{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"ME\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-completes-another-year-senate-service-perfect-consecutive-vote-record", "Senator Collins Completes Another Year of Senate Service with Perfect Consecutive Vote Record", "2019-12-31", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins extended her streak of not missing a single roll call vote, bringing her total to 7,262 consecutive votes through the end of 2019. She reached the milestone of casting 7,000 votes in June of this year.\n\nSenator Collins holds the longest perfect roll call vote record in Senate history. She has been present for every roll call vote that has occurred in the Senate since she was sworn into office in January 1997. Senator Collins is now 12th in Senate seniority.\n\nGrowing up in Aroostook County, I learned the importance of a strong work ethic at a very early age. I am proud to bring the Maine values of hard work and dedication to the U.S. Senate. It is an honor to represent the people of Maine, and I have always believed it is important to show up for every vote and make sure their voices are heard, said Senator Collins. My vote record was inspired by the legendary Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who did not miss a vote for 13 years until surgery forced her to do so.\n\nSenator Collins surpassed Senator Smith's record in 2005. Senator Smith cast 2,941 consecutive votes over 13 years before missing her first vote on September 6, 1968.\n\nSenator Collins' first vote in the Senate was on January 22, 1997, when she voted to confirm Madeleine Albright as Secretary of State. Her second vote, the same day, was to confirm former Maine Senator Bill Cohen as Secretary of Defense. Senator Collins succeeded Secretary Cohen in the Senate.\n\nIn addition to not missing any roll call votes, Senator Collins continues to return home to Maine on weekends and during state work periods to meet with constituents and visit communities, businesses, and schools throughout the state.\n\nSenator Collins holds the longest perfect, unbroken record of Senate roll call votes, and she has the third-longest consecutive vote streak. The only other two Senators with longer consecutive vote streaks are former Senator William Proxmire (D-WI) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Senator Proxmire, who was first elected in 1957, cast 10,252 uninterrupted votes between 1966 and 1988 but missed votes earlier in his career. Senator Grassley has not missed a vote since 1993, when he was touring severe flood damage in his home state.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-dhs-issue-additional-h-2b-visas-0", "Senators Collins, King Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging DHS to Issue Additional H-2B Visas to Support Small Businesses", "2019-12-24", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to read the letter\n\nWashington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) co-led a letter to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, urging him to increase the number of H-2B visas to provide relief to small businesses struggling to fill seasonal job openings in the current tight labor market. Their letter was co-signed by 12 of their colleagues.\n\nThe letter calls on Acting Secretary Wolf to increase the existing 66,000 H-2B visa cap to the maximum allowable by law, which is permitted by a provision in the recently-passed appropriations package. DHS used similar authority to provide 15,000 additional H-2B visas in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 and 30,000 visas in fiscal year 2019.\n\nThe continued tightening of the labor market warrants this increase, the Senators wrote. When the Department of Labor opened the H-2B visa application window this past January, it immediately received applications for over 96,400 H-2B worker positions, nearly triple the 33,000 H-2B visas available for the second half of the fiscal year. This wave of applications reflected a severe shortage of seasonal workers in a very tight labor marketIn some industries, particularly tourism, we fear that the demand for workers so far outstrips the available supply that businesses could be forced to curtail operations, putting at risk the jobs of American workers who fill year-round positions at these establishments.\n\nWe hope that you see the need for these additional visas, and that you understand the economic importance of them to seasonal businesses around the country, the Senators continued. We also ask that you release the additional visas as soon as possible, so that employers can prepare properly for the upcoming season.\n\nH-2B workers support American jobs and small businesses. Bipartisan research has found a direct correlation between increased numbers of H-2B workers and a rise in pay across the board for all employees. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions. H-2B visas fill needs for American small businesses when there are not enough able and willing American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions.\n\nSenators Collins and King's letter was co-signed by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Tom Carper (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Cornyn (R-TX), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).\n\nClick HERE to read the letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/10-million-right-whale-research-additional-funding-maine-lobster-industry-fisheries-signed", "$10 million for Right Whale Research, Additional Funding for Maine Lobster Industry & Fisheries Signed into Law", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, announced that provisions she authored to support Maine's lobster industry and fisheries, as well as the National Sea Grant Program and other ocean research efforts, have been signed into law. Earlier this year, Senator Collins took to the Senate floor to discuss the urgent need to address challenges facing Maine's lobster industry.\n\nMaine's fishermen have been careful stewards of our natural resources for generations, said Senator Collins. This critical funding will build on their efforts by investing in our coastal communities and in the health of ocean ecosystems. This legislation also includes provisions I fought for that will support the lobster industry, which supports the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking Mainers.\n\nThe fiscal year (FY) 2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) funding bill allocates $73.33 billion, which is $9.15 billion more than last year's funding level. Provisions championed by Senator Collins to benefit Maine include:\n\n National Sea Grant Program: The bill includes $74 million for the National Sea Grant Program. Senator Collins has long worked to provide and protect funding for the National Sea Grant Program and was key in securing funding in the FY 2019 appropriations bill, which distributed funding awards earlier this year to advance our understanding of the American lobster and support a regional lobster extension program. In April, Senator Collins joined a bipartisan group of Senators in rejecting the Administration's proposal to eliminate funding for the National Sea Grant Program.\n\no Lobster Research:Within the funding for Sea Grant, $2 million is included to support Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank American lobster research priorities. This research will focus on stock resilience in the face of environmental changes, including life history parameters, distribution and abundance, and species interactions, with the purpose of informing future management decisions. It will also support research to helpovercome reduced availability of lobster bait.\n\n Right Whales: The bill includes $10 million for right whale related research, an increase of $2 million, anddirects National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with the Canadian government to reduce risks throughout its range. Such efforts include, but are not limited to, continued collaboration on surveillance, cooperative research on the distribution of the whales and their food sources, and coordinated gear marking efforts across jurisdictions. Furthermore, the bill urges NOAA to prioritize the development of long-term tagging methods for right whales, which would enable scientists to better track the whales' location and distribution. Additionally, the bill directs NOAA to fully evaluate the feasibility and economic implications of any management actions relating to the North Atlantic right whale and requires the agency to incorporate into its rulemaking recent research on the species' primary food source (which has been shown to be decreasing in abundance in the eastern Gulf of Maine).\n\n Gray Zone: The bill encourages NOAA to work with Canadian and state fishery officials to develop a cooperative fisheries management plan for the gray zone. At a Commerce Subcommittee hearing in April, Senator Collins urged senior administration officials to work to find an agreement with Canada on fishing gray zones.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/185-million-support-breweries-signed-law-following-senator-collins%E2%80%99-advocacy", "$18.5 Million to Support Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins Advocacy", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill has been signed into law. The legislation included a total of $18.5 million for breweries in Maine and across the country,\n\nMaine is home to the best craft brewers in the country. In addition to producing exceptional beer, they are a major contributor to our state's economy and a significant source of jobs, said Senator Collins. I worked to secure significant wins for Maine's small brewers in the new tax law and to provide this important extension, and as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I fought for additional funding that will continue to assist Maine's more than 135 breweries in the appropriations package.\n\nProvisions championed by Senator Collins to benefit Maine's craft beverage industry include:\n\n A 1-year extension of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA)  Senator Collins is a cosponsor of the standalone bill, which reduces taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers. The reduced excise taxes were set to expire at the end of this year after being included in the tax reform law Senator Collins voted for at the end of 2017. \n\n $15 milliona $5.5 million increasefor U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, which enhances the product safety and supply of barley and wheat. The goal of the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative is to develop as quickly as possible effective control measures that minimize the threat of Fusarium head blight (scab) to the producers, processors, and consumers of wheat and barley.\n\n $3.5 millionan increase of $1 million for the Small Grains Genomic Initiative, which funds important barley, oat, and wheat research to improve quality and breeding.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Collins met with members of the Maine Brewers Association. During the meeting, the members expressed their support for CBMTRA, which Senator Collins co-sponsored. According to the Maine Brewers' Guild, craft beer contributes $260 million to the Maine economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/25-million-northern-border-regional-commission-signed-law-%E2%80%93-5-million-increase", "$25 million for Northern Border Regional Commission Signed into Law  a $5 million increase", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that $25 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), $5 million more than last year, was signed into law as part of the appropriations package.\n\nAs a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins worked to secure this $5 million increase in the final bipartisan appropriations agreement. The funding includes $4 million for initiatives that seek to address the decline in forest-economies through the region and $750,000 for the State Capacity Grant Program, which was included in legislation led by Senator Collins that was incorporated in the 2018 Farm Bill.\n\nThe Northern Border Regional Commission serves as a critical resource for northern and central Maine, making investments to help increase job growth and boost local economies, said Senator Collins. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I fought to include this $25 million investment, which will support some of the most economically disadvantaged areas of Maine and neighboring states.\n\nNBRC provides grants for projects throughout northern and central Maine, as well as northern New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont, spurring economic and community development. In 2019, NBRC awarded more than $6 million to projects in Maine.\n\nThe NBRC was a key partner in the multiagency Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT)  originally requested in March 2016 by Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME)  supporting economic development strategies and efforts that help pave the way for job growth in a region experiencing economic distress. The January 2017 EDAT assessment highlighted the importance of the NBRC and its potential to leverage federal resources to support the viability of impacted mill communities and help grow Maine's rural economy.\n\nSince its creation in 2008, Senator Collins has advocated for the NBRC and introduced a bill to reauthorize it in March 2018 with SenatorsJeanne Shaheen (D-NH),Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/28-billion-secured-senator-collins-support-homelessness-prevention-programs-signed-law", "$2.8 Billion Secured by Senator Collins to Support Homelessness Prevention Programs Signed into Law", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill has been signed into law. This bipartisan bill includes more than $2.8 billion to help communities design and implement local solutions to end homelessness.\n\nThis important funding will bolster Maine's efforts to assist our state's most vulnerable citizens with additional resources and promote their health, independence, and overall wellbeing. I am particularly pleased that this bill supports new housing vouchers for veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms as well as initiatives to find permanent housing for homeless and runaway youth,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I have championed funding for these important programs, and I will continue to work to prevent and end homelessness in Maine.\n\nProvisions authored by Senator Collins that will benefit Maine homeless programs include:\n\n Homeless Assistance Grants:The bill includes $2.4 billion in order to fully meet the renewal needs of the Homeless Assistance Grant program and provides an additional $290 million for Emergency Solutions Grants.\n\n Homeless Youth:The bill includes $80 million in funding for efforts to end youth homelessness in both urban and rural areas. In August, Senator Collinsannounced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)awarded $3,354,677 to the Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) tocombat youth homelessness throughout the State of Maine.\n\n Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence: The bill includes $50 million for new rapid rehousing projects that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence.\n\n Section 8 Vouchers: The bill includes $25 million for new family unification vouchers of which $20 million will be used to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless.\n\n Housing for Veterans: The bill includes $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. Since the HUD-VASH program was first established in 2008, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans. Senator Collins' efforts have contributed to homelessness among veterans declining by 50 percent since 2010. In April, Senator Collinshosted Secretary Wilkie in Maineto visit a veteran-owned small business, participate in the groundbreaking for a new veterans residential care facility, and tour an organization that provides housing for homeless veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-legislation-help-americans-save-retirement-signed-law", "Collins, Hassan Legislation to Help Americans Save for Retirement Signed into Law", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced that several provisions from the Retirement Security Act of 2019 they introduced earlier this year have been signed into law as part of the final Appropriations agreement.\n\nAs the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, ensuring that more people are better prepared for retirement is one of my top priorities, said Senator Collins. The bipartisan provisions Senator Hassan and I authored would significantly improve the financial security of many Americans by reducing the cost and complexity of retirement plans, especially for small businesses, and encourage individuals to save more for retirement. \n\nAccording to the non-partisan Center for Retirement Research, there is an estimated $7.7 trillion gap between the savings American households need to maintain their standard of living in retirement and what they actually have. A recent Gallup poll found that only 54 percent of working Americans believe that they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.\n\nThe provisions of the Retirement Security Act included in the appropriations agreement would address this issue by:\n\n Enabling more businesses to join multiple employer plans (MEPs) to offer retirement programs to their employees. The bill would allow businesses to share the administrative burden of a retirement plan, which helps lower costs, without requiring a connection, or nexus, between them.\n\n Making MEPs a more attractive option for small businesses. The bill would protect members of a MEP from losing their tax benefits if one employer in a MEP fails to meet the minimum criteria necessary for retirement plans to obtain tax benefits.\n\n Facilitating adoption of retirement plans. The bill would simplify certain safe harbor rules to provide greater flexibility while also improving employee protection.\n\n Helping more small employers offer retirement plans. The bill would increase the current tax credit for small employer plan startup costs and create a new credit to help with startup costs for new plans that include automatic enrollment.\n\nThe Retirement Security Act provisions in the appropriations agreement were included as part of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/funding-secured-senator-collins-improve-maine%E2%80%99s-transportation-housing-signed-law", "Funding Secured by Senator Collins to Improve Maines Transportation & Housing Signed into Law", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill was signed into law last night. This legislation will make critical improvements to Maine's transportation infrastructure, promote economic development, and provide housing assistance for the most vulnerable populations.\n\nAt its core, this legislation is about creating and sustaining jobs through investments that make critical improvements to our infrastructure and provide housing assistance to low-income families. It also contains key reforms, such as improving oversight of the FAA's aviation safety and aircraft certification programs, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have championed funding for these important programs, and I will continue to work to improve Maine's infrastructure.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Collinsdelivered remarks from the Senate floorurging her colleagues to support the FY 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill, which provides $74.3 billion in new funding, $3.2 billion more than last year.Provisions secured by Senator Collins that will benefit Maine include:\n\nDepartment of Transportation:\n\n BUILD Grants: The bill includes $1 billion for BUILD grants, which provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Since the program's inception in 2009, Maine has received a BUILD grant each year, totaling $205 million, due to Senator Collins' advocacy.\n\n Aviation: The bill fully funds the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) safety programs to address safety concerns raised by two recent Boeing 737-MAX crashes. An increase of $67 million is provided to hire staff with specialized expertise, such as in human factors, as well as to improve training of aviation safety inspectors. The FAA is also directed to respond to all recommendations issued by the various investigations and audits and to finalize a rulemaking requiring aviation manufacturers to establish a safety management system (SMS). The bill also includes $162 million for the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, which provides commercial air service to Augusta/Waterville, Bar Harbor, Presque Isle/Houlton, and Rockland, and $3.75 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP)to improve ournation's airports. The bill continues to provide $5 million for the FAA's work on a statewide helicopter route system to help LifeFlight of Maine to fly in poor weather conditions under instrument flight rules.\n\n Highway and Bridge Funding Increase: The bill funds the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at $49.3 billion, of which $2.2 billion is provided from the general fund. Of this amount, $1.15 billion is for bridge repairs and rehabilitation, which will provide $35 million for Maine's bridges; and $781 million for highway formula programs, which will provide $3.6 million for Maine's highways.\n\n State Maritime Academies: The bill includes $300 million for a new training ship for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), and an additional $5 million in direct support, tuition assistance, ship-sharing and fuel payments for MMA. Click HERE to read more.\n\n Small Shipyard Grants: The bill includes $20 million for the Maritime Administration's Small Shipyard Grant program, which helps small shipyards improve the efficiency of their operations by providing for equipment and other facility upgrades. Maine shipyards have benefitted from this program, including Rockland Marine Corporation, Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc., of East Boothbay, and Front Street Shipyard of Belfast.\n\n Port Infrastructure Development Program. The bill provides $225 million for port grants for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of goods at ports. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is directed to prioritize applications that are less than $10 million from small ports, and such applications can receive a Federal cost-share above 80 percent.\n\nHousing and Urban Development: \n\n Homelessness Prevention: The bill includes more than $2.8 billion to help communities design and implement local solutions to end homelessness. Of this amount, $2.8 billion is included for the Homeless Assistance Grant program in order to fully meet the program's renewal need, and includes $280 million for Emergency Solutions Grants, $80 million in funding targeted for homeless youth, and $50 million for new rapid rehousing projects that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence. The bill also includes $20 million for new family unification vouchers to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless, and $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. Since the HUD-VASH program was first established in 2008, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans. Click HERE to read more.\n\n Lead Grants: The bill includes $290 million to combat lead hazards, $11 million above last year's level. This will fund intensive interventions in communities with very high incidences of lead paint. These multi-year projects can dramatically reduce lead-based paint hazards in Maine communities with old housing that are in greatest need for lead remediation. Under Chairman Collins' leadership, funding for the lead hazard program has nearly tripled since 2015.\n\n Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): The bill includes $3.4 billion for the CDBG program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation.\n\n Housing during substance abuse recovery. The bill provides $25 million for assistance to States to provide stable, temporary housing to individuals recovering from substance abuse. States including Maine, with high rates of overdose deaths will receive funding. \n\n Housing for the Elderly: In addition to fully funding the renewal of existing rental assistance for seniors, the bill includes $90 million for new construction of senior housing and $10 million for grants for home modifications to enable low-income seniors to age in place' and remain in their own homes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-protect-endangered-animals-signed-law", "Legislation to Protect Endangered Animals Signed into Law", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) announced that the Rescuing Animals With Rewards (RAWR) Act has been signed into law. This bipartisan bill will help protect endangered animals by combatting wildlife trafficking and poaching. Specifically, the RAWR Act authorizes the State Department to offer financial rewards for information that leads to the disruption of wildlife trafficking networks. The RAWR Act was included as part of the final appropriations packages.\n\nWildlife trafficking is a transnational crime that requires a coordinated and sustained global effort to effectively combat it, said Senator Collins. Our bipartisan bill is one step closer to becoming law, building upon efforts to deter this illegal activity by allowing the State Department to offer rewards for information to help stop wildlife traffickers.\n\nWhen wildlife traffickers, poachers, and profiteers kill magnificent animals like elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, they degrade critical ecosystems and rob the world of a piece of our humanity and shared history on this planet,said Senator Merkley. It's time to use every tool at our disposal to crack down on these destructive international crime networks. I'm grateful to our bipartisan coalition for pushing this legislation forward, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.\n\nWildlife crimes undermine national security and cause immense cruelty to animals, said Marty Irby, executive director at Animal Wellness Action. We applaud Senator Collins for championing a creative solution to crack down on these international crimes and are grateful for her tremendous leadership on animal protection issues across the board.\n\n\"The slaughter of wildlife for their parts is one of the greatest threats to rare species across the world,\" said Penny Eastman, deputy director of federal affairs at Animal Wellness Action. \"Sen. Collins has stepped up again with this anti-wildlife trafficking measure to combat the merciless killing of the planet's wildlife.\"\n\nSenators Collins and Merkley introduced the RAWR Act in May.\n\nTheRAWR Actis supported by a wide range of environmental and animal welfare groups, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare, National Whistleblower Center, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Humane Society International, NRDC, African Wildlife Foundation, the Environmental Investigation Agency, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, World Wildlife Fund, the Animal Welfare Institute, and the Oregon Zoo.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-supported-senators-collins-king-combat-rising-prescription-drug-prices-signed", "Legislation Supported By Senators Collins, King to Combat Rising Prescription Drug Prices Signed into Law", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that legislation they cosponsored to combat anticompetitive practices used by some brand-name drug companies to block entry of lower-cost generic drugs has been signed into law. The Creating and Restoring Equal Access To Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act will deter pharmaceutical companies from blocking cheaper generic alternatives from entering the marketplace. The CREATES Act was included as part of the final appropriations package.\n\nSkyrocketing drug prices are making it more and more difficult for Americans to access the treatments they require. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, addressing the rising costs of these medications is one of my top priorities, said Senator Collins. The CREATES Act combats the gaming that some brand companies engage in to unlawfully extend their market power and pricing controls. This bipartisan bill will have an immediate impact on the development and approval of generic and biosimilar drugs.\n\nThe rising cost of prescription medication continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing Maine people, Senator King said. Whether it's a senior on a fixed income, or a working family trying to make ends meet, or an employer paying for private insurance, these prices are a serious challenge for Maine people across our state. Increased access togeneric medications will help Maine citizens take care of their health without having to sacrifice other important necessities  because no one should be forced to choose between taking an important medicine or putting food on the table.\n\nThe Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the bill would result in a $3.9 billion net decrease in the federal deficit. Savings to consumers and private insurers likely would be far greater  many billions of dollars more.\n\nThe legislation is strongly supported by a broad coalition of groups, including AARP, American College of Physicians, Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs, and many others. A coalition letter in support of the CREATES Act can be found here and a list of supporters here.\n\nIn addition to Senators Collins and King, the CREATES Act was introduced by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\nAn outline of the CREATES Act can be found here, and text of legislation can be found here.\n\nIn 2015, Senator Collins and then-Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) launched the Senate's first bipartisan investigation into the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to egregious price spikes for certain off-patent drugs. They released a report on their investigation in 2016. Following their investigation, Senators Collins and McCaskill authored a bill to improve generic competition and lower the cost of prescription drugs that was signed into law as part of the FDA Reauthorization Act. In October 2018, Senator Collins' legislation to prohibit the use of pharmacy gag clauses was also signed into law. Senator Collins is a cosponsor of the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2019, legislation to permit the importation of prescription drugs from approved pharmacies in Canada.\n\nIn January, Senator King announced his support for three bills that would reduce the cost of prescription drugs. The first bill, theEnd Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Act, would prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses, and theAffordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Actwould allow patients, pharmacists and wholesalers to import safe, affordable medicine from Canada and other major countries. TheEmpowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Actwouldallow for Medicare to negotiate the best possible price of prescription drugs to cut costs for nearly 43 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D. Current law only allows for bargaining by private plan sponsors and prohibits Medicare from doing so.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-secures-more-4-billion-heating-assistance-weatherization-programs", "Senator Collins Secures More Than $4 Billion for Heating Assistance, Weatherization Programs", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, announced that $3.74 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and $305 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) were signed into law last night as part of the fiscal year 2020 appropriations package.\n\nSenator Collins strongly advocated for this funding and secured an increase of $50 million for LIHEAP and $51 million for WAP compared to the previous fiscal year. Earlier this month, Senators Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent letters to the leadership of two Appropriations Subcommittees urging them to provide robust funding for LIHEAP and WAP.\n\nThe LIHEAP and Weatherization programs are essential to helping thousands of Mainers keep warm during the cold winter months, said Senator Collins. This funding will help ensure that low-income families and seniors do not have to make the impossible choice between paying for heat and paying for food or medicine.\n\nIn October, Senators Collins and Reed led a bipartisan coalition of Senators in sending aletterto the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for LIHEAP as quickly as possible under the continuing resolution. In April, Senators Collins and Reed joined Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to introduce legislationthat would reauthorize WAP through 2024.\n\nIn 2018, nearly 28,000 Maine households received assistance benefits through the LIHEAP program.\n\nSince 2010, Maine has received $22.1 million in WAP funding and has been able to successfully weatherize nearly 2,500 homes and rental units across the state, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Senator Collins also secured report language encouraging the Department of Housing and Urban Development to continue coordinating its weatherization projects with its efforts to remove lead-based hazards from homes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-introduced-collins-king-authorize-coins-honoring-george-hw-bush-and-barbara-bush", "Bill Introduced by Collins, King to Authorize Coins Honoring George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Passes Senate", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Senate unanimously passed legislation they co-authored to authorize the U.S. Department of the Treasury to mint $1 coins honoring former president George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush. President and Mrs. Bush, who had strong ties to the State of Maine, both passed away in 2018. The legislation, which they introduced in February along with Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rob Portman (R-OH), now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives to be considered.\n\nI treasured the friendship of President and Mrs. Bush and deeply miss visiting them each summer at their family home at Walker's Point. They loved the State of Maine and its people, and we are so proud to have had them as our neighbors and our friends, said Senator Collins. Courage, duty, honor, and compassion defined their lives and their public service to our nation. I am proud to have led this legislation to create this coin to help pay tribute to President and Mrs. Bush's wonderful legacy and serve as a reminder of their lasting contributions to Maine and our country.\n\nPresident George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush dedicated their lives to public service and to improving the lives of others, and thanks to their special connection to Maine, our state's citizens got to see that dedication firsthand, said Senator King. The former President's remarkable career spanned decades, beginning in the U.S. Navy and leading him to Congress, the CIA, and the highest office in the land. The First Lady's passion for the wellbeing of children helped thousands in Maine at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland, and many more around the country. The Bushes left legacies marked by dignity, generosity, and devotion  I'm proud to have led this bill to honor their service to our nation.\n\nThe President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Dollar Coin Act authorizes Treasury to mint $1 coins honoring the former president and first lady for the year 2019. Since these coins would be part of a coin series, they would not count against the current quota limiting commemorative coins to two per year. The coins would have no net cost to the U.S. government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-calls-secretary-ross-protect-maine-lobster-industry-unfair-right-whale", "Maine Delegation Calls on Secretary Ross to Protect Maine Lobster Industry from Unfair Right Whale Conservation Measures", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to read the Maine Delegation's letter\n\nWashington, D.C.In a continuation of their strong, bipartisan advocacy for fair treatment of Maine's lobster industry, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, urging him to take action to protect Maine's lobster industry from unfairly burdensome regulations as the U.S. seeks to protect the right whale population.\n\nThe Maine lobster fishery has repeatedly made significant improvements to their practices and modifications to their gear to protect right whales, including the implementation of weak link mandates in 1997 and again in 2007, Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden wrote. Notably, there have been no entanglements directly attributed to Maine lobster gear in more than 15 years. Further, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) data demonstrates that ropes removed from right whales in recent years are not typical of those used in Maine's lobster fishery.\n\nThis past summer, alone, eight mortalities were observed in the Canadian Gulf of St. Lawrence, representing the deaths of roughly two percent of the remaining population, the Maine Delegation continued. It has been incredibly frustrating for Maine lobstermen to see that, after implementing multiple effective mitigation measures over the past two decades, they continue to be the primary target of NOAA's burdensome regulations. NOAA's own data identify a number of other sources that contribute to North Atlantic right whale entanglements and serious injury and morality, including ship strikes and Canadian snow crab gear, the latter of which has entangled and killed at least 14 North Atlantic right whales.\n\nThe Maine Delegation listed a number of policies the Commerce Department should pursue that would protect right whales while factoring in the true risk posed by various marine industries, including:\n\n \nResolving the territorial dispute of the Gray Zone surrounding Machias Seal Island to eliminate confusing, contrasting fishing regulations;\n \n\n \nEvaluating whether a potential emergency rulemaking is warranted to ban Canadian snow crab fisheries from exporting fish to the U.S. under the Marine Mammal Protection Act due to evidence that their industry is a chief contributor to right whale entanglements and mortalities;\n \n\n \nAddressing ship strikes, which play a substantial role in the right whale population's decline;\n \n\n \nReconsidering trawling up requirements that set minimums on the number of traps per buoy line, which creates increased risk to crewmembers of loss of life or limb\n \n\n \nIncorporating feedback from Maine lobstermen to address their serious safety concerns associated with the proposed placement of weak links in the endlines, which in their current proposed form would result in weak links routinely being stressed to or beyond their breaking points during typical fishing activity.\n \n\nAs NMFS endeavors to protect this unique marine species, we must do so without endangering human lives or livelihoods, the Maine delegation concluded. We look forward to your response and to working with you to implement right whale conservation measures that are effective and that do not unfairly burden the Maine lobster fishery.\n\nClick HERE to read the Maine Delegation's letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-collins-king-bill-improve-broadband-data-maps", "Senate Passes Collins, King Bill to Improve Broadband Data Maps", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, co-chair of the Senate Rural Broadband Caucus, lauded the passage of the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, a bipartisan bill they co-sponsored. The legislation would increase the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) broadband availability maps by improving the process by which broadband data is collected.\n\nAs a native of Aroostook County, I know how important access to high-speed Internet is to the vitality of rural communities, said Senator Collins. Broadband helps unlock the Internet's economic benefits by allowing residents to work from home, upgrade their skills through online education, stay connected to their families as they age in place, and access health care through advances in telemedicine. This bipartisan legislation would help us bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities through improved data collection.\n\nOne of my top legislative priorities is expanding high-speed broadband access to rural Maine communities  but if we don't have good data to work from, we won't know where to make the right investments, said Senator King. We need to improve and modernize the FCC's method of data collection so rural communities in need aren't left behind in an increasingly digital world. This is a critically important step that will make sure we'reinvesting in the right places to close the digital divide and bring all of the internet's opportunities to rural Maine people.\n\nSpecifically, the Broadband DATA Act:\n\n Requires the FCC to collect highly detailed service availability data from wired, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband providers.\n Requires strong parameters for service availability data collected from mobile broadband providers to ensure accuracy.\n Asks the FCC to consider whether to collect verified coverage data from state, local, and tribal governments, as well as from other entities.\n Creates a process for consumers, state, local, Tribal governments, and other groups to challenge FCC maps with their own data, and requires the FCC to determine how to structure the process without making it overly burdensome on challengers.\n\nEarlier this year, Senators Collins and Doug Jones (D-AL) introduced the American Broadband Buildout Act of 2019 (ABBA), a bipartisan bill to ensure that rural Americans have access to broadband services.\n\nAs a co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, Senator King has been a strong advocate for improved broadband mapping data. Cosponsoring the Broadband DATA Act is his latest effort to improve the accuracy of FCC broadband maps. In September 2018, Senator Kingwrote a letter to the USDAseeking specific provisions in the ReConnect broadband pilot program, including acquiring up-to-date broadband mapping data. USDA incorporated these provisions in itsregulations for the programthat it issued in December 2018. Senator King also renewedhis push for up-to-date broadband mapsin a February 2019 letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, which was co-signed by a bipartisan group of 10 Senators.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-historic-funding-increases-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-diabetes-and-other", "Senator Collins Announces Historic Funding Increases for Alzheimers, Diabetes, and Other Biomedical Research", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the Senate approved a $2.6 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)bringing total funding for the NIH to $41.7 billionas part of the appropriations package. The legislation is expected to be signed into law by the President this evening.\n\nAs a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Chairman of the Aging Committee, Senator Collins is a champion for greater investments in biomedical research.\n\nThere is simply no investment that promises greater returns for America than our investment in biomedical research. Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's, with their devastating human and financial costs, are powerful examples of the urgent need to keep our momentum in research funding going, said Senator Collins. I am so encouraged that Congress worked in a bipartisan way to provide this transformative funding that will bring tangible hope to so many Americans.\n\nThe appropriations bill provides $2.8 billion for Alzheimer's research, a $350 million increase over last year.\n\nThis funding builds on significant increases Senator Collins, a founder of the Alzheimer's Task Force in the Senate, has secured in recent years. It also meets the funding level the NIH estimates it will need to find a means of effectively treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias within six years. Senator Collins co-authored the National Alzheimer's Project Act in 2011, which set the national goal of preventing and treating Alzheimer's by the year 2025.\n\nIn addition. the appropriations bill includes $26.5 million for the Alzheimer's Disease Program at the Administration for Community Living, a $3 million increase over last year, and $15.5 million for the CDC's Alzheimer's Programs, a $10 million increase. This includes $10 million for the implementation of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, legislation Senator Collins authored to create a public health infrastructure to combat this disease.\n\nThe appropriations bill provides $2.1 billion for the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disorders at NIH, an increase of $81.8 million over last year. \n\nSince founding the diabetes caucus in 1997, Senator Collins has successfully worked to substantially increase funding for diabetes research.\n\nThe appropriations bill also provides $27.3 million for the National Diabetes Prevention Program at CDC, a $2 million increase.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/300-million-senator-collins-secured-new-mma-training-ship-passes-senate", "$300 Million Senator Collins Secured for New MMA Training Ship Passes Senate", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE for additional photos of the future ship for MMA\n\nWashington, D.C.  Following months of negotiation and advocacy by U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, the Senate voted to pass the final Appropriations agreement, which includes $300 million for the construction and acquisition of a new training vessel for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA). Senator Collins wasthe Chairman of the negotiating Committee that brokered the agreement between the House and the Senate for the Transportation and Housing appropriations bill.\n\nThe agreement now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nThis ship is a critical training asset for Maine Maritime Academy, which is why I fought to include this funding throughout the Appropriations process, said Senator Collins. Maine Maritime Academy provides an exceptional education that fully prepares students to excel in the Navy, Coast Guard, and the maritime industry. This new ship will help provide rigorous instruction and crucial maritime training for MMA students for decades to come.\n\nThis appropriation demonstrates that Congress believes in the value of our State Maritime Academies and our role in support of economic and national security. I am especially pleased with the level of support we have received from Senator Susan Collins who, as Chair of the Senate's Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, has had the laboring oar in approving funding for this huge accomplishment, said Dr. William J. Brennan, President of Maine Maritime Academy.\n\nSenator Collins strongly opposed the Administration's proposal earlier this year that requested $205 million to construct a smaller training vessel for MMA. It would have been inferior to a ship funded in fiscal year (FY) 2019 for Massachusetts Maritime Academy despite the fact that Maine Maritime Academy has nearly the same number of Coast Guard-licensed graduates and the same need for at-sea training. In addition, changing the design would have required the U.S. Maritime Administration to start from scratch in designing a brand new ship. At a Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee hearing she chaired in March, Senator Collins obtained the commitment of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to secure additional funding.\n\nIt was my goal from the beginning to ensure that Maine Maritime Academy received the exact same kind of ship as Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Senator Collins continued. MMA students and instructors are exceptional, and they deserve full and equal resources to continue to do their jobs effectively.\n\nThe $300 million for the new training ship at MMA was included in the FY 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill authored by Senator Collins. In addition, the bill provides $5 million in direct support and tuition assistance for the Maine Maritime Academy, as well as fuel payments for their current training ship, the State of Maine.\n\nIn 1997, Senator Collins served as the sponsor of the training ship State of Maine when it was acquired by Maine Maritime Academy. Approximately 1,000 undergraduates are enrolled at the institution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-co-sponsored-collins-king-crack-down-illegal-robocalls-headed-president%E2%80%99s-desk-be", "Bill Co-Sponsored by Collins, King to Crack Down on Illegal Robocalls Headed to Presidents Desk to be Signed into Law", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Amidst ever-increasing numbers of robocall scams, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously today to pass legislation co-sponsored by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to increase federal law enforcement's authority to put a stop to these illegal calls. The Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act makes it easier for regulators to find scammers, increases civil forfeiture penalties for those who are caught, promotes call authentication and blocking adoption, and brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally flout laws. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nAmericans are being inundated with illegal robocalls that are not only a major nuisance, but also a tool that is often used by con artists to perpetrate crimes, said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee. Over the course of the two dozen hearings I have held to expose and examine scams, it is clear that a coordinated approach is necessary to put a stop to these illegal calls. The TRACED Act is a significant step forward that will help prevent fraudulent calls and put criminals on notice that they will be caught and brought to justice. I am pleased that the final version of the legislation was improved by including an extension of the statute of limitations for caller-ID spoofing' violations, which I advocated for.\n\nAt best, illegal robocalls are a major annoyance  at worst, they're scams that target our most vulnerable citizens, said Senator King. Today's overwhelmingly bipartisan vote reflects the obvious: Republicans, Democrats and Independents can all agree that it's time to hang up on illegal robocalls once and for all.\n\nThe TRACED Act will:\n\n Broaden the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to levy civil penalties of up to $10,000 per call on people who intentionally flout telemarketing restrictions;\n\n Extend the window for the FCC to catch and take civil enforcement action against intentional violations to three years after a robocall is placed. Under current law, the FCC has only one year to do so, and the FCC has said that even a one-year longer statute of limitations for enforcement would improve enforcement against willful violators;\n\n Require telephone companies to adopt call authentication technologies, enabling a telephone carrier to verify that incoming calls are legitimate before they reach consumers' phones;\n\n Requires telephone companies to provide robocall blocking technology at no additional charge; and\n\n Direct the FCC to initiate rulemaking to help protect subscribers from receiving unwanted calls or texts from callers.\n\nAsone reportestimated, nearly half of all calls made to mobile phones will be spam by the end of this year. The TRACED Act would give the FCC more flexibility to enforce rules in the short term, while setting in motion consultations to increase prosecutions of violations, which often require international cooperation.\n\nAs Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, one of Senator Collins' top priorities is to combat scams that target seniors. Earlier this year, she introduced a bill that would extend the statute of limitations on spoofing. The TRACED Act includes a provision extendingfrom the current two years to four yearsthe amount of time law enforcement can bring charges against criminal robocallers who use spoofing to mask their identity. Senator Collins has held 24 hearings over the past seven years on issues related to fraud and scams targeting older adults. Additionally, the Aging Committee published the 2019 Fraud Book, which details the top 10 scams reported to the Committee's toll-free Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470) last year.\n\nSince signing on to the TRACED Act in March, Senator King has used the legislation to raise awareness on the topic and push for Congressional action to protect vulnerable Americans from these scams.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-cantwell-provision-help-americans-high-health-care-costs-be-signed-law", "Collins, Cantwell Provision to Help Americans with High Health Care Costs to be Signed into Law", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced today that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the appropriations package that passed the Senate today. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nFor those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, Senators Collins and Cantwell's provision, which is based on the Medical Expense Savings Act they introduced earlier this year, would allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill when they file in 2020 and 2021.\n\nMillions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction. The burden of high medical expenses falls disproportionately on seniors and those with disabilities. The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance.\n\nMedical debt is a serious challenge facing millions of families in our country, and as we endeavor to reduce health care costs, we should also make every effort to ensure that we lower their tax burden as well, said Senator Collins. My provision temporarily restoring the income threshold to 7.5 percent for all taxpayers became law in 2017, and the bipartisan legislation we passed today will extend this vital deduction to help improve the affordability of health care for nearly 20,000 Mainers and millions of Americans.\"\n\nMore than 200,000 Washingtonians claim the medical expense deduction to lower their health care costs, Senator Cantwell said. Extending this provision will help families with high medical bills pay for unexpected medical costs and life-saving treatment.\n\nThe medical expense deduction provides important tax relief that helps offset the cost of acute and chronic medical conditions for older Americans, children, and individuals with disabilities, said Megan O'Reilly, Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP. For many, the medical expense deduction can help them manage their high out-of-pocket health care expenses including money paid for diagnosis, treatment, equipment, prescription medicine, long-term care services, and long-term care insurance premiums.\n\nSeveral years ago, the income threshold for taxpayers to deduct their medical expenses increased from 7.5 percent to 10 percent. In 2017, Senator Collins secured a provision to temporarily restore the income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 7.5 percent as part of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, but it expired at the end of 2018. Now that Congress has taken action, taxpayers will be able to deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of their income then they file their taxes over the next two years.\n\nAccording to AARP, nearly 70 percent of taxpayers who will take the medical expense deduction in 2019 have an income of $113,000 or less. In Maine, 19,400 residents are eligible for this deduction. 4.4 million taxpayers will benefit from the medical expense deduction. A 2016 survey of cancer survivors showed that one-third go into debt and of those more than half incurred more than $10,000 in expenses.\n\nEarlier this month, Senators Collins, Cantwell, Martha McSally (R-AZ), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) sent a letter to Senate leadership urging them to extend the medical expense deduction in any end-of-year funding package.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-smith%E2%80%99s-bill-combat-lyme-and-other-tick-borne-diseases-headed-president%E2%80%99s-desk-be", "Collins, Smiths Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases Headed to Presidents Desk to be Signed into Law", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that legislation they authored to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases passed the Senate today as part of the appropriations package. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nThe Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, which have risen exponentially from approximately 30,000 cases in 2003 to an estimated 450,000 last year. Senators Collins and Smith renamed the bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan, who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus.\n\nIn Maine alone, there were approximately 1,400 new cases of Lyme disease in 2018, a sharp increase from the 752 cases in 2010. Far too many Americans with Lyme disease experience a complex diagnostic odyssey that takes months or even years, while suffering severe and debilitating symptoms. In addition to the physical and emotional toll that Lyme disease takes, it is also expensive. Medical costs of Lyme disease are estimated at $1.3 billion per year. When accounting for indirect medical costs, including loss of work, the annual costs balloon to $75 billion per year.\n\nCongress' passage of the Tick Act is a major victory for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who contract Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses each year. I am grateful for the countless advocates who shared their struggles with these diseases and conveyed the urgent need for this comprehensive, bipartisan bill, said Senator Collins. With a national effort the Tick Act would establish, we can slow the spread of these devastating tick-borne illnesses and protect our health.\n\nI've said that for the sake of Americans' health and well-being, we need to get this bill over the finish line, said Senator Smith. The number of Lyme disease cases is on the rise, and we need to address this so Minnesotans can continue to enjoy spending time outside exploring our parks, swimming and boating in our lakes, and hiking in our forests safely.\n\nI was misdiagnosed by 23 doctors and specialists to the tune of $250,000 before getting an official diagnosis and proper treatment, said Paula Jackson Jones, President and Co-Founder of Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education. Enacting the Tick Act that Senator Collins introduced will provide a lifeline not only to patients but to medical providers. With funding available for research and education, we can get medical providers on the same page not only with improved diagnostic tools but better, more effective treatment options for their patients. With the Tick Act, and Senator Collins' support in Washington, we can stem the growing threat of tick-borne disease.\n\n\"Lyme is a frustrating and debilitating disease, but it's a problem we can solve,\" said Bonnie Crater, co-founder and board member at Center for Lyme Action. \"What is needed is dedicated and sustained effort by the federal government to address this growing public health threat. Senators Collins and Smith's legislation, the Kay Hagan Tick Act is a wonderful first step and is supported by more than 150 Lyme foundations and associations around the United States.\"\n\nLyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens continue to have significant impacts on public health in Maine and throughout much of the United States. The advancement of The Kay Hagan Tick Act signals a commitment from Congress to tackle the threats associated with ticks and to dedicate resources to managing tick-borne diseases on a national scale. This coordinated approach, focusing on research and education, will be critical in reducing the severe health and financial burdens associated with tick-borne diseases, said James F. Dill, PhD, Pest Management Specialist and Coordinator, Diagnostic and Research Lab at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.\n\nAll of us at Global Lyme Alliance extend our heartfelt thanks to Senators Susan Collins and Tina Smith for their dedication to changing the outcome for suffering patients. It has been a long-haul for many of them, especially the kids who were forced to grow up with this poorly diagnosed and treated medical illness. Patients need real solutions, which the Kay Hagan Tick Act will bring! said Scott Santarella, CEO, Global Lyme Alliance.\n\nMy life was forever changed at age 6 when I was bitten by a tick the summer after first grade, said 15-year-old Olivia Goodreau, founder of the LivLyme Foundation and TickTracker. \"Children are especially vulnerable to tick borne illnesses, but everyone is at risk. I am so grateful to Senator Susan Collins, her staff, the amazing Lyme advocates, and all those who've fought for passage of the Kay Hagan Tick Act. It will save lives by raising awareness and supporting early detection, diagnosis and treatment.\n\nI was diagnosed with Lyme Disease the summer of 1986 when I was 14-years-old. Since then, my life has never been the same. I developed Bell's palsy that paralyzed half my face, a heart murmur, and many other symptoms. To this day, I continue to fight this disease, said Heather Hearst, Founder of Maine-based Project Lyme and Advisory Board Member of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. Over the years, I have watched Lyme grow from something that was rare and unknown to a threat that has affected thousands of Mainers, many of whom now suffer from chronic health issues. With the Kay Hagan Tick Act, we can finally put an end to the suffering and slow the spread of tick-borne diseases. I am so grateful to Senator Collins, Senator Smith, and the bipartisan coalition that worked together to make this a national priority\n\nUsing a three-pronged approach, the Tick Act would:\n\n1. Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a National Strategy. This would help expand research, improve testing and treatment, and coordinate common efforts across federal agencies including with DOD, USDA, EPA, the VA, and the Departments of Interior and Homeland Security\n\n2. Reauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years at $10 million per year. Funding for these centers, which was allotted in 2017, expires in 2021. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S. There are five centers located at universities in New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin.\n\n3. Authorize CDC Grants at $20 million per year that would be awarded to State Health Departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness. These awards would help states build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other tick and vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships.\n\nIn September, Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, convened a field hearing at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory Tick Lab in Orono, where experts and witnesses discussed the critical need to pass the Tick Act.\n\nIn 2016, Congress took a critical step forward with the enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act, which created a federal Tick-Borne Diseases Working Group. This Working Group released its first report in November 2018, which created several recommendations for next steps. With the findings of this report in mind, this legislation puts key recommendations into practice.\n\nThe Tick Act is supported by more than 155 organizations, including the Center for Lyme Action, the Entomological Society of America, National Association of Vector-Borne Disease Control Officials, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Organization in Maine, the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, the LivLyme Foundation, the Global Lyme Alliance, and The Avril Lavigne Foundation.\n\nSenators Collins and Smith's Tick Act was cosponsored by 32 Senators including Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R- MS), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), John Boozman (R-AR), Margaret Hassan (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Thom Tillis (R- NC), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/appropriations-package-includes-legislation-support-volunteer-firefighters-first-responders", "Appropriations Package Includes Legislation to Support Volunteer Firefighters & First Responders Authored by Collins, Cardin", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), a Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced that several provisions from the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) they introduced earlier this year were included in the final Appropriations agreement. The agreement was passed by the House today. Once passed by the Senate, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nAcross our nation, volunteer firefighters play a critical role in helping to ensure the safety of our communities and the well-being of our neighbors. Maine is largely a rural state, and more than 90 percent of firefighters are volunteers. Without these public-spirited citizens, many smaller communities would be unable to provide firefighting and other emergency services at all, said Senator Collins. These bipartisan provisions Senator Cardin and I authored would protect cost-effective incentives that support the brave men and women who volunteer to protect their communities.\n\nLocal communities depend on the public service of volunteer firefighters to stay safe and secure. These modest changes will make it easier for communities across Maryland and nationwide to recruit and retain the bravest men and women who are ready to defend against whatever might come next,said Senator Cardin.Protecting our communities from harm is one of the most basic functions of government and I am proud to partner with Senator Collins on this bipartisan effort.\n\nIn order to bolster recruitment and retention, many fire and EMS agencies now provide benefits, including non-monetary gifts, reductions in property taxes, per-call payments, stipends, or retirement benefits. The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act would allow communities to provide volunteer firefighters and EMS workers with up to $600 per year of property tax reductions or other incentives, without those benefits being subject to federal income tax and withholding. This would ease the administrative burden that local departments sometimes face when they reward their volunteers with minor benefits.\n\nThe Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act provisions in the appropriations agreement were included as part of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-legislation-help-americans-save-retirement-included-year-end-appropriations", "Collins, Hassan Legislation to Help Americans Save for Retirement Included in Year-End Appropriations Package", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced today that several provisions from the Retirement Security Act of 2019 they introduced earlier this year were included in the final Appropriations agreement. The agreement was passed by the House today. Once passed by the Senate, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nAs the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, ensuring that more people are better prepared for retirement is one of my top priorities, said Senator Collins. The bipartisan provisions Senator Hassan and I authored would significantly improve the financial security of many Americans by reducing the cost and complexity of retirement plans, especially for small businesses, and encourage individuals to save more for retirement. \n\nThis bipartisan measure that I worked on with Senator Collins will help small businesses provide retirement plans to their employees, which will make it easier for workers to save enough to maintain their standard of living after they retire, Senator Hassan said. I look forward to seeing this measure signed into law.\n\nAccording to the non-partisan Center for Retirement Research, there is an estimated $7.7 trillion gap between the savings American households need to maintain their standard of living in retirement and what they actually have. A recent Gallup poll found that only 54 percent of working Americans believe that they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.\n\nThe provisions of the Retirement Security Act included in the appropriations agreement would address this issue by:\n\n Enabling more businesses to join multiple employer plans (MEPs) to offer retirement programs to their employees. The bill would allow businesses to share the administrative burden of a retirement plan, which helps lower costs, without requiring a connection, or nexus, between them.\n\n Making MEPs a more attractive option for small businesses. The bill would protect members of a MEP from losing their tax benefits if one employer in a MEP fails to meet the minimum criteria necessary for retirement plans to obtain tax benefits.\n\n Facilitating adoption of retirement plans. The bill would simplify certain safe harbor rules to provide greater flexibility while also improving employee protection.\n\n Helping more small employers offer retirement plans. The bill would increase the current tax credit for small employer plan startup costs and create a new credit to help with startup costs for new plans that include automatic enrollment.\n\nThe Retirement Security Act provisions in the appropriations agreement were included as part of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-smith%E2%80%99s-bipartisan-bill-combat-lyme-and-other-tick-borne-diseases-advances", "Collins, Smiths Bipartisan Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases Advances", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that legislation they authored to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases was included in the Appropriations agreement unveiled today. The agreement must now receive a vote in both the House and the Senate. Once passed by both chambers, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nThe Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, which have risen exponentially from approximately 30,000 cases in 2003 to an estimated 450,000 last year. Senators Collins and Smith renamed the bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan, who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus.\n\nIn Maine alone, there were approximately 1,400 new cases of Lyme disease in 2018, a sharp increase from the 752 cases in 2010. Far too many Americans with Lyme disease experience a complex diagnostic odyssey that takes months or even years, while suffering severe and debilitating symptoms. In addition to the physical and emotional toll that Lyme disease takes, it is also expensive. Medical costs of Lyme disease are estimated at $1.3 billion per year. When accounting for indirect medical costs, including loss of work, the annual costs balloon to $75 billion per year.\n\nThe inclusion of the Tick Act in the appropriations agreement is a major victory for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who contract Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses each year. I am grateful for the countless advocates who shared their struggles with these diseases and conveyed the urgent need for this comprehensive, bipartisan bill, said Senator Collins. With a national effort the TICK Act would establish, we can stop the spread of these devastating tick-borne illnesses and protect our health.\n\nI've said that for the sake of Americans' health and well-being, we need to move this bill forward. My hope is that our bipartisan bill quickly passes the House and Senate so it can go to the President's desk and be signed into law, said Senator Smith. The number of Lyme disease cases is on the rise, and we need to address this so Minnesotans can continue to enjoy spending time outside exploring our parks, swimming and boating in our lakes, and hiking in our forests safely.\n\nI was misdiagnosed by 23 doctors and specialists to the tune of $250,000 before getting an official diagnosis and proper treatment, said Paula Jackson Jones, President and Co-Founder of Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education. Enacting the Tick Act that Senator Collins introduced will provide a lifeline not only to patients but to medical providers. With funding available for research and education, we can get medical providers on the same page not only with improved diagnostic tools but better, more effective treatment options for their patients. With the Tick Act, and Senator Collins' support in Washington, we can stem the growing threat of tick-borne disease.\n\n\"Lyme is a frustrating and debilitating disease, but it's a problem we can solve,\" said Bonnie Crater, co-founder and board member at Center for Lyme Action. \"What is needed is dedicated and sustained effort by the federal government to address this growing public health threat. The Kay Hagan Tick Act is a wonderful first step and is supported by more than 150 Lyme foundations and associations around the United States.\"\n\nUsing a three-pronged approach, the Tick Act would:\n\n1. Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a National Strategy. This would help expand research, improve testing and treatment, and coordinate common efforts with DOD, USDA, EPA, the VA, and the Departments of Interior and Homeland Security\n\n2. Reauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years at $10 million per year. Funding for these centers, which was allotted in 2017, expires in 2021. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S. There are five centers located at universities in New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin.\n\n3. Authorize CDC Grants at $20 million per year that would be awarded to State Health Departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness. These awards would help states build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other tick and vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships.\n\nIn September, Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, convened a field hearing at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory Tick Lab in Orono, where experts and witnesses discussed the critical need to pass the Tick Act.\n\nIn 2016, Congress took a critical step forward with the enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act, which created a federal Tick-Borne Diseases Working Group. This Working Group released its first report in November 2018, which created several recommendations for next steps. With the findings of this report in mind, this legislation puts key recommendations into practice.\n\nThe Tick Act is supported by more than 155 organizations, including the Center for Lyme Action, the Entomological Society of America, National Association of Vector-Borne Disease Control Officials, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Organization in Maine, the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, the LivLyme Foundation, the Global Lyme Alliance, and The Avril Lavigne Foundation.\n\nSenators Collins and Smith's Tick Act is cosponsored by 31 Senators including Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R- MS), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), John Boozman (R-AR), Margaret Hassan (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Thom Tillis (R- NC), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Gary Peters (D-MI).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-urges-usda-heed-maine-dacf%E2%80%99s-comments-interim-final-hemp-rule", "Maine Delegation Urges USDA to Heed Maine DACFs Comments on Interim Final Hemp Rule", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) wrote to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging the agency to heed the formal comments and concerns of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) on the interim final rule on domestic hemp production. A signed copy of the letter can be foundhere.\n\nAs you know, theAgriculture Improvement Act of 2018created a legal pathway for domestic hemp production. We appreciate that [USDA] published an interim final rule on October 31, 2019 to implement those farm bill provisions, providing much needed certainty for hemp growers and businesses in Maine and across the country.said the Maine delegation in the letter.As [USDA] works on drafting a final rule, we respectfully request your consideration of DACF's comments and concerns.\n\nHemp, which is grown in every Maine county,contains less than .3% THC and can be used for a variety of products, including rope, textile, and paper. Thestate's hempindustry has seen massive growth over the past year;more than2,000 acres were planted in 2019, up from 550 acres in 2018. Much of that acreage is cultivated for CBD use.\n\nThe interim final rule was released by USDA on October 31, 2019. Public comment is open on the hemp rule untilDecember 31, 2019.\n\nIn addition to supporting DACF's comments on USDA's interim rule establishing a Domestic Hemp Production Program, the delegation has also worked to address the financing obstacles that hemp-producing businesses have encountered.Despite the 2018 Farm Bill'slegalization ofhemp, the lack of clarity in federal banking regulations has created major barriers for hemp businesses. Pingree and Golden firstwrote to USDAon April 30, 2019 to ask for expedited hemp regulations and clarity for Maine farmers.\n\nThe Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (HR 1595), passed the House with support from Pingree and Golden in September. The bill wouldallowfinancial institutionsto servecannabis-related businessesin states where it has been legalized.Senator King is acosponsor of the Senate version of the SAFE Banking Act (S 1200), andin Novemberwrote a letter to the Senate Banking Committee expressing his supportfor the House-passed bill.\n\nPingree and Golden againwrote to USDAon October 23, 2019, urging expedited rules for hemp in light of the news that Sheepscot Farman organic u-pick strawberry farm that also grows hemphad lost accounts at both their bank and insurance company due to uncertainty in federal regulations and a lack of guidance by USDA. Pingree held a roundtable with farmers on USDA's interim final hemp rule at Sheepscot General yesterday.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-approves-military-widow%E2%80%99s-tax-repeal", "Senate Approves Military Widows Tax Repeal", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' floor remarks. Click HERE for high-resolution video.\nClick HERE to read Senator Collins' floor remarks. \n\nWashington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Doug Jones (D-AL) announced that their legislation to repeal the Military Widow's Tax passed the Senate as a part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill now goes to the President to be signed into law. Prior to the vote, Senator Collins delivered remarks from the Senate floor.\n\nLegislation to repeal the widow's tax has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate for nearly two decades to roll back the law, which was enacted in 1972. Since introducing the bill in March, Senators Collins and Jones have worked tirelessly to garner support among their colleagues in both the Senate and House, as well as makethe case on behalf of the 67,000 surviving spousesincluding more than 260 in Mainewho are impacted by the military widow's tax. Under their leadership, the bill earned a record-high 78 total cosponsors in the Senate.\n\nThis provision we secured in the NDAA is a major victory for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted. The Military Widow's Tax was an unfair offset that prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spousesincluding more than 260 from Mainefrom receiving the full benefits they deserve, said Senator Susan Collins. This problem goes back decades, but this year we finally solved it once and for all. I appreciate the overwhelming support we received from our colleagues as well as veterans advocates who helped make this possible.\n\nWhen we introduced this legislation, we knew we were fighting an uphill battle on behalf of these surviving spouses. Together, we were undeterred by the task and committed to them that this was the year it would finally get done. There is no more noble of a cause than to do the right thing for our military families who have lost their loved one in service to our country. It is for these surviving spouses and their families that we took up this fight, and I am honored to be standing with them as we finally put this injustice behind us, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nThe Southern Maine Chapter, Military Officers Association of America salutes Senator Susan Collins for being a leader in the Senate to repeal what is known as the Military Widow's Tax in the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). She understood the injustice of taking away a significant portion of a military retiree's pension when they died, especially when it was a service-related death and for many years after retirement that the military member paid into the program. The program in effect was a slap in the face, while every other federal survivor segment receives concurrent benefits. Thank you, Senator Collins, for making a difference in the lives of our American Heroes, and especially their families, said CDR Richard H Tetrev, USN (Ret.), President of the Military Officers Association of America's (MOAA) Southern Maine Chapter.\n\nMOAA has long fought for the repeal of the widow's tax, and we are so pleased that it is finally becoming a reality. MOAA is especially grateful to Senators Collins and Jones for championing this bipartisan effort in Congress and for seeing it to the finish line. Military spouses will no longer be forced to forfeit part or all of their Survivor Benefit Plan when they are awarded the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, ensuring that veterans' surviving family members will receive the benefits they deserve, said Jim Settele, CAPT, USN (Ret.), MOAA member, former President of MOAA Pine Tree Chapter of Maine. \n\nEarlier this year, Senators Collins and Jones hosted a press conference and sat down for an interview with CBS to highlight the urgent need to pass legislation to address this issue.\n\nIn June, Senators Collins and Jones led a bipartisan colloquy on the Senate floor calling for the Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2019 to be voted on as an amendment to the FY2020 NDAA. In August, Senators Collins and Jones sent a letter, signed by nearly two-thirds of the Senate, urging leadership of the Committee on Armed Services to include language in the FY2020 NDAA to repeal the widow's tax.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-secures-225-million-port-improvements-final-appropriations-agreement", "Senator Collins Secures $225 Million for Port Improvements in Final Appropriations Agreement", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the final Appropriations agreement unveiled yesterday provides $225 million to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our nation's ports. The legislation also prioritizes small grant applications for ports like Portland, Eastport, and Searsport.\n\nSenator Collins was the Chairman of the negotiating Committee that brokered the agreement between the House and the Senate for the Transportation and Housing appropriations bill. The ports provision was the culmination of months of negotiation and advocacy by Senator Collins. The agreement must now receive a vote in both the House and the Senate. Once passed by both chambers, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nMaine's seaports are utilized daily by businesses and customers across our state, helping to facilitate the sale of Maine products and creating jobs here in our state, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked hard to secure this funding, which will have a lasting impact on these economic engines along our coast. By helping to upgrade and improve the competitiveness of Maine's ports, these investments will provide a boost for the entire state.\n\nFederal port infrastructure funding is critical to developing maritime assets throughout the State of Maine, said Jon Nass CEO of the Maine Port Authority. This type of grant funding secured by Senator Collins in recent years has helped create and support ports across Maine's coastline, stimulating its economy and making Maine competitive in a global economy. Senator Collins' continued support for maritime infrastructure is incredibly valuable for all of Maine. The Maine Port Authority looks forward to working with Senator Collins to make use of this program.\n\nEligible projects for the $225 million for port funding include road and rail connections, docks, wharves, piers, and landside structures. Small grant applications, defined as those less than $10 million, are required to be prioritized for small ports, which will be beneficial to ports in Maine. Small grant applications are also eligible for a federal cost-share above 80 percent.\n\nThis funding could be used to construct infrastructure to support the growth of Maine ports and the efficient movement of freight. Piers, warehouses, multi-modal connections and specialized infrastructure to handle new types of freight could all be supported under this grant program.\n\nIn addition, Senator Collins has asked the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Maritime Administration to provide technical assistance to Maine's ports on developing grant applications to compete in the program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-casey-introduce-bill-reauthorize-older-americans-act", "Senators Collins, Casey Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Older Americans Act", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks on the introduction of the OAA. Click HERE to download high-resolution video.\n\nWashington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Aging Committee, introduced the Modernization of the Older Americans Act Amendments. Their legislation would reauthorize and strengthen the Older Americans Act (OAA), the nation's preeminent law focused on the wellbeing of seniors.\n\nSince 1965, the OAA has supported and improved the lives of seniorsparticularly those who are low-incomethrough programs that promote nutrition (e.g. Meals on Wheels), improve transportation options, support caregivers, offer employment and community service opportunities, and prevent abuse and neglect. This critical law was last reauthorized in 2016.\n\nFor more than half a century, the Older Americans Act has served as a lifeline for millions of seniors by enriching their lives and improving their overall health, said Senator Collins. The bipartisan legislation we introduced today will help ensure that the OAA continues to match the goals we set to permit seniors to age with dignity, respect, and community. Getting this bill across the finish line to strengthen the OAA's programs while providing more flexibility for states to meet local needs is one of my highest priorities as Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee. I urge all of our colleagues to support its swift passage and enactment.\n\nThe Older Americans Act serves more than 11 million Americans each year, including 400,000 people throughout Pennsylvania. It represents our commitment to the generations who made us who we are today and lifts up the seniors who need our help the most, said Senator Casey. This bill, which is the culmination of five roundtables with 34 Area Agencies on Aging representing 63 percent of the counties in Pennsylvania, and includes provisions to provide more support for grandparents raising grandchildren, to strengthen innovation to better show the value of Older Americans Act programming and to direct resources for multigenerational engagement. These provisions, combined with other updates to the Act, will ensure that our Area Agencies on Aging are prepared to meet seniors where they are  in their homes and communities.\n\nOn behalf of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), we appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Senators Collins and Casey advancing the long-term reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA), said Debra Whitman, Chair of LCAO, the coalition of national nonprofit organizations representing America's older adults. Older Americans all across the country depend on the OAA's critical home and community based services and the aging network to stay healthy and engaged in their communities. We look forward to legislators from both parties working together to quickly pass legislation to support our growing aging population and help assure their healthy longevity.\n\nToo often, people living with younger-onset Alzheimer's have been unable to access fundamental programs and services because of their age, said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and AIM executive director. \"The resources available under the OAA are a critically important support system for older individuals with Alzheimer's and will improve the quality of life for individuals and their families.\"\n\nAARP applauds the bipartisan leadership of Special Committee on Aging Chair Susan Collins and Ranking Member Bob Casey in developing the Modernization of the Older Americans Act Amendments,said Megan O'Reilly, Vice President for AARP Government Affairs, Federal Health and Family.This legislation reaffirms our nation's commitment to the well-being of older Americans and their caregivers. We look forward to working together on a prompt reauthorization to ensure that our loved ones have the support they need to live at home with independence and dignity as they age.\n\nAdministered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the OAA authorizes an array of services through a network of 56 State Units on Aging and more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).\n\nIn the last year alone, OAA programs:\n\n Served more than 700,000 caregivers; and\n\n Provided seniors across the country with 358 million meals.\n\nIn addition to supporting seniors, OAA programs are cost effective. The average cost of serving one senior Meals on Wheels for the entire year is $2,828, compared to the average of $2,424 it costs to stay for a single day in the hospital and the approximately $2,450 it costs to stay just ten days in a nursing home. By providing seniors with a hot meal, the Older Americans Act improves nutrition and keeps seniors out of the hospital, allowing them to age in their homes and communities. In fact, every $1 invested into the Older Americans Act generates $3 to help seniors stay at home and out of the hospital through low-cost, community-based services.\n\nSpecifically, Senators Collins and Casey's bill would:\n\n Reauthorize the Older Americans Act for seven years with funding levels that better meet the growing needs, including a 7 percent increase in the initial year, and 6 percent increase annually for the remainder of the authorization;\n Extend the RAISE Family Caregivers Act for five years;\n Extend the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Council for one year;\n Improve the availability of transportation resources to seniors;\n Enhance flexibility for states to better address the needs of grandparents raising grandchildren;\n Ensure that those living with younger onset Alzheimer's disease are included in key OAA services;\n Increase the focus on addressing detrimental impacts of social isolation; and\n Advances support for age-friendly communities.\n Improves elder abuse prevention activities through increased outreach and education activities.\n Increase transparency of home-modification opportunities for eligible older adults.\n Streamlines transferring process between nutrition programs.\n Upgrades data collection methods to understand unmet need in nutrition programs.\n Prioritize existing resources towards multigenerational programming.\n Bolster innovation in the OAA through thoughtful evaluation of demonstrations and existing programs.\n\nIn May, Senators Collins and Casey held an Aging Committee hearing to highlight the importance of reauthorizing the OAA.\n\nThis reauthorization is supported by dozens of organizations including the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, AARP, the National Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), Advancing States, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), National Alliance for Caregiving, Meals on Wheels America, the West Health Institute, the Jewish Federations of North America, and the Alzheimer's Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-support-resolution-recognizing-critical-role-2020-census", "Collins, King Support Resolution Recognizing Critical Role of 2020 Census", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined their colleagues on a bipartisan resolutionto emphasize the importance of a fair and accurate 2020 Census. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted.\n\nThe Census is a central part of America's democracy that dates back to our nation's founding, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Census data provides critical information to ensure accurate representation in Congress, and is a major factor that determines federal funding for much-needed local investments into roads, schools, and more. We urge Maine people to take all necessary steps to ensure they are properly counted when this process begins in 2020.\n\nThe 2020 Census is a constitutionally-mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities.\n\nThe resolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible by counting everyone once, only once and in the right place.\n\nFor a PDF copy of the resolution, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/funding-secured-senator-collins-improve-maine%E2%80%99s-transportation-housing-advances", "Funding Secured by Senator Collins to Improve Maines Transportation & Housing Advances", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill unveiled today makes critical improvements to Maine's transportation infrastructure, promotes economic development, and provides housing assistance for the most vulnerable populations. The legislation now awaits a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nAt its core, this legislation is about creating and sustaining jobs through investments that make critical improvements to our infrastructure and provide housing assistance to low-income families. It also contains key reforms, such as improving oversight of the FAA's aviation safety and aircraft certification programs, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have championed funding for these important programs, and I will continue to work to improve Maine's infrastructure.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Collinsdelivered remarks from the Senate floorurging her colleagues to support the FY 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill, which provides $74.3 billion in new funding, $3.2 billion more than last year.Provisions secured by Senator Collins that will benefit Maine include:\n\nDepartment of Transportation:\n\n BUILD Grants: The bill includes $1 billion for BUILD grants, which provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Since the program's inception in 2009, Maine has received a BUILD grant each year, totaling $205 million, due to Senator Collins' advocacy.\n\n Aviation: The bill fully funds the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) safety programs to address safety concerns raised by two recent Boeing 737-MAX crashes. An increase of $67 million is provided to hire staff with specialized expertise, such as in human factors, as well as to improve training of aviation safety inspectors. The FAA is also directed to respond to all recommendations issued by the various investigations and audits and to finalize a rulemaking requiring aviation manufacturers to establish a safety management system (SMS). The bill also includes $162 million for the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, which provides commercial air service to Augusta/Waterville, Bar Harbor, Presque Isle/Houlton, and Rockland, and $3.75 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP)to improve ournation's airports. The bill continues to provide $5 million for the FAA's work on a statewide helicopter route system to help LifeFlight of Maine to fly in poor weather conditions under instrument flight rules.\n\n Highway and Bridge Funding Increase: The bill funds the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at $49.3 billion, of which $2.2 billion is provided from the general fund. Of this amount, $1.15 billion is for bridge repairs and rehabilitation, which will provide $35 million for Maine's bridges; and $781 million for highway formula programs, which will provide $3.6 million for Maine's highways.\n\n State Maritime Academies: The bill includes $300 million for a new training ship for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), and an additional $5 million in direct support, tuition assistance, ship-sharing and fuel payments for MMA. Click HERE to read more.\n\n Small Shipyard Grants: The bill includes $20 million for the Maritime Administration's Small Shipyard Grant program, which helps small shipyards improve the efficiency of their operations by providing for equipment and other facility upgrades. Maine shipyards have benefitted from this program, including Rockland Marine Corporation, Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc., of East Boothbay, and Front Street Shipyard of Belfast.\n\n Port Infrastructure Development Program. The bill provides $225 million for port grants for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of goods at ports. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is directed to prioritize applications that are less than $10 million from small ports, and such applications can receive a Federal cost-share above 80 percent.\n\nHousing and Urban Development: \n\n Homelessness Prevention: The bill includes more than $2.8 billion to help communities design and implement local solutions to end homelessness. Of this amount, $2.8 billion is included for the Homeless Assistance Grant program in order to fully meet the program's renewal need, and includes $280 million for Emergency Solutions Grants, $80 million in funding targeted for homeless youth, and $50 million for new rapid rehousing projects that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence. The bill also includes $20 million for new family unification vouchers to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless, and $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. Since the HUD-VASH program was first established in 2008, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans. Click HERE to read more.\n\n Lead Grants: The bill includes $290 million to combat lead hazards, $11 million above last year's level. This will fund intensive interventions in communities with very high incidences of lead paint. These multi-year projects can dramatically reduce lead-based paint hazards in Maine communities with old housing that are in greatest need for lead remediation. Under Chairman Collins' leadership, funding for the lead hazard program has nearly tripled since 2015.\n\n Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): The bill includes $3.4 billion for the CDBG program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation.\n\n Housing during substance abuse recovery. The bill provides $25 million for assistance to States to provide stable, temporary housing to individuals recovering from substance abuse. States including Maine, with high rates of overdose deaths will receive funding. \n\n Housing for the Elderly: In addition to fully funding the renewal of existing rental assistance for seniors, the bill includes $90 million for new construction of senior housing and $10 million for grants for home modifications to enable low-income seniors to age in place' and remain in their own homes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/funding-secured-senator-collins-support-homelessness-prevention-programs-advances", "Funding Secured by Senator Collins to Support Homelessness Prevention Programs Advances", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill includes more than $2.8 billion to help communities design and implement local solutions to end homelessness. The legislation now awaits a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nThis important funding will bolster Maine's efforts to assist our state's most vulnerable citizens with additional resources and promote their health, independence, and overall wellbeing. I am particularly pleased that this bill supports new housing vouchers for veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms as well as initiatives to find permanent housing for homeless and runaway youth,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I have championed funding for these important programs, and I will continue to work to prevent and end homelessness in Maine.\n\nProvisions authored by Senator Collins that will benefit Maine homeless programs include:\n\n Homeless Assistance Grants: The bill includes $2.4 billion in order to fully meet the renewal needs of the Homeless Assistance Grant program and provides an additional $290 million for Emergency Solutions Grants.\n\n Homeless Youth: The bill includes $80 million in funding for efforts to end youth homelessness in both urban and rural areas. In August, Senator Collins announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $3,354,677 to the Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) tocombat youth homelessness throughout the State of Maine.\n\n Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence: The bill includes $50 million for new rapid rehousing projects that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence.\n\n Section 8 Vouchers: The bill includes $25 million for new family unification vouchers of which $20 million will be used to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless.\n\n Housing for Veterans: The bill includes $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. Since the HUD-VASH program was first established in 2008, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans. Senator Collins' efforts have contributed to homelessness among veterans declining by 50 percent since 2010. In April, Senator Collins hosted Secretary Wilkie in Maine to visit a veteran-owned small business, participate in the groundbreaking for a new veterans residential care facility, and tour an organization that provides housing for homeless veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-resolution-cosponsored-senator-collins-commemorating-75th-anniversary-battle", "Senate Passes Resolution Cosponsored by Senator Collins Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins' father, Don Collins\n\nWashington, D.C.  In recognition of the Battle of the Bulgebeginning 75 years ago today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Senator Susan Collins and a bipartisan group of her colleagues commemorating this anniversary.\n\nThis resolutionhonorsthe valiant efforts of theAlliedForces inDecember 1944, as well as those who made the ultimatesacrifice in thislast major German offensive in Western Europeduring World War II.There were 89,000 American casualties in this 38-day battle, and 19,000 American soldiers lost their lives. The Allied victory in this battle helped make possible the final defeat and surrender of Germany in May 1945.\n\nSeventy-five years ago today, when the Allies were on the cusp of victory in Europe in World War II, Nazi troops launched a major counteroffensive in the Ardennes Forest that, if successful, could have altered the outcome of the war. Exhibiting tremendous bravery, approximately 100,000 Americans initially slowed the advance of an enemy force that greatly outnumbered their own, said Senator Collins. America's triumph came at a high price, with more than 89,000 casualties by the end. One of those soldiers was my father, who was wounded twice and earned two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. On this 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, let us honor the sacrifices made by the thousands of Americans who perished in battle, those who survived but have since passed on, and those living today.\n\nThe resolution was also supported by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joe Manchin (D-WV),Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelley Moore Capito (D-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jim Risch (R-ID), Todd Young (R-IN), John Boozman (R-AR), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Barasso (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Doug Jones (D-AL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD).\n\nLast week, the Senate also passed a resolution introduced by Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME) designating Saturday, December 14, 2019, as Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths were laid at Arlington National Cemetery, all 50 states, and two American Veteran Cemeteries in Luxembourg and the Netherlands in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.\n\nIn June, Senator Collinswas part of the official, bipartisan Senate Delegationthat commemorated the 75thanniversary of the D-Day invasionat the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. During her visit, Senator Collinsmet with Maine World War II veteransas well aswith Madawaska native Scott Desjardins, the superintendent of the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Previously, Mr. Desjardins was the superintendent of the American cemetery in Luxembourg, which commemorates the Battle of the Bulge.\n\nClick HERE to read the resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-successfully-negotiates-300-million-new-mma-training-ship-final", "Senator Collins Successfully Negotiates $300 Million for New MMA Training Ship in Final Appropriations Agreement", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE for additional photos of the future ship for MMA\n\nWashington, D.C.  Following months of negotiation and advocacy from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, the final Appropriations agreement unveiled today includes $300 million for the construction and acquisition of a new training vessel for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA). Senator Collins wasthe Chairman of the negotiating Committee that brokered the agreement between the House and the Senate for the Transportation and Housing appropriations bill.\n\nThe agreement must now receive a vote in both the House and the Senate. Once passed by both chambers, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nThis ship is a critical training asset for Maine Maritime Academy, which is why I fought to include this funding throughout the Appropriations process, said Senator Collins. Maine Maritime Academy provides an exceptional education that fully prepares students to excel in the Navy, Coast Guard, and the maritime industry. This new ship will help provide rigorous instruction and crucial maritime training for MMA students for decades to come.\n\nThis appropriation demonstrates that Congress believes in the value of our State Maritime Academies and our role in support of economic and national security. I am especially pleased with the level of support we have received from Senator Susan Collins who, as Chair of the Senate's Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, has had the laboring oar in approving funding for this huge accomplishment, said Dr. William J. Brennan, President of Maine Maritime Academy.\n\nSenator Collins strongly opposed the Administration's proposal earlier this year that requested $205 million to construct a smaller training vessel for MMA. It would have been inferior to a ship funded in fiscal year (FY) 2019 for Massachusetts Maritime Academy despite the fact that Maine Maritime Academy has nearly the same number of Coast Guard-licensed graduates and the same need for at-sea training. In addition, changing the design would have required the U.S. Maritime Administration to start from scratch in designing a brand new ship. At a Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee hearing she chaired in March, Senator Collins obtained the commitment of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to secure additional funding.\n\nIt was my goal from the beginning to ensure that Maine Maritime Academy received the exact same kind of ship as Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Senator Collins continued. MMA students and instructors are exceptional, and they deserve full and equal resources to continue to do their jobs effectively.\n\nThe $300 million for the new training ship at MMA was included in the FY 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill authored by Senator Collins. In addition, the bill provides $5 million in direct support and tuition assistance for the Maine Maritime Academy, as well as fuel payments for their current training ship, the State of Maine.\n\nIn 1997, Senator Collins served as the sponsor of the training ship State of Maine when it was acquired by Maine Maritime Academy. Approximately 1,000 undergraduates are enrolled at the institution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-more-600000-13-maine-businesses-make-energy-efficiency-improvements", "Collins, King Announce More Than $600,000 for 13 Maine Businesses to Make Energy Efficiency Improvements, Install Renewable Energy Systems", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a total of $606,696 to help 13 businesses throughout Maine lower their energy costs through solar panel installations. This funding is awarded through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).\n\nRenewable energy installations not only have an important role in reducing harmful emissions, but can also save businesses money by substantially lowering their heating and electricity costs, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this important funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will allow 13 Maine businesses to install solar panel systems, helping them save thousands of dollars per year in energy costs.\n\nThe funding is allocated as follows:\n\n Balfour Farm, LLC, in Pittsfield has been awarded $11,362 to purchase and install a 9.6 kW solar PV array. This project will replace 7,538 kWh (4.93) and save $10,347 per year.\n\n Brooks, Inc., in Thomaston has been awarded $50,000 to purchase and install a 115.9 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 123,877 kWh (86%) and save $16,104 per year.\n\n Brown Enterprises, LLC, in Monmouth has been awarded $27,500 to purchase and install a 56.88 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,706 per year and generate 66,968 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.\n\n Cranberry Isles Fishermen's Co-op in Islesford has been awarded $31,047 to purchase and install a 45.36kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,020 per year and generate 51,088 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.\n\n Edwin Pelletier and Sons, Inc., in Frenchville has been awarded $37,710 to purchase and install a 61.6 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will replace 74,237 kWh (95%) and save $10,393 per year.\n\n Leavitt Farms, LLC, in Limestone has been awarded $89,615 to purchase and install a 153 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $35,900 per year and generate 274,963 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.\n\n Lubec Brewing Company, LLC, in Lubec has been awarded $34,456 to purchase and install a 42 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $5,485 per year and generate 50,220 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy need.\n\n Maine Beer Company, LLC, in Freeport has been awarded $90,878 to purchase and install a 193.71kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 223,762 kWh (51%) and save $33,027 per year.\n\n Morningstar Marble and Granite, Inc., in Topsham has been awarded $60,000 to purchase and install a 161.28kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will replace 171,112 kWh (92%) and save $22,245 per year.\n\n Pol, Inc., in Millinocket has been awarded $92,839 to purchase and install a 171 kW Solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $18,515 per year and generate 205,420 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.\n\n Sheepscot General, LLC, in Whitefield has been awarded $26,750 to purchase and install a 54.6 kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will replace 70,856 kWh (74%) and save $9,636 in per year.\n\n The Baker Company, LLC, in Sanford has been awarded $18,146 to purchase and install a 219.52kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 241,958 kWh (15%) and save $31,455 per year.\n\n The Milkhouse, LLC, in Monmouth has been awarded $36,393 to purchase and install a 72kW Solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will save $10,249 per year and generate 71,410 kWh annually, replacing all the business' energy needs.\n\nRecipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation, and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-reed-introduce-legislation-help-make-higher-education-more-affordable-accessible", "Collins, Reed Introduce Legislation to Help Make Higher Education More Affordable & Accessible", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Seeking to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students and to help make postsecondary education achievable for more Americans,U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced the Partnerships for Affordability and Student Success (PASS) Act.Thisbipartisan billwouldamend the Higher Education Act of 1965 toreestablish a federal-state partnership for increasingneed-based aid,providegrants to institutions to improve student outcomes and reduce college costs, andbuildpublic accountability for institutions of higher learning.\n\nEducation plays a vital role in opening the doors of opportunity to all Americans, but the rising cost of a college education threatens to close those doors to many families across the country,said Senator Collins. This bipartisan bill would help alleviate such financial strains by creating a federal-state partnership program to improve state educational attainment, college access, affordability, and completion. It would also increase need-based financial aid.\n\nCollege is expensive. Today, too many hard-working young people and their families are falling behind as they try to pay for their degrees that were supposed to help them get ahead. The PASS Act will help make a college degree more affordable and accessible by reinvigorating thefederal-state partnership for higher education with an emphasis on need-based grant aid,said Senator Reed. During the sixties and seventies,a combination of low in-state tuition and federal and state need-based grants meant students did not have to mortgage their future to earn a college degree. That is not true today. Over 43 million Americans now owe more than $1.5 trillion in student loans.Today's students should have the same opportunity as previous generations.\n\nAccording to the latestState Higher Education Finance reportpublished by the State Higher Education Executive Officers, public colleges and universities have become more reliant on tuition dollars for their operations. Today, in 27 states, tuition accounts for more than half of all higher education revenue. Moreover, the only federal-state partnership program for need-based financial aidthe Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) program  has not received appropriations since fiscal year 2010.\n\nUnder the PASS Act, in exchange for new federal investment, states must make a commitment to maintain their investment in higher education and have a comprehensive plan for higher education with measurable goals for access, affordability, and student outcomes. At least half of the funding must be dedicated to need-based student financial aid. States also have the option of awarding grants to colleges and universities or partnerships between institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations to improve student outcomes, including enrollment, completion, and employment, and to develop innovative methods for reducing college costs.\n\nThe PASS Act is supported by the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs, the Center for Law and Social Policy, the Institute for Higher Education Policy, the Association of Community College Trustees, and the National Skills Coalition.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-shaheen-and-isakson-introduce-legislation-make-combatting-gender-based-violence-top", "Collins, Shaheen, and Isakson Introduce Legislation to Make Combatting Gender-Based Violence a Top U.S. Diplomatic Priority", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced theInternational Violence Against Women Act(IVAWA), bipartisan legislation to ensure combatting gender-based violence around the world remains a top diplomatic and development priority for the United States.\n\nIn addition to being a pressing human rights issue, violence against women and girls contributes to inequality and political instability, making it a security issue as well as a moral issue for us all. Our bipartisan bill would ensure that the U.S. continues to take a leadership role in combatting such violence around the world, said Senator Collins.I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues to end gender-based violence and to provide the assistance and resources necessary to achieve this goal.\n\n\"One in three women and girls around the world will report experiencing gender-based violence in their lifetimes. By denying women and girls the chance to rise to their full potential, gender-based violence stunts economic, political and social progress in our communities, said Senator Shaheen. The International Violence Against Women Act will ensure combatting gender-based violence around the world remains a top diplomatic and development priority for the United States. This not only means stopping sexual abuse and trafficking, domestic violence, early and forced marriages and other forms of gender-based violence, but also changing societal views and norms in places around the world where women and girls are not agents of their own future.\n\nThe United States must continue to be a leader in the fight to end gender-based violence around the world. The consequences of violence against girls and women at home and abroad are far-reaching, and the International Violence Against Women Act will help us better coordinate these important efforts, said Senator Isakson. Ensuring that women and girls around the world have the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from the threat of violence, must remain a priority for all of us.\n\nSpecifically, theInternational Violence Against Women Actwould:\n\n Require the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop and implement a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence;\n Permanently authorize the State Department Office of Global Women's Issues and the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues to head that Office;\n Permanently authorize the USAID Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment; and\n Require interagency coordination, monitoring and evaluation of programs and regular briefings to Congress.\n\nEarlier this year, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution authored by Senators Collins and Shaheen recognizing International Women's Day 2019. In November, Senators Collins and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Girls Leadership, Engagement, and Advocacy in Development (LEAD) Act of 2019, legislation to promote girls' leadership and participation in civic and political processes through U.S. foreign assistance.\n\nRead the bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/committee-advances-collins-and-hassan%E2%80%99s-efforts-support-grandfamilies-and-relative", "Committee Advances Collins and Hassans Efforts to Support Grandfamilies and Relative Caregivers, Prevent Child Abuse", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The Health Committee voted to advance the reauthorization of the bipartisanChild Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA),which includes measures that U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) fought to include to ensure that family members caring for children are eligible for necessary support services. CAPTA is the only federal program dedicated exclusively to the prevention, assessment, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.\n\nA growing consequence of the opioid crisis is an increasing number of grandparents raising their grandchildren because the children's parents overdosed or are absent due to substance use disorders. Earlier this year, Senators Collins and Hassan introduced the bipartisanHelp Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act, legislation that provides greater support services to meet the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, including exposure to substance misuse.\n\nThroughout the United States, the opioid epidemic continues to devastate families, and grandparents increasingly are being called on to become the primary caregivers of their grandchildren. Although this caretaker role can be a source of tremendous comfort and stability for families, it also presents several challenges, said Senator Collins. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act will help ensure that grandparents have access to important resources they need to help their grandchildren succeed.\n\nGrandparents and other relatives who areprimary caregivers for children impacted by the opioid crisis are taking on an enormous and crucial responsibility, and they need additional support,Senator Hassansaid. I am pleased that the reauthorization of theChild Abuse Prevention and Treatment Actrightfullymakes sure that grandfamilies and other caregivers are eligible for child services under this bill, which helps ensure that both caregivers and children have what they need to thrive.\n\nAs the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Collins authored key legislation that created a one-stop-shop of resources to support grandparents raising grandchildren. The Supporting Grandparents Raising Children Act was cosponsored by Senator Hassan and was signed into law last June.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-sinema-introduce-bill-help-asylum-seekers-obtain-jobs-more-quickly", "Senators Collins, Sinema Introduce Bill to Help Asylum Seekers Obtain Jobs More Quickly", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.In a bipartisan effort to allow asylum seekers find employment more quickly and become self-sufficient, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced legislation today to shorten the waiting period before asylum seekers are allowed to file for work authorizations. \n\nThe change proposed by our bill will lessen the burden on the budgets of communities hosting asylum seekers while allowing these individuals and their families to support themselves as they want to do, bringing needed skills to the cities and towns in which they settle, said Senator Collins. I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation to permit these individuals to work and contribute to the local economy while their asylum claims are being adjudicated.\n\nOur commonsense proposal allows individuals to stand on their own two feet and ensures women, children, and families fleeing violence and seeking asylum are treated fairly and humanely, said Senator Sinema.\n\nThe Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2019 would allow asylum seekers to file for work authorizations 30 days after applying for asylum. Since asylum seekers cannot currently work to provide for themselves or their families for six months according to existing law, cities and towns where asylum seekers live are under pressure to support them, often by using local general assistance from taxpayers and volunteer contributions.\n\nClick HERE to read the text of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bill-expand-wind-energy-research-and-development-introduced-senators-collins-0", "Bipartisan Bill to Expand Wind Energy Research and Development Introduced by Senators Collins, Smith Advances", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) to reauthorize and expand the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Wind Energy and support competitive grants to improve the efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind energy generation. The Wind Energy Research and Development Act now heads to the floor for consideration by the full Senate.\n\nWithin 50 miles of the U.S. coast, there is enough offshore wind capacity to power our country four times over. Offshore wind projects, such as Aqua Ventus at the University of Maine, have the potential to support more than 2,000 good-paying jobs in our state, said Senator Collins. Our bipartisan bill would encourage and accelerate the excellent wind energy research being done on new technologies that will enable businesses to continue to develop this clean source of power, including off the coast of Maine.\n\nToday's committee action shows that both sides of the aisle recognize the importance of investing in wind energy, said Senator Smith. As a national leader in wind energy, Minnesota knows that it offers large economic and environmental benefits. We're home to the two largest wind construction companies in the country, and nearly 20 percent of our state's electricity last year was generated from wind turbines. Senator Collins' and my bipartisan bill makes sense because wind energy is a rural economic engine, it's good for the environment and it's the cheapest way to add new electricity to the electrical grid.\n\nThe wind energy sector supports more than 114,000 American jobs and provides more than $1 billion in revenue each year for states and local communities. Federal support for wind research and development has already delivered significant results, and the Wind Energy Research and Development Act is a big part of a larger effort to accelerate innovative technologies, educate local communities, create more jobs, and enhance the economy in rural areas.\n\nThe Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2019 authorizes and expands DOE's Office of Wind Energy for five years and directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive grants to:\n\n Improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind energy generation;\n\n Improve land-based and offshore blade, generator, tower, and support designs and transformational technologies for harnessing wind energy, including airborne wind energy generators;\n\n Increase recycling and reuse of wind-energy components;\n\n Reduce cost of permitting, construction, operation & maintenance of wind energy systems;\n\n Conduct a wind energy technology validation and market transformation program;\n\n Reduce barriers to widespread adoption of wind power; and\n\n Develop new wildlife impact mitigation technologies.\n\nThe Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2019 is supported by the American Wind Energy Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Defense Fund, Distributed Wind Energy Association, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute.\\\n\nClick HERE for a summary of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-56-million-investment-caribou-utilities-district", "Collins, King Announce $5.6 Million Investment in Caribou Utilities District", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Caribou Utilities District received a grant of $1,400,000 and a loan of $4,200,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development to upgrade Caribou's wastewater treatment facility and collection system. The project will help prevent overflows of untreated or partially treated wastewater during wet weather.\n\nMaintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of communities,saidSenators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this significant funding for Caribou to improve its wastewater treatment system, which will help to preserve water quality and public health, increase operation efficiencies at the treatment facility, and protect the surrounding environment.\n\nThe improvements at Caribou's wastewater treatment facility will include removing sludge, removing and replacing old aeration piping and equipment, replacing lagoon liner, improving hydraulic connectivity between lagoons and the chlorine contact tank, increasing the capacity of lagoons, and replacing blowers and controls.\n\nThe Water and Waste Disposal grant program aims to help rural communities establish best practices that can save tax dollars, improve the environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to establish or expand operations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-authored-senators-collins-casey-increase-number-geriatric-doctors-nurses-and", "Legislation Authored by Senators Collins, Casey to Increase Number of Geriatric Doctors, Nurses, and Other Health Professionals Advances", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, announced today that the Senate Health Committee has voted to advance the Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act, legislation they introduced earlier this year to increase the number of geriatric health professionals to support our aging population. Their bill now heads to the floor for consideration by the full Senate.\n\nThis bipartisan bill would reauthorize the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) for the next five years and also reinstate the Geriatrics Academic Career Awards program (GACA).\n\nFor Maine, with an aging population of more than a quarter million Mainers over the age of 65, and only 43 geriatricians, there is an acute need to quickly train more geriatric health professionals to meet the growing demand, said Senator Collins. Our bipartisan bill would ensure geriatric education for our current workforce, while optimizing resources to bolster academic careers in geriatrics, helping to attract the best and the brightest into the field. Together, GWEP and GACA would develop a high-quality geriatric workforce ready to provide care for Americans as we grow older.\n\nCurrently, there are fewer than 7,300 physicians that are board-certified geriatricians. The United States needs to train more than 2,000 geriatricians per year over the next 11 years to reach the 30,000 geriatricians that will be needed by 2030. The number of health professionals and direct service workers trained to care for older adults must increase significantly in order to meet the needs of the growing population of Americans age 65 and older.\n\nGWEP is the only federally funded program that exists to educate and train health care professionals in geriatrics. Today, there are 48 GWEP programs in 35 states, including a new GWEP program at the University of New England (UNE), which Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME) worked to secure earlier this year. GWEP programs help integrate geriatrics into primary care, train providers to address the needs of older adults, deliver community-based programs, and provide Alzheimer's disease education.\n\nGACA programs, which were established in 1998, increase the number of faculty engaged in geriatric education by supporting health care professionals' transition from clinical practice to academic roles. Following a restructuring of the geriatric workforce program, the GACA program needs to be formally reinstated. \n\nThe Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act is supported by leading organizations in gerontology and geriatrics, including the Eldercare Workforce Alliance, the American Geriatrics Society, the Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Impact Movement, and the National Association of Geriatric Education Centers.\n\nEarlier this year at a Senate Health Committee, Senator Collins, a member of the Committee, questioned specialists on the urgent need to grow our geriatric workforce and how an increased focus on geriatric care could also reduce unnecessary health care costs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-authored-senators-collins-shaheen-increase-access-national-parks-federal-lands", "Legislation Authored by Senators Collins, Shaheen to Increase Access to National Parks & Federal Lands for Disabled Veterans Advances", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Legislation Authored by Senators Collins, Shaheen to Increase Access to National Parks & Federal Lands for Disabled Veterans Advances \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Thu, 12/12/2019 - 12:19    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has voted to advance the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act, legislation they introduced earlier this year that would make all veterans with service-connected disabilities eligible for a free, lifetime entry to United States national parks and other federal lands. Their bill now heads to the floor for consideration by the full Senate.\n\nThe brave men and women who have served in our military and have been wounded defending our nation should have free access to our national parks and recreational areas  the American land they fought to protect, said Senator Collins. From Acadia to Denali, and everywhere in between, this legislation would allow disabled veterans to more easily access our country's national treasures for outdoor recreation, which can help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war.\n\nUnder the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), veterans need to be classified as having a 100 percent permanent disability in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The Wounded Veterans Recreation Act would amend this law so all veterans with service-related disabilities would be eligible for a free, lifetime pass to national parks and federal lands.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-212-million-health-centers-cumberland-and-piscataquis-counties", "Collins, King Announce $2.12 Million for Health Centers in Cumberland and Piscataquis Counties", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "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 $2.12 Million for Health Centers in Cumberland and Piscataquis Counties \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 12/11/2019 - 14:33    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $1,492,719 in funding to Greater Portland Health in Cumberland County and $635,688 for Sebasticook Family Doctors in Piscataquis County.\n\nAccess to quality, affordable health care is crucial to the well-being of Maine communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Greater Portland Health and Sebasticook Family Doctors continue to provide cost-effective primary and preventive care that is critical to many Mainers in Cumberland and Piscataquis counties.\n\nThis funding was awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Health Center Cluster Program at HHS, which is tasked with improving access to health care by building healthy communities, strengthening the health care workforce, and achieving health equity. HRSA's programs target the economic and medically vulnerable as well as the geographically isolated.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-senators-letter-un-convention-support-global-efforts", "Collins, King Join Bipartisan Group of Senators on Letter to UN Convention in Support of Global Efforts to Combat Climate Change", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined a bipartisan group of Senators in sending a letter to Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in support of its global efforts to thwart climate change. The 25th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) is underway in Madrid to convene a meeting on the historic Paris Climate Agreement.\n\nFailing to address the worsening crisis of climate change will wreak damages on all Americans for centuries into the future. Now more than ever, the American people are demanding action on climate change from our federal government and our international partners, wrote the Senators. In a moment where the commitment of the United States to address climate change seems threadbare, we, the undersigned, assure you that we are working diligently to respond to this global threat and we support your efforts in Madrid.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators urged the UNFCCC and all international participants in the convention to explore all solutions and paths forward to combat the effects of climate change. In closing, the Senators reiterated there is bipartisan support in Congress to take action. \n  The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).\n\nThe letter can be read here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-unanimously-passes-resolution-led-collins-stabenow-honoring-first-all-female", "Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Led by Collins, Stabenow Honoring First All-Female Spacewalk", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Last night, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution led by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and cosponsored by all 23 of their female colleagues congratulating astronauts Dr. Jessica U. Meir and Christina H. Koch for the historic accomplishment of completing the first all-female spacewalk. The bipartisan resolution also supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) efforts to fully integrate women into the astronaut corps and ensure that one of the next humans to walk on the moon will be a woman.\n\nOn October 18, 2019, Dr. Meir and Ms. Koch conducted a seven hour and seven minute spacewalk to replace a power controllerthe first all-female spacewalk in history, and the 14th and 15th women, respectively, to conduct a spacewalk.\n\nDr. Jessica Meir's and Christina Koch's completion of NASA's first all-female spacewalk marked an incredible moment in our nation's history and will be venerated for generations to come, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan resolution, supported by all 25 female Senators, recognizes Jessica and Christina for their extraordinary accomplishments. They continue to inspire students throughout the country to pursue their dreams.\n\nJessica Meir and Christina Koch made history this year when they completed the first all-female spacewalk. This important milestone will leave a lasting impression on our space program and on young women across the country. Jessica and Christina have showed us what the future looks like and I look forward to following their careers and the careers of other women as they continue to make our nation proud,said Senator Stabenow.\n\nDr. Meir is a native of Caribou, Maine. She has a degree in biology from Brown University, a master's in space studies from the International Space University, and a Ph.D. in marine biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Jessica is the first woman from Maine  and only the third person from Maine ever  to go on a space flight.\n\nMs. Koch is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has a degree in electrical engineering and physics, as well as a master's degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University.\n\nIn 2013, Dr. Meir and Ms. Koch were among the four women and four men selected from 6,100 applications for NASA's 21st class of astronauts and began training for future space flights. NASA first began to admit women into its astronaut program in 1978.\n\nLast month, Senator Collins talked with Dr. Meir on the phone to congratulate her on completing the first all-women spacewalk. In October, Dr. Meir spoke via a live video with hundreds of Caribou students in grades 3-12 and answered questions. In June, Senators Collins and Angus King and Representative Jared Golden sent a letter to NASA in support of Eastern Aroostook RSU 39 and Caribou's request to participate in this videoconference with Dr. Meir while she was in orbit.\n\nIn 2016, Senator Collins and Dr. Meir were two of the six inaugural inductees of the Caribou High School Alumni Hall of Fame.\n\nClick HERE to read the resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-honored-council-scientific-society-presidents-2019-cssp-support-science", "Senator Collins Honored by Council of Scientific Society Presidents with 2019 CSSP Support of Science Award", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  The Council of Scientific Society Presidents (CSSP) announced U.S. Senator Susan Collins as recipient of the 2019 Support of Science Award. Presentation of the award was given on 10 December during the CSSP Winter Leadership Workshop in Washington, DC. Senator Collins was nominated for this award by Dr. Deborah Bronk, the CEO of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.\n\nThis award honors an individual who merits recognition for outstanding and dedicated support of U. S. science, free scientific communication, and support of basic research. Past recipients include President Barack Obama and science leaders in education, government, and industry.\n\nSenator Collins has been a constant and strong supporter of science. Beginning with her work in Maine, she continues to be a recognized advocate, beneficial to science on a broader basis. Her interest in science extends to health care. She is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus and a founder and co-chair of the Alzheimer's Task Force in the Senate. Senator Collins has led the effort to more than triple federal funding for diabetes research. Last year, she secured the largest funding increase for Alzheimer's research in history, bringing the total to $2.34 billion. Additionally, Senator Collins' commitment has been evidenced in removing a provision to tax tuition waivers and stipends for graduate students as income in a proposed tax bill.\n\nFor more than four decades, the Council of Scientific Society Presidents has been bringing the scientific community together, helping to foster sound public policy to address such complex issues as climate change, cybersecurity, and health care. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have worked to secure vital increases in funding for biomedical research and key science programs. Additionally, I have championed policies that support the next generation of researchers,said Senator Collins. Investments in science are advancing knowledge, improving lives, and creating jobs of the future. The Council of Scientific Society Presidents is part of a great partnership that improves our understanding of the world around us and develops leaders who develop cutting-edge research and solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.\n\nFirst elected in 1996, Senator Collins has earned a national reputation as an effective legislator, working across party lines to seek consensus on important issues. She serves on several committees, including the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\nCSSP is committed to advancing leadership in science and technology and to establishing policies and programs that will ensure a bright future for 21st century science. Founded in 1973, the society has served as a center for national science leadership development, a strong voice in support of science in the nation's capital, and the premier forum for national science policy development through open, substantive exchanges on current issues encompassing the full spectrum of science, engineering, and mathematics. CSSP represents the breadth of science and engineering research disciplines through its member societies and federations. CSSP-member societies are represented by their presidents, presidents-elect, and past-presidents with combined membership that has historically approached nearly a million scientists.\n\nThe CSSP Spring 2020 Leadership Workshop will take place at the American Chemical Society, 1155 16th Street NW in Washington, DC, over the dates of 2-5 May. For more information about the workshop or CSSP, please contact info@sciencepresidents.org.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-cantwell-mcsally-and-sinema-lead-bipartisan-push-legislation-help-americans-high", "Collins, Cantwell, McSally, and Sinema, Lead Bipartisan Push for Legislation to Help Americans with High Health Care Costs", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chairman of the Aging Committee, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Martha McSally (R-AZ), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) sent a letter to Senate leadership urging them to extend the medical expense deduction in any end-of-year funding package.\n\nWithout action, millions of Americans with high medical costs will see a tax increase when they next file their taxes. The 2017 and 2018 threshold, which allowed for the deduction of medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI), will give way to a threshold of 10 percent of AGI if an extension is not enacted\n\nThis issue reflects strong bipartisan and bicameral consensus. None of us wants to see an increase in the tax burden for those with high medical expenses. This extension is low-cost but has an incredibly high impact, the Senators wrote. About 3.6 million taxpayers, including 1.4 million who are ages 65 and over, will benefit from the medical expense deduction remaining at the 7.5 percent income threshold. Moreover, over two-thirds fall into the middle sixty percent of the income distribution.\n\nThis deduction provides needed financial relief for Americans with high medical expenses, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities or serious medical conditions, the Senators continued. As Congress works to complete action on a number of must-pass items before the end of the year, we urge you to extend the current medical expense deduction for future tax years.\n\nThe medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance.\n\nThe support for this deduction is widespread in the medical community, including organizations such as the AARP, American Heart Association, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, LeadingAge, Fight Colorectal Cancer, Medicare Rights Center, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Triage Cancer, Family Voices, Well Spouse Association, American Health Care Association, National Center for Assisted Living, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Alliance for Aging Research. These groups have written a coalition letter in support of the 7.5 percent threshold.\n\nEarlier this year, Senators Collins and Cantwell introduced the Medical Expense Savings Act, legislation that would provide financial relief for households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses by allowing them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bills.\n\nSeveral years ago, the income threshold for taxpayers to deduct their medical expenses increased from 7.5 percent to 10 percent. In 2017, Senator Collins secured a provision to temporarily restore the income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 7.5 percent as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but it expired at the end of 2018. Unless Congress takes action, taxpayers will only be able to deduct medical expenses that exceed 10 percent of their income then they file their 2019 taxes next year.\n\nClick HERE to read the letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-jones-announce-military-widow%E2%80%99s-tax-repeal-included-final-defense-bill", "Collins, Jones Announce Military Widows Tax Repeal Included in Final Defense Bill", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Doug Jones (D-AL) announced the inclusion of their bipartisan Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act in the final annual defense bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This marks a significant step in the 18-year effort to pass legislation to repeal the law that penalizes our nation's military widows and widowers. The NDAA will now go to the House and Senate for final consideration, where it will receive an up-or-down vote with no further amendments allowed.\n\nThis provision we secured in the NDAA is a major victory for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted. The Military Widow's Tax was an unfair offset that prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spousesincluding more than 260 from Mainefrom receiving the full benefits they deserve. Its repeal is a step toward fulfilling our obligation to military families who have sacrificed so much for our country. I am glad that Senator Jones and I, along with a bipartisan group of our colleagues, were able to correct this glaring inequity, said Senator Susan Collins.\n\nWords cannot begin to express the gravity of this news for the tens of thousands of Gold Star families who have been hurt by this policy for four decades, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I am grateful to the leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees  Senators Jim Inhofe and Jack Reed and Congressmen Adam Smith and Mac Thornberry  who have heard our voices and are doing right by our military widows. A great deal of credit must also go to the widows themselves, so many of whom have been coming to Capitol Hill year after year to bring attention to this gross injustice on behalf of their fellow surviving spouses. Today, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am more hopeful than ever that we can finally end this injustice and show our military families how much their sacrifices truly mean to our country.\n\nThe Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act would repeal the unfair law that prevents as many as 67,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. Currently, military widows and widowers who qualify for the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are forced to take a dollar-for-dollar offset from the Survivors Benefits Plan (SBP) benefit, even though their retired spouses elected to pay into the program.\n\nLegislation to repeal the widow's tax has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate for nearly two years. Since its introduction in March, Senators Collins and Jones have worked tirelessly to garner support among their colleagues in both the Senate and House, as well as make the case on behalf of the 67,000 surviving spouses who are impacted by the military widow's tax. In June, Senators Collins and Jones led a bipartisan colloquy on the Senate floor calling for the Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2019 to be voted on as an amendment to the fiscal year (FY) 2020 NDAA. In August, Senators Collins and Jones sent a letter, signed by nearly two-thirds of the Senate, urging leadership of the Committee on Armed Services to include language in theFY2020 NDAA to repeal the widow's tax.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-14-2019-%E2%80%9Cwreaths-across", "Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 14, 2019, as Wreaths Across America Day", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 14, 2019, as Wreaths Across America Day. On December 14, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there.\n\nPatriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks from Maine down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement officers, and first responders. International Paper, which has a corrugated packaging facility in Auburn, is donating 7,500 boxes and helping to purchase wreaths and transport them to Arlington National Cemetery. Tens of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition.\n\nEach year through Wreaths Across America, tens of thousands of Americans take time out of the busy holiday season to pause and pay tribute to those who served in defense of our nation. This Maine-led tradition of placing wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes has become an inspiring and enduring symbol of our nation's gratitude for veterans' valor and sacrifice, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We are grateful for all of the volunteers who Remember, Honor, Teach' through Wreaths Across America.\n\nLast year, approximately 1.8 million wreaths were laid at more than 1,700 locations in all 50 states. In addition, more than 9,300 wreaths were laid at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Senators Collins and King took part in the official, bipartisan Senate delegation to this cemetery in June to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.\n\nThis year, in addition to the wreaths that will be laid at Arlington and all 50 states, nearly 15,000 wreaths were laid at two American Veteran Cemeteries in Luxembourg and the Netherlands in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Senator Collins' father was a World War II veteran who was wounded twice during the Battle of the Bulge. \n\nThe text of the resolution is availableHERE.", 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-3", "Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced 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\nWe are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation's distinguished service academies, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character.\n\nThe following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King:\n\nUnited States Air Force Academy  Colorado Springs\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nSamuel Edborg Saco Thornton Academy\nGeorge Grindle Orono Orono High School\nDavid Hamme Lebanon Noble High School\nMichael Luna Portland Cheverus High School\nBailey Mallory Winterport Hampden Academy\nNathan Mars Scarborough Scarborough High School\nRory McPherson Kittery The Governor's Academy\nHalle Pelletier Greenville Greenville High School\nSara Scrapchansky Brunswick Brunswick High School\nMichael Simmons Union Medomak Valley High School\nLogan Tribou Hampden Hampden Academy\nKelly Yoon Falmouth Falmouth High School\n\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy  Kings Point\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nDavid Hamme Lebanon Noble High School\nAidan Kehoe Rockport Camden Hills Regional High School\nMadeline Marks Falmouth Falmouth High School\nNathan Mars Scarborough Scarborough High School\nBenjamin Jacobs Damariscotta Carrabassett Valley Academy\n\nUnites States Military Academy  West Point\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nGrace Casey Brunswick Brunswick High School\nRyan Connors Kennebunk Kennebunk High School\nDavid Hamme Lebanon  Noble High School\nAlexander Look Jonesboro Machias Memorial High School\nNathan Mars Scarborough Scarborough High School\nHelen Shearer Hampden Home Schooled\nMichael Simmons Union Medomak Valley High School\nSavannah Weston Winthrop Lawrence High School\nKelly Yoon Falmouth Falmouth High School\n\nUnited States Naval Academy  Annapolis\n\nName  Home Town High School\n\nRowan Andrews Brewer Bangor High School\nJohn Bassett Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School\nJames Belleau II Lewiston Kents Hill School\nTyler Carpenter Wells Wells High School\nGrace Casey Brunswick Brunswick High School\nKristina Cornelio Auburn The Taft School\nAlyssa Day Kenduskeag Central High School\nMadeline Marks Falmouth  Falmouth High School\nRory McPherson Kittery The Governor's Academy\nMorgan Sharp Kennebunkport Kennebunk High School\nKelly Sullivan Berwick St. Thomas Aquinas High School\nLogan Tribou Hampden Hampden Academy\nJoshua Watson Glenburn Bangor High School\nLucas Wright Scarborough Scarborough High School", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/amid-npr-investigation-collins-king-join-push-department-education-investigate-permanent", "Amid NPR Investigation, Collins, King Join Push for Department of Education to Investigate Permanent Disability Loan Forgiveness Program", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the Department's Acting Inspector General, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process forAmericans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD). Themembers' letter comes after an alarming report fromNational Public Radio (NPR), posted earlier this week, which found that hundreds of thousands of Americanswith qualifying disabilitieshave not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law. In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) along with U.S. Representatives Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Don Young (R-Alaska).\n\nWe are alarmed by the findings in thisNPRinvestigation, the reported extremely low rate of loan discharges for eligible borrowers, and the contrast between theNPRreport and the information previously provided by ED,wrote the senators.We are also concerned by ED's lack of transparency with Congress and failure to provide timely, verifiable information. Most importantly, it appears that ED's process for TPD loan discharges is failing to provide student loan relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including veterans, who are entitled to this relief under the law.\n\nThe full letter can be read below, or downloaded HERE.\n+++\n\nThe Honorable Sandra D. Bruce\nActing Inspector General\nOffice of Inspector General\nU.S. Department of Education\n550 12th Street, S.W.\nWashington, D.C. 20202\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Bruce:\n\nWe write with serious concern about the Department of Education's (ED) process to discharge federal student loans for totally and permanently disabled Americans, including veterans.\n\nUnder theHigher Education Act of 1965, individuals who are totally and permanently disabled (TPD) are eligible to have their outstanding federal student loans forgiven. Under theTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, federal student loans that are discharged due to death or TPD are exempt from federal income tax. ED currently utilizes data provided through matching agreements with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify disabled federal student loan borrowers who may be eligible for TPD loan discharge. In August 2019, the Trump Administration announced that borrowers identified through VA data would automatically have their loans discharged. Yet borrowers matched with SSA data, including veterans with non-service-connected disabilities, still must submit a discharge application. As we have said before, despite the existing legal benefit for loan discharge and the removal of the federal tax penalty two years ago, many borrowers, in applying for relief, face significant challenges that are both administratively burdensome and unnecessary.\n\nWe wrote to ED on a bipartisan basis several times urging the Administration to automatically discharge these federal student loans, including in letters sent on February 15, 2018, and October 9, 2019. Our letter in October cited data provided to our staff by ED that as of March 2019, only 40% of eligible borrowers identified in the SSA match have had their loans discharged. However, according to aNational Public Radio(NPR)report that aired on December 4, 2019, that is not the case[1]. The investigation found that between March 2016 and September 2019, 555,000 borrowers were identified through the SSA data match as eligible for TPD discharge and were sent a letter in the mail. Ultimately, only 156,000, or 28%, of those borrowers had their loans discharged or are on track for that to happen. These numbers do not include borrowers matched through VA data, information we still have not seen.\n\nWe are alarmed by the findings in thisNPRinvestigation, the reported extremely low rate of loan discharges for eligible borrowers, and the contrast between theNPRreport and the information previously provided by ED. We are also concerned by ED's lack of transparency with Congress and failure to provide timely, verifiable information. Most importantly, it appears that ED's process for TPD loan discharges is failing to provide student loan relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including veterans, who are entitled to this relief under the law. We urge ED's Office of Inspector General to investigate the TPD loan discharge process immediately and answer the following questions:\n\n1. How many individuals in total have been identified through ED's data match with the SSA and the VA since March 2016? Please list the numbers for SSA and VA separately.\n2. How many of these matched borrowers have received a loan discharge?\n3. Of those borrowers who were matched but ultimately did not receive a loan discharge, what are the reasons the discharge did not occur? How many borrowers are associated with each reason, including income monitoring?\n4. Why has the Administration rejected bipartisan calls to pursue automatic discharge for Americans with non-service-related disabilities?\n5. How can ED improve its data system for the TPD process and ensure this information is communicated with Congress in a transparent and timely manner?\n6. What steps does ED need to take to make this process automatic, meaning once a borrower is flagged as eligible, the discharge is not contingent upon administrative work by the borrower at the point of discharge or any point thereafter?\n\nEnclosed are the cited letters from February 15, 2018, and October 9, 2019. We appreciate your attention to this important matter and request a commitment to investigate these questions by December 31, 2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-reed-call-full-funding-heating-assistance-weatherization-programs-fy-2020", "Collins, Reed Call for Full Funding for Heating Assistance, Weatherization Programs in FY 2020 Appropriations Bills", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Seeking to help vulnerable populations afford their heating and air conditioning during months of extreme temperatures, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent letters to the leadership of two Appropriations Subcommittees urging them to provide robust funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).\n\nIn a letter to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee leadership, the Senators asked for their continued support of LIHEAP and their adoption of the highest possible funding level for the program in the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.\n\nLIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months, the Senators wrote. LIHEAP assistance is an indispensable lifeline, helping to ensure that recipients do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and affording other necessities like food and medicine. Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors.\n\nIn a separate letter to Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee leadership, Senators Collins and Reed asked for their continued support of WAP, which helps low-income households make energy efficiency improvements, and the State Energy Program (SEP), which funds state initiatives to improve energy security, increase local energy efficiency, and boost economic growth.\n\nEnergy savings are only a portion of the benefits from weatherization, the Senators wrote. Children in weatherized households miss less school, improving educational outcomes. Adults miss less work, increasing both their own incomes and their contributions to economic growth. Families also experience fewer asthma symptoms and emergency room visits, decreasing out-of-pocket medical expenses by an average of $514. WAP also leverages additional non-federal funds, while supporting over 8,500 jobs and increasing national economic output by $1.2 billion.\n\n+++\n\nSenators Collins and Reed have worked to block attempts to pare back funding appropriated for LIHEAP and WAP, securing $3.7 billion for LIHEAP and $254 million for WAP in the FY 2019 funding bill. In October, Senators Collins and Reed led a bipartisan coalition of Senators in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for LIHEAP as quickly as possible under the current continuing resolution. In April, Senators Collins and Reed, as well as Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), introduced legislation that would reauthorize WAP through 2024.\n\nNearly 28,000 Maine households receive assistance benefits each heating season. The average annual LIHEAP benefit to Maine households that use the program is $918. Benefit amounts are based on each household's income level, family size, whether they live in subsidized or non-subsidized housing, and the type of fuel used for heating.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-stabenow-lead-resolution-cosponsored-all-25-women-senators-honoring-first-all", "Collins, Stabenow Lead Resolution Cosponsored by All 25 Women Senators Honoring First All-Female Spacewalk", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) led all 23 of their female colleagues in introducing a resolution congratulating astronauts Dr. Jessica U. Meir and Christina H. Koch for the historic accomplishment of completing the first all-female spacewalk. The bipartisan resolution also supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) efforts to fully integrate women into the astronaut corps and ensure that one of the next humans to walk on the moon will be a woman.\n\nOn October 18, 2019, Dr. Meir and Ms. Koch conducted a seven hour and seven minute spacewalk to replace a power controllerthe first all-female spacewalk in history, and the 14th and 15th women, respectively, to conduct a spacewalk.\n\nDr. Jessica Meir's and Christina Koch's completion of NASA's first all-female spacewalk marked an incredible moment in our nation's history and will be venerated for generations to come, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan resolution, supported by all 25 female Senators, recognizes Jessica and Christina for their extraordinary accomplishments. They continue to inspire students throughout the country to pursue their dreams.\n\nJessica Meir and Christina Koch made history this year when they completed the first all-female spacewalk. This important milestone will leave a lasting impression on our space program and on young women across the country. Jessica and Christina have showed us what the future looks like and I look forward to following their careers and the careers of other women as they continue to make our nation proud,said Senator Stabenow.\n\nDr. Meir is a native of Caribou, Maine. She has a degree in biology from Brown University, a master's in space studies from the International Space University, and a Ph.D. in marine biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Jessica is the first woman from Maine  and only the third person from Maine ever  to go on a space flight.\n\nMs. Koch is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has a degree in electrical engineering and physics, as well as a master's degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University.\n\nIn 2013, Dr. Meir and Ms. Koch were among the four women and four men selected from 6,100 applications for NASA's 21st class of astronauts and began training for future space flights. NASA first began to admit women into its astronaut program in 1978.\n\nLast month, Senator Collins talked with Dr. Meir on the phone to congratulate her on completing the first all-women spacewalk. In October, Dr. Meir spoke via a live video with hundreds of Caribou students in grades 3-12 and answered questions. In June, Senators Collins and Angus King and Representative Jared Golden sent a letter to NASA in support of Eastern Aroostook RSU 39 and Caribou's request to participate in this videoconference with Dr. Meir while she was in orbit.\n\nIn 2016, Senator Collins and Dr. Meir were two of the six inaugural inductees of the Caribou High School Alumni Hall of Fame.\n\nClick HERE to read the resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-bipartisan-group-fight-protect-veterans-predatory-pension-poachers", "Collins, Bipartisan Group Fight to Protect Veterans from Predatory Pension Poachers", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jon Tester (D-MT), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced legislation this week that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to systematically track victims, scammers, and trends to proactively protect veterans and survivors across the country from predatory pension poachers. \n\nOur nation's aging veterans represent a segment of vulnerable individuals increasingly targeted by bad actors preying on the VA pension benefits they've earned. While veterans are often victims of scams including being overcharged for home care, charged for services they did not receive, or given bad investment advice, a recent report from the non-partisan Government Accountability Office found that VA has not taken an aggressive approach to prevent this exploitation.\n\nVeterans and their families have a right to expect that the nation they protected will fight to protect them from criminals seeking to rob them of the benefits they have earned through their service, said Senator Collins.I recently chaired a hearing to raise awareness about the disproportionate number of scams targeting veterans.This bipartisan bill would address several issues raised at our hearing by requiring the VA to strengthen its fraud response as well as to educate veterans on ways to identify scams.\n\nLast month, Senator Collins held a hearing titled, Veterans Scams: Protecting Those Who Protected Us. Senator Collins also led a letter to VA Secretary Wilkie signed by nearly every member of the Aging Committee urging the Department to alert veterans to the risk of scams and seeking information on steps the VA has already taken to protect veterans.\n\nThe Veteran Pension Protection Act would:\n\n Require VA to collect information on potential financial exploitation from all departments within the VA then create a plan to address trends apparent within this data.\n\n Call for VA to regularly update guidance and training curriculum to claims processors regarding the definition and examples of questionable medical expenses in pension claims.\n\n Require VA to develop a mechanism for tracking the number of individuals receiving pension benefits for which they are not eligible and provide an annual report to Congress.\n\n Require a report on additional steps that can be taken to verify direct deposit information.\n\n Create an annual report on the number of pension recipients that are identified by the Department as likely or proven victims of financial exploitation.\n\n Require VA to report on the result of referrals of financial exploitation that they submit to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Sentinel network, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).\n\n Require any educational or application material created by the Department to inform applicants that the Department does not charge fees in connection with applying for pension benefits.\n\n Require an educational outreach plan, in collaboration with Veterans Service Organizations, for reaching individuals vulnerable to financial exploitation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-over-25-million-head-start-programs-york-hancock-county", "Senators Collins, King Announce Over $2.5 Million for Head Start Programs in York, Hancock County", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families has awarded $1,398,216 to York County Community Action Corporation in Sanford, and $1,113,626 to Downeast Community Partners in Ellsworth for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The programs provide free early childhood education and childcare to low-income families.\n\nHead Start programs provide a safe, educational, and enjoyable environment for Maine's children to make connections and learn from their caregivers and peers  and every nickel spent is a judicious investment in Maine's future, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. In order to attend school or participate in the workforce, parents need assurances that their children are being well cared for. This funding provides much-needed resources to support early childhood development in York and Hancock County, giving Maine's kids the strong foundation they need to grow.\n\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. This funding supports local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-calls-feds-answer-shortcomings-data-correct-inaccuracies-releasing-new", "Maine Delegation Calls on Feds to Answer for Shortcomings in Data, Correct Inaccuracies before Releasing New Rules on Lobstermen", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Delegation also calls on NOAA to remove inaccurate information that maligns Maine lobster fishery on official website \n\nWASHINGTON  Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) pressed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) over the accuracy of the data and assumptions the agency is using to craft new regulations on Maine's lobstermen.\n\nThe delegation is requesting additional information from NOAA about how the findings of a recently completed peer-review process will be incorporated into its draft rules on the lobster fishery. Additionally, the Members of Congress are calling on the agency to better account for the role of Canadian fisheries and ship strikes, as well as other U.S. fisheries, in the agency's estimates of risk to the North Atlantic right whale.\n\nGiven the significant and potentially life-threatening modifications that Maine lobstermen are being pressed to implement in order to meet a risk reduction target set by the [Take Reduction Team], NOAA Fisheries must ensure that accurate data and the best available scientific evidence alone serve as the basis for determining the level of risk posed by Maine's lobster fishery and all other fisheries interacting with the species, wrote the Maine delegation. It is our hope that the agency will continue its work to improve the quality of the information as well as the manner in which it is interpreted and not proceed with regulations that are based on uncertain estimations, particularly given the number of lives and livelihoods that are at stake.\n\nFollowing pressure from the delegation, NOAA completed a peer-review process for the data tool it uses to create the regulations, which are intended to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale. The Members of Congress are asking NOAA how it plans to incorporate the results of the peer review into the draft regulations ahead of their expected release in early 2020, noting that the agency is on a tight timeline.\n\nCollins, King, Pingree, and Golden also expressed concern and frustration over NOAA's repeated failure to acknowledge the outsized risk Canadian fisheries pose to right whales. While Maine's lobster fishery has made modifications that have reduced documented whale entanglements by 90 percent in the last decade, Canada has not taken comparable steps. In fact, Canada has rolled back several of its whale protection efforts in 2019.\n\nContinuing to downplay the role of Canadian fisheries in future right whale management plans ignores the reality that the species is not bound by national borders, continued the Members of Congress. Lobster fishery management efforts cannot be successful unless the impacts from Canadian fisheries and shipping on right whale injury and mortality are adequately accounted for. We continue to be dismayed by NOAA Fisheries' assumption that the United States and Canada pose equal risk to the North Atlantic right whale, despite the clear outsized role of Canada in right whale deaths in recent years.\n\nThe Maine delegation also took issue with inaccurate information recently published by NOAA on its website. The delegation argued that the agency's Right Whales and the Lobster Fishery webpage perpetuates the false narrative that the Maine lobster fishery is the primary cause of right whale serious injury and mortality, despite clear evidence to the contrary. Maine's Department of Marine Resources and Maine lobster fishery stakeholders have previously pointed out factual inaccuracies with much of the webpage's source material, but NOAA has yet to remove or correct the misleading information.\n\nThe regulations being developed by NOAA will have a profound effect on Maine's lobster industry. As such, the federal government owes it to Maine lobstermen and their communities to  at the very least  use the best available evidence and accurate data to create these regulations. The MLA strongly agrees with our delegation: NOAA should quickly incorporate the findings of its peer-review into its data tool, account for the risk from Canadian fisheries, and they should remove misleading and inaccurate information from their website. We thank Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden for their work on behalf of Maine lobstering communities. - Patrice McCarron, Executive Director, Maine Lobstermen's Association.\n\nCollins, King, Pingree, and Golden have consistently stood up for Maine lobstermen, demanding that government agencies ground their regulations in sound science and data. In July, the group wrote to the president to urge him to intervene in NOAA's rulemaking. Golden and Pingree introduced an amendment in June that would have temporarily blocked NOAA's efforts pending a peer-review. The delegation also raised concerns over the process and data NOAA has used to develop its proposed rules in a May letter to NOAA officials.\n\nRead a copy of the letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-42-million-elmet-technologies-lewiston", "Senator Collins Announces $4.2 Million for Elmet Technologies in Lewiston", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that Elmet Technologies in Lewiston was awarded a $4.2 million contract to accelerate its development of tungsten heavy alloy and molybdenum products to supply various needs of the Department of Defense (DoD). According to Elmet, investments funded through this grant will help preserve155 jobs and create additional new Maine-based engineering and manufacturing jobs.\n\nEnsuring the availability and technological superiority of tungsten heavy alloy and molybdenum products is an important national security imperative,said Senator Collins. As a leader in the production of tungsten products with decades of experience working with refractory metals, Elmet is well positioned to supply our military. This funding will not only assist Elmet's efforts to expand the manufacture of tungsten components that will be used by our troops, but it will also help sustain and create good-paying jobs in Lewiston.\n\nSenator Collins is a key supporter of Elmet and our efforts to support the DoD and strengthen manufacturing and job creation in Maine. Elmet is the last 100% U.S.-owned and fully integrated manufacturer of tungsten and molybdenum material and components, and we look forward to leveraging this contract to provide advanced, U.S.-made prototypes and components to the military, said Andy Nichols, Chief Executive Officer, Elmet Technologies LLC\n\nTungsten and molybdenum products are used in a number of military applications critical to warfighting effectiveness. Currently, however, the domestic manufacturing of these products has a limited supply base of U.S.-owned, fully integrated companies, and this contract will help the DoD broaden and sustain this critical industrial base.\n\nThe funding was awarded by the DoD's Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program (IBAS), which helps the Pentagon prevent supply chain vulnerabilities and address urgent operational needs. This award, which can be used for infrastructure upgrades and other investments, will enable Elmet to work collaboratively with the government to provide prototypes for the evaluation of tungsten items the military needs to ensure development within targeted prices.\n\nSenator Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, successfully advocated for a $10 million increase for this program to address critical issues in the industrial base, particularly with regard to tungsten manufacturing processes. On November 5, 2018, Senator Collins sent a letter to then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy Eric Chewning, urging the Department of Defense to partner with industry to advance tungsten heavy alloy and molybdenum defense products.\n\nElmet is a U.S. owned and operated fully integrated company founded in 1929 that manufacturers tungsten and molybdenum material, alloys, and components. The company's headquarters and primary manufacturing site is located in Lewiston.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-joins-bipartisan-group-introducing-legislation-improve-transportation", "Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Introducing Legislation to Improve Transportation Services for Rural Veterans", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) joined Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Patty Murray (D-WA), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) in introducing the Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2019. This bipartisan bill would expand successful initiatives that provide veterans living in rural areas transportation services and reimbursement for their travel to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and Vet Centers.\n\nAs a Senator for a large, rural state with the second-highest number of veterans per capita, it is one of my top priorities to ensure our veterans have convenient access to medical care and other services, said Senator Collins. I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill that will improve transportation programs for rural veterans to reach medical appointments and receive support at veterans centers in their communities.\n\nThe bill would also develop a national protocol for administering medical exams for volunteer drivers, clarifying requirements and streamlining the certification process. Not only do these initiatives ease the burden for veterans traveling lengthy distances for care, but they have proven to save taxpayer dollars and reduce the number of missed medical appointments at VA.\n\nThe Rural Veterans Transportation Enhancement Act would:\n\n \nExpand a pilot program that reimburses veterans and eligible beneficiaries for travel to Vet Centers for mental health care and counseling;\n \n\n \nMake permanent the Veterans Transportation Service program, which allows local VA facilities to hire drivers and purchase vehicles to transport veterans to their appointments;\n \n\n \nExtend a grant that allows Veterans Service Organizations and State Veterans Service Agencies to explore new approaches to provide transportation or travel assistance; and\n \n\n \nExpedite the certification process for volunteer drivers serving veterans through the Veterans Transportation Service program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-joins-bipartisan-group-introducing-legislation-improve-transportation-0", "Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Introducing Legislation to Improve Transportation Services for Rural Veterans", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) joined Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Patty Murray (D-WA), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) in introducing the Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2019. This bipartisan bill would expand successful initiatives that provide veterans living in rural areas transportation services and reimbursement for their travel to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and Vet Centers.\n\nAs a Senator for a large, rural state with the second-highest number of veterans per capita, it is one of my top priorities to ensure our veterans have convenient access to medical care and other services, said Senator Collins. I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill that will improve transportation programs for rural veterans to reach medical appointments and receive support at veterans centers in their communities.\n\nThe bill would also develop a national protocol for administering medical exams for volunteer drivers, clarifying requirements and streamlining the certification process. Not only do these initiatives ease the burden for veterans traveling lengthy distances for care, but they have proven to save taxpayer dollars and reduce the number of missed medical appointments at VA.\n\nThe Rural Veterans Transportation Enhancement Act would:\n\n \nExpand a pilot program that reimburses veterans and eligible beneficiaries for travel to Vet Centers for mental health care and counseling;\n \n\n \nMake permanent the Veterans Transportation Service program, which allows local VA facilities to hire drivers and purchase vehicles to transport veterans to their appointments;\n \n\n \nExtend a grant that allows Veterans Service Organizations and State Veterans Service Agencies to explore new approaches to provide transportation or travel assistance; and\n \n\n \nExpedite the certification process for volunteer drivers serving veterans through the Veterans Transportation Service program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-urge-appropriations-committee-support-efforts-farmers-and-fishermen-offer-new", "Senators Urge Appropriations Committee to Support Efforts by Farmers and Fishermen to Offer New Products", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of both the Senate and House Appropriations Committees urging them to include robust funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program in the fiscal year 2020 Agriculture Appropriations bill.\n\nVAPG has successfully help thousands of farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and fishermen across the country harness the entrepreneurial spirit and develop value-added enterprises, the Senators wrote. As agricultural and rural communities continue to struggle through volatile commodity prices, trade uncertainty, and a changing consumer base, programs like VAPG are needed to support independent operations and foster entrepreneurial spirit. We urge you to provide robust discretionary funding for VAPG as agriculture spending legislation for fiscal year 2020 is finalized.\n\nVAPG was created in 2000 to help producers mitigate risk, reach new emerging agricultural markets, and capture more of the consumer dollar. A 2016 Economic Research Service study of the program showed that businesses that received VAPG assistance were less likely to fail and, on average, VAPG recipients created more jobs (five to six more employees) for their communities than similar non-recipient businesses. One of the many examples of the utility of this program included a grant in 2016 that allowed Penobscot McCrum in Maine to process raw potatoes into potato wedges, significantly increasing their customer base.\n\nWith support from Senators Collins, Casey, Grassley, and Brown, the 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized VAPG as part of an umbrella program called the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) and provided VAPG with $17.5 million per year in mandatory funding. Unfortunately, that level of annual funding falls well short of the historic average the program received in combined mandatory and discretionary funding.\n\nClick HERE to read the full letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-130000-maine-housing-organizations", "Senator Collins Announces $130,000 for Maine Housing Organizations", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that Western Maine Community Action and Penquis will receive a total of $130,814.92 to support efforts to develop and preserve affordable housing and supportive services for persons with disabilities in Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties.\n\nThroughout the State of Maine, dedicated staff and volunteers at housing organizations provide many important services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income individuals and families, said Senator Collins. As Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to work to ensure that the housing needs of vulnerable individuals and families are met. This important funding will help to rehabilitate and repair homes in Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\n Western Maine Community Action will receive $65,407.56 to rehabilitate and repair 30 homes in Franklin County, Maine. Housing Preservation Grant funds will be used in conjunction with Weatherization, Central Heating Improvement, and other funding sources for anticipated leveraged funds totaling in excess of $215,000.\n\n Penquis will receive $65,407.36 to assist 21 low and very-low income households in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties. These funds will be leveraged with other funding sources to provide gap financing for two replacement housing projects and 19 general home rehabilitation projects.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-honors-lewiston-native-27-years-service-army-presents-him-legion-merit", "Senator Collins Honors Lewiston Native on 27 Years of Service in the Army, Presents Him with Legion of Merit", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins and SGM Gondek.\nClick HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE for high-resolution video.\nClick HERE to watch SGM Gondek's remarks. Click HERE for high-resolution video.\n\nWashington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins hosted a ceremony on Capitol Hill this morning to honor Sergeant Major Derek Gondek, who retired after 27 years in the U.S. Army. Senator Collins presented SGM Gondek with the Legion of Merit and a certificate recognizing his exceptional service.\n\nSGM Gondek was born in Lewiston and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1991. He joined the Army on July 3, 1992, and rose through the ranks to become a senior non-commissioned officer. He also served in Senator Collins' office as an Army legislative fellow for one year beginning in January 2017.\n\nI have been fortunate to have had many members of the military on my staff. Their knowledge, experience, and work ethic have been invaluable. As a Defense Fellow in my office for a year, Derek, a true son of Maine, provided a shining example of those qualities, said Senator Collins. Derek's outstanding research and insights greatly aided me in my work on the Intelligence Committee and on two Appropriations Subcommittees.\n\nDerek, you are a soldier and a citizen in the best American tradition, Senator Collins continued. I look forward to the impact you will make as a civilian leader, just as you have done as a great soldier. You have much to be proud of, and we are proud of you.\n\nI would like to extend my thanks to Senator Collins for her undying work in representing the people of Maine and for hosting today's ceremony, SGM Gondek said at today's ceremony. For those military members and those who work in the national security arena, we must always remember at this moment there are evil savages out there that are training and plotting to kill Americans. Our nation will respond by sending an 18-year-old son or daughter off to a foreign land to eliminate that threat. So as you take action and make decisions, I ask that all of them are done to ensure that that 18-year-old is successful and able to return home.\n\nSGM Gondek has served in numerous positions and assignments, including rifleman, 1st BN, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Polk, LA; Team Leader, United Nations Command, Joint Security Area, Korea; Squad Leader 1st BN, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, NC; Jumpmaster instructor, 1st BN, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, GA; Platoon Sergeant, 1st BN, 506th INF (AASLT), Korea; Platoon Sergeant, 3rd BN, 325 Airborne Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, NC; First Sergeant, 2nd BN, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, NC; Operations Sergeant Major, 2nd BN, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, NC; Operations Sergeant Major, 4th, BDE, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS; Command Sergeant Major, 2nd BN, 27th INF Reg, Schofield Barracks, HI, and Observer Coach Trainer CSM, Warhog Team, JMRC, Hohenfels, GE.\n\nSGM Gondek's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (3OLC), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (3OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th AWD), National Defense Service Medal (1BSS), Valorous Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Afghan Campaign Medal (2CS), Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 4), Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 4), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Pathfinder Badge.\n\nSGM Gondek and his wife, Maura, have three daughters: Winifred (13), Eleanor (13), and Zoey (10). During today's ceremony, Senator Collins also presented Maura with the spouse's certificate to recognize the nation's appreciation for the family support that helped make Derek's service possible.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-joins-bipartisan-group-introducing-legislation-boost-recycling", "Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Introducing Legislation to Boost Recycling", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing the RECYCLE Act, legislation to create a new federal grant program through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help increase awareness among households and consumers about their residential and community recycling programs. The bill would help increase recycling rates and reduce contamination in the recycling stream. In addition to Senator Collins, the RECYCLE Act is supported by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Todd Young (R-IN).\n\nRecycling is essential to keeping our lands, waters, and other natural treasures free of plastic and other sources of pollution, helping to preserve our nation's stunning beauty, said Senator Collins. This legislation would authorize grants for recycling programs throughout the country to ensure communities and consumers are aware of ways to increase the quantity and quality of recycled materials and to provide states and local governments with best practices on improving recycling rates.\n\nReports have indicated that consumer confusion on how to properly recycle is one of the top challenges to increasing recycling and that education and outreach both increases participation in recycling and decreases contamination.\n\nAccording to EPA, the recycling rate in the U.S. is 35.2 percent, and $9 billion worth of recyclable materials are thrown away each year. This presents a significant opportunity to improve our nation's recycling systems. In addition, recycling offers numerous environmental and economic benefits: it diverts materials from landfills, reduces emissions by requiring less energy to reprocess materials, and creates jobs. EPA's 2016 Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report found that recyclingsupports more than 757,000 jobs and $6.7 billion annually in tax revenues.\n\nThe RECYCLE Act would:\n\n \nAuthorize $15 million per year over five years in grants to states, local governments, Indian tribes, nonprofits, and public private partnerships to increase the visibility of recycling programs; \n \n\n \nDirect EPA to develop a model recycling program toolkit for states, local governments, Indian tribes, and partners to deploy in order to improve recycling rates and decrease contamination in the recycling stream; and\n \n\n \nRequire EPA to more frequently review and revise, if appropriate, its Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines, which designate products containing recycled materials and provides recommended practices for federal agencies to purchase such products.\n \n\nSupporters include: The Recycling Partnership, Solid Waste Association of North America, Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Paper Recycling Coalition, American Forest & Paper Association, Can Manufacturers Institute, The Association of Plastic Recyclers, Plastics Industry Association, National Association of Manufacturers, American Chemistry Council, National Waste & Recycling Association, Grocery Manufacturers Association, American Beverage Association, Procter & Gamble, Owens-Illinois, Reserve Management Group, Resinate Materials Group, KW Plastics, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Evangelical Environmental Network, Advanced Drainage Systems, Construction and Demolition Recycling Association, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation, and Wildlife Conservation Society.\n\nClick HERE to read the text of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-anson-native-her-portland-office", "Senator Collins Welcomes Anson Native to Her Portland Office", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Welcomes Anson Native to Her Portland Office \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 12/02/2019 - 09:11    \n    \n    \n    \n  \nClick HERE for a high-resolution photo\n\nPortland, ME  U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Isaac Vaillancourt, an Anson native, was awarded a fall internship in her Portland office. Isaac is a 2015 graduate of Carrabec High School and is the son of Rino and Pam Vaillancourt of Newcastle.\n\nIsaac is a hard worker and a terrific student, and I am delighted to welcome him to my Portland office, said Senator Collins. I enjoy every opportunity to give Maine students the ability to become actively involved in the legislative process and to serve the citizens of Maine.\n\nIsaac is a senior at the University of New England (UNE), where he is studying political science. He is a member of the UNE Men's Rugby Club.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-lebanon-maine-native-her-bangor-office", "Senator Collins Welcomes Lebanon, Maine, Native to Her Bangor Office", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Welcomes Lebanon, Maine, Native to Her Bangor Office \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 12/02/2019 - 09:04    \n    \n    \n    \n  \nClick HERE for a high-resolution photo\n\nBangor, ME - U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Hali Bowden, a Lebanon native, was awarded a fall internship in her Bangor office. Hali is a 2016 graduate of Noble High School and is the daughter of Dawn Bowden of Lebanon and Greg Bowden of Bradley.\n\nHali is a terrific student and a hard worker, and I am delighted to welcome her to my Bangor office,said Senator Collins. I always enjoy giving Maine students the opportunity to become actively involved in the legislative process and to serve the citizens of our state.\n\nHali is a senior at the University of Maine, where she is studying political science, as well as minoring in legal studies, leadership, and history.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-hassan-lead-bipartisan-group-senators-calling-secretary-devos-immediately", "Senators Collins, Hassan Lead Bipartisan Group of Senators in Calling on Secretary DeVos to Immediately Implement Fix to FAFSA Form", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), along with Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos calling for an immediate mid-cycle patch to the current FAFSA form so that students' access to financial aid is not disrupted.\n\nThe Department can, and has, previously updated FAFSA questions in the middle of an application cycleThis patching process requires no action on behalf of applicants, state grant agencies, or institutions of higher education, wrote the Senators. Simplifying the financial aid process and FAFSA form has long been a bipartisan objective, and everyone should be united in addressing this issue as soon as possible.\n\nIn June 2018, the Treasury Department shortened the core 1040 tax form and moved information from the 1040 to six new tax forms. Due to inadequate coordination between the Treasury, the Department of Education, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the IRS Data Retrieval Tool was not modified to automate the transfer of data on one of these six new tax forms  the Schedule 1  into the FAFSA for the 2020-21 academic year, which went online October 1, 2019. As a result, students are currently having to self-report this tax data on the FAFSA form.\n\nClick here to read the letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-alerts-seniors-new-tool-fight-social-security-scam", "Senator Collins Alerts Seniors to New Tool to Fight Social Security Scam", "2019-11-27", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins is raising awareness among seniors of a new tool launched by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to combat the Social Security scam. The portal, which is prominently displayed on the OIG's website (https://oig.ssa.gov/), allows consumers to easily report instances of the Social Security impostor scam. The data will help the OIG identify investigative leads, which could help track down criminal entities or individuals participating in or facilitating these scams. Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, has urged the SSA and SSA OIG to strengthen their response to the Social Security scam.\n\nThe criminals behind the Social Security scam are ruthless, and we must redouble our efforts to bring them to justice in order to protect seniors, said Senator Collins. I am encouraged that the Social Security Administration and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General developed this new tool that will enhance their ability to disrupt this scam and help the OIG pursue the criminals perpetrating these schemes. Preventing seniors from being robbed of their hard-earned savings is one of my top priorities as Chairman of the Aging Committee, and I will continue to press for additional action to fight the Social Security scam.\n\nOn October 15th, Senator Collins sent a letter urging the SSA to strengthen its response to the Social Security scam. In addition, this week Senator Collins joined Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), the Ranking Member of the Aging Committee, in requesting additional information from SSA OIG about their efforts to address this increasingly prevalent crime.\n\nThe Social Security scam involves criminals impersonating Social Security staff and calling victims to tell them that their Social Security number has been compromised and used by someone else. In another iteration of this scam, Mainers are told that their Social Security number has been suspended and that there is a warrant for their arrest. The fraudsters claim they need additional information from victims to verify their identity. In July 2019, the Federal Trade Commission announced that the Social Security scam tops the list of most reported frauds, and the Aging Committee's Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470) has received a significant increase in complaints about the Social Security scam since last year.\n\nAs a reminder, Social Security will not:\n\n \nTell people that their Social Security number has been suspended.\n \n\n \nContact people to demand an immediate payment.\n \n\n \nRequire a specific means of debt repayment, like a prepaid debit card, a retail gift card, or cash.\n \n\n \nDemand payment for a Social Security debt without the ability to appeal the amount owed.\n \n\n \nPromise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for information or money.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-casey-request-information-ssa-oig%E2%80%99s-efforts-combat-social-security-scam", "Collins, Casey Request Information on SSA OIGs Efforts to Combat Social Security Scam", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to read Senators Collins and Casey's letter.\n\nWashington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Aging Committee, wrote to Social Security Administration (SSA) Inspector General Gail Ennis, urging her to review the SSA's efforts to combat the Social Security scam, including the steps that have been taken to limit the scam's effect on customer service. The letter also requests more information about the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) own work to address this scam. In July 2019, the Federal Trade Commission announced that the Social Security scam tops the list of most reported frauds, and the Aging Committee's Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470) has received a significant increase in complaints about the Social Security scam since last year.\n\nDespite efforts to raise public awareness and limit scammers' ability to spoof the SSA's phone numbers, the Social Security scam perpetrators continue their relentless attempts to defraud the public, including seniors, and steal their personal information, Senators Collins and Casey wrote. As the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, we are committed to stopping scammers who steal from older Americans and their families. We expect the SSA to share this commitment and take all available steps to protect seniors from this pernicious scam.\n\nThe Social Security scam generally involves criminals impersonating Social Security staff and calling victims to fraudulently take money from them or obtain their personal identifiable information. In one iteration of this scam, victims are told that their Social Security number has been suspended and that there is a warrant for their arrest. The fraudsters claim they need additional information from victims to verify their identity.\n\nClick HERE to read Senators Collins and Casey's letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-attends-holden-police-department%E2%80%99s-donation-presentation-sarah%E2%80%99s-house", "Senator Collins Attends Holden Police Departments Donation Presentation to Sarahs House of Maine", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE and HERE for high-resolution photos\n\nHolden, ME  U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended the Holden Police Department's donation presentation ceremony to Sarah's House of Maine. The ceremony was attended by Sarah's House staff and Holden Police Department officers.\n\nDuring Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Holden Police Department held a fundraiser to raise money for Sarah's House. Throughout the month, Holden Police Department Chief Chris Greeley wore a custom-made pink police badge, which the department sold raffle tickets for. On November 1st, the badge was raffled off and Fox News Anchor Dana Perino won. She recently talked about the police badge on The Five, a show she co-hosts.\n\nDuring Sarah Robinson's courageous battle with cancer, she came to know other patients who had to travel long distances for treatment. Her determination to ease their financial and emotional burden began with buying bunk beds for her house. With the assistance from the Old Town Rotary and donors and volunteers from Holden and neighboring communities, Sarah's dream of a bigger hospitality house became a reality. Today, nine guest rooms provide patients and their families with friendship and support at Sarah's House, said Senator Collins. I commend Chief Greeley and the Holden Police Department on their outstanding support of Sarah's House and its mission to provide a home away from home for patients and caregivers in the most difficult time anyone can face.\n\n\"As someone who has known Senator Collins for roughly two decades, I am grateful for both her support of law enforcement AND Sarah's House, said Chief Greeley. While only a small financial gesture on the community's part, we are honored that Senator Collins wanted to be a part of our presentation to this wonderful residence.\" \n\nSarah's House, named for the late Sarah Robinson, is a 9-bedroom hospitality house serving adult patients who are receiving treatment at the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer. Patients who travel 30 miles or more for treatment are eligible to stay at Sarah's House, with referrals arranged by Patient Advocates at Cancer Care. According to data collected through the end of 2017, Sarah's House had saved more than 500,000 miles traveled and had served 273 people from 14 counties, providing 3,216 nights of lodging.\n\nSarah was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Her husband was serving in Iraq when she was diagnosed, and he returned home to be with her as she underwent treatment. With first-hand knowledge of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges experienced by those undergoing cancer treatment, Sarah brought people together around her vision of establishing a cancer hospitality house to serve residents of eastern, central, and northern Maine. Sarah passed away at age 26 on December 4, 2011. Construction of Sarah's House was completed in 2014, and the house opened to visitors in October of that year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-hampden-native-her-washington-dc-office", "Senator Collins Welcomes Hampden Native to her Washington, D.C., Office", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "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 Hampden Native to her Washington, D.C., Office \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Tue, 11/26/2019 - 13:53    \n    \n    \n    \n  \nClick HERE for a high-resolution photo\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Alexander Van Uden, a Hampden native, has been awarded a fall internship in her Washington, D.C., office. Alex is a 2009 graduate of Hampden Academy and a 2019 graduate of the University of Southern Maine.\n\nAs a United States Army veteran, Alex is highly motivated, has a strong work ethic, and is committed to serving our country, said Senator Collins. I am delighted to welcome him to my D.C. office, where he will have the opportunity to become actively involved in the legislative process and to continue serving the citizens of Maine.\n\nAlex enlisted in the United States Army Infantry in 2012. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, where he participated in combat operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He credits this experience as the beginning of his commitment to public service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-cheverus-students-washington-dc", "Senator Collins Welcomes Cheverus Students to Washington, D.C.", "2019-11-25", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE and HERE for high-resolution photos\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with a group of 10 students from Cheverus High School who visited Washington, D.C., to attend the 2019 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice Conference.\n\nOne of the best parts of serving as Maine's U.S. Senator is meeting all of the great people, including the students, who make our state such a special place, said Senator Collins. Students in Maine and across the country should always believe in themselves and never give up. These Cheverus students have the opportunity to be the future community, business, and elected leaders of our state.\n\nIn addition to their meeting with Senator Collins, the students from Cheverus High School went on a tour of the U.S. Capitol and visited other points of interest throughout D.C.\n\nThe Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice Conference is an annual gathering of various Jesuit institutions from all over the country to support social justice and solidarity as well as learn, reflect, pray, network, and advocate together.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-over-21-million-support-rural-telemedicine-and-education", "Senators Collins, King Announce Over $2.1 Million to Support Rural Telemedicine and Education", "2019-11-25", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program has awarded a total of $2,181,629 to several rural healthcare organizations and educational institutions throughout Maine. The funds will help six Maine organizations expand their online services, allowing them to reach more Maine people. \n\nIn the 21st century, the internet creates new opportunities for Maine people to access vital health treatments or pursue their education, no matter where they live, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. These funds will expand the reach of key programs that improve health outcomes and open doors for rural Maine people, providing a welcome boost for communities across our state.\n\nThe funding is awarded as follows:\n\n Androscoggin Home has received $215,900 to purchase 250 new telemonitoring devices which will benefit 180 communities across nine counties.\n MaineHealth has received $473,739 to create a telemedicine network to treat opioid disorders experienced by women and infants in rural Maine.\n Children's Center has received $300,818 to go towards funding a new telemedicine project that will use tablets to create a technology library. The library will be available to families within a 120-mile radius of the Children's Center Augusta or at the two designated end-user sites at the Children's Center Farmington and Children's Center Skowhegan. The project will serve 202,572 individuals.\n Northern Light Health has received $191,496 to implement a telemedicine project in six hospitals. The project will serve 54,333 residents.\n Western Foothills Reg. School Unit #10 has received $499,676 to enable RSU 10 to implement a distance learning project to receive and distribute advanced classes. All schools will be linked to opioid and behavioral health support. An estimated 25,703 individuals will benefit.\n University of Maine System has received $500,000 to upgrade distance learning technology. The University will provide teaching services to students in rural Maine. Over 29,000 students will be served.\n\nThe USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program provides grants to encourage and improve telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies to be used by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-attends-dual-groundbreaking-ceremony-portsmouth-naval-shipyard", "Senator Collins Attends Dual Groundbreaking Ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE and HERE for high-resolution photos\n\nKittery, ME  Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) delivered remarks at a dual groundbreaking ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) for two projects: the new Paint, Blast, and Rubber Facility and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Consolidated Warehouse. The ceremony was also attended by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). The groundbreakings came hours after the announcement of a contract award for a third, separate project: a nearly $158 million contract to modernize Dry Dock #1.\n\nThe groundbreakings we celebrate today advance our Shipyard's crucial mission. The paint, blast, and rubber facility will consolidate various operations now dispersed across the Shipyard into one location, enhancing both safety and efficiency. The DLA Consolidated Global Submarine Component Facility will expand an outdated warehouse to improve the Shipyard's ability to receive, inspect, and distribute submarine components for worldwide fleet support, said Senator Collins. As a member of the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee, I was proud to champion the funding for these projects and to work with my colleagues to ensure that funding was not diverted for other purposes. I will continue to advocate for military construction and facility modernization projects at the Shipyard as I continue to advocate for budgets that will keep our Navy strong.\n\nAs a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins helped to secure the funding for these projects at PNSY in the fiscal year (FY) 2018 and FY19 appropriations bills. At a hearing in April when it appeared that PNSY's military construction projects could be diverted pursuant to the President's emergency declaration, Sen. Collins questioned the U.S. Navy's Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics, and he assured her that the Department of Defense was on track to award the contracts.\n\nThe Paint, Blast and Rubber Facility project consolidates and optimizes paint, blast, and rubber fabrication in a newly constructed 65,386 square foot facility. The new facility will be low-rise construction, consisting of high and low-bay industrial shop areas, as well as offices, break rooms, locker rooms, training and support spaces and is necessary to support the increased Virginia Class submarine workload starting in 2023.\n\nThe DLA Consolidated Warehouse project will construct a new 29,200 square foot addition to the existing warehouse Building 170A at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This project completes the consolidation and modernization of a submarine component processing facility that will enhance the joint ability of the DLA and Navy to receive, inspect, and distribute submarine components for worldwide fleet support. The project also includes the design and installation of a new automated material handling system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-presents-american-flag-wwii-veteran-sanford", "Senator Collins Presents American Flag to WWII Veteran from Sanford", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for high-resolution photos\n\nSanford, ME  Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins presented Gerald Jerry Dunham, a Sanford native, with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to honor him for his service in the United States Army during WWII, which earned him a Silver Star. The ceremony, which was held at the Sanford Vet Center, was attended by Jerry's family, friends, local veterans, and members of the community.\n\nJerry, the Silver Star you received more than seven decades ago recognizes your valor in combat. Today, I present to you an American flag that flew over our nation's Capitol in your honor to recognize your contributions as a soldier and as a citizen, said Senator Collins. With its stars on a field of blue to represent unity, its stripes of red for courage, and of white for the values we hold dear, our flag continues to inspire us. It is a beacon of liberty that patriots like you have held high for nearly two and a half centuries. May God bless you, Jerry, and all who serve our country, and may God bless America.\n\nJerry Dunham was a Private (PVT) in Company B of the 363rd infantry of the 91st Division in the United States Army. On June 5, 1945, for fearlessness, bold action, and combat skill, Brigadier General R.E.S. Williamson awarded PVT Dunham the Silver Star for gallantry in action on April 18, 1945, during the Big Push near Zula, Italy. After earning this award, PVT Dunham was promoted to Private First Class (PFC).\n\nOn April 18th, PVT Dunham, along with two other men, volunteered to crawl forward under enemy machine gun fire in an attempt to knock out a large German pillbox that was stopping the advance of their rifle company. PVT Dunham threw a hand grenade into one of the three entrances into the pillbox, then rushed up to the entrance and down a flight of stairs. His bold charge took the Germans by surprise, and five men were taken prisoner, together with two machine guns and a large amount of ammunition and grenades.\n\nAfter the war, Jerry returned to Sanford and in 1947 opened Jerry's Market, a small supermarket. Jerry met his wife, Amber, while minding the store, and they wed at North Parish Church in Sanford in October 1952. They still reside at their home in Sanford and have two sons, Mark and Peter, who continue to run the family business.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-shaheen-announce-nearly-158-million-contract-awarded-modernize-dry-dock-1", "Senators Collins, Shaheen Announce Nearly $158 Million Contract Awarded to Modernize Dry Dock #1 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen announced that a $157,949,610 contract was awarded to Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield, Maine, for construction of a super flood basin and extending portal crane rails for Dry Dock #1 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. As members of the Appropriations Committee, Senators Collins and Shaheen secured this funding in the fiscal year 2019 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.\n\nAs a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I championed this important investment at PNSY, which will begin the process of modernizing Dry Dock #1 and allow the shipyard to meet the future needs of our Navy, said Senator Collins. PNSY is the gold standard for all public shipyards, and this project will help the highly skilled employees continue to carry out their mission of ensuring that our submarines are always ready to answer the call of duty.\n\nIt's very encouraging to see this project that is so important to our national security moving forward, especially since this funding was once under threat from the administration, said Senator Shaheen. I've fought tirelessly to secure and protect these resources as a member of both the Appropriations and Armed Services committees. Increasing dry dock capacity helps ensure that the Shipyard remains indispensable to the maintenance of our submarine fleet long into the future and I look forward to seeing this project completed.\n\nThe project will renovate Dry Dock #1 by constructing a superflood basin at the dry dock entrance. The superflood basin, similar to a navigational lock, will enable Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class submarines to dock without the use of buoyancy assist tanks. Currently, Dry Dock #1 can only accommodate Los Angeles-class submarines, which means it will be rendered obsolete when LA-class submarines are removed from service in the 2030s. Additionally, without this project, Dry Dock #1 would not be able to support operations beyond 2021 due to the decertification of the current air filled buoyancy assist system, which is more than 40 years old.\n\nThe project also includes a separately authorized project to construct a new portal crane rail and modernizes the existing one to support a new high-capacity portal crane for reactor servicing requirements at Dry Dock #1. The Navy's Los Angeles-class Service Life Extension Program requires a new high-capacity portal crane with crane rail infrastructure to provide heavy-lift access to the Dry Dock #1 reactor servicing complex, utility upgrades and modifications, and railroad modifications to perform refueling of Los-Angeles-class submarines.\n\nSenators Collins and Shaheen worked to secure funding for this project in the fiscal year 2019 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that was signed into law last year. Work is expected to be completed by March 2022.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-brown-gillibrand-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-mental-health-services-older", "Collins, Brown, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Mental Health Services for Older Americans", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced bipartisan legislation to help expand mental health services for older Americans. Senator Collins is the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee.\n\nThe Medicare Mental Health Access Act would update the Medicare program by recognizing clinical psychologists as independent care providers, thus expanding mental health care options and access for Medicare beneficiaries. Clinical psychologists are doctoral-level providers who play an important role in delivering mental health services to the Medicare population. However, the Medicare program has not been updated to recognize clinical psychologists as independent care providers across all settings of care.\n\nThere is a growing need for mental health services among older Americans, but many Medicare beneficiaries face significant challenges accessing this care due to a lack of providers, said Senator Collins. By updating Medicare's classification of clinical psychologists to better align with the policies of other major insurers, our bipartisan legislation would expand the availability of mental health treatment and help strengthen the wellbeing of our seniors.\n\nAccess to mental health care is a growing need in America, and we should be prioritizing ways to ensure older Americans have access to the providers that best meet their needs, said Senator Brown. Our bill gets us one step closer to meeting this gap in care, by recognizing clinical psychologists as independent service providers in the Medicare program in the same way we already do for physicians, chiropractors, and optometrists.\n\nFar too many Americans don't have access to the mental health services they need, and Congress should be doing more to address this problem, said Senator Gillibrand. That's why I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan Medicare Mental Health Access Act with Senator Brown and Senator Collins. This legislation would allow clinical psychologists to provide more treatment options for Medicare patients, helping to expand access to mental health services for our older adults and for people with disabilities. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to ensure that they are receiving the care they need.\n\nMore than a quarter of all Medicare beneficiaries experience mental disorders, including cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Serious mental illnesses such as bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia are also prevalent among older Americans who are under the age of 65 and eligible for Medicare.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-over-29-million-community-health-centers-throughout-rural-maine", "Collins, King Announce Over $2.9 Million to Community Health Centers Throughout Rural Maine", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On National Rural Health Day, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a total of $2,974,548 in funding to two community health center networks, which will be used to bolster multiple locations in central, western, and northern Maine. Senators Collins and King are avid supporters of community health centers (CHCs)  just last month, they joined a bipartisan group of 25 Senators in a push to secure long-term federal funding for CHCs, which is set to expire today.\n\nCommunity health centers are the backbone of Maine's rural healthcare system, providing cost-effective primary and preventive care that is crucial to the wellbeing of more than 200,000 Maine people, said Senator Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this grant, and will continue working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to push for long-term federal funding that ensures CHCs can continue to provide vital healthcare services to Maine people.\n\nBoth Senators Collins and King are original cosponsors of the Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence (CHIME) Act, which would reauthorize the Community Health Center Fund (CHCF) and the National Health Service Corps for five years. Senator Collins has also been a strong advocate for the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019, which would reauthorize programs that support access to health care in rural areas, including the Community Health Centers program. CHCs serve approximately 29 million patients at over 10,000 sites in both rural and urban communities in every state in the nation. In 2017, community health centers were the medical home for one in twelve Americans, one in ten children, one in six Americans living in rural areas, and more than 330,000 of our nation's veterans.\n\nThis funding was awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Health Center Cluster Program at HHS, which is tasked with improving access to health care by building healthy communities, strengthening the health care workforce, and achieving health equity. HRSA's programs target the economic and medically vulnerable as well as the geographically isolated. Specifically, Health Access Network (HAN), headquartered in Lincoln, has received $1,283,092, and Healthreach Community Health Centers, headquartered in Waterville, has received $1,691,456. HAN operates locations in Lincoln, Lee, Medway, Millinocket, and West Enfield. Healthreach Community Health Centers operates locations in Belgrade, Bethel, Bingham, Albion, Madison, Mt. Abram, Rangeley, Richmond, Strong, Sheepscot, and Livermore Falls.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-32-million-newton-field-airport-jackman", "Senator Collins Announces $3.2 Million for Newton Field Airport in Jackman", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that Newton Field Airport in Jackman has been awarded $3,200,000 to extend the runway to accommodate ambulance air service by LifeFlight of Maine. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Program (AIP).\n\nMaine's airports are vital pieces of our state's infrastructure that play a critical role not only in transportation and job creation, but also to provide medical services for those in rural communities in emergencies when seconds count, said Senator Collins. This funding will allow Newton Field Airport to make much-needed improvements to their runway, enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations and benefitting residents and visitors to Jackman.\n\nWhile the realities of healthcare finance may not support an advanced medical facility in a community like Jackman, LifeFlight can help fill that void with a runway that allows a flying hospital to arrive right where it is needed, and on a moment's notice, said Joshua Dickson, FP-C, Aviation Systems Coordinator, LifeFlight of Maine. We will continue working toward becoming a national leader in cost effective rural healthcare delivery, and we thank Senator Collins for her support of LifeFlight, rural aviation, and the people of Maine.\n\nIn May, Senator Collins announced that Newton Field Airport had been awarded $1.05 million for the first phase of work to the runway.\n\nAs Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins was instrumental in securing $3.8 billion for AIP, including $450 million in supplemental AIP grants, in the fiscal year 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill that passed the Senate in October.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-leahy-introduce-legislation-help-runaway-and-homeless-youth", "Senators Collins, Leahy Introduce Legislation To Help Runaway And Homeless Youth", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act, legislation to reauthorize key federal grant programs to provide states with grants to help thousands of homeless young people nationwide. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives John Yarmuth (D-KY), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).\n\nThe landmark Runaway and Homeless Youth Act was first passed by Congress in 1974, providing nationwide support to address youth and young adult homelessness. This reauthorization would expand protections to youths who are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking, and it would authorize funding for state and local programs to help provide transitional housing, street outreach, and crisis intervention programs to address the needs of homeless and runaway youth. It would also raise the authorization of appropriations to $225 million and double the minimum grant allocation provided to small states, from $100,000, to $200,000.\n\nAn estimated 4.2 million young people experience homelessness at some point in a year. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I have made it my goal to address homelessness. We must make sure our nation's homeless youth have the same opportunity to succeed as other youth, said Senator Collins. The programs reauthorized by this bill are critical in helping homeless youth stay off the street, avoid abuse, and find stable housing. I look forward to working with Senator Leahy to move this bill through the Senate and House so that the President can sign it into law.\n\nNo child in America should have to call the street home. Our bill will offer service providers the training and tools they need to best serve young people, to help ensure that they don't fall victim to human trafficking, and to keep them safe. These are often lifesaving programs, rescuing young lives and giving them crucial lifelines. Our legislation will allow communities in Vermont and across the country to expand their enormously important work, said Senator Leahy.\n\nThis bill is supported by youth advocacy organizations such as the National Network for Youth, which has supported the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act since it was first enacted in 1974.\n\nNo young person in America should ever have to spend one day without a safe place to call home. The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act makes critical improvements to the existing federal RHYA program, said Darla Bardine, Executive Director, National Network for Youth. I urge Congress to move this vital legislation swiftly through Congress so we can strengthen our communities' ability to prevent and respond to youth homelessness and human trafficking. Our youth are counting on us.\n\nThe Runaway and Homeless Youth Act would:\n Reauthorize and increase authorization levels for programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act\n Increase annual competitive grants for rural youth demographics from $100,000 to $200,000\n Require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop every three years a national estimate of the prevalence of homeless youth\n Allow extensions in length of stay in Basic Center Programs (BCP) from 21 days, to up to 30 days", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-32-million-public-transit-buses-maine", "Senator Collins Announces More Than $3.2 Million for Public Transit Buses in Maine", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the City of Bangor's Community Connector Public Transit System, the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT), and the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit Committee have received a total of $3,223,567 to replace public transit vehicles that have exceeded their useful lives and construct a new transportation center. This funding was administered through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.\n\nMaine faces unique challenges that make transit services both necessary and difficult to maintain, including an older and rural population, a high number of road miles per capita, and high rates of poverty. said Senator Collins. This important funding will replace a total of 21 public transit vehicles and aid in the construction of a new transportation center, increasing access to employment, education, and health care for thousands of Mainers who use bus services.\n\nThe funding is allocated as follows:\n\n City of Bangor's Community Connector Public Transit System received $1,286,000 to construct a new multimodal bus transit center that will offer enhanced amenities, and improved accessibility to all transportation services provided in the Bangor area. Bangor's current bus depot facility was built in 1989 and has not been updated since. This transportation center will also improve accessibility and mobility options for passengers with ADA needs. The Community Connector Public Transit System serves the greater Bangor region, including Brewer, Hampden, Orono, Veazie, and Old Town, and also provides direct service to students and faculty at the University of Maine.\n\n MDOT received $1,057,567 to replace 19 transit vehicles that have exceeded their useful lives through the Department's Building Trust in Transit: Improving Maine's Rural Bus Fleet project. These 19 replacement vehicles will provide immediate benefits for three regional transit providers: Downeast Community Partners, Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, and Waldo County Action Partners. These providers provide transit services for eight of Maine's 16 counties.\n\n Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit Committee received $880,000 to purchase two trolley buses to replace public vehicles that have exceeded their useful life. This funding will significantly enhance the quality of seasonal service to the area and reduce vehicle emissions. This system provides year-round and seasonal trolley services along Maine's stretch of sandy beach and inland to the ancillary tourism-related facilities needed to support the significant influx of summer visitors to the region.\n\nThe Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program assists in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing, or leasing bus-related facilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-secures-commitment-fda-nominee-prevent-drug-shortages-lower-drug-prices", "Senator Collins Secures Commitment from FDA Nominee to Prevent Drug Shortages, Lower Drug Prices", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' exchange with Dr. Hahn on drug shortages. Click HERE to download high-resolution video.\nClick HERE to watch Senator Collins' exchange with Dr. Hahn on drug pricing. Click HERE to download high-resolution video.\n\nWashington, D.C.At today's confirmation hearing for Dr. Stephen Hahn to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Health Committee, requested and received Dr. Hahn's commitment to help prevent the scarcity of certain vital drugs. Dr. Hahn also pledged to Senator Collins that he would work with her to lower the cost of medications.\n\nSenator Collins shared with Dr. Hahn the repercussions of drug shortages for patients, which include being forced to transfer out of rural hospitals due to a lack of injectable morphine and being denied additional immunotherapy treatments that can prevent a recurrence of cancer. Most recently, a shortage of vincristine, which treats many childhood cancers, is causing anxiety for families and their providers. MaineHealth, Maine's largest health care organization, is currently managing 40 shortages, and Northern Light Health in Bangor has hired four additional staff to focus on this issue full time.\n\nPatients, pharmacists, physicians, and hospitals in my state are struggling with shortages of vital drugs, said Senator Collins. Senator Tina Smith and I have introduced a bill to help lessen these drug shortages. And that bill has the support of more than 50 health care organizations showing how widespread this problem isToday, will you commit publicly to all those patients who are affected by drug shortages and to this committee that you will work with us on legislation and explore other ways to mitigate this very serious problem?\n\nYes, I commit certainly to working with Congress on this issue, Dr. Hahn replied. As I mentioned to you, this is something that is very significant, telling parents and a child that you don't have vincristine to treat their cancerno physician, wants to be in that position.\n\nSenator Collins also emphasized the urgent need to reduce the skyrocketing cost of prescriptions, an issue she has championed in Congress. She cited an estimate by former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb that Americans would have saved $4.5 billion in 2017 alone if all the biosimilars that have been approved by the FDA were successfully marketed in this country in a timely fashion. Senator Collins also described the Biologic Patent Transparency Act she introduced with Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) that would help block the harmful patent strategies that prevent lower-cost generics from coming to market.\n\nSenator Collins asked Dr. Hahn, What role do you see the FDA playing in coordination with the FTC and the patent office to prevent the gaming of the patent system when we're dealing with biosimilars? And are you willing to have FDA play an aggressive role in using the Purple Book to publicize patents?\n\nDr. Hahn responded affirmatively, I'm very much in favor of transparency, and anti-competitive practices should be eliminated. So I pledge to work with you, Senator, and the Congress on those particular issues.\n\nDr. Hahn currently serves as the chief medical executive at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He is board certified in both medical oncology and radiation oncology, specializing over the course of his career on prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular, and lung cancers and sarcoma.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-hassan-introduce-legislation-train-more-doctors-substance-misuse-recovery", "Senators Collins, Hassan Introduce Legislation to Train More Doctors in Substance Misuse Recovery & Prevention", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the bipartisan Opioid Workforce Act to support hospitals in hiring and training doctors in addiction medicine, addiction psychiatry, and pain management. The bipartisan legislation would create 1,000 new medical residency positions at teaching hospitals in Maine and across the country.\n\nIt is troubling that in the midst of the opioid epidemic and growing demand for treatment services, our country is facing a shortage of physicians trained in addiction medicine, addiction psychiatry, or pain management.In Maine, there is only one addiction medicine program, said Senator Collins. Our bipartisan bill would help increase the number of these providers by expanding and creating new residency programs in Maine and across the country, helping the millions of Americans who are struggling with substance use disorders achieve recovery and healing.\n\nAs we grapple with the devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic, we know that hospitals need more doctors trained in addiction and pain management in order to treat substance misuse and prevent patients from becoming addicted to opioids in the first place, said Senator Hassan. Dartmouth-Hitchcock and hospitals across the country are engaged in cutting-edge research and life-saving efforts to combat substance misuse, and my bipartisan bill with Senator Collins will help ensure that these hospitals have the resources that they need to create and expand their addiction prevention and treatment programs.\n\nThe bipartisan Opioid Workforce Act increases by 1,000 the number of Medicare-supported graduate medical education positions available to hospitals that have or are in the process of establishing approved residency programs in addiction medicine, addiction psychiatry, or pain management. Each hospital can have up to 25 positions through the legislation.\n\nYou can read the text of the legislation here.\n\nEarlier this year, Senators Collins and Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Training the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act, a bipartisan bill to address the severe shortage of physicians by bolstering the successful Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education Program.\n\nSenator Collins is also the cosponsor of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019, which would increase the number of Medicare reimbursed residency slots by 15,000 over five years, and the Rural Physician Workforce Production Act of 2019, legislation to support rural residency training and work to alleviate physician shortages in rural communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-600000-maine-housing-programs", "Senator Collins Announces More Than $600,000 for Maine Housing Programs", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that three Maine housing programs will receive a total of $613,136 to help individuals with disabilities in Aroostook, Androscoggin, and Cumberland counties to live independently within their communities.\n\nMaine's housing authorities provide vital services to seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals and families, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that the housing needs of our most vulnerable neighbors are met. By supporting public housing agencies, this funding will help connect Mainers with the resources they need to find safe and affordable homes.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\n Presque Isle Housing Authority will receive $140,951.\n\n Lewiston Housing Authority will receive $159,138.\n\n Westbrook Housing Authority will receive $313,047.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-speaks-maine-astronaut-jessica-meir-phone-aboard-international-space", "Senator Collins Speaks with Maine Astronaut Jessica Meir by Phone aboard the International Space Station", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to download a high-resolution photo\nClick HERE for b-roll of Senator Collins and Dr. Meir's phone call. Note to assignment editors and news directors: Click HERE to download video.\n\nWashington, D.C.This morning, U.S. Senator Susan Collins talked with astronaut Jessica Meir, a Caribou, Maine, native who is currently working onboard the International Space Station on her first spaceflight. Senator Collins congratulated Dr. Meir on recently making history on the first all-women spacewalk and asked her about her experiences so far. Senator Collins last spoke with Dr. Meir in July by phone prior to her expedition into space.\n\nIt was exciting to speak with Jessica in space today to congratulate her on her historic spacewalk. We also discussed her impressions of living in the space station and her ongoing research, including her work with Jackson Lab mice and her experiment growing mustard greens, said Senator Collins. Mainers are incredibly proud of Jessica's extraordinary accomplishments. She has inspired so many girls and boys from our hometown of Caribou and across the state that they, too, can follow their dreams and be an astronaut or whatever they want to be.\n\nOn September 25th, Dr. Meir became the first Maine woman to travel to space and has now completed nearly a third of her six-month mission. She is conducting experiments and supporting research to prepare astronauts for future missions to the Moon and Mars.\n\nLast month, Dr. Meir participated in the first all-female spacewalk with fellow astronaut Christina Koch. The spacewalk lasted more than seven hours as the pair installed a new battery charge-discharge unit.\n\nIn October, Dr. Meir spoke via a live video with hundreds of Caribou students in grades 3-12 and answered questions. In June, Senators Collins and Angus King and Representative Jared Golden sent a letter to NASA in support of Eastern Aroostook RSU 39 and Caribou's request to participate in this videoconference with Dr. Meir while she was in orbit.\n\nIn 2016, Senator Collins and Dr. Meir were two of the six inaugural inductees of the Caribou High School Alumni Hall of Fame.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-manchin-resolution-dedicating-november-national-homeless-children-and-youth-0", "Collins, Manchin Resolution Dedicating November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month Passes Senate", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the passage of their resolution that recognizes November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. The resolution passed the Senate unanimously.\n\nSchool is challenging enough without students having to worry about where they will sleep each night. Without the proper support, these young people are at risk of dropping out of school and are in greater danger of exploitation. We must make sure our nation's homeless youth have the same opportunity to succeed as their peers, said Senator Collins.This bipartisan resolution recognizes the hard work being done by businesses, organizations, schools, and volunteers to prevent youth homelessness.\n\nIn West Virginia there are more than 10,500 homeless students and across the nation there were 1.3 million homeless children and youth in the 2016-2017 school year. This is an unfortunate and unacceptable situation we are facing as a state and nation. This resolution highlights the issue of child and youth homelessness and supports the efforts of businesses, organizations, educators and volunteers that are dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless children and youth. I am proud to have worked with my colleague Senator Collins and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this resolution and look forward to working together in the future to continue to address this issue, said Senator Manchin.\n\nThe Senators' resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), James Lankford (R-OK), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Jack Reed (D-RI).\n\nThe following organizations have supported Senators Collins and Manchin's resolution: SchoolHouse Connection, First Focus Campaign for Children, Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), School Superintendents Association (AASA), National Education Association (NEA), School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), American School Counselor Association (ASCA), National PTA, National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Head Start Association, Zero to Three, National Network for Youth (NN4Youth), True Colors United, Family Promise, American Federation of Teachers, Covenant House International, National Association of School Psychologists, A Way Home America, School Social Work Association of America, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, and National Alliance to End Homelessness, Youth Collaboratory.\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Collins met with a group of advocates from Lewiston to discuss ways they can work together to help Maine's homeless children and youth.\n\nClick HERE to read the resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-damariscotta-montessori-school-students-washington-dc", "Senator Collins Welcomes Damariscotta Montessori School Students to Washington, D.C.", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "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 Damariscotta Montessori School Students to Washington, D.C. \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 11/18/2019 - 08:55    \n    \n    \n    \n  \nClick HERE and HERE for high-resolution photos\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with a group of 12 students from Damariscotta Montessori School who were visiting Washington, D.C., as part of a class trip.\n\nIt is always a pleasure to welcome Maine students to our nation's capital, said Senator Collins. I am glad that these bright students from Damariscotta Montessori School had the chance to take advantage of the countless educational opportunities in D.C. I encourage Maine students to believe in themselves and never give up. They have the opportunity to be the future community, business, and elected leaders of our state.\n\nThe trip by Damariscotta Montessori School allows the students to tour the U.S. Capitol building as well as other points of interest in Washington, D.C.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-225000-lead-testing-drinking-water-maine-schools", "Senators Collins, King Announce $225,000 for Lead Testing of Drinking Water at Maine Schools", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senators Collins, King Announce $225,000 for Lead Testing of Drinking Water at Maine Schools \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 11/18/2019 - 10:01    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been awarded $225,000 for their Drinking Water Program (DWP) to continue testing the water at schools and child care facilities throughout the state. This Safe Drinking Water Act funding was provided to Maine DHHS by the Environmental Protection Agency.\n\nLead poisoning poses a severe threat to human health, especially to children. Families should not have to be concerned about whether the water fountains at their children's schools are contaminated, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will help ensure that students throughout Maine have access to safe drinking water while at school.\n\nMaine DHHS will use this funding to reduce lead exposure at schools and child care facilities by testing for lead, identifying potential lead sources, and talking action to mitigate the contamination.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-pingree-push-us-trade-representative-eu-tariff-relief-lobster-industry", "Collins, King, Pingree Push U.S. Trade Representative on EU Tariff Relief for Lobster Industry", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) and Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) urged U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer to continue to prioritize a trade deal with the European Union (E.U.) that would reduce or eliminate E.U. tariffs on Maine lobster. Collins, King, and Pingree have repeatedly pressed the USTR to prioritize lobster in trade negotiations, as the U.S. industry has been adversely impacted by several international trade policies. In response to their advocacy, the USTR has identified lobster tariffs as a key priority for U.S. negotiators. In a recent letter to Amb. Lighthizer, European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrm opted against a U.S. request to reduce tariffs on the product as part of a limited trade deal, preferring to strike a wider agreement. In the letter, the members thank Lighthizer for his efforts and press him to continue his work to reach a deal that opens new markets for Maine's lobster industry.\n\nAs we stressed to you previously, the current eight percent E.U. tariff on live American lobster puts the Maine lobster industry at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to its Canadian competitor, which enjoys tariff-free access to the E.U. market under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). write Collins, King, and Pingree. Having all but lost the large and growing Chinese export market due to retaliatory Chinese tariffs on American lobster, Maine lobster producers and dealers must find new customers for our state's most iconic product. European buyers would undoubtedly purchase more Maine lobster if, like Canadian lobster, our product entered the E.U. tariff-free.\n\nWe urge you to continue to strive for the elimination of the E.U. tariff on Maine lobster. Our fishermen and dealers deserve tariff-free access to the European market, and we look forward to continuing our work with you to achieve that goal.\n\nCollins, King, and Pingree have repeatedly stood with the lobster industry, which currently faces a number of serious threats including the ongoing trade war with China and potential federal regulations associated with the ongoing North Atlantic right whale take reduction effort. In a February letter, Collins, King, Pingree, and Congressman Jared Golden (D-Maine), asked the USTR to prioritize lobster in negotiations, noting that live lobster exports to China dropped by 64% in the first month after the retaliatory tariffs were imposed. The Maine delegation has also pressed for the Administration to offer funding to help the lobster industry access new markets, and to provide tariff relief to members of the lobster industry affected by the ongoing trade war with China  much as American farmers received government support to mitigate negative effects of the China trade war.\n\nThe full letter can be downloaded HERE or read below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Ambassador Lighthizer:\n\nWe appreciate your continued advocacy for tariff relief on American lobster in your ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union, as indicated by recent your correspondence with European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrm. Eliminating the E.U. tariff on American lobster would expand a valuable market for Maine lobster producers and dealers.\n\nAs we stressed to you previously, the current eight percent E.U. tariff on live American lobster puts the Maine lobster industry at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to its Canadian competitor, which enjoys tariff-free access to the E.U. market under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The Canadian industry is poised to reap even greater benefits when the E.U. tariffs on frozen and processed lobster are phased out under CETA, while tariffs ranging from 16 to 20 percent remain on frozen and processed American lobster. Having all but lost the large and growing Chinese export market due to retaliatory Chinese tariffs on American lobster, Maine lobster producers and dealers must find new customers for our state's most iconic product. European buyers would undoubtedly purchase more Maine lobster if, like Canadian lobster, our product entered the E.U. tariff-free.\n\nCommissioner Malmstrm indicated in her November 6 to you that the E.U. could certainly address your concerns about E.U. tariffs on products such as lobster, but that given the WTO constraints on bilateral preferences, this should be as part of a wider agreement. While we understand the need for a wider agreement on U.S-E.U. trade, we believe that securing a deal with the E.U. that immediately eliminates E.U. tariffs on Maine lobster should remain a priority.\n\nWe urge you to continue to strive for the elimination of the E.U. tariff on Maine lobster. Our fishermen and dealers deserve tariff-free access to the European market, and we look forward to continuing our work with you to achieve that goal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-manchin-resolution-dedicating-november-national-homeless-children-and-youth", "Collins, Manchin Resolution Dedicating November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month Passes Senate", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the passage of their resolution that recognizes November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. The resolution passed the Senate unanimously.\n\nSchool is challenging enough without students having to worry about where they will sleep each night. Without the proper support, these young people are at risk of dropping out of school and are in greater danger of exploitation. We must make sure our nation's homeless youth have the same opportunity to succeed as other youth, said Senator Collins.This bipartisan resolution recognizes the hard work being done by businesses, organizations, schools, and volunteers to prevent youth homelessness.\n\nIn West Virginia there are more than 10,500 homeless students and across the nation there were 1.3 million homeless children and youth in the 2016-2017 school year. This is an unfortunate and unacceptable situation we are facing as a state and nation. This resolution highlights the issue of child and youth homelessness and supports the efforts of businesses, organizations, educators and volunteers that are dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless children and youth. I am proud to have worked with my colleague Senator Collins and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this resolution and look forward to working together in the future to continue to address this issue, said Senator Manchin.\n\nThe Senators' resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), James Lankford (R-OK), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Jack Reed (D-RI).\n\nThe following organizations have supported Senators Collins and Manchin's resolution: SchoolHouse Connection, First Focus Campaign for Children, Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), School Superintendents Association (AASA), National Education Association (NEA), School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), American School Counselor Association (ASCA), National PTA, National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Head Start Association, Zero to Three, National Network for Youth (NN4Youth), True Colors United, Family Promise, American Federation of Teachers, Covenant House International, National Association of School Psychologists, A Way Home America, School Social Work Association of America, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, and National Alliance to End Homelessness, Youth Collaboratory.\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Collins met with a group of advocates from Lewiston to discuss ways they can work together to help Maine's homeless youth.\n\nClick HERE to read the resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-cosponsored-collins-king-combat-plastic-marine-debris-clears-senate-hurdle", "Legislation Cosponsored by Collins, King to Combat Plastic Marine Debris Clears Senate Hurdle", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King applauded the passage of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This bipartisan bill, introduced in June, seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by the Save Our Seas Act, which was signed into law last fall.\n\nCountless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters, said Senator Collins. I encourage our colleagues to join our efforts to protect our ocean and the sea life that inhabits it by supporting the Save Our Sea 2.0 Act, legislation to help accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come.\n\nMaine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked  meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people, said Senator King. This is about protecting our oceans for future generations of Maine people, and I hope to see this legislation continuing to move quickly through the Congress.\n\nRoughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean.\n\nThis week, Senator Collins was honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Award from ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiatives at the organization's annual dinner.\n\nThe Save Our Seas 2.0 Act is also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Brian Schatz (D- Hawaii), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-congratulates-cape-elizabeth-high-school-blue-ribbon-designation", "Senator Collins Congratulates Cape Elizabeth High School on Blue Ribbon Designation", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "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 Cape Elizabeth High School on Blue Ribbon Designation \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 11/15/2019 - 11:03    \n    \n    \n    \n  \nClick HERE for a high-resolution photo\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with Cape Elizabeth High School Assistant Principal Nathan Carpenter and French teacher David Peary in her Washington, D.C., office. In September, Cape Elizabeth High School was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. Cape Elizabeth High School is one of only three Maine schoolsand one of only 362 public and private schools nationwideto be recognized for this highly prestigious achievement in 2019.\n\nThe Blue Ribbon designation is the highest honor an American school can obtain, and out of this year's 362 honorees, three are from Maine. Cape Elizabeth High School earned this designation through a deep commitment to excellence by both the faculty and the community as a whole, said Senator Collins. During my meeting with Nathan and David, I presented them with a statement I entered in the Congressional Record recognizing the school's success.\n\nFor 35 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has honored public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Blue Ribbon schools are recognized for overall academic excellence or for making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-congratulates-yarmouth-high-school-blue-ribbon-designation", "Senator Collins Congratulates Yarmouth High School on Blue Ribbon Designation", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE for a high-resolution photo\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with Yarmouth High School Principal Eric Klein and guidance counselors Brenda Michaelsen and Beth Doane in her Washington, D.C., office. They were in D.C. for a Department of Education awards ceremony where Yarmouth High School was recognized as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School.Yarmouth High School is one of only three Maine schoolsand one of only 362 public and private schools nationwideto be recognized for this highly prestigious achievement in 2019.\n\nThe Blue Ribbon designation is the highest honor an American school can obtain, and out of this year's 362 honorees, three are from Maine. Yarmouth High School earned this designation through a deep commitment to excellence by both the faculty and the community as a whole, said Senator Collins. During my meeting with Eric, Brenda, and Beth, I presented them with a statement I entered in the Congressional Record recognizing the school's success.\n\nFor 35 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has honored public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Blue Ribbon schools are recognized for overall academic excellence or for making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-meets-principal-and-teacher-fruit-street-school-bangor", "Senator Collins Meets with Principal and Teacher from Fruit Street School in Bangor", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Meets with Principal and Teacher from Fruit Street School in Bangor \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 11/15/2019 - 10:52    \n    \n    \n    \n  \nClick HERE for a high-resolution photo\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with Fruit Street School Principal Richard Fournier and third grade teacher Dianne Johnson in her Washington, D.C., office. They were in D.C. for a Department of Education awards ceremony where Fruit Street School was recognized as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. Fruit Street School is one of only three Maine schoolsand one of only 362 public and private schools nationwideto be recognized for this highly prestigious achievement in 2019.\n\nThe Blue Ribbon designation is the highest honor an American school can obtain, and out of this year's 362 honorees, three are from Maine. Fruit Street School earned this designation through a deep commitment to excellence by both the faculty and the community as a whole, said Senator Collins. During my meeting with Richard and Dianne, I presented them with a statement I entered in the Congressional Record recognizing the school's success.\n\nFor 35 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has honored public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Blue Ribbon schools are recognized for overall academic excellence or for making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-hollis-native-her-york-county-office", "Senator Collins Welcomes Hollis Native to Her York County Office", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "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 Hollis Native to Her York County Office \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 11/15/2019 - 13:45    \n    \n    \n    \n  \nClick HERE for a high-resolution photo\n\nBiddeford, ME  U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Trevor Hustus, a Hollis native, has been awarded a fall internship in her York County Constituent Service Center. Trevor is the son of James and Katherine Hustus of Hollis.\n\nTrevor is a terrific student and a hard worker, and I am delighted to welcome him back to my York County Constituent Service Center, said Senator Collins. It is always a pleasure to give students an opportunity to become actively involved in the legislative process and to serve the citizens of Maine.\n\nTrevor is a 2017 graduate of Bonny Eagle High School, and he is currently a junior at the University of Southern Maine, where he is studying political science. After graduation, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service. Trevor previously interned in Senator Collins' York County Constituent Service Center in the summer.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-duckworth-push-federal-assistance-communities-struggling-stranded-nuclear-waste", "Collins, Duckworth Push for Federal Assistance for Communities Struggling With Stranded Nuclear Waste", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, Duckworth Push for Federal Assistance for Communities Struggling With Stranded Nuclear Waste \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Thu, 11/14/2019 - 16:13    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) sent a bipartisan letter to leadership of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging them to prioritize federal assistance to communities who are struggling with nuclear waste. Due to the federal government's inability to find a permanent solution to store spent nuclear fuel, communities around the country with closed nuclear power plants have become unwilling interim storage sites for stranded nuclear waste.\n\nStrong funding is necessary to support public works investments and economic diversification initiatives in communities across the country, wrote the Senators. The scale of the challenges facing these communities, in addition to further expected nuclear power plant closures, creates a need for robust economic adjustment assistance funding.\n\nEarlier this year, Senators Collins and Duckworth introduced the bipartisan STRANDED Act, which is a comprehensive approach to helping these communities. Their legislation would provide much needed impact assistance and economic development incentives to communities around the country burdened with storing stranded nuclear waste.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-back-bill-support-and-expand-regional-greenhouse-gas-reduction-programs", "Collins, King Back Bill to Support and Expand Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined a number of their colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to support and expand programs such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a collaborative effort across the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont to use market-based tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. Specifically, the legislation would establish an Office of Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support the establishment of new regional greenhouse gas reduction programs and expand existing programs.\n\nThere is no doubt that climate change poses a significant threat to our economy and our natural resources, including Maine's forestry, fishing, agricultural, tourism, and recreation industries, said Senator Collins. This significant challenge requires cooperation at all levels of government and across geographical boundaries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This bipartisan bill would add to the work already being done through the multi-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative by creating an office within the EPA to strengthen and support new regional greenhouse gas reduction programs.\n\nClimate change is a global challenge, but that doesn't mean that the solutions are the same wherever you live, said Senator King. Maine's power needs are different than New Mexico's, so it's only makes sense that we would use varied, customized approaches to achieve the same goal. That's where regional-specific programs come in: by working with neighboring states that share energy opportunities and challenges, we can improve collaboration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These programs have already made a major impact in New England; let's give them added support so they can do more good work in the fight against climate change.\n\nThe Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2019 would establish an office at the EPA to support the establishment of new regional greenhouse gas reduction programs and expand existing programs. This office would provide analysis and technical assistance to help establish new regional greenhouse gas reduction programs, expand existing programs such as RGGI and the Western Climate Initiative, and support states that are already members of such programs. The bill would also provide grants for state and local governments to take preliminary steps toward developing or participating in a regional greenhouse gas reduction program.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.), all of whom represent states currently participating in RGGI, as well as Bob Casey (D-Penn.), whose state has taken steps recently to join the initiative.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-presses-fda-cdc-officials-step-response-youth-vaping", "Senator Collins Presses FDA, CDC Officials to Step up Response to Youth Vaping", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' Q&A with FDA official Mitch Zeller. Click HERE to download video.\n\nWashington, D.C.At a Health Committee hearing this morning on the public health threat posed by vaping, U.S. Senator Susan Collins urged Mitch Zeller, the Director of the Center for Tobacco Products at the FDA, to take stronger action to keep e-cigarettes out of the hands of minors. \n\nDuring the hearing, Senator Collins cited a study by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that calls into question a common misconception that e-cigarettes reduce the use of traditional cigarettes.\n\nHasn't the rationale that's been given for e-cigarettes is that it will help people stop smoking? Senator Collins asked Mr. Zeller. And yet here we have a study that clearly states that teens who began using e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking conventional cigarettes.\n\nMr. Zeller replied that e-cigarettes in a properly regulated marketplace could benefit some currently addicted cigarette smokers and that a balanced approach is needed. He acknowledged, however, that, The imperative from a public health perspective is to not allow another generation of kids to become addicted to nicotine.\n\nIn a recent interview on Maine Public, Eileen King of the Maine School Management Association said vaping is the number one concern for school administrators. Given that no e-cigarette products currently on the market are legal, Senator Collins questioned why the FDA has not exercised its enforcement authority to pursue manufacturers considering the harm that has been caused. Mr. Zeller assured Senator Collins that his agency takes the responsibility of protecting kids seriously, and he noted that companies with e-cigarette products on the market will have to file applications with the FDA by May of next year.\n\nSenator Collins also relayed the concerns expressed by students and teachers that they were not warned that e-cigarettes were unsafe. She asked Dr. Anne Schuchat, the Principal Deputy Director at the CDC, to explain what specific resources are available to schools to highlight the dangers of vaping.\n\nSenator Collins previously announced her support of the FDA's plan to ban flavored e-cigarettes and vaping products, and she is a cosponsor of a bill to remove flavored vaping products from the market as well as legislation to prevent online sales of electronic cigarettes to minors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-receives-congressional-champion-award-conservamerica-leadership", "Senator Collins Receives Congressional Champion Award from ConservAmerica for Leadership in Conservation & Clean Energy Initiatives", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE for a high-resolution photo\n\nWashington, D.C.  Last night, U.S. Senator Susan Collins was honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Award from ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiatives at the organization's annual dinner.\n\nConservAmerica's hard work and dedication are helping to preserve our nation's stunning beauty for the enjoyment of all and to support America's economy, said Senator Collins. I am grateful for this recognition and will continue my long-standing efforts to support and strengthen vital conservation programs, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund.\n\nEarlier this year, legislation to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was enacted with Senator Collins' strong support. In April, Senator Collins joined a bipartisan group in introducing legislation to permanently fund LWCF at $900 million per year. LWCF has only been funded at its maximum authorization level of $900 million twice in its history.\n\nThe Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, legislation introduced by Senator Collins to help advance energy storage technologies and make our nation's grid more reliable and resilient, passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in September.\n\nLast month, Senator Collins supported the resolution of disapproval to block the Administration's repeal of the Clean Power Plan. Senator Collins also recently joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing the Super Pollutants Act, legislation that aims to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). Additionally, Senators Collins and Murphy sent a letter to the EPA urging the agency to reinstate standards for methane that were established during the Obama Administration.\n\nTo address the growing maintenance backlog at our 419 national parks, Senator Collins cosponsored the Restore Our Parks Act, legislation to address this deficit by using funding from on and offshore energy development.\n\nEstablished in 1995, ConservAmerica is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of sound environmental and conservation policy. Its priorities are conservation, public land access, energy abundance and affordability, and environmental stewardship.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-grassley-urge-colleagues-support-efforts-underway-lower-cost-prescription", "Senators Collins, Grassley Urge Colleagues to Support Efforts Underway to Lower Cost of Prescription Drugs", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to read Senator Collins' remarks.\nClick HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE for a high-resolution video.\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) delivered remarks from the Senate floor this afternoon urging their colleagues to support the bipartisan work underway in the Senate to help Americans struggling with the high cost of prescription drugs. Senator Collins is the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee and a member of the Senate Health Committee.\n\nCongress has a tremendous opportunity to deliver a decisive victory in both lowering health care costs and improving health care for the people in my State of Maine and throughout America. If we want new medicines to reach consumers who need them, the companies that invest in the research and take the risks necessary to develop these drugs must see a fair return on their investment, said Senator Collins. At the same time, we cannot allow price manipulation to continue at the expense of the most vulnerable Americans and their families, and ultimately at the expense of every American taxpayer. The required policy solutions won't come in the form of a miracle, but through hard work and continued bipartisan cooperation. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting these measures and bringing them to the floor expeditiously.\n\n[Senator Collins is] helping lead the fight to reduce drug prices. We've worked together on many issues. As former and current chairs of the Special Committee on Aging, we're committed to help older Americans lead healthier, productive lives. We also share a top priority not to miss a vote. While I might have a longer voting streak, Susan hasn't missed a single roll call vote since her first day on the job in 1997, said Senator Grassley. Senator Collins is one of those rare lawmakers who doesn't care who gets the credit, as long as we're doing the right thing. The Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act is the right thing to do. And it's time for Congress to do the right thing.\n\nSenator Collins has made it a priority to lower the soaring costs of prescription drugs. In 2015, Senator Collins and then-Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) launched the Senate's first bipartisan investigation into the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to egregious price spikes for certain off-patent drugs. Since 2015, the Senate Aging Committee has held eight hearings on drug pricing and released a report on their investigation in 2016. Following their investigation, Senators Collins and McCaskill authored a bill to improve generic competition and lower the cost of prescription drugs that was signed into law as part of the FDA Reauthorization Act. In October 2018, Senator Collins' legislation to prohibit the use of pharmacy gag clauses was signed into law after passing both the House of Representatives and the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Collins introduced the Biologic Patent Transparency Act to help block the harmful patent strategies that prevent lower-cost biosimilars from coming to market. Portions of this bill were included in the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019, which passed the Health Committee in June by a vote of 20-3.Additionally, the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act (PDPRA) of 2019, which passed the Finance Committee by a vote of 19 to 9, includes legislation introduced by Senator Collins and Aging Committee Ranking Member Bob Casey (D-PA) that codifies and builds on the existing CMS Drug Pricing Dashboards to include consumer-friendly information about out-of-pocket costs for individuals enrolled in Medicare. In May Senators Collins, Rick Scott (R-FL), and Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced the Prescription Drug Price Reporting Act, legislation that would provide much-needed transparency for prescription drug prices. Earlier this year, Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, introduced new legislation to combat the skyrocketing cost of insulin.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/column-fighting-back-against-social-security-scam-criminals", "COLUMN: Fighting Back Against Social Security Scam Criminals", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It is estimated that America's seniors lose a staggering $2.9 billion each year to an ever-growing array of financial exploitation schemes and scams. The size and scope of the senior fraud problem are immense. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee and a Senator representing Maine, the state with our nation's oldest median age, protecting seniors from all forms of financial abuse is among my highest priorities.\n\nTo help combat this scourge, the Aging Committee operates a toll-free Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470) to make it easier for older Americans to report suspected fraud and receive assistance. The Hotline has received calls from more than 8,200 individuals from every state since its inception in 2013, including more than 1,500 calls last year. Each year, the Committee publishes a comprehensive fraud resource guide describing the most common forms of fraud and ways to avoid them.\n\nOne of the most persistent and growing frauds is the Social Security scam in which ruthless criminals seek to rob Americans of their hard-earned savings. This scam can involve con artists impersonating Social Security staff and calling victims to tell them that their Social Security number has been compromised and used by someone else. In another iteration of this scam, people are told that their Social Security number has been suspended and that there is a warrant for their arrest. The criminals claim they need additional information from victims to verify their identity.\n\nI have heard from many Mainers who have been inundated with calls attempting to lure them in to this scam. In a recent letter to Social Security Administration Commissioner Andrew Saul, I stated that I expect the agency to take more concrete action to protect seniors and requested additional information on the steps SSA has taken thus far.\n\nData from both the Aging Committee Hotline and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) show that this particular scam has increased significantly during the past year. In April 2019, the FTC announced that reported losses from the Social Security scam over the past year eclipsed the reported losses from the Internal Revenue Service scam in its peak year. Both scams use criminals posing as government officials demanding sensitive personal information or payments.\n\nAmong the concerns I raised with Commissioner Saul is the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns to alert seniors of this fraud. It is essential that SSA's awareness campaign use a variety of approaches to reach the public, including rural seniors with limited Internet access who may not see Web-based advisories. Social Security field offices across the country must also be adequately staffed with employees trained to provide seniors with the information they need to protect themselves.\n\nThe IRS scam succeeded in part because criminals were able to spoof government phone numbers to scare intended victims by causing them to believe the call was coming from an actual government office. I asked Commissioner Saul to describe the steps his agency is taking to prevent this tactic from being used against Social Security recipients.\n\nThe automated, deceptive phone calls that are used in many scams, including SSA and IRS, are often known as robocalls' In the past seven years, the Aging Committee has held 24 hearings focused on financial fraud and scams, including the use of robocalls. In July, I chaired a hearing assessing the government's response to these illegal calls. I also introduced a bill to crack down on the deceptive caller-ID spoofing tactic many robocallers use, and I successfully pushed the FCC to approve a proposal to allow carriers to block illegal robocalls by default.\n\nWe are making progress in our efforts to protect seniors from fraud. Last year, the Senior $afe Act, a bipartisan bill I authored was signed into law. This new law helps protect seniors by encouraging the trained employees of financial institutions to question suspicious transactions and report suspected senior financial exploitation to the proper authorities.\n\nI recently had the opportunity to speak at a conference hosted by the York County Elder Abuse Task Force, one of many outstanding coalitions around our State working to protect seniors. The theme of that conference was, It made a difference to that one, with the emphasis on one. While the numbers within the demographics of aging are huge, this is about individuals. Every senior protected from abuse and exploitation is a life ensured dignity, respect, and peace of mind.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-meets-portland-chapter-citizens%E2%80%99-climate-lobby", "Senator Collins Meets with Portland Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for high-resolution photos\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with members of the Portland Chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) to discuss climate issues affecting the State of Maine. The group included students and advocates from Portland, Falmouth, Winslow, Westbrook, Dover-Foxcroft, and Blue Hill.\n\nThe Portland Chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby are passionate advocates for Maine's natural resources, said Senator Collins. There is no doubt that climate change poses a significant threat to our economy and our natural resources, including Maine's forestry, fishing, agricultural, tourism, and recreation industries. We discussed ways we can continue to work together to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy the Maine outdoors for generations to come.\n\nLast month, Senator Collins supported the resolution of disapproval to block the Administration's repeal of the Clean Power Plan. Senator Collins recently joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing the Super Pollutants Act, legislation that aims to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). Senators Collins and Murphy also sent a letter to the EPA urging the agency to reinstate standards for methane that were established during the Obama Administration. Additionally, Senators Collins and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) authored the first-ever bipartisan resolution that designated the week of September 23, 2019, as National Clean Energy Week. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, legislation introduced by Senator Collins to help advance energy storage technologies and make our nation's grid more reliable and resilient, passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in September.\n\nCitizens' Climate Lobby is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on environmental policy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-mt-ararat-high-school-students-washington-dc", "Senator Collins Welcomes Mt. Ararat High School Students to Washington, D.C.", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "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 Mt. Ararat High School Students to Washington, D.C. \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 11/13/2019 - 12:29    \n    \n    \n    \n  \nClick HERE, HERE, and HERE for high-resolution photos\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with a group of 20 students and teachers from Mt. Ararat High School who traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of a class trip.\n\nThis phenomenal group of students from Mt. Ararat High School met with me in my D.C. office, said Senator Collins. One of the best parts of serving as Maine's U.S. Senator is meeting all of the great people, including the students, who make our state such a special place.\n\nDuring their trip, the students toured the U.S. Capitol building as well as other points of interest in Washington, D.C.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 711, "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": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 711, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ME&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 711, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2019&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "ME", "label": "ME", "count": 711, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 711, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-11-13,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecollins~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fsenator-collins-welcomes-mt-ararat-high-school-students-washington-dc", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ME&year=2019&_next=2019-11-13%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecollins~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fsenator-collins-welcomes-mt-ararat-high-school-students-washington-dc&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 179.22175535932183, "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"}