{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Independent\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/senior-holiday-dinners", "Senior Holiday Dinners", "2018-12-24", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senior Holiday Dinners \n            I am so pleased that more than a thousand Vermont seniors attended six holiday dinners my office organized around the state. These meals are a great opportunity for seniors to come together, enjoy a holiday meal with friends and neighbors, and hear some beautiful music from local student choirs.  And to all Vermonters, I wish you a happy holiday season!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-departure-of-secretary-of-defense-james-mattis", "King Statement on Departure of Secretary of Defense James Mattis", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BRUNSWICK, ME  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the announcement that Secretary of Defense James Mattis would be leaving the Trump Administration at the end of February: When I first considered General Mattis's nomination to serve as Defense Secretary, I concluded that he was an experienced leader' who would serve as a moderating voice within the Administration.' After nearly two years of service, I can say with confidence that Secretary Mattis has filled this role to the best of his ability given the Administration in which he served, providing a seasoned, rational voice on national security in the midst of numerous international challenges. His departure is extremely worrisome, particularly as it comes on the heels of a number of increasingly erratic foreign policy decisions that endanger American interests abroad and undermine our nation's place as a world leader. Quite frankly, I've slept better knowing that Secretary Mattis was leading the Department of Defense and providing counsel to this President on issues of national security, and while I understand his reluctance to continue to serve in an administration that ignores his expertise, I'm unsure who  if anyone  will be able to replace his measured, thoughtful approach in these important conversations. The loss of Jim Mattis's voice is a loss for the American people. He will leave mighty shoes to fill, and I will measure any nominee the President puts forward against Secretary Mattis's distinguished record of performance, patriotism, and service to his country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-partial-government-shutdown", "King Statement on Partial Government Shutdown", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in advance of this evening's deadline to prevent a partial government shutdown: We shouldn't be in this situation. For months, Congress has worked on a bipartisan basis to craft spending bills that would attract support from both parties  including substantial funds for border security. Instead, the President has forced a partial government shutdown unless his demands for a wall on the southern border are met. As a result of his decision to reject a bipartisan agreement, federal employees  like law enforcement officers, park rangers, and air traffic controllers  must spend their holidays worrying if their next paycheck will be affected by political games. Everyone in the Congress is in favor of enhanced border security; the issue is whether a wall is the best and most cost-effective method of achieving this. According to the agreement reached by party leadership in the Senate Friday afternoon, there will be no more votes on the budget bills until there is a final agreement between President Trump and House and Senate leadership. Senator King will return home to Maine tonight, and will return to Washington D.C. to vote as soon as an agreement is reached. After discussions with leaders of both parties, Senator King is hopeful that a reasonable resolution can be reached in short order.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-collins-king-and-rep-pingree-announce-contract-award-to-build-additional-destroyer-at-bath-iron-works", "Sens. Collins, King and Rep. Pingree Announce Contract Award to Build Additional Destroyer at Bath Iron Works.", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree announced today that the Navy is exercising its option under the fiscal years (FY) 2018-2022 multiyear procurement contract awarded in September to build an additional DDG-51 destroyer at Bath Iron Works (BIW) for $910,723,811. This FY 2019 option ship is in addition to four ships the Navy awarded the shipyard under the multiyear contract. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer called Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree to inform them of the award. The Navy's decision to build an additional DDG-51 at BIW is great news for the hardworking men and women at the shipyard. They can now spend the holidays with their families knowing that this additional ship will help keep the workload stable in the months and years ahead, said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. The Navy's latest contract decision is a testament to the quality work being done at BIW to produce the backbone of today's Navy. We are extremely proud to represent the best shipbuilders in the world right here in Maine and work together to support them in Congress.\" In addition to the five DDG-51s already funded in FY 2018 and FY 2019, the delegation will seek to ensure that Congress provides the necessary funding and statutory authority for the Navy to procure the six additional DDG-51s called for under the multiyear contract and up to three additional option ships. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. In September, Senators Collins and King both advocated for the passage of the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill, which included funding for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in FY 2019, while also including $250 million in advanced procurement funding for an additional destroyer in FY 2020. The legislation was signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-is-shutting-down-the-government", "Trump Is Shutting Down the Government", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump Is Shutting Down the Government \n            Trump is shutting down the government and will leave 800,000 federal employees without paychecksdespite unanimous Republican support in the Senate and overwhelming Republican support in the House.\nClearly, this president's erratic and impulsive behavior is a danger to our country and a major impediment in terms of addressing the crises we face.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-on-president-trump-to-condemn-recent-texas-v-us-decision-on-aca", "King, Colleagues Call on President Trump to Condemn Recent Texas V. U.S. Decision on ACA", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined a group of his Senate colleagues to call on President Trump to condemn the recent decision in Texas v. United States which declared the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional. If the decision stands, 20 million Americans could be left without health insurance and millions of families across the country could see healthcare costs rise. It is not too late for you to condemn this decision by requesting a stay and taking steps to defend the Affordable Care Act moving forward, the Senators wrote. The ACA is, quite simply, the law of the land, and it is your Administration's duty to defend it. Further, even among the numerous, failed attempts to repeal the ACA, there was widespread recognition that simply repealing the law without a replacement would be too devastating to American families and to our economy to fathom. Yet that is exactly what this ruling, if upheld, would do. The full text of the letter is below and is available HERE. +++ Dear President Trump: We are writing to express our serious concerns with the December 14th decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in the matter of Texas v. United States and to reiterate our strong objection to the Department of Justice's refusal to defend the law of the land. Judge O'Connor's decision wrongly declares the individual mandate unconstitutional and inseverable from the remainder of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This decision is not just legally unsound, itis inhumane and cruel. If the ruling stands, nearly every American's health care will be affected. The 20 million people who receive insurance coverage through the ACA will be left without the coverage they desperately need. Furthermore, 133 million Americans with pre-existing conditions will be at risk of losing access to treatment. And millions of families, women, seniors, and people with low incomes will see their health care costs rise. It is no exaggeration to say that, if upheld, this decision is a matter of life and death to many Americans. We urge you to reverse course and direct the Department of Justice to defend the law of the land and pursue a stay of this decision. It is not too late for you to condemn this decision by requesting a stay and taking steps to defend the Affordable Care Act moving forward. The ACA is, quite simply, the law of the land, and it is your Administration's duty to defend it. Further, even among the numerous, failed attempts to repeal the ACA, there was widespread recognition that simply repealing the law without a replacement would be too devastating to American families and to our economy to fathom. Yet that is exactly what this ruling, if upheld, would do. The human cost of this decision is profound. As mentioned above, tens of millions of Americans covered in the law's Health Insurance Marketplaces and by Medicaid expansion will lose their insurance, and tens of millions more with health conditions from cancer to heart disease, pregnant women, and people with costly prescriptions could lose access to care or have to pay significantly more for it. It is also alarming that in the midst of the devastating opioid epidemic, millions of Americans suffering from substance use disorders would lose access to the treatment that they need to recover. But it does not stop there. Health care makes up over one-sixth of our economy: the uncertainty for health care providers created by the dramatic upheaval that this decision will inevitably cause will have a substantial economic impact on families, rural hospitals and clinics, businesses, state governments, and more. Americans need you to work with us to defend their access to quality, affordable health care. We can work together to improve our health care system and reduce costs, but we must not let this flawed court decision stand and devastate millions of American families both physically and financially. The fight for our health care in the case of Texas v. United States is not over. We urge you and the DOJ to immediately request a stay of this order and to uphold the rule of law by defending the constitutionality of current law. Millions of Americans are relying on you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-graham-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-reconsider-withdrawing-us-forces-from-syria", "King, Graham, Bipartisan Group of Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Reconsider Withdrawing U.S. Forces from Syria", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their concern regarding the consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power, the Senators wrote. They continued, The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors. The full text of the letter is below. +++ December 19, 2018 The Honorable Donald J. Trump The President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write today to express our concern regarding your Administration's consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. We believe that such action at this time is a premature and costly mistake that not only threatens the safety and security of the United States, but also emboldens ISIS, Bashar al Assad, Iran, and Russia. The United States currently retains a small and limited military presence within Syria. The approximately 2,000 American troops stationed in Syria serve as a vital shield against ISIS cells operating within Northeast Syria. While you believe the threat of ISIS has dissipated, the conditions on the ground paint a very different picture. In addition, our troops provide critical support for our Kurdish partners, who have been crucial in the fight against ISIS. If our Kurdish partners in the region lose the support of the United States, we run the risk of a resurgence of ISIS and the possible capitulation or all out destruction of Kurdish resistance in the region. Furthermore, hundreds of foreign fighters being held in captivity by our Kurdish partners are at risk of being released or worse if our support is withdrawn. If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power. The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors. In conclusion, we encourage you to reconsider your proposal to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria to ensure that our nation's strategic interests are secured.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-legislation-to-protect-energy-grid-from-cyber-attacks", "Senate Passes King Legislation to Protect Energy Grid from Cyber-Attacks", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Last night, the U.S. Senate passed the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho). Both Senators are members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR). The legislation would defend the U.S. energy grid by partnering with industry to utilize engineering concepts to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid through holes in digital software systems.  For years we've seen the danger of cyber-attacks grow as bad actors pursue larger and more sophisticated incursions on our vital systems, but the federal government's response has not matched the severity of these threats, said Senator King. This commonsense, bipartisan bill is an important step in the right direction, and will help protect America's critical infrastructure from devastating attacks before they happen. Senators King and Risch first introduced the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act in the 115th Congress in January 2017, and the legislation has gained momentum in the months since. In March 2017, the ENR Committee held a hearing on the legislation, and in September 2017 the Western Governors' Association endorsed the proposal. In October 2017, a companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and John Carter (R-Tex.). In March 2018, the legislation was passed by the ENR Committee. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) are also original cosponsors of the legislation. Critical infrastructure within the United States is an enticing target to malicious actors. Notably, these include industrial control systems, which are operational technologies used to measure, control, or manage industrial functions (e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition systems). Industrial control systems are used in oil and gas pipelines, in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, in the energy sector, and across other sectors such as water management and mass transit. Top officials within the intelligence, defense, and power communities have warned that the United States remains vulnerable to cyber-attacks on these systems, which could result in catastrophic damage to public health and safety, economic security, and national security. The bill was inspired in part by Ukraine's experience in 2015, when a sophisticated cyber-attack on that country's power grid led to more than 225,000 people being left in the dark.The attack's severity was limited by Ukraine's use of less complex technology to operate its grid, a concept that helped inspire the bill. The legislation would establish a two-year pilot program within the National Laboratories to partner with industry and develop ways to utilize cyber-informedengineering concepts to simplify and isolate automated systems and remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid through holes in digital software systems. Senator King has been a leading voice on the need for a national emphasis on cyber deterrence, and has repeatedly pressed officials in both the Obama and Trump Administrations on the importance of deterrence. During an ENR Committee Hearing in June, Senator pushed for leadership on a cyber strategy, saying in part, We know that a cyber-attack is coming at some point shame on us if we're not prepared for it. In March,he highlighted the topic in both the ENR and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). In February,Senator King questioned Admiral Mike Rogers and other top national intelligence officials on the importance of a national doctrine on cybersecurity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/promises-made-promises-broken-for-ohio-gm-workers", "Promises Made, Promises Broken for Ohio GM Workers", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Promises Made, Promises Broken for Ohio GM Workers \n            We should not be rewarding companies like GM with tax breaks and government contracts when it lays off American workers and outsources work to Mexico where it can pay workers as little as $3 an hour.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-administration-is-an-international-embarrassment-at-climate-summit", "Trump Administration Is an International Embarrassment at Climate Summit", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump Administration Is an International Embarrassment at Climate Summit \n            It's an international embarrassment that at the United Nations' world conference on climate change, the Trump Administration is still pushing the use of fossil fuels.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-official-laughed-at-for-promoting-fossil-fuels-at-climate-summit", "Trump Official Laughed At for Promoting Fossil Fuels at Climate Summit", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump Official Laughed At for Promoting Fossil Fuels at Climate Summit \n            This Trump official promoted fossil fuels at the UN climate summit in Poland and then refused to answer questions about why Trump denies climate change. What a disgrace. We need immediate and bold action to transform our energy system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-push-from-king-usda-outlines-rules-for-broadband-pilot-program-in-rural-america", "Following Push from King, USDA Outlines Rules for Broadband Pilot Program in Rural America", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today applauded an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlining its rules for a new rural broadband pilot program. The program, which includes several provisions supported by King, is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Congress created and allocated the funding for the pilot program in the March 2018 omnibus appropriations bill.\r\nIn rural states like Maine, access to broadband is essential for students to learn and for businesses to grow, Senator King said. The USDA's new pilot program will focus critical investments towards building and expanding high-speed internet for our rural communities, so people in Maine and across the country  regardless of where they choose to live or work  can have the opportunity to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy.\r\nIn September 2018, Senator King wrote a letter to the USDA seeking specific provisions in the pilot program, a number of which were included in the department's rules governing the program which were released last week. These include:\r\n \r\nAcquiring up-to-date broadband mapping data through partnerships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and state governments, and by collecting information from on-the-ground field tests.\r\n \r\n \r\nAccounting for the scope and depth of partnerships between funding applicants and local governments, employers and other key regional institutions when making funding decisions.\r\n \r\n \r\nMaximizing the benefit of these funds by seeking projects in states like Maine that have completed robust broadband planning efforts.\r\n \r\nThe USDA pilot program, which Senator King pushed for as part of the March 2018 omnibus bill, mirrors the B-CROP Act, legislation Senator King cosponsored in August 2017 that would expand the resources available for building broadband infrastructure by bolstering an existing USDA loan program to include grant funding to help support projects in rural and tribal areas.\r\nConnectivity in rural regions is a key part ofSenator King's economic agendato help grow Maine's rural economy, support innovation and create jobs, and in January hesent a bipartisan letter to the Presidentwith his co-chairs on the Senate Broadband Caucus urging stand-alone funding for broadband deployment in any proposed infrastructure package. During his time in office, Senator King hassupportedthe modernization of federal broadband programs, including the FCC's E-rate program, which supports school and library internet access, and the USDA's Broadband Loan Program. This summer, hemet with farmers in Exeterto discuss the importance of rural broadband to fuel agricultural innovation, and he is also a cosponsor of thePrecision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, elements of which were included in the Farm Bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-100000-for-passamaquoddy-tribes-economic-impact-study-", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $100,000 for Passamaquoddy Tribe\u2019s Economic Impact Study", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $100,000 to the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township to fund a study for a potential hydrogen-powered Business/Internet/Data Center on the Passamaquoddy reservation. Results of this study will identify the resources necessary for sustainable operationsincluding workforce development, capital, business management, legal services, and administrative supportwhich will help diversify the regional economy. This important funding from the EDA will assist the Passamaquoddy Tribe in assessing the feasibility of constructing a cutting-edge data center powered by clean energy, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome the EDA's continued investment in Maine's tribal communities, which supports economic development and job creation. The EDA leads the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. As an agency within the Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-feinstein-oppose-inclusion-of-israel-anti-boycott-act-in-appropriations-bill", "Sanders, Feinstein Oppose Inclusion of Israel Anti-Boycott Act in Appropriations Bill", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 As Congress considers a year-end appropriations bill, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) called on Senate leadership not to include S. 720, the Israel Anti-Boycott Act.\r\nWe believe including this bill would violate the spirit of cooperation and commitment that Senate appropriators have made to oppose controversial riders on appropriations bills, the senators wrote in a letter to Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).\r\nWhile we do not support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, we remain resolved to our constitutional oath to defend the right of every American to express their views peacefully without fear of or actual punishment by the government, the senators continued.\r\nAs the ACLU has repeatedly stated in its opposition to S. 720, this bill would violate Americans' First Amendment rights. Federal district courts in Kansas and Arizona have similarly considered state laws that target political boycotts of Israel and found them to violate the First Amendment At a time when the Netanyahu government is pursuing policies clearly aimed at foreclosing the two-state solution, it is deeply disappointing that Congress would consider choosing to penalize criticism of those policies.\r\nTo read the letter,click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-feinstein-oppose-inclusion-of-israel-anti-boycott-act-in-appropriations-bill", "Sanders, Feinstein Oppose Inclusion of Israel Anti-Boycott Act in Appropriations Bill", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 As Congress considers a year-end appropriations bill, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) called on Senate leadership not to include S. 720, the Israel Anti-Boycott Act.\r\nWe believe including this bill would violate the spirit of cooperation and commitment that Senate appropriators have made to oppose controversial riders on appropriations bills, the senators wrote in a letter to Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).\r\nWhile we do not support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, we remain resolved to our constitutional oath to defend the right of every American to express their views peacefully without fear of or actual punishment by the government, the senators continued.\r\nAs the ACLU has repeatedly stated in its opposition to S. 720, this bill would violate Americans' First Amendment rights. Federal district courts in Kansas and Arizona have similarly considered state laws that target political boycotts of Israel and found them to violate the First Amendment At a time when the Netanyahu government is pursuing policies clearly aimed at foreclosing the two-state solution, it is deeply disappointing that Congress would consider choosing to penalize criticism of those policies.\r\nTo read the letter,click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pushes-for-bill-to-restore-national-parks-in-senate-floor-speech", "King Pushes for Bill to Restore National Parks in Senate Floor Speech", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for theRestore Our Parks Act, a bipartisan bill led by that would address the$12 billion deferred maintenance backlogat the National Park Service (NPS). Senator King is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan bill along with Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). We have a wonderful park in Maine, Acadia. We had three and a half million people last year at that park. But the problem is, I've visited, I've seen leaky roofs, and roads that need repair, and if we don't do that we're not serving the public, we're not serving the next generation of Americans who want to enjoy the parks. And now we have an opportunity to do so that is supported on a bipartisan basis in this body, in the other body, and by the administration. The Restore Our Parks Act consensus proposal is the product of bipartisan discussions among the senators who had previously introduced similar bills, the National Park Service Legacy Act (Warner/Portman) and the National Park Restoration Act (Alexander/King), and has been gaining momentum since its introduction; the legislation is cosponsored by 37 Senators and is supported by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the National Parks Conservation Association, the Pew Charitable Trusts' Restore America's Parks' campaign, and the Outdoor Industry Association, among others. In September, Senator King joined Acting Director of the National Park Service, Dan Smith, on a tour of Acadia National Park to assess the park's critical maintenance needs that would be funded if Congress passed the Restore Our Parks Act. This legislation would have a positive impact on Acadia specifically, which has a maintenance backlog of approximately $60 million, and the surrounding communities like Bar Harbor. A companion bill, theRestore our Parks and Public Lands Act,has been introduced in the House. More specifically, theRestore Our Parks Actwould establish the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund to reduce the maintenance backlog by allocating existing revenues the government receives from on and offshore energy development. This consensus legislation has been praised by witnesses at aSubcommittee on National Parks hearing in July. Senator King is an steadfast supporter of the National Park System, and during his tenure in the Senate has pushed for modernizations to make the parks more accessible to future generations, including the implementation of a pilot program to make entrance passes for parks available online, that waslauded in a Subcommittee hearing last year. The program has been particularly successful in Acadia National Park (ANP); Acadia accounts for 72% of total sales in the pilot program, and online purchases accounted for 10% of the park's total entrance fee receipts in 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-king-pays-tribute-to-longtime-friend-outgoing-chief-of-staff-kay-rand", "On Senate Floor, King Pays Tribute to Longtime Friend, Outgoing Chief of Staff Kay Rand", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate floor to pay tribute to Kay Rand, his longtime chief of staff who will be leaving the Senator's office in January. Rand, a native of Ashland, Maine, has served as Senator King's chief of staff since he was sworn-in in 2013, and was King's chief of staff during both of his terms as Maine's governor. She also led both of Senator King's gubernatorial campaigns and his 2012 Senate campaign. After six years of traveling between Washington, D.C. and Maine, Rand will return to Maine full-time at the beginning of 2019. Anything I have achieved in mypublic life has been in manyways attributable to the work ofKay Rand, said Senator King. She has made an enormousdifference in my life and Ibelieve in the life of thepeople of Maine.She's never lost her passion forpublic service, her deepaffection and understanding forthe people of Maine, and theresponsibility that those of uswho have been entrusted with the publiccharge, the public trust, withthe responsibility we have toremember who sent us here, toremember what the values are,what the issues are, what we cando to represent the people ofMaine. Kay Rand has always always  reminded me of thatbecause that's who she is.Facetiously, I've often said mystandard for leadership can besummarized in one sentence:Hire good people and take creditfor what they do.And I've been doing that for 25years.Kay Rand is an extraordinarilyable, devoted, and seriouspublic servant. She's leaving, well deserved But I just want this Senate toknow and the people of Maine toknow that an important publicservant is leaving us but hasleft us and left me with aneverlasting legacy ofleadership, integrity,character.She in many ways has taught mehow to lead.I will miss her.I'll miss her as a friend.I'll miss her as a leader in myoffice.I'll miss her as a person whohas made such a difference in mylife, in my family's life, andthe life of the people of Maine.Kay Rand is an extraordinaryperson.She has done an amazing job forthe people of Maine, for theSenate, and for myselfKay Rand is a very special person, as all of us who know her, can attest.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-backed-by-collins-king", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill Backed by Collins, King", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed the FIRST Step Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), among others. The legislation, which passed by a vote of 87-12, would improve fairness in sentencing of federal crimes, promote public safety, and reduce recidivism. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisanSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which Senator King cosponsored in July and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. The legislation has been endorsed by the President, has strong bipartisan support in Congress, and is supported by a wide range of law enforcement organizations and criminal justice reform advocates. The FIRST Step Act is modeled after the efforts by dozens of states that have successfully reformed their criminal justice systems to rehabilitate minimum- and low-risk offenders, said Senator Collins. This legislation will make our communities safer by reducing recidivism, give a second chance to people who have committed non-violent crimes, and save taxpayers money. Right now, our criminal justice system isn't working; not for those who spend decades in prison for nonviolent offenses, not for law enforcement officers, and not for taxpayers, said Senator King. But we can create a better criminal justice system, and today we took the first step towards a solution that works for all Americans. This bipartisan bill will make our communities safer, prepare inmates to be productive members of society, and save taxpayer money  no wonder it has widespread support from across the ideological spectrum. The comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional development programs.It also improves fairness in prison sentences by recalibrating certain mandatory minimum sentences, granting greater discretion for judges in sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug crimes, and clarifying congressional intent on sentencing enhancements for certain crimes involving firearms. It also preserves the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. In addition, the legislation allows petitions for retroactive application of theFair Sentencing Actto be considered on an individual basis to reduce historical sentencing disparities. Under this legislation, any savings generated by the reforms would automatically be reinvested into law enforcement programs to further reduce crime and improve community safety. The bill is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, from key law enforcement organizations to reform advocates, including the Fraternal Order of Police, theInternational Association of Chiefs of Police,theNational Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Cut50, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration, and the National District Attorneys Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/15-year-old-climate-activist-calls-out-world-leaders-for-inaction", "15-year-old Climate Activist Calls Out World Leaders for Inaction", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "15-year-old Climate Activist Calls Out World Leaders for Inaction \n            \"You say you love your children above all else, yet you are stealing their futures right before their very eyes,\" - This 15-year-old activist just called out world leaders for their global inaction on climate change.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/banker-says-another-recession-would-be-good-for-business", "Banker Says Another Recession Would Be Good for Business", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banker Says Another Recession Would Be Good for Business \n            \"I don't look at a recession as a bad thing.\" -Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JP Morgan Chase (one of the big banks that crashed the economy 10 years ago).\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/bernie-asks-danish-politician-why-is-denmark-so-happy", "Bernie Asks Danish Politician: Why Is Denmark So Happy?", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bernie Asks Danish Politician: Why Is Denmark So Happy? \n            The people of Denmark are some of the happiest on earth. I met with Dan Jrgensen of Denmark's Socialdemokratiet Party to learn why.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/big-pharmas-greed-killed-her-son", "Big Pharma's Greed Killed Her Son", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Big Pharma's Greed Killed Her Son \n            A mother should never have to bury her son because of the hideous greed of pharmaceutical companies. This has got to stop.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/costa-rica-goes-300-days-on-renewable-energy-sources", "Costa Rica Goes 300 Days on Renewable Energy Sources", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Costa Rica Goes 300 Days on Renewable Energy Sources \n            While Trump continues to push for American reliance on fossil fuels, Costa Rica just went 300 days on renewable energy alone. We can't let the rest of the world pass us by.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/historic-victory-senate-passes-war-powers-resolution", "HISTORIC VICTORY: Senate Passes War Powers Resolution", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HISTORIC VICTORY: Senate Passes War Powers Resolution \n            The Senate just passed my resolution to stop U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. This is the first time ever that the Senate has voted to end an unauthorized war.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/paid-sick-leave", "Paid Sick Leave", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Paid Sick Leave \n            When it comes to guaranteeing employees paid sick days, the United States lags behind every major country on Earth.  When employees don't have paid sick leave and can't afford to take time off without pay, they are forced to go to work, potentially spreading illness. The most affected are single moms, who can't even stay home to care for a sick child. We must do better by our workers and our families.  That's why I'm proud that Vermont  along with nine other states and Washington D.C.  now guarantees paid sick leave to almost all workers.  [add following for US post, DW says] It's time for the United States to do the same.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-proposes-heartless-immigration-rule", "Trump Proposes Heartless Immigration Rule", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump Proposes Heartless Immigration Rule \n            The Trump administration's policies on immigration are heartless on every level.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-wants-a-government-shutdown", "Trump Wants a Government Shutdown", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump Wants a Government Shutdown \n            We have a president of the United States who wants to shut down the government. That's incomprehensible.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/xiuhtezcatl-martinez-its-risky-to-not-take-on-fossil-fuel-powers", "Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: It's Risky to Not Take on Fossil Fuel Powers", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: It's Risky to Not Take on Fossil Fuel Powers \n            Listen to Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: it's politically risky NOT to stand up to the powerful fossil fuel industry. The future of the planet is at stake.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-committee-assignments-for-116th-congress", "King Announces Committee Assignments for 116th Congress", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PORTLAND, ME  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced his committee assignments for the 116th Congress, when Senator King will continue to serve on the Armed Services Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the Rules & Administration Committee. I ran for re-election for one simple reason: there's more work to be done, said Senator King. I've spent six years working to keep Maine people safe by strengthening America's national security, to defend the natural resources that support our lobstermen, forest economy and tourism industry, to keep our state beautiful by protecting our environment and finding cost-effective energy options, and to improve the way that Congress works so we can get more things done in Washington that will help Maine people. The work we do in committees is where so much of the progress that is important to Maine gets done, and I'm honored to be able to continue these efforts to improve the lives of Maine people. Committee work takes up a significant portion of Senator King's business in Washington. He has made it a priority to not miss Committee hearings, earning him praise from his colleagues and the reputation as a workhorse in the Senate. The late Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), who served as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, once called Senator King one of the most serious and hard-working members of the Committee, and Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), who currently serves as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, has singled out Senator King for always [staying] to the bitter end of committee hearings.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-colleagues-in-bipartisan-letter-urging-forest-service-to-institute-competition-to-explore-new-uses-for-mass-timber", "King Leads Colleagues in Bipartisan Letter Urging Forest Service to Institute Competition to Explore New Uses for Mass Timber", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the co-chair of the Working Forest Caucus, led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture supporting an award program for educational institutes who explore new potential uses for mass timber. In the letter, which was also signed by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), the Senators point to the previous success of similar programs through USDA and the U.S. Forest Service, and highlight that the innovative solutions developed through a potential competition would benefit both the forest products industry and the environment. In 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the USDA had tremendous success in bringing attention to the potential use of wood in tall buildings with the first U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. We believe an award program utilizing an educational institution is an ideal next step to teach and demonstrate to the next generation of decision-makers, engineers, architects, planners and builders the benefits of mass timber, wrote the Senators in their letter. Mass timber technology can help colleges and universities across the nation achieve their sustainability goals. Stronger markets create an incentive for landowners to ensure forest land is managed sustainably to reduce wildfire risk and help maintain a high monetary value for timber. Further, mass timber use at our nation's colleges and universities has the additional benefit of supporting wood product markets at the local level. Mass Timber development and commercialization were key recommendations in the 2017 outlined Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT) report, which wasoriginally requested in March 2016 by Senators Collins and King and worked across federal and state agencies, industry sectors, and municipalities to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. Additionally, key provisions of theTimber Innovation Act,which Senators King and Collins cosponsored, were included in the Farm Bill which passed Congress this week. These provisions encourage investment in the manufacturing facilities needed to produce mass timber products domestically, incentivize the construction of buildings with wood, and provide designers and code officials with the research and technical support they need to embrace this new construction technology. In addition to Senators King and Collins, the letter was signed by Senators James Risch (R-Idaho), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). The full letter is available HERE, and text of the letter can be found below:  +++  The Honorable Sonny Perdue Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture  1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250 Dear Secretary Perdue: We write today to express our appreciation of the USDA's efforts to promote innovative wood uses, and to support a mass timber competition for institutions of higher education. Such a competition will not only provide opportunities for our future decision makers to utilize a remarkable new material, but also help create a stronger and healthier forest products market all while improving the environment. Colleges and universities are also well adept at leveraging seed money with other public and private funds, and could therefore make very efficient use of a federal mass timber competition award. In 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the USDA had tremendous success in bringing attention to the potential use of wood in tall buildings with the first U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. We believe an award program utilizing an educational institution is an ideal next step to teach and demonstrate to the next generation of decision-makers, engineers, architects, planners and builders the benefits of mass timber. Mass timber technology can help colleges and universities across the nation achieve their sustainability goals. Stronger markets create an incentive for landowners to ensure forest land is managed sustainably to reduce wildfire risk and help maintain a high monetary value for timber. Further, mass timber use at our nation's colleges and universities has the additional benefit of supporting wood product markets at the local level. We appreciate the assistance the USDA has provided thus far, and look forward to working with you on making the mass timber higher education competition a success.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-15-2018-as-wreaths-across-america-day", "Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 15, 2018, as \u201cWreaths Across America Day\u201d", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 15, 2018, as Wreaths Across America Day. On December 15, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks from Maine down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Tens of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition. In its 27-year history, Wreaths Across America has become an enduring symbol of valor and sacrifice, and reaffirms our never-ending obligation to thank those who served in defense of our nation, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This Maine-led tradition is an inspiring example of the generosity and gratitude to our nation's veterans that makes the holiday season so special. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who Remember, Honor, Teach' through Wreaths Across America. To honor our fallen heroes, wreaths will be laid at the graves of American servicemembers as part of a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place approximately 1.2 million wreaths at more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states and numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. For the first time this year, wreaths will be laid at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The resolution is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-speaks-with-winooski-high-school-students-", "Sanders Speaks With Winooski High School Students", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sanders Speaks With Winooski High School Students \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, December 14, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWINOOSKI, Vt., Dec. 14  U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) joined Winooski High School students for a school assembly Friday morning to discuss the importance of being involved in our democracy.\r\n\r\nI had a wonderful conversation with Winooski High School's students about their school and about some of the crucial issues facing the United States. I especially appreciated hearing directly from a panel of students about their thoughts and concerns, said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee.\r\n\r\nAfter a brief presentation, Sanders took questions from the audience on topics including the high cost of college education, access to health care, immigration policy, climate change, transgender rights, and more. Sanders stressed that in a healthy democracy, youth in Vermont and across the country can help address these and other challenges if they come together and make sure their voices are heard.\r\n\r\nWhat is important is not whether these kids agree with me on the issues, but rather, that they are thinking about the issues that are important to them, and understand that they have a say in what the government does or does not do about those issues, Sanders said. After all, on a very fundamental level, that is what democracy is about: having an informed citizenry that is engaged in the political process.\r\n\r\nSanders' visit to Winooski High School is part of his ongoing efforts to encourage students to learn about the major issues facing the United States. On Thursday, Sanders held a video town meeting with students from Albany Community School, Crossett Brook Middle School, Putney Central School, Randolph Union Middle School and Twinfield Union School.\r\n\r\nSanders also holds an annual State of the Union essay contest in which Vermont high school students write about what issues they would prioritize if they were president of the United States and organizes trips to the nonpartisan Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston to help Vermont students learn about the legislative process.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-for-ferc-commissioner-mcnamees-recusal-from-future-business-involving-potential-subsidies-for-coal-and-nuclear-plants", "King, Colleagues Call for FERC Commissioner McNamee\u2019s Recusal from Future Business Involving Potential Subsidies for Coal and Nuclear Plants", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a group of his Senate colleagues in a letter calling for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Bernard McNamee to recuse himself from any future business at FERC involving the potential subsidization of coal and nuclear plants. In the letter, the senators expressed concerns regarding Mr. McNamee's actions in his previous role at the Department of Energy (DOE) in developing and filing a rule to subsidize failing coal and nuclear plants, as well as his recent public comments implying bias against renewable energy technologies. We are concerned about positions you have taken, both while serving as the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy and in the private sector,the senators wrote. These positions and statements suggest a lack of independence and an inappropriate predisposition on a number of topics likely to be involved in proceedings that will come before you in your new role as a FERC Commissioner. The senators continued, Moving forward, and particularly as FERC considers matters related to grid resilience and reliability, we urge you to remain true to your commitment to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to be fair, objective, and impartial' and to work with your colleagues to fulfill (FERC's) mission to ensure just and reasonable rates under the law.' With that in mind, we urge you to recuse yourself from any future FERC proceedings where your impartiality could be questioned based upon your past statements, positions, or work on the DOE NOPR.              The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.). A copy of the letter can be foundHEREand below: The Honorary Bernard L. McNamee Commissioner Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20426  Dear Commissioner McNamee, The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has a requirement to ensure that electric rates are just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory or preferential. As a FERC Commissioner, you will have a responsibility to uphold that requirement. We are concerned about positions you have taken, both while serving as the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy and in the private sector. These positions and statements suggest a lack of independence and an inappropriate predisposition on a number of topics likely to be involved in proceedings that will come before you in your new role as a FERC Commissioner. We were initially troubled by the implications of your involvement in the development of DOE's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for the Grid Reliability and Resilience Pricing Rule, previously submitted to FERC. We believe that the viewpoints evident from the thrust of the NOPR, with its emphasis on propping up uneconomic coal and nuclear plants, along with statements you made more recently favoring fossil fuel and denigrating renewable resources, could present an appearance of a lack of impartiality in carrying out your responsibilities as a FERC Commissioner. In light of that, we respectfully request that you commit to recusing yourself in any future matters before FERC that might be characterized as pitting one fuel source against another. We have been troubled by this Administration's persistent efforts to interfere in our energy markets in order to subsidize coal and nuclear energy generation at the expense of ratepayers and other more economically produced forms of energy. As you know, in July 2017, a draft report prepared by DOE on the reliability of the U.S. electric grid stated: The power system is more reliable today due to better planning, market discipline, and better operating rules and standards. This draft report found two primary conclusions  that coal and nuclear plants are retiring primarily because of cheaper energy sources such as natural gas, not because of the rise of renewable energy generation or the implementation of environmental regulation, and that the retirement of coal and nuclear plants has not impacted grid reliability. Notwithstanding the conclusions of the draft report, just months later Secretary Perry submitted a proposed rule for FERC's consideration to subsidize power plants that can store 90 days of fuel on site, which only nuclear and coal plants can do, citing a critical need for enhanced grid resilience and reliability. This proposed action immediately drew condemnation from the oil, gas, and renewable energy industries. In January 2018, FERC unanimously rejected the proposed rule, noting that DOE failed to provide evidence that retiring coal and nuclear plants represented an existential threat to grid reliability and resilience. Instead, FERC Commissioners opened a new docket to push the country's grid operators to examine grid resilience from storms and floods, cyber or physical attacks, and other major disruptions. As mentioned above, our concerns over your apparent lack of impartiality are not based solely on the role you played in formulating the NOPR. Your Earth Day op-ed, and your comments during a 2018 public policy forum in Texas display a pronounced preference for fossil fuels and nuclear energy, and at a minimum suggest a strong bias against renewable energy technologies: Renewables, when they come on and off, it screws up the whole physics of the grid. So when people want to talk about science, they ought to talk about the physics of the grid and know what real science is, and that is how do you keep the lights on? And it is with fossil fuels and nuclear.\" These actions and comments suggest that you may be unable or unwilling to take a fuel-neutral approach, but rather will favor particular technologies and outcomes. Moving forward, and particularly as FERC considers matters related to grid resilience and reliability, we urge you to remain true to your commitment to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to be fair, objective, and impartial and to work with your colleagues to fulfill (FERC's) mission to ensure just and reasonable rates under the law. With that in mind, we urge you to recuse yourself from any future FERC proceedings where your impartiality could be questioned based upon your past statements, positions, or work on the DOE NOPR. Finally, at your nomination hearing on November 15, 2018, you said you would need to consult with ethics officials regarding specific topics you can and cannot participate in as a FERC Commissioner. We request that you provide us with an update about both the specific guidance you sought and the ethics guidance you have received by January 9, 2019. Thank you for your attention and consideration of this matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-end-us-support-for-saudi-engagement-in-yemen", "King Votes to End U.S. Support for Saudi Engagement in Yemen", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, voted in support of Senate Joint Resolution 54, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the ongoing civil war between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen pursuant to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This is the first time a chamber of Congress has ever voted to invoke the War Powers Resolution. This resolution, which passed by a vote of 56-41, would not impact important U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen. The civil war, which is between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen, has led to mass civilian casualties, and reports indicate that as many as 85,000 children may have died of starvation in Yemen since the war began. The civil war in Yemen is a complex civil conflict between Saudi and Iranian backed factions, but one thing is clear: the violence has had an immense and devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Yemeni civilians, particularly children. It has killed thousands and has left millions on the brink of starvation, said Senator King. This is a humanitarian disaster and the United States should no longer be complicit. That's why I've voted to end our limited support for the Saudi-led coalition, and why I continue to urge all parties to seek a diplomatic solution to end this bloodshed that is hurting so many innocent people.  Senator King voted to advance SJ Res 54 in November, and had previously voted to advance SJ Res 54 in March, when the resolution was tabled by a vote of 55-44. The resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict in Yemen does not apply to ongoing American counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen, and would allow U.S. forces conducting counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to continue their work. The resolution now heads to the House of Representatives for its consideration; however, due to a last-minute procedural maneuver by the House Rules Committee, a development Senator King called deeply regrettable, the resolution is no longer considered privileged in the House and is unlikely to receive a vote before the beginning of the next Congress. Today the Senate also passed a resolution introduced by Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) that includes the Senate's belief that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and demands all parties seek an immediate cease fire and negotiated political solution to the Yemen conflict. The resolution was passed by voice vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-led-legislation-to-measure-the-economic-impact-of-broadband-on-the-us-economy", "Senate Passes King-Led Legislation to Measure the Economic Impact of Broadband on the U.S. Economy", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SCARBOROUGH, ME Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act, a bill led by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), co-chairs of the Senate Broadband Caucus. The bipartisan bill requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis to conduct a study of the effects of broadband deployment and adoption on the U.S. economy. While the federal government measures the economic impact of many industries, it does not produce current, reliable statistics on the economic impact of broadband on the U.S. economy. Accurate, reliable data on the economic impact of broadband is a valuable tool for policymakers and business leaders and many research institutions, state broadband offices, and trade associations have highlighted the need for this data. We know that access to affordable, high-speed broadband has the ability to transform the way rural communities conduct business  but without accurate data, we don't know how much economic value it provides, said Senator King. By collecting this information, policymakers, businesses and community leaders will have the tools they need to pursue smart investments to boost connectivity and improve local economies. In conducting this analysis, the Secretary of Commerce will consider job creation, business headcount, online commerce, income, education and distance learning, telehealth, telework, agriculture, population growth, population density, broadband speed, and geography. The Secretary may consult representatives of business, including rural and urban internet service providers and telecommunications infrastructure providers; state, local, and Tribal government agencies; and consumer and community organizations. In addition to Senators King, Klobuchar and Capito, cosponsors of the bill include Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.), who also serve as co-chairs of the Senate Broadband Caucus, as well as Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). This legislation is supported by Connected Nation, NTCA  The Rural Broadband Association, CTIA, and WIA  The Wireless Infrastructure Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-holds-video-town-meeting-with-vermont-middle-school-students", "Sanders Holds Video Town Meeting With Vermont Middle School Students", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sanders Holds Video Town Meeting With Vermont Middle School Students\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 13, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, Dec. 13  Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) held an interactive, video town meeting with five Vermont middle schools Thursday morning to speak with students about civic engagement and democracy, and to encourage them to consider the crucial challenges facing the United States.\r\n\r\nOur students need to understand from a young age that democracy is not a spectator sport. Democracy only works when ordinary people all across this country are informed and engaged on the major issues facing our nation, said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee.\r\n\r\nThe Vermont middle schools that participated in the video town hall on Thursday were Albany Community School, Crossett Brook Middle School, Putney Central School, Randolph Union Middle School and Twinfield Union School. Sanders participated by video conference from his Senate office in Washington.\r\n\r\nAfter Sanders' introductory remarks, students asked questions on a wide range of issues from climate change, to universal health care, to how students can most effectively engage in our democracy.\r\n\r\nSanders' video town meeting with middle school students is just the most recent effort to engage students on the role citizens play in creating a healthy democracy.\r\n\r\nSanders also holds an annual State of the Union essay contest in which Vermont high school students write about what issues they would prioritize if they were president of the United States, and organizes trips to the nonpartisan Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston to help Vermont students learn about the legislative process.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-statement-after-senate-passes-yemen-war-powers-resolution", "Sanders Statement after Senate Passes Yemen War Powers Resolution", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sanders Statement after Senate Passes Yemen War Powers Resolution\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 13, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, Dec. 13 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) spoke at a press conference Thursday after the Senate voted 56-41 to pass his resolution calling for an end to US military support to the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen war. See below for a transcript of his remarks andclick herefor a link to video:\r\n\"Thank you all very much for being here. Let me begin by thanking Senator Lee and Senator Murphy for the great work they have done, not just in the last few months but over the last year.\r\nI want to stress the bipartisan nature of this legislation. We have brought Republicans and Democrats together in a very historic moment. And what that moment is about is that the Senate this afternoon stated that we will not continue participation in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, which has resulted in the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth.\r\nAnd that crisis is about 85,000 children starving to death; 10,000 new cases of cholera every single week; and the United Nations telling us that Yemen is on the verge of imminent famine, with the possibility of millions of people dying, all because of Saudi activities in that civil war.\r\nAnd today what the United States Senate said in a very loud way is that we will not continue to have our military posture dictated by a despotic, murderous regime in Saudi Arabia  a regime which does not respect democracy, which does not respect human rights, a regime whose leader nobody doubts was involved in the horrific murder of a dissident journalist in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, Jamal Khashoggi.\r\nToday is a very important breakthrough  both progressives and conservatives have made a profound statement that 45 years after the passage of the War Powers Act, 45 years later, finally the United States Senate has come together to use that authority for the first time and say that the responsibility for war, the constitutional responsibility for war rests with the United States Congress  not the president, whether that president is a Democrat or a Republican.\r\nAnd I think the historic importance of today is not only moving the United States out of that horrific war, but is having the country see that their elected representatives are about to take back their constitutional responsibilities on the issues of war, one of the most important functions that the United States Congress has.\r\nSo I want to thank my colleagues here and the many people at the grassroots level who have helped us pass this historic resolution.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/fox-news-explains-why-trump-is-in-real-trouble", "Fox News Explains Why Trump Is in Real Trouble", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fox News Explains Why Trump Is in Real Trouble \n            This Fox News judge does a great job explaining why President Trump is in real trouble.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/press-conference-after-senate-vote-on-yemen-war-powers-resolution", "Press Conference After Senate Vote on Yemen War Powers Resolution", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/senate-passes-sanders-war-powers-resolution-on-yemen", "Senate Passes Sanders' War Powers Resolution on Yemen", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Sanders' War Powers Resolution on Yemen \n            \"Thank you all very much for being here. Let me begin by thanking Senator Lee and Senator Murphy for the great work they have done, not just in the last few months but over the last year.\nI want to stress the bipartisan nature of this legislation. We have brought Republicans and Democrats together in a very historic moment. And what that moment is about is that the Senate this afternoon stated that we will not continue participation in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, which has resulted in the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth.\nAnd that crisis is about 85,000 children starving to death; 10,000 new cases of cholera every single week; and the United Nations telling us that Yemen is on the verge of imminent famine, with the possibility of millions of people dying, all because of Saudi activities in that civil war.\nAnd today what the United States Senate said in a very loud way is that we will not continue to have our military posture dictated by a despotic, murderous regime in Saudi Arabia  a regime which does not respect democracy, which does not respect human rights, a regime whose leader nobody doubts was involved in the horrific murder of a dissident journalist in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, Jamal Khashoggi.\nToday is a very important breakthrough  both progressives and conservatives have made a profound statement that 45 years after the passage of the War Powers Act, 45 years later, finally the United States Senate has come together to use that authority for the first time and say that the responsibility for war, the constitutional responsibility for war rests with the United States Congress  not the president, whether that president is a Democrat or a Republican.\nAnd I think the historic importance of today is not only moving the United States out of that horrific war, but is having the country see that their elected representatives are about to take back their constitutional responsibilities on the issues of war, one of the most important functions that the United States Congress has.\nSo I want to thank my colleagues here and the many people at the grassroots level who have helped us pass this historic resolution.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/effort-from-senators-collins-king-ensures-harmful-house-amendment-not-in-farm-bill", "Effort from Senators Collins, King Ensures Harmful House Amendment Not in Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Following a push from U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), the final conference report of the 2018 Farm Bill does not include an amendment harmful to Maine that would have required state and local governments to accept products from other states even if those products violate standards and regulations enacted in the importing state. The Farm Bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13 and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. In August, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan group of 32 Senators in sending a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee leaders urging them to reject this harmful House amendment during the conference negotiations. We are delighted that the Senate bill prevailed, and that the final conference report did not include this harmful provision, said Senators Collins and King. There are a number of state laws in Maine that would have been undermined if this amendment was adopted, including those on crate bans for livestock, consumer protections for blueberry inspections, and environmental safeguards for cranberry cultivation. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-fcc-move-to-boost-rural-broadband-deployment", "King Applauds FCC Move to Boost Rural Broadband Deployment", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, applauded the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) move to make affordable and reliable broadband more accessible to rural Americans. Today's vote by the FCC increases funding to rural broadband providers who serve some of the nation's most rural communities, ensuring that these providers can continue to expand access to higher-speed broadband in rural areas. Senator King has pushed for these changes, and in May 2018 and August 2017 joined bipartisan groups of his Senate colleagues in letters urging the FCC to expand rural broadband deployment. In the 21st century economy, there is no substitute for a high-speed broadband connection, said Senator King. Whether it's a small business trying to reach its global customers or a farm working to improve efficiency, internet access is a vital tool that fuels innovation and economic growth. Today's FCC vote is just one step  but it's an important step, that will help rural Maine people. Among the providers who will benefit from today's FCC vote is UniTel, a high-speed internet and phone service provider for central Maine. Senator King visited UniTel in August 2017 during his broadband listening tour of the state with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. UniTel applauds the leadership of Senator King and other members of Congress who have consistently advocated for rural carriers and the communities they serve said Laurie Osgood, President and CEO of UniTel Inc. These efforts have resulted in reforms adopted by the FCC today to provide more predictable levels of support for small rural broadband providers as we continue our commitment to make the benefits and opportunities of broadband access available to everyone who lives in rural Maine. Connectivity in rural regions is a key part ofSenator King's economic agendato help grow Maine's rural economy, support innovation and create jobs. This week, the Senate passed a reauthorization of the Farm Bill that includes provisions of three broadband bills that he cosponsored: the B-CROP Act, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, and the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act. In September, he urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service to allocate funding towards investing in broadband access for Maine's underserved and rural areas, and in January hesent a bipartisan letter to the Presidentwith his co-chairs on the Senate Broadband Caucus urging stand-alone funding for broadband deployment in any proposed infrastructure package. During his time in office, Senator King hassupportedthe modernization of federal broadband programs, including the FCC's E-rate program, which supports school and library internet access, and the Senate Farm Bill Broadband Loan Program. In August, hemet with farmers in Exeterto discuss the importance of rural broadband to fuel agricultural innovation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-honors-retiring-chairman-of-northern-maine-veterans-cemetery", "King Honors Retiring Chairman of Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  In a statement submitted to the Congressional Record, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) recognized Harry Hafford, the outgoing Chairman of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery (NMVC). Hafford, an Army veteran and Maine native who returned to his home state after a career working for General Motors, was a founding member of the NMVC and has served as the Chairman since 2003. He will be stepping down from his post at the end of the year. A representative from Senator King's office presented the statement to Hafford last week during a ceremony honoring his years of service to Maine's veterans. Harry's honorable service in the United States Army is something I am very appreciative of but in addition, what is truly inspirational is the dedication Harry has shown to veterans for all of his adult life, especially in retirement, said Senator King. He was instrumental in creating and sustaining a veteran's surplus clothing organization to ensure that the needs of his fellow veterans were met. Perhaps his most notable and impressive work was as a founding member of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation, which developed the Maine Veterans Cemetery-Caribou People like Harry are a rare breed. They give for the right reasons and ask nothing in return. The complete statement is as follows: +++  Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Mr. Harry Hafford of Masardis, ME as he retires his gavel as Chair at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Harry is an extraordinary man, a passionate community leader, an honorable veteran, and a friend to me and my staff. Harry is special in so many ways and has quietly led countless efforts to improve the lives of others. Aroostook County, and the entire state of Maine, is a better place because of folks like Harry Hafford.  Harry returned to his home town of Masardis, ME to spend his retirement years quietly after a long career at General Motors, where he also served as a strong and steadfast union steward. This next chapter of Harry's life seemed ideal for some much deserved rest and relaxation. But that isn't who Harry is  instead he became an active member of his community, continuing to serve our state and its people. Harry went back to work serving others. Harry shared his lifelong love of the beautiful natural resources in Maine by advocating for more access to waterways and working with state and local officials to provide additional boat landings in Ashland, Masardis, and Oxbow in northern Aroostook County, including one that is named for him, so that the public would have more access to the beautiful Aroostook River and its native brook trout fisheries. He was a loyal member of the Ashland Rotary Club and earned a Paul Harris Fellow for his service above self. He is an active member of the Caribou American Legion, a moderator for town meetings, a lifetime member of AMVets, Ashland and Presque Isle Fish and Game Clubs, and Sportsman's Alliance of Maine.  Harry's honorable service in the United States Army is something I am very appreciative of but in addition, what is truly inspirational is the dedication Harry has shown to veterans for all of his adult life, especially in retirement. He was instrumental in creating and sustaining a veteran's surplus clothing organization to ensure that the needs of his fellow veterans were met. Perhaps his most notable and impressive work was as a founding member of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation, which developed the Maine Veterans Cemetery-Caribou. I was proud to be Governor of Maine when this effort began and was pleased to sign the document creating the committee to determine the cemetery's viability. Had I known Harry then as well as I do now, I could have just looked for his name on the roster of volunteers and been immediately assured of 100% success. Harry has chaired that committee since its inception in 2003 and has decided to retire his gavel at the end of 2018.  People like Harry are a rare breed. They give for the right reasons and ask nothing in return. The entire state of Maine has benefitted from Harry's hard work for many years, and while we will miss him, we hope that he can finally enjoy retirement the way it should be. Photo 1: (From left) Harry Hafford is presented with his Congressional Record statement by Sharon Campbell and Barbara Hayslett, Regional Representatives for U.S. Senator Angus King", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-overturn-irs-rule-enabling-dark-money", "King Votes to Overturn IRS Rule Enabling Dark Money", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Angus King (I-Maine) voted to overturn the U.S. Treasury Department's controversial decision that allows special interests to hide their donors from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In July, the Treasury Department and the IRS eliminated the requirement for certain types of tax-exempt organizations to report the identities of major donors to the IRS, which allowed \"dark money\" donors to hide their contributions to tax-exempt non-profit organizations that engage in political activity. Senator King opposed this change, and in July cosponsored the Spotlight Act, which would reverse the rule and require donor information to be disclosed to both the IRS and the public. The CRA passed the Senate this afternoon by a Congressional Review Act vote of 50-49, and will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. In my opinion, Maine's town meetings are the finest examples of democracy at work, where anyone can walk in with an idea and try to sway public opinion. But not a single one of these gatherings would allow someone to stand in the middle of the room with a bag over his or her head and anonymously attack other members of the community  because Maine people believe you should stand behind your beliefs, said Senator King. The same rules should apply to our campaign finance system  let's require transparency, and make sure Americans know who's trying to influence their vote.                                                                                   Senator King has been a long-time advocate for election transparency as a means of increasing voter trust and engagement in our electoral process. Last September, Senator King announced his support for a series of campaign finance bills called theWe the People Democracy Reform Act of 2017. This bicameral legislation proposes a series of wide-ranging electoral reforms to restore integrity, accountability, and transparency to our broken political system. The legislation includes proposals to comprehensively reform campaign finance laws, increase transparency and accountability in the political system, end gerrymandering, increase voter participation, and strengthen lobbying and revolving door laws. In June 2016, Senator Kingjoined with a group of his colleagues to announce a new legislative packageaimed at reforming America's campaign finance system and making government more accountable to the people. The package includes a bill authored by Senator King that would require real-time transparency in federal elections as well as legislation that would amend the Constitution to end unlimited campaign contributions and provisions that would reform the lobbying laws to limit special interest influence on elected officials.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-collins-legislation-to-support-maine-dairy-farmers-passes-senate", "Senator Collins\u2019 Legislation to Support Maine Dairy Farmers Passes Senate", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  In a win for Maine dairy farmers, an amendment authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that will promote innovation and increase demand for milk products was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senators Collins and Baldwin's amendment will provide $7 million for grants to state departments of agriculture, cooperative extension services, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to administer programs that promote dairy product innovation, process improvement, and marketing. Senator Angus King (I-ME) was a cosponsor of their amendment. Our amendment will support Maine's hardworking dairy farmers by increasing awareness of milk's many health benefits and investing in innovative methods for processing milk and dairy products, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined me in advancing this amendment that will help provide critical support to this integral part of our agriculture community. Maine's dairy farmers work hard to create a great product  so let's help them sell it! said Senator King. The Dairy Business Innovation Act will establish regional initiatives to spur innovation in dairy businesses, which can help add more value to the milk farmers produce and expand uses for milk to address oversupply and depressed milk prices. The legislation will also foster the development of new and innovative dairy products, modernize existing dairy plants and support new dairy entrepreneurs. Specifically, the regional initiatives created by the Dairy Business Innovation Act will provide technical assistance and grants for the purpose of:  Supporting new and expanding dairy businessesInitiatives will provide assistance with business plan development, accounting, market evaluation, and strategic planning.  Promoting innovation in dairy productsDairy businesses will be able to receive assistance with product innovation, marketing and branding, packaging, distribution, supply chain innovation, food safety training and consultation, dairy product production training.  Assisting with dairy plant modernization and process improvementDairy businesses will be able to receive assistance with processing facility improvement, including assistance with plant upgrades, food safety modernization, energy and water efficiency, byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and waste treatment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-farm-bill-with-king-led-provisions-to-benefit-rural-maine", "Senate Passes Farm Bill With King-Led Provisions to Benefit Rural Maine", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON,\r\nD.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of the\r\nconference report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, more\r\ncommonly known as the Farm Bill. The report, which passed by a vote of 87 to\r\n13, includes a number of provisions that Senator King supported that will help\r\nMaine's farmers and rural communities.   Overwhelming\r\nbipartisan votes like today's don't come easy  they're the product of a lot of\r\nhard work, compromise, and consensus-building. Fortunately, if there's one\r\nthing that everyone, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, can agree on, it's\r\nthat farmers are the backbone of our rural economy and pillars of rural\r\ncommunities across the country, said Senator King. Today's passage of\r\nthe Farm Bill means a lot to the honey or maple producers who won't have to put\r\nmisleading labels on their pure products, and to the potato and blueberry\r\nfarmers who can continue growing their superior crops  which is only right,\r\nbecause the work these farmers do every day means a lot to the state of Maine.\r\nAnd though it may be called the Farm' Bill, the fact is that this legislation\r\nwill have an important effect on rural Maine people from all walks of life\r\nthrough its provisions to support innovation the forest economy and boost rural\r\nbroadband efforts. The legislation may have taken a lot of negotiation and\r\ndebate, but in the end, we're left with a bill that will help a lot of people.  This year's Farm\r\nBill includes several major victories supported by Senator King that will\r\ndirectly benefit Maine if they remain in the final bill signed by the\r\nPresident, including:  \r\nEVALUATING\r\nAND MODERNIZING THE FORMULA USED BY USDA TO SUPPORT COOPERATIVE EXTENSION\r\nPROGRAMS: Senators\r\nKing and Susan Collins (R-Maine) successfully included an amendment that\r\ndirects USDA to use the 2017 Census of Agriculture to better understand the\r\nchanging needs of agriculture and rural communities. Specifically, this aims to\r\nhelp Cooperative Extension programs better address the challenges facing small\r\nand diverse farms and ranches, veteran farmers and ranchers, value-added\r\nagriculture, direct-to-consumer sales, and specialty crops. Despite massive\r\nshifts in agriculture in recent years, this funding formula has not been\r\nevaluated in decades. \r\nSUPPORT\r\nINNOVATION FOR DAIRY FARMERS: This amendment, supported by Senator King, will establish\r\nregional initiatives to support innovation for Maine dairy businesses, foster\r\nthe research and development of new dairy products and support new dairy\r\nfarmers. The Dairy Business Innovation Act will provide $7 million in\r\ngrants to state departments of agriculture and other local agricultural leaders\r\nto support programs that promote dairy product innovation, process improvement,\r\nand marketing. \r\nCREATING\r\nOPPORTUNITIES FOR NEXT GENERATION OF FARMERS: This year's Farm Bill includes language from theNext\r\nGenerations in Agriculture Act. Senator King is a cosponsor of this\r\nlegislation, which creates permanent mandatory funding for education, training,\r\nand outreach to beginning farmers and ranchers by developing a new Farming\r\nOpportunities Training Outreach program, as well adding new authority for a\r\nNational Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and establishing new roles to\r\nhelp beginning farmers access USDA programs. \r\nEXEMPTING\r\nSINGLE INGREDIENT PRODUCTS FROM MISLEADING LABELS: A provision in this year's\r\nbill exempts pure, single ingredient foods like honey and maple syrup from\r\nrequirements to contain an added sugar label. Earlier this year, the FDA\r\nannounced the proposed change to help consumers be aware of the amount of\r\nsugar they are consuming, but maple and honey producers expressed concerns that\r\nthe new labels could mislead consumers into believing that sugar was added\r\nafter harvesting. Senator King has spoken\r\non the Senate floor against this proposal, and after his push, the FDA\r\nannounced they would be seeking a revised approach.  \r\nPROTECTING\r\nNUTRITION PROGRAMS:\r\nUnlike in the version of the Farm Bill passed by the House of Representatives,\r\nthe Senate bill does not jeopardize important nutrition program like SNAP.\r\nAdditionally, the legislation reduces red tape and increases support for\r\nseniors by extending certification periods in SNAP and the Commodity\r\nSupplemental Food Program (CSFP). The final bill increases funding to\r\nEmployment and Training Programs, makes some administrative changes designed to\r\nreduce improper payments in the program, and rejects harmful changes to work\r\nrequirements. \r\nCONTINUING\r\nSUPPORT AND RESEARCH FOR SPECIALTY CROPS: Maine's key crops, including blueberries and potatoes, are\r\nviewed as specialty crops by USDA. This legislation continues important\r\ninvestments in Specialty Crop Block Grants and the Specialty Crop Research\r\nInitiative, and in doing so, bolsters research, pest management efforts and\r\ninitiatives to improve competitiveness in the global market.  The legislation\r\nalso includes several additional King-backed victories that benefit Maine's\r\nrural economy and environment, including:  \r\nSUPPORT\r\nFOR ENGINEERED TIMBER:\r\nKey provisions of theTimber Innovation Act,which Senator King\r\ncosponsored along with Senator Collins, are included in the bill. This language\r\nwould accelerate the research and development ofcross laminated timber\r\nand other engineeredwood for use in construction projects and also\r\nprovide grants for such projects. This legislation, along with other efforts to\r\nfind new opportunities for the forest economy, is a key part ofSenator King's economic vision to grow Maine's rural\r\ncommunities. \r\nMODERNIZING\r\nRURAL BROADBAND PROGRAMS:\r\nThe bill includes provisions from two bills that Senator King cosponsored to\r\nadvance hisRural Broadband Roadmap. TheB-CROP Act(S.1676) modernizes the USDA Broadband Loan\r\nProgram into a combination grant/loan program and thePrecision Agriculture Connectivity Act(S.2343)\r\npromotes cooperation between the USDA and FCC in identifying gaps in broadband\r\ncoverage on agricultural lands. The bill also increases the statutory minimum\r\nbroadband service definition for the Broadband Grant and Loan Program to 25\r\nMbps download and 3 Mbps upload, matching a regulatory change whichSenator King pushed for in a May 2016 letter. \r\nDRASTICALLY\r\nINCREASING FUNDING FOR RURAL BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT: This year's Farm Bill\r\nauthorizes Congress to appropriate $350 million per year for high-speed\r\ninternet deployment  a drastic increase from the previous Farm Bill, when\r\nCongress was authorized to appropriate $25 million per year for high-speed\r\ninternet deployment. \r\nREAUTHORIZING\r\nNORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION: The legislation reauthorizes the NRBC through 2023, based\r\nonlegislation authored by Senators King and Collins. In\r\naddition to reauthorizing the NRBC, the legislation establishes a state\r\ncapacity building grant program that will help develop projects that support\r\nbusiness retention and expansion, access to high-speed broadband, critical\r\ninfrastructure development, and job creation throughout the region. \r\nCONSERVING\r\nNATURAL ECOSYSTEMS:\r\nThe bill funds and improves upon the Regional Conservation Partnership Program\r\n(RCPP), which is administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation\r\nService. In December 2016,the\r\nRCPP awarded a $6 million grantto a Maine partnership led by the\r\nNature Conservancy to help private forestland ownersreduce the impacts\r\nthat flooding has on road networks and restore more than 250 miles of fish\r\nhabitat in northern and eastern Maine. \r\nENSURING\r\nFAIRNESS IN FEDERAL BUYING OF FOREST PRODUCTS: The legislation includes a\r\nKing-backed provision that requires federal agencies to acceptmore\r\nmethods of sustainably harvested forest products. In June 2016,Senator\r\nKing led a letterurging the Department of Energy to support all\r\nforest certification standards, as the Department of Agriculture does. \r\nREAUTHORIZING\r\nCOMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY PROGRAM: This program, which expires at the end of 2018, promotes\r\nenergy security and incentivizes new uses for low-grade and low-value wood by offering competitive grants to assist state and\r\nlocal governments with the costs of installing high-efficiency, biomass-fueled\r\nenergy systems, such as combined heat and power (CHP). Senator King is a\r\ncosponsor of the Community\r\nWood Energy Innovation Act, a bill introduced by Senators Susan Collins\r\n(R-Maine) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-will-vote-on-sanders-yemen-resolution-tomorrow", "Senate Will Vote on Sanders' Yemen Resolution Tomorrow", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Will Vote on Sanders' Yemen Resolution Tomorrow\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, December 11, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, Dec. 11  Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement announcing that the Senate will vote tomorrow on the resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen:\r\n\"Tomorrow, I will move to proceed to S.J. Res. 54, the resolution I have offered with Senators Lee and Murphy to end U.S. involvement in the disastrous Saudi-led war in Yemen. I am optimistic that a bipartisan coalition of senators will vote to make clear that the United States will no longer support Saudi Arabia in its incredibly destructive war. The Saudi intervention in Yemen has created the worst humanitarian disaster in the world, with millions of people facing imminent starvation. The time is long overdue for the United States to stop following the lead of Saudi Arabia, a brutal regime that recently murdered a dissident journalist and has no respect for human rights. Further, and importantly, the Senate must reassert its constitutional authority and end our support of this unauthorized and unconstitutional war.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/senate-will-vote-on-sanders-yemen-resolution-tomorrow", "Senate Will Vote on Sanders' Yemen Resolution Tomorrow", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Will Vote on Sanders' Yemen Resolution Tomorrow\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, December 11, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, Dec. 11 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement announcing that the Senate will vote tomorrow on the resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen:\r\n\"Tomorrow, I will move to proceed to S.J. Res. 54, the resolution I have offered with Senators Lee and Murphy to end U.S. involvement in the disastrous Saudi-led war in Yemen. I am optimistic that a bipartisan coalition of senators will vote to make clear that the United States will no longer support Saudi Arabia in its incredibly destructive war. The Saudi intervention in Yemen has created the worst humanitarian disaster in the world, with millions of people facing imminent starvation. The time is long overdue for the United States to stop following the lead of Saudi Arabia, a brutal regime that recently murdered a dissident journalist and has no respect for human rights. Further, and importantly, the Senate must reassert its constitutional authority and end our support of this unauthorized and unconstitutional war.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-the-climate-fight-is-our-moonshot", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: The Climate Fight Is Our Moonshot", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: The Climate Fight Is Our Moonshot \n            \"This is going to be the Great Society, the moonshot, the Civil Rights Movement of our generation. That is the scale that this movement is going to require.\" Rep-Elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez\nThank you to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for joining our groundbreaking town hall and for being a leader in the fight against climate change.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/chile-is-on-a-path-to-phase-out-coal", "Chile Is on a Path to Phase Out Coal", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Chile Is on a Path to Phase Out Coal \n            Chile is on a path to phase out ALL of its coal power plants and transition to clean energy sources. There's no reason the US can't do the same.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/getting-insulin-on-the-black-market", "Getting Insulin on the \"Black Market\"", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Getting Insulin on the \"Black Market\" \n            This is what happens when pharma's greed is allowed to go unchecked.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/rural-hospitals-are-closing-at-an-alarming-rate", "Rural Hospitals Are Closing at an Alarming Rate", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rural Hospitals Are Closing at an Alarming Rate \n            Rural hospitals are closing at an alarming rate acros the country, thanks to Republican policies against expanding Medicaid.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/sears-wants-to-pay-25m-in-bonuses-to-executives-after-layoffs", "Sears Wants to Pay $25M in Bonuses to Executives After Layoffs", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sears Wants to Pay $25M in Bonuses to Executives After Layoffs \n            Sears wants to give its executives $25 million in bonuses after closing over 100 stores and laying off thousands of employees. My friends, this is what a rigged economy is all about.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/walmarts-anti-union-message", "Walmart's Anti-Union Message", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walmart's Anti-Union Message \n            Workers have a right to form a union and negotiate for better wages and working conditions. But what we're seeing is profitable corporations like Walmart doing everything they can to prevent that. That's unacceptable.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/wisconsin-republicans-legislative-coup", "Wisconsin Republicans' Legislative Coup", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wisconsin Republicans' Legislative Coup \n            Republicans all over this country are going to unprecedented lengths to prevent incoming Democratic officials from exercising the powers of the offices they have won. It's happening in Wisconsin. It is happening in Michigan. And it will keep happening unless we stand up and fight back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-portland-king-urges-maine-people-to-sign-up-for-health-coverage-before-deadline", "In Portland, King Urges Maine People to Sign Up for Health Coverage Before Deadline", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PORTLAND, ME  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined healthcare advocates and patients to urge Maine people to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act before the ACA's Open Enrollment deadline on Saturday. The press conference at Greater Portland Health highlighted the resources available to Maine people as they navigate coverage options offered through the ACA Marketplace, and emphasized the upcoming deadline. To sign up for coverage in 2019 during the Open Enrollment period, log on to http://www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for more information before December 15, 2018. Maine people interested in additional information can also call the Consumers for Affordable Health Care, toll-free, at 1-800-965-7476, or reach out to your local Federally Qualified Health Center. Saturday is the last day to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. That's less than a week to make sure you and your family can have health insurance in 2019, said Senator King. There are a wide range of options in the marketplace, and some may be less expensive than you think. This isn't about politics  it's about making sure you can protect your family from medical or financial trouble. With only a few days left, there's no time to wait  so please, sign up today. In addition to Senator King, speakers at today's event included Kate Ende, Consumer Assistance Program Manager at Consumers for Affordable Healthcare; Kalie Hess, Health Equity Program Manager for the Maine Primary Care Association; Hillary Barter, Healthcare Navigator Coordinator for Western Maine Community Action; and Nicole Manganelli of Portland, who recently signed up for ACA coverage. Senator King has been outspoken in opposition to administration moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act, and has met with Maine people around the state to discuss the ACA's importance to their lives. In October,he met with Maine people in recovery in Brewerto discuss the importance of ACA protections for those with pre-existing conditions for those who have struggled with substance use disorders. Also in October, Senator Kingvoted to overturn the administration's expansion of junk plans, calling the plans that are not required to cover those with pre-existing conditions, part of the problem, not part of the solution. In September,he spoke at the Protect Our Care rally in Portlandandheld a conversation in Damariscottaon the importance of healthcare protections to Maine people who work in high risk industries.Also in September,Senator King met with seniors in Kennebunkto discuss the high cost of healthcare services in prescription drugs. In August, Senator Kingmet with Maine familieson the impact of insurance protections for children living with pre-existing conditions. In July he cosponsoreda resolution that would authorize the Senate Legal Counsel to intervene in the legal casechallenging the constitutionality of the ACA's provisions protecting people with pre-existing conditions. Also in July, he published a post on Mediumhighlighting the administration's efforts to weaken the ACA. At the end of June, Senator King spoke twice Senate floor about theimpact of ACA sabotage on Maine peopleand tohonor the 53rd anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, and earlier that month, he spoke with a panel of Maine people with pre-existing conditions, healthcare advocates and medical professionalsin South Portland, following Department of Justice's decision not to defend the guarantee of coverage for pre-existing conditions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/keep-up-the-momentum-to-fight-climate-change", "Keep Up the Momentum to Fight Climate Change", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Keep Up the Momentum to Fight Climate Change \n            Today was a huge day in the fight to combat climate change. Over 1,000 young people showed up on Capitol Hill to fight for a Green New Deal and a sustainable future. Let's keep up the momentum. What are your questions about how we can come together to address climate change?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-king-attends-veterans-holiday-open-house-in-bangor", "On Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, King Attends Veterans\u2019 Holiday Open House in Bangor", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANGOR, ME  Today, on the 77th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the Holiday Open House at the Bangor Vet Center, where he met with local veterans to honor their service and celebrate the holiday season. Today was about celebrating the holiday season with the Maine veterans who've made so many contributions to our national defense and our communities  and it was made even more special because today is the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, said Senator King. The men and women who served at Pearl Harbor will forever be examples of the strength resilience of our servicemembers. We will never forget them, and today we honor not only their memory, but the service of all the men and women who've answered the call to duty. To all American veterans: I thank you for your service, and I join all of Maine in wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season. Senator King has been an advocate for veterans issues during his time in Washington. Last month, Senator Kingintroducedthe Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill that would help improve veterans' health care. The bill seeks to increase collaboration among federal agencies and authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new technologies that improve our understanding of the health challenges facing veterans. Earlier in November, Senator King honored Maine's veterans in a speech at Messalonskee Middle School's annual Veterans Tribute Assembly. In preparation for the assembly, students completed projects focused on learning about military service and the sacrifices of America's veterans. In October, heattendedthe 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford where he recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. In October,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources. Also in September,he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, whichaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs and reform the VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans.In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In April, Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. Senator King also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by dedicating hisNovember2017andDecember2017podcasts to the subject, with Travis Mills as one of the guests on the latter show. In December 2017, theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund three new positionsinMaineto better serve justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health or substance abuse issues  a move which followed aFebruary 2017 letter from Senator King to the VAurging additional resources on the topic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-king-backed-bill-to-promote-high-speed-internet-for-farmers", "Senate Passes Bipartisan King-Backed Bill to Promote High-Speed Internet for Farmers", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANGOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded last night's Senate passage of the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Senator King that promotes precision agriculture and rural broadband deployment. The legislation, which Senator King cosponsored in May, would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a task force to identify gaps in high-speed internet connectivity for the nation's agricultural land.The measure also instructs the agency to develop ways to help encourage broadband adoption and precision agriculture and to promote broadband deployment in areas where it is currently unavailable. In rural regions across Maine, our state's farmers are pillars of their communities and the foundation of the local economy, said Senator King. And, by the way  their products are second-to-none. We need to find ways to help them expand their efforts and reach new markets, and we should start by making sure they have all the technology they need to maximize their yield and reduce their costs. Through precision agriculture and rural broadband, we can help Maine farms increase efficiency and become more competitive in the global marketplace. Broadband connectivity can support our rural farmers and their farm businesses in many ways, including utilization of tools and technologies to enhance their practices, and improving access to markets and other timely information that is difficult to obtain without reliable and consistent broadband service,said Amanda Beal, President and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust, at the time of Senator King's cosponsorship in May. Precision agriculture describes the use of mobile devices, robotics, field sensors, remote monitoring, and other technologies to manage agricultural production. Farmers and ranchers who use the technology can significantly increase crop yields, streamline operations, and reduce production expenses. In many areas of the United States, reliable, high-speed internet connections are not consistently available to support precision agriculture operations. Specifically, the legislation asks the newly-created FCC task force to:  Identify and measure current gaps in the availability of broadband coverage on agricultural land;  Assemble a comprehensive guide of all federal programs or resources dedicated to expanding broadband access on cropland and ranchland;  Develop policy recommendations, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to promote the rapid, expanded deployment of fixed and mobile high-speed broadband on agricultural land, with the goal of achieving service on 95 percent of agricultural land in the United States by 2025;  Recommend specific steps that the FCC and other Federal agencies should take to obtain reliable and standardized data measurements of broadband coverage as may be necessary to target funding support to unserved agricultural land;  Recommend specific steps the FCC can take to ensure that available farm data from the USDA is reflected in developing Federal programs to deploy broadband to agricultural land; and  Submit an annual report to Congress detailing the status of fixed and mobile broadband coverage on agricultural land; the projected future connectivity needs of agricultural operations, farmers, and ranchers; and the steps being taken to accurately measure the availability of high-speed broadband on agricultural land and the limitations of current measurement processes. In addition to Senator King, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Tina Smith, (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-join-group-of-senators-in-introducing-legislation-to-honor-wwii-cadet-nurses", "Senators Collins, King Join Group of Senators in Introducing Legislation to Honor WWII Cadet Nurses", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  U.S Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) in introducing the U.S Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, bipartisan legislation to honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status. The bill, which comes on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, would recognize former Cadet Nurses' service to our country and provide them with honorable discharges, ribbon and medal privileges, and burial privileges. The bill will be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-MT).  \"Whether in a hospital or overseas on a military base, nurses work on the front lines of patient care in a wide variety of health care settings and serve as critically important advocates for patients and their families,\" said Senator Collins. \"The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps played a vital role in WWII, addressing a critical shortage of nurses during the War and providing women with an expedited nursing education in exchange for their health care services. U.S. Cadet Nurses worked tirelessly to keep America's healthcare system strong, and many went on to work in military hospitals caring for our injured troops. I am proud to cosponsor this meaningful bill, and I encourage my colleagues to join us in honoring U.S. Cadet Nurses.\" \"On this day in 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation and brought the United States into World War II,\" said Senator King. \"Seventy-seven years later, it is still important to remember the contributions of all Americans who answered the call to serve - including the Cadet Nurses, who saved lives, healed the injured, and in so many ways, helped save our nation.\" Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) joined the bipartisan group in recognizing the service of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps.  In the midst of WWII, a severe shortage of trained nurses threatened the nation's ability to meet domestic and military medical needs. In response, Congress established the Cadet Nurse Corps, an integrated, uniformed service of the Public Health Administration, in 1943. The Cadet Nurse Corps provided young women with expedited nursing education in exchange for \"service in essential nursing for the duration of the war.\" In total, nearly 120,000 women completed the Corps' rigorous training. Cadet Nurses served in military hospitals, VA hospitals, private hospitals, public health agencies, and public hospitals. In 1944, the Federal Security Agency identified \"national recognition for rendering a vital war service\" as a privilege of service in the Corps.  The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act would:  Provide Cadet Nurses with veteran's status, with an honorable discharge from service where merited;  Provide Cadet Nurses with burial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and  Allow the Secretary of Defense to provide honorably discharged Cadet Nurses with a service medal. The bill has been endorsed by the American Nurses Association, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/vermont-high-school-students-what-are-your-priorities", "Vermont High School Students, What Are Your Priorities?", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Vermont High School Students, What Are Your Priorities? \n            In January, the president will give his State of the Union speech to Congress. And for the ninth year, I am inviting Vermont's high school students to submit short essays describing what they think are the most pressing issues facing our country, and what they would do to solve those issues. I am always very impressed with the thoughtful essays that are submitted on a variety of topics and from different viewpoints. I will invite the twenty finalists to join me for a lively roundtable discussion at the Vermont Statehouse, and will enter their essays into the Congressional Record  the official archive of Congress. The deadline to submit an essay is January 9, 2019. I hope you consider writing an essay!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/antroinettes-daughter-died-from-insulin-rationing", "Antroinette's Daughter Died from Insulin Rationing", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Antroinette's Daughter Died from Insulin Rationing \n            Antroinette's daughter died from rationing her insulin because it was too expensive. Pharma is literally killing people with their greed and it has to stop.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/featuring-climate-deniers-is-a-disgrace-for-major-networks", "Featuring Climate Deniers Is a Disgrace for Major Networks", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Featuring Climate Deniers Is a Disgrace for Major Networks \n            It is really a disgrace that the major TV networks constantly ignore climate change or give climate deniers a platform. That is exactly why I brought together some of the greatest climate experts in the world to do what the mainstream media won't do.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/nurse-narrowly-escaped-the-california-wildfires", "Nurse Narrowly Escaped the California Wildfires", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nurse Narrowly Escaped the California Wildfires \n            What's it like fleeing a wildfire? Listen to this nurse describe how she and her team narrowly escaped California's recent climate change-fueled disasters.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/republican-mayor-leads-100-renewable-city", "Republican Mayor Leads 100% Renewable City", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Republican Mayor Leads 100% Renewable City \n            This Republican mayor leads the first city in Texas powered by 100% renewable energy. Addressing climate change and creating millions of green jobs should not be a partisan issue.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/the-fossil-fuel-industry-is-killing-your-beer", "The Fossil Fuel Industry Is Killing Your Beer", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Fossil Fuel Industry Is Killing Your Beer \n            The fossil fuel industry is killing your beerand that is the least of the consequences we're already seeing due to climate change.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/saudi-arabias-war-in-yemen-has-killed-85000-kids-from-starvation-us-support-must-end-now", "Saudi Arabia's War in Yemen Has Killed 85,000 Kids From Starvation. U.S. Support Must End Now.", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saudi Arabia's War in Yemen Has Killed 85,000 Kids From Starvation. U.S. Support Must End Now. \n            12 million people in Yemen are suffering from severe hunger and 85,000 kids have already died from starvation as a result of the Saudi-led war.\nRight now in the U.S. Senate we are pushing to get a vote to end U.S. support for this disastrous war. We need your help.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/seeing-the-california-wildfire-effects-firsthand", "Seeing the California Wildfire Effects Firsthand", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Seeing the California Wildfire Effects Firsthand \n            This Californian saw the effect of the disastrous wildfires firsthand. If we don't get our act together to boldly address climate change, this is going to be the new norm.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/04/18/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-to-the-united-states-military-service-academies", "Senators Collins And King Announce Maine Nominees To The United States Military Service Academies", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination.\r\nWe are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation's distinguished service academies, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character.\r\nThe following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King:                                                  \r\nUnited States Air Force Academy  Colorado Springs\r\nName Home Town High School\r\n\r\nBrett Brown Bangor Bangor High School\r\nLogan Christian Hampden Hampden Academy\r\nWilliam Curtis Brunswick Brunswick High School\r\nTrace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School\r\nTristan Denholm          Kittery Point Robert Williams Traip Academy\r\nAspen Dyer               North Berwick Noble High School\r\nCaroline Leal              York York High School\r\nAlexander Morrison       Baileyville Woodland Jr./Sr. High School\r\nJack O'Neil                Bethel Philips Academy Andover\r\nMaxime Reznik Bar Harbor Mount Desert Island High School\r\n\r\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point\r\nName Home Town High School\r\n\r\nTrace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School\r\nLouis Daukas Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School\r\nJack Hermansen Windham Windham High School\r\nGeorge Holt Cumberland Foreside Baxter Academy for Technology & Science\r\nJ. Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School\r\nBenjamin Jacobs Carrabassett Valley Carrabassett Valley Academy\r\nJack O'Neil Bethel Philips Andover Academy\r\nMorgan Sharp Kennebunkport Kennebunk High School\r\nAidan Willitts Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School\r\n\r\nUnites States Military Academy  West Point\r\nName Home Town High School\r\nBrett Brown Bangor Bangor High School\r\nLogan Christian Hampden Hampden Academy\r\nRyan Fitzmaurice Bath Maine School of Science and Mathematics\r\nLuke Hill Portland Deering High School\r\nSarah Hollis Orrington Bangor High School\r\nBenjamin Jacobs Carrabassett Valley Carrabassett Valley Academy\r\nCaroline Leal York York High School\r\nMichael Manetti Freeport Cheverus High School\r\nKara Murray Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\r\nJack O'Neil Bethel Philips Andover Academy\r\nEric Quirk Scarborough Scarborough High School\r\nCaleb Richardson Augusta Cony High School\r\nNicholas Welsh Lisbon Saint Dominic Academy\r\n\r\nUnited States Naval Academy- Annapolis\r\nName Home Town High School\r\nCannon Breen Holden           John Bapst Memorial High School\r\nWilliam Cleaves Windham Windham Christian Academy\r\nWilliam Curtis Brunswick          Brunswick High School\r\nLouis Daukas Cape Elizabeth     Cape Elizabeth High School\r\nDante Delorenzo Kennebunk        Kennebunk High School\r\nTristan Denholm Kittery Point       Robert Williams Traip Academy\r\nNoah Eckersley-Ray Yarmouth         Yarmouth High School\r\nAlexander Foster  Hancock           Mount Desert Island High School\r\nMichael Guertler Yarmouth         Yarmouth High School\r\nLuke Hill                 Portland           Deering High School\r\nCaroline Leal             York               York High School\r\nMichael Manetti Freeport           Cheverus High School\r\nJack O'Neil               Bethel             Philips Academy Andover\r\nMorgan Sharp Kennebunkport    Kennebunk High School\r\n\r\nDavid Wilson Hartland Home School", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-46-million-investment-for-water-infrastructure-in-southwest-harbor-bridgton-and-rockland", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $46 Million Investment for Water Infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development office is investing a total of $46,121,000 to upgrade water infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland. USDA is providing financing through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, which can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage, and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of these communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland are renowned for their pristine beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. These significant investments will help protect the environment in the regions while creating jobs and increasing efficiencies at their wastewater treatment plants. The funding was awarded as follows:  Southwest Harbor Water and Sewer District ($15,684,000) Southwest Harbor was awarded an $8,000,000 loan and a $7,684,000 grant to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility and pump stations. The project will remove processing equipment that has exceeded its useful life, replace and expand existing structures, and improve overall efficiencies of the treatment process. The improvements include building upgrades, pump station upgrades, new blowers, sludge pumps, a dumping station, sludge dewatering, and clarifiers. These upgrades include higher efficiency equipment, which will result in more affordable operations for the users of the system. The town's wastewater treatment facility provides essential wastewater services to its 539 residential and 128 commercial and governmental customers. Upon completion of the project, the district will be in compliance with its Maine Department of Environmental Protection discharge permit. Modernization of this circa 1973 wastewater treatment plant will minimize and/or eliminate the potential for discharge of untreated sewage into the Atlantic Ocean. Maintaining a healthy waterfront is essential to this region's economy. It will aid future economic growth and it is estimated that project funds will help to create or save approximately 378 jobs. Upgrades to the sewer system play an important role in preserving Southwest Harbor as a working waterfront that relies on tourism, eco-tourism, recreational and commercial boating, and commercial fishing in order to maintain a viable economy. This means that preserving the water quality of nearby Somes Sound, a coastal waterway in the Gulf of Maine, is of the utmost importance as the Atlantic Ocean is the lifeblood of this rural community.  Town of Bridgton ($20,437,000) Bridgton was awarded a $10,437,000 loan and a $10,000,000 grant to rehabilitate its wastewater treatment system. The proposed project is to construct a new wastewater treatment facility, upgrade some aging sewer collection infrastructure, and to expand the system which will enable additional users in the greater downtown area to have access to public wastewater services. The expansion portion of the project is expected to add 448 new users, increasing the total number of users on the system from 207 to 655. The proposed project will focus on the wastewater facility as it is in need of immediate upgrades. Some of the plant's original equipment and processes are upwards of 35 years old, and the overall facility is well beyond the 20 year useful life for which it was originally designed. The plant is now at an age where it has a greater chance of equipment failure and it has incurred increased maintenance needs. Several key unit processes at the plant are inefficient, inadequate, or obsolete. The rehabilitation improvements address the aging infrastructure and capacity issues in the project area, as well as restore the design capacity of the facility at a reasonable cost. The proposed upgrades, which are long overdue, will help the system operate more effectively and efficiently, as well as address the Maine Department of Environmental Protection health and sanitary concerns. The upgrades included in this project represent the highest priorities identified in the town's Strategic Plan and will have the greatest benefit to the distribution system. Additional funding includes $2,000,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $443,000 from the Town of Bridgton.  City of Rockland ($10,000,000) Rockland was awarded an $8,028,000 loan and a $1,972,000 grant to rehabilitate the city's wastewater treatment facility, upgrade some aging sewer collection infrastructure, and correct some Combined Sewer Overflow abatement issues. The proposed project will focus on the wastewater system as it is in need of immediate upgrades. Some of the plant's original equipment and processes are upwards of 40 years old, and the overall facility is well beyond the 20-year useful life for which it was originally designed. The plant is now at an age where it has a greater chance of equipment failure and it has incurred increased maintenance needs. Several key unit processes at the plant are inefficient, inadequate, or obsolete. The rehabilitation improvements address the aging infrastructure and capacity issues in the project area, as well as restore the design capacity of the facility at a reasonable cost. The proposed upgrades, which are long overdue, will help the system operate more effectively and efficiently, as well as address the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's health and sanitary concerns. The upgrades included in this project represent the highest priorities identified in the city's Strategic Plan and Combined Sewer Overflow Master Plan and will have the greatest benefit to the distribution system, which serves 2,943 users.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/american-womans-medication-costs-10-of-us-price-in-spain", "American Woman's Medication Costs 10% of US Price in Spain", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "American Woman's Medication Costs 10% of US Price in Spain \n            This woman got her medication in Spain for just 10% of its cost in the U.S. It's time we pass meaningful legislation to stop letting pharma rip us off.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/fox-analyst-makes-the-case-for-holding-corporations-accountable", "Fox Analyst Makes the Case For Holding Corporations Accountable", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fox Analyst Makes the Case For Holding Corporations Accountable \n            Even this Fox News analyst understands that there is something wrong when large corporations like General Motors can fire thousands of American workers while making billions in profits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/fox-news-anchor-tired-of-gop-lies-on-climate", "Fox News Anchor Tired of GOP Lies on Climate", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fox News Anchor Tired of GOP Lies on Climate \n            This Fox News anchor is sick and tired of Trump and Republicans lying about climate change.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/her-mother-died-of-a-self-induced-abortion", "Her Mother Died of a Self Induced Abortion", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Her Mother Died of a Self Induced Abortion \n            This woman's mother died of a self-induced abortion in 1944, when abortions were strictly criminal. We are not going back to the days when women did not have a right to control their own bodies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/international-solutions-to-climate-change", "International Solutions to Climate Change", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/puerto-rico-is-dealing-with-the-impacts-of-climate-change", "Puerto Rico Is Dealing with the Impacts of Climate Change", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/sea-level-rise-is-impacting-miami-residents", "Sea Level Rise Is Impacting Miami Residents", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/solving-our-climate-crisis", "Solving Our Climate Crisis", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/the-impact-of-oil-drilling-in-the-arctic", "The Impact of Oil Drilling in the Arctic", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-using-tear-gas-on-children-at-the-border", "Trump Using Tear Gas on Children at the Border", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump Using Tear Gas on Children at the Border \n            The situation at the border right now is tragic. More than ever it is clear that we need to finally deal with immigration in a comprehensive way. Trump is on the wrong side of history.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/we-must-move-toward-comprehensive-immigration-reform", "We Must Move Toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We Must Move Toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform \n            We don't need a wall and we don't need barbed wire. We do not need to break families apart. What we need is immigration reform that takes 11 million undocumented people living in the United States out of the shadows and puts them on a path toward citizenship.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-2-million-for-head-start-in-hancock-and-washington-counties", "Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2 Million for Head Start in Hancock and Washington Counties", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Downeast Community Partners (DCP) received $1,996,333 for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Hancock and Washington counties. Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that young children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will help build an educational foundation for children in Hancock and Washington counties and provide parents with access to the services they need during their children's early years. In October 2017, Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) and Child and Family Opportunities (CFO) merged to form Downeast Community Partners (DCP). The two entities formerly operated as two separate local non-profits dedicated to serving the residents of Washington and Hancock counties. Child and Family Opportunities, Inc. (CFO), formed in 1970, and the Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA), formed in 1966, have each served the Down East region of Maine, focusing on helping low-income and at-risk residents thrive. DCP now continues this work. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. This funding, which was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), funds local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/climate-change-town-hall", "Climate Change Town Hall", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Climate Change Town Hall \n            Sen. Bernie Sanders hosts a national town hall on the global threat of climate change and the solutions that can protect the planet from devastation and create tens of millions of good-paying jobs.\nSanders will be joined by 350.org founder and author Bill McKibben; actress, activist and Our Revolution board member Shailene Woodley; CNN host and author Van Jones; Earth Guardians Youth Director Xiuhtezcatl Martinez; Congresswoman-Elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Union of Concerned Scientists Director of Climate Science Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel; Dr. Camilla Bausch, President of Ecologic Institute; and Dale Ross, mayor of Georgetown, Texas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/must-read/failure-of-loan-forgiveness-program-hurts-vermont-workers", "Failure of loan forgiveness program hurts Vermont workers", "2018-12-02", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Failure of loan forgiveness program hurts Vermont workers\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t By: Lola Duffort \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVt Digger\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tSunday, December 2, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tA dysfunctional federal loan forgiveness program is throwing a wrench in the long-term financial planning of workers in Vermont, where the government and nonprofit sectors together employ roughly a third of the state's workforce.\r\n\r\nIn 2007, Congress created a program intended to wipe out the federal student debt of qualified public servants who made 10 years of on-time, monthly payments. But the program has been beset by administrative problems.\r\n\r\nMore than 28,000 workers in the United States applied for the program. Just 96 people nationwide have had their loans actually wiped clean, according to the New York Times.\r\n\r\nThe Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was created to address the rising cost of education and encourage graduates to take lower-paying jobs in government or nonprofits. A decade later, the first cohort of people who were eligible  in theory at least  to have their loans forgiven applied to do so.\r\n\r\nA subsequent Government Accountability Office report pinned the dismal forgiveness rate on administrative failings with the private loan servicers who process most federal students loans, and at the U.S. Department of Education, which the GAO said had never given clear guidance to loan servicers about the program's rules. The program is the subject of at least three lawsuits, including in Massachusetts, where Attorney General Maura Healey has sued FedLoan Servicing, which does the bulk of the servicing for PSLF-eligible loans, for deceptive practices.\r\n\r\nIt's unknown how many in the Green Mountain State are enrolled in the program. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Education said no data was available. But tens of thousands of Vermonters work in eligible jobs. Nonprofits play an outsized role in Vermont's economy, and employ, by one estimate, one out of seven Vermont workers. And federal, state, and local government positions together represent one out of six jobs in the state, according to Department of Labor data.\r\n\r\nSarah Kulig, an art therapist at Centerpoint Adolescent Treatment Services in South Burlington, has been making monthly payments through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness since at least 2014, she said. But FedLoan has told her that she is only qualified for about a year's worth of payments.\r\n\r\nA common problem reported by Public Service Loan Forgiveness participants is that borrowers can be penalized for making extra payments. An additional payment can put a borrower in paid-ahead status, which changes the way payments are recorded. Kulig has said that a series of her own payments were disqualified after she made an extra deposit, but that FedLoan, her servicer, has also told her that at least five months of payments she's certain she made didn't happen.\r\n\r\nShe's asked FedLoan to review her account and send her an explanation. They've assured her they will, Kulig said  but that was 11 months ago. In general, she said she'd found it extraordinarily difficult to get information about the status of her payments.\r\n\r\nYou have a master's degree and you hold a job that's kind of complicated. Why is this so hard? she said.\r\n\r\nGrace Pazdan, a consumer-rights attorney working for Vermont Legal Aid, called her own experience with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program Kafkaesque. She was told by FedLoan a series of payments weren't qualifying because she'd underpaid by one cent, despite the fact that the loan servicer had calculated her monthly payment.\r\n\r\nRep. Peter Welch hears from Leahn Bass about student debt. Bass has about $20,000 in federal student loans.\r\n\r\nIf you had told me to pay an extra cent  I would have paid it! she said.\r\n\r\nAnd Laurie Smith, who works at Local Motion in Burlington, said she lost about a year's worth of qualifying payments after she sent in an income-verification form late while going through a divorce. And Smith said she'd found it nearly impossible to get straight answers about the status of her repayment plan.\r\n\r\nAt some point the dishes need to get done. You can't invest that time banging your head against the wall trying to get answers. It gets exhausting, she said.\r\n\r\nSmith said she'd decided to get a second associate's degree specifically because of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. If her loans aren't forgiven, she said the results would be catastrophic financially, she said.\r\n\r\nEnough Vermonters have complained to the state's congressional delegation about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., held a forum on the program this summer, before the federal government's reports on forgiveness rates came out. And Welch, along with Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in October all signed onto a letter sent jointly by over 150 Democratic members of Congress to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos about the program.\r\n\r\nThe letter excoriated the Education Department for mishandling the program, reducing oversight of loan servicers, and ignoring mounting warning signs about dysfunction within the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. It also asked the department to release detailed data about the program's implementation by Nov. 27.\r\n\r\nSpokesmen for Leahy and Sanders both said Thursday  two days after the Nov. 27 deadline  that the Senators had received no reply from DeVos. A Department spokesperson did not respond to questions sent by VTDigger.\r\n\r\nWe're not getting from the Trump administration anything but resistance to  making this thing work administratively. And it's clear that Betsy DeVos is hostile to this, Welch said in an interview earlier this month.\r\n\r\nThe Vermont Student Assistance Corporation routinely gets calls about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness, according to CEO Scott Giles. VSAC provides student loans and financial counseling for Vermont students, but it no longer services federal loans.\r\n\r\nEven though VSAC is no longer a federal loan servicer, Giles said, the company will provide counseling to any Vermonter with a student loan question or problem.\r\n\r\nGiven the complexity of the system as it was set up, and candidly the lack of priority that the Department of Education gave this  it's unfortunately not surprising to me that people weren't being given the advice to successfully participate in this program, Giles said.\r\n\r\nVSAC stopped servicing federal Direct Loans in 2016 because of how the department structured its payments to servicers, Giles said. Complicated repayment programs like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness typically required 20 to 30 minute conversations with borrowers, since basic eligibility requirements are complicated. Borrowers need to have the right kind of employer, have consolidated their loans into the right kind of federal loan, and be enrolled in the right repayment plan.\r\n\r\nIf student loan servicing is a problem in general, Giles said, it's in large part because the Department of Education's way of paying back servicers prioritizes quantity  not quality.\r\n\r\nThe compensation model they were providing to the servicers required you to get your average call time down well under 5 minutes, he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-george-hw-bush", "King Statement on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA  U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush: Former President George H.W. Bush was a statesman and a leader, a man of dedication and dignity who served his nation in the military, in Congress, and in the White House. Throughout his lifetime of service, President Bush left his mark on our entire nation  but his loss will be felt even more acutely in Maine, the home of his beloved Walker's Point. For all his achievements, President Bush remained humble, kind, and warm. Like so many Maine people, I've been fortunate enough to spend time with President Bush during some of his trips to Kennebunkport  and like all who have had that opportunity, I will forever cherish the time we were able to share. His passing leaves a great hole in our nation and in our state; he will be deeply missed. During this sad time, Mary and I are keeping his family  especially his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren  in our thoughts. Senator King is at the Ronald Reagan National Library today in Simi Valley, California, to participate in the Reagan National Defense Forum.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-issue-bipartisan-call-to-protect-worship-centers", "King, Colleagues Issue Bipartisan Call to Protect Worship Centers", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined his colleagues in a bipartisan letter to push for strong community safety funding in any FY19 appropriations package. Specifically, the Senators have called for adequate allocations to the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant program which helps nonprofit organizations like religious institutions, schools, and community centers make security improvements. The Senators penned the letter as the United States continues to grieve the deadliest attack on the American Jewish community in our nation's history. We regret that nonprofit organizations  especially religious institutions, schools, and community centers  have become targets for violent attacks and believe we have a responsibility to address the motivating factors behind these threats, wrote the Senators. But as long as the threat remains, we must take steps to ensure these facilities have the necessary resources to improve their security if they wish to do so. While we recognize much more remains to be done beyond investing in security, we urge your strong support for robust funding of the Nonprofit Security Grant program in the FY19 appropriations cycle and stand ready to work with you on this issue. U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Gary C. Peters (D-Mich,), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined Senator King in this effort.                                         A full copy of the letter can be found here and more on the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant program is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-nafta-replacement", "Sanders Statement on NAFTA Replacement", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sanders Statement on NAFTA Replacement\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, November 30, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tBURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 30 U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) released the following statement Friday after President Donald Trump signed a revised North American trade pact:\r\n\"As someone who not only voted against NAFTA, but walked on the picket lines against it, there is no question that this unfettered trade deal needs to be fundamentally rewritten. In my view, a re-negotiated NAFTA must stop the outsourcing of U.S. jobs, end the destructive race to the bottom, protect the environment, and lower the outrageously high price of prescription drugs. Clearly, Trump's NAFTA 2.0 does not meet these standards and I will strongly oppose it in its current form. Unless strong enforcement mechanisms are written into the text of this agreement, corporations will continue to ship U.S. jobs to Mexico where workers are paid as little as $2 an hour.\r\n\"Further, this deal includes some outrageous giveaways to the fossil fuel industry and big pharmaceutical companies that will harm the environment and increase prices for life-saving prescription drugs. Before this deal is sent to Congress for a vote it must include strong enforcement mechanisms to increase jobs and wages and all of the riders that benefit big fossil fuel polluters and pharmaceutical companies must be taken out of it. Trade is a good thing  but it has got to be fair.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-statement-on-nafta-replacement-", "Sanders Statement on NAFTA Replacement", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sanders Statement on NAFTA Replacement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, November 30, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tBURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 30  U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) released the following statement Friday after President Donald Trump signed a revised North American trade pact:\r\n\"As someone who not only voted against NAFTA, but walked on the picket lines against it, there is no question that this unfettered trade deal needs to be fundamentally rewritten. In my view, a re-negotiated NAFTA must stop the outsourcing of U.S. jobs, end the destructive race to the bottom, protect the environment, and lower the outrageously high price of prescription drugs. Clearly, Trump's NAFTA 2.0 does not meet these standards and I will strongly oppose it in its current form. Unless strong enforcement mechanisms are written into the text of this agreement, corporations will continue to ship U.S. jobs to Mexico where workers are paid as little as $2 an hour.\r\n\"Further, this deal includes some outrageous giveaways to the fossil fuel industry and big pharmaceutical companies that will harm the environment and increase prices for life-saving prescription drugs. Before this deal is sent to Congress for a vote it must include strong enforcement mechanisms to increase jobs and wages and all of the riders that benefit big fossil fuel polluters and pharmaceutical companies must be taken out of it. Trade is a good thing  but it has got to be fair.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-over-11-million-for-community-health-centers-in-washington-kennebec-penobscot-and-cumberland-counties", "Collins, King Announce Over $11 Million for Community Health Centers in Washington, Kennebec, Penobscot and Cumberland Counties", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a total of $11,668,486 for four community health centers throughout Maine. The funding will be awarded to Regional Medical Center in Lubec, Healthreach Community Health Centers in Waterville, Health Access Network Inc. in Lincoln, and Portland Community Health Center to improve health services and support health care professionals. Community health centers provide essential services and make a tremendous difference in the lives of Maine people, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. This important investment will support these health professionals as they continue to help ensure access to top-quality care for our families, friends, and neighbors.   The funding is allocated as follows:  Regional Medical Center in Lubec received $1,276,277.  Healthreach Community Health Centers in Waterville received $3,987,494.  Health Access Network, Inc. in Lincoln received $2,861,773.  Portland Community Health Center received $3,542,942. This grant funding is awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within HHS that is tasked with improving access to health care by building healthy communities, strengthening the health care workforce, and achieving health equity. HRSA's programs target the economic and medically vulnerable as well as the geographically isolated. The grants are awarded under HRSA's Health Center Cluster program. Community health centers (CHCs) provide care to more than 200,000 people in Maine and are a critical part of the nation's primary care network. Across the nation, CHCs serve approximately 26 million patients at over 10,000 sites in both rural and urban communities in every state in the nation. In 2017, community health centers were the medical home for one in twelve Americans, one in ten children, one in six Americans living in rural areas, and more than 330,000 of our nation's veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-senate-hearing-king-urges-nominee-to-emphasize-preventive-treatment-in-effort-to-reduce-healthcare-costs", "In Senate Hearing, King Urges Nominee to Emphasize Preventive Treatment in Effort to Reduce Healthcare Costs", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) highlighted the importance of pursuing preventive healthcare measures to reduce overall healthcare costs. During his questioning of Mr. Thomas McCaffery, the nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Senator King emphasized the rising costs of healthcare nationwide, and the unique ability of the Department of Defense (DoD) to drive changes in the marketplace as a major purchaser of healthcare services. Later in the hearing, Senator King questioned Mr. William Bookless, the nominee to serve as Principle Deputy Administrator of National Nuclear Security Administration about nuclear proliferation. \r\nYou have about 10 million people in your system as I recall, about 9.4, something like that, that gives you a tremendous opportunity to talk about the cost of health care, which is a problem that's nationwide, the cost of health care is going to break us no matter who is paying, said Senator King to Mr. McCaffery. So it seems to me you have a particular opportunity with a closed population to deal with issues like prevention, and method of payment, and accountable care, and all of those kinds of things, that could seriously diminish the cost curve on health care.You are a major buyer of healthcare services and therefore you should be able to drive reforms, in everything from drugs to medical devices to care, and I just, I see this as a terrific opportunity for the, for the country, and I hope you'll pursue it aggressively.\r\nSenator King has been an advocate for the healthcare of America's servicemembers and veterans issues in Washington. Earlier this week, Senator King introduced the Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill that would help improve veterans' health care. The bill seeks to increase collaboration among federal agencies and authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new technologies that improve our understanding of the health challenges facing veterans. A version of the legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously in September. In October,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources.\r\nSenator King has also fought to emphasize preventive healthcare during his time in the Senate. In December 2017, he urged Senate leaders to continue funding the Prevention and Public Health Fund at current levels, citing the cost-effective nature of preventive healthcare spending. In November 2017, Senator King led a bipartisan group of Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) and Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) to reintroduce the Preventive Health Savings Act, legislation that would direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to more accurately reflect the cost-savings of preventive healthcare, including health screenings.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-backed-by-white-house", "King Cosponsors Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill Backed by White House", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he has cosponsored the bipartisan First Step Act, which would improve fairness in sentencing of federal crimes, promote public safety and reduce recidivism. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisanSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which Senator King cosponsored in July and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. The legislation has been endorsed by the President, has strong bipartisan support in Congress, and is supported by a wide range of law enforcement organizations and criminal justice reform advocates. The First Step Act can help make our communities safer, help inmates become productive community members upon release from prison, and save taxpayer money  no wonder it has broad, bipartisan support from Congress, the White House, and from law enforcement and criminal justice reform advocates across the country, said Senator King. This bill is an important chance to work across the aisle and create a better criminal justice system for all Americans  let's take this opportunity, and pass it swiftly.\" The comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional development programs.It also improves fairness in prison sentences by recalibrating certain mandatory minimum sentences, granting greater discretion for judges in sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug crimes and clarifying congressional intent on sentencing enhancements for certain crimes involving firearms. It also preserves the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. The legislation also allows petitions for retroactive application of theFair Sentencing Actto be considered on an individual basis to reduce historical sentencing disparities. Under this legislation, any savings generated by the reforms would automatically be reinvested into law enforcement programs to further reduce crime and improve community safety. The legislation currently has 24 bipartisan cosponsors  12 Republicans, 11 Democrats, and Senator King  and is supported by a wide range of stakeholders from key law enforcement organizations to reform advocates, including the Fraternal Order of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Cut50, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration, National District Attorneys Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.                                                                                    Earlier this year, Senator King cosponsored the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, parts of which are included in this version of the First Step Act. In 2017, he cosponsored theSmarter Sentencing Reform Act, a bill to provide alternatives to mandatory minimums for non-violent drug offenses. Senator King has previously cosponsored theSecond Chance Act Reauthorization, which funds programs to assist with successful prisoner reentry into society.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-advance-legislative-effort-to-end-us-support-for-saudi-engagement-in-yemen", "King Votes to Advance Legislative Effort to End U.S. Support for Saudi Engagement in Yemen", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, voted to advance Senate Joint Resolution 54, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the ongoing civil war in Yemen pursuant to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This resolution would not impact important U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen.The resolution was advanced by a vote of 63 to 37. The civil war, which is between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen, has led to mass civilian casualties, and reports indicate that as many as 85,000 children may have died of starvation in Yemen since the war began. The civil war in Yemen has created one of the most serious humanitarian disasters in recenthistory, said Senator King. Too many civilians  especially children  have already died as a result of the war between the Saudi Arabia-led coalition and Iranian-backed Houthis. The United States should not be complicit in this tragedy  that's why I voted in March to end our limited support for the Saudi-led coalition, and why I voted the same way today. I reiterate the call for all parties to seek a diplomatic solution to resolve this political and humanitarian crisis.                                  Senator King had previously voted to advance SJ Res 54 in March, but the resolution was tabled by a vote of 55-44. The resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict in Yemen does not apply to ongoing American counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen, and would allow U.S. forces conducting counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to continue their work. The Senate will now begin debating the resolution and possible amendments.A vote on final passage of the resolution may occur as late as next week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-office-to-hold-six-senior-holiday-dinners", "Sanders Office to Hold Six Senior Holiday Dinners", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sanders' Office to Hold Six Senior Holiday Dinners\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tWednesday, November 28, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tBURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 28  U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced on Wednesday that his office will again organize six senior holiday dinners in December. The free meals are an opportunity for seniors to come together, enjoy a holiday meal and hear holiday music performed by local students. There will also be brief town meeting updates on senior issues. The meals will be held in Barre, Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Rutland and St. Johnsbury.\r\nSeating is limited and RSVPs are required. All meals start at noon except for Burlington's dinner, which will start at 1 p.m.\r\nSt. Johnsbury Senior Holiday Dinner\r\nWhen: Friday, December 7 at 12:00 noon  Where: St. Johnsbury House; 1207 Main Street; St. Johnsbury  Details: RSVP by Tuesday, December 4 to Senator Sanders' Office at 800-339-9834 (toll-free) or 802-862-0697\r\nBurlington Senior Holiday Dinner\r\nWhen: Sunday, December 9 at 1 p.m.  Where: Hilton Hotel; 60 Battery Street; Burlington  Details: RSVP by Wednesday, December 5 to Senator Sanders' Office at 800-339-9834 (toll-free) or 802-862-0697\r\nBennington Senior Holiday Dinner\r\nWhen: Friday, December 14 at 12:00 noon  Where: St. Peter's Episcopal Church Parish Hall; 200 Pleasant Street; Bennington  Details: RSVP by Friday, December 7 to Meals on Wheels of Bennington County at 802-442-8012 ext. 2\r\nBarre Senior Holiday Dinner\r\nWhen: Monday, December 17 at 12:00 noon  Where: Canadian Club; 414 East Montpelier Road; Barre  Details: RSVP by Wednesday, December 12 to Senator Sanders' Office at 800-339-9834 (toll-free) or 802-862-0697\r\nRutland Senior Holiday Dinner\r\nWhen: Monday, December 17 at 12:00 noon  Where: Godnick Adult Center; 1 Deer Street; Rutland  Details: RSVP by Monday, December 10 to the Godnick Adult Center at 802-773-1853\r\nBrattleboro Senior Holiday Dinner\r\nWhen: Thursday, December 20 at 12:00 noon  Where: Gibson-Aiken Senior Center; 207 Main Street; Brattleboro  Details: RSVP by Friday, December 14 to the Gibson-Aiken Senior Center at 802-257-7570 or 802-257-1236", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-advancement-of-yemen-war-powers-resolution", "Sanders Statement on Advancement of Yemen War Powers Resolution", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 63-37 to advance his resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen:\r\n\"For the first time, the U.S. Senate voted to advance a resolutionwithdrawing U.S. Armed Forces from an unauthorized and unconstitutional war. The situation in Yemen now is the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. Eighty-five thousand children have already starved to death and millions more are on the brink of starvation. All of which was caused by Saudi intervention in the civil war in Yemen.\r\nThe bottom line is the United States should not be supporting a catastrophic war led by a despotic regime with a dangerous and irresponsible military policy.Let us bring this catastrophic war in Yemen to an end, help bring peace to this tortured country and with the rest of the world help provide the humanitarian aid that is so desperately needed.\r\nNegotiations are ongoing to schedule a final vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-statement-on-advancement-of-yemen-war-powers-resolution", "Sanders Statement on Advancement of Yemen War Powers Resolution", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sanders Statement on Advancement of Yemen War Powers Resolution\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tWednesday, November 28, 2018\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, Nov. 28 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 63-37 to advance his resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen:\r\n\"For the first time, the U.S. Senate voted to advance a resolutionwithdrawing U.S. Armed Forces from an unauthorized and unconstitutional war. The situation in Yemen now is the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. Eighty-five thousand children have already starved to death and millions more are on the brink of starvation. All of which was caused by Saudi intervention in the civil war in Yemen.\r\nThe bottom line is the United States should not be supporting a catastrophic war led by a despotic regime with a dangerous and irresponsible military policy.Let us bring this catastrophic war in Yemen to an end, help bring peace to this tortured country and with the rest of the world help provide the humanitarian aid that is so desperately needed.\r\nNegotiations are ongoing to schedule a final vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/american-woman-lives-in-uk-for-health-care", "American Woman Lives in UK for Health Care", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "American Woman Lives in UK for Health Care \n            This American woman experienced what it's like to have universal health care in the UK, and now she doesn't want to move back to the United States.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/fox-news-pundit-condemns-tear-gassing", "Fox News Pundit Condemns Tear Gassing", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fox News Pundit Condemns Tear Gassing \n            Listen to this Fox News pundit condemn the tear gassing of women and children.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/how-can-we-help", "How Can We Help?", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "How Can We Help? \n            To my mind, one of the most important jobs of being a U.S. Senator is ensuring Vermonters are treated with respect by federal agencies and receive the federal benefits to which they are entitled. My Burlington office has a team of experienced caseworkers who help Vermonters navigate federal agencies like the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Education and many others.  If you think my office can help you, please do not hesitate to call 1-800-339-9834 or (802) 862-0697.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/senate-votes-to-advance-sanders-resolution-to-stop-war-in-yemen", "Senate Votes to Advance Sanders Resolution to Stop War in Yemen", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Votes to Advance Sanders Resolution to Stop War in Yemen \n            For the first time, the U.S. Senate voted to advance a resolution withdrawing U.S. Armed Forces from an unauthorized and unconstitutional war. The situation in Yemen now is the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. Eighty-five thousand children have already starved to death and millions more are on the brink of starvation. All of which was caused by Saudi intervention in the civil war in Yemen.\nThe bottom line is the United States should not be supporting a catastrophic war led by a despotic regime with a dangerous and irresponsible military policy. Let us bring this catastrophic war in Yemen to an end, help bring peace to this tortured country and with the rest of the world help provide the humanitarian aid that is so desperately needed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/us-must-stop-supporting-saudi-war-in-yemen-2018-11-28", "US Must Stop Supporting Saudi War in Yemen", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Independent", "House", "VT", "Bernard Sanders", "S000033", "www.sanders.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "US Must Stop Supporting Saudi War in Yemen \n            The Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, with U.S. support, has killed thousands of civilians. Over 85,000 children have died of starvation. Enough is enough. 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