home / press

Menu
  • Search all tables

Press releases

One row per release. Full-text search runs over title + body text.

Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

url
Link to the original release on the member's official site
text
Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

698 rows where chamber = "House", party = "Independent" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

state 3

  • ME 410
  • VT 285
  • MI 3

year 1

  • 2019 · 698 ✖

party 1

  • Independent · 698 ✖

chamber 1

  • House · 698 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-december-podcast-king-talks-climate-change-with-us-sens-romney-coons-and-college-of-the-atlantic-president-darron-collins In December Podcast, King Talks Climate Change with U.S. Sens. Romney, Coons, and College of the Atlantic President Darron Collins 2019-12-29 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the December edition of Senator King's monthly Inside Maine podcast. This month's show highlights the impact of climate change on Maine, as well as emerging bipartisan solutions to address this existential crisis. In the first segment, Senator King is joined by Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Chris Coons (D-Del.), to discuss bipartisan steps Congress can take to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Each of the Senators is a member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus. In the second segment, Darron Collins, President of the College of the Atlantic (COA), joins Senator King to share his thoughts on the specific challenges facing Maine and the work COA is pursuing to reduce their impact on our planet. Climate change is the most serious global crisis in my lifetime, and it's crucial that we act quickly to mitigate the toll that it's already taking on our environment; I want my grandchildren to know that I took the necessary action for them and their future families, said Senator King. The facts are clear, and paint a grave picture for future generations, with the Gulf of Maine warming 99% faster than the world's oceans. With bipartisan initiatives put forth by myself and my colleagues in the Senate and the expertise of institutions like the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor we can and should take steps towards lasting change. A forceful advocate for clean energy solutions wherever they can be found, Senator King is the lead sponsor on a range of bills that encourage energy efficiency and research on clean energy technologies, such as the Joint Long-Term Storage Act, which seeks to speed up deployment of long-duration energy storage technologies through strategic collaboration between federal agencies. He is a cosponsor of the Renewable Electricity Standard Act of 2019 which would put the U.S. on a trajectory to decarbonize the power sector by 2050. In July, Senator King took… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-stress-urgency-of-arctic-policy-through-new-legislation King, Colleagues Stress Urgency of Arctic Policy Through New Legislation 2019-12-26 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus and member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and Energy & Natural Resources Committee, joined Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to introduce Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019. The bill would direct the federal government to recognize the importance of the Arctic region to the United States' national and economic security interests, and to put forward a strategy for the U.S. fleet's ability to operate in the Arctic and respond to challenges. The Arctic is an emerging frontier for international commerce and military capabilities required to protect national interests, which creates new opportunities for the United States and for potential adversaries, said Senator King. As the impacts of climate change continue to affect this vital region, the U.S. must be forward-thinking to establish and protect our leadership role in the Arctic, and Maine's people and resources are a key component of this effort. As the old Latin phrase goes: If you want peace, prepare for war.' The Arctic is seen as a zone of international cooperation and we should aim to maintain this; to do so, we need a strategy on how to assert ourselves in a corner of globe that grows more important by the day, and this legislation is a much-needed step toward that goal. The Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019 would: Codify a series of findings on the strategic importance of the Arctic. Declare that it is the policy of the U.S. to develop and deploy Naval capabilities to meet the unique and growing challenges in the Arctic. Require the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to develop a detailed plan within one year for taking concrete steps to create an operational and strategic support system for Arctic Naval surface operations with set deadlines for implementation. Senator King is an advocate for Maine's interests in the North Atlantic and Arctic region, and has worked in Washingt… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-criticizes-lack-of-transparency-in-saudi-arabias-khashoggi-trial King Criticizes Lack of Transparency in Saudi Arabia’s Khashoggi Trial 2019-12-23 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the following statement from Sen. King on today's announcement that five unnamed defendants have been sentenced to death for their role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, while a top aide to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was cleared of wrongdoing. When Sen. Young and I visited the Kingdom earlier this year, we made clear that for many in Congress any serious improvement in our bilateral relationship requires justice and accountability on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi delivered clearly, publicly and without equivocation, said Sen. King. Between the secrecy surrounding the proceedings (including refusing to name those found guilty) and apparently not accounting for the role the Crown Prince's top aide Saud al-Qahtani played in the murder for a lack of evidence, effort, or possibly both today's announcement does not seem to meet those criteria. If the Crown Prince wishes to truly bring Saudi Arabia into the 21st century and address the trust deficit between our two nations, he must commit to more transparent and complete justice, both now and in the future. I look forward to receiving more information on these developments from US diplomatic and intelligence officials in the near future. In September, Senator King traveled to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman with Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) on the first congressional delegation visit to Saudi Arabia in over a year. In addition to pressing the Crown Prince on the death of Jamal Khashoggi, they also discussed the humanitarian and security crisis in Yemen and releasing pledged humanitarian relief. Following their visit, they wrote an op-ed in Defense News emphasizing the importance of transparency in the ongoing investigation of Khashoggi's murder. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-risch-bill-protecting-energy-grid-from-cyberattacks-becomes-law King, Risch Bill Protecting Energy Grid from Cyberattacks Becomes Law 2019-12-23 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), both members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, celebrated the enactment of their bipartisan Securing Energy Infrastructure Act into law. The legislation passed as part of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and willdevelop defenses for the U.S. energy grid through partnerships between the National Laboratories and industry. The partnerships will utilize engineering concepts to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid and the nation's critical infrastructure. The energy grid is central to nearly all facets of 21stcentury life, but remains vulnerable to hackers,said Senator King, co-chair of theCyberspace Solarium Commission.If this critical infrastructure is compromised, our financial transactions, communications networks, healthcare services, and much more will be at risk. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will help defend our energy grid from attacks launched from thousands of miles away I'm heartened to see this much-needed provision signed into law, and deeply grateful for the partnership of Senator Risch in this effort. The vulnerabilities afflicting our critical infrastructure are deeply troubling and there is strong bipartisan agreement that this issue requires our immediate attention, said Senator Risch. The Securing Energy Infrastructure Act has been many years in the making, and am confident our national laboratories, particularly the INL in my home state of Idaho, will lead this important research aimed at strengthening our grid security and preventing catastrophic cyberattacks. TheSecuring Energy Infrastructure Actaims to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the energy grid through holes in digital software systems. Specifically the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act will direct the Department of Energy to examine ways to replace networked systems with less complex connections limiting pa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/legislation-supported-by-senators-collins-king-to-combat-rising-prescription-drug-prices-signed-into-law Legislation Supported By Senators Collins, King to Combat Rising Prescription Drug Prices Signed into Law 2019-12-21 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. Skyrocketing 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. The 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. The 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. The 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 coalitio… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-introduced-by-collins-king-to-authorize-coins-honoring-george-hw-bush-and-barbara-bush-passes-senate Bill Introduced by Collins, King to Authorize Coins Honoring George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Passes Senate 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. I 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. President 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. The 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 c… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backs-bill-to-help-rural-mothers-access-healthcare King Backs Bill to Help Rural Mothers Access Healthcare 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of Bipartisan Policy Center's Rural Health Task Force, announced his cosponsorship of the Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (Rural MOMS) Act. The bipartisan bill would improve data collection, expand services, and award funding to help ensure that new and expecting moms living in rural communities get the care they need. New and expecting mothers deserve access to high-quality care, no matter where they live, said Senator King. Unfortunately, rural communities are lagging behind on access to this vital, life-saving care and that's unacceptable. As one of the most rural states in the nation, this challenge is uniquely pressing in Maine, which is why I'm proud to cosponsor this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to protect the health of women during and after pregnancy. TheRuralMOMSActwould: Improve Rural Maternal and Obstetric Care Databy directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to coordinate efforts with respect to maternal mortality and morbidity, report on women's health conditions according to sociocultural and geographic contexts, and emphasize research on pregnancy-related deaths.Award New Rural Obstetric Network Grantsto establish regional innovation networks to improve maternal mortality and morbidity as well as birth outcomes.Expand Existing Federal Telehealth Grant Programsto include birth and postpartum services as part of telehealth networks and to allow federal funding to be used for ultrasound machines, fetal monitoring equipment, and other pregnancy-related technology.Establish a New Rural Maternal and Obstetric Care Training Demonstrationto support training for family medicine physicians, obstetricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, midwives, doulas, and other professionals to provide maternal care services in rural community-based settings.Report on Maternal Care in Rural Areasto identify the locations of gaps in maternity care,disparities in maternal health in rural areas by ra… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-secretary-ross-to-protect-maine-lobster-industry-from-unfair-right-whale-conservation-measures Maine Delegation Calls on Secretary Ross to Protect Maine Lobster Industry from Unfair Right Whale Conservation Measures 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, 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. The 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. This 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. The 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: Resolving the territorial dispute of the Gray Zone surrounding Machias Seal Island to eliminate confusing, contrasting fis… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-collins-king-bill-to-improve-broadband-data-maps Senate Passes Collins, King Bill to Improve Broadband Data Maps 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. As 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. One 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. Specifically, the Broadband DATA Act: Requires the FCC to collect highly detailed service availability data from wired, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband providers.Requires strong parameters for service availability data collected from mobile broadband providers to ensure accuracy.Asks the FCC to consider whether to collect verified coverage data from state, local, and tribal governments, as well as from other entities.Creates a process for consumers, state, local, Tribal governments, and other groups to ch… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/citing-trump-administration-inaction-sanders-and-omar-pursue-oversight-effort-on-amazon-workplace-abuse- Citing Trump Administration Inaction, Sanders and Omar Pursue Oversight Effort on Amazon Workplace Abuse 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Citing Trump Administration Inaction, Sanders and Omar Pursue Oversight Effort on Amazon Workplace Abuse Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, December 19 In the face of the Trump Administration's continued failure to hold Amazon accountable for endemic abuses at its warehouses, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) are demanding detailed information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding injury reports at Amazon facilities over the past three years. Working conditions in the United States of America should be the best and safest in the world, write Sanders and Omar. Unfortunately, workers at Amazon facilities suffer from continued egregious safety lapses. The two lawmakers cite Amazon's own injury records, recently revealed in a Center for Investigative Reportingexpos, that demonstrate that the company's rate of serious injuries ismore than doublethe average of warehouses nationwide. Due to the company's pressure on warehouse employees during the holiday shopping season, the first two weeks of December are themost dangerous of the yearfor Amazon workers. In July, Sen. Sanders and Rep. Omar led a dozen lawmakers in calling for OSHA to launch a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the workplace conditions at all of Amazon's warehouses, and urged OSHA to prosecute any uncovered abuses to the fullest extent of the law. OSHA's response to the members of Congress did not commit to conducting any new investigations or to the enforcement of violations at Amazon. OSHA's inaction reflects a deliberate shift by the Trump Administration toward weaker workplace protections. OSHA'sown datareveal a notable decline in the number of inspectors and worksite inspections. Given your agency's lack of attention to this very serious matter, Sanders and Omar conclude, OSHA must now produce injury reports for all Amazon facilities.By law, this data must be visibly posted on the worksite and made available to employees, former emp… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-co-sponsored-by-collins-king-to-crack-down-on-illegal-robocalls-headed-to-presidents-desk-to-be-signed-into-law Bill Co-Sponsored by Collins, King to Crack Down on Illegal Robocalls Headed to President’s Desk to be Signed into Law 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. Americans 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. At 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. The TRACED Act will: 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; Extend the window for the FCC to catch and take … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-house-vote-to-advance-articles-of-impeachment King Statement on House Vote to Advance Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump: The House's vote to impeach the President means that I will soon join the rest of the Senate in swearing a special oath that states: I solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of Donald Trump, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help me God.' The word solemn captures the moment correctly this is an immense responsibility and a monumental event in the history of this nation. When the trial begins in the Senate I will do everything I can to fulfill this new oath as well as my core oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. I hope and expect that each of my colleagues will do the same. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-priorities-king-initiatives-included-in-federal-budget-bills Maine Priorities, King Initiatives Included in Federal Budget Bills 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today cast his vote for appropriations bills that will fund the government through September 30, 2020. The appropriations package funds a number of King-backed policy priorities for Maine, and includes language from numerous King-backed bills. This appropriations package supports much needed national priorities: it works to cut prescription drug costs, support Gold Star families, boost rural health, and much, much more. It makes one wonder: why aren't we doing more legislating like this? said Senator King. The answer, of course, is that the Majority Leader is blocking nearly all legislation from the floor. This obstruction is holding Congress back from enacting bipartisan, commonsense policies that will make life better for the American people let's stop playing political games, and recommit ourselves to the work we were sent here to accomplish: coming together around shared goals and doing the work of the American people. King-backed provisions included in today's bills include: Health, Wellness, and Public Safety Lowering Drug Prices. Senator King is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Creating and Restoring Equal Access To Equivalent Samples Act, which is included in the appropriations package. The legislation closes anti-competitive loopholes used by brand-name pharmaceutical companies to block lower-cost generic drugs from entering the marketplace.Fighting Opioid Abuse. The legislation provides $3.8 billion to fight opioid abuse, focused on improving treatment and prevention efforts. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Washington, and several of his provisions were included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act which passed in October 2018.Researching Gun Violence. The legislation includes $25 million for gun violence research at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Senator King is a cosponsor of the Gun Violence Prevention Act, which would authorize up to $50 million i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/achieving-the-american-dream-is-harder-for-millennials-gao-finds Achieving the American Dream is Harder for Millennials, GAO Finds 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, December18 Millennials are financially worse off than previous generations, and may not have the chance to do better than their parents, according to anew studyby the Government Accountability Office (GAO).Commissioned bySenatorBernie Sanders(I-Vt.), the analysis paints a dire economic picture formillennial households: compared to previous generations' economic status at the same age, millennialsdespite higher levels of educational achievementhave lower median and average net worth, lower home ownership rates, higher student debt, and flat incomes.If we don't fundamentally transform our economy, we are facingfor the first time in the history of this countrythe possibility that our young people will suffer a worse future than their parents had.This report confirms my fears,saidSanders. TheGAO studyprovides a unique and comprehensive look at declining economic mobility across three generations: Millennials, identified as thosebornin the years spanning1982to2000,Generation Xers(born from1965to1981), and Baby Boomers (born from1946 to 1964).In 1970, a 30-year-old American had a 92-percent chance of earning more than their parents did at the same age, GAO found. A 30-year-old in 2010 only had a 50-percent chance of earning more than their parents. This dramatic decline in economic mobility over three generations is particularly stunning given that the economy produceddoublethe income per person over those 40 years. According to GAO, millennials had an estimated median net worth of $20,038 in 2016 dollars, $11,202 less than the average net worth of Generation Xers when they were 25 to 34 years olda 36-percent decline over 15 years.More millennials are likely to have student debt than previous generations and shoulder greater amounts of it. Forty-five percent of millennials aged 25 to 34 have student loans compared to 24 percent of GenerationXers and about 16 percent of Boomers at the same age. Millennials' loan-to-income ratio is more thandoublethat of previous generations, and they are far more likely than… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-house-vote-for-impeachment Sanders Statement on House Vote for Impeachment 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Pursuant to Senate Policy, petitions, opinion polls and unsolicited mass electronic communications cannot be initiated by this office for the 60-day period immediately before the date of a primary or general election. Subscribers currently receiving electronic communications from this office who wish to unsubscribe may do so here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-rural-broadband-king-urges-fcc-make-it-a-top-priority On Rural Broadband, King Urges FCC Make it a Top Priority 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, joined dozens of his Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prioritize sustainable rural broadband networks as the FCC considers new rules to govern the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program. In the bipartisan letter, the senators push the FCC to exercise proper oversight over RDOF funding, and ensure that projects are maximizing the long-term impact of their efforts to improve broadband access throughout rural America. If our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas, the senators write. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come. Digital connectivity in rural regions is a key priority ofSenator King's economic agendaandrural broadband roadmap, to help modernize and grow Maine's rural economy, support innovation, and create jobs. In July, he cosponsored theBroadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, which will increase the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) broadband availability maps by improving the process by which broadband data is collected. In May, Senators King and Capito reintroduced legislation tomeasure the economic impact of broadbandso state and federal policymakers can understand the return they will receive on any investments in digital infrastructure. The legislation had previouslypassed the Senate in December, but was not taken up by the House.In April, Senator King joined his colle… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-usda-to-heed-maine-dacfs-comments-on-interim-final-hemp-rule Maine Delegation Urges USDA to Heed Maine DACF’s Comments on Interim Final Hemp Rule 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. As 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. Hemp, 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. The interim final rule was released by USDA on October 31, 2019. Public comment is open on the hemp rule untilDecember 31, 2019. In 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. The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (HR 1595), passed the House with support from Pingree and Golden in September. The bill wouldallowfinancial instit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-backed-priorities-for-maine-nation-in-defense-bill Senate Passes King-Backed Priorities for Maine, Nation in Defense Bill 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today cast his vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, by a vote of 86-8. The legislation includes key policy wins to ensure national security, support Maine jobs, strengthen energy security and provide paid parental leave for federal employees. Each year, the National Defense Authorization Act is example of how legislating should work: thoughtfully crafted, with an emphasis on bipartisanship and national security, said Senator King. This year is no exception. This NDAA will make America safer, support Maine people protecting our nation, and provide much-needed benefits for public servants including a pay increase for and paid parental leave for federal employees. It's a monumental piece of legislation, and I look forward to seeing the President sign it into law. Senator King successfully advocated for the inclusion of many provisions that will improve national security and support Maine jobs, including: FUNDING SHIPBUILDING PRIORITIES.The legislation authorizes more than $5 billion for the procurement of 3 DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2020, which Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build. It also authorizes $484 million to fund future year DDG-51 procurements. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds for the completion of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, all of which are being built at BIW.PRIORITIZING CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY.The legislation emphasizes the importance of building the capabilities of the United States to prevent and respond to cyberattacks by bad actors.Senator King has long been an active voice urging additional focus on cyber threats, and as co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, he is leading a bipartisan group to review the threats facing America in cyberspace and provide strategic guidance and policy recommendations on how to defend ourselves against cyberthreats.INCREASING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FUNDI… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-support-resolution-recognizing-critical-role-of-2020-census Collins, King Support Resolution Recognizing Critical Role of 2020 Census 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. The 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. The 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. The 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. For a PDF copy of the resolution, click here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-advocating-for-paid-parental-leave-king-applauds-inclusion-of-new-policy-for-all-federal-employees-in-fy2020-ndaa After Advocating for Paid Parental Leave, King Applauds Inclusion of New Policy for All Federal Employees in FY2020 NDAA 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the inclusion of paid parental leave for federal workers in the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation will allow new parents to take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after the birth, adoption or fostering of a child, effective October 1st, 2020. Earlier this year, Senator King joined 21 of his Senate colleagues in urging the inclusion of paid leave in the conference report of the NDAA. Paid parental leave strengthens our economy by helping keep folks in the workforce and promotes strong families by giving parents the opportunity to stay with their child without sacrificing financially, said Senator King. The policy just makes sense but for some reason, America is the only industrialized nation that doesn't guarantee paid leave to new parents. That's got to change. The inclusion of this provision to support federal workers is a major step in the right direction on the path creating a new standard that supports both America's workers and economy. Senator King has been outspoken in his support for the Family and Medical Leave Act, and has worked to build on its legacy to support paid family and medical leave legislation. He is a cosponsor of theFamily and Medical Insurance Leave Act(FAMILY) Act,legislation that would create a social insurance program to provide up to 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid family and medical leave for all private-sector members of the American workforce who have sufficient work history.Senator King is also an original sponsor of theStrong Families Act,bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would create a five-year, 25 percent tax credit for employers who voluntarily offer up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to employees.A version of the Strong Families Act with a two-year window wasenacted into lawin December 2017 as part of the tax bill. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-600000-for-13-maine-businesses-to-make-energy-efficiency-improvements-install-renewable-energy-systems 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 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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). Renewable 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. The funding is allocated as follows: 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.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.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.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.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.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 … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-opens-new-constituent-service-office-on-main-street-in-biddeford King Opens New Constituent Service Office on Main Street in Biddeford 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BIDDEFORD, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined members of his staff, local officials, and Maine people for the ribbon cutting of his new Biddeford office, located at227 Main Street. The new office, which is centrally located and available via public transit, will improve Senator King's efforts to be accessible to his constituents. When it came time to look for a new office in Southern Maine, the old adage stuck in my mind: location, location, location,'said Senator King.This office is located on the heart of Biddeford's Main Street, meaning we're more visible and more accessible to Maine people. Whether you're looking to share your opinion on the latest Washington happenings or need help navigating the federal bureaucracy, just know that we're open for business in Biddeford! Constituent services available at the Biddeford location include navigating issues with federal agencies, listening to concerns regarding government policies and programs, and providing updates on Senator King's positions and work in the U.S. Senate.In addition to the Biddeford location, Senator King also has offices in Augusta, Bangor, and Presque Isle, and is evaluating options to add at least one more office in the near future. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-56-million-investment-in-caribou-utilities-district Collins, King Announce $5.6 Million Investment in Caribou Utilities District 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. Maintaining 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. The 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. The 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-bill-preventing-future-government-shutdowns King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill Preventing Future Government Shutdowns 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. As the federal government approaches another budget deadline on December 20th, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) is joining a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act. If signed into law, the commonsense bill would set up an automatic Continuing Resolution (CR) at the current spending level until an agreement is enacted, preventing a government-wide shutdown, continuing critical services and operations, and keeping federal employees at work while Congress negotiates. In addition to Senator King, the bill is supported by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). When Washington's dysfunction repeatedly hurts hardworking Americans, it's clear that something needs to change, said Senator King. We've seen the impacts of shutdowns too many times: families left struggling, local small businesses seeing stark declines in their traffic, and Americans scrambling to receive the federal services they rely on. We can fix this let's come together on a bipartisan basis and make government shutdowns a thing of the past. The bipartisan proposal is a simple solution to address the threat of government shutdowns. If all appropriations bills are not passed by Congress and signed by the President by October 1, no official travel will be allowed for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) leadership or staff, Members of Congress, or their committee and personal staffs. The bill requires that during a period of lapsed appropriations, there will be: No taxpayer-funded travel allowances for official business (except one return flight to Washington, DC) for the following: White House OMB staff and leadership; Members of the House and Senate; Committee and personal staff of the House and SenateOfficial travel permitted within the national capital region (DC metro-area)No travel reimbursement (meals, per diem, or any type, including for state and district staff)No use of campaign funds by congress… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-212-million-for-health-centers-in-cumberland-and-piscataquis-counties Collins, King Announce $2.12 Million for Health Centers in Cumberland and Piscataquis Counties 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy 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. Access 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. This 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-of-senators-on-letter-to-un-convention-in-support-of-global-efforts-to-combat-climate-change 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 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. Failing 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. In 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. 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). The letter can be read here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-celebrates-wins-for-maine-priorities-in-finalized-defense-authorization-bill King Celebrates Wins for Maine Priorities in Finalized Defense Authorization Bill 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that the House-Senate conference committee's bicameral agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 included key policy and project wins for Maine. Senator King served on the conference committee that reconciled the differences between the Senate's version, which passed by a vote of 86-8, and version advanced by the House of Representatives. The conference report now must be voted on and passed in both chambers of Congress. The conference committee has crafted a bill that makes our nation safer, updates policies and safeguards that needed reforms, provides much-needed benefits for our military personnel, and supports Maine jobs, said Senator King. This is a good piece of legislation, and I look forward to seeing it move through Congress and to the President's desks in short order. Senator King successfully advocated for the inclusion of many provisions that will improve national security and support Maine jobs, including: FUNDING SHIPBUILDING PRIORITIES. The legislation authorizes more than $5.1 billion for the procurement of 3 DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2020, which Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build. It also authorizes $484 million to fund future year DDG-51 procurements. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds for the completion of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, all of which are being built at BIW.PRIORITIZING CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY. The legislation emphasizes the importance of building the capabilities of the United States to prevent and respond to cyberattacks by bad actors.Senator King has long been an active voice urging additional focus on cyber threats, and as co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, he is leading a bipartisan group to review the threats facing America in cyberspace and provide strategic guidance and policy recommendations on how to defend ourselves against cyberthreats.INCREASING RESE… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-legislation-protecting-energy-grid-from-cyberattacks-included-in-finalized-2020-defense-authorization-bill King Legislation Protecting Energy Grid from Cyberattacks Included in Finalized 2020 Defense Authorization Bill 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, today announced that the House-Senate conference committee's version of the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators King and Jim Risch (R-Idaho). Both Senators are members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR). The legislation will develop defenses for the U.S. energy grid through partnerships between the National Laboratories and industry. Specifically, the partnerships will utilize engineering concepts to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid through holes in digital software systems. The energy grid powers our financial transactions, communications networks, healthcare services and most of our daily life so if this critical infrastructure is compromised by a hacker, these building blocks of American life are at risk, said Senator King. Protecting our energy grid is commonsense, bipartisan, and vital to national security, and I'm happy this year's NDAA will enshrine this needed provision into law. TheSecuring Energy Infrastructure Actaims to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the energy grid through holes in digital software systems. Specifically, it will direct the Department of Energy to examine ways that replacing automated systems with low-tech redundancies, like manual procedures controlled by human operators, may be helpful in adverting cyberattacks. This approach seeks to thwart even the most sophisticated cyber-adversaries who, if they are intent on accessing the grid, would have to actually physically touch the equipment, thereby making cyber-attacks much more difficult. The Securing Energy Infrastructure Act was part of theDamon Paul Nelson and Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020, which was included in the National Defense Authorizat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/high-school-students-participate-in-vermont-day-at-the-kennedy-institute-for-the-us-senate High School Students Participate in Vermont Day at the Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy High School Students Participate in Vermont Day' at the Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate Tuesday, December 10, 2019 BURLINGTON, Vt., December 10 Students from Woodstock Union High School traveled to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston on Monday, as part of Vermont Day organized by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). This marked the fifth time Vermont students have participated in the non-partisan Kennedy Institute's innovative programming on democracy, civics and the legislative process. Twice a year, my office organizes these trips to promote student engagement in the legislative process, said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee. Vermont Day is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn that democracy is not a spectator sport. When we work together and debate the big issues facing our nation, we can make meaningful change. On Tuesday, nearly 50 students from Woodstock Union High School took on the role of Senator-for-a-day in a full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate chamber. It is always a privilege to welcome participants from schools across the Green Mountain state to experience all that the Kennedy Institute has to offer, said Sarah Yezzi, Institute Director of Education, Family & Youth Programming. We are grateful to Senator Sanders and his staff for their support of the continued Vermont Day visits so even more students are able to understand civic engagement in an enjoyable and immersive venue. The immersive experience included researching, introducing and debating legislation to make college more affordable and to address comprehensive immigration reform. Sanders welcomed the Vermont students in recorded video remarks. The Kennedy Institute is helping young people better understand how our government works and how they can be involved in developing solutions to the problems we face, Sanders said.After all, representative democracy only works if we havean informed and engaged citizenry. Schools and students … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment Sanders Statement on Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Pursuant to Senate Policy, petitions, opinion polls and unsolicited mass electronic communications cannot be initiated by this office for the 60-day period immediately before the date of a primary or general election. Subscribers currently receiving electronic communications from this office who wish to unsubscribe may do so here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-14-2019-as-wreaths-across-america-day Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 14, 2019, as “Wreaths Across America Day” 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks from Maine down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement officers, and first responders. 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. Each 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. Last 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. This 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 w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-and-ocasio-cortez-urge-administration-to-deny-gilead-monopoly-profits-on-hiv-drug-over-misconduct Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Urge Administration to Deny Gilead Monopoly Profits on HIV Drug Over Misconduct 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, December 9 Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)are demanding that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) deny a patent extension requested by Gilead Sciences for a lifesaving HIV medicine, worth tens of billions of dollars, due to the pharmaceutical giant's deceitful and immoral behavior. The lawmakers urge the government to instead allow the drug Descovyused to both treat and prevent HIVto be manufactured generically.Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are acting onexplosive allegationsthat Gilead delayed the market entry of Descovy in order to continue profiting off a separate drug, Truvada, which Gilead knew to be less safe, until that drug's patent term had been exhausted. In the process of applying for patent extension for the intentionally delayed drug,note Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez,Gilead withheld information on its true motives for halting Descovy's development.Gilead has made an obscene $36 billion off of Truvada since 2004, even though thousands of Americans could have been spared injury and even death had Descovy been used instead,wrote Sanders and Ocasio-Cortezin the December 6 letter to the USPTO.Corporate misconduct must not be rewarded by the U.S. government through extending a government-granted monopoly on this medicine.The members of Congress observe that the United States is dealing with a massive public health crisis. Thousands of people are unnecessarily dying from a preventable disease, as these drugs have been shown to be 99-percent effective at curbing the transmission of HIV, holding the promise of eradicating HIV/AIDS if widely and promptly adopted.Descovy, if manufactured generically,Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez maintain,could quickly and affordably reach hundreds of thousands of Americans. If the government extends Gilead's patent, however, the corporation could use this monopoly to charge several thousand times more for the same compound, putting it out of reach for untold numbers of Americans desperate for affordable HIV treatment an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-khanna-condemn-pentagon-authorization-giveaway-urge-congress-to-vote-no Sanders, Khanna Condemn Pentagon Authorization Giveaway, Urge Congress to Vote No 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, December 9In response to the publication of the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2020, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) issued the following statement:Congress must vote against this disastrous Pentagon authorizationa bill of astonishing moral cowardice. Congress should have used this National Defense Authorization Act to stop our endless wars. Instead, this bill does nothing to rein in out-of-control military spending, prevent unconstitutional war against Iran, limit the poisoning of Americans' drinking water, or end the obscenity of innocent children in Yemen being killed by U.S. bombs.In 2018, a groundswell of Americans came out totheballot box to elect a Congress that would stand up to the brutal agenda of President Trump and the Republicans. The American people could not have imagined that this Congress would go on to craft legislation that adds tens of billions in new Pentagon spendingmore than enough to fund tuition-free public college across Americawhile placing hardly any limits on this lawless administration.Voters would be appalled to know that instead of seizing the opportunity to end illegal U.S. participation in the horrific Saudi-led bombings of Yemen, Congress will continue to fund Trump's unconstitutional war, which threatens to kill 24 million Yemenis facing starvation and disease. Americans will be furious to learn that Congress refused to protect Americans from being poisoned by toxic PFAS chemicals polluting their drinking water.Every member of Congress should vote against this measure. There is no pressing reason for Congress to shower Trump, his Saudi friends, and the Pentagon contractors of the military-industrial complex with this $738-billion taxpayer giveaway right now. We owe it to the American people to go back to the drawing board. Congress must say no. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/wyden-sanders-demand-more-accountability-following-pentagons-second-financial-audit Wyden, Sanders Demand More Accountability Following Pentagons Second Financial Audit 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Sanders Demand More Accountability Following Pentagon's Second Financial Audit Monday, December 9, 2019 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., today released the following statement regardingthe completion of the Pentagon's second financial audit: The Pentagon has just completed its second full financial audit and the results look a lot like a Sergio Leone western: there's some good, some bad, and some ugly. The good news is that the Pentagon was able to complete an audit for the second year in a row. We give David Norquist credit for putting the Department of Defense (DOD) under audit as comptroller and for sustaining that effort after his promotion to deputy secretary.We also appreciate that the scope of this audit was broader and deeper than last year, meaning auditors are delving deeper into DOD's books. The bad news is that auditors identified 1,300 new Notices, Findings, and Recommendations (NFRs), or issues for the Department to address through corrective action plans. And if 1,300 sounds like a big number, that's in addition to the roughly 1,900 outstanding NFRs from the previous audit. About half of these NFRs relate to outdated financial IT and management systems, some from the 1960s and 70s. Which brings us to the ugly: the number of material weaknesses, or significant problemswhat we sometimes call show-stoppers'rose from 20 last year to 25. These material weakness have names like real property' and universe of transactions,' which are fancy ways to saying that the Pentagon doesn't know all the buildings it owns or where they're located and still can't tell the American people everything it buys with their money. We never expected the DOD to go from unauditable to clean audits in two years; it took the smaller Department of Homeland Security a decade. But that doesn't mean the Pentagon shouldn't be doing more. For starters, DOD isn't moving quickly enough in our estimation to consolidate and update legacy systems, which is a b… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/amid-npr-investigation-collins-king-join-push-for-department-of-education-to-investigate-permanent-disability-loan-forgiveness-program Amid NPR Investigation, Collins, King Join Push for Department of Education to Investigate Permanent Disability Loan Forgiveness Program 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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). We 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. The full letter can be read below, or downloaded HERE. +++ The Honorable Sandra D. Bruce Acting Inspector General Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Education 550 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202 Dear Acting Inspector General Bruce: We 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. Under theHigher Education Act of 1965, individuals who are totally and permanently disabled (TPD) are eligible to hav… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-tennessee-senators-king-and-alexander-celebrate-umaine/ornl-partnership-beneficial-to-maines-rural-economy In Tennessee, Senators King and Alexander Celebrate UMaine/ORNL Partnership Beneficial to Maine’s Rural Economy 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy OAK RIDGE, TN Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and top officials from the University of Maine (UMaine) to tour Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The partnership between ORNL and UMaine advances research inadditive manufacturing and 3D printing using bio-based products, which will create new markets for Maine's forest products industry and support innovation in a broad range of industries in Maine including boat building, composites, and civil engineering. The partnership recently resulted in the unveiling of the world's largest polymer 3D printer and largest 3D printed object. During today's visit, participants toured the lab's state-of-the-art facilities, examined 3D printer use in advanced manufacturing, and discussed opportunities to expand the partnership between the two institutions. Maine is blessed with an abundance of wood fiber, and thanks to the collaboration of UMaine and ORNL, we're finding all sorts of new ways to use this resource, said Senator King. This partnership has already made important strides, and with two top-notch research facilities working on it, I know more advances are coming. The combination of these two world-class facilities is a boon for Maine's forest economy, and for all the people and communities who rely on this historic industry. The work being done here deeply matters to Maine people, and I can't wait to see what they discover next. I enjoyed hosting my friend, Senator Angus King and the University of Maine in Oak Ridge today, where we were able to visit Oak Ridge National Laboratory and see firsthand the lab's 3D printing technology, said Senator Alexander. National laboratories are our secret weapon in the rapidly changing world economy, and the partnership between the University of Maine and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a model for how science and technology can transform our economy and advanced manufacturing. We appreciate the opportunity to visit this world-class laboratory with … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-risch-lead-colleagues-in-protecting-energy-infrastructure-from-critical-threats-posed-by-huawei-technology King, Risch Lead Colleagues In Protecting Energy Infrastructure from “Critical” Threats Posed by Huawei Technology 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) led a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to Neil Chatterjee, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), emphasizing the dangers of incorporating equipment manufactured by Huawei Technologies Co. (Huawei) into the nation's critical infrastructure. In the letter, King, Risch, and 8 of their colleagues ask for Chatterjee's assurance that FERC understands the threat posed to U.S. national security by the Chinese-owned telecommunications company, and urge FERC to work with the Administration to combat the threat. In addition to King and Risch, today's letter was also signed by Senators Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas). As you know, the Intelligence Community has issued repeated warnings to regulators and political leaders about the dangers associated with using Huawei equipment on the nation's telecommunications network, wrote the senators. Congress and the Trump Administration have taken steps to eliminate Huawei products from national security sensitive applications, citing concerns with the company's links to the Chinese Communist party, including its intelligence services. Given FERC's responsibility for overseeing the reliability of the electric grid, it is critical that your agency take steps to ensure that United States critical infrastructure and the electric grid remain protected from foreign intrusion." The Administration will ultimately need to address the full scope of the threat posed by Huawei, including consideration of a ban on the company's entry into the U.S. inverter market, the senators continued. In the meantime, we urge FERC and its new cybersecurity division to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy and its National Laboratories, industry, utilities, and other federal, state and local regulators to curb… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-presses-defense-department-leaders-on-cyberattack-deterrence-strategies-emphasizes-emerging-threats-to-us King Presses Defense Department Leaders on Cyberattack Deterrence Strategies, Emphasizes Emerging Threats to U.S. 2019-12-05 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), highlighted the U.S. military's dramatic need for deterrence strategies against cyberattacks one of his key concerns as co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Later in the hearing, Senator King noted that the United States should focus its resources on combatting emerging threats, such as Russia's development of nightmare weapon hypersonic missiles. Let me focus on a particular issue of deterrence that I've been doing a lot of work on, and am puzzling about, and that is cyber deterrence, said Senator King. And particularly cyber deterrence, I would call it below the threshold of catastrophe, in other words, a cyberattack that disables our entire electric grid I think everyone would agree deserves a clear and unequivocal response. What about a cyberattack that freezes the voter registration lists in Florida a week before the election? How do we deter those kinds of attacks? My sense is we've had Sony, we've had OPM, we've had 2016 with very little if any substantive response, and that our adversaries don't fear us, to put it most bluntly in terms of cyberattacks on this country. Mr. John Rood, the Under Secretary Of Defense For Policy responded by recognizing Senator King's leadership on cyber deterrence policy: Yes Senator, and I recall you raising this with me during my confirmation visit with you, and it's something you've been a leader on in pursuing this type of activity. I would say since that time, you and I met two years ago, we have put in place now a cyberstrategy and one of the primary aspects of that is it calls for defending forward. We will no longer wait, if we're observing indications of planning for an attack, for an adversary to spring that attack. +++ Later, Senator King mentioned the new threats that the U.S. faces as Russia develops new defenses. Are we adequately confronting new threats, drone swarms, hypersonics, cyber? Senator King asked. Here's an example, and it gets back t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-over-25-million-for-head-start-programs-in-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 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. Head 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. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. This funding supports local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/how-is-that-fair_king-demands-parity-for-maine-blueberry-farmers-on-senate-floor “How is That Fair?” – King Demands Parity for Maine Blueberry Farmers on Senate Floor 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate floor about the challenges facing Maine blueberry farmers due to the U.S./China trade war and China's retaliatory tariffs totaling up to 97% in lost China sales since the tariffs took effect. Despite the heavy losses the trade war has inflicted on Maine's wild blueberry industry, producers have not seen any relief or assistance in the ongoing multi-billion dollar farm bailout. Just today, Senator King sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue urging them to help wild blueberry producers whose livelihood has been put at risk by the ongoing Chinese trade war. Now, blueberries have been exported from Maine since the 1840's. And the people who are in this farming business are tough, they're resilient, they don't want bailouts. They want to be able to sell their product on the market, said Senator King in his speech. But in recent years, the market for blueberries has been very difficult because of imports from Canada and additional cultivated blueberries from around the country. So our farmers, being entrepreneurial and doing what we have been telling them to do for years, have gone big time into the export market. Where is a great place to export? China. Two years ago, $2.5 million a year ofblueberries were going to China,and half of the budget of the wildblueberry export commission wasgoing to develop the Chinesemarket. Hours and hours, days,dollars, a lot of effort went todevelop this Chinese market.And then all of a sudden camethe Trump administrationtariffs Now, the president just said yesterday this trade war with China may go on for another year. That means another crop, that means people we have third and fourth-generation blueberry farmers in Maine leaving the land. It's heartbreaking. These aren't big enterprises. These aren't big operations. These are people with 100-acre farms. Now, the Administration knows about this because I, and my … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-colleagues-in-fighting-against-housing-discrimination King Joins Colleagues in Fighting Against Housing Discrimination 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined 45 of his senate colleagues on a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, urging him to reject a proposed rule that would make it more difficult for victims of discrimination to seek justice under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The Proposed Rule would significantly reduce use of the disparate impact standard for fair housing enforcement a key tool for rooting out and eliminating hidden discrimination and carve out avenues for financial institutions, governments, and other housing market participants to continue discriminatory practices. We are deeply troubled by the direction this Administration is heading in relation to Fair Lending and Fair Housing protections, the senators wrote. Housing is the foundation of opportunity for individuals, families, neighborhoods, and society. Preventing housing discrimination including subtle, hidden discrimination is central to the mission Congress charged HUD to carry out. We urge you to uphold this mission, reject the changes in the Proposed Rule, and preserve the existing rule. Senator King has advocated to preserve housing protections under the FHA for all Americans. This spring, he introduced the Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2019, legislation that would add gender identity and sexual orientation to the classes protected from discrimination under the FHA to ensure equal housing opportunities for all Americans. The FHA currently prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability but not sexual orientation or gender identity. He has also led a bipartisan legislative effort to create an Affordable Housing Task Force, and introduced a bipartisan bill to ensure that students who have experienced homelessness or are currently homeless can access affordable housing while pursuing their education. The full text of the letter can be foundHEREand below: +++ The Honorable Benjamin S. Carson, Sr. Secretary United… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-feds-to-answer-for-shortcomings-in-data-correct-inaccuracies-before-releasing-new-rules-on-lobstermen 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 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON 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. The 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. Given 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. Following 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. Collins, King, Pingree, and Golden also expressed concern and frustration over NOAA's repeated failure to acknowledge the outsize… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-maine-wild-blueberry-industry-losing-nearly-97-of-chinese-exports-in-trade-war-king-urges-administration-to-fairly-compensate-growers With Maine Wild Blueberry Industry Losing Nearly 97% of Chinese Exports in Trade War, King Urges Administration To Fairly Compensate Growers 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue urging them to help wild blueberry producers whose livelihood has been put at risk by the ongoing Chinese trade war. In the letter, Senator King notes the value of Maine's wild blueberry exports to China are on pace to drop by nearly 97% since 2017. Despite this massive market loss, Maine's wild blueberries have been excluded from the President's multi-billion dollar farm bailout. In today's letter, King urges the USTR and USDA Secretary to treat Maine's wild blueberry growers fairly and offer them the same support that is being extended to other agricultural producers. Senator King will expand on the concerns addressed in this letter during a speech later today (~4:25 p.m.) on the Senate floor, calling national attention to this matter and emphasizing its meaning to the state and economy of Maine. The wild blueberry, an iconic Maine agricultural product, has lost a piece of its future, wrote Senator King in part. Squarely to blame are the President's disastrous Chinese trade war and his farm bailout, which has favored some agricultural exports while leaving others like wild blueberries without support to find new markets. I ask that you include wild blueberries in the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) immediately to compensate producers for the trade war losses that they have sustained Today, China assesses an 80 percent retaliatory tariff on frozen wild blueberry imports from the United States. As of September, Maine blueberry farmers have sent only $61,000 of their crop to China this year. If the trend continues through this month, the President's trade war will lead to a 96.75 percent decrease in the value of my state's wild blueberry exports to China since 2017. Maine's wild blueberry export crop is not the only agricultural product that the Administration's Chinese trade policies have harmed. Wheat, soybean, and cran… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-criticizes-military-housing-contractors-not-providing-safe-units-for-all-servicemembers-and-families King Criticizes Military Housing Contractors Not Providing Safe Units for Servicemembers and Families 2019-12-03 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) pressed top military officials to explain and resolve severe shortcomings by contractors that create unsafe living conditions for some American servicemembers and their families. At bases nationwide, military spouses and servicemembers have reported harmful, dangerous living conditions in privatized, on-base housing including mold contamination, dangerous temperatures, and pest infestations. Senator King's remarks came during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee that featured top military leaders. During the hearing, he underscored the importance of proper enforcement of housing contracts and greater accountability within the military chain of command. Senator King had previously emphasized these challenges at a March hearing, urging the military to designate a position to be fully responsible for the enforcement of these housing contracts. I can't believe the basic requirement of that contract wasn't safe and healthy, habitable units, said Senator King. I don't think [contractors] should be paid even the basic rent if they're not renting safe and habitable units forget about incentives My experience in this kind of work is that implementation is as important as vision. And my sense is there are differences in the contracts, but there are basic provisions that they have to be safe and healthy, they have to meet codes, and that, I believe, not having seen the contracts myself, but I believe that this is really mostly an implementation problem. And then my question is: who's in charge? Is it the base commander? Is it a base housing officer? Is it the Secretary of the Navy? Is it the Secretary of Defense? There's got to be somebody who can be held accountable here in what looks like endemic non-enforcement. Witnesses before the Senate Armed Services Committee today include Elizabeth Field, Director, Defense Capabilities And Management, Government Accountability Office; Ryan McCarthy, Secretary Of The Army; Thomas Modly, Acting Secretary Of The N… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-november-podcast-senator-king-discusses-urgency-of-cybersecurity-with-best-selling-author-david-sanger In November Podcast, Senator King Discusses Urgency of Cybersecurity with Best-Selling Author David Sanger 2019-12-02 2019 2019-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, the Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the November edition of Senator King's Inside Maine podcast, focusing on the threats that cyberattacks pose to America's national security. In this episode, Senator King welcomed David Sanger, an award winning journalist and best-selling author, to discuss the rise of cyberthreats as both an important military consideration and a serious security concern. Senator King is a leading voice on cybersecurity issues in the Senate and co-chairs the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, a bipartisan effort that brings together Congressional, executive, and civilian leaders to build consensus on a strategic approach to defending the United States in cyberspace. The rise of the internet has drastically changed nearly every aspect of society, including the way we fight wars, said Senator King. As one of the most connected nations in the world, America is asymmetrically vulnerable to cyberattacks. We need to respond accordingly, by enhancing our cybercapabilities and establishing a set of policies that deter bad actors from launching attacks. David Sanger is one of the most thoughtful voices on the set of challenges posed by cyber, and it was a pleasure to talk to him about what we're up against and how best to defend ourselves. David E. Sanger is a national security correspondent and a senior writer at the New York Times. His newest book, The Perfect Weapon: War, Sabotage and Fear in the Cyber Age, examines the emergence of cyberconflict as the primary way large and small states are competing and undercutting each other, changing the nature of global power. Mr. Sanger is also the author oftwo Times bestsellers on foreign policy and national security: The Inheritance:The World Obama Confronts and the Challenges toAmerican Power,published in 2009, and Confront and Conceal: Obama's Secret Wars and Surprising Use of American Power, published in 2012. During his time in the Senate, Senator King has been a strong advocate for functional and effective cybe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/vermont/must-read-vermont-seniors-face-high Must Read: Vermont seniors face high rates of financial insecurity 2019-11-29 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Must Read: Vermont seniors face high rates of financial insecurity By: Xander Landen; VT Digger Friday, November 29, 2019 Seniors in Vermont face one of the highest rates of financial insecurity in the nation, according to areport released by UMass Boston this month. According to the report, 31% of seniors over the age of 65 who live alone, and 43% of elderly couples, don't make enough income to meet the cost of basic needs, even though they are above the federal poverty line. The report, which analyzed federal data on the costs of housing, health care, transportation, food, and other goods in all 50 states found Vermont ranks first in the nation for the highest rate of economic insecurity for older couples, and third for singles. Elderly Vermont couples who rent need an annual income of $43,000 and singles who rent need about $30,000 a year to meet basic living expenses, according to the report. Additional datacouples in Vermont that own a home without a mortgage should have an annual income of about $41,000, which is 130% higher than the national average. Jan Mutchler, a professor of gerontology at UMass Boston and the author of the report, said the higher costs of health care and housing in Vermont are part of what makes it difficult for seniors to afford living in the state. On average, she found that with the cost of Medicare, supplemental health plans, co-payments, and drug costs, elderly Vermonters typically spend $586 a month on health care. The U.S. average is $395 per month. Angela Smith-Dieng, the director of the State Unit on Aging at the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), said she was struck by how the study highlighted the seniors who are above the poverty line but still in that gap where they're struggling to meet the cost of living in our state. Typically there's so much focus on reducing poverty and when we only look at poverty levels, we're missing a lot of folks who are living above that threshold but s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/sanders-and-khanna-partner-to-end-yemen-war Sanders and Khanna Partner to End Yemen War 2019-11-27 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders and Khanna Partner to End Yemen War Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) made history in 2019 by passing the first-ever War Powers Resolution to end U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led assault on Yemen. In the wake of Trump's veto, they are partnering to prohibit all funding for that war in the 2020 Pentagon spending authorization. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-launches-tenth-annual-state-of-the-union-essay-contest Sanders Launches Tenth Annual State of the Union Essay Contest 2019-11-26 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders Launches Tenth Annual State of the Union Essay Contest Tuesday, November 26, 2019 BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 26 U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has launched his tenth annual State of the Union essay contest. Each January, the President of the United States delivers the State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress, which outlines priorities for the coming year. Because Senator Sanders knows that great ideas come from every corner of our country, he created the State of the Union Essay Contest for Vermont high school students to describe a major issue facing our country and propose what they would do to solve that problem. The 250-500 word essays can be on any issue of national importance. A volunteer panel of Vermont teachers will judge the essays on the students' ability to articulate an issue and propose a solution, without regard to the students' political views. Sanders will enter the essays of the ten finalists into the Congressional Record the official archive of the U.S. Congress. He will also invite the ten finalists to be interviewed about their essay topic, so their voices and perspectives can be included in his official videos and social media. I started this essay contest 10 years ago to help our students be actively engaged, no matter where they stand on the issues, said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee. We need our students to help find solutions for the problems that face our country as they are our future leaders. More than 4,000 students from high schools throughout Vermont have written essays in the past nine years about critically important issues, including climate change, access to mental health care, the rising cost of college, and much, much more. Last year, Firdaus Muhammad from Winooski High School was selected as the winner from 590 submissions for her essay on Islamophobia. The deadline for student essay submissions is Jan. 8, 2020. More information can be found on Sanders' Senate webpage athttp://www.sanders.senate.gov/st… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/vermont/sanders-launches-tenth-annual-state-of-the-union-essay-contest Sanders Launches Tenth Annual State of the Union Essay Contest 2019-11-26 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders Launches Tenth Annual State of the Union Essay Contest Tuesday, November 26, 2019 BURLINGTON, Vt. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) launched his tenth annual State of the Union essay contest on Friday. Each January, the President of the United States delivers the State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress, which outlines priorities for the coming year. Because Senator Sanders knows that great ideas come from every corner of our country, he created the State of the Union Essay Contest for Vermont high school students to describe a major issue facing our country and propose what they would do to solve that problem. The 250-500 word essays can be on any issue of national importance. A volunteer panel of Vermont teachers will judge the essays on the students' ability to articulate an issue and propose a solution, without regard to the students' political views. Sanders will enter the essays of the ten finalists into the Congressional Record the official archive of the U.S. Congress. He will also invite the ten finalists to be interviewed about their essay topic, so their voices and perspectives can be included in his official videos and social media. I started this essay contest 10 years ago to help our students be actively engaged, no matter where they stand on the issues, said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee. We need our students to help find solutions for the problems that face our country as they are our future leaders. More than 4,000 students from high schools throughout Vermont have written essays in the past nine years about critically important issues, including climate change, access to mental health care, the rising cost of college, and much, much more. Last year, Firdaus Muhammad from Winooski High School was selected as the winner from 590 submissions for her essay on Islamophobia. The deadline for student essay submissions is Jan. 8, 2020. More information can be found on Sanders' Senate webpage athttp://www.sander… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-over-21-million-to-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 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. In 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. The funding is awarded as follows: Androscoggin Home has received $215,900 to purchase 250 new telemonitoring devices which will benefit 180 communities across nine counties. MaineHealth has received $473,739 to create a telemedicine network to treat opioid disorders experienced by women and infants in rural Maine. 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.Northern Light Health has received $191,496 to implement a telemedicine project in six hospitals. The project will serve 54,333 residents.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.University of Maine System has received $500,000 to upgrade distance learning technology.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statement-from-senator-sanders-on-the-passing-of-jake-burton-carpenter Statement from Senator Sanders on the Passing of Jake Burton Carpenter 2019-11-22 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Statement from Senator Sanders on the Passing of Jake Burton Carpenter Friday, November 22, 2019 BURLINGTON, Nov. 22 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today issued following the statement: "With the loss of Jake Burton, the state of Vermont has lost one its greatest entrepreneurs, the individual who created the entire international snowboard industry. Jake's initiatives have created many hundreds of jobs in Vermont, have brought tens of thousands of snowboarders to our mountains and brought joy and excitement to millions throughout the world. Jane and I and our children, some of whom worked for Burton Snowboards, extend our condolences to Donna and the entire family." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/during-healthcare-enrollment-period-king-seeking-improved-consumer-protections-surrounding-junk-plans During Healthcare Enrollment Period, King Seeking Improved Consumer Protections Surrounding “Junk Plans” 2019-11-22 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a group of 23 Senators in sending a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), requesting they address their apparent efforts to promote junk plans, insurance plans that lack protections for people with pre-existing conditions and would increase costs for millions of Americans. In their letter, the Senators draw attention to the fact that the HealthCare.gov website is now directing consumers during the ongoing Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment period to junk plans through third-party brokers, with little to no information about the lack of coverage provided by these so-called short-term plans. We are extremely concerned that the increased availability of junk plans and lack of oversight by CMS will cause consumers who believe they are purchasing ACA-compliant health plans to inadvertently sign-up for junk plan coverage that is less comprehensive and could expose them to higher out-of-pocket costs, wrote the Senators. Americans who purchase these junk plans risk being denied coverage for pre-existing conditions and left vulnerable to unexpected gaps in coverage and massive medical bills in the case of health care emergencies. Short-term, limited-duration insurance plans were never intended to be an alternative to comprehensive health coverage and pose dangerous risks for consumers. In 2018, the Trump Administration expanded the maximum coverage duration for junk plans from 90 days to 364 days, allowing for these plans to be easily confused with year-round comprehensive coverage that meets the ACA's standards. The Trump Administration has also encouraged states to apply for waivers from the ACA that would allow for the ACA's premium tax credits to be used to subsidize junk plan coverage. Senator King is a vocal proponent of efforts to protect and improve the Affordable Care Act, which has helped millions of Americans access healthcare, including cosp… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-over-29-million-to-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 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. Community 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. Both 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. This 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 b… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-expand-telehealth-services-in-rural-maine King Cosponsors Bill to Expand Telehealth Services in Rural Maine 2019-11-21 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he is cosponsoring the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, a bipartisan bill that would expand telehealth services through Medicare, improve health outcomes, make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors, and help cut costs for patients and providers. As one of the oldest and most rural states in the nation, Maine faces unique challenges when it comes to connecting our citizens with vital healthcare services, said Senator King. Telehealth can mitigate some of these challenges, bridging the distance between older Maine people and their healthcare providers without forcing them to drive long distances. This technology has the potential to transform healthcare in our state, and it is vitally important for Congress to keep pace with the advances in telehealth so we can improve the health of Maine people. According to studies, telehealth has been shown to improve care and patient satisfaction while reducing hospitalizations. The CONNECT for Health Act builds on the progress made in recent years to increase the use of telehealth through Medicare, and: Provides the Secretary of Health and Human Services with the authority to waive telehealth restrictions when necessary;Removes geographic and originating site restrictions for services like mental health and emergency medical care;Allows rural health clinics and other community-based health care centers to provide telehealth services; andRequires a study to explore more ways to expand telehealth services so that more people can access healthcare services in their own homes. During his time in the Senate, Senator King has been a strong advocate for healthcare in rural areas that is accessible and affordable. In October, he held a panel discussion in Bangor with local healthcare providers and public wellness experts on the best ways to use prevention strategies to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. In late July, he joined a bip… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-seeking-further-bipartisan-progress-on-criminal-justice-reform King Seeking Further Bipartisan Progress on Criminal Justice Reform 2019-11-20 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to support the Smarting Sentencing Act, bipartisan legislation aiming to modernize federal drug sentencing policies by reducing mandatory minimum penalties for certain nonviolent drug offenses. Under our current criminal justice system, nonviolent offenders spend decades in prison, drawing much-needed law enforcement and taxpayer dollars from other priorities. Enacting last year's FIRST Step Act into law was a good start but there's still work to be done, said Senator King. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all' approach to sentencing, let's advance this bipartisan work to apply our criminal justice resources wisely and make sure that punishments that fit the crime. Senator King cosponsored the initial version of the Smarter Sentencing Act in the previous Congress, which included several important provisions enacted into law last year as part of the landmark First Step Act, which Senator King also cosponsored. Today's legislation would enact the central remaining provision of the original 2018 bill: reducing mandatory minimum penalties for certain nonviolent drug offenses. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that implementation of this provision would save taxpayers approximately $3 billion over ten years. Senator King has also previously cosponsored the Second Chance Act Reauthorization Act, which funds programs to assist with successful prisoner reentry into society. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/vermont/sanders-to-hold-senior-holiday-dinners Sanders to Hold Senior Holiday Dinners 2019-11-19 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders to Hold Senior Holiday Dinners Tuesday, November 19, 2019 BURLINGTON, Vt. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced on Tuesday that his office will again organize six senior holiday dinners throughout Vermont in December. The meals are an opportunity for seniors to come together, enjoy a holiday meal, and hear music from local student choirs. The meals will be held in Barre, Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Rutland and St. Johnsbury. Seating is limited and RSVPs are required. St. Johnsbury Senior Holiday Dinner When: Friday, December 6 at 12:00 pm Where: St. Johnsbury House; 1207 Main Street; St. Johnsbury Details: RSVP by Wednesday, December 4 to Senator Sanders' Office at 800-339-9834 (toll-free) or 802-862-0697 Bennington Senior Holiday Dinner When: Friday, December 6 at 12:00 pm Where: St. Peter's Episcopal Church Parish Hall; 200 Pleasant Street; Bennington Details: RSVP by Wednesday, November 27 to Meals on Wheels of Bennington County at 802-442-8012 ext. 2 Burlington Senior Holiday Dinner When: Sunday, December 8 at 12:00 pm Where: Hilton Hotel; 60 Battery Street; Burlington Details: RSVP by Tuesday, December 3 to Senator Sanders' Office at 800-339-9834 (toll-free) or 802-862-0697 Rutland Senior Holiday Dinner When: Thursday, December 12 at 12:00 pm Where: Godnick Adult Center; 1 Deer Street; Rutland Details: RSVP by Monday, December 9 to the Godnick Adult Center at 802-773-1853 Barre Senior Holiday Dinner When: Friday, December 13 at 12:00 pm Where: Canadian Club; 414 East Montpelier Road; Barre Details: RSVP by Tuesday, December 10 to Senator Sanders' Office at 800-339-9834 (toll-free) or 802-862-0697 Brattleboro Senior Holiday Dinner When: Thursday, December 19 at 12:00 pm Where: Brattleboro Senior Center; 207 Main Street; Brattleboro Details: RSVP starting Friday, November 29 and ending on Friday, December 13 to the Brattleboro Senior Center at 802-257-7570 or 802-257-1236 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-bill-to-reduce-energy-costs-boost-maine-economy-passes-key-senate-committee King Bill to Reduce Energy Costs, Boost Maine Economy Passes Key Senate Committee 2019-11-19 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Support Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee where he serves. The bill would support businesses seeking to invest in energy efficiency technology, diversify energy options for rural industries, and maximize the value of Maine's natural resources. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) is an original cosponsor of this legislation, which will now advance to the Senate floor for consideration. This bill highlights Maine ingenuity and innovation by developing the best ways to make use of our natural resources to bolster rural economies, encourage energy efficiency, and reduce energy costs,said Senator King, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.The CHP Support Act designates Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnerships , like the Northeast regional TAP at the University of Maine, to help businesses invest in CHP and provide new low-cost energy sources to Maine consumers.Developing cleaner power in a way that supports rural economies should not be a partisan issue today's committee vote is a win for Maine's economy, and I look forward to its consideration on the Senate floor. Combined heat and power systems are cost-effective and environmentally friendly sources of energy that have proven to help businesses cut electricity and heating bills, said Senator Collins. Our bill to reauthorize the Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership Program would provide businesses with the information they need to install these highly efficient systems. The Combined Heat and Power Alliance applauds the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for passing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Department of Energy Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnerships. said David Gardiner, Executive Director of the Combined Heat and Power Alliance. This legislation will advance combined heat and power, which will reduce en… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-passes-kings-restore-our-parks-act-to-address-national-park-service-maintenance-backlog Senate Committee Passes King’s “Restore Our Parks Act” to Address National Park Service Maintenance Backlog 2019-11-19 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, cast his vote along with many of his Committee colleagues on both sides of the aisle in support of the Restore Our Parks Act as it passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Senator King introduced the bill earlier this year with U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.); it would address the nearly $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog at the National Park Service (NPS) via revenues from natural resource development projects on federal lands. The bill has beenpraisedby key stakeholders, such as the National Park Foundation and Friends of Acadia.In addition to the Restore Our Parks Act, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed legislation to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which was permanently reauthorized as part of the public lands package in early March. Today's committee vote represents an important, bipartisan step towards establishing lasting protections for our National Parks, and preserving these treasures for our children and grandchildren, said Senator King. From Acadia to Zion, the National Park System captures America's diverse natural beauty and is a proud reminder of our country's dedication to preserving public land for all its citizens. As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm.' We have a collective responsibility to maintain this spirit of the wilderness in our National Parks and this starts with the $12 billion maintenance backlog. Stewardship of our public lands is not a partisan issue, which is why I'm pleased that the Restore Our Parks Act passed our Committee with strong bipartisan support. The two bipartisan bills advanced by the Committee today will help to ensure both current and future generations can enjoy the prist… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-funding-deadline-approaching-senators-king-rounds-lead-effort-to-support-seasonal-businesses With Funding Deadline Approaching, Senators King, Rounds Lead Effort to Support Seasonal Businesses 2019-11-19 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) led a bipartisan group of 30 colleagues in sending a letter to the Senate Majority Leader, Minority Leader, and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee urging them to provide H-2B visa cap relief for seasonal employers in any funding agreement. In the letter, the senators stress that there are not enough U.S. workers qualified and available to meet the seasonal demand for employment and that these seasonal positions support the jobs of thousands of American citizens. The shortage of U.S. workers during the last several years has demonstrated that without needed guest workers, seasonal businesses are simply unable to meet their staffing needs. They have been forced to limit hours of operation, turn away customers, scale back service, and cancel capital equipment purchases, wrote the senators. In some cases, businesses were forced to lay off Americans whose jobs are supported by H-2B workersor shut down their operations entirely. Seasonal businesses need meaningful and lasting cap relief so they can continue to contribute to the economy and create full-time, year-round work for Americans. According to the American Enterprise Institute, every H-2B worker is estimated to create and sustain 4.64 American jobs. In a strong economy with record-low unemployment, the H-2B program's congressionally mandated cap of 66,000 visas is inadequate to meet the labor needs of seasonal businesses. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) continues to report that the number of job openings actually exceeds the labor pool. Meaningful cap relief is needed to allow our seasonal businesses to supplement their workforce in the growing number of instances when Americans are not available to fill temporary positions. In addition to Senators King and Rounds, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kryste… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-push-for-senate-vote-on-violence-against-women-act-reauthorization King, Colleagues Push for Senate Vote on Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization 2019-11-18 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined 46 of his Senate colleagues to introduce a companion version of the House-passed Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) aiming to strengthen protections for women against domestic violence and sexual assault. The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis six months ago, would reauthorize VAWA through 2024, provide critical funding to anti-crime priorities, preserve advancements made in previous reauthorizations, and add a number of improvements to the current law. Violence against women is a nationwide epidemic including in Maine, where more than half of all homicides are directly related to domestic violence, said Senator King. The Violence Against Women Act is one of our nation's most important tools to fight domestic violence and sexual assault, but it has remained unauthorized for nearly a year. That is unacceptable. Standing alongside my colleagues in the Senate, and in solidarity with survivors of domestic and sexual violence, I urge the Majority Leader to bring this bill to the Senate floor for a vote and bipartisan passage. Key provisions in the bill include: Provides services, protection, and justice for young victims of violence, including extending the Rape Prevention and Education grant program, addressing bullying of young people, improving grants focused on prevention education for students and expanding relevant training for school-based and campus health centers.Preserves and expands housing protections for survivors. Protects Native American women by improving tribal access to federal crime information databases and reaffirming tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking for all federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaskan Natives.Provides economic security assistance for survivors by reauthorizing the National Resource Center on Workplace Responses. Protects employees from being fired because they are survivor… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-225000-for-lead-testing-of-drinking-water-at-maine-schools Senators Collins, King Announce $225,000 for Lead Testing of Drinking Water at Maine Schools 2019-11-18 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy 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. Lead 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. Maine 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-pingree-push-us-trade-representative-on-eu-tariff-relief-for-lobster-industry Collins, King, Pingree Push U.S. Trade Representative on EU Tariff Relief for Lobster Industry 2019-11-15 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. As 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. We 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. Collins, King, and Pingree have repeatedly stood with the lobster industry, which currently f… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/legislation-cosponsored-by-collins-king-to-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 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. Countless 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. Maine'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. Roughly 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. This week, Senator Collins was honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Award from ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiati… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-and-ocasio-cortez-announce-the-green-new-deal-for-public-housing-act Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Announce The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act 2019-11-14 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, November 14 Today, at 3 p.m. outside the U.S. Capitol Building, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) will announce the introduction of the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act in partnership with public housing residents, affordable housing advocates, and climate change activists. The sweeping legislation they will unveil aims to retrofit, rehabilitate, and decarbonize the entire nation's public housing stock.The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act invests up to $180 billion over ten years in sustainable retrofits that include all needed repairs, vastly improved health, safety and comfort, and eliminate carbon emissions in our federal public housing. The legislation also provides funding to electrify all buildings, add solar panels, and secure renewable energy sources for all public housing energy needs. The bill dramatically improves living conditions for nearly 2 million people living in roughly 1 million public homes.Faced with the global crisis of climate change, the United States must lead the world in transforming our energy system away from fossil fuel to sustainable energy, said Sanders. But let us be clear: as Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez understands, the Green New Deal is not just about climate change. It is an economic plan to create millions of good-paying jobs, strengthen our infrastructure, and invest in our country's frontline and vulnerable communities. This bill shows that we can address our climate and affordable housing crises by making public housing a model of efficiency, sustainability and resiliency. Importantly, the working people who have been most impacted by decades of disinvestment in public housing will be empowered to lead this effort and share in the economic prosperity that it generates for our country.Climate change represents both a grave threat and a tremendous opportunity, said Ocasio-Cortez. The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act will train and mobilize the workforce to decarbonize the public housing stock and improve the qua… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/sanders-and-ocasio-cortez-introduce-the-green-new-deal-for-public-housing Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Introduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing 2019-11-14 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Introduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing Housing is a human right. If we transform our public housing to energy efficiency, we can begin to address the climate crisis and create thousands of good-paying jobs. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/senator-sanders-stands-with-dreamers Senator Sanders Stands With Dreamers 2019-11-14 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Senator Sanders Stands With Dreamers We cannot kick these young people out of the only country they have ever known. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-back-bill-to-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 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     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. 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, 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. Climate 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 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. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2019 would establ… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-continues-to-stress-need-for-us-to-reenter-paris-climate-agreement King Continues to Stress Need for U.S. to Reenter Paris Climate Agreement 2019-11-14 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) advocated for the United States to reassert its global leadership on climate issues and rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement. Senator King's comments came during a hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee featuring testimony from current Acting Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette, nominee to be the Secretary of Energy. Senator Barrasso said quote we can't tackle climate change alone', said Senator King, citing comments made moments earlier by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). I couldn't agree with him more. I hope that he'll urge the President to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord, which is the only ongoing international effort to deal with this issue. A molecule of greenhouse gas which comes from the United States cause as much of a climate problem as one that comes from China, or India or anywhere else in the world. So, I'm going to speak to Senator Barrasso afterwards; I'm delighted he's taken an interest in this and hope we can get back into our area of global leadership and join the other 197 signatories to the Paris Accord. Later in the hearing, Senator King emphasized to Acting Secretary Brouillette the importance of championing the research done at the Department of Energy (DOE): I don't think there's much more important in what you're doing than research, said Senator King. And we talked a lot about energy independence and the fracking revolution, which as you know was largely supported by research funds from the Department of EnergyI just want to hear you reassure me that your commitment will be strong and vigorous and forward looking research whether it's in the national labs or throughout the department, ARPA-E. These are very important in the national interests in my view. Acting Secretary Brouillette responded to Senator King by agreeing on the importance of research in unlocking next generation energy solutions in storage and renewables. A forceful advocate for clean energy solutions wherever they can be found, Senator K… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-cut-aviation-carbon-emissions-and-airplane-noise-pollution King Cosponsors Bill to Cut Aviation Carbon Emissions and Airplane Noise Pollution 2019-11-14 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, has announced his support for the Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act, which would direct the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) to develop electric aircraft technology on an accelerated timeline. The legislation supports the U.S. aviation industry's efforts to develop airplanes that produce 50 percent less greenhouse gas pollution and less noise, keeping domestic aviation companies competitive with the international industry. In the fight to reduce carbon emissions, we need to look at every segment of our society, and that includes our aviation industry, said Senator King. Moreover, noise pollution can highly affect people's health and quality of life. NASA employs some of the brightest minds in the world so let's put them to work on a project of global urgency that reduces our environmental impact, improves our public health, and enhances the livability of our communities. This legislation sets a goal for cleaner, quieter airplanes by 2030 (regional transport planes) and 2040 (single-aisle planes), and it authorizes NASA to accelerate its work developing and demonstrating the technologies to make this goal a reality. The initiative established in this legislation will help drive industry growth and innovation, maintain our competitiveness with other countries that are moving aggressively on electrified propulsion technologies, and ensure that United States airlines can continue to fly with U.S.-generated technology to other countries as those countries adopt stricter standards for noise and emissions. A forceful advocate for clean energy solutions wherever they can be found, Senator King is the lead sponsor on a range of bills that encourage energy efficiency such as theNext Generation Grid Resources and Infrastructure Development (GRID) Actto improve energy independence, foster innovation, and leverage federal resources to support a more resilient and modern electric grid. In June, Senator … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-seeking-reforms-to-opportunity-zone-program-to-better-benefit-low-income-communities King Seeking Reforms to Opportunity Zone Program to Better Benefit Low-Income Communities 2019-11-14 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced his support of the Opportunity Zone Reporting and Reform Act to overhaul the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)'s Opportunity Zone program, which was created to incentivize investment in low-income communities. The bill would require qualified investors to submit annual informational returns on their Opportunity Zone investments, bringing essential transparency to a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 program that likely has produced wasteful tax expenditures. Since the implementation of the program, the lack of transparency, absence of reporting requirements, and questionable zone designations have raised the need for increased requirements and reform of the program itself. The road to bad legislation is paved with good intentions and rushed processes. The Opportunity Zone program has strong potential and noble goals in fact, it is one of the few provisions of the 2017 tax bill that truly focused on helping low-income communities, said Senator King. However, the implementation of this program has been beset by flaws that limit transparency and direct money away from areas in need. These are serious problems, which undermine the worthwhile goals of Opportunity Zones. Let's work together to improve this program, so we can redirect the funding to folks who truly need help. Additionally, the legislation would: Require annual, public information reporting from Opportunity Funds and annual statements to the IRS from fund investors.Eliminate loopholes that could allow sin list investments like casinos and prohibit investments in stadiums and luxury apartments.Terminate zones that are not low-income or impoverished, while allowing states to replace zones that are terminated.Tighten existing rules to ensure that this generous incentive goes to productive, new investments that are actually in zones, and not to projects that were already underway or investors trying to park their money tax-free. Senator King has been a vocal critic of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, cri… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-lee-and-tlaib-partner-to-combat-outrageous-ceo-pay Sanders, Lee, and Tlaib Partner to Combat Outrageous CEO Pay 2019-11-13 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders, Lee, and Tlaib Partner to Combat Outrageous CEO Pay Wednesday, November 13, 2019 WASHINGTON, November 13 Sen. BernieSanders(I-Vt.), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) introduced the Tax Excessive CEO Pay Act, which rewrites the federal tax code to tackle the inequality crisis created by corporate America's unrestrained greed. The typical restaurant employee at McDonald's would have to work for more than2,000years to earn what the company's CEO Chris Kempczinski received last year. A retail worker at Gap Inc. would have to work for more than3,000years to receive the annual compensation of Gap's former CEO Art Peck. Peck's pay was increased by33 percentin 2018, even after he presided overyearsof declines in sales and stock prices. The Tax Excessive CEO Pay Act wouldpressure corporations to curb these outrageous pay gaps that are the norm today, by imposing graduated taxes for companies that pay their CEO more than 50 times the pay of the median worker. The tax penalties would begin at 0.5 percentage points and rise to 5 percentage points for firms compensating their chief executives at more than 500 times the rate of their workers. A recentreportby the Institute for Policy Studies found that 80 percent of S&P 500 firms paid their CEOs more than 100 times the pay of their median worker. Many of the firms lavishing multi-million-dollar compensation packages on their top executives rely on taxpayer supportthrough public housing, nutrition assistance, and Medicaid, for exampleto assist full-time workers who struggle with poverty wages. In America today, ordinary workers at some of the richest corporations are making poverty wages. Meanwhile, we've got a class of corporate CEOs who make hundredssometimes thousandsof times more than their employees, saidSanders.The last time I checked, corporations got by just fine when CEOs made a million bucks a yearone-tenth of what they make now. All around the world today, large, successful businesses mana… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/vermont-delegation-condemns-trumps-cuts-to-refugee-admissions Vermont Delegation Condemns Trump's Cuts to Refugee Admissions 2019-11-13 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Vermont Delegation Condemns Trump's Cuts to Refugee Admissions Wednesday, November 13, 2019 WASHINGTON, November 13 In response to President Trump's recent cut in refugee admissions, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Patrick Leahy and Representative Peter Welch issued the following statement: "President Trump's recent approval of a 18,000 limit on refugee admissions the lowest admissions ceiling in our country's history is a shameful abdication of our role in providing refuge to those fleeing extreme violence and poverty around the world. "The timing could not be worse. According to the United Nations, more than 70 million people worldwide have been displaced from their homes due to persecution and conflict, including almost 30 million refugees. This is a global humanitarian crisis of an unprecedented scale, and the United States must do its part to address it. "Welcoming refugees to this country and to Vermont is not only the right thing to do, but it also benefits our communities in many ways. For centuries, immigrants and refugees have made significant contributions to our culture and economy and helped us become the country and state we are today. And here in Vermont, refugees are essential to growing our workforce. At a time when our state's population is aging and declining, employers increasingly rely on the New American community to address labor shortages and help their businesses expand. "We stand united in our support of the refugee resettlement program and call on the Trump Administration to significantly increase refugee admissions. Refugees come to the U.S. for the same things we all want: safety, freedom, and opportunity. If we turn our backs on refugees, we abandon the very identity of our country as a refuge for the persecuted and oppressed." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-veterans-day-2019 Sanders Statement on Veterans Day 2019-11-11 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders Statement on Veterans Day Monday, November 11, 2019 On this Veterans Day we must renew our promise to our nation's veterans, not just through our words but through real action. Too many of our returning service members confront homelessness, mental health issues, and even deportations. We must work together to build a society where our veterans do not have to face these injustices. In my view, it is a disgrace that 38,000 veterans are homeless. If you can't afford to take care of your veterans, then you do not go to war. We must use this day to recommit to protecting our veterans' health care. Veterans overwhelmingly approve of the VAthat means we need to strengthen the VA, not dismantle or privatize it. This means that we preserve, protect and improve the VA with more resources and staff to ensure veterans and their families in Vermont and around the country receive every benefit they have earned and deserve. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-honors-maine-veterans-at-events-in-portland-augusta-and-waterville King Honors Maine Veterans At Events in Portland, Augusta, and Waterville 2019-11-11 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WATERVILLE, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) honored Veterans Day at events celebrating Maine veterans in Portland, Augusta, and Waterville. Senator King began his morning highlighting veterans healthcare providers alongside veterans, their families, and staff from Martin's Point Healthcare in Portland. Senator King then met with veterans and VA leadership at Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta. At Togus he toured the new Fisher House, which is dedicated to providing a comfortable and supportive environment for veterans. Following these events, Senator King joined the Veteran Mentors of Maine at the Elks Club in Waterville to celebrate the addition of two new veteran justice outreach workers that Senator King advocated for in 2017. On this Veterans Day, it is my privilege to thank Maine's men and women who answered the call to serve in defense of our nation, said Senator King. The veterans I spoke with today, and their devoted families, represent the best of America. We're proud that so many of our neighbors and friends answered the call to serve our nation indeed, over ten percent of Maine people are veterans. Not only today, but each day of the year, we should take the time to acknowledge what Maine's servicemembers have done to keep us safe and what they've done to inspire future generations. These men and women form the backbone of our communities: they are teachers, moms and dads, first responders, business owners, and mentors. They are people bound together by an ethic of service, dedicated to furthering the American experiment and fostering a more free and just nation. Senator King has been an advocate for Maine veterans during his time in the U.S. Senate, working to honor their service and provide them with the high-quality care they have earned through their service. This week, Senator King joined the Maine delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie raising the issue of late payments from the VA to Maine community hospitals and health care provider… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-in-falmouth-king-touts-forest-economy-and-environmental-stewardship In Falmouth, King Touts Forest Economy and Environmental Stewardship 2019-11-08 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy FALMOUTH, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) celebrated the contributions of Maine's forest economy while emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship at the Land Conservation Assistance Network (LandCAN) panel discussion and forum in Falmouth. Senator King's remarks focused on the economic impact of Maine's forest products industry, which supports communities throughout the state, and the importance of balance in protecting Maine's natural resources. The event, titled May the Forests be With You, celebrated Maine's forests and leaders in the state's bioeconomy. Maine's forests are among our state's greatest natural assets, and we need to manage this resource in a way that maximizes its current and future value to Maine people, said Senator King. If we work together, we can build on our success and put Maine's forests in the best possible position to thrive. That is the spirit of today's event: bringing folks from all different sectors to the table to discuss new investments, cutting-edge innovations, and environmental stewardship efforts. Senator King is a strong supporter of efforts to revitalize Maine's forest economy to further economic opportunities for Maine people. He was key in establishingthe Forest Opportunity Roadmap Maine (FOR/ME) Initiative, an industry-led initiative that is helping to diversify the state's wood products businesses, attract investments, support research and development, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures. The FOR/ME Initiative was funded as a result of the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT)requested by Senators Collins and King in 2016, with support from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration in order to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. FOR/ME developed and is implementing a roadmap and action plan for the development of new markets for Maine's forest resources, including the strengthening of existing forest products… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urging-action-to-update-banking-laws-for-legal-hemp-and-cannabis-businesses King Urging Action to Update Banking Laws for Legal Hemp and Cannabis Businesses 2019-11-08 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) sent a letter to U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ranking Member of the Committee, urging consideration of the House-passed Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act. The bipartisan bill would ensure that legal hemp and cannabis businesses can access the same financial services utilized by all other legal businesses. The bill has already passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming 321-103 vote, and would solve key logistical and public safety problems in states like Maine that recently have legalized medicinal or recreational cannabis. Senator King is a cosponsor of the Senate version of the legislation. Senator King's request of the Committee comes on the heels ofafter a report by the Portland Press Herald highlighted the impact that the Senate's inaction on the bill already has had on two Maine farmers, who have lost their bank account and insurance coverage as a result of their decision to legally farm hemp. Hemp businesses in Maine face banking access issues that threaten the viability of their operations. They need our help, wrote Senator King. I urge you to mark up the House-passed SAFE Banking Act (H.R.1595) and report this important legislation out of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs speedily so that our hemp businesses can obtain the financial services they require. People like Taryn and Ben Marcus, who own Sheepscot General Farm in Whitefield, Maine, have suffered due to the lack of hemp banking regulation, Senator King continued. Taryn and Ben are hemp farmers who have done everything right. They applied for and received licenses from the State of Maine; they researched the best growing practices; they bought state-approved seeds; they actively marketed their crop; and they grew legal hemp successfully. Due to a lack of federal regulation regarding hemp banking, however, Taryn and Ben have lost access to f… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-va-to-fix-payment-problems-hurting-maine-healthcare-providers-veterans Maine Delegation Urges VA to Fix Payment Problems Hurting Maine Healthcare Providers, Veterans 2019-11-08 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie to raise the issue of late payments from the VA to Maine community hospitals and health care providers. As the lawmakers note in their letter, the Maine Hospital Association states the VA currently owes millions of dollars to fifteen Maine hospitals, and nearly a third of those delinquent claims are more than six months past due. The issue has placed an undue burden on Maine's healthcare providers, potentially forcing some to suspend their services through the VA and risking the ability of Maine veterans to access care in their communities. Over the course of the last several months, we have heard from Maine community hospitals and health care providers about their growing concerns that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has not been diligent or timely with the payments it owes providers for the community care services they deliver to eligible veterans, said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden. The Maine Hospital Association (MHA), which represents critical access hospitals across the state, reports that fifteen of its member hospitals currently have millions of dollars of delinquent payments in their claims backlog. Of these accounts, about thirty percent are more than 180 days old. Likewise, a number of other qualified providers from across the state of Maine have contacted our offices to report similar issues with the VA that have resulted in aging accounts and significant financial duress. We respectfully request that the VA quickly pay all valid and eligible claims, provide an explanation for delayed payments, and outline its reporting process on paid claims, the delegation added. The delegation's full letter can be downloaded HERE or read below: +++ Dear Secretary Wilkie, We write to bring to your attention an urgent matter of grave importance for the veterans of Maine. Over the course of the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/the-community-kitchen-academy-helps-vermonters The Community Kitchen Academy Helps Vermonters 2019-11-07 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy The Community Kitchen Academy Helps Vermonters A job is more than a "job and it is more than just making an income. A job is, in an important sense, how we relate to the world in which we live. Contributing to the well-being of our neighbors and our community gives our lives meaning, dignity, and satisfaction. I am grateful for programs like the Community Kitchen Academy that offer underemployed Vermonters valuable job skills to improve their lives, while also providing free, nutritious meals to those in need. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-host-academy-night-0 Amash to host Academy Night 2019-11-07 2019 2019-11 Independent House MI Justin Amash A000367 amash.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2019 CONTACT Matt Weibel (616) 451-8383 matt.weibel@mail.house.gov Amash to host Academy Night GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.) today announced Academy Night for Third District high school students interested in learning more about the U.S. service academies. Academy Night is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2019, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Representatives from the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, the United States Military Academy, and the United States Naval Academy will provide information about the academies and the application process. The offices of Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) also will be available to answer questions. Admission to the academies, except for the Coast Guard Academy, requires a nomination from the vice president or a member of Congress. Students typically begin the admissions process in the spring of their junior year of high school. More information about the academy nomination process can be found at amash.house.gov. WHO: Office of Rep. Justin Amash Representatives from the U.S. service academies Offices of Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters WHAT: Academy Night WHEN: Monday, November 25, 2019 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum 303 Pearl St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 ### 110719AmashtoHostAcademyNight.pdf 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-2-million-to-support-drug-free-communities Collins, King Announce More than $2 Million to Support Drug-Free Communities 2019-11-07 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has awarded a total of $2,125,000 in grant funding to 17 Maine health coalitions and local governments to prevent youth substance abuse and foster drug-free communities in Maine. Last year, drug overdoses claimed the life of 354 Mainers, nearly one person each day. We must take an all-hands-on-deck approach to stop this epidemic and support those who are struggling with substance use disorders,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Maine health coalitions and communities strengthen their efforts to prevent and reduce substance abuse through programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and community involvement. The funding will be allocated as follows: River Valley Health Communities Coalition will receive $125,000 to serve Rumford and the Greater River Valley Region.Gardiner Area Substance Use Prevention Coalition will receive $125,000 to serve Gardiner, Pittston, Randolph, and West Gardiner.Bangor Public Health Advisory Board Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force will receive $125,000 to serve the City of Bangor.Healthy Acadia will receive $125,000 to serve the Downeast Acadia region.Somerset Public Health will receive $125,000 to serve Somerset County.Drug Free Aroostook will receive $125,000 to serve Aroostook County.Healthy Community Coalition will receive $125,000 to serve Franklin County.Healthy Sebasticook Valley Coalition will receive $125,000 to serve the Sebasticook Valley region.Choose To Be Healthy Coalition will receive $125,000 to serve Southern York County.Project Alliance will receive $125,000 to serve Northern York County.ACCESS Health will receive $125,000 to serve Sagadahoc County, as well as Brunswick and Harpswell.Be the Influence Coalition will receive $125,000 to serve Windham and Raymond.Sanford Strong Coalition will receive $125,000 to serve the greater Sanford community.SoPo Unite: All Ages, All In will receive $125,00… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-get-deficit-under-control-reform-congressional-budget-process King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Get Deficit Under Control, Reform Congressional Budget Process 2019-11-07 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) has joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to introduce legislation that would make common-sense improvements to the federal government's budget process. The Bipartisan Congressional Budget Reform Act would create a more deliberative budget process that emphasizes long-term fiscal planning over partisan brinksmanship and tackles growing debt and deficits. Here's a statement that won't draw a lot of disagreement: Congress's current budget process is just not working, said Senator King. Under the current rules, we're voting on the future of programs that provide vital services for the American people mere hours before deadlines to keep maintain America's full faith and credit. The result: our deficit is increasing and we're leaving an enormous amount of debt to future generations. There have to be better ways to advance America's budget priorities, and we owe it to our constituents to work together to find them. Specifically, the Bipartisan Congressional Budget Reform Act would: Move the budget resolution to a two-year cycle, while maintaining an annual appropriations process.Require more involvement from Senate spending and taxing committees, including by requiring detailed spending and revenue plans to better inform budget development.Support fiscal sustainability by requiring the budget resolution to establish a debt-to-GDP target backed by expedited congressional procedures for deficit-reduction measures. Create a mechanism within the regular budget process to end the brinksmanship surrounding the statutory debt limit by conforming the limit to levels called for in the budget resolution. Establish an optional new bipartisan budget pathway through which the budget would set deficit reduction priorities that include health care, revenue levels, appropriations, and tax expenditures. Such bipartisan budgets would require the support of at least 60 Senators, including at least 15 members of the minority party, and would be considered in the Senate under expedi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/empowering-youth-and-helping-vermont-communities Empowering Youth and Helping Vermont Communities 2019-11-06 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Empowering Youth and Helping Vermont Communities Through the YouthBuild program, ReSOURCE is helping young Vermonters gain education and employment credentials, while also empowering them to be active members in our communities. By learning construction trade job skills, these young people are realizing their full potential and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of Vermonters through restoring and building affordable housing. I applaud the work YouthBuild is doing throughout the country and can't wait to see what these young leaders do next. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-advocates-for-initiatives-to-boost-maines-clean-energy-production King Advocates for Initiatives to Boost Maine’s Clean Energy Production 2019-11-06 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today in an Energy Subcommittee hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) advocated for his legislation that would support businesses investing in energy efficiency technology, help diversify energy options for rural industries, and maximize the value of Maine's natural resources. The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Support Act reauthorizesand funds the CHP Technical Assistance Partnerships (TAP) program for the next five years a program that has helped multiple Maine businesses install energy-efficient CHP equipment and save on energy costs. Currently, there are ten regional CHP TAP designated centersincluding the University of Mainewhich serves the New England region. During his opening statement, Senator King also underscored the DOE's support of UMaine's New England Aqua Ventus I Project, which may soon be the first floating offshore wind development in the United States. The hearing featured testimony from Daniel Simmons, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Ithank the Department for its steadfast support of the Aqua Ventus program in Maine, which I think is one of the most promising of the technologiesyour support and the Department's support consistently has meant a lot, said Senator King in the hearing. I think that project is really getting very close to having all the pieces together, so I want to thank you for that and also thank you for your interest in Combined Heat and Power. That is a technology that we have in hand and I know that the Department has been supportive you've been up to the university. The technical support center is making a real difference for businesses throughout the country, actually. I think the department has identified something like 150 gigawatts of potential power from combined heat and power, potential in the countrythat compares to 300 good sized power plants. So, very efficient use, and I appreciate your support and look forward to working with you on these projects. King or… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-preventive-healthcare-bill-encouraging-routine-primary-care-visits King Introduces Preventive Healthcare Bill Encouraging Routine Primary Care Visits 2019-11-06 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) introduced the Primary Care Patient Protection Act to allow consumers enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHP) to be covered for two yearly visits to primary care physicians. Under current law, individuals covered by HDHPs have a low premium, but higher costs for medical services including primary care visits before their insurance plan begins to cover expenses. As a result, individuals often can't afford the routine visits to the doctor that could detect health concerns before they become larger problems. The Primary Care Patient Protection Act would require HDHPs to offer coverage for two primary care visits per year free of cost-sharing. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. When I was a young man, I went to the doctor for a free checkup covered by my insurance and received some daunting news: I had serious, and potentially life-threatening, form of skin cancer, said Senator King. Without that visit, I would not be here today. It's always haunted me, though, that somewhere in America that same week another young person, who had my condition but not my insurance, wasn't able to catch their disease in time for treatment. I'm living proof that access to a primary care physician matters, and this legislation will make it easier for every American to receive the same lifesaving care that I did all those years ago. The American Academy of Family Physicians applauds Sen. Angus King for introducing the Primary Care Patient Protection Act of 2019 to the Senate, said Gary LeRoy, M.D., President of the American Academy of Family Physicians. This bill takes the financial fear away from Americans who seek care from their primary care physicians. By allowing two no-cost primary care visits each year, the Primary Care Patient Protection Act helps ensure patients will get the care they need before they develop a condition that requires intensive, more costly… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-helps-launch-bipartisan-climate-solutions-caucus Senator King Helps Launch Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus 2019-11-06 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that he has joined the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan effort that brings together Republican, Democratic, and Independent members of the Senate to find bipartisan solutions to address climate change. In addition to Senator King, members of the Climate Solutions Caucus include Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mitt Romney, (R-Utah), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Michael Bennet (D-N.H.), and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The threats of climate change don't end at party lines, and our work to mitigate these effects can't either, said Senator King. The impacts of this crisis are already being felt in Maine; the Gulf of Maine, which plays a vital role in both our economy and our culture, is warming faster than 99% of the world's oceans. This is the most serious global challenge of our time, and we have areas of bipartisan agreement where we can start working together to make much-needed progress. I'm ready to join with any of my colleagues from any political party and any corner of the country to take meaningful steps that will protect the planet for our children and grandchildren. A forceful advocate for clean energy solutions wherever they can be found, Senator King is the lead sponsor on a range of bills that encourage energy efficiency such as theNext Generation Grid Resources and Infrastructure Development (GRID) Actto improve energy independence, foster innovation, and leverage federal resources to support a more resilient and modern electric grid.In a May hearing, Senator King highlightedthe grave dangers posed by rapidly rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere, and emphasized the importance of global collaboration in order to fully and effectively respond to the threats of climate change. In April, he published a column on Earth Daylaying out the ambitious and attainable… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/its-time-for-universal-school-meals It's time for Universal School Meals 2019-11-05 2019 2019-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy It's time for Universal School Meals In the richest country in the history of the world, it is simply outrageous that 1 in 5 children will go hungry this year. The Universal School Meals Program Act I introduced with Rep. Omar will help provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to every student in America, regardless of income - and it will wipe out existing school lunch debt. We must do better for our kids to ensure they succeed. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-spotlights-maines-opposition-to-offshore-drilling-in-energy-committee King Spotlights Maine’s Opposition to Offshore Drilling in Energy Committee 2019-11-05 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, in a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) pressed nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Interior, Katharine MacGregor to ensure that no action is being taken or plans underway from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to drill natural resources off of the coast of Maine reasserting the state's opposition to offshore drilling. During the hearing, Senator King also pressed nominees on their support of the Restore Our Parks Act, conserving natural resources, and improving the efficiency of the electric grid. The other nomination under consideration in today's committee hearing was James Danly, nominee for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The exchange with nominee MacGregor included this moment: King: On offshore drilling, I was delighted to hear your answer to Senator [Mike] Lee's question about collaboration and cooperation with state officials. In the state of Maine, our legislature, our governor, and our entire Congressional delegation are adamantly opposed to offshore drilling off our coast. Will you take the same view of the importance of collaboration with state officials in that situation? MacGregor: Absolutely sir. 43 USC 1344 is where we get direction on the administration of the leasing program. It requires our work with the governors of the state and local governments. King: And you will absolutely respect that provision? MacGregor: We will absolutely work every step of the way. We shall work as directed by law. King: Are there plans for drilling or exploration off the New England coast today? MacGregor: I think the Secretary's statement that a five year plan is not imminent right now is correct. We are evaluating the impact of separate litigation on that program. +++ Later in the hearing, Senator King discussed the importance of conserving natural resources for future generations. In the space between our grandparent's birth and our grandchildren's death, we are going to use up essentially all of the f… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-us-trade-ambassador-to-protect-maine-jobs-in-ongoing-trade-dispute-with-european-union Maine Delegation Calls on U.S. Trade Ambassador to Protect Maine Jobs in Ongoing Trade Dispute with European Union 2019-11-05 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, calling on him to alleviate the economic hardship affecting Maine businesses as a result of the current trade dispute between the United States and the European Union. In October 2019, the U.S. imposed tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of European products following a World Trade Organization ruling that the European Union illegally subsidized Airbus. The Maine delegation has heard from multiple Maine employers who were harmed by these tariffs. Tariffs imposed by both the U.S. and the E.U. are hurting businesses and consumers in our state. As negotiations continue, we encourage you to avoid subjecting Maine to economic harm, Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden wrote. There has been an immediate strain on companies in the specialty foods and hospitality industries, many of which are small, locally-owned businesses. While we oppose the E.U. efforts to subsidize Airbus, we also recognize that tariffs can cause harm to American jobs and increase the price of goods for American consumers. Addressing unfair trade practices requires a careful approach, and we believe that dialogue is a critical part of the process, the Maine delegation continued. We encourage the Administration to strive quickly for a solution that protects U.S. industry and jobs and promotes economic growth. In their letter, the Maine delegation also noted that the 25 percent retaliatory tariffs that the European Union imposed in June 2018 on U.S. goods in response to Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs have been detrimental to other industries in Maine, including marine and manufacturing businesses. In 2018, Maine imported $769 million from the European Union and exported nearly $370 million in goods and services, making the bloc our second largest export market. A total of $2.3 million worth of Maine exports have been targeted with tariffs by the Europ… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-maine-modern-wood-heat-symposium-king-highlights-new-uses-for-maines-forests At Maine Modern Wood Heat Symposium, King Highlights New Uses for Maine’s Forests 2019-11-04 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) delivered the keynote address at the Maine Modern Wood Heat Symposium at the University of Southern Maine's Portland Campus. Senator King, an author and lead sponsor of the Biomass Thermal Utilization Act, shared his insights on the importance of the issue, and discussed his efforts to advance clean energy initiatives and support modern wood heating. The symposium gathered forest economy and clean energy leaders from the public and private sectors to discuss the future of this growing industry which can both lower emissions and create new opportunities to make use of Maine's vast forests. The Maine State Wood Energy Assistance Team that organized today's event was established by U.S. Department of Agriculture funding, which Senator King advocated for, in 2016. Maine's vast forests are one of our state's most plentiful resources, and we need to explore every possible way to use this gold mine of fiber including helping Maine people stay warm during cold winters, said Senator King. Modern wood heating allows us to heat Maine homes, schools, and businesses in a way that will cut energy costs for consumers, create jobs, and reduce emissions. This is a win-win for Maine people, and it's being driven by the leaders who are coming together today to innovate and create new opportunities that drive our economy and our communities forward. Senator King is a strong supporter of efforts to revitalize Maine's forest economy to further economic opportunities for Maine people. He was key in establishingthe Forest Opportunity Roadmap Maine (FOR/ME) Initiative, an industry-led initiative that is helping to diversify the state's wood products businesses, attract investments, support research and development, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures. The FOR/ME Initiative was funded as a result of the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT)requested by Senators Collins and King in 2016, with support from the U.S. Department … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-maine-to-receive-more-than-36-million-for-heating-assistance-for-low-income-mainers Collins, King Announce Maine to Receive More Than $36 Million for Heating Assistance for Low-Income Mainers 2019-11-04 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing a total of $36,175,861 in funding for Maine through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), including $1,322,228 specifically for tribes and tribal organizations. As the cold winter months approach, it is vital that we ensure low-income families and seniors in Maine have access to affordable home energy to protect their health and safety, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding is welcome news as these programs remain important lifelines that help prevent vulnerable individuals from having to choose between heating their home, paying their bills, or going without food or medicine. Senators Collins and King have long led bipartisan efforts to support federal funding for LIHEAP. In October, Senator Collins wrote a letter with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that was cosigned by 33 of their colleagues, including Senator King, urging HHS to release LIHEAP funds without delay and at as high a level as possible under the continuing resolution. HHS released a total of $3.32 billion to states, tribes, and territories, which is approximately 90 percent of the FY 2019 funding level of $3.68 billion. The funding was allocated as follows: State of Maine: $34,853,633Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians: $157,365Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians: $157,365Passamaquoddy Tribe--Indian Township: $300,260Passamaquoddy Tribe--Pleasant Point: $418,917Penobscot Tribe: $288,321 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-portland-kickoff-of-aca-open-enrollment-king-urges-maine-people-to-get-covered At Portland Kickoff of ACA Open Enrollment, King Urges Maine People to Get Covered 2019-11-01 2019 2019-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined Maine healthcare providers and advocates at the Greater Portland Health Clinic to urge Maine people to sign up for healthcare during the shortened enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Today marks the first day of the ACA's 2020 Open Enrollment period, which will run only six weeks and end on December 15th. To sign up for coverage in 2020 during the Open Enrollment period, log on to http://www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for more information before December 15, 2019. Maine people interested in additional information can also visit coverME.gov, or make a confidential and toll-free call to Consumers for Affordable Health Care at 1-800-965-7476. Today is the first day Maine people can enroll in healthcare for 2020 through the Affordable Care Act and with only six weeks to sign up, there's no time to waste, said Senator King. Insurance is complicated, and starting your search today will allow you to find the right plan that fits your medical needs and budget. Securing insurance coverage is too important to slip through the cracks sign up today, and make sure you and your family enter this new year with insurance coverage that keeps you healthy both physical and financially. Senator King is a vocal proponent of efforts to protect and improve the Affordable Care Act, which has helped millions of Americans access healthcare. In May, he announced his support for a Senate resolution rejecting the Department of Justice's (DOJ)decisionto uphold a Texas Federal Judge'srulingthat deems the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. In July 2018, Senator King joined a group of his colleagues to introduce a resolution that would haveauthorized the Senate Legal Counsel to interveneinTexas v. United States, and in December 2018 he joined a group of Senate colleagues to call on President Trump tocondemnthe resulting decision in the case. He has also fought the Administration'svarious attempts to sabotage the health care law and met with Maine peopl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-eve-of-healthcare-enrollment-period-kickoff-king-joins-legislation-to-make-insurance-more-affordable-for-young-adults On Eve of Healthcare Enrollment Period Kickoff, King Joins Legislation to Make Insurance More Affordable for Young Adults 2019-10-31 2019 2019-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. One day before the beginning of the Affordable Care Act's 2020 Open Enrollment period, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) helped introduce legislation that increases access to healthcare for young Americans. The Advancing Youth Enrollment Act would improve affordability while maintaining Affordable Care Act protections and access to essential services; as a result, nearly 5 million uninsured young adults could be eligible to receive additional financial support to help reduce their monthly health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Many young people may think they don't need to worry about a serious health problem but that's simply not the case. An unexpected illness or injury can strike anyone, at any time, which is why it's so important that we ensure young Americans have access to health insurance that protects them from medical or financial ruin, said Senator King. By making sure they have coverage when emergency strikes, we can help our young people withstand crises and continue to build their lives. As a young startup founder in Maine, I went without health insurance for two years because it felt like a luxury compared to other pressing expenses, said Maddie Purcell, founder of Fyood Kitchen. The constant, low-level worry from knowing I wasn't adequately covered was exhausting. I'm grateful to Senator King and his team for supporting the Advancing Youth Enrollment Act so that others in my position won't have to choose between quality health coverage and getting their careers off the ground. The Advancing Youth Enrollment Act would increase the value of premium tax credits for young adults ages 18 to 35 years old, which would result in more financial support to help them afford quality health coverage. Importantly, this protects older adults and those with pre-existing conditions from facing higher costs or seeing their current tax credits reduced. Under the Advancing Youth Enrollment Act, a young person enrolled through the marketplace would see their cost for a silver plan go down… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/vermont-fire-departments-awarded-more-than-2-million-in-federal-grants Vermont Fire Departments Awarded More Than $2 Million in Federal Grants 2019-10-30 2019 2019-10 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy BURLINGTON, Vt., October 30 Vermont's congressional delegation announced Wednesday that the Vermont Fire Academy and fire departments throughout the state have received more than $2 million through 16 federal grants.The awards are part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which helps fire departments, fire academies, and EMS agencies obtain critically needed equipment and training to better protect the public and first responders. This year's AFG grants will help departments purchase equipment including air packs, vehicle extraction tools, and a fire truck, and it will also fund paramedic training.Vermont's first responders are some of the most dedicated public servants we have. They keep our communities safe, answering the call at all hours of the day and night, and they put their own safety on the line in doing so. We are pleased that these federal grants will help departments secure the updated equipment they need and deserve so that they can continue to provide these vital services, said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.).The federal grants were awarded to:Putney Fire Department, $181,510Burlington Fire Department, $162,273City of Rutland Fire Department, 47,317Williston Fire Department (in partnership with Essex Rescue and Colchester Rescue), $305,209Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Vermont Fire Academy, $124,585Peru Fire Department, $62,039Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, $124,286Stamford Volunteer Fire Department, $9,524Springfield Fire Department, $95,595Newbury Volunteer Fire Department, $106,286Grafton Firefighters' Association, $65,238Essex Junction Fire Department, $141,071Thetford Volunteer Fire Department, $118,065Readsboro Fire Department, $85,714Poultney Fire Department, $136,333Rupert Volunteer Fire Department, $264,762The next AFG application period is expected to open in December. In preparation, FEMA's grant specialists will be hosting worksho… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/vermont/delegation-release-vermont-fire-departments-awarded-more-than-2-million-in-federal-grants Delegation Release: Vermont Fire Departments Awarded More than $2 Million in Federal Grants 2019-10-30 2019 2019-10 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Delegation Release: Vermont Fire Departments Awarded More than $2 Million in Federal Grants Wednesday, October 30, 2019 BURLINGTON, Vt., October 30 Vermont's congressional delegation announced Wednesday that the Vermont Fire Academy and fire departments throughout the state have received more than $2 million through 16 federal grants. The awards are part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which helps fire departments, fire academies, and EMS agencies obtain critically needed equipment and training to better protect the public and first responders. This year's AFG grants will help departments purchase equipment including air packs, vehicle extraction tools, and a fire truck, and it will also fund paramedic training. Vermont's first responders are some of the most dedicated public servants we have. They keep our communities safe, answering the call at all hours of the day and night, and they put their own safety on the line in doing so. We are pleased that these federal grants will help departments secure the updated equipment they need and deserve so that they can continue to provide these vital services, said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.). The federal grants were awarded to: Putney Fire Department, $181,510 Burlington Fire Department, $162,273 City of Rutland Fire Department, 47,317 Williston Fire Department (in partnership with Essex Rescue and Colchester Rescue), $305,209 Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Vermont Fire Academy, $124,585 Peru Fire Department, $62,039 Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, $124,286 Stamford Volunteer Fire Department, $9,524 Springfield Fire Department, $95,595 Newbury Volunteer Fire Department, $106,286 Grafton Firefighters' Association, $65,238 Essex Junction Fire Department, $141,071 Thetford Volunteer Fire Department, $118,065 Readsboro Fire Department, $85,714 Po… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-administration-finalize-ban-of-flavored-e-cigarettes King, Colleagues Urge Administration Finalize Ban of Flavored E-Cigarettes 2019-10-30 2019 2019-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) joined with 25 Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address the growing epidemic of teen e-cigarette use by removing non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes from store shelves nationwide. In September, the Administration announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would quickly finalize a compliance policy preventing the sale of unauthorized, non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettesincluding mint and menthol flavorsthat are popular among children; however, there has been no movement on this policy in the months since. We have long advocated for this action and were encouraged that the Administration had finally decided to act. As of today, however, the FDA has neither finalized nor announced when it will finalize the compliance policy and is reportedly considering significantly weakening this policy by exempting mint and menthol products, which your agency's own data have demonstrated are incredibly popular among children, wrote the senators. While the Administration continues to permit the sale of unauthorized, non-tobacco flavored e-cigarette products, each day more children are becoming e-cigarette users driven primarily by flavors. We strongly urge the Administration to fulfill its promise to clear the market of all unauthorized, non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes including mint and menthol flavors immediately. The senators also expressed their concerns over reports that the FDA is considering exempting mint and menthol flavors, despite its promise to include them in the compliance policy. In the past year, e-cigarette use has increased by more than 75 percent amongst high school students, largely fueled by the appeal of products with flavors like candy, fruit, mint and menthol. Nearly two-thirds of youth that use e-cigarettes use mint and menthol products. The full letter can be read below or downloadedHERE. +++ The Honorable Alex M. Azar II Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-promote-health-and-cut-insurance-costs-king-stresses-importance-of-federal-workplace-wellness-programs To Promote Health and Cut Insurance Costs, King Stresses Importance of Federal Workplace Wellness Programs 2019-10-30 2019 2019-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he has joined two of his Senate colleagues to urge the federal government to evaluate the effectiveness of federal workplace wellness programs. Senator King joined Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in reaching out to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to emphasize the benefits of programs that encourage healthier lifestyles, reduce risks of chronic diseases and cut overall healthcare expenses. In their letter, Senators King, Cardin, and Van Hollen urge the GAO to assess the availability, participation and impact of these programs in our federal workforce. The burden of chronic disease is not just hurting individuals, but is also contributing to the rising cost of healthcarewhich has put a strain not only on family budgets but also on employers, wrote the senators in the letter. The average premium for employer-sponsored coverage for a family of four now exceeds $18,000, and employee contributions exceed $5,500 annually. According to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), the average emergency room visit cost $1,003 in 2016; almost 10 times the cost of a visit to a family physician. As noted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Worksite health and wellness programs help employees modify their lifestyles and move toward an optimal state of wellness,' continued the senators. As the nation's largest employer, it is essential that the federal government utilize workplace wellness programs strategically. Compared to private companies, the federal government is in a unique position as a steward of taxpayer dollars, and thus should actively seek ways to minimize cost and maintain healthy employees. According to OPM, federal agencies are encouraged to develop and sustain programs that address the current and future needs of their employees to produce the healthiest possible workforce. Senator King is a champion for prevention policies across the board including advocating for the benefits and financial eff… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-demands-improvements-to-lead-exposure-screening-for-children King Demands Improvements to Lead Exposure Screening for Children 2019-10-29 2019 2019-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined a group of his colleagues in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to take additional steps to support children affected by lead exposure, including increased prevention, screening and treatment efforts. In a letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma, Senator King and 16 senators requested an update on how CMS plans to address demonstrated gaps in data pertaining to blood lead level screenings and urged CMS to renew its commitment to ensuring appropriate lead screening for children at risk of lead exposure.A study by the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting showed that from 2003 to 2013, an average of 130 Maine children per year were diagnosed with lead poisoning with the effects focused on children from low-income families. Childhood lead exposure remains a serious public health challenge for communities across the country, the senators wrote. With Medicaid serving as an essential health coverage source for the nation's children, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plays a critical role in the prevention, screening, and treatment of children affected by lead exposure. Decades of research demonstrate that lead exposure poses a serious and grave risk to the health of children, the senators continued. Lead exposure can lead to serious health consequences including a lifetime of disease and behavioral challenges. Even as rates of lead poisoning are falling nationwide, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that children in at least four million households across the United States are currently exposed to high levels of lead whether from paint, contaminated soil, water, toys, or other household items While we were encouraged by the steps CMS took in 2016, it is clear that more needs to be done to increase screening rates, emphasize prevention, and facilitate early intervention. Current federal law requires blood lead screening as appropriate for age and risk factors for all ch… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-the-importance-of-cyber-security-in-defense-cloud-technology King Highlights the Importance of Cyber Security in Defense Cloud Technology 2019-10-29 2019 2019-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), questioned Dana Deasy, nominee for Chief Information Officer at the Department Of Defense (DOD), on whether there are security risks associated with storing sensitive information through cloud technology. Senator King alsoquestioned Deasy on the process through which the recent Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) contract was awarded to Microsoft, given suggestions by President Trump that he would intervene to prevent the contract from being awarded to rival company Amazon. Later in the hearing, Senator King questioned Mr. Deasy on frequency of cyberattacks on DOD infrastructure and ways to bolster cybersecurity. Let me ask you a question about the cloud that was touched on earlier. People in Maine have approached me and said, why are we going to the cloud? You put everything in one place, doesn't that increase vulnerability?' [Mr. Deasy,] you talked about the three systems you saw in Afghanistan, said Senator King. One of the reasons our election system was not successfully attacked in 2018 is that it's so diffuse. It's state, local, it's someone described it as a hairball. It's very hard to penetrate. It seems to me, if you have the cloud and everything's there if it is penetrated, it's a bonanza for the adversary. Assure me that we're not making a large-scale mistake here, by concentrating all of our assets in one place, hoping that it's entirely secure, but, if it isn't, it's a disaster if it's penetrated. The hearing also featured testimony from Lisa Hershman, nominee for Chief Management Officer at the Department Of Defense, and Robert Sander, nominee for General Counsel at the Department Of The Navy. During his time in the Senate, Senator King has been a strong advocate for functional and effective cyber policy, and deterring cyberattacks on American elections and everyday life. Senator King and U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced theSecuring Energy Infrastructure Act, whic… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/its-time-for-billionaires-to-pay-their-fair-share-in-taxes It's Time for Billionaires to Pay Their Fair Share in Taxes 2019-10-28 2019 2019-10 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy It's Time for Billionaires to Pay Their Fair Share in Taxes We are facing levels of inequality not seen since the Gilded Age of the robber barons, where the top one-tenth of one percent owns about as much wealth as the bottom 90 percent. The richest 400 billionaires pay lower taxes than everyone else. In my view, this obscene inequality in wealth and political power is not compatible with a democratic society. I am proud that Rep. Jimmy Gomez is leading three dozen members of the House in introducing the For The 99.8% Act to tax today's dynasty trusts and curb their power, while raising trillions of dollars for the essential programs we need as a country. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-october-podcast-king-stresses-preventive-healthcare-with-leading-experts In October Podcast, King Stresses Preventive Healthcare with Leading Experts 2019-10-28 2019 2019-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the October edition of Senator King's Inside Maine podcast, with this edition focusing on preventive healthcare policies. In this episode, Senator King first welcomed Dr. Anand Parekh, chief medical advisor at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), who discussed the importance of creating incentives for prevention-oriented healthcare at a national level. In the second segment, Senator King spoke to Dr. Lori Parham, the state director at AARP Maine, about preventive healthcare efforts at a state level, particularly around Maine's aging population. Both guests were featured panelists at Senator King's panel discussion on prevention in Bangor earlier this month, which brought together local healthcare providers, public wellness experts and Maine residents to discuss the best ways to use prevention strategies to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Americans pay the highest per capita costs for healthcare, but our health outcomes don't reflect these investments we all too frequently wait for symptom to arise, instead of staying ahead of health threats. Clearly, something about our approach isn't working, said Senator King. It's important that legislators and the medical community alike shift our mindsets to address health problems before they get serious because the cheapest and safest medical procedure is one that doesn't have to happen in the first place. Dr. Parekh and Dr. Parham are leaders in shifting how we discuss healthcare expenses and improve public health, and I am grateful that they joined me to share their expertise on this subject. Senator King has made preventive healthcare one of his top priorities in the Senate, introducing legislation and convening leaders to discuss how we can be proactive to both improve healthcare outcomes and reduce national healthcare spending. In May, Senator Kingintroduced the Preventive Health Savings Act of 2019, which would direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to more accurately r… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

Next page

Advanced export

JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object

CSV options:

CREATE TABLE [releases] (
   [url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
   [title] TEXT,
   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
Powered by Datasette · Queries took 1686.663ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press