{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"ME\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-congratulate-maine-native-receiving-nea-fellowship", "Senators Collins, King Congratulate Maine Native on Receiving NEA Fellowship", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senators Collins, King Congratulate Maine Native on Receiving NEA Fellowship \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Tue, 12/22/2015 - 13:42    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today congratulated Maine native Elisabeth Tova Bailey who has been awarded a Literature Fellowship in Creative Writing by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Along with this fellowship, Ms. Bailey will receive a $25,000 grant from the NEA.We congratulate Elisabeth on her selection for this competitive program,said Senator Collins and King in a statement.Support for our nations writers and artists by the National Endowment for the Arts benefits and enriches the lives of Americans from all walks of life. We are very pleased that the NEA has recognized the incredible work of a Maine author.Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA provides funding and support for Americanspursuingthe opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through its creative writing fellowships program, the NEA gives writers the time and space to create, revise, conduct research, and connect with readers. This years writers were selected from among 1,763 eligible applications by 23 readers and panelists. According to the NEA, less than 5percentof eligible applicants are selected.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-calls-upon-bangor-school-department-reconsider-decision-remove", "Poliquin Calls Upon Bangor School Department to Reconsider Decision to Remove Christmas Tree from Classroom", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, after the Bangor School Department released a statement supporting the removal of a decorative Christmas tree from a classroom, Congressman Bruce Poliquin released the following statement on the matter:\n\nDisplaying a decorative Christmas Tree is a longstanding tradition in our country, said Congressman Poliquin. It should not be condemned, especially in our classrooms.\n\nOur local school teachers and parents should have the ultimate say in how to run their classrooms so long as it does not pose any danger to students or the community. I find the School Departments decision baseless and completely counter to all that our Nation stands for.\n\nI recently joined a Wreaths Across America event to honor our fallen heroes. Hundreds of our fellow Mainers and thousands of volunteers work each year to lay Maine-made Christmas wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Many tombs of our heroes are decorated with a Cross, a Star of David, or other symbols of faith. It is outrageous that a fellow Mainer cannot put a Christmas tree in a classroom for our students. Our men and women buried in Arlington National Cemetery gave their lives to protect our Nation and our way of life.\n\nWe should be able to wish our fellow citizens Merry Christmas. We should be able to wish people Happy Hanukkah or to offer a holiday greeting.\n\nEliminating safe decorations from classrooms, something we all grew up with, is going too far.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/finding-solutions-our-nation%E2%80%99s-heroin-epidemic", "Finding Solutions to Our Nations Heroin Epidemic", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A heroin epidemic is sweeping across America. Going beyond their traditional urban centers, drug cartels and big-city traffickers are targeting new lucrative markets in states and communities previously untouched by this scourge.    Maine is one of those targets and has been hit particularly hard. In 2014, there were 100 overdose deaths in our state from heroin and other substances  up from just 16 in 2010. In the first half of this year, 63 overdose deaths were reported. In the month of July alone, the City of Portland had 14 suspected heroin overdoses, including two deaths in one day. As another measure of the extent of this crisis, the number of people seeking treatment for opiate abuse has tripled during the last four years.    This epidemic is the result of a one-two punch. First, more than a decade ago, the increased use of prescription opiate painkillers for legitimate medical purposes led to a dramatic increase in the abuse of those medications and also in overdoses. Second, as medical and law enforcement officials took steps to make it more difficult to obtain prescription opioids illegally, the street price of those drugs soared and cheap, readily available heroin filled the void. A single recreational dose of a prescription painkiller can cost $40 or more on the street, while a single dose of heroin can be purchased for as little as $5. Users often initially become addicted to the prescription drugs they wrongly consider safe and then, due to the cost of feeding a daily addiction, switch to the cheaper illegal heroin.    The reason big-city traffickers are targeting northern New England is also a matter of economics. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Maine and New Hampshire have the dubious distinction of having the most prescriptions per person for long-acting and high-dose painkillers. Thus, our states have a high concentration of potential heroin customers.    All too often, the road to addiction begins with a legitimate medical issue. Not long ago, a young man in Maine told me that he was prescribed an opioid painkiller after he was injured playing high school football. He began abusing prescription drugs in college, and that led to heroin. His is a tragic but common story.    But perhaps most tragic is the effect of this epidemic on the most vulnerable in our society  the babies born to addicts. It is heartbreaking that nearly 1,000 babies suffering from addiction have been born in Maine already this year, a number which represents about eight percent of all births in our state. Nationwide, there has been a staggering 300 percent increase in the number of infants diagnosed with newborn withdrawal since 2000, and the cost of treatment for these newborns was more than $700 million in 2009. Researchers estimate that more than one baby every twenty-five minutes is now born dependent on drugs and suffering from withdrawal.    In October, the Senate passed the Protecting Our Infants Acts, a bipartisan bill I sponsored that will help address the growing crisis of opioid use and abuse among pregnant women and its effect on newborn babies. This law will help some of our most vulnerable childrenreceive the best possible start in life. The doctors and other health care providers treating them do an extraordinary job of helping these infants, but clearly more needs to be done to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place. This legislation commissions a broad strategy to identify current gaps in prevention and treatment, improve coordination among federal programs, and help ensure that our public health system is best equipped to treat opioid addicted mothers and their babies in Maine and across our country.    Early this month, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a hearing at my request on the heroin crisis and the abuse of prescription painkillers. The expert testimony and the keen interest shown by my colleagues from throughout the nation make it clear that this truly is an epidemic.    The time for action is now. This crisis calls for a three-pronged approach:    The first is prevention through education. We must better educate our young people so they know how dangerous prescription drugs, as well as heroin, can be. We need to educate patients that there may be safe and effective alternatives to strong and potentially addictive painkillers. And we need to do a better job of educating health care providers about those options.    The second prong is law enforcement. Our law enforcement agencies need the resources to shut off the supply of heroin coming from international cartels, such as Mexican drug gangs.\nThe third is treatment. I am distressed that we have seen the loss of treatment options, such as the closure last spring of Mercy Hospitals outpatient center, because of low reimbursement rates and a lack of funding for that important work.    As a result of the shortage of treatment options, this epidemic is playing out in emergency rooms, county jails, and on Main Streets throughout the country. Maine sheriffs tell me that their jails are overwhelmed by those struggling with addiction and that they cannot arrest their way out of this epidemic. Jails are not designed to take the place of treatment centers, yet sheriffs and police chiefs must train their officers to look for signs of withdrawal and monitor mental health status. I believe the federal government could assist in forging greater cooperation between law enforcement and treatment centers.    I have asked the Administration to act on one particular issue immediately. Right now, primary care physicians are restricted on the number of patients they can treat with drugs that help wean people off of heroin. The cap of 30 initial patients, with the possibility of a waiver for 100, was arbitrarily set 15 years ago. Most of the witnesses at our hearing agreed with me that the cap should be eliminated altogether.    This drug epidemic is a national crisis that has its greatest effect at the local level -- on our streets, in our homes, in our schools and communities  and that touches all lives, from infants to adults. It is encouraging that so many of my colleagues from across the country share my concern and are committed to finding solutions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-final-tax-relief-bill-three-key-small-business-tax-incentives-authored", "Senate Passes Final Tax-Relief Bill with Three Key Small Business Tax Incentives Authored by Senator Collins", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.The Senate passed a bipartisan tax-relief bill this morning (65-33) with three key provisions authored by U.S. Senator Susan Collins that will greatly benefit our small businesses in Maine and across our country, allowing them to invest and create more jobs. The bill will now be sent to the President for his signature.    Small businesses create the majority of our nation's jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses generated 63 percent of the net new jobs that were created between 1993 and 2013, said Senator Collins. Small business owners across Maine and throughout our country tell me repeatedly that the constant change and uncertainty in our tax code have hindered their ability to invest and create new, good-paying jobs. I am so pleased that these three critically important tax incentives have been included in the tax-relief bill that passed the Senate with my support this afternoon. These crucial provisions will provide the incentives and the certainty required for our small businesses to successfully create jobs and grow our economy.    These three important provisions will strengthen our economy in Maine and across our nation and make it easier for small businesses to grow and create jobs:\n \nSection 179 expensing will be made permanent at $500,000. Permanently setting Section 179 of our tax code at this higher level will give our small businesses the certainty they need to plan for expansion, invest in equipment, and hire new workers. This provision allows small businesses to immediately deduct the entire cost of newly acquired assets that are purchased or financed during the tax year.\nBonus depreciation is extended. Many business assets, from copy machines to tractors and other equipment wear out or depreciate with use. Bonus depreciation allows businesses to recover part of the cost of these assets right away, helping to offset the cost of purchasing new equipment. This provision will extend this important deduction for five years, providing much needed certainty for our businesses.\nA faster depreciation for restaurant improvements is made permanent. This permanent extension will enable restaurants that renovate their spaces to depreciate the cost of property improvements over 15 years rather than 39 years.\n \nSenator Susan Collins, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Ron Johnson, and NFIB President Dan Danner held a news conference yesterday to highlight this critical small business tax relief. Senator Collins also spoke from the Senate Floor yesterday to underscore the importance of these provisions for our small businesses.    These three provisions were introduced originally as part of the bipartisanSmall Business Tax Certainty and Growth Act, authored by Senator Collins and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).    The Collins-Casey legislation also has been endorsed by the Maine Chamber of Commerce,the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Manufacturers Association of Maine, theRetail Association of Maine,NFIB,the National Restaurant Association, the National Retail Federation,andtheNational Taxpayers Union.    These tax incentives are widely supported by small businesses in Maine and leading small business advocacy organizations across our country:  \nDana Connors, President of the Maine Chamber of Commerce, stated, The number one concern of small businesses in our state continues to be the uncertainty and unpredictability in our nations tax code. These three tax incentives will help provide businesses across Maine with the certainty they need to hire more workers and invest in growth and expansion. Thank you Senator Collins for your ongoing advocacy for small businesses.    Daniel Kleban, the Founder of Maine Beer Co., stated, Maine Beer Company, like most Maine craft breweries, continues to grow at a rapid pace. Accelerating the depreciation of our brewery equipment is extremely important to feed this growth - depreciating our equipment faster frees up precious cash, cash we turn around and invest in even more equipment and jobs for Mainers. The permanent and extended accelerated deprecation measures authored by Senator Collins, and included in this tax relief bill, will help my brewery grow and provide the certainty that is essential to effective and efficient business planning.    Rob Todd, the Founder and Owner of Allagash Brewing Company, stated, Federal programs like Bonus Depreciation have been instrumental in allowing Allagash Brewing to continue on a healthy growth trajectory. Very simply, it allows us to recover capital investments over a shorter period and invest more in growth, which translates directly to jobs. We very much appreciate the support the Senator Collins has shown with these programs.    Patrick Shrader, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Arundel Machine in Arundel, stated, On behalf of Arundel Machine, our fellow manufacturers and our national defense in particular I would like to thank our Senator Susan Collins for her unwavering focus to pass key elements of tax extenders critical to manufacturing in Maine and nationwide. Section 179 equipment expensing being made permanent and having bonus depreciation made retroactive 1 year and going forward for 4 years creates the certainty lacking for industry over these past few years.    Greg Dugal of the Maine Innkeepers Association, stated, We are pleased that once again, Senator Collins has stepped up to help the backbone of Maines economy, the restaurant industry. By making sure that three key business provisions are included in the omnibus spending bill, she has lightened the load for Maines small restaurant entrepreneurs. Section 179 expensing being kept permanently at $500,000, will allow for many small restaurant employers to upgrade and purchase new equipment that will result in new more highly skilled positions within the industry. Adding bonus and faster depreciation to the mix will also stimulate our ability to hire more employees in the states fastest growing industry.    NFIB President Dan Danner, stated, Voting to make 179 permanent is one of the most crucial actions Congress can take in 2015 to help small business. Its a tax benefit that encourages small businesses to invest in their own growth, which every member of the Senate would agree the country needs. Making that provision permanent has been our top priority for years and were very grateful to Majority Leader McConnell, Senator Johnson, and Senator Collins for their strong support.    Matt Walker of the National Restaurant Association, stated, The National Restaurant Association thanks Senator Collins for her leadership in promoting vital restaurant tax priorities, which were included in the bipartisan tax package. The Senators work on key provisions, including the permanent extension of the 15-year depreciation schedule and 179 expensing, will provide restaurateurs across the country with tax certainty and greatly benefit Americas thriving restaurant industry. The legislation is vital to helping restaurateurs improve their restaurants, build on investments and continue to grow.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-susan-collins-secures-major-provisions-maine-omnibus-bill", "Senator Susan Collins Secures Major Provisions for Maine in Omnibus Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senator and Senior Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Susan Collins, successfully secured major provisions for Maine in the FY2016 Omnibus Bill, which will fund the government through next September. The legislation passed the Senate (65-33) this afternoon, following the House vote of (316-113) earlier today. The legislation was signed into law by the President this evening.    As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins worked diligently over the last year to successfully negotiate the inclusion of a number provisions with wide-ranging significance for Maine and for our country, including:    $1 billion toward an additional Destroyer Likely to be built at BIW and full funding for the DDG-1000 program Senator Collins successfully advocated for the inclusion of one billion dollars for an additional destroyer that will likely be built at BIW.    The federal truck weight limit in Maine is now permanent law As the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, one of Senator Collins top priorities has long been to keep trucks weighing up to 100,000 pounds off of our downtown streets and onto the federal interstates where they belong. In 2011, Senator Collins successfully negotiated an agreement to allow the heaviest trucks on the highway for the next 20 years. This provision in the omnibus makes these truck weight limits permanent law for the state of Maine.    $2 billion increase for NIHincluding a $350 million increase to combat Alzheimers Disease This increase is the largest to the NIHs budget since 2003. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committing and founder and co-chair of the Senate Alzheimers Task Force, securing increased funding for Alzheimers has long been one of Senator Collins top priorities. This year, 5.2 million Americans, including 37,000 in Maine, will suffer from the devastating emotional and economic toll caused by Alzheimers disease. The omnibus bill includes a $350 million dollar increase in funding to combat Alzheimer's disease for fiscal year 2016 bringing the total to $936 million.    $22 million increase for Weatherization Assistance Programs (WAP)Senator Collins has long worked to increase funding for WAP, which plays an important role in permanently reducing home heating and electricity costs for low-income families and seniors through cost-effective energy efficiency home improvements. A total of $215 million for WAP is included in the omnibus, a $22 million increase.    Increased Cybersecurity Protection for federal government networks This legislation includes all five of the major provisions included in Senator Collins bipartisan FISMA Reform Act, which she introduced following the cyber-attack at the Office of Personnel Management earlier this year. These critically important provisions will help to protect our government systems and prevent future, potentially devastating cyber attacks against our nation.    Increased funding for offshore wind power  Senator Collins has long advocated for increased funding for the development of offshore wind technology and successfully advocated to include language directing $7.4 million for alternate projects designs, which directly benefits UMaines innovative deepwater offshore wind project. The total amount provided for DOEs wind program is $95.5 million.    Protection for paper inserts for prescriptions The omnibus includes a provision authored by Senator Collins that would block the FDAs proposed E-labeling rule for prescribing information, which would be acutely felt by rural Americans. This provision will protect paper inserts that are important tools for our pharmacists and health care professionals in charge of administering life-saving medications to our hardworking families and seniors.    $6 million increase for the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP)The Omnibus provides $175.8 million for REAP, which supports rural schools and districts. As a senior member of the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Collins successfully secured an extension of the REAP program in the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law on Dec. 10.    $60 million increase for federal TRIO ProgramsSenator Collins advocated for a $60 million increase for the federal TRIO programs, which provide critical services that help first-generation, low-income student earn college degrees. This brings the total funding for TRIO to $900 million.    $42.5 million to help end youth homelessnessAs chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins secured $42.5 million to test comprehensive efforts to end youth homelessness, better track the number of homeless youth, and evaluate the effectiveness of current programs.    In addition to these provisions, Senator Collins also worked to secure:\n \n$7.2 million for the Maine Air National Guards 101st Air Refueling Wing to renovate the base fire and crash rescue station. Bangor Air National Guard fire fighters provide crash, fire, and rescue support for alert and military training missions, Bangor International Airport operations, and Contingency Aircraft Support missions.\n$119 million for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) programs, which have helped thousands of homeless youth meet their immediate needs and provided long-term residential services. This is a $5 million increase for the RHYA programs.\n$450 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and a three year reauthorization. Funding will support Maines Big Six Forest Legacy Project and a key acquisition within Acadia National Parks boundary.\n$500 million for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program. Maine has received a TIGER grant award each year, totaling more than $112 million, since it was established in 2009.\n$60 million for 8,000 new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans homelessness.\n$33.6 million for State Maritime Academies.\n$50 million for the Railroad Safety Grants account.\n$35 million for the Regional Information Sharing System.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fighting-maine", "Fighting for Maine", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives completed the second portion of the Omnibus spending package that will fund the programs and agencies of the federal government through the 2016 Fiscal Year. This final spending package passed the House with broad bipartisan support in a 316-113 vote. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\nThe negotiation process for this massive bill needs to be much more transparent, said Congressman Poliquin. Secret deals are not the way that these enormous spending bills were meant to be brokered, and going forward we must have a much more open and comprehensive process for developing these yearlong appropriations bills, letting all representatives have more say in the process.\n\nWhile I certainly agree that this bill is not perfect, there are many elements of this appropriations bill that will greatly benefit Maine.\n\nThis bill will bolster our national security, repeal and delay key elements of ObamaCare, act to combat the terrible and growing problem of drug abuse and addiction in our State, support our mills and paper producers, and ensure that our Service personnel, active and retired, are fully supported.\n\nI am also very pleased that this final, bipartisan appropriations bill will include an extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and a five-year extension of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF), ensuring that the September 11, 2001 first-responders are given the care that they undoubtedly deserve. Congress must ensure those individuals who sacrificed so much on September 11th, and in the days after, have access to the critical health benefits they need. I believe its of the upmost importance that these selfless men and women are fully funded, and I am pleased that Congress has come together to act on this important legislation.\n\nThis bill also acts to bolster our national security by implementing the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, which will strengthen our visa program and secure our borders. I am also very proud that this bill will include $1 billion of funding for the production of an additional DDG-51 destroyer, that will most likely be manufactured at Bath Iron Works and provide for thousands of jobs.\n\nAlso included in this appropriations bill are provisions to prevent harmful key policies in ObamaCare, including a two-year delay of the ObamaCare excise tax on high cost health plans, or Cadillac Tax, and a one-year delay of the Health Insurance Tax (HIT).\n\nThis appropriations bill also will provide key funding for efforts and programs to combat drug abuse and addiction in Maine, including funding for Drug Courts, the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, the Anti-Heroin Task Force, Opioid Prescription Overdose Prevention, and many more.\n\nThis appropriations bill fully supports our mills and paper producers, the best in the world, by directing the FDA to continue its use of paper inserts for medication canisters, so our pharmacists accurately prescribe medicine to Mainers. Our mills are the best producers in the world for paper inserts, and this provision of the Omnibus will keep them operating and save more than 600 jobs.\n\nIn addition, this bill limits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to its lowest funding levels since 2008 and prevents funds for new or expanded EPA regulatory programs.\n\nAs Ive said, this bill is certainly not perfect and I disagree with the way in which it was put together. We must have a transparent and fair process for funding our governmentnot mammoth, last-minute deals. Still, this bill includes many major victories for Maine.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-highlights-maine-businesses-final-push-small-business-tax-relief-leader", "Senator Collins Highlights Maine Businesses in Final Push for Small Business Tax Relief  With Leader McConnell, Senator Johnson and NFIB President", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins remarks\n     WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Susan Collins, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Ron Johnson, and NFIB President Dan Danner held a news conference today to highlight critical small business tax relief that is part of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015. This legislation will soon be considered by the Senate. \n  Three critically important tax incentives authored by Senator Collins have been included in the PATH Act, including a provision that would make small business expensing a permanent feature of the tax code at $500,000. Known as Section 179, it allows small businesses to deduct from their annual tax obligation up to $500,000 for the cost of new equipment, machinery, technology and other capital upgrades. If Congress fails to extend this provision, the maximum deduction amount will drop to $25,000.\n   During the news conference NFIB CEO and President Dan Danner said, Voting to make 179 permanent is one of the most crucial actions Congress can take in 2015 to help small business. Its a tax benefit that encourages small businesses to invest in their own growth, which every member of the Senate would agree the country needs. Making that provision permanent has been our top priority for years and were very grateful to Majority Leader McConnell, Senator Johnson, and Senator Collins for their strong support.\n   In her remarks, Senator Collins stated that when she talks to small businesses in Maine, their number one complaint to me is that they never know what the tax code is going to be, and thus they tend to freeze their investment decisions, and therefore their job creation the ramifications of having certainty and ending the unpredictability in our tax code for these three vital small business provisions will help to create many more new jobs for our economy.      Senator Collins also spoke from the Senate Floor today to underscore the importance of these provisions for our small businesses.       According to the NFIB Research Foundation, permanent small business expensing would increase economic output by almost $19 billion and create nearly 200,000 jobs over the next 10 years.     See below for a copy of Senator Collins remarks from the News Conference:        Back in April, I introduced a bill to extend section 179 expensing, to extend the bonus depreciation provision, and to extend an expired provision that allows restaurants and retailers to depreciate their improvements and equipment over 15 years rather than a very unrealistic 39 years. Im absolutely delighted that all three of these important provisions have been included in the tax bill that we will vote on tomorrow.       This will make a tremendous difference to small businesses, which create the majority of new jobs in this nation and are so important to communities across America. When I talk to small businesses in Maine, their number one complaint to me is that they never know what the tax code is going to be, and thus they tend to freeze their investment decisions, and therefore their job creation, until that becomes clear. And when it does not become clear until the final month of the year, they essentially lose the opportunity to make investments that otherwise would have occurred at the beginning of the year.       I remember talking to the owner of a precision machining shop in southern Maine who told me that when 179 expensing is in effect he knows that he will buy more equipment and that he will be able to hire more skilled workers. But when there is uncertainty about whether it will be put into effect retroactively, he loses that opportunity because the machinery he makes, that he buys requires a long lead time. Similarly, I have heard from Maines wonderful craft beer industry, which makes the best beer in the United States, but also is a very labor and capital intensive industry. Well when these provisions like bonus depreciation and small business expensing are part of the tax code in a permanent way, they can plan their investments, and that helps not only these breweries, it also helps the entire supply chain, including the farmers in Aroostook County that are providing the malted barley and the hops that go into these beers. My point is, that the ramifications of having certainty and ending the unpredictability in our tax code for these three vital small business provisions will help to create many more new jobs for our economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-following-extension-vital-perkins-student-loan-program", "Senator Collins Statement Following Extension of Vital Perkins Student Loan Program", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Statement Following Extension of Vital Perkins Student Loan Program  \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n  More than 5,000 Maine Students received $9.2 million in Perkins Loans last year  \n        \n      Posted Wed, 12/16/2015 - 17:48    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed legislation extending the Perkins Loan Program for two years. This critical lifeline for many low-income students expired on September 30.At Maines colleges and universities, more than 5,000 students received a Perkins Loan last year, providing $9.2 million in financial aid, said Senator Collins. Students depend on the Perkins Loan Program as a critical resource to fill gaps beyond what is available through the Department of Educations Direct Loan Program and a familys ability to pay. While todays extension to sustain this vital and proven program for two years is progress, a permanent extension of the program is clearly needed to give students in Maine and across our country the critical certainty required to plan for and afford a higher education.Senator Collins has long advocated to protect the Perkins Loan Program, the nations older federal student loan program. This program has existed with broad bipartisan support since 1958 and has provided more than $28 billion in low-interest loans through almost 26 million awards to students in all 50 states. In the last academic year alone, the program lent $1.1 billion to more than half a million students with financial need across more than 1,500 institutions of higher education.This October, Senator Collins led a bipartisan letter, along with Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Rob Portman (R-OH), to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Harry Reid urging them to take up and pass legislation to extend the Perkins Loan Program. Senator Collins also spoke from the Senate floor to advocate for the extension of this vital program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-and-king-announce-usda-now-accepting-applications-rural-energy-america", "Senators Collins and King Announce that USDA is Now Accepting Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Funding", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and small rural businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.\nREAP funding will make it possible to rehabilitate housing, encourage energy efficiency, and help improve facilities throughout Maine, said Senators King and Collins in a joint statement. We encourage Maine farmers and rural small business owners to apply for these loans, which provide vital opportunities to install energy efficiency measures that save money, better protect the environment, and boost economic growth.\nFunding available through the REAP guaranteed loan program includes financing for renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements, such as efficient lighting conversions, motor upgrades, building envelope improvements, HVAC upgrades, and more. Loan amounts can range from $5,000 to $25 million and can cover up to 75 percent of the total eligible project cost. \nFor more information, you may contact Brian Wilson at 990-9168 or brian.wilson@me.usda.gov, or you may visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency/me.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-approval-1-billion-toward-additional-destroyer-likely-be", "Senators Collins, King Announce Approval of $1 billion Toward Additional Destroyer Likely to be built at BIW", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Committee, and Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today that the final omnibus bill includes $1 billion toward the construction of an additional DDG-51 destroyer. This destroyer would likely be built at Bath Iron Works. This destroyer would be in addition to those already included in the current multi-year procurement contract. The omnibus bill will be considered by Congress later this week.    As a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins requested the funding toward the additional DDG-51 to help meet combatant commander requirements for destroyers across the globe. Senator Collins successfully advocated for the inclusion of the $1 billion in funding in the Senate Defense Appropriations Bill. The House Defense Appropriations Bill, however, allocated no funding for this additional destroyer. Following weeks of negotiations between the House and Senate regarding the bill, the omnibus bill appropriates the full $1 billion in funding toward this additional ship, affirming the strategic importance of our Navy and shipbuilding programs.\nOur destroyers are the workhorses of the Navy, and I am proud of the highly skilled, hardworking men and women at Bath Iron Works who continue to deliver the highest quality ships for our nations sailors, said Senator Collins. The power of presence cannot be taken for granted or ignored, which is why the investments for this new destroyer funded by this bill are so necessary. In a time of serious budget constraints for our Defense Department, this important investment underscores the value and importance of our naval assets to the security and stability of our country. The equation is simple: fewer ships means less presence, less security at home, and less security around the world. I am so pleased that after many long hours of negotiations, this $1 billion in funding was included in the final omnibus bill.    Senator Collins is a relentless advocate for the hardworking men and women at Bath Iron Works, and I am thankful that she was able to secure additional funding for shipbuilding through her position on the Appropriations Committee, said Senator King. The funding for this additional ship is a major achievement for Maine and she deserves all the credit. There is no one Id rather be working with on behalf of BIW, the State of Maine, and the men and women of our armed forces than Susan.    Senators Collins and King work together in support of Bath Iron Works from their respective positions on the Appropriations and Armed Services Committees. As a member of Armed Services, Senator King works to ensure that critical shipbuilding funding is authorized through the National Defense Authorization Act, a yearly bill that authorizes funding and directs policy for the Department of Defense. And as a senior member of Appropriations, Senator Collins works to make sure the authorized funds are then actually appropriated to shipbuilding priorities. Through this joint effort, the Senators are able to prioritize shipbuilding throughout the funding process.\nAs of January 2015, the Navy had 279 ships, well short of the goal set by the Navys 30-year shipbuilding plan which calls for the United States to have 304 ships by 2020. This investment will help to grow the Navys shipbuilding capabilities at a time when the Navy fleet is in high demand to protect national security interests worldwide.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/three-key-small-business-provisions-authored-senator-collins-included-final-tax-relief-bill", "Three Key Small Business Provisions Authored by Senator Collins Included in Final Tax-Relief Bill", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Three key small business provisions, authored by U.S. Senator Susan Collins, have been incorporated into the tax-relief bill that will be considered by Congress later this week.The provisions are endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), our nations largest small business advocacy organization.\nSmall businesses create the majority of our nation's jobs.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses generated 63 percent of the net new jobs that were created between 1993 and 2013,said Senator Collins. Small business owners across Maine and throughout our country tell me repeatedly that the constant change and uncertainty in our tax code have hindered their ability to invest and create new, good-paying jobs. I am so pleased that these three critically important tax incentives have been included in the tax-relief bill. They will provide the incentives and the certainty required for our small businesses to successfully create jobs and grow our economy.\nThese three important provisions will strengthen our economy in Maine and across our nation and make it easier for small businesses to grow and create jobs:\n \nSection 179 expensing will be made permanent at $500,000.Permanently setting Section 179 of our tax code at this higher level will give our small businesses the certainty they need to plan for expansion, invest in equipment, and hire new workers. This provision allows small businesses to immediately deduct the entire cost of newly acquired assets that are purchased or financed during the tax year.\nBonus depreciation is extended. Many business assets, from copy machines to tractors and other equipment wear out or depreciate with use. Bonus depreciation allows businesses to recover part of the cost of these assetsright away, helping to offset the cost of purchasing new equipment. This provision will extend this important deduction for five years, providing much needed certainty for our businesses.\nA faster depreciation for restaurant improvements is made permanent.This permanent extension will enable restaurants that renovate their spaces to depreciate the cost of property improvements over 15 years rather than 39 years.\n \nThese three provisions were introduced originally as part of the bipartisanSmall Business Tax Certainty and Growth Act, authored by Senator Collins and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).\nFollowing the introduction of this legislation,Amanda Austin, the Vice President of Public Policy of NFIB, wrote to Senator Collins in support of the legislation, stating that it would provide certainty and permanency with regard to several important tax provisions for small businesses. Shecontinued, stating, the most important source of financing for small business is their earnings, i.e. cash flowThis is why NFIB is particularly pleased to see the inclusion of reformed Section 179 expensing...\nThe Collins-Casey legislation also has been endorsed by the Maine Chamber of Commerce,the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Manufacturers Association of Maine, theRetail Association of Maine,NFIB,the National Restaurant Association, the National Retail Federation,andtheNational Taxpayers Union.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-susan-collins-tops-new-bipartisan-ranking-227-us-senators-1993-2014", "Senator Susan Collins Tops New Bipartisan Ranking of 227 U.S. Senators from 1993-2014", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Susan Collins Tops New Bipartisan Ranking of 227 U.S. Senators from 1993-2014  \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n  Long-term analysis ranks Senator Collins as the most bipartisan current senator and the 2nd most bipartisan senator overall  \n        \n      Posted Tue, 12/15/2015 - 13:24", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-poliquin-invites-students-enter-congressional-app-challenge", "Congressman Poliquin Invites Students To Enter Congressional App Challenge", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANGOR  Congressman Bruce Poliquin is inviting high school students from Maines Second District to participate in the second annual Congressional App Challenge.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a national competition aimed at developing students STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills and celebrating their creativity in coding their own applications.\n\nI encourage all high school students in the Second District to enter this exciting contest, said Congressman Poliquin. STEM-related jobs are among Maines fastest-growing and highest-paying. By developing these in-demand skills today, our Second District students will be better prepared for success in the workforce tomorrow and our Great State will be more competitive globally in attracting and retaining innovative industries that create good jobs and grow our economy.\n\nCongressman Poliquin will personally recognize the winning students or student teams who must submit their original apps by the Jan. 15 deadline. Winners will also have their apps featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol Building as well as on the Congressional App Challenge website.\n\nFor more information about the Congressional App Challenge or to enter, visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/participating-districts/ and select ME-02 or contact Congressman Poliquins offices in Lewiston (784-0768), Bangor (942-0583) or Presque Isle (764-1968).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-applauds-final-order-us-customs-against-unfair-canadian", "Poliquin Applauds Final Order from U.S. Customs Against Unfair Canadian Subsidies", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  In an issue first raised by Maine's Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, the Department of Commerce (DOC) issued its final countervailing duty order Thursday on imports of supercalendared paper from Canada. This issue comes as a result of the determination from the International Trade Commission (ITC), in a 5-0 vote, that unfair Canadian subsidies on supercalendared paper were unlawfully hurting Maine businesses, like Madison Paper. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\n\"As I have said before, this final order from the DOC is a victory for Madison Paper and a victory for Maine workers,\" said Congressman Poliquin. This decision will preserve more than 200 jobs at Madison Paper and keep the facility operating and producing their quality product.\n\n\"For months, I have made it a top priority to investigate these unfair trade practices and job-killing subsidies from Canada that have been detrimental to Maine's businesses. It is unacceptable that so many Maine families have lost work because of these illegal trade practices.\n\n\"This final order is a critical step forward in growing jobs in Maine, but it's certainly not the end of the fight. As Maine's Second District Congressman, I will continue to fight for Maine jobs and fight to end unfair trade policies.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-statement-response-bath-iron-works-labor-contract-approval", "Collins, King Statement in response to Bath Iron Works Labor Contract Approval", "2015-12-13", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Statement in response to Bath Iron Works Labor Contract Approval \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Sun, 12/13/2015 - 00:00    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King issued the following statement today following approval of the new labor contract between Bath Iron Works and the Local S6 Machinists Union:The ratification of the labor contract required collaboration, hard work, and compromise by all parties. This represents a significant achievement and will put BIW on a viable track moving forward as they work as a team to fulfill critical Navy requirements. Bath Iron Works and its highly-skilled workers are national strategic assets essential to our countrys defense and to our states economy. Simply put, there is no workforce better able to build the Zumwalt and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers than the men and women of BIW. We have secured funding for the construction of the DDG-1000s and the DDG-51s, and we remain strong advocates for BIWs opportunity to compete for the construction of the Coast Guards new Offshore Patrol Cutters, which would diversify BIWs workload, and make the yard more competitive for future Arleigh Burke destroyer contracts.Senator Collins is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/investigating-sudden-and-dramatic-price-increases-patent-drugs", "Investigating Sudden and Dramatic Price Increases of Off-Patent Drugs", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prescription drugs are vital to the health and well-being of all Americans, especially our nations seniors, 90 percent of whom take at least one prescription drug in any given month. For many Americans, access to prescription drugs is not only critical to their quality of life, but can literally be a matter of life or death.    Unfortunately, there have been several examples in recent months of certain pharmaceutical companies suddenly and dramatically increasing prices for off-patent prescription drugs they have acquired. The Senate Aging Committee, which I chair, launched a bipartisan investigation into these price spikes and recently held the first in a series of hearings on this topic. Although our investigation is still in its initial phases, the Committee has already interviewed dozens of patients, doctors, and health care experts from around the country and reviewed thousands of pages of documents to better understand the causes and effects of these egregious price increases.    Four companies in particular have come to our attention and are the focus of our investigation thus far: Turing Pharmaceuticals, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Retrophin, Inc., and Rodelis Therapeutics. Each of these companies abruptly hiked the price of off-patent drugs they recently acquired by twenty, thirty, or even forty times the initial price, at times putting these medicines out of reach for patients and the doctors who treat them. Usually when the patent expires on a prescription drug, the cost goes down as generic versions are produced. In these cases, even though the patents had expired years ago, there were no generics, and the companies that bought the drugs sent their prices skyrocketing.    In North Carolina, for example, doctors for a child diagnosed with toxoplasmosis were unable to obtain Daraprim,the drug needed to treat that disease, because Turing Pharmaceuticals had hiked the price of the drug from $17.63 to $750 per pill, an increase of more than 4,000 percent. This sudden spike forced the local pharmacy to drop it from its inventory. As a consequence, the child had to be treated with an alternative that had not been rigorously tested in children. Valeant, Retrophin, and Rodelis have imposed similarly outrageous price increases on off-patent drugs used to treat cardiac issues, serious kidney disease, and drug-resistant tuberculosis.    If we want new medicines to reach consumers who need them, the companies that invest in the research and take the risks necessary to develop these drugs must see a fair return on their investment. At the same time, we cannot be blind to the cost of these drugs to individuals, health systems, and the federal government. Americans are expected to spend more than $328 billion on prescription drugs this year alone. Of this amount, individuals will pay about $50 billion out-of-pocket. The federal government will pick up another $110 billion in payments through Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, and other programs, with state governments, insurers, other payors, and charity care responsible for the remainder of this vast sum.    For many decades, federal policy has sought to strike the right balance between maintaining the incentives needed to promote innovation and the development of new drugs and keeping medicines affordable. One way we have done so is by granting pharmaceutical companies exclusive rights through our patent system to sell the prescription drugs they develop for approximately 20 years. When these patents expire, other companies can seek approval to enter the market to offer generic versions of these drugs. This increases competition and helps lower prices.    That balance we have struck never anticipated companies acquiring off-patent drugs and then raising their prices to enormous heights, and doing so, as one executive essentially put it, because I can. But that is exactly what we have seen in recent months.    Some of these companies contend they need the revenue from higher prices to finance research into new therapies or improvements to existing drugs. Research and development is both expensive and essential, but these particular companies did not conduct the research and development and clinical trials on the drugs they bought. Others have said that their price hikes will be absorbed by insurance companies and will never be felt by real people. Of course, insurers ultimately pass on these costs to consumers by way of higher premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.    Our investigation is not about the legitimate incentives to create and market new drugs. Just recently, I met with a small pharmaceutical company that may be on the verge of a breakthrough for treating a neurological disease and is spending a billion dollars on clinical trials alone. We do not want to stifle innovation for potentially lifesaving drugs. We do not, however, want a company to be able to take advantage of a monopoly situation where there is no competition and no downward pressure on prices. After the patent on a prescription drug expires, our system relies upon competition to bring more affordable generics to the marketplace.    I find it disturbing, and indeed unconscionable, that a company would buy up a decades-old drug that it had no role in developing and then would hike up the price to such egregious levels that it is having an effect on patient care. Two goals of our bipartisan investigation are to understand why such companies can impose dramatic price hikes on off-patent drugs they have acquired, and what policies we should consider to counter this disturbing practice.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/helping-our-maine-families-invest", "Helping Our Maine Families Invest", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Yesterday, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, joined Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-9) in authoring a bipartisan letter, with 11 total signatures, to Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White that demands the SEC revise its rule that would halt residents of rural communities around the country from receiving paper versions of their mutual fund reports through the mail. In the letter, the Members write:\n\nAs members of the House Financial Services Committee, we respectfully request that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revise proposed Rule 30e-3 to maintain the current option for investors to automatically receive mutual fund financial reporting information in paper form. Elderly investors, who own nearly half of mutual fund assets, and those residing in rural communities often do not have access to internet technology. In order to read such critical information, they rely heavily on paper reports.\n\nCongressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\nThousands of families of our rural communities, with limited access to the Internet, depend on paper versions of their investor reports in order to make informed decisions on their savings, said Congressman Poliquin. These folks shouldnt be burdened with having to print, sort and navigate through countless pages of complex documents with their own personal equipment.\n\nIn addition, this SEC rule will negatively impact our logging and paper industries in Maine, which provide the best and most reliable paper used to make these statements.\n\nA wide majority of Americans do not want to stop automatically receiving paper versions of their mutual fund reports, like this rule from the SEC would enforce. Im very pleased to join with my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, in expressing our concerns on this issue to Chair White.\n\nThe federal government should be making it easier to save for retirement and reduce barriers for savers. As Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to fight for policies that will help hardworking Maine families plan for their future and build their nest eggs.\n\nMembers who signed on to the letter:\n\n Congressman Peter King (NY-2)(R)\n\tCongressman Gregory Meeks (NY-5)(D)\n\tCongressman Michael Capuano (MA-7)(D)\n\tCongressman David Scott (GA-13)(D)\n\tCongressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5)(D)\n\tCongressman Mick Mulvaney (SC-5)(R)\n\tCongressman French Hill (AK-2)(R)\n\tCongresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-3)(D)\n\tCongressman Scott Tipton (CO-3)(R)\n \n\nFull text of the letter to SEC Chair Mary Jo White:\n\nDecember 10, 2015\n\nThe Honorable Mary Jo White\nChair\nU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission\n100 F Street, NE\nWashington, DC 20549\n\nDear Chair White,\n\nAs members of the House Financial Services Committee, we respectfully request that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revise proposed Rule 30e-3 to maintain the current option for investors to automatically receive mutual fund financial reporting information in paper form. Elderly investors, who own nearly half of mutual fund assets, and those residing in rural communities often do not have access to internet technology. In order to read such critical information, they rely heavily on paper reports. In drafting the Rule, the SEC clearly intends to protect those who must rely on paper by acknowledging that it is critical that these investors continue to receive disclosure in a means that is convenient and accessible for them. As described below, we respectively submit that this proposed Rule needs revising in order to fulfill this worthy goal.\n\nEven though the SEC currently allows mutual fund investors to opt-out of paper delivery, only a small percentage does. Rule 30e-3 completely shifts the burden to investors. Under the proposed Rule, mutual fund companies would only be required to send investors a single paper letter announcing the switch to digital delivery unless the investor affirmatively opts-in to receiving paper reports.\n\nSuch a letter and its response form could easily be lost in the mail, or accidently discarded. Additionally, for millions of senior citizen savers and investors, these forms are frequently confusing, causing them to be filled out incorrectly. If the letters and forms are received but then lost or destroyed, an untold number of elderly investors and/or those living in rural area without internet access will find it difficult, or even impossible, to secure paper reports for this disclosure information. We are pleased that the SEC cited this as a potential problem when requesting comment on proposed Rule 30e-3.\n\nWe are also concerned that this specific SEC rulemaking puts forward the notion of implied consent. This creates an unhealthy legal precedent for future actions in the financial services space. In the long run, it is inappropriate and harmful for investors to have this type of generally unwanted change forced upon them by Wall Street.\n\nLimiting or eliminating the automatic receipt of paper financial reports will increase the cost of saving and investing for American families by imposing the expense of printing long documents on personal equipment, and only if the investor has adequate broadband for such printing. We are confident that the SEC wishes to assist, not inhibit, investors in building adequate retirement and other funds to promote their financial security and well-being.\nBy a wide majority, the American people do not want to stop automatically receiving paper mutual fund reports through the mail, as dictated in proposed Rule 30e-3. In 2012, the SEC contracted Siegel + Gale to conduct a study regarding investor preferences and other issues. The research concludes that 71% of mutual fund investors prefer paper rather than online reports. In 2013, an InfoTrends national survey finds that 84% of respondents object to private sector companies forcing them to use electronic-only formats. This objective data confirms the feedback we hear from constituent investors across the country.\n\nThank you for the prompt consideration of this request. We look forward to working with your staff to ensure that all American investors and savers are able to conveniently, securely, and inexpensively receive critically important mutual fund financial reports in the desired paper form.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-statement-bath-iron-works-tentative-labor-contract-proposal", "Collins, King Statement on Bath Iron Works Tentative Labor Contract Proposal", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Statement on Bath Iron Works Tentative Labor Contract Proposal   \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Thu, 12/10/2015 - 00:00    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King issued the following statement today on the tentative labor contract proposal reached between Bath Iron Works andtheMachinists Union Local S6:Bath Iron Works and its highly-skilled workers are national strategic assets essential to our countrys defense and to our states economy. Simply put, there is no workforce better positioned to build the Zumwalt and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers than the men and women of BIW. We have secured funding for the construction of the DDG-1000s and the DDG-51s, and we remain strong advocates for BIWs opportunity to compete for the construction of the Coast Guards new Offshore Patrol Cutters, which would diversify BIWs workload,and forfutureArleigh Burke destroyers.We are very pleased that BIW management and labor union leadership have worked cooperatively to reach a tentative proposal for a labor contract. Conversations with senior Navy and Coast Guard officials convince us that cost is a key consideration in nearly every shipbuilding competition. That fact underscores the importance of BIWs ongoing work to increase operational efficiency at the shipyard because it must offer cost-effective bids in order to win these contracts.Senator Collins is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-bipartisan-rewrite-no-child-left-behind-important-provisions-authored-senator", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Rewrite of No Child Left Behind with Important Provisions Authored by Senator Collins", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement after the Senate passed the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act with strong support (85-12). This bicameral reform bill will replace No Child Left Behind with new policies that will return greater control and flexibility to states and local school districts. The legislation must now be signed into law by President Obama.    Senator Collins spoke from the Senate floor yesterday in support of the legislation, stating, Providing a good education for every child must remain a national priority so each child fulfills his or her full potential, has a wide range of opportunities, and can succeed in an increasingly competitive economyCongressional action to fix the serious flaws with No Child Left Behind, while preserving the valuable parts of that law, is long overdue. That day has finally arrivedI know from having visited more than 200 schools in my state, that this legislation will be welcomed indeed. The Every Student Succeeds Act returns much needed flexibility to the state departments of education and to local school districts, where it belongs.      Click HERE to read the full transcript of Senator Collins remarks from the floor.    Senator Collins was selected to serve on the Conference Committee for the legislation, which worked to find compromise between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The Committee reported the final bill passed by the Senate today, which included two important provisions authored by Senator Collins:  \n1. An extension of the critically important Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) Program:\nSenator Collins co-authored this program with Senator Kent Conrad in 2002. REAP provides financial assistance to small and high-poverty rural districts to help address unique local needs and meet federal requirements. This program has been particularly helpful in Maine and has supported a variety of initiatives that benefit students and teachers, including: new technology in classrooms, distance learning opportunities, and professional development activities.\n2. An authorization for an Innovative Assessment and Accountability pilot program:    This program would support states designing assessment systems based on student proficiency. In April, the HELP Committee unanimously adopted a bipartisan amendment authored by Senator Collins to improve this program, including allowing more states to participate in the program, and giving participating school districts more time to scale up their systems statewide.\nSeveral other provisions for which Senator Collins has advocated are also included in the bill, including support for quality after-school and summer programs through the 21st Century Community Learning Center program, the Ready-to-Learn program to promote early learning and school readiness, and for arts education programming for disadvantaged students and children with disabilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/protecting-our-homeland", "Protecting Our Homeland", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Yesterday, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, voted for a bill that will significantly strengthen U.S. visa policies to ensure that necessary mechanisms are in place to prevent terrorists from exploiting our Nations travel and customs rules. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\nAs a proud cosponsor of this bipartisan and commonsense legislation, I am very pleased to see the House pass this measure to dramatically strengthen our Nations visa program and to protect our homeland, said Congressman Poliquin.\n\nCurrently, citizens from 38 different countries are able to visit the United States for a 90 day period using only a passport. No additional screening is required at American embassies to receive visas. This makes it impossible to track these individuals if they stay over 90 days, and poses a major threat to our national security.\n\nWe certainly still want to welcome business travelers and tourists to the United States, who contribute $220 billion and more than 1 million jobs each year to the U.S. economy through purchases of plane tickets, hotels, meals and so on. This bill, which I cosponsored, will cancel visa waivers for countries that do not share their intelligence data for potential terrorists with the FBI, do not screen travelers against INTERPOL criminal and suspected terrorist databases, and do not issue their citizens with biometric passports which cannot be counterfeited.\n\nWith the serious and growing threats from radical terrorist groups that our Nation faces today, we must act to keep our families and communities safe. This is a strong step in protecting our homeland.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/working-hard-mainers-washington", "Working Hard for Mainers in Washington", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, legislation authored by Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, passed through the House Financial Services Committee with broad bipartisan support, just after the Congressman had his first bill, the Child Support Assistance Act, signed into law earlier in the week. In a 55-1 vote, the Committee passed Congressman Poliquins bill, the Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act, which will make it easier for small businesses to access capital markets to grow and hire workers. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\nThis legislation, which was nearly unanimously supported by my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, in the Financial Service Committee, is a great step forward in helping Maines small businesses and creating jobs in our State, said Congressman Poliquin.\n\nThe Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act will make it easier for local businesses in Maine, which might not be able to get bank loans, to access capital markets to get the money they need to grow, hire more workers, and expand our economy.\n\nSmall businesses cant grow without capital. This bill will give hardworking, local businesses the tools and support they need to grow and create jobs in our Second District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-trade-adjustment-assistance-displaced-expera-mill", "Collins, King Announce Trade Adjustment Assistance for Displaced Expera Mill", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the 195 workers displaced by the closure of the Expera Specialty Solutions pulp mill in Old Town has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.\nIt is our hope that this announcement brings relief to the many hard-working men and women at the Old Town mill who, through no fault of their own, lost their jobs as a result of increased foreign competition, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. TAA assistance will help these workers get back on their feet by providing them with the opportunity to acquire the new skills and new training necessary to prepare for jobs in other industries. It is a crucial lifeline for workers in Maine and across the nation.\nIn October, Senators Collins and King sent a letter to Labor Secretary Thomas Perez urging him to quickly approve this assistance. This June, the Senate passed a bipartisan reauthorization of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which was based upon The Trade Adjustment Assistance Enhancement Act of 2015 that Senator Collins co-authored with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).\nTAA is a program of the Department of Labor that helps workers who have lost their jobs as a result of increased imports or a shift of production outside of the United States. TAA provides these trade-affected workers with a variety of reemployment services and benefits to help them find new jobs and get back to work. In the 2013 fiscal year alone, more than 700 Mainers used TAA programs, and more than 70 percent of those participants found employment within three months of completing their retraining programs. In addition, of the participants who found employment, more than 90 percent were still employed in their new jobs six months later.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-12-2015-%E2%80%9Cwreaths-across-america-0", "Senate Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 12, 2015 as Wreaths Across America Day", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating Saturday, December 12, 2015 as Wreaths Across America Day.\nOn December 12th, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay approximately 230,000 Maine-made balsam wreaths at the grave site of each American veteran interred there. This is the 24th consecutive year that Morrill and Karen Worcester, owners of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine will make this generous donation. The procession to Arlington began on December 6th in Harrington where Patriot Guard Riders continued their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks down the East Coast. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place wreaths at over 1,000 locations in all 50 states and in numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil.\nWreaths Across America is a powerful demonstration of respect and appreciation for our veterans  both those that weve lost and those still with us  that reminds them and their families that we are eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. And this proud tradition, still going strong after the Worcesters started it 24 years ago, is built on the same spirit of generosity that helps make the holiday season so special. We are honored to join with the countless volunteers and supporters who come together to make Wreaths Across America possible and share in honoring and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.\n\nThe resolutionis below:\n\n+++\n\nWhereas, 24 years before the date of adoption of this resolution,\nthe Wreaths Across America project began with an\nannual tradition that occurs in December, of donating,\ntransporting, and placing 5,000 Maine balsam fir remembrance\nwreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes buried\nat Arlington National Cemetery;\n\nWhereas, in the 24 years preceding the date of adoption of\nthis resolution, more than 2,416,000 wreaths have been\nsent to locations, including national cemeteries and veterans\nmemorials, in every State and overseas;\n\nWhereas the mission of the Wreaths Across America project,\nto Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by\ncoordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 States\nand overseas, including at\n(1) Arlington National Cemetery;\n(2) veterans cemeteries; and\n(3) other locations;\n\nWhereas the Wreaths Across America project carries out a\nweek-long veterans parade between Maine and Virginia,\nstopping along the way to spread a message about the\nimportance of\n(1) remembering the fallen heroes of the United\nStates;\n(2) honoring those who serve; and\n(3) reminding the people of the United States about\nthe sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve\nfreedoms in the United States;\n\nWhereas, in 2014, approximately 716,000 remembrance\nwreaths were sent to more than 1,000 locations across\nthe United States and overseas, an increase of more than\n100 locations compared to the previous year;\n\nWhereas, in December 2015, the tradition of escorting tractor-\ntrailers filled with donated wreaths from Harrington,\nMaine, to Arlington National Cemetery will be continued\nby\n(1) the Patriot Guard Riders; and\n(2) other patriotic escort units, including\n(A) motorcycle units;\n(B) law enforcement units; and\n(C) first responder units;\n\nWhereas hundreds of thousands of individuals volunteer each\nDecember to help lay remembrance wreaths;\n\nWhereas the trucking industry in the United States continues\nto support the Wreaths Across America project by providing\ndrivers, equipment, and related services to assist\nin the transportation of wreaths across the United States\nto over 1,000 locations;\n\nWhereas the Senate designated December 13, 2014, as\nWreaths Across America Day; and\n\nWhereas, on December 12, 2015, the Wreaths Across America\nproject will continue the proud legacy of bringing remembrance\nwreaths to Arlington National Cemetery:\nNow, therefore, be it\n\nResolved, That the Senate\n(1) designates December 12, 2015, as Wreaths\nAcross America Day;\n(2) honors\n(A) the Wreaths Across America project;\n(B) patriotic escort units, including\n(i) motorcycle units;\n(ii) law enforcement units; and\n(iii) first responder units;\n(C) the trucking industry in the United\nStates; and\n(D) the volunteers and donors involved in\nthis worthy tradition; and\n(3) recognizes\n(A) the service of veterans and members of\nthe Armed Forces; and\n(B) the sacrifices that veterans, members\nof the Armed Forces, and their families have\nmade, and continue to make,\nfor the United States, a great Nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-cites-maine-examples-opening-statement-senate-hearing-america%E2%80%99s-opioid", "Senator Collins Cites Maine Examples in Opening Statement at Senate Hearing on Americas Opioid Epidemic", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to Watch Senator Collins Opening Statement\n   Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins cited Maine examples in her opening statement this morning at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing titled:Opioid Abuse in America: Facing the Epidemic and Examining Solutions. The hearing is currently ongoing and will examine the spectrum of issues related to prevention, treatment, and recovery of opioid addiction, including both prescription opioids and heroin. Senator Collins is a senior member of the HELP Committee.    See below for a copy of Senator Collins remarks as prepared for delivery:      Thank you, Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray, for convening this hearing.     In many states, including Maine, the prescription drug abuse crisis has also become a heroin crisis, overwhelming our communities and families, often with tragic consequences.     Maine has been particularly hard hit by this epidemic:\n \nIn 2014, there were 100 overdose deaths from heroin and other substances, that is up from only 16 in 2010. In the first half of this year, 63 opiate overdose deaths have been reported.\nIn the month of July alone, the City of Portland had 14 suspected heroin overdoses, including two deaths in one day.\nThe number of people seeking treatment for opiate use has more than tripled in the past four years.\n \n But perhaps most tragic is the impact on the most vulnerable in our society  the babies born to addicts. In Maine, in the last fiscal year, nearly 1,000 babies were born drug and/or alcohol-addicted, a number which represents eight percent of all births in our state.     Maine and New Hampshire have the dubious distinction of having the most prescriptions per person for long-acting and high-dose painkillers according to the CDC.     And when those prescriptions lead to addiction, the next stop is too often heroin. According to a study by the Maine Sunday Telegram, international drug cartels and inner-city drug gangs have targeted Maine as an emerging and lucrative market for heroin.     This epidemic is playing out in emergency rooms, county jails, and on Main Streets in my state and throughout the country. Maines Sheriffs tell me that their jails are overwhelmed by those struggling with addiction and that they cannot arrest their way out of this epidemic. They are not designed to take the place of treatment centers, and yet sheriffs and police chiefs must train their officers to look for signs of withdrawal and monitor mental health status.     I recently received a letter from a constituent of mine detailing his road to addiction, which began in high school as a result of football injuries for which he was given oxycodin. It was in college when the use of painkillers became a serious problem and later led to him to use heroin. Unfortunately, his story is sad but common.     His letter goes on to describe his attempt to treat depression with pain killers and years of chasing the feeling of being normal.       It is important that our Committee is examining this serious public health crisis and I want to commend our leaders for doing so.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-united-states-military-service-academies", "SENATORS COLLINS AND KING ANNOUNCE MAINE NOMINEES TO THE UNITED STATES MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMIES", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         SENATORS COLLINS AND KING ANNOUNCE MAINE NOMINEES TO THE UNITED STATES MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMIES \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Tue, 12/08/2015 - 16:55    \n    \n    \n    \n  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.   We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nations 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.   The following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King: United States Naval Academy- AnnapolisName Home Town High SchoolJoseph Baumann          Leeds Leavitt Area High SchoolMontana BraxtonCape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High SchoolLaura Anna CutlerWinter Harbor Phillips Exeter AcademySarah Eaton             Cherryfield Narraguagus High SchoolEmma KnappFryeburg Vicenza High School (Italy)Abby LAbbe             Topsham St. Dominic AcademyAnna LastraFryeburg Fryeburg AcademyEloise LienertBrunswick Brunswick High SchoolTaylor PerkinsGorham Gorham High SchoolG. Nicholas Rozsahegyi Rockport Camden Hills Regional High SchoolAbigail Runnells Saco Thornton AcademyCody Veilleux            Waterville Waterville High SchoolJack Venden Yarmouth Yarmouth High SchoolTyler WaalerYarmouth Yarmouth High SchoolUnites States Military Academy  West PointName Home Town High SchoolEmma BeginChelsea Hall-Dale High SchoolEmma BonnerEaston Easton Senior High SchoolBlake BourassaBangor Bangor High SchoolSeth DavisLiberty            Mt. View High SchoolElaine DudleyNorth Waterboro     Massabesic High SchoolSarah Eaton              Cherryfield         Narraguagus High SchoolTodd Gustaitis            Otisfield           Oxford Hills Comprehensive High SchoolChase HarkinsBethel             Gould AcademyEmma KnappFryeburg           Vicenza High School (Italy)Anna LastraFryeburg Fryeburg AcademySteven Minns            Wilton             Mt. Blue High SchoolTaylor Perkins            Gorham Gorham High SchoolKyle RosadoFreeport Freeport High SchoolAbby RunnellsSaco Thornton AcademyJackson Vail             Waldoboro Medomak Valley High SchoolCody Veilleux            Waterville          Waterville Senior High School                        United States Air Force Academy  Colorado SpringsName Home Town High School\nLuke Arsenault            Manchester         Kents Hill School\nEmma Begin             Chelsea            Hall-Dale High School\nEmma Bonner Easton            Easton Senior High SchoolBlake Bourassa Bangor Bangor High SchoolSean Bowers Scarborough        Scarborough High SchoolRebekah Bryant Monmouth Monmouth AcademyMatthew Claar            Falmouth          Falmouth High SchoolMartin Dioli              Yarmouth Salisbury SchoolCandace Doughty Brewer Brewer High SchoolConnor Grant Houlton           Houlton High SchoolCody Hart Lebanon Noble High SchoolEvan Hulstrom            York York High SchoolGordon McCulloh          Kennebunk Maine School of Science & MathematicsCassidy Osgood           Cherryfield         Narraguagus High SchoolMeredith Picard Troy              Mount View High SchoolAbigail Runnells           Saco Thornton AcademyUnited States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings PointName Home Town High SchoolGail Johnson             Portland           WaynfleteMatthew McCarty         Gorham           Gorham High SchoolCooper Siepert           Cape Elizabeth      Cape Elizabeth High SchoolChristopher Tomascak     Portland           Portland High School", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-legislation-signed-law", "Poliquins Legislation Signed Into Law", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Yesterday, the President signed the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 into law, which included Congressman Bruce Poliquins Child Support Assistance Act. This is Congressman Poliquins first bill signed into law. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\nI am very pleased that the language from my critical and bipartisan bill, the Child Support Assistance Act, was signed into law to stand up for children and families who are owed their support money, said Congressman Poliquin.\n\nMy legislation will help our state and local support enforcement agencies aid families in collecting child support payments from delinquent parents. This is not a partisan issue, this is about our kids and ensuring they get the money theyre rightly owed.\n\nChairman Jeb Hensarling of the House Financial Services Committee also released the following statement on the Congressmans language being signed into law:\n\nI am proud to work with Congressman Poliquin to get this important legislation signed into law, said Chairman Hensarling. Mr. Poliquins language will help thousands of families across the country, and I am pleased that it was officially adopted.\n\nNote: Congressman Poliquins language in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 will amend the FCRA to permit enforcement agencies to obtain consumer reports on delinquent parents in order to enforce child support payments, in a more timely manner, without giving a delinquent parent an opportunity to avoid child support payments. This bill will also expressly allow the enforcement agency to set an appropriate amount for child support payments and adjust the level as needed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-and-king-attend-wreaths-across-america-ceremony-us-capitol", "Senators Collins and King Attend Wreaths Across America Ceremony at U.S. Capitol", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Photo 1: Senators Collins and King observe a moment of silence  Photo 2: Senators Collins and King during the ceremony  Photo 3: The Maine made wreath laid at the U.S. Capitol\n     WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King took part in the Wreaths Across America Capitol wreath laying ceremony this morning in Washington. Beginning in 2007, and each December since, Wreaths Across America, based out of Columbia Falls, Maine, has placed a Remembrance Wreath at the U.S. Capitol Building. The wreath laid at the U.S. Capitol is adorned with flags representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and POWs/MIAs, and decorated with a red bow.\n   During the ceremony, which coincided with similar ceremonies at all 50 state capitols across our country, Senators Collins and King delivered remarks and joined in a moment of silence to reflect on the holiday season and to honor and remember our nations veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices.\n   Wreaths Across America is a powerful demonstration of respect and appreciation for our veterans  both those that weve lost and those still with us, said Senators Collins and King. The mission of Wreaths Across America is: Remember. Honor. Teach. Thanks to the spirit of this Maine-made tradition, we will remember and honor Americas veterans this holiday season, while also teaching generations to come of the sacrifices that have been made to secure our freedoms and to defend our liberty.\n   A convoy of volunteers and approximately 248,000 Maine-made balsam wreaths departed from Maine this past Sunday, December 6th, and is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery on December 12th. Between 30,000 and 40,000 volunteers are expected to lay the wreaths at the graves of each American veteran. This is the 24th consecutive year that Morrill and Karen Worcester, owners of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine will make this generous donation. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place more than 900,000 wreaths at over 1,000 locations in all 50 states and numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/18-maine-students-nominated-us-military-service-academies", "18 Maine Students Nominated for U.S. Military Service Academies", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANGOR  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced that he has nominated 18 students from Maines Second District to attend one of the Nations prestigious military service academies next year. The Congressman will personally call each nominee to congratulate them and host a celebration in their honor in early 2016. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\nIt is a great honor to nominate these young, dedicated Mainers to be considered for admission at our Nations fine military service academies, said Congressman Poliquin. These outstanding men and women impressed me with their incredible record of service already to their studies, communities and this Great Country. They truly are among the best and brightest and give me great hope for the future of our Armed Forces, our Nation and the cause of freedom. I thank them for their sacrifice and wish them the best of luck in their future service.\n\nCongressman Poliquins nominations were informed by the recommendations of his distinguished Service Academy Nomination Advisory Board, which personally interviewed student applicants last month in Bangor. That board included military, community and educational leaders and had nearly 200 years of combined service in the United States Army, Air Force and Navy.\n\nTo be considered for appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by a Member of Congress or other authorized nominating source. The following is the full list of Second District students who received Congressman Poliquins nomination as candidates to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York:\n\n Joseph Baumann, Leeds, Leavitt Area High School: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy\n\tEmma Bonner, Easton, Easton Jr/Sr High School: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy\n\tBlake Bourassa, Bangor, Bangor High School: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy\n\tRebekah Bryant, Monmouth, Monmouth Academy: U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tAnna Cutler, Winter Harbor, Phillips Exeter Academy: U.S. Naval Academy\n\tSeth Davis, Liberty, Mount View High School: U.S. Military Academy\n\tCandace Doughty, Brewer, Brewer High School: U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tSarah Eaton, Cherryfield, Narraguagus High School: U.S. Naval Academy\n\tConnor Grant, Houlton, Houlton High School: U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tTodd Gustaitis, Otisfield, Oxford Hills Comprehensive School: U.S. Military Academy\n\tChase Harkins, Bethel, Gould Academy: U.S. Military Academy\n\tEmma Knapp, Fryeburg, Vicenza American High School: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy\n\tAnna Lastra, Fryeburg, Fryeburg Academy: U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy\n\tSteven Minns, Wilton, Mount Blue High School: U.S. Military Academy\n\tCassidy Osgood, Cherryfield, Narraguagus High School: U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tMeredith Picard, Troy, Mount View High School: U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tScott Pierce, Auburn, Buckfield High School: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tFelix Thibodeau, Hermon, Nokomis Regional High School: U.S. Military Academy\n \nThe 2016 application period for Second District students seeking nomination to a military service academy from Congressman Poliquin in 2016 will open in May. Additionally, Congressman Poliquin urges military service academy graduates and other Veterans in need of assistance to contact his offices in Lewiston (784-0768), Bangor (942-0583) or Presque Isle (764-1968) or by visiting poliquin.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-poliquin-amendment-1", "House Passes Poliquin Amendment", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to adopt Congressman Bruce Poliquins amendment to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. Congressman Poliquins amendment clarifies that electric plants can be considered reliable without having to enter into supply contacts that are greater than one year. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\nI am very pleased my colleagues in the House supported my amendment to allow reliable and efficient energy producers to operate without arbitrary restraints from regulators, said Congressman Poliquin.\n\nLow-cost, carbon-neutral biomass technology is transforming our communities in Maine. As Americas wood basket, Maine is one of the primary producers of reliable biomass energy.\n\nMy amendment will create jobs for Mainers by giving the biomass and wood products industries in our State regulatory certainty. It ensures that all power sources are able to compete on a fair playing fieldparticularly biomass energy, which typically only can get supply for 12 months in advanceby revising the standard for all fuels so as to not favor one over the other. It recognizes that some new and cleaner fuel sources, like biomass, are in more cyclical markets.\n\nIn addition, this amendment will make affordable energy available for thousands by lifting burdensome regulations on clean and dependable American energy producers, specifically Maines quality biomass plants.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-introduces-bill-require-state-and-local-approval-national", "Poliquin Introduces Bill to Require State and Local Approval for National Monument Designations", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, introduced the Preserving State Rights Act. This bill would require any national monument designation by the President to first be approved by the governor and state legislature where the land is located. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\nAny process to incorporate federal land in Maine must have strong support from the local community, said Congressman Poliquin.\n\nThe legislative process is set up to create checks and balances and to ensure constituent voices are heard in Washington. Bypassing the legislative processto unilaterally designate land as federal landresulting in fundamentally changing a region in Maine, or anywhere, is not democratic.\n\nThat is why I introduced the Preserving State Rights Act. This bill would still grant the President the authority to designate monuments, but requires that any governor, in any year or any state, and state legislature sign off on any such designation. This is a common-sense solution to ensure that local voices are heard and considered.\n\nIn addition, as a proud member of the House Private Property Rights Caucus, I believe private land owners should be able to donate their land as they see fit, but I have grave concerns about the Executive Branch using its power to unilaterally designate a national monument in our state, or other states, where the local residents have voted in opposition to a national park in their backyards.\n\nIn Congress, I have demonstrated that my top priority is to create a better business climate in Maine. I want to give local citizens a voice in any federal land acquisition and to promote local industries, give opportunity for jobs to grow in Maine and to maintain public access to camping, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.\n\nClick HERE to see the full text of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-send-letter-president-possible-national-monument", "Collins, King, Poliquin Send Letter to President on Possible National Monument Designation in Maine North Woods", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Bruce Poliquin have sent a letter to President Barack Obama regarding the possible designation of land in the Katahdin region as a national monument. \nThe complete text of the letter is available below.\n+++\nNovember 20, 2015\nThe President  \nThe White House  \n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.  \nWashington, D.C. 20500\nDear Mr. President:\nWe understand that you are considering using your executive power under the Antiquities Act to designate unilaterally as a national monument more than 100,000 acres of what is currently privately owned land in northern Maine and write to express our serious reservations and significant concerns about such a proposal.\nThe private land owner, Elliotsville Plantation Inc. (EPI), has made clear that it would like to donate its land in the Katahdin Region to the federal government for the purpose of establishing a national park and national recreation area, which would require an act of Congress.  The president of EPIs board, Mr. Lucas St. Clair, has recently informed us that he is in discussions with the Department of Interior to bypass Congress to seek a national monument designation.  This concerns us because residents in the Katahdin Region have the most to gain or lose from federal land encroaching on their doorstep, and it is clear that deep divisions remain. \nWhile we acknowledge the right of private land owners to donate their land, we have serious concerns about the executive branch using its power to unilaterally designate a national monument in our state.  Mainers have a long and proud history of private land ownership, independence, and local control, and do not take lightly any forced action by the federal government to increase its footprint in our state.  Recognizing that despite these concerns, you nevertheless may use your legal authority to bypass the normal legislative process and designate a national monument in Maine, we believe that you should be aware of the history of this proposal and the conditions that we strongly believe must be included if such a designation moves forward.  \nFor many years, EPI has been working to build local support to establish a national park and national recreation area on its land.  As Members of Maines Congressional Delegation, it is incumbent upon us to research thoroughly such a controversial issue. We have devoted countless hours to meet with stakeholders, including local business owners, forest product industry officials, snowmobile clubs, hunting groups, outdoor recreation organizations, environmental groups, local land owners, and land preservation trusts. We have responded to hundreds of emails, letters, and phone calls from local area residents.  Our offices have toured the property in question and have attended local town hall meetings devoted to discussing publicly the proposal.  We believe we have thoughtfully considered all points of view and have carefully listened to all sides of this issue.\nProponents and opponents alike target more jobs for the struggling Katahdin Region as the basis for their conclusions.  Some residents believe that one way to stimulate the regional economy, decimated by the closure of paper mills in the area, would be for the federal government to create a national park and national recreation area to boost tourism and outdoor recreation jobs.  Local chambers of commerce support this opportunity and cite economic studies which point to job creation around other national parks across the country.  In a recent poll, the idea of a national park was supported by roughly 60 percent of Mainers. \nOther residents believe that any form of federal ownership could jeopardize jobs and future job creation in the prized Katahdin Regions working forests. In two non-binding referendums this past summer, more than 70 percent of the residents living in two of the most affected communities voted in opposition to creating a national park on this land.  In addition, 225 Maine businesses that employ more than 5,000 hard-working Mainers, many in the logging, trucking, saw mill, and other forest products industries, announced their opposition to the proposal, largely because they believe that federal ownership would hurt their businesses and prevent future investment and job creation.\nThe federal government is also struggling to meet its current obligations to fund our 408 existing national park units, with a current maintenance backlog of $11.5 billion. Adding more than 100,000 acres to the federal land system would only add to that burden.\nWe cannot underscore enough the importance of bringing new economic development to this severely economically depressed region of Maine.  A national monument designation, however, would likely antagonize already divided local communities.  The future of EPIs property is just one part of a greater need to improve economic opportunity in the Katahdin Region. To that end, we request the full assistance of the federal government to identify and secure funding for economic development activities through the Economic Development Assistance Program and other manufacturing programs that could help the forest products industry and other entrepreneurs in the area.  Specifically, we seek financial support for research to back the development and use of wood products and fibers, advanced engineering projects that use wood, and support for policies that will create strong markets for wood products. Our many discussions with local residents and businesses have deepened our understanding of the viewpoints and needs of the Katahdin Region.\nDespite our reservations, if you nevertheless choose to use your executive power under the Antiquities Act to accept the EPI land donation and to designate a new national monument, we strongly urge that you incorporate the following conditions:\n1.       Express permission for all traditional recreation uses, including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, the use of motorized vehicles, such as snowmobiles and ATVs, and other outdoor recreational activities associated with our North Maine Woods. Maine has a long and cherished history of public access to large tracts of privately owned land. This invaluable relationship must be protected so that citizens are able to continue to recreate freely and responsibly. \n2.       Protection for the long term well-being of our prized forests, both within the borders of any federal land designation and for the adjacent and surrounding areas.  Any federal land must allow for proper forest management, including timber harvesting, to prevent forest fires and invasive species and to allow for proper sustainable tree growth.  Moreover, the surrounding lands have robust forestry activities such as logging, trucking, and timber harvesting, and any federal land designation must not impair these industries, their good paying jobs or inhibit future growth in this sector.  The forest products industry employs nearly 40,000 hard-working Mainers. One out of every 20 jobs in Maine is associated with the forest products sector.  \n3.       All private or state land that is contiguous, adjacent, or nearby, or any inholdings, must continue to have established easements and rights of way, including for roads, and remain independent of any federal control. This independence must also include freedom from view shed, air quality, or buffer zone regulations or requirements.  No federal regulations should be put in place that would discourage future investment or growth in the region.\n4.       Any monument designation must respect private property rights and ensure that the federal government will never take any private land in the area by eminent domain.  All land must be acquired from a willing seller through donation or purchase.  Concerns have been raised about the size of the parcel in question, as for some time many believed that EPI owned 150,000 acres of the proposed national park and national recreation area.  In fact, more than 40 percent of the proposed area is owned by other private landowners, some of whom have adamantly expressed they have no interest in selling their land for inclusion in any federal land system.  \n5.       Management needs of the area must be carefully examined to determine the appropriate federal land management agency.  The U.S. Forest Service, with its history of working closely with communities to preserve traditional uses, should be considered as an agency to oversee any national monument designation.    \n6.       Establishment of a local and state advisory board to ensure that any management decisions reflect local and state priorities, not the priorities of Washington.  Local communities know how to make their own decisions and that autonomy should continue.\n7.       Federal commitment to help improve the economically depressed Katahdin Region and create new jobs must accompany any new federal land designation. This should include efforts related to tourism and outdoor recreation, as well as the forest products industry.\n8.       When creating the educational and interpretive experience for any public land in question, it is critical to have a special emphasis on the Katahdin Regions rich history, including the important roles of the timber industry, local communities, and the Penobscot Nation.  \n9.       Preference for Maine businesses and products in creating and servicing any federally designated public lands. For example, Maine timber should be used to construct buildings, and Maine concessioners should be hired to provide services and products inside the boundaries of any national monument. Neighbors to federal lands are more likely to support federal initiatives when Washington employs their direct support. \nIn closing, while we respect the right of EPI to donate its private property to the federal government, we cannot ignore the serious reservations of our constituents. We urge you to carefully weigh the views of those who live in the region, as well as the criteria we have outlined in this letter. The last thing the Katahdin Region needs is burdensome and restrictive federal regulations that discourage future investment and badly needed jobs while changing the traditional Maine way of life.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-declares-victory-itc-decision", "Poliquin Declares Victory in ITC Decision", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  In an issue first raised by Maine's Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, the International Trade Commission (ITC), in a 5-0 vote, determined that unfair Canadian subsidies on supercalendared paper were unlawfully hurting Maine businesses, like Madison Paper. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\"This decision from the ITC investigation is a victory for Madison Paper and a victory for Maine workers,\" said Congressman Poliquin. This decision will preserve more than 200 jobs at Madison Paper and keep the facility operating and producing their quality product.\n\"For months, I have made it a top priority to investigate these unfair trade practices and job-killing subsidies from Canada that have been detrimental to Maine's businesses. It is unacceptable that so many Maine families have lost work because of these illegal trade practices.\n\"The ITC's unanimous decision in this investigation is a critical step forward in growing jobs in Maine, but it's certainly not the end of the fight. As Maine's Second District Congressman, I will continue to fight for Maine jobs and fight to end unfair trade policies.\"\nAs a result of the ITC's determination, the Department of Commerce will finalize a countervailing duty order on imports of supercalendared paper from Canada.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/we-must-protect-americans", "We Must Protect Americans", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement after voting against the continuation of President Obamas Syrian refugee resettlement program without putting critical measures in place to protect Americans:\nOur national security should be a top priority for Congress, said Congressman Poliquin.  With the serious threats that America faces today, it is vital that we push to stop this Administrations dangerous refugee resettlement program until we can ensure, for certain, that exhaustive measures are in place to keep our families and communities safe.\nIm proud to join my colleagues in the House, Republicans and Democrats, in supporting this crucial, commonsense legislation to protect Americans.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I am committed to ensuring that American families and communities are safe and that our national security is a priority for our government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-announces-grant-help-auburn-school-department-our-local-farmers", "Poliquin Announces Grant to Help the Auburn School Department, Our Local Farmers, and Our Kids", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman Bruce Poliquin announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will award the Auburn School Department $45,000 as part of the Farm to School Grant Awards program.\nThe Farm to School Grant Awards Program is designed to increase the use, awareness and appreciation of local food and local producers in schools through procurement, education, and hands-on activities for students. \nIts important for our communities, and most importantly our children, to have access to and knowledge of healthy, local food products, grown and farmed right here in Maine, Congressman Poliquin said.  As a parent myself, I know how important it is for our children to have a healthy diet.  Im pleased to see this beneficial program is supported so we can give our children healthier food choices and the education to make informed decisions about what they eat.\nAccording to the USDAs official summary, the Auburn School District in Maine will formalize the Androscoggin Farm to School Network as a coordinating body; conduct research and analysis to identify current initiatives, best practices, needs, challenges, and strategies to alleviate or reduce barriers to farm to school activities; foster local procurement relationships between school personnel and producers; and continue the operation of school garden programs to develop models for sustainability.\nIn a statement from the National Farm to School Network, the organization says they believe that this program is a win for our nation's kids, farmers and communities, and demand for these competitive grants remains higher than current funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/keeping-our-commitment-protect-americans", "Keeping Our Commitment to Protect Americans", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  On Tuesday, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, expressed his strong support to halt the Obama Administrations refugee resettlement program until major reforms are made to ensure Americans are safe, our borders are secured and our national security is protected.  Congressman Poliquin released the following statement: \nIm extremely concerned with the Administrations unilateral decision to accept thousands of refugees in its resettlement programs, especially in light of the horrific terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris this past weekend, said Congressman Poliquin.\nThe Presidents radical refugee resettlement initiative leaves America significantly more vulnerable to a potential attack on our home soil.  This is especially concerning after learning the details of how a refugee, who arrived in Europe through resettlement, was among the terrorists who launched the appalling and cowardly attacks in Paris this past weekend.\nOur national security should be a top priority in Congress.  We need to make sure, for certain, that we are not admitting any individuals into our homeland who pose a threat to our communities and way of life.\nThat is why I am proud to join my colleagues in demanding that federal funds are not used to admit refugees from Syria into the United States until national security agencies put in place effective processes to ensure that no suspected or potential terrorists are allowed to cross our borders.\nNow, more than ever, our Nation needs a leader in the White House who takes seriously the threats that our country faces.  President Obama has demonstrated, once again, that he has failed his commitment to protect Americans at home and abroad in order to push his own open-borders agenda.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I am committed to ensuring that American families and communities are safe and that our national security is a priority for our government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-statement-release-guantanamo-inmates", "Poliquins Statement on Release of Guantanamo Inmates", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement regarding the announcement from President Obama to release five Yemeni inmates from the Guantanamo Bay detention center:\nThe Presidents decision to release five detainees from Guantanamo Bay is dangerous and senseless, especially at a time when the world is facing such serious terrorist threats.  Unfortunately, this is only the latest instance of President Obamas failed commitment to protect Americans at home and abroad.\n\"It is especially concerning that the President would issue this order just days before he is expected to sign the bipartisan and bicameral National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, which would prohibit him from releasing these detainees.  This action highlights the President's intention on bypassing Congress and the American People to advance his own agenda.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/prayers-paris", "Prayers for Paris", "2015-11-14", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement regarding the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, France on November 13, 2015:\nTo the people of France, we stand united with you and all of France is on our hearts and in our prayers.\nIf history has taught us anything, it proves we must remain vigilant against such cowardly, terrorist attacks. America can lead, and we have the strength to do so, but currently lack the leadership. My hope is that our national leaders grasp why so many Americans, including myself, want the border secured so that we not only deal with the issue of illegal immigration but we also ensure terrorists do not cross our border to do us harm. Never has the old adage been more true: The World is safer when America is Strong: Our People know it, Our Allies know it, and most importantly, Our Enemies know it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ashland-hero-presented-purple-heart-veterans-day", "Ashland Hero Presented Purple Heart on Veterans Day", "2015-11-12", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ASHLAND  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, has secured a Purple Heart for an Ashland man who was wounded in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge during the Korean War.\nOn Wednesday, Corporal Joseph OClair was presented the Purple Heart in a small ceremony at the Ashland VFW 9699 by Congressman Poliquins Aroostook County based Staff Assistant, Kim Rohn.\nI want to commend Corporal Joseph O'Clair for his courage and thank him for his sacrifice, said Congressman Poliquin. We are forever indebted to him and those he served alongside.  While long overdue, this Purple Heart is well-deserved and is presented as a small token of our Nations great appreciation for your brave efforts to keep us safe and free. \nOClair served in the United States Army from 1950-53. During the intense, month-long Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, a North Korean attack initiated a landslide that crushed the Ashland man, breaking his right leg and hip. More than 64 years later, that leg remains three inches shorter than the left. \nDespite the injury, OClair returned to Aroostook County and was employed at Fournier Logging and later Pinkham Lumber, where he worked alongside two of his three sons as a Saw Filer. A hard-working and devoted family man, OClair has been married to his wife, Lydia, for 61 years and the couple has five grown children including Barbara, Arnold, Steven, Nora and Andrew. \nIn September, the OClair family enlisted Congressman Poliquin to help them secure recognition of their fathers injuries at the hands of the enemy.  \nWe owe Maines Veterans our thanks for their service to our country and the cause of freedom around the globe, said Congressman Poliquin. I am honored to represent heroes like Corporal OClair and the more than 66,000 Veterans in Maines Second Congressional District and am committed to helping our heroes and their families receive the recognition and the benefits they were promised, earned and deserve. \nMaine Second Congressional District Veterans and their family members may request military medals or assistance with benefits by contacting Congressman Poliquins offices in Lewiston (784-0768), Bangor (942-0583) or Presque Isle (764-1968).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-urges-house-va-committee-help-maine-s-rural-veterans-0", "Poliquin Urges House VA Committee to Help Maines Rural Veterans", "2015-11-12", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  On Tuesday, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, sent a letter to House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman, Jeff Miller, and Ranking Member, Corrine Brown, urging them to make the ARCH program permanent and to incorporate the best lessons learned from ARCH into any Choice reform legislation.\nIn 2011, Congress appropriated funds to allow for a pilot program under the Veterans Administration, known as Project ARCH (Access Received Closer to Home). This program selected five hospitals located in rural areas across the United States to enter into contracts with the VA so that eligible veterans could receive care closer to home. One of those locations was at Cary Medical Center in Caribou, Maine. This program has proven to be a huge success.  \nLast month, Congressman Poliquin introduced the Helping our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care Act, which would make ARCH permanent and expand it across the country to all eligible Veterans. \nIn the letter to Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Brown, Congressman Bruce Poliquin wrote, Our Veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Honoring their service is one of the greatest responsibilities for Members of Congress.  That is why I was pleased to recently introduce the Helping our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care Act.\nIn a time when so many VA programs have come under scrutiny for mismanagement, this unique public-private partnership is a successful and common-sense solution to ensure our rural Veterans receive the care we have promised them.\nThe following is the text of the letter:\nDear Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Brown:\nThank you for your continued efforts to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that our Veterans receive the benefits and care that they deserve.  Our Veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Honoring their service is one of the greatest responsibilities for Members of Congress.  That is why I was pleased to recently introduce the Helping our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care Act.  This bill would make the ARCH pilot program permanent and expand it to eligible Veterans across the country by allowing non-VA hospitals and other medical facilities to enter into pre-negotiated contracts with the VA to provide care to our Veterans. In a time when so many VA programs have come under scrutiny for mismanagement, this unique public-private partnership is a successful and common-sense solution to ensure our rural Veterans receive the care we have promised them. \nAs you know, the ARCH program has received not only bipartisan support but has exceeded the expectations of rural Veterans and their families whose needs often require immediate attention. The pilot program has also significantly reduced the average waiting time of care from 90 days to 30 days at each of the designated sites. In Maine alone, over 10,000 Veterans have benefitted from the programs accessibility. \nAs the Veterans Affairs Committee continues to work to reform programs such as the Choice program, I encourage you to make the ARCH program permanent, as well as incorporate the best practices that we have learned from the successful ARCH program into other programs, such as Choice.  The ARCH program creates an efficient benefits network that reduces waiting time, offers high quality care, and is easily accessible.  This is what our Veterans deserve and allows us to express gratitude for their service to our country.\nWhen service members return to civilian life, it is imperative that they receive excellent and timely health care. They have served our great nation with honor, and we must fulfill our promise to them.  I have attached a copy of my bill with hopes that you will incorporate its language into any legislation that the committee drafts to reform the health care that we give to our Veterans", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/once-again-poliquin-supports-ndaa", "Once Again, Poliquin Supports NDAA", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act:\nIm proud to, once again, support this important national defense funding bill as it includes vital HUBZone language  which I helped draft  that will help bring more business and jobs to Maine.\nBy adjusting the HUBZone requirements, this HUBZone language will help the former Brunswick Naval Air Station recruit businesses to relocate to the base and qualify for the HUBZone program under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act.\nAlso, this important defense bill will ensure our Troops, their families, receive the pay raise they earned and deserve while bolstering our national security defenses.\nI urge my colleagues, both Republican and Democratic, in the Senate to move quickly on this bill and for President Obama to sign it in to law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-statement-release-tpp-text", "Poliquins Statement On  The Release Of The TPP Text", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement after President Obama released the final text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP):\nI have often said that this secretive process of negotiation major deals is not right and it isnt fair to the American People.\nThats why I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to release the final text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Mainers deserve to know what is in the final text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.\nNow that the text has finally been released, I look forward to carefully reviewing the details of this proposed trade deal. Additionally, as I travel throughout the Second District, I look forward to meeting with Mainers and listening to their thoughts on the Trans-Pacific Partnership.\nThe following is the full text of the letter to President Obama:\n\nNovember 04, 2015\n  \n\tPresident Barack Obama  \n\tThe White House  \n\t1600 Pennsylvania Avenue  \n\tWashington, DC 20500\nDear Mr. President:  On October 5th, you announced that negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) had concluded. Your statement at that time noted, we can help our businesses sell more Made in America goods and services around the world, and we can help more American workers compete and win. We share those goals but believe if that is truly what the TPP will achieve it is time for the American people to have the opportunity to fully review the agreement.  Americans are rightly concerned about the secretive nature of TPP trade negotiations, especially given the significant economic impact the deal would have across many sectors of our economy. Just like TPP, past trade agreements were sold on their economic benefits. However, since the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, thousands of factories have closed and millions of manufacturing jobs have been lost all across the U.S.\n Just 15 years ago, our country had more than 17.1 million Americans employed in the manufacturing sector. Today, that number has fallen by nearly five million. Given that the TPP has been sold to Congress and the American people based on its ability to change this trajectory and strengthen economic opportunity here at home, the American people deserve the chance to judge the full text of the deal for themselves.  Thank you for your attention to these concerns. We look forward to reviewing the full text of the TPP agreement, to ensure that it maintains the interests of U.S. businesses and workers, without further delay.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-statement-electing-next-speaker", "Poliquins Statement On Electing The Next Speaker", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regard to electing Paul D. Ryan as Speaker of the House:\nThe new Speaker, Paul D. Ryan, has promised to work on reforms to ensure all voices can be heard within House deliberations.\nAs I have always said, I dont work for the Republican Party, the Democratic Party or any Leader; I work for the people of the 2ndDistrict of Maine.\nI will continue to promote legislation that will help our businesses expand, hire more workers, and create a better business climate in Maine.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-statement-bipartisan-budget-act", "Poliquins Statement On The Bipartisan Budget Act", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regard to the Bipartisan Budget Act:\nThis secretive process of negotiating major funding deals between President Obama and our Congressional Leaders, both Republican and Democratic, is not right and it isnt fair to the American people.\nI have always believed that Members of Congress, who represent the People, must have a say in the negotiations and be allowed to offer amendments in order to voice our constituents views. This is the view our forefathers had in mind when they wrote the Constitution of the United States and this is how I believe we should govern  not by crisis to crisis.\nThat being said, we cannot allow our Nation to default on our loans and financial obligations.\nAdditionally, we must not allow our government to shutdown. In 2013, the government shutdown cost our economy $24 billion, and it directly impacted Maine communities, such as Acadia National Park  reducing tourism-related sales by 1 million dollars per day in the Bar Harbor area.\nWhile I have serious concerns about some aspects, the Bipartisan Budget Act will repeal ObamaCares auto-enroll mandate, put us on the path to consider legislation that includes provisions authored by me to help protect jobs at Twin Rivers Paper Company and Sappi Paper Mill, and keeps us on the right track to balance our budget within 10 years.\nVery importantly, the Bipartisan Budget Act will fully fund our National Defense so our Troops can continue to protect Americans  at home and abroad. Furthermore, this funding will help protect and secure Maine jobs at Bath Iron Works and at other small business defense sub-contractors across Maine.\nThis Budget Act does not change the long term, ten-year, budget plan which is set to pay down our deficit and debt. As Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to push for a Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment in order to stop President Obamas reckless and irresponsible spending agenda. A Balanced Budget Amendment would end the continual deficit spending and set our Nation on the right track for our children and grandchildren.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-votes-protect-future-maine-jobs", "Poliquin Votes To Protect Future Maine Jobs", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regard to reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank with much needed reforms:\nAs I have often said, I will do anything and everything to gain and secure jobs.\nEarlier this year, I voted against President Obamas Trade Promotion Authority in order to help protect Maine jobs, such as those at New Balance in Norridgewock, Norway, and Skowhegan. I also pushed to get HUBZone language added to the National Defense Authorization Act as it would help attract and create more jobs in Maine  unfortunately President Obama vetoed this bipartisan bill last week.\nThats why I voted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, with much needed reforms, so we can continue to attract and secure jobs. These reforms include establishing an Office of Ethics, an increase in loss reserves so that taxpayers are less on the hook, an independent audit of the Banks portfolio and more.\nHowever, there is much more work to be done in reforming the culture at the Bank. With the full weight of my office, I will continue to push my reforms that will lay the foundation for a growing American economy and good-paying jobs while rooting out fraud, corruption, and insider dealings in Washington.\nNOTE: Click HERE to read more about Congressman Poliquins reforms for the Export-Import Bank.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-statement-discharge-petition-reauthorize-export-import-bank", "Poliquins Statement On The Discharge Petition  To Reauthorize The Export-Import Bank", "2015-10-26", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regard to the discharge petition to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank:\nI will be voting yes on reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank, with much needed reforms. These reforms will put the needs of the taxpayers before those of foreign borrowers.\nHowever, Im not in favor of governing through the use of discharge petitions as it is not regular order. I believe we must have strong debates and allow Members of Congress to submit amendments to legislation.\nThis is why I voted against the discharge petition. While I will be voting to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, with much needed reforms, I will continue to push my reforms to help grow our economy while rooting out corruption.\nNOTE: Click HERE to read more about Congressman Poliquins reforms for the Export-Import Bank.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-obama-vetoes-maine-jobs", "President Obama Vetoes Maine Jobs", "2015-10-22", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regard to President Obama vetoing the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote of 270  156 and included Congressman Poliquins HUBZone language:\nIts very disturbing that President Obama put politics before bipartisan policy that would have helped our Troops, their families, bolstered our national security and created jobs in Maine.\nThe National Defense Authorization Act, which the President vetoed during a photo-op, included a vital HUBZone amendment, which I helped draft, that would have brought more businesses and jobs to Maine.\nBy adjusting the HUBZone requirements, this amendment would have helped the former Brunswick Naval Air Station recruit businesses to come on to the base and qualify for the HUBZone program.\nIts unfortunate that President Obama did not put our Troops, their families, our national security and jobs before politics. As Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to promote my HUBZone language in order to help create more jobs and opportunities.\nNOTE: Click HERE to learn more about how the National Defense Authorization Act would have helped our Troops and their families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/national-forest-products-week", "National Forest Products Week", "2015-10-19", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LEWISTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in celebration of National Forest Products week:\nToday, I join my fellow Mainers in celebrating National Forest Products week.\nAs a third generation Mainer, I understand the rich history and tradition our forest products industry has in Maine.\nFrom making tongue depressors and popsicle sticks in Guilford to pulp and paper manufacturing all across our Great State, Im proud to honor and recognize our hard-working men and women who help make our terrific Made-In-Maine forest products.\nIn Congress, I will continue to support bills that will help our forest products industry grow and create more jobs while responsibly preserving Maines pristine environment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/iran-s-new-ballistic-missiles-program", "Irans New Ballistic Missiles Program", "2015-10-15", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  According to CNN, Iran is completely overhauling its missile technology, replacing the current stockpile with newer weapons. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nAs a strong opponent of the Iran Nuclear Agreement, I find this new information to be very concerning and disturbing  especially since many of our military bases are within range of these Iranian missiles.\nI have always believed that we must maintain our arms and missiles sanctions on Iran, the leading state-sponsor of terrorism. Relieving Irans economic, arms and ballistic missiles sanctions will likely result in an arms race and help fund those who seek to harm Americans at home and abroad.\nAs Maines Second District Representative, I will continue to monitor this serious issue and do everything I can to stop this oppressive regime, which is committed to killing Americans and destroying Israel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/helping-our-rural-veterans-receive-health-care", "Helping Our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care", "2015-10-13", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Ahead of his visit to Lewistons Veterans Center, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, introduced the Helping Our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care Act. Congressman Bruce Poliquin released the following statement:\nMaine is home to many Veterans who answered the ultimate call of duty to protect our freedoms and liberties.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, and a member of the Veterans Military Caucus, I have been working to help ensure our Veterans receive the health care and benefits they were promised, earned and deserve.\n40 percent of the 22 million Veterans in the United States live in rural areas. To help our rural Veterans, in 2011 with bipartisan support, Congress created a pilot program known as project ARCH (Access Received Closer to Home). This program selected 5 hospitals in rural areas across the Country to enter into contracts with the VA so that our Veterans could receive health care closer to home. This program has proven to be a major success.\nThats why I introduced the Helping Our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care Act to help make the ARCH program permanent and expand the program to more rural hospitals across the Country. By allowing our rural hospitals to enter into pre-negotiated contracts with the VA, more of our rural Veterans, and their families, will receive the benefits and health care they truly deserve.\nWith so many VA programs under scrutiny for mismanagement, its important that we expand the programs that are successful and common sense.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to support bills that will help ensure our Veterans, and their families, receive the health care and benefits they were promised, earned and deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-announces-grant-university-maine", "Poliquin Announces Grant For University of Maine", "2015-10-13", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANGOR  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture will award the University of Maine, in Orono, $999,120 as part of the Organic Agriculture Research and Extensive Initiative program.\nWhile traveling throughout Maine, it has been great to see, first-hand, the potential job growth local farms can provide for our communities, said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. This important grant will help provide more resources to the University of Maine as they continue to research organic agricultural products and help assist our local farmers.\nAccording to the USDAs press release, the grants announced today include $17.5 million for projects submitted to NIFAs Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI). This program focuses on helping producers and processors who have already adopted organic practices to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. OREIs priorities include biological, physical, and social sciences, with an emphasis on research and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning. More information about OREI can be found on the NIFA website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-order", "The House Is In Order", "2015-10-09", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement after yesterdays news on the Speakership:\nI have proven we can do the peoples business regardless of who is the Speaker of the House.\nSince being sworn in as Maines Second District Representative, I have been working, non-stop, to get things done and help our Maine families and businesses.\nWorking across the aislewith the help of a lead Democratic co-sponsor, along with two other Democrats and two other Republicans I have authored and passed legislation,The Child Support Assistance Act, which will help law enforcement agencies aid our struggling parents in collecting child support payments.\nI also introducedbipartisanlegislation,the Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act, which will allow schools to use the money from USDAs Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) to purchase all forms of fruits and vegetables fresh, frozen, canned or dried.\nI also authored an amendment to stop the EPA from implementing new biomass rules that would hurt Paper Mills, such as Sappi. I was pleased to see this amendmentwas adopted with strongbipartisansupport.\nI joined a majority of Democratsin opposing Fast-Track trade authority for President Obama because of concerns that the agreement could harm our shoe makers in Maine.\nI served as the lead Republican co-sponsor with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Democratic Montana Senator Jon Testers Ruth Moore Act, which has passed the U.S. House, to make it easier for survivors of military sexual assault to get the benefits they deserve.\nI am proud to have worked closely with U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King on a number of grants and on a number of issues important to Maine.\nI have had the opportunity to support legislation that will help get more natural gas and heating oil to Maine, protect our Second Amendment rights, repeal the parts of ObamaCare that are hurting Mainers and ensure our Veterans receive the health care they were promised, earned and deserve.\nMy work proves you can work across the aisle to get things done and Congress can continue to function.\nThere is much more work to be done, but I will continue to work with all of my colleagues, Republican and Democratic, to pass legislation that will help our Maine families and allow our small businesses to grow  putting more Mainers back to work.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-offers-provisions-reform-ex-im-bank", "Poliquin Offers Provisions To Reform Ex-Im Bank", "2015-10-07", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, wrote to Congressman Stephen Fincher (R-TN) and Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) with provisions he would like to include in their bills to reform the Export-Import Bank.\nIn the letter, Congressman Bruce Poliquin wrote, On behalf of Maine's honest and hard-working families, I thank you for initiating legislation to reform the Export-Import Bank.\nThe reforms place the needs of American taxpayers before those of foreign borrowers. They will help restore the public trust in this federal government entity. And, the reforms will strengthen the job creation activities of the Bank, including for the skilled and hard-working employees at the General Electric plant in Bangor, Maine.\nWith this ongoing commitment to work together for change, I will be in a position to support the reauthorization of a more effective and accountable Export-Import Bank.\nThe following is the full text of the letter:\n\nOctober 7, 2015\n\nRepresentative Stephen Fincher Senator Mark Kirk  \n\tUnited States House of Representatives United States Senate  \n\t2452 Rayburn HOB 524 Hart Senate Office Building  \n\tWashington,DC20515  Washington, DC 20510\n\nDear Representative Fincher and Senator Kirk:\nMaines 2nd Congressional District is home to some of the most honest, hardest-working families in America.Im honored and humbled to represent them in the U.S. House of Representatives.  \n\t  \n\tThe General Electric Company (GE) employs approximately 450 fellow Mainers at its Bangor gas and steam turbine manufacturing plant. I visited the impressive facility this summer and met with a number of the highly skilled workers. They produce the highest quality turbines used to generate electric power around the globe. These hard-working friends and neighbors are proud of what they create and appreciative of their good-paying jobs. Recently, GE announced it might add 80 future jobs at a plant in France if the U.S. Export-Import Bank (ExIm) is not reauthorized by the U.S. House and Senate.I'm disappointed that a huge American corporation would use such politically charged language while considering to grow jobs overseas. As we know, ExIm provides low-interest rate loans and guarantees to foreign companies to help them buy products manufactured by U.S. businesses. The ExIm Bank extends around two-thirds of its authorizations to only 10 large American corporations, including GE. ExIm is able to offer these low-interest loans and guarantees because U.S. taxpayers are on the hook for possible bailouts if the foreign borrowers do not repay their loans. On behalf of Maine's honest and hard-working families, I thank you for initiating legislation to reform the Export-Import Bank. To that end, I respectfully ask that you include the additional reforms below in your bills. I'm very concerned about the long record of fraud and corruption, lack of management accountability, and taxpayer risk at the Bank.It would be most effective if the following reforms were included in your legislation before being submitted to the House and Senate Floors for ExIm reauthorization votes.  \n\t\n1. Replace Bank senior management including Chairman and President Fred Hochberg. During the past five years, Mr. Hochberg and his team have repeatedly ignored the demands of the House Financial Services Committee, which has Congressional oversight of ExIm, to clean up its long history of fraud, corruption, and insider dealings. During Director Hochberg's tenure, there have been 49 legal convictions for fraud, bribery, and corruption by Bank employees and others associated with its lending practices. The courts have dealt out 75 years of jail time and $224 million of fines and penalties. Today, there are 31 ongoing investigations of fraud and corruption. Hard-working American taxpayers, who backstop the Bank's low interest rate loans to foreign companies, should not be subjected to this continuous and inexcusable violation of unethical government behavior. A new management team committed to cleaning up the mess will help restore public trust in the Export-Import Bank.  \n\t  \n\t2. Change majority of Bank directors to non-partisan business professionals with extensive financial experience. The President of the United States appoints five of the seven board members. Each member must be confirmed by vote of the Senate. A more forthright and robust dialogue regarding Bank policies is needed to root out long-standing fraud, corruption, and insider dealings, and to ensure that such unacceptable behavior does not find its way back into the Bank. That can be advanced by a board of directors comprised of professionals with diverse financial and business skills and experience, not beholden to the Executive Branch. This will improve transparency and hold management accountability for ethical behavior. 3. Congress should force the Bank to reveal true cost of operations to taxpayers. The Export-Import Bank should use fair-value accounting so Congress has a more accurate understanding of its real cost. Comparing market interest rates to the Bank's taxpayer backed low-interest rate loans would help measure the actual cost and risk to American taxpayers. Using this widely accepted methodology, in 2014, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office calculated ExIms budgetary impact shifted from reducing the deficit by approximately $14 billion to increasing it by $2 billion over 10 years. The taxpayers who risk bailing out the Bank's loans to foreign companies if they are not repaid deserve to know the true cost and risk they are assuming. 4. Reduce taxpayer risk by requiring internal build-up of Bank reserves. U.S. taxpayers are on the hook to bail out foreign companies who are awarded guarantees and low interest rate loans from the Export-Import Bank if they cannot repay the borrowing. The risk is real for the $107 billion of outstanding loans in the Bank's portfolio as seen by the $3 billion bailout in 1987. As such, I respectfully recommend an even stronger provision in Section 201 of the Fincher bill to further increase ExIm's loss reserves in order to protect hard-working American taxpayers against the possibility of loan default by foreign borrowers.\nIn addition to the above recommended reforms, I fully support Section 110 of the Fincher bill that moves ExIm to the lender of last resort if foreign companies are unable to secure their own financing to buy products manufactured by U.S. corporations. This thoughtful provision will lessen the crowding out of private financing by ExIm, and thereby encourage competition with ExIm by U.S. commercial banksboosting American job creation. ExIm as the last lending option for foreign companies will also reduce the risk of bailouts by American taxpayers. Thank you, Representative Fincher and Senator Kirk, for consideration of the above reforms for inclusion in your proposed legislation to fix the serious problems at the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The reforms place the needs of American taxpayers before those of foreign borrowers. They will help restore the public trust in this federal government entity. And, the reforms will strengthen the job creation activities of the Bank, including for the skilled and hard-working employees at the General Electric plant in Bangor, Maine. Together, the U.S. House and Senate can help lay the foundation for a growing American economy and good-paying jobs while rooting out fraud, corruption, and insider dealings in Washington.With this ongoing commitment to work together for change, I will be in a position to support the reauthorization of a more effective and accountable Export-Import Bank.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-statement-missing-el-faro-crew-members", "Poliquins Statement On The Missing El Faro Crew Members", "2015-10-07", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regard to the United States Coast Guards decision to halt their search for the missing El Faro crew members, including 4 Mainers:\nI will continue to pray for the crew members of El Faro, their families, friends and local communities. I join my fellow Mainers in keeping all El Faro crew members in our hearts and minds.\nI thank the men and women of the United States Coast Guard for their hard work in searching for the missing El Faro crew members, which includes four fellow Mainers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/about-taking-care-our-kids", "This Is About Taking Care Of Our Kids", "2015-10-06", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed his bill, with strong bipartisan support, The Child Support Assistance Act:\nI believe, as a single parent myself, that the most important responsibility in the world is to care for our kids.\nIm pleased to see my House colleagues, both Republican and Democratic, come together and pass the Child Support Assistance Act with overwhelming support.\nMy bill will help our state and local support enforcement agencies aid families in collecting child support payments from delinquent parents. This is not a partisan issue, this is about our kids and ensuring they get the money theyre rightly owed.\nNote: The Child Support Assistance Act will amend the FCRA to permit enforcement agencies to obtain consumer reports on delinquent parents in order to enforce child support payments without giving a delinquent parent an opportunity to avoid child support payments. This bill will also expressly allow the enforcement agency to set an appropriate amount for child support payments and adjust the level as needed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-statement-search-el-faro-crew-members", "Poliquins Statement On The Search For  El Faro Crew Members", "2015-10-05", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LEWISTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regard to the search for El Faro crew members, including 4 Mainers:\nMy thoughts and prayers are with the crew members of El Faro, their families, friends and local communities, especially in Wilton, Windham, and Rockland.\nWhile its devastating to learn El Faro has sunk, we must continue to hold onto hope and pray that survivors will be located and reunited with their loved ones. In English, El Faro means The Lighthouse and it is my hope that our lighthouses will help guide our Mainers, and the crew, home.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/happy-manufacturing-day", "Happy Manufacturing Day!", "2015-10-02", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regard to Manufacturing Day:\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I have traveled throughout our Great State and visited many of our 1,775 manufacturers, such as Bath Iron Works, Cousineau Wood Products, Hardwood Products, LLC, Millinocket Fabrication & Machine, Inc., New Balance Athletic Shoes Inc., and many more.\nMaines manufacturing industry provides roughly 54,900 good-paying jobs for our hard-working Mainers. As Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to support legislation, like the REINS Act, to help reduce Washingtons jobs-killing and costly regulations that hurt Maine businesses.\nToday, I join my fellow Mainers in celebrating Manufacturing Day and thanking our great manufacturing businesses, and especially their employees, for their hard-work and dedication.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/not-one-cent", "Not One Cent", "2015-10-01", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, the House of Representatives passed the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act to prohibit President Obama from relieving Irans economic sanctions until Iran pays $43.5 billion in damages. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nAs the leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran has been linked to numerous terrorism groups that have American blood on their hands.\nDue to these atrocious acts of terrorism, Iran has totaled roughly $43.5 billion in unpaid damages from U.S. courts. Yet, Iran has not paid a single cent.\nThats why I voted in support of the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act to prohibit President Obama from relieving $100 billion in economic sanctions for Iran, under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Deal, until they pay all of the federal court judgments.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to do everything, within my jurisdiction, to stop this oppressive regime, which is committed to killing Americans and destroying Israel, to become a nuclear military power and harm Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-ndaa-amendment-passes-house", "Poliquins NDAA Amendment Passes the House", "2015-10-01", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, the House of Representatives passed the final version of theNational Defense Authorization Act(NDAA). Included in this bill is an amendment to adjust the requirements of the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nIm proud to support the NDAA as it includes a vital HUBZone amendment, which I helped draft, that will help bring more businesses and jobs to Maine.\nBy adjusting the HUBZone requirements, my amendment will help the former Brunswick Naval Air Station recruit businesses to come on to the base and qualify for the HUBZone program.\nThis amendment will give job creators the confidence they need to start new businesses, create more jobs and help hire more Mainers. I am pleased to see the House pass this important bipartisan legislation and I encourage the Senate to pass this as well and the President Obama to sign this bill in to law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/no-government-shutdown", "No Government Shutdown", "2015-09-30", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement after voting against shutting down the government:\nShutting down the government would be a failure in leadership.\nIn 2013, the government shutdown not only cost our economy $24 billion, but it directly impacted Maine businesses, such as hotels and tourism industries. For example, Acadia National Parks visitation was reduced by 76% in October of 2013  causing a 13% reduction in tourism-related sales.\nThats why I voted against shutting down the government so that we can continue to push legislation that will rein in wasteful government spending and lower our national debt in order to help create a better business climate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/honoring-our-veterans", "Honoring Our Veterans", "2015-09-29", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regard to Veterans of Foreign Wars Day:\nEarlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet and thank our Maine Veterans at the annual VFW convention.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, honoring the service and sacrifice of our members in the military and their families is one my greatest and proudest responsibilities. I am a proud member of the Military Veterans Caucus and I will continue to support legislation that will ensure our Veterans receive the health care and benefits they were promised, earned and deserve.\nToday, I join my fellow Mainers in thanking our Veterans for their service to our Great State and Country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/national-blue-ribbon-school-award-minot-consolidated-school", "National Blue Ribbon School Award For  Minot Consolidated School", "2015-09-29", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LEWISTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced the U.S. Department of Education will award Minot Consolidated School the National Blue Ribbon School award.\nCongratulations to Minot Consolidated School on earning the National Blue Ribbon School award, said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. As the son of a former principal, I understand what a tremendous honor this award means for our schools. The dedication and hard work of the students, faculty and staff of Minot Consolidated School has paid off and this award is a textbook representation of excellence.\nMrs. Kim Spencer, Principal of Minot Consolidated School, released the following statement upon hearing the news:\nMinot Consolidated School staff, students and parents are thrilled to be receiving the Blue Ribbon Award for academic excellence. We will continue to represent the Blue Ribbon standards of excellence in education in our learning environments every day by making sure that school is safe, challenging, and a fun place to learn and teach.\nAccording to the Department of Educations website, more than 7,500 of schools across the country have been presented with this coveted award. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-announces-economic-development-administration-grants-maine", "Poliquin Announces Economic Development Administration Grants for Maine", "2015-09-29", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced the Economic Development Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will award The Jackson Laboratory, located in Bar Harbor, $1,820,000 and the City of Presque Isle $1,549,200.\nIts great to see the Economic Development Administration is making such a strong commitment to Maines Second District, said Congressman Poliquin. This grant will help Jackson Laboratory and Acme Monaco, through the City of Presque Isle, to help expand, create more jobs and ensure their long term commitment to Maine.\nNote for Jackson Lab:  \n\tThis EDA investment funds construction of site work and multiple utility upgrades on an existing building necessary for the development of a new, state-of-the-art biomedical research facility in Bar Harbor.When fully operational, the facility will be a catalyst for advancement in biomedical research regionally, nationally, and internationally.\nNote for Acme Monaco, through the City of Presque Isle:  \n\tThis EDA investment supports the fit-out of an industrial building to accommodate expansion and retention of a high-tech medical device manufacturing company, as well as make space available for new businesses seeking to locate in the region.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-speaker-boehner-s-retirement", "Poliquin on Speaker Boehners Retirement", "2015-09-25", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement after hearing Speaker John Boehner will resign at the end of October:\nSpeaker John Boehner has served our Nation for more than 20 years.\nPolitics aside, being Speaker of the House is not an easy job and I wish John and his family the best in their future endeavors.\nAs for his successor, as the candidates emerge I will be sure to look for someone that will promote legislation to help end Washingtons regulations that are hurting our small businesses, protect our 2nd Amendment rights, reduce wasteful government spending, balance the federal budget, repeal the parts of ObamaCare that are hurting Mainers and ensure our Veterans receive the health care they were promised, earned and deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/build-better-future", "Build A Better Future", "2015-09-24", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHIGNTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement after attending Pope Francis address to Congress:\nAs a Franco-American Catholic, Im honored and humbled to help welcome Pope Francis to Congress for this historic address.\nIn his speech, the Pope stressed the importance of pursuing the common good, building a better future, and the importance of life and family.\nAs a single-father, to a terrific son, Im pleased the Pope stressed the importance of family and am honored to represent our District on this historic day.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-against-shutting-down-government", "Poliquin Against Shutting Down The Government", "2015-09-23", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, joined his House colleagues in urging Members of Congress to avoid a government shutdown.\nAs I have often said, Im not in Washington to conduct business as usual,said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. Allowing the government to shutdown would be a failure in leadership. As Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to urge my colleagues to fund the federal government so we can continue to promote legislation that will rein in wasteful government spending and lower our National debt.\nThis morning the national news publication, POLITICO, reported that Congressman Poliquin has joined other new Members of Congress in sending a letter to urge House colleagues to pass a spending bill and not allow the government to shutdown.\nPOLITICO notes the letter joins a chorus of moderate GOP voices urging opposition to a government shutdown.\nAs POLITICO reports, [W]e are writing today to express our strong support for a funding resolution that will avoid another unnecessary and harmful government shutdown, the letter obtained by POLITICO states. [W]e were elected by our constituents to be principled, pragmatic leaders The sixteen-day government shutdown in 2013  not only hurt taxpayers with the loss of important government services  it actually cost more taxpayer money to close the federal government than to keep it open.\nThe following is the full text of the letter:\nDear Colleague:\nWith less than two weeks until the September 30 deadline to fund federal government operations, we are writing today to express our strong support for a funding resolution that will avoid another unnecessary and harmful government shutdown. We believe Congress should complete its work and provide funding for the federal government through September 30, 2016, but we are willing to support a short-term resolution that will give both the House and the Senate the additional time necessary to negotiate final spending numbers.\nAs freshman Members of the House Republican Conference, we were elected by our constituents to be principled, pragmatic leaders. They expect us to fulfill our responsibilities, avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, and live up to our commitment to work every day to help keep the American economy moving forward.\nThe sixteen-day government shutdown in 2013 cost our economy an estimated $24 billion and stalled the creation of over 100,000 private sector jobs. It also imposed unacceptable delays in life-saving NIH research studies and payment of veterans disability claims, cost over $500 million in lost revenue at our national parks, and shut thousands of children out of Head Start programs. In short, the shutdown not only hurt taxpayers with the loss of important government services  it actually cost more taxpayer money to close the federal government than to keep it open.\nWe are living in challenging times that require serious, thoughtful leadership. We are proud of the many accomplishments that House Republicans have achieved this year, including passage of the first real entitlement reform in two decades, measures to strengthen veterans health care, new efforts to combat human trafficking, and legislation to accelerate the discovery and delivery of life-saving medical innovations. These legislative achievements will make a real difference in the lives of all Americans. We need to build on that record by passing fiscally responsible spending bills that will cut wasteful spending, rein in our debt, and reform government.\nWe stand together in the effort to keep the government funded beyond September 30 as we continue the fight to pass responsible spending bills that put the taxpayers first.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fruit-and-vegetable-access-children-act", "Fruit and Vegetable Access For Children Act", "2015-09-21", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Recently, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, introduced the Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act to allow schools to use the money from USDAs Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) to purchase all forms of fruits and vegetables fresh, frozen, canned or dried.\nMaine farmers produce some of the highest quality fruits and vegetables in the countrysuch as our famous potatoes and wild blueberries. There is no reason why these products shouldnt be enjoyed and provided to communities and students around the United States, said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. By enabling schools to serve fruits and vegetables, in a variety of forms, we are not only increasing the market for Maines hardworking farmers to sell their products, but we are teaching children that nutritious foods come in many different sizes, shapes, colors and packagesfrom frozen blueberries, to canned peas, to fresh peaches and dried apricots.\nAccording to the USDAs Dietary Guidelines for Americans, there is overwhelming nutritional consensus that Americans should increase consumption of fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned and dried). In its various forms, fruit and vegetables are nutritionally similar. The FFVPs goal is to educate children on the foods they eat. By including all forms of fruit and vegetables, we ensure they have a comprehensive education.\nI remember when I was raising my son, nothing mattered more to me than his health and well-being, and I was very mindful of the meals we ate and the food we purchased, said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. As a parent, I believe its very important for our kids to have the opportunity to eat delicious fruits and vegetables, such as Maine blueberries and strawberries, all school year round.\nMaine has already experienced a successful pilot program in which it purchases frozen fruit and vegetables.Congressman Poliquin would like to expand these options to schools nation-wide by allowing schools to maximize their FFVP program dollars.\nAdditionally, high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables arent available year-round in every part of the country, and expanding this program ensures that schools have the options they need to continue to encourage a healthy diet throughout the school year. Additionally, the price for fruit and vegetables increases after the growing season is over. Allowing more food to be frozen and served later will mean that schools can afford nutritionally-equivalent food throughout the year.\nCongressman Bruce Poliquin continued, As a parent, and Maines Second District Congressman, I will urge my colleagues to join me in helping our kids have the opportunity to enjoy fruits and vegetables all school year round.\nFruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act.pdf", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-announces-grant-help-stop-internet-crimes-against-children", "Poliquin Announces Grant To Help  Stop Internet Crimes Against Children", "2015-09-21", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LEWISTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced the Department of Justice will award Maine State Polices Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention $244,108 as part of the National Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program.\nFar too often, we are reminded of how dangerous the Internet can be for our kids, said Congressman Poliquin. This important grant will give the Maine State Police the resources they need to upgrade their technology to fight crime and keep our kids safe from Online predators.\nAccording to the Department of Justice, the National Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program, as established by the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008, consists of State and local law enforcement task forces dedicated to developing effective responses to online enticement of children by Online predators. The Maine State Police Department intends to significantly increase the forensic capacity of the ICAC Task Force.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-announces-grant-maine-dept-public-safety-help-fight-crime", "Poliquin Announces Grant for Maine Dept. of Public Safety To Help Fight Crime", "2015-09-18", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced the Department of Justice will award Maine Department of Public Safety $63,705 as part of the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program.\nThis grant will give Maines Department of Public Safety the resources they need to help train law enforcement officials in forensic science services, said Congressman Poliquin.\nAccording to the release, the Maine Department of Public Safety requests funding under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science services provided by the Maine State Police (MSP) Crime Lab; the forensic analysis  \n\tof controlled substances by the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) and medical legal death investigation services by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's (OCME).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-votes-increase-women-s-health-care-funding-second-district", "Poliquin Votes to Increase Womens Health Care Funding For The Second District", "2015-09-18", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, the House of Representatives, with bipartisan support,passed a billthat will, for a one-year period, freeze Federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of Americas clinics as Congress continues to investigate the organization.\nAdditionally, as amended, this bill will redirect $235 million to Federally qualified health centers that provide health services for women.\nSince Maines Second District does not have any Planned Parenthood locations, but is home to many Federally qualified health care centers all across the Second District, the vote would increase funding for womens health care initiatives in Maines 2ndCongressional District.\nAs a single father who raised my son after my wife died tragically, I have concerns about the need to ensure women receive health care services, especially mothers caring for children. As a Franco-American Catholic and a father, I also find the Planned Parenthood videos released to the public shocking and deeply disturbing. Im very concerned about the serious allegations that Planned Parenthood is using Federal taxpayer dollars for elective abortion procedures in order to harvest and sell, for profit, body parts of unborn babies, including performing partial birth abortions, which is illegal.I believe this needs to be fully and fairly investigated.\nThats why I voted in support of a bill to temporarily freeze Federal funding for Planned Parenthood clinics as Congress continues to investigate these serious allegations. I am pleased that this legislation does not decrease womens health care funding in the 2nd District, but instead provides funding for womens health care to qualified health facilities.\nAs amended, this legislation will redirect millions of dollars to federally qualified health centers, which offers similar, and some locations offer even more, womens health care services than Planned Parenthood. As Maines 2ndCongressional District has no Planned Parenthood facilities, I am very pleased this legislation would have the direct effect of increasing womens health care funding in Maines Second District.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to monitor Congresss investigation of Planned Parenthood and press the Department of Health and Human services to ensure Mainers taxpayer dollars are lawfully and properly used.\nNOTE:In August, Congressman Bruce Poliquinsent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Sylvia Burwell, demanding a report on how federal tax dollars are distributed to Planned Parenthood and to know what management safeguards are in place to ensure that no federal funding is used for illegal operations.\nTo find a health center, visit here: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.\nThe Amendment included in todays bill which redirects funds to the 2ndDistrict can be reviewed here (See Amendment 1):https://rules.house.gov/bill/114/hr-3134.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/warning-irs-scam-still-ongoing", "WARNING: IRS Scam Still Ongoing", "2015-09-17", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LEWISTON  After hearing from several Mainers, it is confirmed that con-artists are still trying to scam Mainers and our Veterans by posing as IRS agents and asking them to pay a fee. According to the Better Business Bureau, the representative tries to pressure you into paying a fee by using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. If you don't pay up immediately, the IRS agent will sign a warrant for your arrest. No matter how much the caller threatens you, don't fall for it!\nIts appalling and alarming to learn that scam artists are trying to take Mainers hard-earned money, Said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this new scam, please feel free to contact any of my offices for help.\nCongressman Bruce Poliquins Offices:\n \nLewiston: (207) 784-0768 or visit 179 Lisbon Street\n\tBangor: (207) 942-0583 or visit 6 State Street, Suite 101\n\tPresque Isle: (207) 764-1968 or visit 631 Main Street, Suite 2\n \nBBB lists ways to identify IRS scam\n \nBe wary if you are being asked to act immediately. Scammers typically try to push you into action before you have had time to think. The IRS will give you the chance to question or appeal what you owe.\n\tThe IRS doesn't call, text or email. The IRS won't call about payment or overdue taxes without first contacting you by mail.\n\tDon't wire money or use a prepaid debit card. Scammers often pressure people into wiring money or using a prepaid debit card. It's like sending cash: once it's gone, you can't trace it. The IRS says it will never demand immediate payment, require a specific form of payment, or ask for credit card or debt card numbers over the phone.\n\tIf you owe taxes or you think you might, contact the IRS at 800.829.1040 or irs.gov. IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue, if there is an issue.\n\tIf you know you don't owe taxes. Report the incident to the Department of the Treasury at 800-366-4484 ortigta.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/we-people-united-states", "We The People Of The United States", "2015-09-17", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regards to Constitution day:\nOn this day, our forefathers came together in Philadelphia to sign the final draft of the United States Constitution.\nSince then, this foundational document has been a beacon of democracy and freedom for Mainers and Americans around the world. I thank our members of the military, past and present, for answering the ultimate call of duty to protect and defend the Constitution  ensuring our special way of life.\nAs Maines Second District Representative, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and I accept that responsibility with great humility.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-supports-land-and-water-conservation-fund", "Poliquin Supports  Land and Water Conservation Fund", "2015-09-16", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, wrote to House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman, Rob Bishop, urging him to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund.\nIn the letter, Congressman Bruce Poliquin wrote, Maine is home to some of our Nations most breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and pristine environments. These irreplaceable features truly make our home unique, and it is important that they are preserved.\nYou can rest assured that I am a strong supporter of private property rights and the ability of our citizens to responsibly snowmobile, hunt, fish, camp, and hike, while also protecting jobs supported by this land.\nThe following is the text of the letter:\nSeptember 16, 2015\nChairman Robert Bishop  \n\tHouse Committee on Natural Resources  \n\t1324 Longworth House Office Building  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20515\nDear Chairman Bishop,\nAs you know, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is due to expire at the end of this month. This program has provided important funding to Maine, along with a number of other states, contributing to the preservation and exhibition of some of our Nations most unique natural beauties and resources.\nMaine has a long and proud tradition of caring for and maintaining our States environment, vibrant outdoor habitat, and recreational resources. Maine is home to some of our Nations most breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and pristine environments. These irreplaceable features truly make our home unique, and it is important that they are preserved.\nAs an avid outdoorsman, a member of the Congressional Sportsmen Caucus, and the representative of thousands of adventurous constituents in our Second District, one of my priorities is to protect our outdoors and to ensure that it can be enjoyed by Mainers and the millions of people who visit Maine annually.\nI believe that an extension to the LWCF is important to protecting Maines outdoors. For years, it has provided our State with the resources needed to facilitate and maintain our outdoor parks and recreation sites, and to incentivize land owners to have proper land management plans. It is also critical that these conservation efforts, which have served Mainers interests for decades, do not negatively affect our families, communities and businesses. You can rest assured that I am a strong supporter of private property rights and the ability of our citizens to responsibly snowmobile, hunt, fish, camp, and hike, while also protecting jobs supported by this land. It is vital that these conservation policies do not infringe on private citizens and small business owners.\nI hope that you and our colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee make sure this important program is reauthorized. I ask that you bear in mind both the need to protect our environment and the need to ensure that our businesses, families and communities have the opportunity to grow without unnecessary and burdensome federal policies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-ge-announcement-shipping-jobs-overseas", "Poliquin on the GE Announcement  Shipping Jobs Overseas", "2015-09-15", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regards to the announcement:\nI will do anything and everything possible to gain and secure jobs.\nMy track record proves it.\nEarlier this year, I stood up for Maine families and employees by voting against the Presidents Trade Promotion Authority in order to help protect companies such as New Balance, which has 900 highly skilled Maine workers make those shoes right here in Norridgewock, Norway, and Skowhegan  rather than shipping those jobs overseas.\nIts disappointing that a big Wall Street corporation, like GE, would use politically charged language as a cover to shipping jobs overseas. Earlier today, GE announced job shifts overseas from several of their locations in the United States.\nHaving visited their Bangor plant, in person, I can say with all confidence that the men and women there work hard for a living.\nWe, as the people of Maine and citizens of the United States, cannot complain about corporate welfare at the same time we turn our backs on government corruption. This is especially true when 70% of the loans  which are subsidized by the taxpayers  extended help a select 10 of the largest corporations.\nDuring the past five years, under Export-Import Bank Chairman Fred Hochberg, there have been 48 convictions for fraud by Bank employees and others associated with favoring some foreign corporations over others to receive the Bank's low-interest loans. 66 years of jail time and $224 million in fines have been dished out by the courts. There are 37 ongoing investigations for fraud and corruption at the Bank.\nFurthermore, both Democratic and Republican Members of the House Financial Services Committee, on which I sit, have repeatedly demanded the Export-ImportBankclean up its act. This behavior by a U.S. government entity is outrageous, embarrassing, and damaging to our Nation. It must be fixed.\nAs a responsibility to the American taxpayer, the Banks leadership should eliminate all fraud and corruption  not accepting status quo.\nWhen we reauthorize entities such as this we must ensure that we put the needs of the American People first; not corporate welfare. We can promote and protect jobs while eliminating fraud.\nWith these changes and more accountability to the taxpayers, the Congress of the United States can re-examine reauthorizing the Bank. Once corruption has been rooted out of the Bank, as Maines Second District Congressman, I am open to considering a reauthorization of the Bank.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-additional-grants-maine-organizations-help-end-veteran", "Poliquin: Additional Grants for Maine Organizations to Help End Veteran Homelessness", "2015-09-14", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced the Department of Veterans Affairs will award Preble Street $1,683,966, Washington Hancock Community Agency $290,000 and Veterans Inc. (which serves Veterans in Maine and throughout New England) $2,000,000 as part of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.\nOur Veterans answered the ultimate call of duty to protect our freedoms and special way of life, said Congressman Poliquin. This grant will help organizations, such as Preble Street, Washington Hancock Community Agency and Veterans Inc., ensure our Veterans, and their families, receive the services and resources they were promised, earned and deserve.\nSSVF served 127,829 participants in fiscal year (FY) 2014 and is on track to serve 135,000 Veterans and their family members by the end of FY 2015. Since 2010, nearly 230,000 Veterans and their family members have been permanently housed, rapidly rehoused or prevented from falling into homelessness by VAs homelessness programs and targeted housing vouchers provided by HUD.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/very-bad-deal", "This Is A Very Bad Deal", "2015-09-11", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, the House of Representatives voted on H.R. 3461, To Approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Signed at Vienna of July 14, 2015. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nAfter traveling throughout the Second District, meeting and speaking with hundreds of my fellow Mainers, I heard overwhelming opposition to this proposed deal.\nIm proud to join my fellow Mainers in this sentiment by voting against this dangerously shortsighted deal.\nThis deal does not completely dismantle Irans nuclear arms program, it simply freezes parts of the program and allows Iran to continue their enrichment program. After this deal expires, in 10 short years, anything goes.\nAdditionally, Iran  the leading state sponsor of terrorism  will receive more than $100 billion in frozen assets and, within a few short years, they will be able to buy and sell weapons and ballistic missiles. I have often said that relieving Irans economic, arms and ballistic missile sanctions will likely result in an arms race and help fuel those who seek to harm Americans at home and abroad.\nThats why I voted in support of a bill that will stop the President from lifting these sanctions until January 21, 2017.\nThe President often said this deal is based on verification, not trust. Then we must verify that Iran, the leading state sponsor of terrorism, is following the rules of this agreement before lifting these economic, arms and ballistic missile sanctions.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to do everything, within my jurisdiction, to stop this oppressive regime, which is committed to killing Americans and destroying Israel, to become a nuclear military power  ever.\nThe following is a clip of Congressman Poliquins House floor speech on the Iran Deal:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/deal-iran-shortsighted-dangerous", "Deal with Iran shortsighted, dangerous", "2015-09-10", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Iranian government has American blood on its hands. It vows to kill more Americans. It's committed to destroying Israel. It supports terrorism throughout the Middle East to help achieve those and other horrific goals.\nFor decades, American foreign policy, under both Democratic and Republican administrations and Congresses, has wisely insisted there can be no marriage between nuclear weapons and Iran and the terrorist organizations it sponsors  ever.\nThis common-sense, bipartisan position has been critical to keeping Americans safe at home and abroad. Several months ago, the Obama Administration abandoned this prudent national security stance.\nIn Congress, I will vote against the dangerous one-sided agreement negotiated between Iran and the United States and six other world powers. Until the vote, I will continue to push my colleagues to do the same.\nIf this short-sighted agreement is not stopped, Iran will be granted a frightening pathway to nuclear weapons. America and the world will be less safe.\nHere's why I will vote against the proposed Iran deal:\nFirst, it does not dismantle Iran's nuclear arms program as repeatedly promised by the administration. Rather, the deal freezes some work and allows other research to continue. It recklessly kicks the nuclear can down the street. In 10 short years, anything goes.\nSecond, Iran will be rewarded with more than $100 billionin frozen assetswhen crippling economic sanctions are lifted. Some of this money will surely be funneled to Iran's terrorist proxies who butcher those who disagree with their radical ideology, including Americans.\nThird, Iran will be welcomed back into the world economy and allowed to sell its oil, trade with other countries and use the global banking network to transact business. This, along with the $100 billion infusion, will revive its crumbling economy and generate the tax revenues needed to build nuclear arms.\nFourth, the loose inspections process is not \"anytime, anywhere\" as originally guaranteed by the administration of President Barack Obama. Iran can delay inspections for more than two months for previously undisclosed nuclear sites, allowing it to hoodwink International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors. Iran has perfected the delay/deceive/cheat dance just like North Korea, which now possesses nuclear weapons. Two weeks ago, we learned about a side deal permitting Iranian personnel to inspect their own sites.\nFifth, in five years, Iran will be allowed to buy, sell and manufacture conventional weapons. In eight years, Iran may acquire or develop long-range missiles that can be used to attack other nations, including the United States. Administration negotiators surprised Congress by including these deadly terms in the nuclear agreement.\nThe Obama Administration and its Congressional supporters hope the radical mullahs will see the light and abandon their quest to become a nuclear military power. Hope is not an acceptable national security strategy, especially against brutal national leaders who chant \"Death to America!\"\nThe President claims that our only choice is to approve this bad deal or go to war. This is simply not true.\nIn 1979, Iranian militants stormed our embassy in Tehran and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. Since then, its extreme government has steadily fed terrorists with funding, conventional arms, training, intelligence and diplomatic cover in its patient quest to dominate the Middle East. Adding nuclear weapons to its arsenal would be the crown jewel in imposing its regressive ideology on freedom-loving peoples and their countries.\nBelligerent nations like Iran best respond to strong, measured opposition. They keep pushing until they feel resistance. Contrary to the president's statement, approving this soft deal would increase the probability of military conflict because it would legitimize Iran's long-term nuclear weapons program and ramp up its economy to fund it. Approving the deal would also encourage other Middle East nations to step up their own defenses with atomic arms.\nThe president and members of Congress should ask themselves an obvious question: Why would a country with the fourth largest proven oil reserves and the second largest natural gas reserves seek nuclear energy? We all know the answer  to develop atomic weapons.\nThe best way to protect our homeland and citizens is to continue the tough economic sanctions and weapons embargo on Iran. For those countries wanting to normalize relations with this dark regime, force them to choose between doing business with the United States or with Iran.\nThat reality check will hold together plenty of economic and diplomatic leverage until we negotiate a better deal that works for all peace-loving nations, not just an aggressive Iran.\nA growing majority of Americans reject the dangerous nuclear agreement with Iran. The People's representatives in Congress should listen. Do not allow this oppressive regime, that is committed to killing Americans and destroying Israel, to become a nuclear military power  ever.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-urge-labor-dept-approve-assistance-displaced-verso", "Collins, King, Poliquin Urge Labor Dept. to Approve Assistance for Displaced Verso Mill Workers", "2015-09-10", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Bruce Poliquin urged Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez to quickly approve a petition for much needed Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the 300 workers at Verso Paper Corporation in Jay, Maine, who are expected to lose their jobs due in large measure to foreign competition.  \n\t  \n\t   Below is the full text of their letter to Secretary Perez:  \n\t  \n\tSeptember 9, 2015  \n\t  \n\tThe Honorable Thomas Perez  \n\tSecretary  \n\tUnited States Department of Labor  \n\t200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.  \n\tWashington, DC 20210  \n\t  \n\tDear Mr. Secretary:  \n\t  \n\t   We are writing in support of the recently filed Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition to assist more than 300 workers at Verso Paper Corporation in Jay, Maine, who are being displaced due in large measure to foreign competition.  \n\t  \n\t   Shrinking demand attributable to foreign competition is forcing Verso Paper Corporation to scale back its annual production of coated paper and, consequently, its workforce. Given the rural location of the Jay mill and the closures in recent years of other paper mills in the region, the laid-off workers face an enormous hurdle in identifying and securing alternative employment. Many may require retraining for other emerging occupations, making it crucial that these workers receive certification under the TAA program.  \n\t  \n\t   We urge that you review this Trade Adjustment Assistance application in a timely manner, consistent with all rules and regulations, to ensure that the workers receive the assistance they need to obtain work and maintain their financial stability.  \n\t  \n\t   Thank you for your consideration on behalf of the workers at the Verso paper mill in Jay, Maine.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mainers-deserve-see-all-side-deals", "Mainers Deserve To See All Side Deals", "2015-09-10", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 411, Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nIn May, I voted in support of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act so that Mainers and the American people can review any and all details of an agreement.\nIts completely unacceptable that news organizations, such as the Associated Press, are giving the American people more details on side deals than President Obamas Administration.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to press the Administration to allow Congress and my fellow Mainers to review any and all side deals surrounding the proposed Iran nuclear agreement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-s-action-helps-save-hospital-calais", "Poliquins Action Helps Save Hospital in Calais", "2015-09-10", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Recently the hospital in Calais, providing critical care to senior citizens and families and the second largest employer in Washington County, was in serious danger of closing  and closing quickly  due to a decision by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in Washington, DC, which immediately threatened the hospitals financial stability. CMS had determined there was a multi-year overpayment to the hospital. The agency then requested an immediate payback of $3.5 million, which would cripple the hospitals ability to stay open. When his Office heard the hospital was in trouble, Congressman Bruce Poliquin took action. Congressman Poliquin immediately reached out to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services requesting Calais Maine Regional Hospital be allowed to pay the 2013 and 2014 overpayment through a multi-year repayment plan, rather than in a lump sum.\nIn his letter to CMS,Congressman Poliquin wrote, Calais Regional Hospital and the tens of thousands of rural Mainers whose health depends on its services should not be threatened because this overpayment was finally realized by CMS auditors, who demanded immediate repayment.\nWriting off the overpayment or allowing Calais Regional Hospital to instead return the overpayment as it has requested through a payment plan of either 36 or 60 months would allow new Interim CEO, Bert Whitaker, the time he needs to restructure the hospitals debt and get it on firm financial footing, so it can continue to serve the community that so greatly relies upon it.\nUpon reading the letter and following up with Calais Maine Regional Hospital leadership, CMS accepted a 36 month repayment plan.\nBert Whitaker, interim CEO of Calais Regional Hospital, released the following statement:\nThe Board of Directors and I appreciate very much Congressman Polquins assistance in securing cooperation with Medicare on a recent cash flow issue. The Congressmans staff were great to work with and very understanding of the significance in securing a solid financial foundation for the hospital. Calais Regional Hospital is important to our region and ensuring CRH continues to be able to provide care is vital to not only our community members health, but also the health of our local economy.\nEverett Libby, Chairman of the Calais Regional Hospitals Board of Directors, released the following statement:\nWe very much appreciate Congressman Poliquins assistance, said Everett Libby, Chairman of the Calais Regional Hospitals Board of Directors. Our hospital is very important to this region. Without Congressman Poliquins help, and the agreement of CMS to restructure this payment, the health care provided could have been lost.\nIm pleased to see CMS recognized how vital Calais Regional Hospital is to the local community and Washington County,said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. This multi-year repayment plan will help get Calais Regional Hospital on the right fiscal track while keeping their doors open to Mainers.\nThe following is the full text of the letter:\nAugust 10, 2015\nThe Honorable Andy Slavitt  \n\tActing Administrator  \n\tCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services  \n\t7500 Security Boulevard  \n\tBaltimore, Maryland 21244-1850 Dear Acting Administrator Slavitt,\nPlease accept this letter in support of Calais (Maine) Regional Hospitals request that it be allowed to return the $3.5 million it received in Medicare and Medicaid overpayment in 2013 and 2014 to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) through a multi-year repayment plan, rather than in one lump sum that would likely bankrupt this crucial rural health care provider.\nCalais Regional Hospital is one of only two critical access hospitals in Washington County. The county is Maines poorest and at the epicenter of the states prescription drug abuse epidemic, which is the worst in the nation and recently aggravated by the arrival of cheap, deadly heroin that has led to dozens of deaths and the biggest outbreak of acute hepatitis C since the State began keeping records in the 1990s. With a service area of 55,000 people  including residents of the Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation and the Passamaquoddy Indian Township Reservation  the hospital receives 8,500 visits to its Emergency Room and delivers more than 100 babies each year. Just as the areas physical health relies on Calais Regional Hospital, so too does its economic health, and with 250 employees, the hospital serves as Washington Countys second largest employer. Simply put, this region cannot lose this resource.\nAs you know, the process by which Medicare and Medicaid payments to health care organizations are calculated each year is extremely complex, and confusion and overpayment often results. The 25 hospitals in Maines Second District that I represent in the United States Congress look forward to improvements in that process as well as finalization of fair, reasonable rules that govern how they should return those overpayments mistakenly issued by the federal government. In the meantime, Calais Regional Hospital and the tens of thousands of rural Mainers whose health depends on its services should not be threatened because this overpayment was finally realized by CMS auditors, who demanded immediate repayment. Writing off the overpayment or allowing Calais Regional Hospital to instead return the overpayment as it has requested through a payment plan of either 36 or 60 months would allow new Interim CEO Bert Whitaker the time he needs to restructure the hospitals debt and get it on firm financial footing so it can continue to serve the community that so greatly relies upon it.\nTherefore, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, I respectfully request that CMS give every consideration to the hospitals request to be allowed to return $3.5 million through a payment plan and that you please notify my District Director Samantha Warren when a decision has been made or if you need additional information.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/more-alarming-news-iran", "More Alarming News From Iran", "2015-09-09", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  According to news reports, Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, said that God willing in 25 years Israel will cease to exist while also telling Iranians not to forget that the United States is the Great Satan. Maines Second Congressional District, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nThe latest news on Iran supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, hoping Israel  one of our strongest allies in the Middle East  will cease to exist in 25 years is deeply concerning and alarming.\nThis is just another example that clearly shows Irans interests are not compatible with the United States. When a nation like Iran, the leading state sponsor of terrorism, refers to our Country as the Great Satan, it should be clear that we should not enter an agreement with them.\nHaving listened to an overwhelming sentiment of Mainers in the 2nd District and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress, I will continue to stand with my fellow Mainers and Israel, our ally, and vote against any deal that leads Iran to the likelihood of nuclear weapons ever.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-scam-targets-grandparents", "New Scam Targets Grandparents", "2015-09-08", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANGOR  According to a CBS 13 news report, con-artists are calling grandparents and telling them that their grandchild is in trouble and needs your help to keep them out of jail. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nIts shameful and appalling that con-artists would stoop so low to scam our Maine seniors, said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. Please know that my office doors in Lewiston, Bangor and Presque Isle are open to those who may have been affected by this outrageous scam.\nTo help combat this scam, CBS 13 continued, The FBI suggests you resist the pressure to act quickly, try to contact your grandchild or another family member to know if the call is legitimate, and never send any money or gift cards based on a request made by a stranger over the phone or in an email.\nIf you, or anyone you know, have been affected, please feel free to call Congressman Poliquins offices in Lewiston (207-784-0768), Bangor (207-942-0583) and Presque Isle (207-764-1968).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-announces-drug-free-communities-support-program-grants-maine", "Poliquin Announces Drug-Free Communities Support Program Grants for Maine Coalitions", "2015-09-08", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANGOR  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) will award Healthy Aroostook Coalition, a program of Aroostook County Action Program, Healthy Sebasticook Valley Coalition, a program of Sebasticook Valley Health and Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County each $125,000 as part of the FY 2015 Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program.\nWe all know that drug abuse can break families apart and can be detrimental to individuals and entire communities alike, said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. The Drug-Free Communities Support Program will help provide the necessary resources for our Maine coalitions to help curb drug abuse.\nAccording to ONDCP, the FY 2015 awards are part of a cohort of 188 new and 486 continuation grantees across the Nation. With the premise that local problems need local solutions, the DFC Program supports communities as they mobilize individuals and organizations to reduce youth substance use. The 2014 DFC National Evaluation Report has concluded that among middle and high school students across the Nation, DFC-funded community coalitions consistently have lower rates of past 30-day youth substance use.\nAdditionally, the following Maine coalitions will receive $125,000 in funding as part of the DFC Continuation Grantees:\n Healthy Acadia (Bar Harbor)\n\tSouthern Kennebec Substance Abuse Work Group (Gardiner)\n\tHealthy Androscoggin (Lewiston)\n\tGreater Somerset Public Health Collaborative Substance Abuse (Skowhegan)\n\tCommunity Alcohol and Drug education Team (CADET)/Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention (Caribou)\n\tRiver Valley Health Communities Coalition (Rumford)\n\tBangor Public Health Advisory Board Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force (Bangor)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/disturbing-news-revealed-va-oig-report", "Disturbing News Revealed in VA OIG Report", "2015-09-03", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  According to CNN, Hundreds of thousands of veterans listed in the Department of Veterans Affairs enrollment system died before their applications for care were processed, according toa report issued Wednesday. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nIts very troubling and concerning to learn that hundreds of thousands of our Veterans  who answered the ultimate call of duty to protect our freedoms  passed away before they were able to get the health care they badly needed.\nThis is completely unacceptable.\nEarlier this year, I voted to increase VA funding, by 5.6%, and voted to give the VA Secretary the authority needed to fire or demote an employee that has a poor performance standard or misconduct. Clearly, more must be done to change the culture at the VA.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I will be sure to continue to monitor this report as more news develops. Our Veterans fought for us, now we must fight for them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/assistance-firefighters-grant-workshop", "Assistance to Firefighters Grant Workshop", "2015-09-02", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LEWISTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, will be sponsoring four workshops to help Maine Fire Departments apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. This year, so far, FEMA has award 16 grants under the program to Maine Fire Departments.\nThe 400 municipalities in Maines Second District are dependent on the important life-saving services provided each day by their local Fire Departments, said Congressman Poliquin. I want to thank our brave, hard-working firefighters for their selfless efforts and make sure they have the resources and tools needed to keep their crews and communities safe. These workshops will help our Fire Departments be better prepared to submit quality Assistance to Firefighter Grant applications to FEMA and hopefully be successful in receiving them.\nSince 2001, the AFG program has helpedfirefighters and other first responders obtaincritically needed equipment, protective gear,emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the publicand emergency personnel from fireand related hazards. At the regional workshops sponsored by Congressman Poliquin, participants from Maine Fire Departments will learn about the AFG program and tips for submitting a strong application.\nWorkshop registration is not required. For more information about the AFG workshops, contact Congressman Poliquins offices in Lewiston at 784-0768, Bangor at 942-0583 or Presque Isle(764-1968).\nCongressman Poliquins AFG Workshops:\n Tuesday, Sept. 8  Addison Fire Department\n\t\t7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.\n\t\t\t35 Fire House Lane, Addison, ME\n\t\t\n\tThursday, Sept. 10 Eastern Maine Community College (Rangeley Hall)\n\t\t9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.\n\t\t\t354 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME\n\t\t\n\tThursday, Sept. 24  Presque Isle Fire Department\n\t\t6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.\n\t\t\t43 North Street, Presque Isle, ME\n\t\t\n\tTuesday, Sept. 29  Rumford Fire Department\n\t\t6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.\n\t\t\t151 Congress Street, Rumford, ME", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-deal-does-not-go-far-enough", "Poliquin: This Deal Does Not Go Far Enough", "2015-09-02", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  According to CNN, Secretary of State, John Kerry, will be delivering a speech on the Iran nuclear agreement today. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nAhead of Secretary Kerrys speech, I find it deeply concerning that he and the Administration caved on many of their original goals by accepting this proposed Iran deal.\nFor example, instead of anytime, anywhere inspections, the Iranians can delay an inspection of an undeclared but suspected site from anywhere between 24 days and up to 3 months  which is insane  allowing them enough time to remove any and all undeclared activities.\nInstead of ending Irans enrichment program, they will still have the right to enrich. And after the deal expires, in less than one year, Iran will be able to mass produce uranium, advancing their capabilities to develop a nuclear bomb.\nThese are just a few examples of the several original goals the Administration folded on by taking this Iran deal. As Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to remind the Administration, and my colleagues, that this deal does not go far enough in stopping Iran, the leading state sponsor of terrorism, from harming Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-announces-grants-infrastructure-projects-throughout-maine", "Poliquin Announces Grants for Infrastructure Projects Throughout Maine", "2015-09-01", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) will award $1,356,000 to six projects in the State of Maine.\n\"I am pleased to see the NBRC is making such a strong commitment to Maine's Second District,\" said Congressman Poliquin. \"These grants will give our tight-knit communities the resources they need to upgrade and be open for business.\"\nAccording to the NBRC, the recipients of this grant will include the Town of Jay, which will receive $250,000 to upgrade a portion of a municipal highway. The Old Town  Orono Fiber Corporation, which will receive $250,000 to help expand Internet services for the community. The Lincolnville Sewer District, which will receive $250,000. The Town of Kingfield, which will receive $247,000. The City of Presque Isle, which will receive $250,000 and create 23 new jobs. The Town of Greenville, which will receive $109,000 and create 10 new jobs over the next two years.\nThe NBRC is a federal-state partnership whose mission is to help alleviate economic distress and encourage private sector job creation throughout the northern counties of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. These funds will allow public and nonprofit recipients to improve or upgrade infrastructure in order to encourage private sector investment in their communities and regions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-oig-report-va-mental-health-care", "New OIG Report on VA Mental Health Care", "2015-08-27", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  According to The Wall Street Journal, the VAs Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a new report stating The VA hasnt been fully effective in hiring psychiatrists or in using those it has in regards to mental health care issues. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nI find it completely unacceptable the Department of Veterans Affairs has failed to hire more psychiatrists, and use those on staff efficiently, as demand for mental health care grows.\nThis new report is especially concerning because an OIG report in July found that Togus was experiencing mental health staffing issues.\nThats why I voted to increase VA funding, by 5.6 percent, in order to help fix these problems and ensure our Veterans get access to quality health care in a timely manner. Additionally, I supported a bill that will allow our Veterans to receive the health care they desperately need from non-VA affiliated providers.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to fight for our members of the Military, Veterans and their families to ensure they receive the health care and benefits they were promised, earned and deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/anniversary-19th-amendment", "Anniversary of the 19th Amendment", "2015-08-26", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement in regards to the anniversary of the 19th Amendment:\nToday marks the ninety-fifth anniversary of the 19th Amendment.\nWith the ratification of this important Amendment, our Nation took a critical step forward on the path to securing liberty and opportunity for all Americans. Its important to honor this occasion and to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our brave and powerful women in American history.\nIm honored and humbled to serve in the same Second Congressional District seat as former Senators Margaret Chase Smith and Olympia Snowe both held when they were members of the House of Representatives.\nWhile there is much more work to be done, as Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to support bills, such as the Ruth Moore Act, that will help empower women in Maine and around the Country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/poliquin-helps-students-save-college", "Poliquin Helps Students Save for College", "2015-08-24", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Poliquin Helps Students Save for College\n\t\t\t\tSeparate the Myths from the FACTS\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\nMYTH: Fiscal year 2015 budget cuts Pell Grant spending.\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\nFACT: The budget Congressman Bruce Poliquin supported recognizes the importance of Pell Grants as a critical source of financial aid.\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\nWithout the budget Congressman Poliquin supported, Pell Grants will face a funding shortfall in 2017  jeopardizing the programs ability to keep its promises to students.\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\nMYTH: Fiscal year 2015 budget gets rid of maximum award level.\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\nFACT: The budget Congressman Poliquin supported maintains the current maximum award level for the next decade and puts the Pell Grant program back on a sound financial footing.\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\nALSO: Congressman Bruce Poliquin fought against President Obamas proposal to tax 529 college savings plans.\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\nALSO: Congressman Poliquin supported a bill that will help expand, strengthen and modernize 529 college savings plans to make college more affordable. Now, students will be able to purchase necessary school supplies, such as computers, using their 529 account funds.\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\nAs Maines Second District Representative, Congressman Poliquin believes that Republicans AND Democrats should be doing everything within their power to help ease the burden of college and its increasing financial costs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/iran-unveils-new-ballistic-missile", "Iran Unveils New Ballistic Missile", "2015-08-24", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  According to an Associated Press article, Iran unveiled a short-range solid fuel ballistic missile Saturday, an upgraded version that the government says can more accurately pinpoint targets. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nIts very concerning to learn Iran has developed a newer, more high-tech ballistic missile and is touting their success as the Iran nuclear deal is still being debated.\nUnder the proposed Iran nuclear agreement, Iran, the leading state sponsor of terrorism, will be able to sell and purchase ballistic missiles, such as the Fateh-313, within 8 years. I have often said that relieving Irans economic, arms and ballistic missile sanctions will likely result in an arms race and help fuel those who seek to harm Americans at home and abroad.\nThis is yet another example of why this proposed nuclear agreement is a bad deal. I will continue to stand strong with Israel and oppose any deal that leads to the likelihood of nuclear weapons for Iran  ever.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/more-information-iran-side-deal", "More Information On Iran Side Deal", "2015-08-21", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Recently, the Associated Press released a transcript of the draft agreement detailing the side agreement between Iran and the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nIt is deeply disturbing and beyond appalling that Iran will be allowed to police their own nuclear sites.\nAs I have often said, as the leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran has proven that they cannot be trusted and its completely unacceptable for them to police their own nuclear sites.\nAdditionally, I believe Congress and Mainers should be able to see any and all side deals that coincide with the Iran nuclear deal.\nI will continue to stand strong against any Iran deal that leads to a likelihood of this untrustworthy nation securing nuclear weapons.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/commitment-protecting-mainers-second-amendment-rights", "Commitment to Protecting Mainers  Second Amendment Rights", "2015-08-20", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  This weekend, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, will be attending the gun show in Augusta. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\nGrowing up in Central Maine, I understand the importance and tradition of fishing, camping, hunting and exercising our Second Amendment rights.\nFrom combating the Administrations proposed ban on M855 5.56 x 45mm ammunition to supporting a national concealed carry reciprocity bill, I have supported numerous bills that will help protect Mainers Second Amendment rights.\nFor example, I proudly cosponsored a bill that will repeal current laws and regulations that restrict firearms-trained military personnel from carrying firearms on military bases and armed forces recruitment facilities.There is simply no reason that our military members should not be afforded this right.\nIn Congress, I will continue to support bills that will allow Mainers to pass along the rich tradition of exercising their Second Amendment rights from one generation to the next.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senators-collins-king-and-congressman-poliquin-statement-verso-decision", "Senators Collins, King and Congressman Poliquin Statement on Verso Decision to Lay Off Employees", "2015-08-20", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin released the following statement after the announcement that Verso Paper Corporation will lay off 300 employees at its mill in Jay:  \n\t  \n\t\"Todays announcement that Versos Androscoggin Mill in Jay will shut down a portion of its operations is a devastating blow to the mills hardworking employees and their families.  \n\t  \n\tIn the coming months, it is critical that we do what we can to support the estimated 300 employees who will be displaced as a result of this decision. We urge Verso to file a petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance, which could provide employment training, income support, and job search assistance to affected workers.  \n\t  \n\tFar too many Mainers have lost their livelihoods as a result of increased foreign competition and a decline in demand for paper. We stand ready to help hardworking Mainers who are affected by this announcement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/disturbing-information-iran-side-deals", "Disturbing Information On Iran Side Deals", "2015-08-19", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  According to an Associated Press article, Iran, in an unusual arrangement, will be allowed to use its own experts to inspect a site it allegedly used to develop nuclear arms under a secret agreement with the U.N. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nAllowing Iran to police the Parchin nuclear site themselves is beyond troubling and completely unacceptable.\nAs the leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran has proven they cannot be trusted and in under no circumstances should they be policing their own sites.\nIts also unacceptable that Members of Congress are learning these key side agreement details through the press instead of from the Administration.\nAs I have often said, I will not support any deal that leads to the likelihood of nuclear weapons for Iran  ever.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/working-curb-drug-addiction", "Working to Curb Drug Addiction", "2015-08-18", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Governor Paul LePage announced the participants and the topics they will be discussing at his Drug Crisis Summit. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nIts no secret that Maine, and the Country, has seen an increase of drug abuse, especially with heroin, in recent years.\nI appreciate the Governor for taking this first step in tackling this issue that is plaguing our State and Country. We all know that this type of drug abuse can break families apart and can be detrimental to individuals and entire communities alike.\nAs Maines Second District Congressman, I will continue to fight to curb this alarming trend of drug abuse and to give our communities, families, medical personnel and law enforcement members the tools needed to combat it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-write-securities-and-exchange-commission", "Collins, King, Poliquin Write to  Securities and Exchange Commission", "2015-08-14", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Congressman Bruce Poliquin, wrote to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair, Mary Jo White, requesting that the public comment period for the SECs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on investment company reporting modernization be extended for an additional 90 days.\nIn their letter, Senators Collins and King and Congressman Poliquin wrote, Given the significant adverse impact this rule would have on our nations small investors, especially on those who reside in rural communities without broadband connectivity, allowing sufficient time for thoughtful review and commentary on the proposed rule is an appropriate precaution to ensure the SEC is able to hear thoroughly from all interested parties.\nThe following is the full text of the letter:\nAugust 10, 2015\n\nThe Honorable Mary Jo White  \n\tChair  \n\tSecurities and Exchange Commission  \n\t100 F Street, NE  \n\tWashington D.C. 20549\nDear Chair White:\nWe respectfully write to request that the public comment period for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC) May 20, 2015, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on investment company reporting modernization be extended for an additional 90 days in order to allow affected stakeholders additional opportunity to review carefully and comment on the proposal. We are specifically concerned about the SECs proposed Rule 30e-3, which would eliminate the current requirement that important mutual fund information be transmitted to investors in paper form. Given the significant adverse impact this rule would have on our nations small investors, especially on those who reside in rural communities without broadband connectivity, allowing sufficient time for thoughtful review and commentary on the proposed rule is an appropriate precaution to ensure the SEC is able to hear thoroughly from all interested parties.\nUnder current SEC rules, mutual fund investors may already choose to opt-in to electronic delivery of financial reports. Only a small percentage, however, chooses to do so. As proposed, Rule 30e-3 would permit funds to satisfy shareholder report requirements by simply making shareholder reports and quarterly portfolio holdings available online, unless otherwise requested. Investors would be sent a letter announcing the switch to digital delivery. A lack of response would be deemed implied consent to the switch. The effect of such a change would be to shift the burden onto investors.\nWe have a number of concerns about this proposal, including the potential for the letter to opt-out of electronic delivery to be inadvertently discarded and for access to important information that investors need to make investment decisions to be impeded. This concern is especially relevant for rural consumers, elderly investors, those with disabilities, and minority Americans who are less likely to have regular Internet access.\nWe appreciate that you flagged this as a potential issue on which you wanted to receive comments. It is clear that in drafting the rule, the SEC attempted to protect those who will continue to rely on paper as the rule acknowledges that it is critical that these investors continue to receive disclosure in a means that is convenient and accessible for them. Our concern, however, is that the safeguards in the proposed rule will not adequately ensure that those who rely on paper delivery will continue to have access to this important information.\nEliminating the current default requirement of paper delivery in favor of electronic delivery may be a cost-saving measure for investment companies, but potential savings could come at a price for those U.S. investors. Data suggest that vast cross-sections of the investing public do not prefer, or cannot reliably depend on electronic delivery. According to the SECs own study conducted by Siegel + Gale in 2012, 71 percent of investors said they prefer to read annual reports in paper format.\nMany interested stakeholders did not become aware of the proposal until recently and would like an opportunity to provide input. For this reason, the current 60 day comment period is not sufficient for the SEC to evaluate fully the potential impacts of Rule 30e-3. We, therefore, respectfully urge the SEC to extend the comment period for its NPRM by an additional 90 days.\nThank you for your consideration. We look forward to your prompt response to our request.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/happy-birthday-social-security", "Happy Birthday Social Security!", "2015-08-14", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today marks the 80thanniversary of Social Security which benefits many of our Maine seniors. Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement:\nSince being sworn-in as Maines 2nd District Representative, I have been fighting to help strengthen, preserve and protect Social Security for our Maine seniors, like my parents, who depend on it.\nThats why I supported a budget which preserves Social Security and protects it for future generations, like my son, who are beginning to contribute to this critical program.\n\"I'm also concerned for our seniors who have worked in public service,as teachers, police officers,firefighters and community workers, who are being shorted their benefits due tocomplicatedand outdated Social Security formulas. That's why I supported a billthat will fullyrepeal the Windfall Elimination Provision, which is responsible for the reduction,and allow Maine seniors to finally receive the benefits they have worked hard for and earned.\nSocial Security is an important program.\nAs Maines 2nd District Representative, I will continue to support bills that will help strengthen, preserve and protect Social Security for our seniors and future generations.\nNOTE:According to a recent AARP poll,57 percent of people are unsure about the future of Social Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-announces-grant-maine-s-credit-unions", "Poliquin Announces Grant for Maines Credit Unions", "2015-08-13", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, announced the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) will award $39,275 to five credit unions in Maines Second District, including Eastmill Federal Credit Union, Brewer Federal Credit Union, Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union, Changing Seasons Federal Credit Union in Hampden, and Community Credit Union in Lewiston.\nOur community credit unions are the backbone of Maine's economy, said Congressman Poliquin. This grant shows the NCUA's commitment to helping our credit unions and small businesses.\nAs a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I will continue to do everything, within my jurisdiction, to help our local community credit unions grow, expand, and create a better business climate in Maine.\"\nAccording to the NCUA, their organization approved funding this year to 225 credit unions for projects building their service, protecting them from fraud or cybercrime in their communities. 580 credit unions applied for $9.4 million in grant funds. Only the most impressive applications were approved.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-visits-sappi-paper-mill", "Poliquin Visits Sappi Paper Mill", "2015-08-11", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, toured the Sappi Paper Mill in Skowhegan. He released the following statement:\nIt was a great pleasure to meet so many fellow hardworking Mainers at the Sappi Paper Mill today. I was thrilled to see these men and women, the backbone of our Second District, in action.\nWashington needs to enact policies that help our businesses, like the Sappi Paper Mill, expand, grow and create jobs for Mainers. Im proud to be leading the charge in combatting the EPAs overreaching biomass rules, which have been unfairly penalizing our paper mills for using green, renewable fuels to generate energy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-demands-planned-parenthood-be-held-accountable", "Poliquin Demands Planned Parenthood  Be Held Accountable", "2015-08-06", "2015", "2015-08", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Yesterday, Maines Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Sylvia Burwell, demanding a report on how federal tax dollars are distributed to Planned Parenthood and to know what management safeguards are in place to ensure that no federal funding is used for illegal operations.\nIn his letter, Congressman Poliquin wrote, \"I am extremely concerned about the serious allegations that Planned Parenthood Federation of America is altering abortion procedures, including performing partial birth abortions, in order to harvest and sell body parts for profit. If proven true, these horrific acts violate federal law and must be stopped.\n\"As such, in the strongest and most direct language possible, as a Member of Congress and parent, I request the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provide my Office with a report detailing how federal tax dollars are distributed to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and what management safeguards are in place to ensure their lawful and proper use.\"\nThe following is the full text of the letter:\nAugust 5, 2015\nThe Honorable Sylvia Matthews Burwell  \n\tOffice of the Secretary  \n\tUnited States Department of Health and Human Services  \n\t200 Independence Avenue, SW  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20201\nDear Secretary Burwell:\nI am extremely concerned about the serious allegations that Planned Parenthood Federation of America is altering abortion procedures, including performing partial birth abortions, in order to harvest and sell body parts for profit. If proven true, these horrific acts violate federal law and must be stopped. Beyond the clear intent, spirit and content of the law, the unthinkable act of merchandising body parts from almost fully developed babies neither reflects my values as a parent, nor those of most Maine 2nd District families, who I represent, let alone millions of other compassionate Americans.\nOur Constitution gives the U.S. House of Representatives the authority to appropriate federal funds to all federal government departments and agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which you head. Under HHS purview, $528 million was distributed to Planned Parenthood during 2014. As such, American taxpayers have a vested interest in how Planned Parenthood operates.\nI realize that the organization provides important health care services to women in Maine and across the country, including cervical and breast cancer screenings, laboratory and radiology services, prenatal and postpartum care, immunization, and sexually transmitted disease testing. I also understand that Planned Parenthood performs more than 30% of all abortions in the United States - 327,000 last year, or nearly 900 every day. It is illegal for Planned Parenthood to perform elective partial birth abortions, alter abortion procedures to harvest organs, or use federal tax dollars to pay for any elective abortion procedure.\nWe should always extend compassion and care to every woman who faces an unwanted pregnancy. We should offer her help and empathy, never condemnation. We should also extend this same compassion and care to unborn children.\nResearch confirms that unborn babies feel pain at 20 weeks of pregnancy, halfway through full-term development. At 19 weeks, an unborn child can be startled by loud noises outside the womb. It is unimaginable that Planned Parenthood's medical professionals have discussed, on camera, inhumanely crushing babies' heads to start the dismemberment process to preserve organs for harvest and sale. This is immoral; this is cruel; this is wrong; this is illegal. When asked about the legality of altering abortion procedures to harvest organs, a senior Planned Parenthood official stated on camera that the federal partial birth abortion ban is a law and laws are up to interpretation. Whether one is pro-life or pro-choice, we are a society that relies on the rule of law. It is imperative that our laws are followed, not discarded.\nThe continued public release of chilling videos where Planned Parenthood officials cheerfully boast about their seemingly illegal activities raises a number of common sense questions.\nHas Planned Parenthood performed elective partial birth abortions? Has it harvested body parts from any abortion and sold them for profit? Has the organization altered its abortion procedures in order to harvest organs? Has Planned Parenthood used taxpayer dollars to pay for elective abortions?\nWhen hard-earned taxpayer dollars are used to help fund any organization, a bond of trust is expected among our taxpayers, the receiving entity, and our government. In this case, your Department is responsible for ensuring that trust is not broken, the law is not breached, and sensible human care is extended to almost fully-developed babies. Given the evidence thus far, I question whether that has happened.\nAs such, in the strongest and most direct language possible, as a Member of Congress and parent, I request the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provide my Office with a report detailing how federal tax dollars are distributed to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and what management safeguards are in place to ensure their lawful and proper use.\nMy 650,000 constituents from Maine's 2nd District deserve to hear from you promptly. I will personally call you on Monday, August 10 if your Office hasn't responded to this request by then.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 244, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "ME", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 244, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ME&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 244, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "ME", "label": "ME", "count": 244, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 244, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-08-06,https~3A~2F~2Fpoliquin~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fpoliquin-demands-planned-parenthood-be-held-accountable", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2015&_next=2015-08-06%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fpoliquin~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fpoliquin-demands-planned-parenthood-be-held-accountable&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 137.6941967755556, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}