{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"ME\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-passing-md-harmon", "Senator Collins Statement on Passing of M.D. Harmon", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins\u2019 Statement on Passing of M.D. Harmon \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Thu, 12/29/2016 - 17:25    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding the passing of M.D. Harmon:\n\"I was so saddened to learn of M.D. Harmon's tragic death. For four decades, M.D. Harmon was a dedicated editor and columnist. His passing is a loss to his family and friends, his colleagues, and to generations of readers across our state.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-passing-graham-shimmield", "Senator Collins Statement on the Passing of Graham Shimmield", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins\u2019 Statement on the Passing of Graham Shimmield \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 12/28/2016 - 16:31    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding the passing of Dr. Graham Shimmield, the executive director of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences:\n\u201cGraham was an accomplished scientist and leader who transformed Bigelow Laboratory through his energy and vision.\u201cUnder Graham\u2019s leadership, Bigelow made important contributions to Maine\u2019s economy and research sector and expanded its influence internationally. I enjoyed working with Graham to secure federal funding that assisted in nearly doubling the size of the institution a few years ago.\u201cGraham helped enhance our understanding of the ocean and emphasized the need to protect this vital ecosystem. Graham\u2019s passing is a loss to his family and friends, the research community, the State of Maine, and all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/countering-boko-haram-senator-collins%E2%80%99-legislation-combat-ruthless-terrorist-organization", "Countering Boko Haram: Senator Collins Legislation to Combat This Ruthless Terrorist Organization Becomes Law", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In 2014, the terrorist group Boko Haram shocked the world by kidnapping 276 Nigerian schoolgirls, sending them into lives of sexual slavery and forced \u201cmarriages.\u201d That horrific act was part of a nearly decade-long campaign of brutal violence by the extremist organization against the people of Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger in West and Central Africa.\nLast year, in response to the horrific kidnapping, I led all 20 women of the United States Senate in urging Secretary of State John Kerry to seek Boko Haram\u2019s addition to the United Nation\u2019s ISIL & Al-Qaida Sanctions List. Subsequently, the United Nations Security Council voted to subject Boko Haram to a complete asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo. This crucial vote followed a Global Terrorism Index Report finding that Boko Haram killed 6,664 people in 2014, more than the Islamic State.\nAs this Congress comes to a close, our nation has taken stronger steps to stop the spread of Boko Haram. In September 2015, the Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation I authored calling for a concerted strategy by the State and Defense Departments to counter this threat. The House passed it unanimously in early December of this year, and it was signed into law by the President on December 14th.\nThe need for this legislation was recently underscored when Boko Haram bombers attacked a busy market in Madagali, Nigeria, killing at least 50 and critically wounding many more.\nBoko Haram has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and continues to commit terrible acts of brutal violence against innocent civilians. My bipartisan legislation signals a renewed congressional commitment to pursuing Boko Haram and bolstering U.S. efforts throughout the region. The already dire situation there will continue to worsen, and this terrorist group will pose a threat not only to African countries but also to the United States and our allies.\nThe passage of my legislation in the House was aided by the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. In a letter of support, the CBC notes that Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people since 2009. Additionally, as a result of the terrorist insurgency in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, 2.6 million people have become refugees and millions more face starvation. Untold numbers have been tortured, sexually abused, and murdered, creating a humanitarian crisis that may take generations to heal.Indeed, the very name of the terrorist group proclaims its goal of destroying hope for a better future in the region. By definition, Boko Haram means \u201cWestern education is forbidden.\u201d We must never forget that the girls of Nigeria were targeted simply because they chose to pursue an education. That mass kidnapping was not an isolated incident: Boko Haram is particularly focused on terrorizing women, girls, and religious minorities, just as the Taliban sought to silence Malala Yousafzai, the teenage girl who was shot by a gunman after she took a school exam in Pakistan.\nMy legislation strengthens our efforts against Boko Haram, including the development of a long-term diplomatic and military strategy to counter the threat. This strategy includes bolstering the government of Nigeria\u2019s ability to protect schoolchildren and to combat gender-based violence and inequality.\nCombatting oppression against women and girls and increasing their opportunities around the world has been a long-standing priority of mine. This legislation sends a clear signal to the international community that these girls are not forgotten and that America will not sit idly by and allow these atrocities committed by Boko Haram or any other terrorist group to continue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/merry-christmas-rep-poliquin", "Merry Christmas from Rep. Poliquin", "2016-12-25", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI want to wish everyone a very blessed and Merry Christmas!\u201d said Congressman Poliquin.\n\u00a0\n\u201cOn this Christmas Day, as friends and family gather around the Christmas Tree and dinner table, let\u2019s all keep in mind those who are selflessly serving our communities and Nation right now to keep use safe. From the thousands of firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors and emergency personnel in Maine to all those serving in our Armed Forces overseas, thank you for your sacrifice to protect our families and communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-signs-defense-bill-law-securing-900-maine-shoemaking-jobs", "President Signs Defense Bill Into Law, Securing 900 Maine Shoemaking Jobs", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, President Obama signed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, marking the end of a months-long, hard-fought battle led in the House by Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) to secure 900 Maine shoemaking jobs at New Balance. The bill that was signed into law today includes critical language championed by Congressman Poliquin and Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to follow the law and issue American-made athletic shoes to its new recruits. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis has been a long and hard-fought battle, but today it\u2019s finally done,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cThe 900 shoemakers at New Balance in Norridgewock, Skowhegan and Norway are the hardest working individuals in the world and unquestionably deserve this huge win. I applaud New Balance\u2019s leadership in keeping jobs here in America and in our State of Maine. Today, their investment in Maine workers has paid off.\u201d\n\u00a0\nFor the past several months, Congressman Poliquin has resiliently advocated and taken strong legislative action to push the DOD to comply with the Berry Amendment, the provision which requires the Pentagon to use American-made products for recruits whenever possible.\n\u00a0\nThis final provision, which was maintained in the NDAA during the conference committee between the House and Senate due to strong support from Congressman Poliquin and Senators Collins and King, mandates that the DOD consider athletic footwear issued to military recruits as subject to the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department to treat athletic footwear like other uniform items.\n\u00a0\nThe Berry Amendment is a provision in law that requires the DOD to use American-made products for new recruits whenever possible. However, since 2002 the DOD has circumvented this policy by issuing cash allowances to new recruits for training shoes, which are not required to be American-made or Berry Amendment-compliant. In 2014, the DOD agreed to change its policy and close this footwear loophole. Despite that announcement, more than two years later, the DOD has yet to actually implement it and rectify this fundamental inequity in the application of the Berry Amendment.\n\u00a0\nTimeline of Progress:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n September-November 2016: The House and the Senate go to conference to hash out the differences in the two chambers\u2019 versions of the NDAA\n \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n Today: The NDAA is officially signed into law\n \u00a0\nItems to Note:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-nearly-27-million-contract-cianbro-construction-and-dock-repairs", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $27 Million Contract to Cianbro for Construction and Dock Repairs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Navy is awarding Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield a $26,969,000 contract for construction and dock repairs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Kittery.\n\u201cThe work done at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has a direct impact on our national security, and this contract for Cianbro will help make sure that the shipyard is well-equipped to continue in its important mission,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cWe commend the Navy for investing in PNSY, our national defense, and the Maine economy. And as always, we applaud the men and women at the shipyard for their hard work and dedication.\u201d\nThis competitively-awarded contract will support replacement of the caisson at PSNY\u2019s dry dock number #3. The work will also provide repairs to the concrete entrance structures of the dry dock, and is expected to be completed by May 2019.\nSenator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\nCianbro is a construction and construction services company based in Pittsfield.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-applaud-6-million-usda-investment-private-road", "Collins, King, Poliquin Applaud $6 Million USDA Investment in Private Road Infrastructure and Fish Habitat in Northern and Eastern Maine", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin applauded today\u2019s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding a $6 million grant to a Maine partnership led by the Nature Conservancy that will\u00a0help private forestland owners\u00a0reduce the impacts that flooding has on road networks and restore more than 250 miles of fish habitat in northern and eastern Maine. Senators Collins and King and Congressman Poliquin wrote a joint letter of support for the initiative, called the Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project, in September.\n\u00a0\n\u201cBy restoring and reconnecting waterways and improving roads and bridges, this project will help improve fish habitats and enhance the forest economy in northern and eastern Maine,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Collins.\u00a0 \u201cI commend The Nature Conservancy for partnering with local landowners and others on this collaborative effort that\u00a0will help protect our environment, improve fishing, and benefit communities throughout the region.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis project represents the very best of Maine \u2013 environmental stewardship combined with economic growth and driven by innovative collaboration \u2013 all of which once again shows that, in Maine, preserving our environment and building our economy can go hand-in-hand,\u201d\u00a0Senator King said.\u00a0\u201cI commend the Nature Conservancy for bringing this group together with the shared goal of improving fish habitats while also strengthening our forest roadway infrastructure, and appreciate the significant investment in Maine\u2019s future from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cOur State\u2019s fisheries and coastal habitats are treasures and key parts of Maine\u2019s identity, providing for thousands of jobs through tourism, harvesting and other critical industries,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have urged support for this important project and am thrilled to see its approval to help advance our infrastructure and protect our environment and the thousands of Maine families who depend on it.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe 5-year Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project aims to replace several hundred culverts and fix fractured aquatic connectivity to over a dozen priority watersheds with the goal of restoring 250 miles of brooks, streams and rivers in northern and eastern Maine. This\u00a0partnership is led by the Nature Conservancy and includes more than two dozen entities that include private forestland owners, tribal communities, federal agencies, conservation groups and local operators.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe grant announced today comes through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is administered by the USDA\u2019s Natural Resources Conservation Service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-poliquin-moves-new-office-location-washington-start-new-congress", "Rep. Poliquin Moves to New Office Location in Washington for Start of a New Congress", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The start of the new Congress brings with it a change of scenery for Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), his Washington, D.C. staff, and his Murphy bed, as the team moves into a new office space.\u00a0 Congressman Poliquin and his Washington, D.C. staff completed their move this week from their previous location at 426 Cannon House Office Building to their new one at 1208 Longworth House Office Building.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to returning to work for Mainers at the start of the 115th Congress and am ready to immediately act to fix the most important problems facing our State and our Nation,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cWhile my staff and I will have a new location, we aren\u2019t going to let up an inch in our commitment to serving on behalf of our Maine families, small businesses and communities. For all Mainers visiting Washington, please make sure to come by our new office for an ice cold Moxie.\u201d\n\u00a0\nOffice supplies are removed from Congressman Poliquin\u2019s former office location during the move.\n\u00a0\nOffice supplies are boxed up and made ready for the move.\n\u00a0\nWorkers disassemble Congressman Poliquin\u2019s Murphy bed to bring it to the new office location.\n\u00a0\nCongressman Poliquin\u2019s new Washington, D.C. office location at 1208 Longworth House Office Building.\n\u00a0\nNote: Congressman Poliquin\u2019s Washington, D.C. office phone and fax numbers will remain unchanged. Phone: 202-225-6306.\u00a0 Fax: 202-225-2943.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAll future mail should be addressed to 1208 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-poliquin-applaud-6-million-usda-investment-private-road-infrastructure-and", "Collins, King, Poliquin Applaud $6 Million USDA Investment in Private Road Infrastructure and Fish Habitat in Northern and Eastern Maine", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin applauded today\u2019s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding a $6 million grant to a Maine partnership led by the Nature Conservancy that will\u00a0help private forestland owners\u00a0reduce the impacts that flooding has on road networks and restore more than 250 miles of fish habitat in northern and eastern Maine. Senators Collins and King and Congressman Poliquin wrote a joint letter of support for the initiative, called the Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project, in September.\n\u201cBy restoring and reconnecting waterways and improving roads and bridges, this project will help improve fish habitats and enhance the forest economy in northern and eastern Maine,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Collins.\u00a0 \u201cI commend The Nature Conservancy for partnering with local landowners and others on this collaborative effort that\u00a0will help protect our environment, improve fishing, and benefit communities throughout the region.\u201d\n\u201cThis project represents the very best of Maine \u2013 environmental stewardship combined with economic growth and driven by innovative collaboration \u2013 all of which once again shows that, in Maine, preserving our environment and building our economy can go hand-in-hand,\u201d\u00a0Senator King said.\u00a0\u201cI commend the Nature Conservancy for bringing this group together with the shared goal of improving fish habitats while also strengthening our forest roadway infrastructure, and appreciate the significant investment in Maine\u2019s future from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\u201d\n\u201cOur State\u2019s fisheries and coastal habitats are treasures and key parts of Maine\u2019s identity, providing for thousands of jobs through tourism, harvesting and other critical industries,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have urged support for this important project and am thrilled to see its approval to help advance our infrastructure and protect our environment and the thousands of Maine families who depend on it.\u201d\nThe 5-year Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project aims to replace several hundred culverts and fix fractured aquatic connectivity to over a dozen priority watersheds with the goal of restoring 250 miles of brooks, streams and rivers in northern and eastern Maine. This\u00a0partnership is led by the Nature Conservancy and includes more than two dozen entities that include private forestland owners, tribal communities, federal agencies, conservation groups and local operators.\u00a0\nThe grant announced today comes through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is administered by the USDA\u2019s Natural Resources Conservation Service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-mccaskill-release-committee-report-bipartisan-drug-pricing-investigation", "Collins, McCaskill Release Committee Report of Bipartisan Drug Pricing Investigation", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, released a report on drug pricing\u00a0today titled, \u201cSudden Price Spikes in Off-Patent Prescription Drugs: The Monopoly Business Model that Harms Patients, Taxpayers, and the U.S. Health Care System.\u201d The comprehensive report details the findings stemming from the Committee\u2019s bipartisan investigation into abrupt and dramatic price increases for prescription drugs whose patents expired long ago. Through close examination of the monopoly business model used by four pharmaceutical companies to exploit market failures, the report examines how companies acquired decades-old, off-patent, and previously affordable drugs and then raised the prices suddenly and astronomically at the expense of patients. The report provides case studies of the four companies; explores the influence of investors; assesses the impacts of price hikes on patients, payers, providers, hospitals, and the government; and discusses potential policy responses.\u00a0\n\"The skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs affect every American family, particularly our seniors,\" said Chairman Collins. \"This report is the culmination of the Senate Aging Committee's year-long, bipartisan investigation into the egregious price increases on a number of decades-old drugs acquired by pharmaceutical companies that act more like hedge funds. We must work to stop the bad actors who are driving up the prices of drugs that they did nothing to develop at the expense of patients just because, as one executive essentially said, \u201cbecause I can.\u201d\u201cThe hedge fund model of drug pricing is predatory, and immoral for the patients and taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill\u2014especially for generic drugs that can be made for pennies per dose,\u201d Ranking Member McCaskill said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to find ways to increase competition for medicines and ensure that patients and their families aren\u2019t being gouged.\u201dChairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill launched the Aging Committee\u2019s bipartisan investigation in November 2015 following a series of media reports detailing dramatic drug price increases after the acquisition of decades-old, off-patent, and previously affordable drugs. The investigation centered on Turing Pharmaceuticals, Retrophin, Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., and Rodelis Therapeutics. Evidence gathered by the Committee also suggests that additional companies have employed the monopoly business model uncovered in this report, putting the health and lives of Americans at risk.The views of a wide-range of health policy experts and clinicians were considered, and the report identifies potential policy responses:\n \nEnact the Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act, introduced by Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill, to incentivize competition to address regulatory uncertainty, small market size, and other factors that serve as limitations to generic entry;\n \n \nEncourage generic competition by ensuring the right to obtain samples and simplifying Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies;\n \n \nConsider allowing highly targeted, temporary prescription drug importation to provide prompt price relief for major price increases in off-patent drugs;\n \n \nTake steps to prevent the misuse of patient assistance programs and copay coupons;\n \n \nReinvigorate the Federal Trade Commission to take greater enforcement action on drug company mergers, operations, and drug market dynamics; and\n \n \nImprove transparency in the health care system.\n \nThroughout the investigation, Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill have been committed to promoting innovation while improving access and affordability of prescription medications for patients, particularly for the 90 percent of our nation\u2019s seniors who take prescription drugs. Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill strongly support continued efforts to stop bad actors who are acquiring drugs that have been off-patent for decades and driving up their prices solely because they can.Background on the Aging Committee\u2019s InvestigationDuring the course of its bipartisan investigation, the Aging Committee held three hearings; interviewed scores of patients, doctors, hospital administrators, consumer advocates, health experts, and pharmaceutical industry executives and board members; reviewed more than one million pages of documents obtained from the four companies; and deposed or took transcribed interviews of numerous corporate witnesses.The first hearing of the series, held on December 9, 2015, sought to identify and define the problems resulting from these price increases. The second hearing, held on March 17, 2016, took an in-depth look inside the monopoly business models of Turing and Retrophin, both formerly headed by Martin Shkreli. The third hearing, held on April 27, 2016, investigated Valeant\u2019s business model, its investor relationships, and the harm caused to patients and the health care system by the enormous price increases Valeant imposed on certain drugs it acquired.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-126-million-contract-modification-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Announce $126 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Announce $126 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 12/19/2016 - 12:14    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works a $125,950,046 contract modification. The funding will be used to continue Integrated Planning Yard services for Arleigh Burke-class and Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis funding is critical to ensuring that the highly-skilled men and women of Bath Iron Works have the necessary resources to continue manufacturing the best, most-advanced destroyers in our Navy,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cWe applaud the Navy for this contract modification, which will support our country\u2019s national security and the Maine economy.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThis funding is a cost-plus-award-fee modification to a previously awarded contract for the continuation of Integrated Planning Yard services. The modification covers integrated planning and support for the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Oliver Hazard Perry-class of frigates built at Bath, and tasks include design, planning, and modernization efforts. Funding was allocated through the Navy\u2019s Naval Sea Systems Command.\n\u00a0\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/manufacturing-bill-cosponsored-collins-king-set-become-law", "Manufacturing Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King Set To Become Law", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that President Obama is expected to sign into law soon bipartisan legislation they cosponsored that will help support small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies across Maine.\n\u00a0\nThe Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act, which will be signed into law as part of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, will expand and improve the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program \u2013 the premier federal program that addresses the crucial needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturers by offering resources to help them compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIn Maine, manufacturing has always driven economic prosperity and helped create stable, good-paying jobs for people across our state,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cTo continue that success in this globally-competitive economy will require forging new relationships, increasing collaboration among public and private sectors, and prioritizing innovation \u2013 all of which Maine MEP does day-in and day-out in support of manufacturers throughout the state. This legislation will enhance Maine MEP\u2019s ability to provide critical resources to companies that will create jobs and spur economic growth.\u201d\n\u00a0\nBuilt on a nationwide network of centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP program is a partnership between the federal government and a variety of private sector entities that serve as trusted business advisors and technical experts to thousands of small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies.\n\u00a0\nThe Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act was introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-over-12-million-funding-promise-early-education-center", "Collins, King Announce Over $1.2 Million in Funding for Promise Early Education Center", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 Administration for Children and Families has awarded Promise Early Education Center in Lewiston $1,227,569 to support early childhood education.\n\u00a0\n\u201cEarly childhood education provides the essential building blocks for a healthy life,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cPromise Early Education Center works day in and day out to encourage educational opportunity for all children, and we commend this investment in Maine\u2019s future.\u201d\n\u00a0\nHead Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. The Office of Head Start (OHS), an office within the Administration for Children and Families, administers grant funding and oversight to the local agencies that provide Head Start services in Maine and across the country. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nPromise Early Education Center aims to provide a safe, affordable, and engaging place for children to learn and grow. The center serves children from six weeks to five years old and their families throughout Androscoggin County.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/us-senators-collins-king-welcome-navy%E2%80%99s-new-fleet-plan", "U.S. Senators Collins & King Welcome Navys New Fleet Plan", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         U.S. Senators Collins & King Welcome Navy\u2019s New Fleet Plan \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 12/16/2016 - 15:15    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement after the Navy announced a new fleet plan calling for a goal of 355 battle force ships. This includes an increase of 16 large surface combatant ships compared to the Navy\u2019s current goal. These ships include the DDG-1000 and Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyers produced by Bath Iron Works. In light of the increasing capabilities of foreign adversaries, the Navy has determined that these additional destroyers are necessary to increase air defense and ballistic missile defense capacity, as well as provide escorts for additional aircraft carriers. The Navy\u2019s new assessment is also consistent with President-elect Trump\u2019s stated goal of building a 350-ship Navy.\n\u201cWe welcome the Navy\u2019s candid assessment of the naval fleet that is necessary to protect the United States. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has been a staunch supporter of shipbuilding during his eight year tenure, and we applaud him today for taking a fresh look at the necessary size and capability of the Navy\u2019s fleet, particularly while China continues to modernize its own naval forces,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cThe Navy\u2019s new 355 ship goal is not only an important benchmark to achieve for our nation\u2019s security, but good news for Bath Iron Works and the State of Maine, where the Navy\u2019s world-class destroyers are built.\u201dSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/president-signs-bipartisan-bill-cosponsored-collins-king-protect-northern-border-law", "President Signs Bipartisan Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Protect Northern Border into Law", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the President has signed the Northern Border Security Review Act, a bipartisan bill to assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border, into law. Both Senators Collins and King are cosponsors of the legislation, which will help to make sure that Maine communities remain strong and safe.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s absolutely critical that we have a secure Northern Border, and the comprehensive review triggered by this bill is a valuable step forward in assessing and strengthening those efforts on the ground,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cWe\u2019re glad that the President has signed the Northern Border Security Review Act into law, and will continue to work with Maine law enforcement, federal partners, and other border community members with the shared goal of keeping Maine safe and secure.\u201d \n\u00a0\nNow law, the Northern Border Security Review Act requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate security threats at the border \u2013 the longest common land border in the world \u2013 through a comprehensive examination of current resources and personnel levels. The assessments called for in the bill will help tackle the coordination challenges that federal border security officials and local law enforcement face, and address how to recruit and retain a strong border security workforce.\n\u00a0\nThe U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the bill late last month, just weeks after it unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. After the bill passed the Senate, Senators Collins and King received a classified briefing by high-ranking officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on threat reporting, smuggling and trafficking trends, border security technology requirements, and staffing in remote locations.\nAt 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has more than 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas. Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. The Northern Border Security Review Act will require a comprehensive examination of how to strengthen American security at the Northern Border by looking into issues with:\n\u00a0\n \nRecruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;\nDetermining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;\nIdentifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and\nFinding vulnerabilities in cooperation between state, county, local, tribal, and Canadian law enforcement.\n \n\u00a0\nThe bill was led by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.). Other cosponsors include Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). A summary of the bill is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/signaling-renewed-commitment-pursuing-terrorist-organizations-worldwide-senator-collins%E2%80%99", "Signaling a Renewed Commitment to Pursuing Terrorist Organizations Worldwide,  Senator Collins Legislation to Combat Boko Haram is Signed into Law", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that the President has signed into law bipartisan legislation she authored aimed at stopping the spread of the terrorist organization Boko Haram. The new law will strengthen the United States\u2019 response to Boko Haram\u2019s brazen and vicious acts of terrorism. Senator Collins\u2019 legislation unanimously passed the Senate in September of 2015 and unanimously passed the House last week.\u00a0\nSenator Collins\u2019 legislation requires a new five-year U.S. government strategy to counter the threat of Boko Haram and assist the Government of Nigeria in addressing the legitimate grievances of vulnerable populations affected by this terrorist organization.\n\u201cBoko Haram has pledged allegiance to ISIS and continues to commit terrible acts of brutal violence against civilians in Nigeria as well as in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. This new law, which received strong bipartisan support, signals a renewed commitment to pursuing Boko Haram and bolstering U.S. efforts throughout the region. The already dire situation there will continue to worsen if the current trajectory is not significantly altered,\u201d Senator Collins stated. \u201cBy definition, Boko Haram means Western education is forbidden. As we develop this comprehensive five-year strategy, we will send an international signal that we will never forget the girls of Nigeria who were targeted simply because they chose to pursue an education.\u201d\nIn 2014, in response to Boko Haram\u2019s kidnapping of the 276 school girls in Nigeria, Senator Collins, joined by Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), led all twenty women Senators in urging Secretary Kerry to seek Boko Haram\u2019s addition to the United Nation\u2019s al-Qaeda Sanctions List. Following this letter, the United Nations Security Council voted to subject Boko Haram to a complete asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.\nCo-sponsors of Senator Collins\u2019 legislation included eighteen Senators: Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Patty Murray (R-WA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), David Vitter (R-LA), and James Inhofe (R-OK).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-retirement-john-leonard-president-memic", "Senator Collins Statement on Retirement of John Leonard, President of MEMIC", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins\u2019 Statement on Retirement of John Leonard, President of MEMIC \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 12/14/2016 - 16:08    \n    \n    \n    \n  U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement following the announcement that John Leonard, the president of MEMIC, plans to retire:\n\u201cJohn Leonard has had a truly remarkable career, capped by 23 years at the helm of Maine Employers\u2019 Mutual Insurance Company.\n\u201cWhen John came to MEMIC as its first permanent CEO in early 1993, Maine was struggling to implement crucial reforms passed to avert the near-collapse of our workers\u2019 comp insurance market. Employers faced sky-high premiums they could not afford, while workers faced injury rates far above the national average. Right away, John and his team at MEMIC set out to improve workplace safety and reduce premiums.\n\u201cUnder John\u2019s leadership, MEMIC has far exceeded its goals, helping to make a safer, fairer, and more affordable workplace a reality for employers and employees across Maine. I congratulate John on his remarkable success, and wish him all the best in the years to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/21st-century-cures-act-signed-law-today-5-provisions-authored-senator-collins", "21st Century Cures Act Signed into Law Today with 5 Provisions Authored by Senator Collins", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Act Will Help Fight Against Opioid Abuse Through $1 Billion in State Grants; Spur Innovative Treatments and Cures for Alzheimer\u2019s, Cancer, and Many Other Diseases; and Improve Mental Health Programs\n\u00a0\nTo read a copy of Senator Collins' floor statement in support of the 21st Century Cures Act, click HERE\nTo watch Senator Collins' floor statement, click HERE\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 The 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that was championed by U.S. Senator Susan Collins and will benefit every American, was signed into law today. The new law will spur the advancement of biomedical research, help combat the opioid abuse epidemic, and improve our mental health system.\u00a0\nSenator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee and a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, authored or co-authored five provisions contained within the legislation, which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 94-5 last week. The legislation cleared the House in a similarly overwhelming bipartisan vote of 392-26. Senator Collins recently spoke on the Senate floor in support of this important legislation to promote medical innovation and attended the enrollment ceremony in the U.S. Capitol with other Committee leaders and members of House and Senate leadership.\n\u201cAll of us know someone who courageously faces the struggles of living with a debilitating chronic illness or rare disease, or who received a devastating diagnosis and was gone too soon. Through the strong support of research and development, the 21st Century Cures Act will help us achieve our dream of conquering disease,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act will also make the most significant reforms to our mental health system in more than a decade and help direct $1 billion in much-needed funding to address the heroin and opioid epidemic in this country, which has hit Maine communities particularly hard. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I am proud to have pushed for and contributed to this landmark law, which will make a tremendous difference in the life of every American.\u201d\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act is an important step forward for life-saving biomedical research. The Jackson Laboratory is leading the search for tomorrow\u2019s cures and we are so grateful to Senator Collins for her leadership and advocacy in passing this act,\u201d said Ed Liu, M.D., President and CEO, The Jackson Laboratory.Advancing Biomedical ResearchThe 21st Century Cures Act provides $4.8 billion over ten years for the National Institutes of Health. That funding includes $1.6 billion for the BRAIN Initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s, our nation\u2019s costliest disease. Additionally, it will help allocate $1.8 billion for the Vice President\u2019s Cancer Moonshot, $1.5 billion for the President\u2019s Precision Medicine Initiative, and $30 million for regenerative medicine using adult stem cells. The law\u2019s cancer provisions are named after Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s son, Beau Biden, who died from cancer last year.The 21st Century Cures Act also incorporates several notable bipartisan provisions introduced by Senator Collins to encourage medical innovation, including:\n \nSenator Collins\u2019 provisions to encourage the use of Health Information Exchanges to promote patient access to health information.\n \n  Improving the Mental Health SystemThe 21st Century Cures Act also strengthens and improves important mental health programs for the first time in more than a decade. One in five Americans\u2014nearly 44 million people\u2014experience some type of mental illness each year. The reforms in the law will enhance coordination, address a lack of resources, and develop real solutions to improve outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness and their families.Notable mental health provisions introduced by Senator Collins include:\n \nThe Durbin-Collins Mental Health Reform Act, which will support college and university efforts to directly provide mental health services; increase awareness and training to respond effectively to students with mental health and substance use disorders; and establish an interagency working group to promote federal agency collaboration to support innovations in mental health services for students on college and university campuses; and\n \n \nLanguage requiring the Government Accountability Office to study the Protection and Advocacy programs.\n \nFighting Opioid Abuse EpidemicThe 21st Century Cures Act also includes $1 billion over two years for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, including prescription drug monitoring programs, prevention activities, training for health care providers, and improving access to opioid treatment programs. This money will benefit every state, including Maine, which has tragically experienced a record number of overdose deaths.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-congressional-delegation-urges-va-fill-vacancies-maine-vet-centers-0", "Maine Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Fill Vacancies at Maine Vet Centers", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the Maine Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Veterans Administration (VA) expressing concern about several long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in Maine. The letter from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin urges the VA to fill those vacancies with qualified staff as soon as possible to ensure that Maine veterans have access to the quality and timely care they deserve.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices,\u201d\u00a0the Maine Delegation wrote in their letter.\u00a0\u201cNevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve.\u201d\n\u00a0\nMaine has one of the highest number of veterans per capita of any state in the country. There are five Vet Centers across the state that are administered by the VA \u2013 in\u00a0Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford-Springvale.\u00a0\u00a0These Vet Centers\u00a0help veterans readjust to civilian life by providing free counseling, screening, and referral services, while removing the stigma of seeking mental health care.\n\u00a0\nHowever, the\u00a0Caribou and Portland Vet Centers have had inadequate staff levels for months. While the Caribou Vet Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time, which has led to a lack of consistent counseling for veterans in Northern Maine. The Portland Vet Center currently has only four staff members despite being authorized for six, and lacks administrative staff. As a result, staff may have to cover both mental health needs while taking on additional administrative duties.\n\u00a0\nThe delegation\u2019s letter, which was addressed to VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin, also asks the VA to provide a timeline for the hiring process to fill these vacancies in Maine.\n\u00a0\nThe letter is available\u00a0HERE\u00a0and the text is below:\n\u00a0\n+++\n\u00a0\nDear Honorable Dr. Shulkin,\n\u00a0\nWe are writing to express our concerns regarding several, long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in the State of Maine. The Readjustment Counseling Service provides a variety of social and psychological services\u00a0to veterans, and due to the current staffing vacancies at Vet Centers in Caribou and Portland, veterans are not receiving the level and consistency of care they deserve. This has unfortunately been a persistent problem, and we urge the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to act quickly to fill vacancies with qualified staff to ensure our veterans can access the quality care they have earned. We also ask that you provide us with a hiring timeline for filling these vacancies.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWith one of the highest number per capita of veterans in the country, Maine has five Vet Centers. Of the five Vet Centers in Maine, the two in Caribou and Portland have had inadequate staff levels for months:\u00a0\n\u00a0\n \nCaribou, Maine: The Caribou Vet Center is tasked with serving the needs of Veterans throughout Aroostook County. While the Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time. This lack of availability of consistent counseling is a disservice to the Veterans in Northern Maine.\n \n\u00a0\n \nPortland, Maine: The Portland Vet Center is authorized to have a staff of six, but currently has a staff of four and lacks administrative staff. As such, we understand that current staff may be covering both their jobs addressing mental health needs, as well as taking on the additional responsibilities of basic administrative duties.\n \n\u00a0\nWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices. Nevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve. \u00a0If you have any questions about this request, please contact us directly or have your staff contact William Ellis (King) at 202-224-5344 or Mike Wakefield (Collins) at 202-224-3913.\n\u00a0\nThank you for your prompt attention to this issue.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/us-senators-susan-collins-and-tammy-baldwin%E2%80%99s-legislation-supporting-young-researchers", "U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Tammy Baldwins Legislation Supporting Young Researchers Signed into Law", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today bipartisan legislation supporting young researchers authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) was signed into law by President Obama. Senators Collins and Baldwin introduced the Next Generation Researchers Act to build opportunities for new researchers, address the debt burden that young researchers face today, and invest in the future of research, science, and innovation. The bipartisan legislation was included in the 21st Century Cures Act, which passed Congress last week.\n\u201cMaintaining our nation\u2019s competitive edge in both research and innovation depends greatly on the strength of our commitment to attracting, cultivating, and equipping world-class scientific minds,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation strengthens our nation\u2019s commitment to the next generation of cutting-edge researchers. This critical investment will help to empower these young innovative researchers in Maine and across our country with the resources they need to continue to lead the world in groundbreaking scientific research and development.\u201d\n\u201cIn order for America to out-innovate the rest of the world and create an economy built to last, we must protect and strengthen our investments in research, science, and innovation,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cWe can\u2019t accomplish this without supporting and investing in the next generation of researchers. Our best and brightest minds deserve to know that our country stands with them. This new law will make a strong commitment to our young scientists, who are being held back by state and federal budget cuts and are in need of greater support to pursue life-saving research and discover the next medical breakthrough.\u201d\nThe Next Generation Researchers Act will establish the Next Generation of Researchers Initiative within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of the Director to coordinate all current and new NIH policies to promote opportunities for our new scientists and earlier research independence. This measure will also improve NIH\u2019s loan repayment programs by increasing the amount of loans that NIH can forgive for trainees, from $35,000 a year to $50,000.\nThe Next Generation Researchers Act was also supported by: AcademyHealth, American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), American Association for Dental Researchers (AADR), American Heart Association, American Society of Transplantation (AST), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), BioForward, Inc., and Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-17-2016-%E2%80%9Cwreaths-across-america-day%E2%80%9D", "Senate Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 17, 2016, as Wreaths Across America Day", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution designating Saturday, December 17, 2016 as \u201cWreaths Across America Day.\u201d\n\u201cOnce again, the United States Senate has recognized the wonderful message of gratitude and respect that Wreaths Across America extends to our country\u2019s veterans,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cFor twenty-five years, this Maine-led tradition has been a powerful symbol that highlights the service and sacrifice of our veterans, while displaying the spirit of generosity that makes the holiday season so special. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who \u2018remember, honor, teach\u2019 through Wreaths Across America.\u201dTo honor of our fallen heroes, wreaths will be laid on each of their graves as part of a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery in Washington and over 1,100 other locations across the country. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement, and first responders. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition.The resolution is available HERE and the full text is below:+++Whereas, 25 years before the date of adoption of this resolution, the Wreaths Across America project began with an annual tradition that occurs in December, of donating, transporting, and placing 5,000 Maine balsam fir remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery;Whereas, in the 25 years preceding the date of adoption of this resolution, more than 3,317,000 wreaths have been sent to locations, including national cemeteries and veterans memorials, in every State and overseas;Whereas the mission of the Wreaths Across America project, to \u2018\u2018Remember, Honor, Teach\u2019\u2019, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 States and overseas, including at\u2014  (1) Arlington National Cemetery;  (2) veterans cemeteries; and  (3) other locations;Whereas the Wreaths Across America project carries out a week-long veterans parade between Maine and Virginia, stopping along the way to spread a message about the importance of\u2014  (1) remembering the fallen heroes of the United  States;  (2) honoring those who serve; and  (3) reminding the people of the United States about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve freedoms in the United States;  Whereas, in 2015, approximately 901,000 remembrance wreaths were sent to more than 1,100 locations across the United States and overseas, an increase of more than100 locations compared to the previous year;Whereas, in December 2016, the tradition of escorting tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery will be continued by\u2014  (1) the Patriot Guard Riders; and  (2) other patriotic escort units, including motorcycle units, law enforcement units, and first responder units;Whereas hundreds of thousands of individuals volunteer each December to help lay remembrance wreaths;Whereas the trucking industry in the United States continues to support the Wreaths Across America project by providing drivers, equipment, and related services to assist in the transportation of wreaths across the United States to over 1,200 locations;Whereas the Senate designated December 12, 2015, as \u2018\u2018Wreaths Across America Day\u2019\u2019; andWhereas, on December 17, 2016, the Wreaths Across America project will continue the proud legacy of bringing remembrance wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery:Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate\u2014  (1) designates December 17, 2016, as \u2018\u2018Wreaths Across America Day\u2019\u2019;  (2) honors\u2014  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(A) the Wreaths Across America project;  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(B) patriotic escort units, including motor cycle units, law enforcement units, and first responder units;  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(C) the trucking industry in the United States; and  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(D) the volunteers and donors involved in this worthy tradition; and  (3) recognizes\u2014  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(A) the service of veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(B) the sacrifices that veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families have made, and continue to make, for the United States, a great Nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-major-bipartisan-bill-invest-nations-water-infrastructure", "Senate Passes Major Bipartisan Bill to Invest in the Nation's Water Infrastructure", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014With U.S. Senator Susan Collins\u2019 support,\u00a0the Senate passed\u00a0the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, a major bipartisan water infrastructure bill that authorizes dozens of crucial port and harbor projects across our country, including the Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project, as well as key safe drinking water investments. The legislation will now go to the President's desk for his signature.\u00a0\n\u201cThis bipartisan water infrastructure bill will help create good jobs, ensure our nation\u2019s ports and waterways remain competitive, and provide urgent aid for communities across our country that are suffering from excess lead levels in their drinking water systems,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Collins.\u00a0\n\u201cMore than 99 percent of our country\u2019s trade passes through our nation\u2019s ports and harbors, which serve as crucial economic engines for communities in Maine and across our country,\u201d\u00a0Senator Collins continued.\u00a0\u201cThis legislation\u00a0green lights\u00a0a much-needed navigation project for the Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River, an important victory for the safe and efficient flow of goods into our state.\u00a0At present, the Portsmouth Harbor handles nearly 3.5 million tons of shipping each year and is\u00a0also\u00a0used by\u00a0submarines from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. \u00a0The current\u00a0turning basin and waterway are far too narrow for such a large volume of commerce and through traffic.\u00a0This authorization will allow for the construction of a wider turning basin that will better meet the needs of the region.\nThe final bill authorizes $10.3 billion for 31 new Army Corps projects and modifies eight existing projects.\u00a0\nIt includes several provisions of importance to Maine, including:\n \nPortsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Improvement Project.\u00a0The WIIN Act authorizes a key improvement project in Maine that will enable vessels to safely navigate this area. At present the Portsmouth Harbor handles nearly 3.5 million tons of shipping each year yet the turning basin and waterway are far too narrow for such a large volume of commerce. This project would increase both safety and efficiency by constructing a wider turning basin that will serve the terminals on the upper section of the Piscataqua River, as well as by widening the waterway at several bends and bridges.\n \n \nEmerging Harbors.\u00a0The\u00a0WIIN Act makes permanent the 10 percent Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund set-aside for emerging harbors.\u00a0 The bill also requires that at least 10 percent of priority funds be used for the operations and maintenance needs of emerging harbors. \u00a0\u201cEmerging harbors\u201d include small harbor projects around the country like York, Biddeford, Wells, Saco, Kennebunkport, Beals Harbor, and Pig Island Gut.\n \n \nRecognizes the Beneficial Use of Dredged Material.\u00a0\u00a0The WIIN Act clarifies that dredged material disposal projects do not require ongoing maintenance and can be a single application of sediment.\u00a0 The Corps' current interpretation is that projects need to be maintained forever, which is more costly and burdensome and not always necessary. This provision will provide flexibility for shorter-term projects and is important to Wells, Kittery, and Cape Elizabeth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-nearly-11-million-award-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $11 Million Award for Bath Iron Works", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Announce Nearly $11 Million Award for Bath Iron Works \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 12/09/2016 - 21:42    \n    \n    \n    \n  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that Bath Iron Works has been awarded a $10,965,890 order against an existing Navy basic ordering agreement\u00a0related to the testing and evaluation of the USS Rafael Peralta. More specifically, the award will\u00a0support planning, management, engineering services, and emergent availability and repairs.\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news for the hardworking and highly-skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works,\u201d\u00a0said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.\u00a0\u201cAn investment in BIW is not only an investment in the future of the Navy, but also in Maine\u2019s economy and our people. These funds will support our outstanding shipbuilders as they continue to make sure that the USS Rafael Peralta is ready to join the Navy fleet as another world-class, Maine-built ship.\u201d\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\u00a0 Senators Collins and King delivered remarks at the Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) christening ceremony at Bath Iron Works in October 2015.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-passage-short-term-government-funding-bill", "Senator Collins Statement on Passage of Short-Term Government Funding Bill", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 After voting in support of the continuing resolution to fund the government through April 28, 2017, which passed by a vote of 63-36, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement:\n\u201cWhile I fundamentally disagree with funding our government through continuing resolutions, I voted to support this bill in order to prevent a government shutdown and to ensure that the essential functions of our government do not lapse.\u201cWere it not necessary to keep the government open and operating, I would have voted against this stop-gap measure. Continuing resolutions put our government on autopilot, funding outdated programs at rates that may not be appropriate and locking in the previous year\u2019s priorities. These measures also create uncertainty, delay the start of vital programs, and end up costing the government more money.\u201cAs a Subcommittee chairman and senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I find these continuing resolutions particularly frustrating. This year, the Appropriations Committee successfully followed the regular order and completed work on all 12 funding bills, passing many of them with unanimous support. Several of these individual funding bills were brought before the full Senate for members to examine, debate, and vote on in a transparent manner. In fact, under my leadership, the full Senate passed in May an appropriations bill I authored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) with overwhelming bipartisan support, 89-8. The legislation incorporated recommendations from more than 75 Senators and would have made vital investments in our nation\u2019s infrastructure, helped meet the housing needs of the most vulnerable among us, and provided funding for economic development projects that create jobs in our communities.\u201cDespite my deep frustrations with this measure, there are some important new provisions in the continuing resolution. For example, there is funding for state grants that will supplement opioid abuse and treatment programs. Those funds are particularly important to Maine, which is now losing approximately one person per day to this horrible epidemic. The continuing resolution also includes $872 million to fund the recently passed 21st Century Cures bill, which included five provisions I authored. In addition, there is $170 million to address the drinking water crisis in cities such as Flint, Michigan, and funding for lead exposure programs, which is important for schools and homes in states like Maine that have a very old housing stock. The bill also incorporates the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, which provides an additional $10.1 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding to pay for costs related to counterterrorism operations.\u201cFinally, this bill is important for what it does not include. It does not include a House proposed cut in the funding for the Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51) destroyers built by Bath Iron Works.\u201cMoving forward, Congress must abandon these stop-gap measures and return to funding the government through regular order.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-congressional-delegation-urges-va-fill-vacancies-maine-vet-centers", "Maine Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Fill Vacancies at Maine Vet Centers", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, the Maine Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Veterans Administration (VA) expressing concern about several long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in Maine. The letter from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin urges the VA to fill those vacancies with qualified staff as soon as possible to ensure that Maine veterans have access to the quality and timely care they deserve.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices,\u201d\u00a0the Maine Delegation wrote in their letter.\u00a0\u201cNevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve.\u201d\n\u00a0\nMaine has one of the highest number of veterans per capita of any state in the country. There are five Vet Centers across the state that are administered by the VA \u2013 in\u00a0Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford-Springvale.\u00a0\u00a0These Vet Centers\u00a0help veterans readjust to civilian life by providing free counseling, screening, and referral services, while removing the stigma of seeking mental health care.\n\u00a0\nHowever, the\u00a0Caribou and Portland Vet Centers have had inadequate staff levels for months. While the Caribou Vet Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time, which has led to a lack of consistent counseling for veterans in Northern Maine. The Portland Vet Center currently has only four staff members despite being authorized for six, and lacks administrative staff. As a result, staff may have to cover both mental health needs while taking on additional administrative duties.\n\u00a0\nThe delegation\u2019s letter, which was addressed to VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin, also asks the VA to provide a timeline for the hiring process to fill these vacancies in Maine.\n\u00a0\nThe letter is available\u00a0HERE\u00a0and the text is below:\n\u00a0\n+++\n\u00a0\nDear Honorable Dr. Shulkin,\n\u00a0\nWe are writing to express our concerns regarding several, long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in the State of Maine. The Readjustment Counseling Service provides a variety of social and psychological services\u00a0to veterans, and due to the current staffing vacancies at Vet Centers in Caribou and Portland, veterans are not receiving the level and consistency of care they deserve. This has unfortunately been a persistent problem, and we urge the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to act quickly to fill vacancies with qualified staff to ensure our veterans can access the quality care they have earned. We also ask that you provide us with a hiring timeline for filling these vacancies.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWith one of the highest number per capita of veterans in the country, Maine has five Vet Centers. Of the five Vet Centers in Maine, the two in Caribou and Portland have had inadequate staff levels for months:\u00a0\n\u00a0\n Caribou, Maine: The Caribou Vet Center is tasked with serving the needs of Veterans throughout Aroostook County. While the Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time. This lack of availability of consistent counseling is a disservice to the Veterans in Northern Maine.\n \u00a0\n Portland, Maine: The Portland Vet Center is authorized to have a staff of six, but currently has a staff of four and lacks administrative staff. As such, we understand that current staff may be covering both their jobs addressing mental health needs, as well as taking on the additional responsibilities of basic administrative duties.\n \u00a0\nWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices. Nevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve. \u00a0If you have any questions about this request, please contact us directly or have your staff contact William Ellis (King) at 202-224-5344 or Mike Wakefield (Collins) at 202-224-3913.\n\u00a0\nThank you for your prompt attention to this issue.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-congressional-delegation-urges-va-fill-vacancies-maine-vet-centers", "Maine Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Fill Vacancies at Maine Vet Centers", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, the Maine Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Veterans Administration (VA) expressing concern about several long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in Maine. The letter from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin urges the VA to fill those vacancies with qualified staff as soon as possible to ensure that Maine veterans have access to the quality and timely care they deserve.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices,\u201d\u00a0the Maine Delegation wrote in their letter.\u00a0\u201cNevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve.\u201d\n\u00a0\nMaine has one of the highest number of veterans per capita of any state in the country. There are five Vet Centers across the state that are administered by the VA \u2013 in\u00a0Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford-Springvale.\u00a0\u00a0These Vet Centers\u00a0help veterans readjust to civilian life by providing free counseling, screening, and referral services, while removing the stigma of seeking mental health care.\n\u00a0\nHowever, the\u00a0Caribou and Portland Vet Centers have had inadequate staff levels for months. While the Caribou Vet Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time, which has led to a lack of consistent counseling for veterans in Northern Maine. The Portland Vet Center currently has only four staff members despite being authorized for six, and lacks administrative staff. As a result, staff may have to cover both mental health needs while taking on additional administrative duties.\n\u00a0\nThe delegation\u2019s letter, which was addressed to VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin, also asks the VA to provide a timeline for the hiring process to fill these vacancies in Maine.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe letter is available\u00a0HERE\u00a0and the text is below:\n\u00a0\nDear Honorable Dr. Shulkin,\n\u00a0\nWe are writing to express our concerns regarding several, long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in the State of Maine. The Readjustment Counseling Service provides a variety of social and psychological services\u00a0to veterans, and due to the current staffing vacancies at Vet Centers in Caribou and Portland, veterans are not receiving the level and consistency of care they deserve. This has unfortunately been a persistent problem, and we urge the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to act quickly to fill vacancies with qualified staff to ensure our veterans can access the quality care they have earned. We also ask that you provide us with a hiring timeline for filling these vacancies.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWith one of the highest number per capita of veterans in the country, Maine has five Vet Centers. Of the five Vet Centers in Maine, the two in Caribou and Portland have had inadequate staff levels for months:\u00a0\n\u00a0\n \nCaribou, Maine: The Caribou Vet Center is tasked with serving the needs of Veterans throughout Aroostook County. While the Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time. This lack of availability of consistent counseling is a disservice to the Veterans in Northern Maine.\n \n\u00a0\n \nPortland, Maine: The Portland Vet Center is authorized to have a staff of six, but currently has a staff of four and lacks administrative staff. As such, we understand that current staff may be covering both their jobs addressing mental health needs, as well as taking on the additional responsibilities of basic administrative duties.\n \n\u00a0\nWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices. Nevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve. \u00a0If you have any questions about this request, please contact us directly or have your staff contact William Ellis (King) at 202-224-5344 or Mike Wakefield (Collins) at 202-224-3913.\n\u00a0\nThank you for your prompt attention to this issue.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-poliquin-applauds-senate-s-passage-defense-bill-which-includes-made", "Rep. Poliquin Applauds Senates Passage of Defense Bill, Which Includes Made-in-USA Language Protecting Hundreds of Maine Jobs", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)\u2014which includes critical language championed by Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) and Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to protect hundreds of Maine shoe manufacturing jobs\u2014passed in the Senate, clearing the final hurdle before going to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\u00a0\nThe defense bill\u2019s passage in the Senate today marks the final stage in a hard-fought, months-long battle by Congressman Poliquin and Senators Collins and King to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to follow the law and issue American-made athletic shoes to its new recruits. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI applaud the Senate\u2019s passage of this defense bill and especially commend my colleagues Senators Collins and King for their hard work in helping make sure this critical language was included,\u201d said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. \u201cMainers have waited for this win for a long time. I am absolutely thrilled that today we have finally pushed this monumental language onto the President\u2019s desk. I\u2019m not going to let up an inch until this is signed into law and fully implemented.\u201d\n\u00a0\nLast week, the House passed the NDAA. Congressman Poliquin wore his own red, white and blue, 100% American-made New Balance athletic shoes down to the House floor to cast his vote.\n\u00a0\nFor the past several months, Congressman Poliquin has resiliently advocated and taken strong legislative action to push the DOD to comply with the Berry Amendment, the provision which requires the Pentagon to use American-made products for recruits whenever possible.\n\u00a0\nThis final provision, which was maintained in the NDAA during the conference committee between the House and Senate due to strong support from Congressman Poliquin and Senators Collins and King, mandates that the DOD consider athletic footwear issued to military recruits as subject to the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department to treat athletic footwear like other uniform items.\n\u00a0\nThe Berry Amendment is a provision in law that requires the DOD to use American-made products for new recruits whenever possible. However, since 2002 the DOD has circumvented this policy by issuing cash allowances to new recruits for training shoes, which are not required to be American-made or Berry Amendment-compliant. In 2014, the DOD agreed to change its policy and close this footwear loophole. Despite that announcement, more than two years later, the DOD has yet to actually implement it and rectify this fundamental inequity in the application of the Berry Amendment.\n\u00a0\nTimeline of Progress:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n September-November 2016: The House and the Senate go to conference to hash out the differences in the two chambers\u2019 versions of the NDAA\n \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n December 8, 2016: The Senate passes the final version of the NDAA\n \u00a0\nItems to Note:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-nearly-60-million-contract-modification-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $60 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works a contract modification worth $59,417,202. The funding will be used to provide engineering and technical assistance for new construction DDG 51 class ships.\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news for the hardworking men and women of Bath Iron Works who deliver the highest-quality ships to our Navy, and this contract modification will allow them to continue to make important improvements to those ships,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement.\nMore specifically, the funding will be dedicated towards continuing Lead Yard services, which include liaison for follow ship construction, general class services, class logistic services, class design agent services, continuation of the DDG 51 Class Flight III upgrade design efforts, and class change design services for follow ships.\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-floor-senator-collins-urges-only-senator-blocking-senior-afe-act-reconsider", "From the Senate Floor, Senator Collins Urges Only Senator Blocking the Senior $afe Act to Reconsider", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins\u2019 floor statement on the Senior $afe Act  Note to assignment editors and news directors: Click HERE to watch Senator Collins\u2019 floor statement on the Senior $afe Act\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, took to the Senate floor this afternoon to express her deep disappointment that one Senator is holding up the passage of the Senior$afe Act\u2014bipartisan legislation she authored to help protect seniors from financial exploitation and fraud. Senator Collins has been a steadfast champion of efforts to shed light on and put a stop to the national epidemic of financial abuse of seniors, which robs them of their hard-earned savings.\n\u201cI am greatly disappointed that we have been unable to overcome objections from just one Senator from the other side of the aisle who is blocking the passage of the Senior$afe Act, legislation I introduced to help protect our seniors from financial fraud and exploitation,\u201d said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, from the Senate floor. \u201cThis is a bill that I introduced with my colleague, Senator Claire McCaskill, as a result of extensive hearings and investigations that we have conducted in the Senate Aging Committee. Nationally as many as five million seniors may be victims of financial abuse each year, and putting an end to this tsunami of fraud has long been one of my top priorities.\n\u201cThis commonsense bill would help so many seniors avoid becoming the victim of financial fraud and abuse,\u201d Senator Collins continued. \u201cI hope that the Senator in question will reconsider and allow us to send this important bill to the President for his signature.\u201dIn a letter to Senator Collins, Jaye Martin, Executive Director of Maine Legal Services, expressed strong support for the legislation, writing that, \"In a landscape that includes family members who often wish to keep exploitation from coming to light because they are perpetrating the exploitation, the risk of facing potential nuisance or false complaints over privacy violations is all too real. This is a barrier that must be removed so that financial institutions will act immediately to make a report to the proper authorities upon forming a reasonable belief that exploitation is occurring. These professionals are on the front lines in the fight against elder financial exploitation and are often the only ones in a position to stop the exploitation before it is too late.\u201d\nThe Senior$afe Act, which will help protect seniors from financial fraud, is based on Maine\u2019s innovative and important Senior$afe program pioneered by Maine Securities Administrator Judith Shaw. In February 2015, Chairman Collins invited Judith Shaw to testify at a hearing that examined ways to prevent the financial exploitation of seniors. Ms. Martin, who testified before the Senate Aging Committee last month, said hundreds of financial institution managers and employees have been trained to identify possible fraud as a result of Maine\u2019s Senior$afe law.The Senior$afe Act would:\n \nEncourage banks, credit unions, investment advisors, broker-dealers, insurance companies and insurance agencies to report suspected senor financial fraud; and\n \n \nProtect these institutions from being sued for making reports so long as they have trained their employees, and make reports in good faith and on a reasonable basis to the proper authorities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-fy-2017-national-defense-authorization-act-provisions-championed-senator", "Senate Passes FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act with Provisions Championed by Senator Collins", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 With U.S. Senator Susan Collins\u2019 strong advocacy, the Senate passed the fiscal year (FY) 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today by an overwhelming bipartisan majority (92-7). Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.\nThe FY 2017 NDAA, which authorizes $619 billion for national defense and includes provisions supporting members of the armed services, is critically important to preserving our nation\u2019s security. The House passed this legislation last week by a vote of 375 to 34, and it will now head to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\u201cThis bill is vital to ensuring that our military has the critical resources and equipment necessary to accomplish national security missions around the world and meet the ever-expanding threats facing our nation. Moreover, this important legislation supports our men and women in uniform through the largest pay increase since 2010,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis bill reflects a bipartisan commitment by members of both chambers of Congress to put aside their differences to keep the United States safe.\u201d\nThe legislation includes $3.2 billion to authorize the procurement of two Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyers and a $49.8 million increase for incremental funding for an additional FY 2016 destroyer. The FY 2017 NDAA also authorizes $271.8 million for the continuing construction of Zumwalt (DDG 1000) destroyers. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins secured $433 million in funding for these additional ships in the Defense Appropriations bill that passed the Committee unanimously in May 2016. The funding builds on the $1 billion Senator Collins secured toward the construction of an additional DDG 51 destroyer last year. At present, the Navy has 272 deployable battle force ships, well short of the goal set by the Navy\u2019s 30-year shipbuilding plan, which calls for the United States to have 308 ships by fiscal year 2021.\nIn addition, the legislation includes a provision championed by Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME) and Representative Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) that will require the Department of Defense to consider athletic footwear subject to the Berry Amendment by providing initial entry service members with American-made athlete shoes upon arrival at basic training. The provision is a significant victory for American jobs and respected American manufacturers like New Balance that will now be able to compete for contracts to provide domestically produced athletic footwear to military recruits.\nThe FY 2017 NDAA also provides vital assistance to our troops by authorizing a 2.1 percent pay raise\u2014the largest since 2010\u2014bolsters ground and aviation training, and increases the end strength of our armed forces.\nOther key provisions that are important to Maine and our nation include:\n \nFunding for projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, including $17.8 million for authorized for unaccompanied housing, $30.1 million for utility improvements, and $27 million to construct a replacement medical and dental clinic. Senator Collins successfully advocated for funding for these projects as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n \n\u00a0\n \nA provision permitting the Secretary of Defense to waive the flat-rate requirement for long-term temporary duty for military and civilian personnel if the secretary determines that the reduced rate per diem for meals and incidental expenses is insufficient to pay for actual travel expenses. Senator Collins has strongly pushed to ensure servicemembers and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, including public shipyard workers, receive full reimbursement when traveling on long-term temporary duty.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-passing-john-glenn", "Senator Collins Statement on the Passing of John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins\u2019 Statement on the Passing of John Glenn \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Thu, 12/08/2016 - 15:33    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding the passing of John Glenn:\n\u201cJohn was a true American hero who devoted his life to serving his country and his home state of Ohio.\n\u201cAs a legendary astronaut, decorated Marine pilot, and four-term United States Senator, John\u2019s life was marked by exceptional and groundbreaking leadership. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that will inspire millions of Americans for generations to come.\n\u201cIt was an honor to serve alongside John in the Senate, and his passing is a loss to his family and friends, the country, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-joins-other-committee-leaders-bipartisan-ceremony-marking-passage-21st", "Senator Collins Joins Other Committee Leaders in Bipartisan Ceremony Marking the Passage of the 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation Will Help Fight Against Opioid Abuse Through $1 Billion in State Grants; Spur Innovative Treatments and Cures for Alzheimer\u2019s, Cancer, and Many Other Diseases by investing $4.8 billion in the NIH; and Improve Mental Health Programs\nClick HERE for a high resolution photo of Senator Collins at the enrollment ceremony for the 21st Century Cures Act\nClick HERE for B-roll of the enrollment ceremony  Note to assignment editors and news directors: Click HERE for higher quality B-roll of the enrollment ceremony\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Following her strong advocacy in advancing the 21st Century Cures Act, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) took part in a bipartisan enrollment ceremony in the U.S. Capitol with other Committee leaders and members of House of Senate leadership to mark the passage of this landmark medical innovation bill. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Collins authored and successfully included five provisions contained within the final legislation.\nAt the enrollment ceremony, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) and the Senate president pro tempore Orrin Hatch (R-UT) signed the bill before sending it to the White House to be signed into law.\n\u201cAll of us know someone who has courageously faced a devastating health diagnosis. The 21st Century Cures Act will help us achieve our dream of conquering disease by investing $4.8 billion in biomedical research and development. Moreover, this legislation will provide $1 billion in much-needed funding to address the heroin and opioid epidemic and makes the most significant reforms to our mental health system in more than a decade,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cAs a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I am proud to have pushed for and contributed to this landmark bill, which will make a tremendous difference in the life of every American,\u201d\nThe 21st Century Cures Act was championed by Senator Collins and will benefit every American family. Among its many major components, this landmark bill provides $1 billion to fight opioid abuse through grants to states, invests $4.8 billion in the National Institutes of Health to spur biomedical research and finally unlock cures to diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s and diabetes, and improves our mental health system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/house-passes-legislation-authored-and-introduced-senator-collins-combat-boko-haram", "House Passes Legislation Authored and Introduced by Senator Collins to Combat Boko Haram", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 In an effort to strengthen the United States\u2019 response to the brazen and vicious acts of terrorism carried out by Boko Haram, U.S. Senator Susan Collins authored and introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at stopping the spread of this terrorist organization. Senator Collins\u2019 bill passed the Senate in September of 2015. This evening, following ongoing advocacy from Senator Collins, the House unanimously passed this bipartisan legislation. The legislation will now go to the President's desk for his signature.\nSenator Collins\u2019 legislation would require a new 5-year U.S. government strategy to counter the threat of Boko Haram and assist the Government of Nigeria in addressing the legitimate grievances of vulnerable populations affected by this terrorist organization.\n\u201cBoko Haram has pledged allegiance to ISIS and continues to commit terrible acts of brutal violence against civilians in Nigeria as well as in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. This bipartisan legislation signals a renewed congressional commitment to pursuing Boko Haram and bolstering U.S. efforts throughout the region. The already dire situation there will continue to worsen if the current trajectory is not significantly altered,\u201d Senator Collins stated. \u201cBy definition, Boko Haram means Western education is forbidden. I urge the President to immediately sign this bill into law and send an international signal that we will never forget the girls of Nigeria who were targeted simply because they chose to pursue an education.\u201d\nIn 2014, in response to Boko Haram\u2019s kidnapping of the 276 school girls in Nigeria, Senator Collins, joined by Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), led all twenty women Senators in urging Secretary Kerry to seek Boko Haram\u2019s addition to the United Nation\u2019s al-Qaeda Sanctions List. Following this letter, the United Nations Security Council voted to subject Boko Haram to a complete asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.\nCo-sponsors include eighteen Senators: Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Patty Murray (R-WA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), David Vitter (R-LA), and James Inhofe (R-OK).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-21st-century-cures-act-5-provisions-authored-senator-collins", "Senate Passes 21st Century Cures Act with 5 Provisions Authored by Senator Collins", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation Will Help Fight Against Opioid Abuse Through $1 Billion in State Grants; Spur Innovative Treatments and Cures for Alzheimer\u2019s, Cancer, and Many Other Diseases; and Improve Mental Health Programs\nTo read a copy of Senator Collins' floor statement in support of the 21st Century Cures Act, click HERE  To watch Senator Collins' floor statement, click HERE\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 The U.S. Senate today passed the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that was championed by U.S. Senator Susan Collins and will benefit every American by spurring the advancement of biomedical research, combating the opioid abuse epidemic, and improving our mental health system. Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee and a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, authored or co-authored five provisions contained within the legislation, which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 94-5. The legislation cleared the House in a similarly overwhelming bipartisan vote of 392-26 earlier this week. The legislation will now go to the President's desk for his signature. \u00a0On Monday, Senator Collins spoke on the Senate floor urging her colleagues to pass this important bill to promote medical innovation.\n\u201cAll of us know someone who courageously faces the struggles of living with a debilitating chronic illness or rare disease, or who received a devastating diagnosis and was gone too soon. Through the strong support of research and development, the 21st Century Cures Act will help us achieve our dream of conquering disease,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act will also make the most significant reforms to our mental health system in more than a decade and help direct $1 billion in much-needed funding to address the heroin and opioid epidemic in this country, which has hit Maine communities particularly hard. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I am proud to have pushed for and contributed to this landmark bill, which will make a tremendous difference in the life of every American.\u201d\n\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act is an important step forward for life-saving biomedical research. The Jackson Laboratory is leading the search for tomorrow\u2019s cures and we are so grateful to Senator Collins for her leadership and advocacy in passing this act,\u201d said Ed Liu, M.D., President and CEO, The Jackson Laboratory.\nAdvancing Biomedical Research\nThe 21st Century Cures Act provides $4.8 billion over ten years for the National Institutes of Health. That funding includes $1.6 billion for the BRAIN Initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s, our nation\u2019s costliest disease. Additionally, it will help allocate $1.8 billion for the Vice President\u2019s Cancer Moonshot, $1.5 billion for the President\u2019s Precision Medicine Initiative, and $30 million for regenerative medicine using adult stem cells. The bill\u2019s cancer provisions are named after Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s son, Beau Biden, who died from cancer last year.\nThe 21st Century Cures Act also incorporates several notable bipartisan provisions introduced by Senator Collins to encourage medical innovation, including:\n \nSenator Collins\u2019 provisions to encourage the use of Health Information Exchanges to promote patient access to health information.\n \nImproving the Mental Health System\nThe 21st Century Cures Act also strengthens and improves important mental health programs for the first time in more than a decade. One in five Americans\u2014nearly 44 million people\u2014experience some type of mental illness each year. The reforms in the bill will enhance coordination, address a lack of resources, and develop real solutions to improve outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness and their families.\nNotable mental health provisions introduced by Senator Collins include:\n \nThe Durbin-Collins Mental Health Reform Act, which will support college and university efforts to directly provide mental health services; increase awareness and training to respond effectively to students with mental health and substance use disorders; and establish an interagency working group to promote federal agency collaboration to support innovations in mental health services for students on college and university campuses; and\n \n \nLanguage requiring the Government Accountability Office to study the Protection and Advocacy programs.\n \nFighting Opioid Abuse Epidemic\nThe 21st Century Cures Act also includes $1 billion over two years for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, including prescription drug monitoring programs, prevention activities, training for health care providers, and improving access to opioid treatment programs. This money will benefit every state, including Maine, which has tragically experienced a record number of overdose deaths.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-75th-commemoration-attack-pearl-harbor", "Senator Collins Statement on 75th Commemoration of the Attack on Pearl Harbor", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 In recognition of the 75th commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor, U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement:\n\u201cThroughout our nation and our state, we pause on this most solemn anniversary in memory of the more than 2,300 Americans who lost their lives 75 years ago, and in gratitude to the millions of Americans who met a great challenge with courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.\n\u201cOn the morning of December 7, 1941, America was a nation at peace. Within minutes, the men and women of our armed forces at Pearl Harbor, including many from Maine, found themselves on the front lines of a battle for the future of civilization, and they fought back. In the days that followed, millions more put the comfort and safety of home aside and joined the fight. Throughout the country, Americans of all ages worked and saved and rationed and sacrificed as never before to support our troops.\n\u201cOn this 75th commemoration of the attack, we honor those who fought and were killed at Pearl Harbor as well as the brave men and women who answered the call to defend our freedoms in World War II and brought liberty to so many others.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-welcome-tariff-announcement-protect-maine-papermaking-jobs", "Collins, King Welcome Tariff Announcement to Protect Maine Papermaking Jobs", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In response to an announcement today from the U.S. Trade Commission (ITC) that it will help protect Maine papermaking jobs by extending existing duties on imports of coated paper from China and Indonesia, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe welcome the International Trade Commission\u2019s decision to maintain its current tariffs on coated paper from China and Indonesia. This decision will support companies in Maine, like Verso, that provide good-paying jobs to hundreds of people,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cMaine\u2019s papermakers can compete with anyone on a level playing field, which is why tackling these illegal and unfair trade practices by foreign competitors is so critical.\u201d\n\u00a0\nToday, the ITC announced an extension of duties on imports of certain coated paper from China and Indonesia as a step to ensure continuing fair market conditions for the domestic market. The decision by the ITC to continue existing duties resulted from a petition filed under a so-called \u201csunset review.\u201d Under existing law, remedial tariffs that are authorized in antidumping and countervailing duty cases are subject to reassessment five years under sunset review procedures. The original effort to address unfair trade for the subject products was decided in November 2010. The petitioners \u2013 including Verso Corporation, Sappi North America, and Appleton Coated LLC \u2013 requested extension of relief to prevent unfairly subsidized imports from China and Indonesia from harming U.S. manufacturers and workers.\n\u00a0\nSenators Collins and King led a bipartisan letter signed by fifteen of their colleagues in July calling on the ITC to extend the tariffs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/us-senator-susan-collins-meets-dr-ben-carson-washington", "U.S. Senator Susan Collins Meets with Dr. Ben Carson in Washington", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE for B-roll of Senator Collins with Dr. Carson\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with Dr. Ben Carson, the President-elect\u2019s nominee to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in her Washington, D.C., office this afternoon for 50 minutes. Senator Collins chairs the subcommittee that sets HUD\u2019s funding.\n\u201cIt was a pleasure to sit down with Dr. Ben Carson this afternoon. We had a very interesting discussion on ways we can work together to help spur job creation, improve housing options for low-income families and seniors, and strengthen communities across our country. I look forward to hearing more about Dr. Carson\u2019s ideas at his upcoming Senate confirmation hearing,\u201d said Senator Collins.\nThe Senate is expected to consider Dr. Carson\u2019s nomination in early January.", 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-0", "18 Maine Students Nominated for U.S. Military Service Academies", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANGOR\u00a0\u2013 Today, Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) announced that he has nominated 18 students from Maine\u2019s 2nd District to attend one of our Nation\u2019s prestigious military service academies next year. The Congressman will personally call each nominee to congratulate them. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am honored to nominate these dedicated Mainers for consideration to be admitted to one of our Nation\u2019s prestigious military service academies,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cEvery year I am struck by the incredible talent, commitment to duty and record of service of all those who apply and are awarded these nominations. These young men and women are truly among the best and brightest. I wish all these nominees great success and hope they will continue to work hard serving our communities and Great Nation.\u201d\n\u00a0\nCongressman Poliquin\u2019s nominations were informed by the recommendations of his distinguished Service Academy Nomination Advisory Panel, 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, Marines and Navy.\n\u00a0\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 2nd District students who received Congressman Poliquin\u2019s nomination as candidates to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.:\n\u00a0\n Anna Sewall, East Millinocket, Schenck High School: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tChase Harkins, Bethel, Gould Academy: U.S. Military Academy\n\tCody Craig, Skowhegan, Maine Virtual Academy: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tConnor Grant, Houlton, Houlton High School: U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tEmily Mikoud, Dover-Foxcroft, Foxcroft Academy: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy\n\tEthan Boucher, Rumford, Mountain Valley High School: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\tHailey Davis, Liberty, Mount View High School: U.S. Military Academy\n\tHoward Francis, Lee, Lee Academy: U.S. Naval Academy and\u00a0 U.S. Air Force Academy \u00a0\n\tJohn Pepin, Rumford, Mountain Valley High School: U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy\n\tJoseph Baumann, Leeds, Leavitt Area High School: U.S. Naval Academy\n\tJoshua Burns, Bangor, International School of Stavanger: U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tKeenan Collett, Orono, Orono High School: U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\tMax Santagata, Dover-Foxcroft, Foxcroft Academy: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\tRyan Moore, Bangor, Phillips Exeter Academy: U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy\n\tScott Pierce, Auburn, Buckfield High School: U.S. Naval Academy\n\tSeth Davis, Liberty, Mount View High School: U.S. Military Academy\n\tThomas Carmack, Veazie, John Bapst Memorial High School: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force\n\tTrajdan MacFayden, Greenville, Greenville High School: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n \u00a0\nThe application period for 2nd District students seeking nomination to a military service academy from Congressman Poliquin in 2017 will open in May.\n\u00a0\nAdditionally, Congressman Poliquin urges military service academy graduates and other Veterans in need of assistance to contact his offices by phone or in person in Lewiston (784-0768), Bangor (942-0583) or Presque Isle (764-1968) or by visiting\u00a0poliquin.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-speak-senate-floor-21st-century-cures-act-landmark-medical-innovation", "Senator Collins to Speak from the Senate Floor on 21st Century Cures Act, Landmark Medical Innovation Legislation That Includes 5 Pieces of Legislation She Authored", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins\u2019 floor statement on the Senior $afe Act  \u00a0\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, took to the Senate floor this afternoon to express her deep disappointment that one Senator is holding up the passage of the Senior$afe Act\u2014bipartisan legislation she authored to help protect seniors from financial exploitation and fraud. Senator Collins has been a steadfast champion of efforts to shed light on and put a stop to the national epidemic of financial abuse of seniors, which robs them of their hard-earned savings.\n\u201cI am greatly disappointed that we have been unable to overcome objections from just one Senator from the other side of the aisle who is blocking the passage of the Senior$afe Act, legislation I introduced to help protect our seniors from financial fraud and exploitation,\u201d said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, from the Senate floor. \u201cThis is a bill that I introduced with my colleague, Senator Claire McCaskill, as a result of extensive hearings and investigations that we have conducted in the Senate Aging Committee. Nationally as many as five million seniors may be victims of financial abuse each year, and putting an end to this tsunami of fraud has long been one of my top priorities.\n\u201cThis commonsense bill would help so many seniors avoid becoming the victim of financial fraud and abuse,\u201d Senator Collins continued. \u201cI hope that the Senator in question will reconsider and allow us to send this important bill to the President for his signature.\u201d\nIn a letter to Senator Collins, Jaye Martin, Executive Director of Maine Legal Services, expressed strong support for the legislation, writing that, \"In a landscape that includes family members who often wish to keep exploitation from coming to light because they are perpetrating the exploitation, the risk of facing potential nuisance or false complaints over privacy violations is all too real. This is a barrier that must be removed so that financial institutions will act immediately to make a report to the proper authorities upon forming a reasonable belief that exploitation is occurring. These professionals are on the front lines in the fight against elder financial exploitation and are often the only ones in a position to stop the exploitation before it is too late.\u201d\nThe Senior$afe Act, which will help protect seniors from financial fraud, is based on Maine\u2019s innovative and important Senior$afe program pioneered by Maine Securities Administrator Judith Shaw. In February 2015, Chairman Collins invited Judith Shaw to testify at a hearing that examined ways to prevent the financial exploitation of seniors. Ms. Martin, who testified before the Senate Aging Committee last month, said hundreds of financial institution managers and employees have been trained to identify possible fraud as a result of Maine\u2019s Senior$afe law.\nThe Senior$afe Act would:\n \nEncourage banks, credit unions, investment advisors, broker-dealers, insurance companies and insurance agencies to report suspected senor financial fraud; and\n \n \nProtect these institutions from being sued for making reports so long as they have trained their employees, and make reports in good faith and on a reasonable basis to the proper authorities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-nomination-dr-ben-carson", "Senator Collins' Statement on Nomination of Dr. Ben Carson", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "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 on Nomination of Dr. Ben Carson \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 12/05/2016 - 14:03    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 Following the nomination of Dr. Ben Carson to be the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, issued this statement:\n\u201cThrough his decades of world-renowned service in the medical community, Dr. Ben Carson has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of Americans. As the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working with Dr. Carson to improve our housing assistance to disadvantaged families, people with disabilities, and low-income seniors as well as programs to assist our homeless youth and veterans, where we are making such progress. I also envision our partnership will help spur job creation and economic development through programs such as the Community Development Block Grants.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-united-states-military-service-0", "Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination.\n\u201cWe are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation\u2019s distinguished service academies,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cThe young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character.\u201d\nThe following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King:\nUnited States Air Force Academy \u2013 Colorado Springs\nName \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Home Town \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0High School\nBenjamin Abbott \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Winslow \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Winslow High School  Thomas Carmack \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Veazie \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0John Bapst Memorial High School  Courtney Christoforo \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Saco \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Thornton Academy  Adrian Dyer \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Easton \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lee Academy  Toby Foelix \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Camden \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lexington High School, MA  Connor Grant \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Houlton \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Houlton High School  Nathan Hersom \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Rockland \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Oceanside High School  Patrick Hopkins \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Winslow \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Winslow High School  Jacob Lennon \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Albion \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Lawrence High School  Jennifer Lorbeski \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Richmond \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Gardiner Area High School  James Mannette \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Windham \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Windham High School  Ryan Moore \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bangor \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Phillips Exeter Academy, NH  John Pepin \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Rumford \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mountain Valley High School  Ira Toracinta \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Kittery \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 St. Thomas Aquinas High School\u00a0\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point\nName \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Home \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Town High School\nEthan Roger Boucher \u00a0 \u00a0Rumford \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mountain Valley High  Andrew Cloutier \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lyman \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Massabesic High School  Keenan Collett \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Orono High School  Thomas Lawson \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Gorham \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Cheverus High School  Jacob Lennon \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Albion \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Lawrence High School  James Mannette \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Windham \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Windham High School  Dylan Roberts \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Cape Elizabeth \u00a0 \u00a0Cape Elizabeth High School  Adam Sciretta \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bath \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Annandale High School, VA\nUnites States Military Academy \u2013 West Point\nName \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Home Town \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 High School\nBenjamin Abbott \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Winslow \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Winslow High School  Emma Begin \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Chelsea \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Hall-Dale High School  Joshua Burns \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bangor \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 International School of Stavanger, Norway  Thomas Carmack \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Veazie \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0John Bapst Memorial High School  Keenan Collett \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono High School  Hailey Davis \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Liberty \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mount View High School  Seth Davis \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Liberty \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mount View High School  Kayla Eddy \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Kittery \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 St. Thomas Aquinas High School  Maxwell Heathco \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Freeport \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Freeport High School  Samuel Jamison \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Windsor \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Erskine Academy  Emily Mikoud \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Dover-Foxcroft \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Foxcroft Academy  Ryan Moore \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bangor \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Phillips Exeter Academy, NH  Ryan Rosado \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Freeport \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Freeport High School  Karen Yurek \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Bath \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Morse High School\nUnited States Naval Academy- Annapolis\nName \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Home Town \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 High School\nThomas Carmack \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Veazie \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 John Bapst Memorial High School  Keenan Collett \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono High School  Howard Francis \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lee \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Lee Academy  Maxwell Heathco \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Freeport \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Freeport High School  Nathan Hersom \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Rockland \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Oceanside High School  Owen Kelley \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Gorham \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Millbrook School, CT  Jacob Lennon \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Albion \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lawrence High School  Eloise Lienert \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Brunswick \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Brunswick High School  Trajdan MacFadyen \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Greenville \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Greenville High School  Max Santagata \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Dover-Foxcroft \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Foxcroft Academy  Adam Sciretta \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bath \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Annandale High School, VA  Anna Sewall \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0East Millinocket \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Schenck High School  Timothy Small \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 South Portland \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0South Portland High School  Ira Toracinta \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Kittery \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0St. Thomas Aquinas High School  Edward Vatcher \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Kennebunk \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Berwick Academy  Jack Venden \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Yarmouth \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Yarmouth High School", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/trust-betrayed-financial-abuse-older-americans-guardians-and-others-power", "\"Trust Betrayed: Financial Abuse of Older Americans by Guardians and Others in Power\"", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Earlier this year, an attorney in Belfast was sentenced to 30 months in prison for bilking two elderly female clients out of nearly a half a million dollars over the course of several years.\nThe lawyer\u2019s brazen theft was uncovered when a teller at a local bank noticed that he was writing large checks to himself on his clients\u2019 accounts. When confronted by authorities, he offered excuses that the prosecutor later described as \u201cbreathtaking.\u201d For example, according to press reports, he put one of his clients into a nursing home to recover from a temporary medical condition, and then kept her there for four years until the theft of her funds came to light. Meanwhile, he submitted bills for \u201cservices,\u201d sometimes totaling $20,000 a month, including charging her $250 per hour for six to seven hours to check on her house, even though his office was just a one-minute drive down the road.\nAnother tragic case of theft and abuse was featured in a Maine Sunday Telegram article last month. The article detailed the story of an elderly woman from Los Angeles, California, who went missing in 2008. In 2012, authorities found her, alive but in poor health, abandoned in a tiny cabin in Maine by three people who had \u201cbefriended\u201d her years earlier. After gaining the woman\u2019s trust, and control of her finances, these criminals sold her house and stole her money, cheating her of an estimated $1 million in assets. Today, this 90-year-old woman is a ward of the state and lives in a nursing home in rural Maine \u2013 thousands of miles away from the life she used to know.\nThese Maine cases represent shocking breaches of trust and shed light on a national epidemic of financial abuse of seniors by those they trust. Sometimes, that abuse is perpetrated by \u201cfriends\u201d or family members who are handling the victim\u2019s affairs informally. Other times, the abuse is committed under color of a fiduciary relationship, such as a Power of Attorney in the Maine cases, or what\u2019s known as a conservatorship or guardianship. One would hope that this abuse would be unusual where guardians or conservators are involved since these fiduciaries are formally appointed and overseen by state courts. But experience has shown that this is not always the case.\nAs the Chairman of the Aging Committee, I have been long been concerned by guardianship abuse that robs seniors of their hard-earned savings and often puts their health and safety at risk. I recently chaired a hearing on this subject to examine the extent to which our seniors remain at risk of financial exploitation by guardians, and what is being done to protect them from this reprehensible crime. At my invitation, Jaye Martin, the Executive Director of Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE) in Maine, testified.\nAccording to Ms. Martin, LSE assisted 260 victims of elder abuse during the last 12 months. This is a 24 percent increase from the prior year. While this number includes physical and emotional abuse as well, roughly half of the cases handled by LSE involved financial exploitation of seniors. Even more alarming was Ms. Martin\u2019s testimony that in 75 percent of those cases, the financial exploitation was carried out by a family member. Unfortunately, these numbers only represent the tip of the iceberg, since so many abuse cases go unreported. Oftentimes, victims are too ashamed or afraid to alert authorities about financial exploitation, particularly when it involves a family member.\nDuring the hearing, the Committee heard testimony about some of the promising initiatives that are being undertaken at the state level to combat this form of financial exploitation. One such example is Minnesota\u2019s Conservator Account Auditing Program, which monitors guardians of seniors by requiring them to file regular reports. The state uses an automated software-based system that scans these conservator reports for 30 \"red flags\" that may indicate abuse or mismanagement of the estate. Minnesota is making this innovative software reporting and analysis system available to other states free of charge.\nLegal organizations like Ms. Martin\u2019s, and others around the nation, are also a significant part of the solution to this burgeoning problem and are making a real difference. I asked Ms. Martin whether additional tools would be beneficial to her efforts on the frontlines to better protect seniors. In response, she noted that Maine\u2019s innovative Senior$afe program has been an \u201cextraordinary success,\u201d and she was thrilled that I introduced a bill earlier this Congress that would take this concept to the nation. My Senior$afe Act would help protect seniors by encouraging banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to train their employees to spot financial abuse of older Americans and report it to the proper authorities.\nSeniors in need of assistance to manage their financial affairs should not have their trust betrayed, leaving them destitute in some cases. While progress is being made, and most guardians are ethical, much more needs to be done to oversee guardians and uncover potential abuse in time to stop it. It is essential that the federal and state governments work together to better ensure that guardians are protecting vulnerable seniors, not stealing from them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-made-usa-legislation-championed-rep-poliquin-protecting", "House Passes Made-in-USA Legislation Championed by Rep. Poliquin, Protecting Hundreds of Maine Jobs", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In a milestone victory for hundreds of Maine manufacturing jobs\u2014after a hard-fought, months-long battle\u2014the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of the NDAA today that includes critical language pushed forward by Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) to ensure the Department of Defense (DOD) follows the law and issues American-made athletic shoes to its new recruits.\n\u00a0\nCongressman Poliquin, who wore his own red, white and blue, 100% American-made New Balance athletic shoes down to the House floor to cast his vote, released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis is a milestone victory for our Great State of Maine, for our families, and for 900 of the hardest working folks in the world,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cThis is a win that Mainers have long been waiting for. After a months-long and hard fought battle, I am absolutely thrilled that today we have finally pushed this monumental language through the House. I\u2019m not going to let up an inch until we get this to the President\u2019s desk, signed into law and fully implemented.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cNew Balance is proud to be the only major company that still makes athletic footwear in the United States. We are grateful that the U.S. House and Senate has again agreed that our military\u2019s domestic purchasing requirements as stated by law need to be followed. On behalf of the hundreds of men and women in our five New England shoe factories, we want to thank Representative Poliquin for his tireless advocacy in serving the state of Maine,\u201d said Rob DeMartini, President and CEO, New Balance.\n\u00a0\nFor the past several months, Congressman Poliquin has resiliently advocated and taken strong legislative action to push the DOD to comply with the Berry Amendment, the provision which requires the Pentagon to use American-made products for recruits whenever possible.\n\u00a0\nNow, the NDAA will go to the Senate for a final vote.\u00a0 If passed, it will go to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\u00a0\nThis final provision, which was maintained in the NDAA during the conference committee between the House and Senate due to strong support from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Poliquin, mandates that the DOD consider athletic footwear issued to military recruits as subject to the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department to treat athletic footwear like other uniform items.\n\u00a0\nThe Berry Amendment is a provision in law that requires the DOD to use American-made products for new recruits whenever possible. However, since 2002 the DOD has circumvented this policy by issuing cash allowances to new recruits for training shoes, which are not required to be American-made or Berry Amendment-compliant. In 2014, the DOD agreed to change its policy and close this footwear loophole. Despite that announcement, more than two years later, the DOD has yet to actually implement it and rectify this fundamental inequity in the application of the Berry Amendment.\n\u00a0\nTimeline of Progress:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n September-November 2016: The House and the Senate go to conference to hash out the differences in the two chambers\u2019 versions of the NDAA\n \u00a0\n\u00a0\n December 2, 2016: The House passes the final version of the NDAA with the language included\n \u00a0\nItems to Note:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-37-million-preschool-development-grant-maine", "Collins, King Announce $3.7 Million Preschool Development Grant in Maine", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Announce $3.7 Million Preschool Development Grant in Maine \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 12/02/2016 - 09:01    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have awarded $3,735,439 in grant funding to the State of Maine to continue to expand access to high-quality preschool for children from low-income families.\n\u00a0\n\u201cEarly childhood education is an investment in the future of our children,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cThis funding will expand access to pre-K and help build a foundation for Maine children that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe Preschool Development Grant program supports state efforts to create or enhance preschool programs in high-need communities, while building or improving infrastructure to better deliver preschool services. Maine is one of 18 states receiving funding through the Preschool Development Grant program.\n\u00a0\nThis is the third year out of four that awards are given to states that are working with local communities to prepare the nation\u2019s most vulnerable children for success in school and in life.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-leads-bipartisan-push-address-technicality-harming-veterans%E2%80%99-access-timely", "Senator Collins Leads Bipartisan Push to Address Technicality That is Harming Veterans Access to Timely and Quality Health Care, Including Veterans in Southern Maine", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led a bipartisan letter with Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) urging that all pending VA medical centers be authorized before Congress adjourns. The issue affects 24 facilities in 15 states, including the proposed Portland community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) lease for which Senator Collins secured funding earlier this year. The letter, which was addressed to Senate leadership as well as to the leadership of the Senate Appropriations and VA Committees, was signed by 18 Senators, including Senator Angus King (I-ME).\nAll 24 of these leases have already been fully funded by Congress, but their authorization has been delayed due to a budgetary technicality. Under current rules, the Congressional Budget Office scores these leases as having large, up-front direct costs even though spending would not increase and the leases are subject to annual appropriations. As a result of this scoring issue, Congress has had difficulty authorizing major medical leases for the past three years.\nThe proposed CBOC in Portland would consolidate the existing Saco and Portland CBOCs and enhance VA outpatient services. The lease would increase veterans\u2019 access to a core set of services and additional specialty care in a right-sized, state-of-the-art, energy efficient health care facility in the Portland area. The planned full deployment of tele-medicine technologies in the new clinic would further improve veterans\u2019 access to care in rural locations throughout Maine. Although Senator Collins secured funding for the proposed Portland CBOC earlier this year, it cannot move forward without authorization.\n\u201cVeterans deserve convenient access to high-quality health care services they have earned through their service,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cCBOCs provide an essential service to our veterans by allowing them to receive outpatient care without the stress and difficulty of traveling to larger VA medical centers, which may be located far away from veterans\u2019 homes. I will continue to urge my colleagues to support the authorization of these leases so that vital facilities like the proposed Portland CBOC can begin serving our veterans.\u201d\n\u201cThe longer these VA medical facility leases sit unauthorized, the longer our veterans might be waiting for the quality health care services they earned,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThat, quite simply, is unacceptable. It is past time that Congress stepped up to allow these important projects, like the proposed CBOC in Portland, to move forward in order to support veterans in Maine and across the country.\u201d\nThe full list of leases needing authorization is below:\n1. Ann Arbor, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  2. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Mental Health Clinic  3. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Specialty Clinic  4. Boston, MA \u2013 Research Space  5. Charleston, SC \u2013 Research Space  6. Daytona Beach, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  7. Denver, CO \u2013 Chief Business Office Purchased Care  8. Gainesville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  9. Hampton Roads, VA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  10. Mission Bay, CA \u2013 Research Space  11. Missoula, MT \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  12. Northern Colorado, CO \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  13. Ocala, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  14. Oxnard, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  15. Pike County, GA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  16. Portland, ME \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  17. Raleigh, NC \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  18. Santa Rosa, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  19. Corpus Christi, TX \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  20. Jacksonville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  21. Pontiac, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  22. Rochester, NY \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  23. Tampa \u2013 FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  24. Terre Haute, IN \u2013 Outpatient Clinic\nIn September, Senators Collins and King joined Senator Warner in introducing the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, standalone legislation to authorize the leases.\nThe text of the bipartisan letter is below. Click HERE to read the signed PDF letter.\n\u00a0\nNovember 30, 2016\nDear Leader McConnell, Leader Reid, Chairman Cochran, Vice Chairwoman Mikulski, Chairman Isakson, and Ranking Member Blumenthal:\nWe write to urge the authorization of 24 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases before the 114th Congress adjourns. Funding for these leases has already been provided by Congress in previous appropriations acts. These authorizations are necessary to enable VA to deliver vital care and services to veterans across the United States.\nA 2012 change in budgetary scoring of VA\u2019s major medical leases by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has hampered the authorization of these important leases. Due to the change, the lease authorizations receive large, up-front direct spending scores covering the entire life of the lease, even though actual spending would not increase and the leases are subject to annual appropriations. This scoring issue has prevented Congress from easily authorizing major medical leases for the past three years, affecting 24 facilities across 15 states.\nThe full list of leases needing authorization is below:\n25. Ann Arbor, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  26. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Mental Health Clinic  27. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Specialty Clinic  28. Boston, MA \u2013 Research Space  29. Charleston, SC \u2013 Research Space  30. Daytona Beach, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  31. Denver, CO \u2013 Chief Business Office Purchased Care  32. Gainesville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  33. Hampton Roads, VA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  34. Mission Bay, CA \u2013 Research Space  35. Missoula, MT \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  36. Northern Colorado, CO \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  37. Ocala, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  38. Oxnard, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  39. Pike County, GA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  40. Portland, ME \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  41. Raleigh, NC \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  42. Santa Rosa, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  43. Corpus Christi, TX \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  44. Jacksonville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  45. Pontiac, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  46. Rochester, NY \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  47. Tampa \u2013 FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  48. Terre Haute, IN \u2013 Outpatient Clinic\nVeterans in each of these states deserve the timely and quality health care benefits they have earned through their service. As such, we ask that you work to include authorization for these leases in the December funding bill, or another appropriate vehicle, to be signed into law this year. We thank you for your continuing dedication to our nation\u2019s veterans and look forward to working with you to ensure their timely access to VA health care.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-congressional-delegation-stands-sanford-rug-manufacturer-trade", "Maine Congressional Delegation Stands Up for Sanford Rug Manufacturer in Trade Appeal", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin announced today that they have sent a letter to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board in support of Maine manufacturer Flemish Master Weavers\u2019 (FMW) trade appeal.\n\u00a0\nThe Sanford-based rug manufacturer has applied to the FTZ Board for production authority status that would exempt them from certain tariffs. Currently, textile tariffs that are designed to protect American manufacturers like FMW are actually putting the company at a disadvantage and stifling growth.\n\u00a0\n\u201cA strong manufacturing industry is essential to Maine\u2019s future, and securing fair trade regulations for Maine-based companies is of critical importance to our communities and economy,\u201d wrote the Maine Congressional Delegation in their letter. \u201cFlemish Master Weavers employs 127 people in Sanford, Maine, and is one of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers. [\u2026] Approval of the FTZ application would not only increase competitiveness, but set the company on a track to expand operations.\u201d \n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers manufactures machine-made woven area rugs, and as the smallest of only four such producers in the United States, faces competition from foreign manufacturers who increasingly dominate the area rug market here at home. In order to remain competitive, FMW imports yarn that carries an eight-percent U.S. tariff. Despite being designed to protect U.S. businesses, that tariff is actually putting FMW at a competitive disadvantage against the foreign competitors who enjoy duty-free access to the U.S. for the area rugs they manufacture abroad with identical yarn.\n\u00a0\nIf the Foreign-Trade Zones Board approves FMW\u2019s application for production authority status, the company would be able to avoid the eight-percent yarn tariff. That would increase FMW\u2019s competiveness and potentially set the company on a course to expand operations.\n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers is based in Sanford and employs 127 people. One of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers, FMW has eleven high-speed looms and fully-automated packing and finishing operations. If granted production authority status, the company has indicated that it could potentially increase employment to 170 jobs as part of a 72,000 square foot building expansion.\n\u00a0\nThe foreign-trade zones (FTZs) program was authorized by Congress in 1934 and is used to support U.S. companies in competition with foreign alternatives by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign merchandise, as well as other savings. The Foreign-Trade Zones Board licenses designated sites as FTZs.\n\u00a0\nThe Maine delegation\u2019s letter to the FTZ Board is available HERE and the text is below:\n\u00a0\n+++\n\u00a0\nNovember 30, 2016\n\u00a0\nMr. Andrew McGilvray\nExecutive Secretary\nForeign-Trade Zone Board\nU.S. Department of Commerce\n1401 Constitution Ave., NW Room 21013\nWashington, DC 20230\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nDear Mr. McGilvray:\n\u00a0\nWe write to express our support for Flemish Master Weavers\u2019 (FMW) recent appeal to the Foreign Trade Zone Board for production authority to manufacture area rugs at FTZ 186, subzone 186A.\u00a0 A strong manufacturing industry is essential to Maine\u2019s future, and securing fair trade regulations for Maine-based companies is of critical importance to our communities and economy.\n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers is a Maine manufacturer of machine-made woven area rugs and is the smallest of four such producers in the United States.\u00a0 The company competes for market share with foreign manufacturers who increasingly dominate the domestic area rug market.\u00a0 To remain competitive, FMW imports continuous filament polypropylene yarn, a material carrying a U.S. tariff of eight percent.\u00a0 Despite efforts to adjust to a changing market, FMW still faces an uphill battle as foreign area rug competitors enjoy duty-free access to the United States for area rugs made in foreign factories with identical yarn.\u00a0 In other words, foreign rugs with the same yarn come in with no U.S. tariff, while FMW\u2019s ability to make the rugs in America is stymied by a U.S. tariff on yarn imports.\u00a0 The end result is that American jobs are, ironically, threatened by a tariff designed to protect them. Inverted tariff relief through production authority is needed to ensure that U.S. tariff policy is not putting FMW at a disadvantage relative to foreign area rug producers.\n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers employs 127 people in Sanford, Maine, and is one of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers. With 11 high speed looms, fully automated packing, and finishing operations, FMW provides meaningful employment to its workers in Maine, helping them to maintain and improve their financial stability. Approval of the FTZ application would not only increase competitiveness, but set the company on a track to expand operations. The company has stated its interest in a 72,000 square foot building expansion and the addition of two new looms and four replacement looms, which could potentially increase employment from 127 to 170 jobs.\n\u00a0\n\tSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-poliquin-applauds-passage-medical-cures-bill-funding-combat-opioid", "Rep. Poliquin Applauds Passage of Medical Cures Bill, Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) applauded the U.S. House of Representative\u2019s passage of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act yesterday, a comprehensive bill that will make major investments in innovative medical research, help find cures and treatments for diseases, and provide critical support to combat the opioid epidemic in Maine and other states across the nation. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cFor more than a half century, our nation has led the world in medical research and innovation,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cWith the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, we will continue to make sure that our top medical research institutions, such as Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor and the Mount Desert Island Laboratory, have the tools they need so they can press on in their work and find more cures and treatments to help patients around the globe. I\u2019m especially pleased that provisions were included in this legislation to specifically improve methods for prevention, diagnosis and treatment for tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs someone whose family has been personally impacted by the horrific opioid crisis in our State, I\u2019m very pleased this bill will provide critical support to Maine to combat this epidemic.\u00a0 I am working to do everything I can to support our families, community members, health care workers, and law enforcement to help curb this crisis.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe 21st Century Cures Act will help accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures for patients across our nation by providing medical researchers with the resources they need and by streamlining and improving the Federal Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) review of life-saving drugs for patients. Specifically, this bill will provide $4.8 billion of funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).\n\u00a0\nAdditionally, the bill includes $1 billion for grants to states to combat the opioid crisis. Congressman Poliquin is a founding member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/aging-committee-chairman-collins-and-ranking-member-mccaskill-hold-hearing-elder-financial", "Aging Committee Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill Hold Hearing on Elder Financial Abuse:  Trust Betrayed: Financial Abuse of Older Americans by Guardians and Others in Power", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to read a copy of Senator Collins\u2019 opening statement  Click HERE to read a copy of Senator McCaskill\u2019s opening statement as prepared for delivery\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 The number of adults over age 65 is expected to nearly double in the United States by 2050. When an older adult becomes incapable of making informed decisions, a guardianship may be necessary. Unfortunately, a new government report finds the extent of abuse by guardians remains too difficult to determine. Efforts to better protect older adults with guardians were the focus of a Senate Aging Committee hearing today titled, \u201cTrust Betrayed: Financial Abuse of Older Americans by Guardians and Others in Power.\"\nIn addition to robbing seniors of their hard-earned savings, financial abuse of older adults often puts seniors\u2019 health and safety at risk. The scope of this form of exploitation is broad and can be perpetrated by a range of fiduciaries, such as a court-appointed guardian, a family member with power of attorney privileges, or a senior\u2019s personal attorney. In addition, senior financial abuse can be committed by \u201cfriends\u201d or family members who are handling the victim\u2019s affairs informally.\n\u201cFinancial abuse of seniors by those they trust is far too common. Today\u2019s hearing will help us understand the extent to which our seniors remain at risk of financial exploitation by guardians, and what is being done to protect them from this reprehensible crime,\u201d said Senator Susan Collins, Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee. \u201cSeniors in need of assistance to manage their financial affairs should not have their trust betrayed, leaving them destitute in some cases. While much more remains to be done, I am encouraged to hear of the important work being carried out in a number of states to protect seniors.\u201d\nPointing to a recent report recommending better inter-governmental communication, Senator Claire McCaskill, Ranking Member, asked, \u201cThe problem is, when Social Security finds out there is fraud they are not sharing that information with state courts, even though they share it with other federal agencies\u2014what\u2019s the rationale for that? The (Social Security Administration) have caught someone ripping someone off, what in the good lord\u2019s name are they doing keeping that information from state authorities?\u201d\nDuring the hearing, the Committee released a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report requested by Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill on guardianship abuse. The GAO\u2019s report builds on a previous study it released in 2010, which found hundreds of cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and identified $5.4 million that had been improperly diverted. The updated report examined cases of elder financial abuse over a four-year period, from 2011 to 2015, and examined measures taken by several states to help protect older adults with guardians.\nAccording to the GAO, guardianship abuse is widespread, but it remains difficult to determine the extent of elder abuse by guardians nationally due to limited data. GAO noted that some progress is being made to collect data on guardianships and improve the guardianship process. In 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services began developing the National Adult Mistreatment Reporting System (NAMRS) to provide consistent and accurate national data on senior abuse. HHS has completed the pilot project and expects to roll out the system next year.\nIn addition, GAO identified a number of measures that can be taken to protect seniors from guardianship abuse, including for courts to ensure that a guardianship is truly needed before appointing one and periodically reexamine whether a guardianship is still needed. Courts should also make sure that guardians are screened for criminal backgrounds and are properly educated on their role and responsibilities.\nWitnesses for the hearing included:\nKathryn Larin, Acting Director, Forensic Audit and Investigative Services Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office, Washington, D.C. Click HERE to read her testimony.\nCate Boyko, Manager, Minnesota Conservator Account Auditing Program, Ramsey, MN. Click HERE to read her testimony.\nJaye Martin, Executive Director, Maine Legal Services for the Elderly, Augusta, ME. Click HERE to read her testimony.\nJessica Kruse, Attorney, Ozarks Elder Law, Springfield, MO. Click HERE to read her testimony.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-warner-lead-bipartisan-group-18-senators-push-waive-technicality-harming-veterans%E2%80%99", "Collins, Warner Lead Bipartisan Group of 18 Senators in Push to Waive Technicality That is Harming Veterans Access to Timely and Quality Health Care", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Mark Warner (D-VA) led a bipartisan letter yesterday urging that 24 pending VA medical centers in 15 states be authorized before Congress adjourns. The letter, which was addressed to Senate leadership as well as the leadership of the Senate Appropriations and VA Committees, was signed by 18 Senators.\nThe funds for all 24 leases have already been appropriated by Congress, but authorization has been delayed due to a budgetary technicality. Under current rules, the Congressional Budget Office scores these leases as having large, up-front direct costs even though spending would not increase and the leases are subject to annual appropriations. As a result of this scoring issue, Congress has had difficulty authorizing major medical leases for the past three years.\nIn September, the Senators introduced the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, standalone legislation to authorize the leases.\n\u201cVeterans in each of these states deserve the timely and quality health care benefits they have earned through their service,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cAs such, we ask that you work to include authorization for these leases in the December funding bill, or another appropriate vehicle, to be signed into law this year.\u201d\nThe full list of leases needing authorization is below:\n1. Ann Arbor, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  2. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Mental Health Clinic  3. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Specialty Clinic  4. Boston, MA \u2013 Research Space  5. Charleston, SC \u2013 Research Space  6. Daytona Beach, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  7. Denver, CO \u2013 Chief Business Office Purchased Care  8. Gainesville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  9. Hampton Roads, VA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  10. Mission Bay, CA \u2013 Research Space  11. Missoula, MT \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  12. Northern Colorado, CO \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  13. Ocala, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  14. Oxnard, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  15. Pike County, GA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  16. Portland, ME \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  17. Raleigh, NC \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  18. Santa Rosa, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  19. Corpus Christi, TX \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  20. Jacksonville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  21. Pontiac, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  22. Rochester, NY \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  23. Tampa \u2013 FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  24. Terre Haute, IN \u2013 Outpatient Clinic\nThe text of the bipartisan letter is below. Click HERE to read the signed PDF letter.\n+++\nNovember 30, 2016\nThe Honorable Mitch McConnell The Honorable Harry Reid  Majority Leader Democratic Leader  United States Senate United States Senate  Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510\nThe Honorable Thad Cochran The Honorable Barbara A. Mikulski  Chairman Vice Chairwoman  Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations  United States Senate United States Senate  Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510\nThe Honorable Johnny Isakson The Honorable Richard Blumenthal  Chairman Ranking Member  Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs  United States Senate United States Senate  Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510\nDear Leader McConnell, Leader Reid, Chairman Cochran, Vice Chairwoman Mikulski, Chairman Isakson, and Ranking Member Blumenthal:\nWe write to urge the authorization of 24 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases before the 114th Congress adjourns. Funding for these leases has already been provided by Congress in previous appropriations acts. These authorizations are necessary to enable VA to deliver vital care and services to veterans across the United States.\nA 2012 change in budgetary scoring of VA\u2019s major medical leases by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has hampered the authorization of these important leases. Due to the change, the lease authorizations receive large, up-front direct spending scores covering the entire life of the lease, even though actual spending would not increase and the leases are subject to annual appropriations. This scoring issue has prevented Congress from easily authorizing major medical leases for the past three years, affecting 24 facilities across 15 states.\nThe full list of leases needing authorization is below:\n1. Ann Arbor, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  2. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Mental Health Clinic  3. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Specialty Clinic  4. Boston, MA \u2013 Research Space  5. Charleston, SC \u2013 Research Space  6. Daytona Beach, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  7. Denver, CO \u2013 Chief Business Office Purchased Care  8. Gainesville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  9. Hampton Roads, VA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  10. Mission Bay, CA \u2013 Research Space  11. Missoula, MT \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  12. Northern Colorado, CO \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  13. Ocala, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  14. Oxnard, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  15. Pike County, GA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  16. Portland, ME \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  17. Raleigh, NC \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  18. Santa Rosa, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  19. Corpus Christi, TX \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  20. Jacksonville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  21. Pontiac, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  22. Rochester, NY \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  23. Tampa \u2013 FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  24. Terre Haute, IN \u2013 Outpatient Clinic\nVeterans in each of these states deserve the timely and quality health care benefits they have earned through their service. As such, we ask that you work to include authorization for these leases in the December funding bill, or another appropriate vehicle, to be signed into law this year. We thank you for your continuing dedication to our nation\u2019s veterans and look forward to working with you to ensure their timely access to VA health care.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/elder-abuse-growing-problem-maine-executive-director-legal-services-elderly-testifies", "Elder Abuse a Growing Problem in Maine: Executive Director of Legal Services for the Elderly Testifies before Senate Aging Committee", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins\u2019 Q&A with Jaye Martin  Note to Assignment Editors and News Directors: Click HERE for high quality video of Senator Collins' Q&A with Jaye Martin\nClick HERE for a high resolution photo of Senator Collins with Jaye Martin\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 In Maine, Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE) assisted 260 victims of elder abuse during the last 12 months. This is a 24-percent increase from the prior year and the number is only expected to rise. In addition, roughly half of these cases involved financial exploitation of seniors, LSE Executive Director Jaye Martin told a Senate committee today. Ms. Martin was invited to testify before the Senate Aging Committee by its Chairman, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, during a hearing focused on the financial abuse of older Americans by guardians and others in power.\n\u201cFinancial abuse of seniors by those they trust is far too common. Today\u2019s hearing helps us understand the extent to which our seniors remain at risk of financial exploitation by guardians, and what is being done to protect them from this reprehensible crime,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cSeniors in need of assistance to manage their financial affairs should not have their trust betrayed, leaving them destitute in some cases. Legal organizations like Ms. Martin\u2019s, and others around the nation, are making a real difference to better protect seniors but much more remains to be done.\u201d\nIn addition to robbing seniors of their hard-earned savings, financial abuse of older adults often puts seniors\u2019 health and safety at risk. The scope of this form of exploitation is broad and can be perpetrated by a range of fiduciaries, such as a court-appointed guardian, a family member with power of attorney privileges, or a senior\u2019s personal attorney. In addition, senior financial abuse can be committed by \u201cfriends\u201d or family members who are handling the victim\u2019s affairs informally.\nDuring the hearing, Senator Collins questioned Ms. Martin about the Senior$afe Act, a bipartisan bill she introduced with Senator McCaskill that would help protect seniors by encouraging banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to train their employees to spot financial abuse of older Americans and report it to the proper authorities. The legislation is based on Maine\u2019s innovative Senior$afe program.\nSenator Collins asked, \u201cHas [Senior$afe] worked well [in Maine], in your judgment, and is this something we should implement nationwide?\u201d\n\u201c[Senior$afe] has been an extraordinary success, and we were thrilled to see your leadership in taking the concept to the nation,\u201d Ms. Martin responded. \u201cHundreds of financial institution managers and employees have been trained, and we are really seeing that increase the number of seniors that are getting help before it\u2019s too late.\u201d\nThe Committee also released a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report requested by Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill on guardianship abuse. The GAO\u2019s report builds on a previous study it released in 2010, which found hundreds of cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and identified $5.4 million that had been improperly diverted. The updated report examined cases of elder financial abuse over a four-year period, from 2011 to 2015, and examined measures taken by several states to help protect older adults with guardians.\nWitnesses for the hearing included:\n \nKathryn Larin, Acting Director, Forensic Audit and Investigative Services Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office, Washington, D.C. Click HERE to read her testimony.\n \n \nCate Boyko, Manager, Minnesota Conservator Account Auditing Program, Ramsey, MN. Click HERE to read her testimony.\n \n \nJaye Martin, Executive Director, Maine Legal Services for the Elderly, Augusta, ME. Click HERE to read her testimony.\n \n \nJessica Kruse, Attorney, Ozarks Elder Law, Springfield, MO. Click HERE to read her testimony.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-congressional-delegation-stands-sanford-rug-manufacturer-trade-appeal", "Maine Congressional Delegation Stands Up for Sanford Rug Manufacturer in Trade Appeal", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin announced today that they have sent a letter to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board in support of Maine manufacturer Flemish Master Weavers\u2019 (FMW) trade appeal.\n\u00a0\nThe Sanford-based rug manufacturer has applied to the FTZ Board for production authority status that would exempt them from certain tariffs. Currently, textile tariffs that are designed to protect American manufacturers like FMW are actually putting the company at a disadvantage and stifling growth.\n\u00a0\n\u201cA strong manufacturing industry is essential to Maine\u2019s future, and securing fair trade regulations for Maine-based companies is of critical importance to our communities and economy,\u201d wrote the Maine Congressional Delegation in their letter. \u201cFlemish Master Weavers employs 127 people in Sanford, Maine, and is one of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers. [\u2026] Approval of the FTZ application would not only increase competitiveness, but set the company on a track to expand operations.\u201d \n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers manufactures machine-made woven area rugs, and as the smallest of only four such producers in the United States, faces competition from foreign manufacturers who increasingly dominate the area rug market here at home. In order to remain competitive, FMW imports yarn that carries an eight-percent U.S. tariff. Despite being designed to protect U.S. businesses, that tariff is actually putting FMW at a competitive disadvantage against the foreign competitors who enjoy duty-free access to the U.S. for the area rugs they manufacture abroad with identical yarn. \n\u00a0\nIf the Foreign-Trade Zones Board approves FMW\u2019s application for production authority status, the company would be able to avoid the eight-percent yarn tariff. That would increase FMW\u2019s competiveness and potentially set the company on a course to expand operations.\n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers is based in Sanford and employs 127 people. One of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers, FMW has eleven high-speed looms and fully-automated packing and finishing operations. If granted production authority status, the company has indicated that it could potentially increase employment to 170 jobs as part of a 72,000 square foot building expansion. \n\u00a0\nThe foreign-trade zones (FTZs) program was authorized by Congress in 1934 and is used to support U.S. companies in competition with foreign alternatives by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign merchandise, as well as other savings. The Foreign-Trade Zones Board licenses designated sites as FTZs.\n\u00a0\nThe Maine delegation\u2019s letter to the FTZ Board is available HERE and the text is below:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nNovember 30, 2016\n\u00a0\nMr. Andrew McGilvray\nExecutive Secretary\nForeign-Trade Zone Board\nU.S. Department of Commerce\n1401 Constitution Ave., NW Room 21013\nWashington, DC 20230\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nDear Mr. McGilvray:\n\u00a0\nWe write to express our support for Flemish Master Weavers\u2019 (FMW) recent appeal to the Foreign Trade Zone Board for production authority to manufacture area rugs at FTZ 186, subzone 186A.\u00a0 A strong manufacturing industry is essential to Maine\u2019s future, and securing fair trade regulations for Maine-based companies is of critical importance to our communities and economy. \n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers is a Maine manufacturer of machine-made woven area rugs and is the smallest of four such producers in the United States.\u00a0 The company competes for market share with foreign manufacturers who increasingly dominate the domestic area rug market.\u00a0 To remain competitive, FMW imports continuous filament polypropylene yarn, a material carrying a U.S. tariff of eight percent.\u00a0 Despite efforts to adjust to a changing market, FMW still faces an uphill battle as foreign area rug competitors enjoy duty-free access to the United States for area rugs made in foreign factories with identical yarn.\u00a0 In other words, foreign rugs with the same yarn come in with no U.S. tariff, while FMW\u2019s ability to make the rugs in America is stymied by a U.S. tariff on yarn imports.\u00a0 The end result is that American jobs are, ironically, threatened by a tariff designed to protect them. Inverted tariff relief through production authority is needed to ensure that U.S. tariff policy is not putting FMW at a disadvantage relative to foreign area rug producers.\n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers employs 127 people in Sanford, Maine, and is one of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers. With 11 high speed looms, fully automated packing, and finishing operations, FMW provides meaningful employment to its workers in Maine, helping them to maintain and improve their financial stability. Approval of the FTZ application would not only increase competitiveness, but set the company on a track to expand operations. The company has stated its interest in a 72,000 square foot building expansion and the addition of two new looms and four replacement looms, which could potentially increase employment from 127 to 170 jobs. \n\u00a0\nWe request your careful consideration of this matter, subject to all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines, and ask that you please notify Lauren Pfingstag at Lauren_Pfingstag@king.senate.gov, Phillips Hinch at Phillips_Hinch@collins.senate.gov, Evan Johnston at Evan.Johnston@mail.house.gov, and Michael Sinacore at Michael.Sinacore@mail.house.gov when a final decision has been made.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-200000-aroostook-band-micmacs-and-houlton-band-maliseet", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $200,000 for Aroostook Band of Micmacs and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that two tribal communities in Northern Maine will receive a total of $222,453 to promote economic development through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Of that funding, $122,953 will be awarded to the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, and $99,500 will be awarded to the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.\n\u201cWe welcome this funding for Maine\u2019s tribal communities, which will help support vital economic development and foster innovative business ventures among the Aroostook Band of Micmacs and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians communities,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cBy providing new economic opportunities, these investments will benefit the tribal communities as well as Maine\u2019s economy.\u201d\nThe funding for the Aroostook Bank of Micmacs will be used to develop a strategic economic and community development plan to consider the best use of the Tribe's 3,000 acres of land and other tribal assets. In addition, the funding will support feasibility analyses and business plans for two potential tribal enterprises: specialty foods and alternative energy production. The funding for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians will be used to establish a revolving loan fund to support small and emerging independent tribal enterprises and Native entrepreneurs.\nThe funds were awarded through the USDA\u2019s Rural Business Development Grant program, which provides grants for rural projects that finance and facilitate the development of small and emerging rural businesses, help fund distance learning networks, and help fund employment related adult education programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-announce-significant-victory-made-usa-athletic", "Collins, King, Poliquin Announce Significant Victory for Made-in-USA Athletic Footwear Provision", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin today announced that the final 2017 National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision championed by them that will require the Department of Defense to consider athletic footwear subject to the Berry Amendment by providing initial entry service members with American-made athlete shoes upon arrival at basic training.\n\u00a0\nThe provision, which is set to be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate in the coming days, will be implemented over the course of the next two years and will support domestic manufacturing, protect jobs for dedicated American workers, including potentially hundreds in Maine, and help ensure that American troops are equipped and outfitted with high-quality uniform items made in the United States.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis is a significant victory for American jobs and respected American manufacturers like New Balance who will now be able to compete for contracts to provide domestically produced athletic footwear to military recruits. For far too long, the Department of Defense has failed to apply the Berry Amendment to athletic footwear, and American manufacturers have paid the price,\u201d Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin said in a joint statement. \u201cWith the successful inclusion of this provision, Congress and the Pentagon will finally prioritize and reward U.S. companies for creating and maintaining good-paying jobs here in the U.S. and will equip American troops with high-quality American-made athletic footwear. We will relentlessly push the Department of Defense to fully implement this already-overdue provision.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe provision included in the final 2017 National Defense Authorization Act is similar to the Buy American Act introduced by Senators Collins and King and the Stepping up for American Workers and Troops Act introduced by Representative Poliquin. Both bills were\u00a0introduced\u00a0earlier this year.\u00a0Representative Poliquin successfully pushed for adoption of the language in the House-version of the NDAA in April, and again successfully defended its inclusion in May despite strong opposition from special interest groups who attempted a floor vote to nullify the language. Senator King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, fought to successfully add the legislation as an amendment to the Senate-version of the NDAA during the Committee\u2019s markup of the bill in May.\n\u00a0\n\u201cNew Balance is proud to be the only major company that still makes athletic footwear in the United States. We are grateful that the U.S. House and Senate has again agreed that our military\u2019s domestic purchasing requirements as stated by law need to be followed. On behalf of the hundreds of men and women in our five New England shoe factories, we want to thank Senator King, Senator Collins and Representative Poliquin for their tireless advocacy in serving the state of Maine,\u201d said Rob DeMartini, President and CEO, New Balance.\n\u00a0\nThe final provision, which survived a conference committee between the House and Senate following the advocacy of Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin, mandates that the Department of Defense consider athletic footwear issued to military recruits as subject to the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department to treat athletic footwear like other uniform items.\n\u00a0\nThe Berry amendment, passed in 1941, requires the U.S. military to provide its personnel with American-made equipment and uniforms to the greatest extent possible. Despite this long-standing law, and despite the fact that it issues similar Berry Compliant items such as combat boots and service uniforms, the Department of Defense has not previously issued new recruits athletic footwear that is compliant with the Berry Amendment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bill-cosponsored-collins-king-protect-northern-border-unanimously-passes-us", "Bipartisan Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Protect Northern Border Unanimously Passes U.S. House of Representatives, Heads to President's Desk", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that a bipartisan bill they cosponsored\u00a0to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border\u00a0\u2013 the longest common land border in the\u00a0world \u2013 has unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President\u2019s desk for his signature to become law.\nEarlier this month, the legislation \u2013 the Northern Border Security Review Act\u00a0\u2013\u00a0passed the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan bill would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fully evaluate security threats and challenges at the border through a comprehensive examination of the current resources and personnel levels. At 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe first step in determining how best to secure and protect our Northern Border is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the threats we face and the resources necessary to help protect against them,\u201d\u00a0Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cThis bipartisan bill will advance that process for the first time in five years, and ultimately bolster the efforts and work of Maine law enforcement officers and border patrol agents who work hard every day to protect our communities. We look forward to the President signing this bill into law and undertaking the important work of enhancing border security.\u201d\nApproximately\u00a0300,000\u00a0people and\u00a0$910 million\u00a0in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. The Northern Border Security Review Act would require a comprehensive examination of the following issues:\n \nRecruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;\nDetermining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;\nIdentifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and\nFinding vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement.\n \nThe passage of the bill also follows\u00a0a classified briefing\u00a0held yesterday before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security to discuss the security situation along the Northern Border. Senators Collins and King were briefed by high-ranking officials from the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement on threat reporting, smuggling and trafficking trends, border security technology requirements, and staffing in remote locations.\nThe legislation was introduced by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.). Additional cosponsors include Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\u00a0Click here to view a summary of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-poliquin-announce-significant-victory-made-usa-athletic-footwear-provision", "Collins, King, Poliquin Announce Significant Victory for Made-in-USA Athletic Footwear Provision", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin today announced that the final 2017 National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision championed by them that will require the Department of Defense to consider athletic footwear subject to the Berry Amendment by providing initial entry service members with American-made athlete shoes upon arrival at basic training. \n\u00a0\nThe provision, which is set to be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate in the coming days, will be implemented over the course of the next two years and will support domestic manufacturing, protect jobs for dedicated American workers, including potentially hundreds in Maine, and help ensure that American troops are equipped and outfitted with high-quality uniform items made in the United States.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis is a significant victory for American jobs and respected American manufacturers like New Balance who will now be able to compete for contracts to provide domestically produced athletic footwear to military recruits. For far too long, the Department of Defense has failed to apply the Berry Amendment to athletic footwear, and American manufacturers have paid the price,\u201d Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin said in a joint statement. \u201cWith the successful inclusion of this provision, Congress and the Pentagon will finally prioritize and reward U.S. companies for creating and maintaining good-paying jobs here in the U.S. and will equip American troops with high-quality American-made athletic footwear. We will relentlessly push the Department of Defense to fully implement this already-overdue provision.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe provision included in the final 2017 National Defense Authorization Act is similar to the Buy American Act introduced by Senators Collins and King and the Stepping up for American Workers and Troops Act introduced by Representative Poliquin. Both bills were\u00a0introduced\u00a0earlier this year.\u00a0Representative Poliquin successfully pushed for adoption of the language in the House-version of the NDAA in April, and again successfully defended its inclusion in May despite strong opposition from special interest groups who attempted a floor vote to nullify the language. Senator King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, fought to successfully add the legislation as an amendment to the Senate-version of the NDAA during the Committee\u2019s markup of the bill in May.\n\u00a0\n\u201cNew Balance is proud to be the only major company that still makes athletic footwear in the United States. We are grateful that the U.S. House and Senate has again agreed that our military\u2019s domestic purchasing requirements as stated by law need to be followed. On behalf of the hundreds of men and women in our five New England shoe factories, we want to thank Senator King, Senator Collins and Representative Poliquin for their tireless advocacy in serving the state of Maine,\u201d said Rob DeMartini, President and CEO, New Balance.\n\u00a0\nThe final provision, which survived a conference committee between the House and Senate following the advocacy of Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin, mandates that the Department of Defense consider athletic footwear issued to military recruits as subject to the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department to treat athletic footwear like other uniform items. \n\u00a0\nThe Berry amendment, passed in 1941, requires the U.S. military to provide its personnel with American-made equipment and uniforms to the greatest extent possible. Despite this long-standing law, and despite the fact that it issues similar Berry Compliant items such as combat boots and service uniforms, the Department of Defense has not previously issued new recruits athletic footwear that is compliant with the Berry Amendment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-sign-holiday-cards-servicemembers-veterans-their-families", "Collins, King Sign Holiday Cards for Servicemembers, Veterans & Their Families", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, members of the Senate Military Family Caucus, today participated in the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program, which brings together Senators and Congressional staff to sign holiday cards for servicemembers, veterans, and their families.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe men and women serving in our military, along with their families and our nation\u2019s veterans, have sacrificed beyond measure in the defense of the freedoms we cherish today,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cOften times, their service has taken them to distant places \u2013 far from their loved ones and the comfort of home. It\u2019s important to remember that, today, there are still many brave men and women in our Armed Services who can\u2019t be with their loved ones this holiday season, which is why we should join together to support these heroes and their families and express our gratitude for all they do on our behalf. We commend our brave servicemembers, and we will continue to fight for them every day in the Senate.\u201d\n\u00a0\nIn December 2007, Walter Reed Army Medical Center asked the Red Cross to help distribute thousands of holiday cards for wounded service men and women. In response to the request, the Red Cross turned the project into a nationwide effort that could reach members of the military at other facilities in the U.S. and around the world.\u00a0 In previous Capitol Hill signing events, organizers collected more than 2,000 holiday cards.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-mikulski-announce-passage-their-bipartisan-resolution-honoring-75th-anniversary", "Collins, Mikulski Announce Passage of Their Bipartisan Resolution Honoring 75th Anniversary of Civil Air Patrol", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) today announced that their bipartisan resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) passed the Senate unanimously. During World War II, CAPs provided homeland security and national defense, flying more than 24 million miles over 18 months.\n\u201cSince its founding 75 years ago, the Civil Air Patrol has been integral to America\u2019s national security. Two coastal patrol bases located in Maine contributed to our nation\u2019s defense during World War II, and today, hundreds of Civil Air Patrol members in Maine serve in a variety of roles, from search and rescue to disaster relief,\" said Senator Collins. \"Over the past 75 years, thousands of patriotic volunteers have helped keep our country safe. Our resolution honors the 75th anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol and commends these individuals for their dedication to our nation.\u201d\n\u201cThe achievements of the Civil Air Patrol are important to this country and our history as Americans,\u201d Senator Mikulski said. \u201cMy very own team has a CAP who serves among us. Mrs. O nobly trained as a Civil Air Patrolwoman. Now she serves the people of Maryland in my front office. She\u2019s the kind of social glue we need more of in our communities and in Congress, living by the principles of her faith and a commitment to helping others and to public service. We must continue to promote and recognize our nation\u2019s heroes and their outstanding bravery.\u201d\nThe CAP was founded on December 1, 1941. CAPs provided homeland security and national defense, flying more than 24 million miles over 18 months and reported at least 170 possible submarine sightings. CAPs were among the first to allow woman and African Americans to fly in service to their country. Today, CAP is the primary Air Force resource for conducting search and rescue operations, as well as providing disaster relief support, drug interdiction operations, live organ transport, aerospace education, cadet programs and Reserve Officer Training Corps orientation flights. CAPs were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on May 30, 2014, to recognize their military service and exemplary record.\nThe text of Senators Collins and Mikulski\u2019s resolution follows:\nTitle: Recognizing the vital role the Civil Air Patrol has played, and continues to play, in supporting the homeland security and national defense of the United States.\nWhereas, on December 1, 1941, a new civilian defense organization known as the Civil Air Patrol was founded, which was to rely on volunteer civilian aviators who would fly in support of the homeland security of the United States;\nWhereas with the attack on Pearl Harbor 6 days later and the entry of the United States into World War II, the Civil Air Patrol would find itself serving the United States in ways that were not imagined at the time of the conception of the Civil Air Patrol;\nWhereas the Civil Air Patrol initially engaged in coastal patrol operations that were considered critical to the United States war effort, piloting aircraft that in total flew 24,000,000 miles over 18 months, reporting 173 possible enemy submarines, and dropping 82 bombs or depth charges;\nWhereas Civil Air Patrol civilian volunteers flew privately owned light aircraft armed with military bombs at the expense of the volunteers, often at low altitude, in bad weather, and up to 60 miles from shore;\nWhereas Civil Air Patrol civilian volunteers undertook other vital World War II missions nationwide, which included border patrols, search and rescue operations, courier and cargo services, and air defense and pilot training;\nWhereas, unlike many organizations at the time, the Civil Air Patrol welcomed women into its ranks to fly for the Civil Air Patrol, with approximately one half of the women later joining the Women\u2019s Airforce Service Pilots (commonly known as \u201cWASP\u201d) after having first flown with the Civil Air Patrol;\nWhereas the Civil Air Patrol was open to all pilots interested in flying for the Civil Air Patrol, which allowed African-Americans an opportunity to serve and fly for the United States well before the adoption of the integrated Armed Forces;\nWhereas, in 2016, the Civil Air Patrol continues its critical mission in service to the United States, now as a vital partner for the Air Force, serving as the auxiliary force, and, since 2015, as an official component of the total force;\nWhereas the Civil Air Patrol remains one of the premier inland search and rescue organizations of the United States, and was credited with saving the lives of 69 individuals through search and rescue operations in 2015;\nWhereas the Civil Air Patrol continues to fulfill many other vital missions, including helping train interceptor pilots and unmanned aerial vehicle operators under realistic conditions, aerial observation missions, counterdrug operations, disaster relief support, live organ transport, aerospace education, cadet programs, and Reserve Officer Training Corps orientation flights;\nWhereas the continued work of the all-volunteer force of the Civil Air Patrol offers vital support to homeland security and defense missions; and\nWhereas the weekly youth and aerospace education programs of the Civil Air Patrol continue to introduce young students to the field of aviation and instill within the students the values of national service and personal responsibility: Now, therefore, be it\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\n(1) applauds the Civil Air Patrol for 75 years of continuous service in times of peace and war;\n(2) recognizes the critical emergency services, training support, and mission capabilities that the Civil Air Patrol offers State and national homeland security agencies as well as the United States Armed Forces; and\n(3) commends the more than 23,500 youth and 32,500 adult volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol, who hail from a range of professions and across the United States, and dedicate their time to the service of their communities and the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/automated-and-self-driving-vehicles-life-saving-technology-could-revolutionize-our", "Automated and Self-Driving Vehicles: The Life-Saving Technology that could Revolutionize Our Transportation System", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Susan M. Collins  Nov. 28, 2016\nCars that drive themselves and avoid accidents. Seniors and disabled individuals able to retain or gain their ability to get around town in autonomous vehicles. At first, it sounds like science fiction or an advance far off in the future. But this technology is being tested and perfected right now, and it could save thousands of lives.\nAs Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, I recently held a hearing to examine the role of government in enhancing roadway safety through the careful deployment of automated and self-driving vehicles, which could revolutionize our transportation system. Following the release by the U.S. Department of Transportation in late September of a new federal policy to guide the development and deployment of this new generation of motor vehicles, our hearing, with a panel of expert witnesses, focused on how automakers could bring the safety and mobility benefits of autonomous vehicles into the marketplace without unnecessary government regulations stifling innovation.\nMore than 35,000 lives were lost in crashes on U.S. roadways in 2015, and preliminary estimates indicate that there was a 10 percent increase in roadway fatalities in the first half of 2016. More than 90 percent of roadway crashes are the result of human factors, or simply put, driver error, such as distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. The testing and safe deployment of automated vehicle technologies have the potential to reduce substantially this number of preventable driver-related crashes and fatalities. If the technology were perfected, automated vehicles could eliminate many of the crashes on our nation\u2019s roadways and save thousands of lives every year.\nIn addition, self-driving vehicles can provide mobility options to our seniors and disabled populations, particularly those living in rural communities like here in Maine, where too many of our older drivers currently do not have an easy way to get to the doctor or to the grocery store. Public transportation is nonexistent in much of Maine, and taxi service is very limited in rural areas.\nSeniors who can no longer drive often have very few options. A self-driving car, or even one with limited automated features, could help seniors feel more comfortable driving at night and could help those who currently must rely on others to get around to maintain their independence.\nWhile fully self-driving autonomous vehicles are still years away from being available to the general public, many new vehicles already have driver-assist features such as automatic emergency breaking, rearview cameras, and lane-keep assist systems. These technologies are already saving lives and reducing injuries on our roadways. Further, one of our witnesses stated that, by reducing congestion and aggressive driving, self-driving vehicles could save time and fuel while improving air quality.\nAutomated vehicle technology is advancing faster than government agencies can act, and impeding innovation may prevent us from saving lives. The Department of Transportation\u2019s new policy begins to address that issue with a voluntary 15-point \u201csafety assessment\u201d that incentivizes automakers to certify they have addressed all relevant issues ranging from cybersecurity, to human-machine interface, to ethical considerations.\nFrom Ford and Tesla to Google and Uber, automated and self-driving vehicle technology is advancing rapidly. Given the public\u2019s keen interest in these vehicles, the federal, state, and local governments must take a balanced approach in allowing for their research, development, and deployment. It is particularly important that federal agencies work with state and local governments, as well as manufacturers and technology companies, to ensure that this transportation revolution advances both safety and the spirit of innovation that could literally save lives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-500000-eastern-maine-economic-development", "Collins, King Announce $500,000 for Eastern Maine Economic Development", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded a $500,000 Economic Recovery Assistance grant to Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC). The funding will be used to establish a plan to support redevelopment and revitalization in Eastern Maine and to provide assistance to businesses that have been affected by the closure of manufacturing plants.\n\u201cCollaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for promoting business expansion and robust job growth,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cBy supporting the establishment and revitalization of local businesses in Eastern Maine, this investment will help communities and entrepreneurs attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen our state\u2019s economy.\u201d\nEMDC is a private, non-profit organization established in 1967. The Corporation is located in Bangor and serves the four Eastern Counties of Maine: Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis Counties as well as portions of Waldo County.\nAs the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA) fosters regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation. Through strategic investments that foster job creation and attract private investment, EDA supports development in economically distressed areas of the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-nomination-elaine-chao-be-transportation-secretary", "Senator Collins' Statement on the Nomination of Elaine Chao to be Transportation Secretary", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "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 on the Nomination of Elaine Chao to be Transportation Secretary  \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Tue, 11/29/2016 - 13:49    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014Following the nomination of Elaine Chao to be the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, issued this statement:\n\u201cElaine is an enormously bright and capable leader whom I have known for many years. She will bring a wealth of experience to this post given her previous experience in the Executive branch, including her service in President George Bush\u2019s cabinet as well as her service as deputy secretary of transportation during President George H.W. Bush\u2019s administration.\n\u201cAs the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working with Elaine to improve our nation\u2019s transportation system.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/continuation-their-efforts-protect-seniors-exploitation-aging-committee-chairman-collins", "In a Continuation of Their Efforts to Protect Seniors from Exploitation, Aging Committee Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill to Unveil Report on Elder Financial Abuse", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hearing scheduled for Wednesday, November 30th, at 2:30 p.m. in Dirksen 562\nClick HERE to watch live\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Claire McCaskill, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, will hold a hearing on Wednesday, November 30th, titled, \u201cTrust Betrayed: Financial Abuse of Older Americans by Guardians and Others in Power.\" During the hearing, the Committee will unveil a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report requested by Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill on guardianship abuse.\nIn addition to robbing seniors of their hard-earned savings, financial abuse of older adults often puts seniors\u2019 health and safety at risk. The scope of this form of exploitation is broad and can be perpetrated by a range of fiduciaries, such as a court-appointed guardian, a family member with power of attorney privileges, or a senior\u2019s personal attorney. In addition, senior financial abuse can be committed by \u201cfriends\u201d or family members who are handling the victim\u2019s affairs informally.\nThe GAO\u2019s report builds on a previous study it released in 2010, which found hundreds of cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and identified $5.4 million that had been improperly diverted. The updated report, which will be released for the first time at the Aging Committee\u2019s hearing, assesses several states\u2019 progress to improve data on guardianships and increase oversight of the guardianship process. The report also analyzes several recent cases of guardianship abuse and provides recommendations on steps that can be taken to protect seniors.\nWitnesses for the hearing will include:\n \nKathryn Larin, Acting Director, Forensic Audit and Investigative Services Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office, (Washington, D.C.)\nCate Boyko, Manager, Minnesota Conservator Account Auditing Program, (Ramsey, MN)\nJaye Martin, Executive Director, Maine Legal Services for the Elderly, (Augusta, ME)\nJessica Kruse, Attorney, Ozarks Elder Law, (Springfield, MO)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/poised-progress-learning-about-promising-advances-alzheimers-research", "Poised for Progress: Learning About Promising Advances in Alzheimer's Research", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Susan M. Collins  November 22, 2016\nBiomedical research is changing lives and changing the world. During my time in the Senate, I have made it a priority to visit labs, equipment manufacturers, and educational institutions\u2014here in Maine and across the country\u2014that are on the cutting-edge of science and technological innovation. Recently, a Maine resident with ties to the University of Pennsylvania invited me to tour a research lab there and to speak with scientists who are conducting exciting studies of the human brain that may one day lead to a cure or effective treatments for devastating diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s.\nDuring my visit, I peered inside a brain ravaged by Alzheimer\u2019s disease and a brain that was not. The difference was striking. The disease-riddled brain had shriveled to half the original size, and the ventricle had enlarged to what looked like a gaping hole in the brain. Many families are familiar with the tragic symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s: memory loss that disrupts life, confusion with time and place, trouble understanding, difficulty completing tasks, social withdrawal, changes in mood and personality, and inability to recognize loved ones. But seeing the signs in the brain demonstrated clearly the destructive nature of the disease and the promise of the research underway.\nI have served as Co-Chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer\u2019s since I founded it in the Senate in 2004. Earlier this year, I helped secure nearly $1.4 billion in federal funding for Alzheimer\u2019s research that is included in the bill that would fund the National Institutes of Health. That\u2019s a $400 million increase over last year and would build on the $350 million increase that I successfully advocated for in 2015. If enacted, this funding will represent significant progress toward the goal of providing $2 billion per year for Alzheimer\u2019s research, the amount experts say is needed to find a means of prevention or effective treatments by the year 2025.\nAt the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research at the University of Pennsylvania, and in research centers like The Jackson Laboratory here in Maine and others, NIH funding is making a difference. The Penn researchers with whom I met described promising trials that are underway to solve the mystery of Alzheimer\u2019s.\nThe research is exciting; clinical trials are underway, and new developments are happening every day. Scientists are beginning to conduct randomized controlled trials on lifestyle factors including the impact of diet and exercise on cognitive health. The researchers at Penn told me that changes to our lifestyles could potentially reduce or delay the onset of Alzheimer\u2019s disease in people who do not have the gene associated with early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s.\nI also had the opportunity to learn more about cutting-edge biomedical research being conducted at Harvard University, where researchers are examining the role of a gene regulator that helps protect aging neurons from stress, like the toxic effects of abnormal proteins, and whether this protective regulator can be stimulated to prevent or delay Alzheimer\u2019s and other dementias. Currently, most of the Alzheimer\u2019s drug candidates under development seek to reduce Alzheimer\u2019s disease pathologies. If the research at Harvard proves successful, however, it might open up entirely new avenues in Alzheimer\u2019s research and development related to this protective mechanism in the aging brain.\nThe stakes are high. Alzheimer\u2019s is ravaging brains and lives at an alarming rate \u2013 every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops the disease. Approximately 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease today, including 37,000 in Maine, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older and lives longer. In addition to the devastating human cost, this escalation has dire implications for the federal budget. The United States currently spends more than $236 billion per year on Alzheimer\u2019s treatment and care, including $160 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid, making it our nation\u2019s costliest disease.\nNovember is National Alzheimer\u2019s Disease and Awareness Month. With historic increases in funding, and continued top-rate research, we are poised to finally make progress. But this is no time to take our foot off the accelerator. We must continue at full speed to advance this shared goal for families who have been touched by Alzheimer\u2019s and for those who are at risk. One discovery at a time, we will find ways to re-shape aging, preserve brain health and well-being, and find that elusive cure.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-speaks-reeds-brook-middle-schools-blue-ribbon-ceremony-hampden", "Senator Collins Speaks at Reeds Brook Middle School's Blue Ribbon Ceremony in Hampden", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hampden, ME\u00a0\u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins congratulated the students, faculty, and staff at Reeds Brook Middle School\u2019s Blue Ribbon Ceremony in Hampden today. The event celebrated Reeds Brook\u2019s recent designation by the U.S. Department of Education.\n\u201cTo be named a Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor. I am so impressed by how hard everyone works at Reeds Brook in the classroom and in extra activities like sports, music, and the arts,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cIn addition to excellence in the classroom and in school activities, Reeds Brook has a wonderful tradition of serving your community.\u201d\nDarci Greenacre, an alumna of Reeds Brook and a member of Senator Collins\u2019 staff, introduced Senator Collins at the celebration.\n\u201cI am especially happy to be here with Darci, an outstanding member of my staff in Washington and a 2002 graduate of Reeds Brook,\u201d Senator Collins continued. \u201cWhen I learned about all of the great things you do to become a Blue Ribbon School, I told Darci that now I know why she\u2019s so good at her job serving the people of Maine and of our country.\u201d\nReeds Brook Middle School\u2019s Blue Ribbon designation recognizes the school's high learning standards and progress towards closing achievement gaps. Out of nearly 130,000 schools in America, Reeds Brook is one of just 329 to achieve this award this year.\nFollowing her remarks, Senator Collins presented a copy of the statement she entered into the Congressional Record commending the Reeds Brook Middle School community on its Blue Ribbon designation, which she hoped, \u201cwill remind you how proud Maine is of you and inspire students in the years to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/sens-collins-mikulski-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-honoring-75th-anniversary-civil-air", "Sens. Collins, Mikulski Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring 75th Anniversary of Civil Air Patrol", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) today announced they have introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). During World War II, CAPs provided homeland security and national defense, flying more than 24 million miles over 18 months.\u00a0 \n\u201cSince its founding 75 years ago, the Civil Air Patrol has been integral to America\u2019s national security. Two coastal patrol bases located in Maine contributed to our nation\u2019s defense during World War II, and today, hundreds of Civil Air Patrol members in Maine serve in a variety of roles, from search and rescue to disaster relief,\" said Senator Collins. \u00a0\"Over the past 75 years, thousands of patriotic volunteers have helped keep our country safe. Our resolution honors the 75th anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol and commends these individuals for their dedication to our nation.\u201d\n\u201cThe achievements of the Civil Air Patrol are important to this country and our history as Americans,\u201d Senator Mikulski said. \u201cMy very own team has a CAP who serves among us. Mrs. O nobly trained as a Civil Air Patrolwoman. Now she serves the people of Maryland in my front office. She\u2019s the kind of social glue we need more of in our communities and in Congress, living by the principles of her faith and a commitment to helping others and to public service. We must continue to promote and recognize our nation\u2019s heroes and their outstanding bravery.\u201d\nThe CAP was founded on December 1, 1941. CAPs provided homeland security and national defense, flying more than 24 million miles over 18 months and reported at least 170 possible submarine sightings. CAPs were among the first to allow woman and African Americans to fly in service to their country. Today, CAP is the primary Air Force resource for conducting search and rescue operations, as well as providing disaster relief support, drug interdiction operations, live organ transport, aerospace education, cadet programs and Reserve Officer Training Corps orientation flights. CAPs were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on May 30, 2014, to recognize their military service and exemplary record.\nThe text of Senators Collins and Mikulski\u2019s resolution follows: \nTitle: Recognizing the vital role the Civil Air Patrol has played, and continues to play, in supporting the homeland security and national defense of the United States.\nWhereas, on December 1, 1941, a new civil defense organization known as the Civil Air Patrol was founded, which was to rely on volunteer civilian aviators who would fly in support of the homeland security of the United States;\nWhereas with the attack on Pearl Harbor 6 days later and the entry of the United States into World War II, the Civil Air Patrol would find itself serving the United States in ways that were not imagined at the time of the conception of the Civil Air Patrol;\nWhereas the Civil Air Patrol initially engaged in coastal patrol operations that were considered critical to the United States war effort, piloting aircraft that in total flew 24,000,000 miles over 18 months, reporting 173 possible enemy submarines, and dropping 82 bombs or depth charges;\nWhereas Civil Air Patrol civilian volunteers flew privately owned light aircraft armed with military bombs at the expense of the volunteers, often at low altitude, in bad weather, and 60 miles or more from shore;\nWhereas Civil Air Patrol civilian volunteers undertook other vital World War II missions nationwide, which included border patrols, search and rescue operations, courier and cargo services, and air defense and pilot training;\nWhereas, unlike many organizations at the time, the Civil Air Patrol welcomed women into its ranks to fly for the Civil Air Patrol, with over \\1/2\\ of the women later joining the Women\u2019s Airforce Service Pilots (commonly known as \u201cWASP\u201d) after having first flown with the Civil Air Patrol;\nWhereas the Civil Air Patrol was open to all pilots interested in flying for the Civil Air Patrol, which allowed African-Americans an opportunity to serve and fly for the United States well before the adoption of the integrated Armed Forces;\nWhereas, in 2016, the Civil Air Patrol continues its critical mission in service to the United States, now as a vital partner for the Air Force, serving as the auxiliary force, and, since 2015, as an official component of the total force;\nWhereas the Civil Air Patrol remains one of the premier inland search and rescue organizations of the United States, and was credited with saving the lives of 69 individuals through search and rescue operations in 2015;\nWhereas the Civil Air Patrol continues to fulfill many other vital missions, including helping train interceptor pilots and unmanned aerial vehicle operators under realistic conditions, aerial observation missions, counterdrug operations, disaster relief support, live organ transport, aerospace education, cadet programs, and Reserve Officer Training Corps orientation flights;\nWhereas the continued work of the all-volunteer force of the Civil Air Patrol offers vital support to homeland security and defense missions; and\nWhereas the weekly youth and aerospace education programs of the Civil Air Patrol continue to introduce young students to the field of aviation and instill within the students the values of national service and personal responsibility: Now, therefore, be it\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\n(1) applauds the Civil Air Patrol for 75 years of continuous service in times of peace and war;\n(2) recognizes the critical emergency services, training support, and mission capabilities that the Civil Air Patrol offers State and national homeland security agencies as well as the United States Armed Forces; and\n(3) commends the more than 23,500 youth and 32,500 adult volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol, who hail from a range of professions and across the United States, and dedicate their time to the service of their communities and the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-nearly-30-million-navy-contract-cianbro-psny-repairs", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $30 Million Navy Contract for Cianbro for PSNY Repairs", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Announce Nearly $30 Million Navy Contract for Cianbro for PSNY Repairs \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 11/21/2016 - 13:32    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield has been awarded a $28,860,243 contract from the U.S. Navy to perform structural repairs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Kittery.\n\u00a0\n\u201cPortsmouth Naval Shipyard plays a critical role in the defense of our country, and it\u2019s important that the shipyard has the tools and infrastructure needed to continue in that mission,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cWe applaud Cianbro for securing this competitive contract from the Navy and expect that their work on repairs will provide valuable support to the daily operations at PNSY.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThis competitively-awarded contract will support repairs and modernization of pile supported open wharf structures at PSNY\u2019s Berth 11. The project aims to restore the load carrying capacity of the crane rail system on the shipyard\u2019s waterfront, while providing corrosion protection to the wharf. The work is expected to be completed by March 2019.\n\u00a0\nCianbro is a construction and construction services company based in Pittsfield.\n\u00a0\nSenator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-statement-leadership-transition-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Statement on Leadership Transition at Bath Iron Works", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "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 Leadership Transition at Bath Iron Works \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 11/21/2016 - 12:00    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement today in response to the announcement that Dirk A. Lesko will succeed Fred Harris as President of Bath Iron Works on January 1, 2017:\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe commend the selection of Dirk Lesko to serve as the next President of Bath Iron Works. We have both worked with Dirk very closely over the years and are confident that his depth of experience, proven track record, and longstanding commitment to the yard will make him a good leader who will work well with the talented and skilled employees at BIW. We look forward to continuing to work with him in his new capacity to help position the shipyard for success in the future,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cWe also want to thank Fred Harris for his years of dedicated service to Bath and wish him well as he enters retirement this January.\u201d\n\u00a0\nSenator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-yarmouth-native-selected-senate-page-program", "Senator Collins Announces Yarmouth Native Selected to Senate Page Program", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that Yarmouth native Samuel \u201cSammy\u201d Holmes Potter has been selected for the United States Senate Page Program for the spring of 2017. Sammy was nominated to the program by Senator Collins following a competitive selection process. He is the son of Ben and Dina Potter. \n\u201cI am delighted to announce Sammy as a member of the Senate Page Program,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cSammy is a highly motivated student with an impressive record of academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities. I am pleased that he will have this unique opportunity to become intimately familiar with how Congress operates.\u201d\nSammy is a junior at Yarmouth High School, where he serves as the student body president. He is the founder of the Finance Club and the Table Tennis Club, and he participates in the Global Action Club, Be the Change Club, Student Newspaper, and Student Ambassadors. He is also a member of the varsity cross country team, varsity Nordic ski team, and varsity tennis team.\nSammy is highly involved in his community and has received awards for his leadership and community service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-congratulates-maine-potato-board-umaine-release-new-caribou-russet-potato", "Senator Collins Congratulates Maine Potato Board, UMaine on Release of New Caribou Russet Potato", "2016-11-19", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bangor, ME \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended the Maine Harvest Festival in Bangor today, where she congratulated the Maine Potato Board and University of Maine researchers on the release of the highly anticipated Caribou Russet potato. The Caribou Russet was first announced last spring. Since then, commercial seed has been developed, planted, and harvested, with the first crop being made widely available to consumers this weekend.\n\u201cMaine\u2019s potato industry is essential to our economy and is responsible for the creation or support of approximately 5,000 jobs, with an annual economic impact of more than $540 million. As a native of Aroostook County, I was fortunate to have grown up amid the values of hard work, determination, innovation, and common sense that mark the potato industry and those who work in it,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cToday\u2019s release of the Caribou Russet is the result of the productive partnership between the Maine Potato Board and the University of Maine. I commend Dr. Greg Porter, his UMaine research team, and the Board on their successful collaboration.\u201d\nThe Caribou Russet, which was developed by the University of Maine, is a dual-purpose, russet-skinned variety potato with high yields, mid-season maturity, and moderate common scab resistance. In addition to fresh-market consumption, the new variety is expected to be useful for processing markets. Following the Maine Harvest Festival, the Caribou Russet will be available in select stores in Maine. As the supply is increased, the potato will be made available in more locations.\n\u201cIt\u2019s always exciting when we can introduce something new to the market,\u201d said Don Flannery, executive director of the Maine Potato Board. \u201cThis is particularly exciting because it is a really unique russet. We\u2019re calling it the potato lover\u2019s potato because it has a nice, rich flavor and is perfect for baking, mashing, or grilling. We think that people will really enjoy what they taste, and we\u2019re looking forward to putting them in consumers\u2019 hands this weekend in Bangor\u2026Sen. Collins is very supportive of our industry, and shares in our excitement about the Caribou Russet.\u201d\nThe 6th annual Maine Harvest Festival is presented by the Maine Potato Board. More than 150 venders and approximately 6,000 people are expected to attend the event over the course of the weekend. For more information on the Maine Potato Board, visit www.mainepotatoes.com.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-join-colleagues-calling-improved-mail-service-protections-comprehensive-postal", "Collins, King Join Colleagues Calling for Improved Mail Service Protections in Comprehensive Postal Reform Legislation", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of more than 80 legislators from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives in calling for adding lasting solutions to improve and protect mail delivery and service in comprehensive U.S. Postal Service reform legislation introduced in the House.\n\u00a0\nIn the letter, which was led by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kans.), Senators Collins and King pressed leaders of the House and Senate for better, more reliable mail service \u2013 which is often a critical lifeline for families and businesses across the country in both rural and urban areas. To address a significant decline in U.S. Postal Service performance \u2013 including a complete elimination of the overnight service standard \u2013 as well as mail processing plant consolidations and post office hour reductions, the senators and members called for improvements to the current postal reform legislation in the House so it would better protect and boost the reliability, accountability and transparency of the U.S. Postal Service. The legislators also encouraged the enforcement of improved mail delivery standards in part through continual review of affordable mail service options that will help keep the Postal Service strong for years to come.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe Postal Service and its employees play a vital role in our nation,\u201d Senators Collins and King and their colleagues wrote. \u201cIt is essential that we preserve the Postal Service\u2019s commitment to the American public.\u00a0For this reason, improving service needs to be a critical piece of any comprehensive postal reform bill, along with the needed reforms to return the Postal Service to fiscal sustainability.\u00a0Continued poor mail service hurts rural America, businesses, and our economy.\u00a0 Congress should take action to preserve and protect the vibrant institution that is our Postal Service so it, in turn, can help our communities and families truly thrive.\u201d\n\u00a0\nA copy of the letter can be read HERE.\n\u00a0\nTogether, the members of Congress are calling on congressional leaders to build on the progress of the current U.S. House of Representatives\u2019 bipartisan Postal Reform Act of 2016, which would help improve the Postal Service\u2019s financial condition. Additionally, the group is pushing for key provisions to strengthen mail service, improve delivery, and protect Postal Service customers, including:\n\u00a0\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Making mail service and delivery more reliable \u2013 The Postal Service needs a performance target system to make sure measurements of mail delivery are accurate across the country in urban and rural communities through an in-depth classification system.\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Improving accountability and transparency at the Postal Service \u2013 Performance information must be published online and operational plans developed when mail service and delivery targets are not met.\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Boosting enforcement to make sure the Postal Service meets mail delivery and service standards \u2013 The Postal Service must take action to meet its operational plans and not be able to lower mail service standards to come into compliance with performance targets.\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Continuing to review the fiscal state of the Postal Service to help it remain solvent \u2013 Provide regular updates of a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Service\u2019s finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options.\n\u00a0\nIn addition to Senators Collins, King, Heitkamp, and Moran, the following Senators signed the letter: Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Pat Roberts (R-Kans.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff Merkley (D-Oreg.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ron Wyden (D-Oreg.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-speaks-sea-road-school%E2%80%99s-blue-ribbon-ceremony-kennebunk", "Senator Collins Speaks at Sea Road Schools Blue Ribbon Ceremony in Kennebunk", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kennebunk, ME\u00a0\u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins congratulated the students, faculty, and staff at Sea Road School\u2019s Blue Ribbon Ceremony in Kennebunk today. The event celebrated Sea Road School\u2019s recent designation by the U.S. Department of Education.\n\u201cTo be named a Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor. It is an honor that all of you earned by working together,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cI was so impressed by how hard everyone works at Sea Road School in the classroom and in activities like sports, music, and the arts. This designation says a lot about how this whole community works together for good education.\u201d\nSea Road School\u2019s Blue Ribbon designation recognizes the school's high learning standards and progress towards closing achievement gaps. Out of nearly 130,000 schools in America, Sea Road School is one of just 329 to achieve this award this year.\nDuring the event, Senator Collins presented Dr. Marquis with a copy of the statement she entered into the Congressional Record commending the Sea Road School community on its Blue Ribbon designation. Dr. Marquis also received the prestigious Bell Award from the U.S. Department of Education for outstanding school leadership.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/us-senator-susan-collins-statement-president-elect-trumps-nomination-attorney-general", "U.S. Senator Susan Collins' Statement on President-Elect Trump's Nomination for Attorney General", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         U.S. Senator Susan Collins' Statement on President-Elect Trump's Nomination for Attorney General \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 11/18/2016 - 16:09    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump's intention to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) for United States Attorney General:\n\"Senator Jeff Sessions and I came to the Senate the same year, so I have known him for nearly 20 years. He is an individual who works hard, believes in public service, and acts with integrity. As a former U.S. Attorney and former Alabama Attorney General, Senator Sessions is well qualified and would serve our country well as United States Attorney General.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bill-cosponsored-collins-king-protect-northern-border-unanimously-passes-senate", "Bipartisan Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Protect Northern Border Unanimously Passes Senate", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that a bipartisan bill they cosponsored to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border \u2013 the longest common land border in the world \u2013 passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate.\nThe bipartisan legislation, the Northern Border Security Review Act, would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive examination of the current resources and personnel levels \u2013 as well as fully evaluate security threats and challenges at the border. At 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas.\n\u201cMaine law enforcement officers and border patrol agents are the first line of defense in maintaining the security of our border with Canada and protecting Maine from threats,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cBy understanding the northern border's needs, strengths, and vulnerabilities, addressing recruiting and retention issues, and ensuring access to critical resources in rural areas, this legislation will play a significant role in bolstering our border security, supporting law enforcement, and keeping Maine citizens safe.\u201d\nApproximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. The Northern Border Security Review Act would require a comprehensive examination of the following issues:\n \nRecruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;\nDetermining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;\nIdentifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and\nFinding vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement.\n \nThe legislation was introduced by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.). Additional cosponsors include Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Click here to view a summary of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-commemorating-national-apprenticeship-week", "Senator Collins Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Commemorating National Apprenticeship Week", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, joined 13 Senators in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating the week of November 14, 2016, as National Apprenticeship Week.\n\u201cFew issues are as important to the American people as the availability of good jobs in our communities,\u201d Senator Collins said. \u201cI have met with many business owners in Maine who have jobs available but cannot find qualified and trained workers to fill these vacant positions. Our resolution recognizes the importance of apprenticeship programs, which help grow our economy and create opportunities for workers by preparing them for high-skill, high-wage jobs.\u201d\nA 2012 evaluation of registered apprenticeship programs by Mathematica Policy Research found that the tax return on every public dollar invested in registered apprenticeship programs was $27. It further found that individuals who completed registered apprenticeship programs earned over $240,000 more throughout their careers than individuals not participating in such programs.\nSenators joining Senator Collins in introducing resolution designating National Apprenticeship Week included Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Al Franken (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).\nRead the full resolution HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-reed-lead-hearing-automated-and-self-driving-vehicle-revolution", "Senator Collins, Reed Lead Hearing on the Automated and Self-Driving Vehicle Revolution", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to read a copy of Senator Collins\u2019 opening statement  Click HERE to read a copy of Senator Reed\u2019s opening statement\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, led a hearing this afternoon titled, \u201cThe Automated and Self-Driving Vehicle Revolution: What is the Role of Government?\u201d The hearing examined the government\u2019s role in promoting and regulating this new technology, which could save thousands of lives each year and provide new transportation options.\n\"Cars that drive themselves and avoid accidents. Seniors and disabled individuals able to retain or gain their ability to get around town. At first, it sounds like science fiction or an advance far off in the future. But this technology is being tested and perfected right now, and it could save thousands of lives,\u201d said Senator Collins. \"Ninety-four percent of roadway crashes are the result of human factors, or simply put, driver error, such as distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. These crashes are preventable, and we should do everything we can to eliminate them. That is why the government should promote the testing and deployment of automated vehicle technologies, which could substantially reduce driver-related crashes and fatalities, saving thousands of lives every year.\"\n\u201cI commend Chairman Collins for convening this critical hearing. We have a responsibility to fulfill this technology\u2019s promise and foster American innovation, while also keeping our roads safe,\u201d said Senator Reed. \u201cWe must consider the consequences of these technological shifts for American workers and our economy. The impact of autonomous vehicles will be wide ranging and this hearing was an important step toward developing a roadmap toward integrating self-driving and autonomous vehicles into our transportation system.\u201d\nThe development of automated and self-driving vehicles may prove to be the greatest personal transportation revolution since the personal automobile. Given that 35,092 people died on U.S. roadways in 2015 and that 94 percent of crashes can be tied to a human choice or error, automated vehicles have the potential to substantially reduce driver-related crashes and fatalities, saving thousands of lives every year, by correcting human mistakes or using technology that takes over the full driving responsibility. In addition, automated vehicles have the potential to improve mobility and provide transportation options to people with disabilities, aging populations, and communities where car ownership is prohibitively expensive. Automated vehicles also have the potential to save energy and reduce air pollution.\nThe hearing focused on the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (DOT) recently issued Federal Automated Vehicles Policy (FAVP) and examined federal and state governments\u2019 role in ensuring the safety of autonomous and automated vehicles. The DOT released its FAVP on September 20, 2016, which includes vehicle performance guidance, model state policy, an assessment of current regulatory tools, and a discussion of future regulatory tools for congressional consideration. Hearing witnesses discussed these guidelines and suggested improvements to regulations that promote safety while encouraging the swift adoption of this innovative and potentially lifesaving technology.\nWitnesses\n \nThe Honorable Mark Rosekind, Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Click HERE to read a copy of his testimony.\nThe Honorable Deborah Hersman, President and CEO, National Safety Council. Click HERE to read a copy of her testimony.\nThe Honorable Paul Brubaker, President and CEO, Alliance for Transportation Innovation. Click HERE to read a copy of his testimony.\nDr. Nidhi Kalra, Senior Information Scientist, RAND Corporation. Click HERE to read a copy of her testimony.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-congratulates-commissioner-bernhardt-being-elected-president-association", "Senator Collins Congratulates Commissioner Bernhardt on Being Elected President of the Association of the Nation's State DOTs", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Congratulates Commissioner Bernhardt on Being Elected President of the Association of the Nation's State DOTs \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 11/16/2016 - 13:58    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement following the announcement that David Bernhardt, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation, has been elected president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials\u2019 (AASHTO) Board of Directors. Commissioner Bernhardt previously served as the vice president of AASHTO.\n\u201cI am delighted that David Bernhardt has been elected to be the president of AASHTO\u2019s Board of Directors. During his more than three decades of service to Maine, David has demonstrated his strong leadership abilities and commitment to sound transportation policy, and he continues to be a valuable partner in our shared priority to improve infrastructure throughout the state. David did an excellent job advocating for our nation\u2019s transportation system as vice president of AASHTO, and I wish him all the best as he takes on this impressive new responsibility.\u201d\nClick HERE to learn more about AASHTO.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-and-king-and-representative-poliquin-applaud-twin-rivers%E2%80%99-announcement", "Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin Applaud Twin Rivers Announcement", "2016-11-12", "2016", "2016-11", "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 and Representative Poliquin Applaud Twin Rivers\u2019 Announcement \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 11/11/2016 - 19:36    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin issued the following statement regarding today\u2019s announcement from Twin Rivers:\n\"We applaud and congratulate Twin Rivers on this encouraging news, which builds on the company's decision to relocate research and development from Canada to UMaine's Target Technology Center with support from the Economic Development Administration,\" Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin said in a joint statement. \"This acquisition is further proof that the forest economy, with smart investment and innovative research and development efforts, has a bright future. We look forward to continuing to work to strengthen Maine's forest products industry and ensure the continued \u200eprosperity of one of our greatest resources -- our forests -- for generations to come.\"\nMore on Twin Rivers\u2019 announcement can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-and-representative-poliquin-applaud-twin", "Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin Applaud Twin Rivers Announcement", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin issued the following statement regarding today\u2019s announcement from Twin Rivers:\n\u00a0\n\"We applaud and congratulate Twin Rivers on this encouraging news, which builds on the company's decision to relocate research and development from Canada to UMaine's Target Technology Center with support from the Economic Development Administration,\" Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin said in a joint statement. \"This acquisition is further proof that the forest economy, with smart investment and innovative research and development efforts, has a bright future. We look forward to continuing to work to strengthen Maine's forest products industry and ensure the continued \u200eprosperity of one of our greatest resources -- our forests -- for generations to come.\"\n\u00a0\nMore on Twin Rivers\u2019 announcement can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-veterans-day-statement", "Senator Collins Veterans Day Statement", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins\u2019 Veterans Day Statement \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 11/11/2016 - 13:19    \n    \n    \n    \n  \n        \n    \n  \n  \n      \n  \nWashington, D.C. \u2014 In recognition of Veterans Day today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement:\n\u201cLike so many, the gratitude I feel for our veterans is steeped in more than history. It also is personal \u2013 I am one of the millions of Americans who have the privilege to call a veteran 'Dad.\u2019\n\u201cYesterday, I had the great pleasure to speak at the Rotary Club of Portland\u2019s Veterans Appreciation Luncheon and join them and other Mainers to honor our state\u2019s veterans and thank them for their service.\n\u201cThe sacrifices made by veterans, those who serve today, and their families are great, and we owe them so much. The patriotic men and women of our armed forces pay the price of our freedom in times of conflict, and they are our shield in times of peace.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-and-representative-poliquin-announce-taa-0", "Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin Announce TAA Benefits for Workers at Twin Rivers Paper", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Bruce Poliquin announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has approved much-needed Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for displaced employees at Twin Rivers Paper Company.\n\u00a0\nIn July, Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin sent a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez in support of the TAA petition, which was filed in advance of the Madawaska mill shutting down one of its five paper machines.\nTAA benefits have also been extended to some former Madison Paper workers who were not included in an initial TAA certification granted when the mill closed last spring, including on-site contractors.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news for the hardworking men and women at Twin Rivers who have, through no fault of their own, lost their jobs as a result of foreign competition,\u201d said Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin in a joint statement. \u201cTAA programs provide a crucial lifeline that enables displaced workers to acquire the new skills and training necessary to prepare for and pursue jobs in other industries so they can get back on their feet more quickly and continue making critical contributions to Maine\u2019s communities and economy.\u201d\n\u00a0\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.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-20-million-department-education-grant-spurwink-services-maine", "Collins, King Announce $20 Million Department of Education Grant for Spurwink Services in Maine", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Spurwink Services in Portland has been awarded a five-year, $20 million Investing in Innovation (i3) Scale-up grant from the Department of Education.\u00a0 The funding will support Spurwink\u2019s expansion of its Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) model that aims to improve student academic achievement in high schools. Senators Collins and King wrote a letter in July supporting Spurwink\u2019s grant application.\n\u201cSpurwink and its partners have\u00a0been doing great work through its innovative BARR model to help bolster student achievement, which is why we supported their grant application to the Department of Education,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cThis grant funding will allow Spurwink to expand on that positive impact for students and educators at schools in Maine and across the country.\u201d\n\u201cSpurwink is really pleased to be able to provide the fundamental organizational and fiscal services necessary to scale up this very effective BARR model\u201d, explains Spurwink President and CEO Eric Meyer, LCSW, MBA. \u201cIn Maine, the BARR model benefits from the ongoing behavioral health supports that Spurwink provides in public schools, helping students develop their social and emotional skills and engage more fully in learning.\u201d\nSpurwink\u2019s BARR model aims to help educators connect with their students and promote student engagement. This evidence-based, whole school reform model has helped to transform school culture and student outcomes. It has demonstrated significant results in increasing credits and standardized tests scores for students in historically low-performing schools.\nWith this grant funding, Spurwink plans to expand the BARR program to an additional 161 schools. The grant will also support a randomized controlled trial study of the BARR model in 66 low-performing schools.\nThe i3 grant fund provides support to local education agencies and nonprofit organizations that partner with other local education agencies or schools. Scale-up grants require strong evidence and aim to bring proven programs to the national, regional or state scale.\nSpurwink is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization that provides a broad range of education and behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults, and families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-and-king-and-representative-poliquin-announce-taa-benefits-workers-twin", "Senator Collins and King and Representative Poliquin Announce TAA Benefits for Workers at Twin Rivers Paper", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Bruce Poliquin announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has approved much-needed Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for displaced employees at Twin Rivers Paper Company.\nIn July, Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin sent a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez in support of the TAA petition, which was filed in advance of the Madawaska mill shutting down one of its five paper machines.\nTAA benefits have also been extended to some former Madison Paper workers who were not included in an initial TAA certification granted when the mill closed last spring, including on-site contractors.\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news for the hardworking men and women at Twin Rivers who have, through no fault of their own, lost their jobs as a result of foreign competition,\u201d said Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin in a joint statement. \u201cTAA programs provide a crucial lifeline that enables displaced workers to acquire the new skills and training necessary to prepare for and pursue jobs in other industries so they can get back on their feet more quickly and continue making critical contributions to Maine\u2019s communities and economy.\u201d\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.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/us-senator-susan-collins-statement-result-2016-presidential-election", "U.S. Senator Susan Collins' Statement on Result of the 2016 Presidential Election", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         U.S. Senator Susan Collins' Statement on Result of the 2016 Presidential Election \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 11/09/2016 - 07:43    \n    \n    \n    \n  Bangor, ME \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding the result of the 2016 presidential election:\u00a0\n\"Today, I share the relief of many Americans that our long, divisive presidential election has finally drawn to a close. Donald Trump is the President-elect of our country, and I congratulate him on his victory. He faces the important task of reaching out to all Americans, supporters and opponents alike, to show that he is committed to healing the deep divisions that have frayed the social fabric of our nation. My hope is that President-elect Trump will focus on issues that unite us and that together we can usher in an era of accomplishment. I pledge to work with him in that effort.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-welcome-more-15-million-funding-support-9-maine-agricultural-producers", "Collins, King Welcome More Than $1.5 Million in Funding to Support 9 Maine Agricultural Producers", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Welcome More Than $1.5 Million in Funding to Support 9 Maine Agricultural Producers  \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 11/07/2016 - 09:53    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today welcomed an announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it has awarded a total of $1,549,262 to nine Maine agricultural producers. The funding, awarded through the USDA's Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant Program, will support activities related to the processing and marketing of agricultural, value-added products.\u00a0\n\"This federal investment will assist local, independent farms across the state that are seeking to expand their product lines and customer base,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cMaine-made food is renowned for its quality and taste, and we are pleased that this funding will allow more consumers to access the state\u2019s homegrown products.\u201d\nThe grant recipients in Maine are as follows:\nDickey Hill Farm in Monroe will receive $24,145 to assist with the branding, processing, marketing and distribution of organic winter greens.\nPenobscot McCrum in Belfast will receive $248,000 to assist with personnel, ingredients, and marketing expenses associated with transforming raw potatoes into processed potato wedges and expand their existing customer base.\nJessica Laing Dowling in Whitefield will receive $177,717 to help produce and market artisan cheeses from goat and sheep milk.\nThirty Acre Farms in Whitefield will receive $250,000 to help expand the marketing and processing of sauerkraut and other fermented products made from organic vegetables.\nAvena Botanicals in Rockport will receive $250,000 to assist with personnel, processing, and marketing costs to increase sales of organic, herbal products and expand their existing customer base.\nAmerican Unagi in Thomaston will receive $49,400 to help assess the feasibility and marketability of processed products made from farm-raised American eels.\nDogpatch Farm in Washington will receive $50,000 to help brand and direct market pork from critically rare Mulefoot Hogs.\nWhitney Brook in Bridgewater will receive $250,000 used to help expand the farm\u2019s market for organic seed potatoes and table stock potatoes.\nRicker Hill Orchards in Turner will receive $250,000 to help with brand unification, expanding product reach nationally, and to increase production of raw apple cider vinegar, hard cider, fruit wines, and carbonated sweet ciders.\nThis year, the USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Program has contributed a total of $44 million nationwide to help small-scale agricultural producers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-portland-native-her-washington-dc-office-0", "Senator Collins Welcomes Portland Native to Her Washington, D.C. Office", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Welcomes Portland Native to Her Washington, D.C. Office  \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:27    \n    \n    \n    \n  \n        \n    \n  \n  \n      \n  \nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maggie Denekas, a Portland native, has been awarded a fall internship in her Washington, D.C., office. Maggie is the daughter of Betsy Pelikan and Craig Denekas of Portland.\u00a0\n\u201cIt is always a pleasure to introduce Mainers to the nation\u2019s capital and the legislative process, as well as give them an opportunity to serve the citizens of Maine,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cMaggie is a hard worker, and I am delighted to welcome her to my Washington, D.C., office.\u201d\nMaggie is first year student at American University in Washington, D.C., where she intends to study Environmental Science.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-stockholm-native-her-washington-dc-office", "Senator Collins Welcomes Stockholm Native to Her Washington, D.C. Office", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Welcomes Stockholm Native to Her Washington, D.C. Office \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:33    \n    \n    \n    \n  \n        \n    \n  \n  \n      \n  \nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Elsa Thibodeau, a Stockholm native, has been awarded a fall internship in her Washington, D.C., office. Elsa is the daughter of Joe Thibodeau and Lisa Anderson of Stockholm.\n\u201cIt is always a pleasure to give Mainers an opportunity to become actively involved in the legislative process here in Washington and to serve the citizens of Maine,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cElsa has a strong work ethic and a commendable desire to serve the State of Maine, and I am delighted to welcome her to my Washington, D.C., office.\u201d\nElsa has previously served as an intern in Senator Collins\u2019 Caribou and Bangor offices. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maine in 2016 with a degree in international affairs, concentrating in women and gender studies, with minors in business administration and dance. Elsa is an accomplished dancer, who hopes to pursue a career in the international non-profit sector. She has a special interest in international women\u2019s issues and combating human trafficking.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-surry-native-her-washington-dc-office", "Senator Collins Welcomes Surry Native to Her Washington, D.C. Office", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Welcomes Surry Native to Her Washington, D.C. Office  \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:23    \n    \n    \n    \n  \n        \n    \n  \n  \n      \n  \nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Charles Volkwein, a Surry native, has been awarded a fall internship in her Washington, D.C., office. Charles is the son of Ed and Regina Volkwein of Surry.\n\u201cIt is always a pleasure to give Mainers an opportunity to become actively involved in the legislative process and to serve the citizens of Maine,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cCharlie is a hard worker with an impressive record of achievement, and I am delighted to welcome him back to my Washington, D.C., office.\u201d\nCharles graduated from College of the Holy Cross in May 2016. He previously served as an intern in Senator Susan Collins\u2019 Washington, D.C., office in the fall of 2014. Charles intends to pursue a career in law and politics.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/welcoming-maines-honor-flight-tribute-sacrifice-our-veterans", "Welcoming Maine's Honor Flight: A Tribute to the Sacrifice of our Veterans", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Susan M. Collins\nIt is the American character to answer the call of duty. It also is the American character to be grateful to those who answer that call. On Veterans Day, we express that gratitude with school assemblies, parades, and ceremonies. Every day of the year, citizens here in Maine and across America join together in countless ways to support and thank those who serve.\nOne has only to look at the Troop Greeters, who have greeted more than a million troops at the Bangor Airport, to know how much the people of Maine value our service members. They treat our veterans with generosity and a spirit of caring, welcoming them back to our country on planes that arrive at all hours of the day and night.\nA truly remarkable demonstration of this spirit is Honor Flight, a nationwide non-profit organization that transports veterans free of charge to Washington, D.C., so that they can visit and reflect at the memorials that commemorate their service. Since its founding in 2004, more than 180,000 veterans from 42 states have come to our nation\u2019s capital through the generosity and compassion of Honor Flight and its many supporters \u2013 that includes nearly 21,000 last year alone.\nThis June, I had the great pleasure to welcome 26 Maine veterans, who had come to Washington through an Honor Flight, at the World War II Memorial. My father is a World War II veteran who visited the Memorial when it was dedicated, and it was so inspiring to join those Maine heroes at the Memorial honoring their service.\nMany of the visitors at the World War II Memorial that morning thanked the Maine veterans for their service. In a moving tribute, as the veterans made their way to the Memorial, members of the public spontaneously lined up on both sides of the walkway and gave them a round of applause.\nAt another stop during their weekend tour, the Maine veterans visited Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where, during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key saw the American Flag still flying the morning after a battle and was inspired to write \u201cThe Star Spangled Banner.\u201d At the fort, the Maine veterans were joined by young students from California to unfurl an enormous 30-by-42-foot flag, identical to the one that withstood the battle. It is so encouraging to know that our young people respect and honor our veterans.\nAs I travel throughout our great state, I see again and again an important quality among our veterans \u2013 they continue to serve long after their days in uniform come to an end. In civic affairs, community projects, and charities, our veterans step forward, giving back when they already have given so much.\nThat quality of continuing to serve led to the forming of the Honor Flights. In 2004, when the World War II Memorial was dedicated, Earl Morse was a retired Air Force Flight Surgeon working at a VA center in Ohio. After learning that many of his patients dearly wanted to visit the Memorial but could not, due to the cost or health issues, he took action. Joined by five other volunteer private pilots, he led a squadron of six small planes that flew 12 Ohio veterans to Washington in May of 2005.\nAs demand grew, so did volunteerism and financial support, and Earl\u2019s project soon was able to use commercial flights. By the end of 2005, 137 Ohio veterans had been transported to Washington, and Jeff Miller, a son of a veteran from North Carolina, worked with Earl to make the Honor Flight Network a national endeavor.\nFrom air fare, ground transport, meals, and lodging to medical staff and wheelchairs, everything is provided at no cost to the veterans. It is noteworthy that in 2015, the first all-female Honor Flight was held, with 140 women veterans visiting Washington. And the people of Maine should be proud to know that Earl Morse relocated to our state four years ago and now serves our veterans at the VA clinic in Bangor.\nWhile Mainers join all Americans in honoring our veterans every day, we also take time to pay tribute to them on Veterans Day, one of the most sacred days on our nation\u2019s calendar. The origin of Veterans Day is well known: it commemorates the moment when the guns of the First World War fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918. It marks not conquest, but peace earned through valor and sacrifice.\nIt is estimated that some 48 million Americans have served in uniform since the founding of our nation. Today, more than 22 million veterans live among us, more than 127,000 right here in Maine. To put that in perspective, Maine has more veterans per capita than all but two of the other states in the country. We are proud of our state\u2019s contributions to protecting our nation.\nThose numbers are impressive not only because of their sheer size, but also because they describe the history of a people united by the highest ideals of humanity. Those numbers are not cold statistics. Each one tells a story of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.\nThose virtues echo throughout American history, so it is appropriate that Veterans Day now honors all who have defended our nation. Whether they serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or the Merchant Marines, whether they serve in the active duty forces, the National Guard, or the Reserves, patriotic men and women pay the price of our freedom in times of conflict, and they are our shield in times of peace.\nThe sacrifices made by veterans, those who serve today, and their families are great, and we owe them so much. As a Senator, I am committed to ensuring that these patriots receive the health care, rehabilitation services, education, and employment opportunities they have earned. As an American, I share the gratitude and respect that is exemplified in such wonderful programs that honor veterans\u2019 service and sacrifice like the Honor Flights.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-welcome-44-million-investment-water-infrastructure-boothbay-harbor-and", "Collins, King Welcome $4.4 Million Investment in Water Infrastructure for Boothbay Harbor and Vassalboro", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King welcomed an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it is investing $4.4 million to assist the Boothbay Harbor Sewer District and Vassalboro Sanitary District. Boothbay Harbor will receive a $450,000 Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan and a $150,000 grant, and Vassalboro will receive a $2,113,000 Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan and a $1,700,000 grant.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWater infrastructure helps to set a foundation for the health and safety of communities across Maine,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cInvestments like these from USDA Rural Development play an important role in that effort, marshaling critical resources for Maine people.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe Boothbay Harbor Sewer District will use this support for upgrades to its sewer distribution system. The Vassalboro Sanitary District will make an interconnection with the Town of Winslow to facilitate treatment at the Kennebec Sanitary Treatment District's Regional wastewater treatment facility.\n\u00a0\nThese Maine investments come through USDA Rural Development\u2019s Water and Environmental Programs, and are part of a nationwide announcement of $264 million in loans and $67 million in grants. \u00a0These programs provide assistance and financing to communities with 10,000 or fewer residents to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-attends-messalonskee-middle-schools-veterans-appreciation-ceremony", "Senator Collins Attends Messalonskee Middle School's Veterans Appreciation Ceremony", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE and HERE for high resolution photos of Senator Collins thanking veterans\nClick HERE for a high resolution photo of Senator Collins with Messalonskee Middle School students\nOakland, ME\u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended Messalonskee Middle School\u2019s Veterans Appreciation Ceremony in Oakland this morning. Senator Collins delivered remarks at the ceremony, which also included student presentations and music honoring veterans\u2019 service.\n\u201cMessalonskee Middle School has a great Veterans Day tradition of honoring the men and women who serve our county, and I am delighted to join you today,\u201d Senator Collins told the audience of approximately 500 students, veterans, parents, faculty, and staff who attended the event.\n\u201cThroughout our nation\u2019s history, ordinary citizens have left the safety of home to preserve our freedom and to extend the blessings of freedom to others,\u201d Senator Collins continued. \u201cThis assembly is a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude. You will never be forgotten. Your service will always be honored.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/us-senators-collins-shaheen-urge-medicare-ensure-coverage-lifesaving-diabetes-treatments", "U.S. Senators Collins, Shaheen Urge Medicare to Ensure Coverage for Lifesaving Diabetes Treatments", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the Co-Chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, sent a bipartisan letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt today urging him to provide Medicare coverage for lifesaving, clinically appropriate treatment for diabetes. Senators Collins and Shaheen have consistently fought to increase funding for diabetes research and to promote better health care for people with diabetes.\nInsulin-dependent Medicare beneficiaries rely on therapies such as continuous glucose monitors, which can provide real-time readings and data about blood glucose levels, as well as patch pumps, which provide continuous insulin delivery from a patch, to help manage their disease. While many of these treatments are covered by private insurance, Medicare does not cover these devices. As a result, many individuals with diabetes must begin paying for these lifesaving devices out-of-pocket when they age into Medicare.\n\u201cEffective management of diabetes is crucial to our efforts to hold down health care costs, and helping seniors to manage their diabetes successfully can allow them to continue to live healthier and more productive lives,\u201d Senators Collins and Shaheen wrote. \u201cWe continue to be surprised and troubled that insulin-dependent Medicare beneficiaries are being denied coverage for diabetes therapies that are available to people with private health insurance\u2026 We urge you to work expeditiously to ensure that Medicare coverage polices encourage rather than discourage clinically appropriate treatment, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and to review the procedures at CMS that have resulted in these disparities in coverage.\u201d\nSenators Collins and Shaheen introduced the Medicare CGM Access Act of 2015 to create a separate benefit category under Medicare for the continuous glucose monitor and to require coverage of the device for individuals meeting certain medical criteria.\nDiabetes affects nearly 30 million Americans nationwide, and it has been estimated that the number of Americans living with the disease will double and the related health care costs will nearly triple by 2035. Since Senator Collins founded the Senate Diabetes Caucus in 1997, funding for diabetes research has more than tripled from $319 million in 1997 to more than a billion dollars in 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-stabenow-markey-capito-applaud-announcement-medicare-will-implement-hope-alzheimer", "Collins, Stabenow, Markey, Capito Applaud Announcement that Medicare Will Implement HOPE for Alzheimers Act, Pay for New Care Plans to Provide Support to Families of Alzheimers patients", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced that for the first time Medicare will pay for new individual care plans to support Alzheimer\u2019s patients and their families. This new coverage will begin in January 2017. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid finalized its decision, first proposed earlier in July, to pay for the new plans, effectively implementing Senators Collins and Stabenow\u2019s Health Outcomes, Planning and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer\u2019s Act, which was coauthored by Senators Markey and Capito and cosponsored by 54 other Senators.\n\u201cAlzheimer\u2019s is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous personal and economic toll on millions of individuals as well as their family caregivers,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cAs the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimer\u2019s Task Force, I know the importance of ensuring that newly-diagnosed individuals and their families obtain essential support through care planning, which was one of the provisions of our HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act. I am pleased that CMS has recognized the importance of this benefit and will begin covering these services in 2017, which is a real breakthrough. I will continue to work to help Alzheimer\u2019s patients and their caregivers receive the support they need.\u201d\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement will make a major difference in the lives of Alzheimer's patients and their loved ones who help care for them every day,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cMy HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act called for new care plans to be developed for patients and their families, and I\u2019m pleased Medicare will begin paying for this vital service for the first time ever in the New Year.\u201d\nThe HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s Act requires Medicare to pay for an individual care plan for newly diagnosed Alzheimer's patients. This new benefit would encourage doctors to give a clear diagnosis to patients with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/following-bipartisan-advocacy-led-us-senator-susan-collins-hhs-announces-policy-change", "Following Bipartisan Advocacy Led by U.S. Senator Susan Collins, HHS Announces Policy Change to Address Possible Contributing Factor to Opioid Crisis", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Following bipartisan advocacy led by U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that it will immediately implement a policy change to address one possible contributing factor to the opioid crisis and heroin epidemic facing our country. Specifically, HHS will remove the pain management questions from the patient satisfaction survey that is tied to hospitals\u2019 reimbursement rate. These questions may inadvertently encourage treatment with opioid pain relievers, contributing to the vast supply of prescription opioids currently in circulation in our country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health care providers wrote 259 million prescriptions for painkillers in 2012, enough for every American adult to have a bottle of pills.\u00a0\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s opioid and heroin epidemic has devastated countless families and communities across the country. Physicians now face the complicated task of treating pain in an environment where abuse of prescription painkillers is one of the foremost public health challenges facing our nation. This epidemic requires us to examine our existing policies to ensure that they are not inadvertently contributing to our vast oversupply of opioids, which harms families and communities across America,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cFor this reason, I led a bipartisan coalition of 26 Senators in urging HHS to examine the current patient satisfaction surveys. I am so pleased that HHS has taken action to eliminate this possible contributing factor to this burgeoning crisis.\u201d\nPrior to this final rule, a portion of Medicare funding was tied to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019 (CMS) assessment of the quality of care provided at hospitals across our country, which was based in part on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey that discharged patients complete regarding their experience of care. This survey asked discharged patients to respond to questions including, \u201cDuring this hospital stay, how often was your pain well-controlled?\u201d and \u201cDuring this hospital stay, how often did the hospital staff do everything they could to help you with your pain?\u201d CMS is developing alternative questions for assessing the management of a patient\u2019s pain through focus group evaluation, field testing, and stakeholder input.\nEarlier this year, Senator Collins led a bipartisan letter signed by 26 Senators that expressed concern that the patient satisfaction survey may inadvertently encourage treatment with opioid pain relievers, contributing to the vast supply of prescription opioids currently in circulation. Senator Collins also chaired an Aging Committee hearing to underscore the concerns she raised in her letter to CMS officials.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-receives-award-helping-vulnerable-mainers-speaks-about-her-bill-fight", "Senator Collins Receives Award for Helping Vulnerable Mainers, Speaks About Her Bill to Fight Poverty", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins received Maine Community Action\u2019s 2016 Star of Community Action award yesterday at the Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) Center in Houlton.\u00a0\nKara Hay, the President of the Maine Community Action Association Board of Directors, presented Senator Collins with the award, which recognizes individuals who have advocated for or defended low-income people in the face of serious challenges and have made a significant difference in the lives of Maine\u2019s most vulnerable citizens.\n\u201cIt is such an honor to receive Maine Community Action\u2019s 2016 Star of Community Action award and meet with ACAP\u2019s dedicated staff,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cACAP makes such a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable individuals in our society and helps to strengthen our communities.\u201d\nSenator Collins also discussed her bipartisan Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act, legislation she coauthored with Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) that proposes a new, multigenerational approach to fighting poverty. Senator Collins noted that many organizations like ACAP and others in Maine are leading this initiative because they know how important it is to help entire families, not just individuals.\n\u201cThe Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act I coauthored is designed to encourage and support the comprehensive models used by programs like ACAP. This approach brings together a range of services under one roof to equip parents and children with the tools they need to succeed and become self-sufficient,\u201d Senator Collins continued. \u201cWe share a commitment to ensuring that a child\u2019s ZIP code does not determine his or her future success. I applaud ACAP\u2019s efforts and look forward to our continued partnership.\u201d\nFollowing the award presentation, Senator Collins was led by ACAP Executive Director and CEO Jason Parent on a tour of ACAP\u2019s Houlton facility and met with staff. ACAP provides community health services, workforce development, energy and housing assistance, and early child education to serve low-income residents of Aroostook County.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-427000-help-maine-small-businesses-increase-energy-efficiency", "Collins, King Announce $427,000 to Help Maine Small Businesses Increase Energy Efficiency", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014\u00a0U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest a total of $427,000 to help six Maine small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems or upgrade to more energy efficient equipment. The grants were awarded through the USDA\u2019s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).\n\u201cThese investments will help Maine small businesses adopt cost-effective and efficient renewable energy systems that provide significant annual savings as well as environmental benefits,\"\u00a0said Collins and King in a joint statement.\u00a0\u201cBy cutting energy waste, small businesses can improve their bottom lines, increase their competiveness, and better support their local communities.\u201d\nThe grant recipients in Maine are as follows:\n \nLittle River Flower Farm in Buxton will receive $42,226\u00a0to help purchase and install a 24 kW thin-film solar panel system integrated into the structure of a new greenhouse and for two new wood pellet boilers.\nDouble G Farms, Inc. in Blaine will receive $151,271\u00a0to help purchase and install a 219.2 kW solar PV ground-mounted system to benefit the farm.\nKAPH Inc. in Eliot will receive $25,637\u00a0to help purchase and install a 39.75 kW roof-mounted solar array.\nMaine Textiles International, LLC in Biddeford will receive $140,295\u00a0to help purchase and replace textile dyeing equipment at the Saco River Dyehouse, reducing annual energy consumption by approximately 85 percent.\nGoranson Farm in Dresden will receive $17,696\u00a0to help purchase and install a 24.96 kW ground-mounted solar array.\nS.P. Real Estate, LLC in Fort Kent\u00a0will receive $49,875 to help purchase and install a 58.5 kW solar PV tracker system.\n \nSince 2009, USDA\u2019s REAP has invested nearly $13 billion to finance approximately 11,600 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide that in turn have reduced energy costs for 15,000 rural small businesses and farms. This year alone, REAP has invested a total of $237 million to support 423 businesses nationally.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-applaud-approval-norway-spruce-construction-grade-dimensional-lumber", "Collins, King Applaud Approval of Norway Spruce for Construction-Grade Dimensional Lumber", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King applauded a decision to approve Norway spruce as construction-grade dimensional lumber. Senators Collins and King commended a team of researchers from the University of Maine that conducted extensive testing on the wood species, which informed the decision by the American Lumber Standards Committee to approve Norway spruce for use in construction.\u00a0 The decision will benefit Maine landowners, loggers, lumber mills, retailers, and builders.\n\u00a0\n\u201cApproval of Norway spruce as construction-grade is exciting news for Maine\u2019s forest products industry and is a perfect example of how research and business communities can work together to create economic opportunities,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cWe applaud the team of researchers and students at the UMaine Composites Center whose hard work helped lead to this decision that will open doors for rural Maine.\u201d\nOn October 30th, The American Lumber Standards Committee approved the inclusion of Norway spruce in the Spruce-Pine-Fir South grouping of wood species for home construction and industrial applications. That decision was based in part on the testing done at the UMaine Composites Center on lumber milled from Norway spruce.\n\u00a0\nThe team of UMaine staff and students was led by wood composites manager Russell Edgar and wood composites technician Jon Hill. The team tested 1,320 pieces of lumber from Norway spruce grown in Maine, Vermont, New York and Wisconsin.\n\u00a0\nFor more information on the Norway spruce species and its approval for construction use, click HERE.\n\u00a0\nMore information on the testing conducted at UMaine is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-poliquin-receives-award-work-congress-support-home-building-maine", "Rep. Poliquin Receives Award for Work in Congress To Support Home Building in Maine", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ORONO \u2013 Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) was recognized for his work in Congress supporting home building in Maine. The Congressman was presented the Defender of Housing Award by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).\u00a0 Ashley Richards, the State President of the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Maine, presented the award to the Congressman Friday in a ceremony in Orono.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCongressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cOwning a home is a goal that all Maine families should have the opportunity to achieve,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s important that our federal government doesn\u2019t stand in the way of our Maine families achieving homeownership with harmful policies and roadblocks. In Congress, I\u2019m proud to be working for our Maine families to make the dream of homeownership more achievable.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cCongressman Poliquin understands the key national issues facing home builders and remodelers here in Maine,\u201d said HBA president Ashley Richards.\u00a0 \u201cThe unfortunate effect of too much legislation and regulation is that it drives up the cost of housing, making it more difficult for families to afford a home. Homeownership is the engine that drives this nation, and the Defender of Housing Award goes to those men and women that enable more homes to be built.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cHome building is by its very nature a series of productive partnerships between the home builder and his or her client, trade contractor, banker or architect,\u201d said Ed Brady, chairman of the NAHB. \u201cThe Defender of Housing Award honors another very important partnership: our ongoing work with the lawmakers who, in many ways, create the blueprint for our businesses with their votes on legislation that define how our industry operates.\u201d\n\u00a0\nNAHB created the Defender of Housing Award on behalf of the more than 700 state and local HBA\u2019s across the country that make up the NAHB Federation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-mccaskill-applaud-announcement-major-legal-action-against-56-irs", "Senators Collins, McCaskill Applaud Announcement of Major Legal Action AGainst 56 IRS Impersonation Scammers, 5 Call Centers Located in India", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Claire McCaskill, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, applauded the announcement today by a group of federal agencies concerning the indictment of 56 individuals and five call centers located in India accused of preying on American seniors by impersonating government officials. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Trade Commission announced the indictments, the result of a three-year investigation that was the largest single domestic law enforcement action connected with the impersonation scam.\nAs Chairman and Ranking Member of the Aging Committee, Senators Collins and McCaskill have long led efforts to shed light on scams by encouraging a robust response from federal law enforcement agencies and cautioning all Americans, particularly seniors.\n\u201cPutting a stop to aggressive and ruthless scams such as the IRS impersonation scam has long been one of my highest priorities as Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cI applaud the efforts of our law enforcement in making these significant arrests, which represents the largest single domestic law enforcement action ever involving the IRS scam. I am pleased that the Aging Committee\u2019s work to raise awareness about these troubling scams continues to help the Department of Justice track down criminals who are intent on robbing Americans of their hard-earned money. These arrests should also put criminals on notice that we will be relentlessly pursuing these perpetrators.\u201d\n\u201cThese arrests\u2014the largest law enforcement action against these scammers to date\u2014are an enormous victory for the thousands of victims, many of them elderly, whose sense of financial responsibility has been preyed upon by these criminals,\u201d said Senator McCaskill, a former courtroom prosecutor. \u201cWe\u2019re now sending a clear and aggressive signal to these scam artists that they can no longer hide behind the anonymity of a call center or a blocked number to perpetuate a scam that\u2019s made people afraid to answer their phones.\u201d\nLast April, Senators Collins and McCaskill held a hearing that examined IRS impersonation scams and work by law enforcement to put a stop to them and find and prosecute those involved.\nIn 2015, the Aging Committee\u2019s Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470) received more than 1,100 calls from seniors across the country. The most common complaint reported to the Fraud Hotline continues to be the IRS impersonation scam. Data from the Fraud Hotline was used to publish a comprehensive anti-fraud resource guide titled, Fighting Fraud: U.S. Senate Aging Committee Identifies Top 10 Scams Targeting Our Nation\u2019s Seniors.\nAccording to the Government Accountability Office, seniors lose an estimated $2.9 billion to financial exploitation and fraud every year. With such scams reaching epidemic proportions across the country, the IRS has released several tips to help taxpayers identify suspicious calls that may be part of a scam:\nThe IRS will never call a taxpayer to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed a letter to the taxpayer.\nThe IRS will never demand that a taxpayer pay taxes without giving him or her the opportunity to question or appeal the amount claimed to be owed.\nThe IRS will never ask for a credit, debit, or gift card number over the phone.\nThe IRS will never threaten to send local police or other law enforcement to have a taxpayer arrested.\nThe IRS will never require a taxpayer to use a specific payment method for taxes, such as a prepaid debit card or gift card.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-poliquin-urges-pentagon-halt-veterans-repayment-bonuses-applauds", "Rep. Poliquin Urges Pentagon to Halt Veterans Repayment of Bonuses, Applauds Pentagons Quick Action", "2016-10-26", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) is acting to halt the Pentagon\u2019s efforts to force former California National Guard members to repay the bonuses they earned and were promised.\n\u00a0\nCongressman Poliquin sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter asking for an immediate halt in efforts to recoup these bonuses and requesting information to better understand the reason behind the issue and its scope.\u00a0 Today, the Pentagon announced it would cease these recoupment efforts.\n\u00a0\nCongressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cIt was absolutely unacceptable for these Veterans to even be asked to repay the bonuses they earned and were promised,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cI\u2019m pleased the Pentagon realized this horrible mistake and acted quickly to stop it.\u00a0 I\u2019m poised to work with my colleagues in Congress and with the Department of the Defense in investigating the matter and making sure it never happens again.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI believe the best way to repay our Veterans is to make sure they have the care and support they are owed and were promised. In Congress, caring for our Veterans is a top priority for me, which is why I\u2019ve consistently voted for and supported bills to make sure they are cared for, like voting to increase funding to the VA.\u201d\n\u00a0\nCongressman joined more than 175 Democrats and Republicans in sending the letter to Secretary Carter.\n\u00a0\n+++\n\u00a0\nFull text of the letter to Secretary Carter:\n\u00a0\nDear Secretary Carter,\n\u00a0\nNothing is more important and nothing binds our nation together like the support of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.\u00a0 We write to you today as members of the National Guard and Reserve Component Caucus because we are concerned with continued reports about the ongoing recoupment of bonuses previously paid to Service Members, through no fault of the Service Member.\n\u00a0\nWe ask that you immediately halt all ongoing efforts to recoup these bonuses while you review the processes and cases to ensure that Service Members are protected and that these actions are in best interests of the United States.\u00a0 We also ask that you waive the recoupment in appropriate cases where the Service Member fulfilled their contract.\n\u00a0\nIt is our understanding that Department of Defense (DoD) and the applicable service Secretaries already possess authority to approve erroneous payment collection waivers under current DoD Financial Management Regulation 7000.14-R, and set forth in\u00a0DoDD 1340.22, Waiver of Debts Resulting from Erroneous Payments of Pay and Allowances (dated January 8, 2005), which is codified at\u00a032 C.F.R. Part 283,\u00a0and\u00a0DoD Instruction (DoDI) 1340.23, Waiver Procedures for Debts Resulting from Erroneous Pay and Allowances (dated February 14, 2006), which is codified at\u00a032 C.F.R. Part 284.\u00a0 If you do not believe you possess this authority, please let us know so Congress can take appropriate action.\n\u00a0\nAdditionally, we ask that you provide the following information no later than December 1st, 2016:\n Has the authority outlined in the previous paragraph been used?\u00a0 If so, in how many cases?\u00a0\n\tHave Service Members been educated on their ability to apply for this relief?\n\tDoes the DoD, Department of the Army, or the National Guard Bureau (NGB) plan to grant a blanket waiver for all Service Member affected by improperly paid bonuses, that were no fault of the Service member? If you determine that a waiver in these cases is not appropriate we ask that you also provide the following information at your earliest convenience:\n\tA list of bonus recoupments that have occurred or are in process which you believe do not justify a recoupment waiver.\u00a0 Please include:\n\t\tthe Service Member\u2019s component (including state National Guard if applicable)\n\t\t\tthe original bonus amount\n\t\t\tthe date when the bonus was issued\n\t\t\tthe amount recouped\n\t\t\tthe date the recoupment process started and completed\n\t\t\tthe authorizing authority/office\n\t\t\tthe reason the waiver is being denied.\n\t\t\n\tA list of bonuses fraudulently given since 2000, like those identified in the joint Federal Bureau of Investigations and United States Army Criminal Investigation Command investigation into Master Sergeant Toni L. Jaffe.\u00a0 Please include what authorities these bonuses were given under and what authority are they being recouped under.\n \u00a0\nWe are certain, as you have repeatedly stressed yourself, that taking care of our troops is a top priority for all of us.\u00a0 We believe that recouping payments to troops who received the payments in good faith, and with the understanding that they were rightfully authorized this pay, is not in line with that effort.\u00a0 Many of these men and women volunteered to serve as our country was surging forces overseas and did so with the promise that they and their families would receive additional financial compensation.\u00a0 Seeking recoupment of these funds that were erroneously received through no fault of the Service Members is not in line with our promise to take care of those who stand up to answer the call of our nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-applaud-director-wells-reserve-laudholm-winning-prestigious-noaa-conservation", "Collins, King Applaud Director of Wells Reserve at Laudholm for Winning Prestigious NOAA Conservation Award", "2016-10-26", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King applauded Paul Dest, the Director of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, for being one of only two people across the country to be awarded the 2016\u00a0Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award\u00a0by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Senators wrote a letter supporting Mr. Dest\u2019s nomination for the award. \u200e\u00a0\n\u201cWe are proud and excited that Paul Dest has been chosen by NOAA for this significant conservation award,\u201d\u00a0said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.\u00a0\u201cHe and the entire team at the Wells Reserve are doing fantastic work to help study and conserve coastal ecosystems across Maine, and we are thrilled that Paul is being recognized for his dedication and leadership.\u201d\nThe Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award is given every two years to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in habitat conservation in the coastal and marine environment. This year\u2019s other award winner is Lynda Mapes, an environmental reporter with the\u00a0Seattle Times. The pair will be honored in December at the National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration in New Orleans.\u00a0\nThe Wells Reserve at Laudholm is located in Wells, Maine. As a\u00a0National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Wells Reserve works to build knowledge about coasts and estuaries, promote environmental learning, and involve communities in conservation \u2013 all with the goal of protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems throughout the Gulf of Maine.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-more-15-million-help-improve-maine-schools", "Collins, King Announce More Than $1.5 Million to Help Improve Maine Schools", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Announce More Than $1.5 Million to Help Improve Maine Schools \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Tue, 10/25/2016 - 12:31    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Education will award a total of $1,518,333 in School Improvement Grants (SIG) to Maine to help improve high school graduation rates and narrow achievement gaps in public schools across the state.\n\u201cWe must ensure that all students have the resources they need to meet their goals and broaden their academic horizons,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cThis funding will be vital to transforming schools that need the most support, improving opportunities for students and helping them to achieve success.\u201d\nThe Maine Department of Education will award the SIG funds directly to local school districts that demonstrate the greatest need for the funds and the strongest commitment to using the funds to raise student achievement. Since 2009 the SIG program has invested over $7 billion to transform more than 1,800 of the country\u2019s lowest performing schools", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 424, "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": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 424, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ME&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 424, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "ME", "label": "ME", "count": 424, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 424, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-10-25,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecollins~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fcollins-king-announce-more-15-million-help-improve-maine-schools", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2016&_next=2016-10-25%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecollins~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fcollins-king-announce-more-15-million-help-improve-maine-schools&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 166.13232484087348, "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"}