Day", "2023-09-15", "2023", "2023-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "BRUNSWICK, ME \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, released the following statement in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The day recognizes America\u2019s servicemembers who have been Prisoners of War, those still Missing in Action, and their families.\n\n\u201cOn National Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day, we join together to honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have been Prisoners of War, and we remember those who remain Missing in Action\u2014including the 477 Mainers whose whereabouts are still unknown,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThis solemn day is a painful yet important reminder of the sacrifices endured by servicemembers, and the enormous loss and uncertainty borne by their families. Let us renew our commitment to bring answers and closure to the loved ones of those Missing in Action, and to care for all those who have endured the painful silence of these losses.\n\n\u201cToday, I join people across Maine and our nation in saying, \u2018You Are Not Forgotten.\u2019 The phrase is reminder of our duty to leave no American behind. I stand humbled and grateful to those who answered the call of their nation to protect our way of life. We also pay tribute to those who have been POW/MIA and have returned to their loved ones\u2014we have a solemn obligation to take care of them and their families.\n\n\u201cAnd to the comrades who have lost their friends and companions, know that today and every day we stand with you through your hardships, and in honoring the selfless service of America\u2019s POW and MIA. As our servicemembers know all too well: freedom is not free. Thank you for your continued service to our nation, our democracy, and our American way of life.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-constitution-day-senators-king-and-lankford-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-civics-education-and-pursue-a-more-perfect-union", "Ahead of Constitution Day, Senators King and Lankford Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Civics Education and Pursue a \u2018More Perfect Union\u2019", "2023-09-14", "2023", "2023-09", "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. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) have introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen civics education resources for school children across the United States. Introduced ahead of Constitution Day on September 17, the Constitution education Is Valuable In Community Schools (CIVICS) Act would require higher education federal grant recipients to include Constitution education as a condition for the funding. The bill recognizes the importance of the United States Constitution, democratic values, and the role of good governance for the benefit of \u2018a more perfect union.\u2019\n\n\u201cSince its ratification in 1788, the U.S. Constitution has guided America\u2019s system of government, and has been the blueprint for freedom and democracy around the globe,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cThe continued success of our unique experiment in self-government relies on each successive generation understanding our shared past, national values, and the framers\u2019 careful \u2013 though imperfect \u2013 work. If we truly want a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we must make sure the people have the tools and perspective needed to play their part. It is the responsibility of this generation to ensure our students receive a full civics education. By passing the CIVICS Act, and expanding teaching of the Constitution, we can help young Americans gain the knowledge they need to continue our never ending work of building \u2018a more perfect union.\u2019\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 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\nFirst established in 1952, Congress expanded the recognition of Constitution Day in 2004, requiring public schools and federal agencies to teach the Constitution and civics lessons. The American History and Civics Education program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, created grants for institutions of higher education and other organizations to develop evidence-based approaches to improve the quality of American history, civics and government. However, entities that receive these grants are not required to include educational programs regarding the Constitution or Bill of Rights. Under the CIVICS Act, grant recipients 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 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.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-rethinking-of-navy-readiness-production-strategy-to-strengthen-fleet-and-empower-maines-shipyards", "King Urges \"Rethinking\" of Navy Readiness, Production Strategy to Strengthen Fleet and Empower Maine\u2019s Shipyards", "2023-09-14", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Concerned over the \u201cwaning\u201d of America\u2019s military deterrence capabilities, Senator Angus King today pressed the nominee for Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti to reassess the fleet\u2019s readiness and abilities. In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King asked Admiral Franchetti about the Navy\u2019s ability to deter foreign adversaries from threats and attacks against American interests and allies. King also discussed the need to invest in the defense industrial base, specifically in the people working to keep the Navy afloat.\n\nSenator King began his remarks by commenting on the Navy\u2019s readiness and ability to deter our adversaries from threats and attacks on our interests and allies.\n\n\u201cAdmiral, as you know, the cornerstone of our defense policy for at least 70 years has been deterrence. And deterrence only works if the deterrent is credible. I am concerned, and this is to put a fine point on some of the comments that have already been made, that the credibility of our deterrent is waning, particularly in light of the massive capacity increase in China and clearly the aggressive nature of Russia at this point. Deterrence doesn't work, and this weakness is an invitation to war. And I believe, in spite of the efforts to improve productivity and output of our maintenance bases as well as our construction facilities, we need more capacity. 30% of the naval ships, which I think you mentioned that are not available at any given moment is absolutely unacceptable. No business in the private sector would have 30% of their capital assets idle. And clearly, workforce is a challenge and one of the barriers. But I would hope that you would consider a serious rethinking of capacity in terms of maintaining the size of the Navy that we need, and the availability of the Navy that we need. I think it's time for a \u2018hair on fire\u2019 task force on this issue. We can improve productivity at those facilities, but looking at the numbers, it just doesn\u2019t seem like that will be enough. Your thoughts?\u201d Senator King asked.\n\nAdmiral Franchetti responded, \u201cWell, Senator King, thank you again for your time the other day. I enjoyed talking with you. I agree that deterrence is our number one priority, and we need to be able to deter our adversaries by having a combat credible force. Our Navy is the most formidable force in the world, and if confirmed, I will continue to make sure it stays that way. As I look at our shipbuilding industry and my objective of having more players on the field, I have to step back and think that it's not only about the number of ships we have, but it\u2019s also about the capability of those ships. It\u2019s really a mix of that along with ensuring that they have the right skills, the people with the right skills, the right manning, the right munitions, and all of the support they need to be able to do their job. And if confirmed, I will continue to look at that and ensure that we do deliver the Navy that the nation needs going forward to deter our adversaries and fight and win our nation's wars.\u201d\n\nSenator King then asked Admiral Franchetti if the Navy plans to invest in its workforce, specifically at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.\n\n\u201cI believe that one of the challenges in increasing capacity, whether it's at existing yards, a new yard or something in between, is workforce. And the Navy has to be thinking about, as I work with people at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard or at Bath Ironworks, the quality of life at those yards, mundane things like parking. We need to attract workers, and they need to be able to have a quality of life. Whether it's something that you think of as peripheral parking, or childcare, those kinds of things are important in order to maintain and encourage the workforce that we need. These people are working hard. I\u2019ve toured both of those yards so many times. I think if I tour BIW once more, I\u2019m going to learn how to weld. But these people work hard, they work efficiently, but we've got to keep them coming. All of our industrial base needs workforce today, so I hope the Navy will think about that as you're thinking more broadly than simply what\u2019s the contract going to look like,\u201d Senator King commented.\n\nAdmiral Franchetti responded, \u201cYes. As vice chief, I was responsible for leading a task force to get after the quality of service, starting first in our shipyards and then scaling that out to the rest of the fleet, because we need to be a world class employee of choice. We\u2019re in a war for talent every day and we need to be able to attract and retain sailors. I would expand that, that we really do need a national call to service for people to support our defense industry, whether it's in small business, whether it's in big shipyards or whether it's serving the navy. It\u2019s all service to your nation, and we need that capacity as a nation to be able to deter our adversaries.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King has championed funding for both Bath Iron Works (BIW) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). In the Senate passed FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, Senator King secured authorization for the procurement of DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers which BIW can compete to build. Additionally, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visits Maine shipyards regularly, at the invitation of Senator King, most recently at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-address-maintenance-backlog-at-university-of-maine-federal-agricultural-research-facilities", "King Introduces Legislation to Address Maintenance Backlog at University of Maine, Federal Agricultural Research Facilities", "2023-09-13", "2023", "2023-09", "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-Maine) has introduced legislation to address the maintenance backlog at agricultural research facilities in Maine and across the country. The AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act would address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture, including agricultural research facilities at the University of Maine and USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facilities.\n\n\u201cAgricultural research has been essential to the success of Maine\u2019s hardworking farmers for generations and their ability to continue producing high-quality and delicious products,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cUnfortunately, too many agricultural sciences schools have been facing deferred maintenance issues that impede their ability to conduct critical research and postpones repairs to a later \u2013 and more expensive \u2013 date. As technology advances and opens new agricultural opportunities, it\u2019s important our research centers stay up-to-date with the latest tools available. This bill will ensure that land-grant universities, like the University of Maine, can further invest in its research facilities and create added stability to help these institutions move forward with their important work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe growth of Maine\u2019s agriculture and dependent rural communities relies on cutting-edge research and workforce development undertaken by our R1 land grant university with industry and other partners. Even with the talent and ingenuity of our incredible faculty, staff and students, it is increasingly challenging for them to conduct 21st century research in facilities constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries,\u201d said University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, who also serves as the University of Maine System\u2019s Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation. \u201cWe appreciate how Senator King and his colleagues in Congress continue to champion this critically important federal investment that would provide UMaine with the opportunity to modernize our statewide research farms and greenhouses. This will expand and enhance food security, hands-on preparation of a highly skilled agriculture workforce and create a more resilient Maine economy in the face of a changing climate and markets.\u201d\n\nAn initial 2015 study reported that there was an estimated total of $8.4 billion in deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture. A follow-up 2021 report confirmed the effects of the insufficient funding to address maintenance backlogs at these facilities, reporting that 69% of these agricultural school buildings were at the end of their useful lives and that the cost of addressing deferred maintenance grew to $11.5 billion.\n\nThe AG RESEARCH Act would provide competitive grants to schools of agriculture for altering, modernizing, renovating, or remodeling research facilities and equipment. The USDA Secretary is directed to distribute the grants equitably based on geography, diversity, and size of institutions. The bill would also allow the use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds for continued maintenance of ARS research facilities, with priority given to the most critical projects as indicated in the ARS Capital Investment Strategy.\n\nIn addition to Senator King, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).\n\nSenator King has been a longstanding advocate for Maine\u2019s agriculture economy. He secured $2,997,000 in FY23 congressionally-directed spending to strengthen research and innovation in support of Maine's wild blueberry industry through the modernization of UMaine's Blueberry Hill research farm in Jonesboro. He previously introduced legislation to support farmers affected by PFAS. He also introduced the Farmland Access Act that would update the existing, but underutilized, federal Buy-Protect-Sell program that allows land trusts and other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to purchase and preserve farmland before its eventual transfer to another farmer who can maintain the land. Additionally, Senator King secured funding for agricultural research, of products like the Caribou Russet, in the FY2022 budget.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-school-year-begins-king-introduces-bill-to-expand-tax-deductions-for-school-supplies-purchased-out-of-pocket", "As School Year Begins, King Introduces Bill to Expand Tax Deductions for School Supplies Purchased Out-of-Pocket", "2023-09-12", "2023", "2023-09", "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 has introduced a bill to expand tax deductions for teachers that pay out-of-pocket for school supplies. The Educators Expense Deduction Modernization Act of 2023 would more than triple the amount educators can deduct from their taxes for out-of-pocket classroom expenses \u2013 from notebooks to pencils to paper products. The current deduction for teachers is $300 \u2013 far less than most teachers report spending out of their own pocket each year. The legislation would increase that amount to $1,000 and index it to inflation going forward.\n\n\u201cAs the son of two public school teachers, I\u2019m eternally grateful for the contributions of America\u2019s educators,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cFrom the moment they walk into a classroom, Maine\u2019s teachers lay the foundation for our children\u2019s success and provide an invaluable, often underappreciated service to our communities. This bill will ensure that our teachers can receive expanded tax deductions when they pay out-of-pocket to buy learning tools for their students. I hope we can all take time to recognize the contributions of Maine educators, and educators across the nation, who devote their lives to teaching the next generation.\u201d\n\nAccording to the Maine Department of Education, there are 14,714 educators that are licensed to work in Maine\u2019s schools. Recent reports estimate that teachers are paid 20 percent less than similarly-skilled professionals \u2013 and are often asked to cover everyday classroom expenses. Increasing the tax deduction for workplace expenses recognizes the personal sacrifices so many educators make to ensure our children have the tools to learn.\n\nJoining Senator King on the legislation are Senators Sherrod Brown (OH), Bob Casey (PA), Tina Smith (MN), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Chris Van Hollen (MD), Chris Murphy (D-CN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ). Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) and Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) are expected to introduce bipartisan companion legislation in the House of Representatives this week.\n\nSenator King is a strong advocate for teachers across Maine. Most recently, he introduced legislation to increase access to mental health resources for educators. He also recently secured more than $14 million for early learning programs at Penquis C.A.P., Inc. in Bangor, Aroostook County Action Program in Presque Isle, and Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation in Farmingdale. He also secured $5 million for early learning programs in Sanford, Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care in Lewiston, and Midcoast Maine Community Action in Bath. In addition to funding, Senator King has co-sponsored a resolution to honor America\u2019s teacher during National Teachers Week.\n\nThe bill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-450000-for-new-alzheimers-research-at-the-jackson-laboratory", "Collins, King Announce More than $450,000 for New Alzheimer\u2019s Research at The Jackson Laboratory", "2023-09-12", "2023", "2023-09", "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. \u00ad\u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that The Jackson Laboratory is receiving $480,536 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The grant will fund an innovative research project aimed at developing new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs).\n\n\"The work being done at The Jackson Laboratory is making tremendous strides in addressing the challenges posed by cognitive decline,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \"This investment will better support efforts to contribute to breakthroughs in treatment for diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s, offering hope for improved quality of life for the millions of American families affected by these conditions.\"\n\nSpecifically, researchers at The Jackson Laboratory are honing in on a vital pathway known as Angiopoietin/TIE2 (ANG/TIE2), which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vascular function. By delving into the intricate workings of the ANG/TIE2 pathway, the scientists aim to unlock novel strategies to protect brain vasculature from harm. This would have the potential to slow down or prevent cognitive decline in those afflicted with ADRDs.\n\nEarlier this year, Senators Collins and King announced more than $1.2 million in funding secured for The Jackson Laboratory to support three separate biomedical research projects.\n\nThe Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution headquartered in Bar Harbor. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for diseases and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 339, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Independent", "p1": "ME", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=ME&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Independent", "label": "Independent", "count": 339, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ME&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=ME&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 339, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=ME&year=2023&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=ME&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "ME", "label": "ME", "count": 339, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=ME&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 339, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=ME", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-09-12,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eking~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fcollins-king-announce-more-than-450000-for-new-alzheimers-research-at-the-jackson-laboratory", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=ME&year=2023&_next=2023-09-12%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eking~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fcollins-king-announce-more-than-450000-for-new-alzheimers-research-at-the-jackson-laboratory&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 143.34838232025504, "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"}