Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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1,181 rows where chamber = "House", state = "ME" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending
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party 3
- Republican 614
- Independent 409
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year 1
- 2018 · 1,181 ✖
state 1
- ME · 1,181 ✖
chamber 1
- House · 1,181 ✖
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-members-coast-guard-affected-partial-government-shutdown | Senator Collins Statement on Members of Coast Guard Affected by Partial Government Shutdown | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senator Collins' Statement on Members of Coast Guard Affected by Partial Government Shutdown Posted Fri, 12/28/2018 - 16:49 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement today regarding a separate payroll system that will prevent active-duty members of the Coast Guard from receiving pay for pre-shutdown work unless action is taken: Most federal employees will receive their scheduled paychecks today, but that is not the case for 42,000 Coast Guard members, who will not be paid for pre-shutdown work because they are under a different pay system.This is not fair. I called the White House to urge an immediate fix. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-collins-king-and-rep-pingree-announce-contract-award-build | Sens. Collins, King and Rep. Pingree Announce Contract Award to Build Additional Destroyer at Bath Iron Works | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree announced today that the Navy is exercising its option under the fiscal years (FY) 2018-2022 multiyear procurement contract awarded in September to build an additional DDG-51 destroyer at Bath Iron Works (BIW) for $910,723,811. This FY 2019 option ship is in addition to four ships the Navy awarded the shipyard under the multiyear contract. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer called Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree to inform them of the award. The Navy's decision to build an additional DDG-51 at BIW is great news for the hardworking men and women at the shipyard. They can now spend the holidays with their families knowing that this additional ship will help keep the workload stable in the months and years ahead, said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. The Navy's latest contract decision is a testament to the quality work being done at BIW to produce the backbone of today's Navy. We are extremely proud to represent the best shipbuilders in the world right here in Maine and work together to support them in Congress." In addition to the five DDG-51s already funded in FY 2018 and FY 2019, the delegation will seek to ensure that Congress provides the necessary funding and statutory authority for the Navy to procure the six additional DDG-51s called for under the multiyear contract and up to three additional option ships. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. In September, Senators Collins and King both advocated for the passage of the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill, which included funding for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in FY 2019, while also including $250 million in advanced procurement funding for an additional destroyer in FY 2020… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-looming-trump-shutdown | Statement on Looming Trump Shutdown | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding the looming federal government shutdown that President Trump has welcomed despite its impact on the nation's federal workforce: "Since June, seven bills that were deliberated and approved by Republicans and Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee to fund the government have been waiting for a vote. Inexplicably, Republican leadership has refused to pass these bipartisan measures. Instead, in his final act as Speaker, Paul Ryan has shown complete disregard for federal workers, many of whom must work over the holidays without a guaranteed paycheck, and is allowing the government to teeter on the verge of a shutdown to appease President Trump. "In the past week, our nation has been rocked by President Trump's chaotic Administration. We've seen two of his cabinet secretaries abruptly resign; he's flippantly changed our foreign policy course in Syria via tweet; he's considered an Attorney General candidate who's openly admitted that he'd undermine the Mueller Investigation; and he's welcomed a shutdown just days before Christmas. Congress needs to work in the interest of the country and keep the government open. Americans are counting on us to provide stability and reassurance in the face of the Trump administration's chaos. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/sens-collins-king-and-rep-pingree-announce-contract-award-build-additional-destroyer-bath | Sens. Collins, King and Rep. Pingree Announce Contract Award to Build Additional Destroyer at Bath Iron Works. | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree announced today that the Navy is exercising its option under the fiscal years (FY) 2018-2022 multiyear procurement contract awarded in September to build an additional DDG-51 destroyer at Bath Iron Works (BIW) for $910,723,811. This FY 2019 option ship is in addition to four ships the Navy awarded the shipyard under the multiyear contract. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer called Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree to inform them of the award. The Navy's decision to build an additional DDG-51 at BIW is great news for the hardworking men and women at the shipyard. They can now spend the holidays with their families knowing that this additional ship will help keep the workload stable in the months and years ahead, said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. The Navy's latest contract decision is a testament to the quality work being done at BIW to produce the backbone of today's Navy. We are extremely proud to represent the best shipbuilders in the world right here in Maine and work together to support them in Congress." In addition to the five DDG-51s already funded in FY 2018 and FY 2019, the delegation will seek to ensure that Congress provides the necessary funding and statutory authority for the Navy to procure the six additional DDG-51s called for under the multiyear contract and up to three additional option ships. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. In September, Senators Collinsadvocated for the passage of the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill, which included funding for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in FY 2019, while also including $250 million in advanced procurement funding for an additional destroyer in FY 2020. The legislation was signed into… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-departure-of-secretary-of-defense-james-mattis | King Statement on Departure of Secretary of Defense James Mattis | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the announcement that Secretary of Defense James Mattis would be leaving the Trump Administration at the end of February: When I first considered General Mattis's nomination to serve as Defense Secretary, I concluded that he was an experienced leader' who would serve as a moderating voice within the Administration.' After nearly two years of service, I can say with confidence that Secretary Mattis has filled this role to the best of his ability given the Administration in which he served, providing a seasoned, rational voice on national security in the midst of numerous international challenges. His departure is extremely worrisome, particularly as it comes on the heels of a number of increasingly erratic foreign policy decisions that endanger American interests abroad and undermine our nation's place as a world leader. Quite frankly, I've slept better knowing that Secretary Mattis was leading the Department of Defense and providing counsel to this President on issues of national security, and while I understand his reluctance to continue to serve in an administration that ignores his expertise, I'm unsure who if anyone will be able to replace his measured, thoughtful approach in these important conversations. The loss of Jim Mattis's voice is a loss for the American people. He will leave mighty shoes to fill, and I will measure any nominee the President puts forward against Secretary Mattis's distinguished record of performance, patriotism, and service to his country. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-partial-government-shutdown | King Statement on Partial Government Shutdown | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in advance of this evening's deadline to prevent a partial government shutdown: We shouldn't be in this situation. For months, Congress has worked on a bipartisan basis to craft spending bills that would attract support from both parties including substantial funds for border security. Instead, the President has forced a partial government shutdown unless his demands for a wall on the southern border are met. As a result of his decision to reject a bipartisan agreement, federal employees like law enforcement officers, park rangers, and air traffic controllers must spend their holidays worrying if their next paycheck will be affected by political games. Everyone in the Congress is in favor of enhanced border security; the issue is whether a wall is the best and most cost-effective method of achieving this. According to the agreement reached by party leadership in the Senate Friday afternoon, there will be no more votes on the budget bills until there is a final agreement between President Trump and House and Senate leadership. Senator King will return home to Maine tonight, and will return to Washington D.C. to vote as soon as an agreement is reached. After discussions with leaders of both parties, Senator King is hopeful that a reasonable resolution can be reached in short order. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-collins-king-and-rep-pingree-announce-contract-award-to-build-additional-destroyer-at-bath-iron-works | Sens. Collins, King and Rep. Pingree Announce Contract Award to Build Additional Destroyer at Bath Iron Works. | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree announced today that the Navy is exercising its option under the fiscal years (FY) 2018-2022 multiyear procurement contract awarded in September to build an additional DDG-51 destroyer at Bath Iron Works (BIW) for $910,723,811. This FY 2019 option ship is in addition to four ships the Navy awarded the shipyard under the multiyear contract. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer called Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree to inform them of the award. The Navy's decision to build an additional DDG-51 at BIW is great news for the hardworking men and women at the shipyard. They can now spend the holidays with their families knowing that this additional ship will help keep the workload stable in the months and years ahead, said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. The Navy's latest contract decision is a testament to the quality work being done at BIW to produce the backbone of today's Navy. We are extremely proud to represent the best shipbuilders in the world right here in Maine and work together to support them in Congress." In addition to the five DDG-51s already funded in FY 2018 and FY 2019, the delegation will seek to ensure that Congress provides the necessary funding and statutory authority for the Navy to procure the six additional DDG-51s called for under the multiyear contract and up to three additional option ships. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. In September, Senators Collins and King both advocated for the passage of the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill, which included funding for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in FY 2019, while also including $250 million in advanced procurement funding for an additional destroyer in FY 2020. The legislation was… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-democrats-introduce-bill-stop-research-agency-reorganization-and | House Democrats Introduce Bill To Stop Research Agency Reorganization and Relocation | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced HR 7330, the Agriculture Research Integrity Act today to block the reorganization and relocation of federal agriculture research agencies. The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT), Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), James P. McGovern(D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Mark Pocan (D-WI). USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue has proposed moving the National Institutes of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Economic Research Service (ERS) out of the Washington, D.C., area, in addition to shifting authority of ERS from the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics to the Office of the Secretary. HR 7330, The Agriculture Research Integrity Act (ARIA), would both require the USDA to keep the agencies within the capital area and keep ERS within the purview of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics so it can remain free of politicization. Bill text available here. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Economic Research Service are already doing great work to support American farmers and consumers right where they are. Uprooting these key agencies is absolutely unnecessary and risks weakening them when our nation's food system and agricultural economy need them most, Congresswoman Pingree said. My colleagues and I have repeatedly sent this message to the Secretary. Since he's forging ahead regardless of our feedbackor the concerns of the nation's agriculture research scientiststhis bill is a necessary step. All Democratic members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture have signed onto the billReps. Bishop, DeLauro, Pingree, and Pocanas well as House Agriculture Committee members Reps. Fudge, Kuster, McGovern, and Panetta. Reps. Hoyer and Norton represent constituents in the capital area. I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that would ensure the National Institute of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-calls-usda-s-gmo-label-deceptive | Pingree Calls USDAs GMO Label Deceptive | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) released the following statement on USDA's final standard for labeling genetically modified (GMO) food. The agency plans to use the lesser-known term Bioengineered while using a label that avoids any reference to artificial genetic alteration. The USDA's plan for labeling genetically modified food is an insult to consumers. What people across the country have asked forand what Congress has passedis more information and transparency about the food on the nation's shelves. What USDA has produced is a marketing campaign aimed at putting a positive spin on GMO food. These labels should give people the facts of whether ingredients in their food have been genetically altered, plain and simple. It seems like USDA is trying to paper over those facts here. In the coming Congress, I will be working on the House Appropriations Committee to push against this deceptive campaign. Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, which oversees funding for USDA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-authored-collins-king-bolster-northern-border-regional-commission-signed-law | Bill Authored by Collins, King to Bolster the Northern Border Regional Commission Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced that the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, was signed into law today. The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) funds grants for projects throughout northern and central Maine, as well as northern New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont, spurring economic and community development. In 2018, the NBRC awarded $2.9 million in grants for projects throughout Maine. The Northern Border Regional Commission is a critical source of investment for northern and central Maine, helping to grow the economy and create jobs, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Our bipartisan bill will continue the NBRC's work to strengthen communities through projects that support business retention and expansion, infrastructure development, and increased access to high-speed telecommunications. Senators Collins and King have long advocated for the NBRC, and introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act in March 2018 with Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). This bipartisan legislation included in the 2018 Farm Bill extends the authorization of the NBRC for five years, increases the authorization to $33 million per year, and makes additional reforms to encourage business retention and expansion in northern Maine and distressed rural communities. The reauthorization will allow the NBRC to attract businesses from outside the United States as well as devote additional resources to encourage renewable energy development in the region. Additionally, the Northern Border Regiona… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bill-support-young-beginning-farmers-and-ranchers-signed-law | Bipartisan Bill to Support Young & Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced that the Next Generation in Agriculture Act was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. This bipartisan bill will support programs that help new and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world. Senators Collins and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) introduced The Next Generation in Agriculture Act in April. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The legislation, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, was signed into law today. The Next Generation in Agriculture Act aims to ensure a younger generation of agriculture workers have the education and support they need to begin a career in farming and ranching. The average age of a farmer is 57 years old in both Maine and North Dakota, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Across the country, the share of farmers age 65 and older has increased from 14 percent in 1945, to more than 31 percent in 2012. The percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982, and without efforts to cultivate the next generation of farmers, rural economies could suffer. The future of our country's agriculture industry, a vital component of our economy, is dependent on energizing, supporting, and educating the next generation of farmers, said Senator Collins. Our legislation will ensure that new farmers and ranchers have the tools and firsthand experience necessary to become established in this field by facilitating apprenticeships with older farmers, assisting with the acquisition of land from retiring farmers, and providing critical entrepreneurship and business training. I look forward to seeing this important legislation become law. The Next Generation in Agriculture Act will give the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) more resour… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-legislation-improve-senior-nutrition-signed-law | Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Senior Nutrition Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, announced that the Nourishing Our Golden Years Act is included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, was signed into law today. The Nourishing Our Golden Years Act will streamline the recertification process and reduce the administrative burden on states for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), also known as the Senior Food Box Program. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. Far too many seniors in Maine and across the nation find themselves forced to choose between buying food and buying prescription drugs or paying essential bills, said Chairman Collins. The Senior Food Box program provides qualified seniors with fruits, vegetables, and healthy non-perishable foods to fill this void. Our bipartisan legislation will not only make it easier for seniors to continue to receive the assistance, but it will simplify the process for state agencies that provide this critical support. The Senior Food Box Program reduces food insecurity in Americans age 60 and older by providing a monthly box of non-perishable items to program participants. Currently, participants must recertify every six months to remain in the program even though most participating seniors are on a fixed income and unlikely to experience fluctuations in eligibility. Participants who miss their deadline to recertify are no longer eligible to receive a food box and must reapply. The six-month recertification period poses a barrier to participation. The Nourishing Our Golden Years Act will lift this barrier by extending how often participants must recertify to once per year. This policy change would also minimize the administrative burden for bo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-heitkamp-bipartisan-bill-help-identify-protect-human-trafficking-victims-be-signed | Collins, Heitkamp Bipartisan Bill to Help Identify, Protect Human Trafficking Victims to be Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Nearly 1/3 of Trafficked Women Saw a Health Care Professional While in Captivity Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) today announced that their bipartisan legislation to help combat human trafficking passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House. The Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Act now heads to the President's desk for signature. The bipartisan bill will help make sure health care providers including doctors, nurses, and social workers have the training they need to help identify and protect victims of human trafficking. Studies suggest that nearly one-third of women trafficked in America saw a health care professional while they were still captive to these crimes. Additionally, increased training of health professionals to identify red flags of human trafficking could help make sure victims receive resources and services to get the protection and care they need. The SOAR Act will provide health care workers across the country with needed training on how to recognize, report, and potentially intervene when they see patients who are possible human trafficking victims. By expanding on a U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) pilot program pilot program, the Senators' bill will help provide training to a specific group of professionals who are more likely to encounter potential human trafficking victims to help get them the support they need. Every state in America is affected by the evils of sex trafficking.Human traffickers prey upon the most vulnerable, including homeless or runaway children.Identification is the first, and frequently missed, step in helping victims and stopping these atrocities, said Senator Collins.Senator Heitkamp has been a long-time leader on this issue and an excellent partner on this legislation, which will help ensure that health care providers have the training they need to help identify and protect victims of human trafficking.Her experience as North Dakota's chief law-enforcement officer … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/landmark-legislation-combat-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-be-signed-law | Landmark Legislation to Combat Alzheimers to be Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Approximately 5.5 million Americansand 28,000 Mainersare currently living with this disease Washington, D.C.- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed theBuilding Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). This bipartisan bill will, for the first time, create a public health infrastructure across the country to combat Alzheimer's disease and preserve brain health. The BOLD Act alsopassed the Senate unanimouslyand now awaits the President's signature. Alzheimer's disease is one of the greatest and most under-recognized public health threats of our time. Millions of Americans and thousands of Mainers are living with the disease, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older and lives longer,said Senator Collins, a founder and Senate co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. After decades of increasing investments in biomedical research for Alzheimer's, we are ready for the next step: to translate research into practice. The BOLD Act takes a multi-pronged public health approach that will create a modern infrastructure for the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer's and related dementias. I am proud of the overwhelming bipartisan support our legislation received in Congress and in communities across the nation. BOLD brings us to the brink of a brighter day for Alzheimer's, and I look forward to it being signed into law. The BOLD Act is the first step in addressing the ongoing public health crisis that is currently affecting more than five million Americans. I'm proud to have introduced this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues that will improve early detection and diagnosis, support caregivers and educate the public on Alzheimer's disease and brain health,said Senator Cortez Masto. This important legislation will support Nevadans struggling with Alzheimer's and their families andI will continue… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/library-museum-bill-senator-collins-introduced-bipartisan-group-be-signed-law | Library & Museum Bill Senator Collins Introduced with Bipartisan Group to be Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - In a major victory for libraries, museums, and lifelong learning opportunities, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Their bill passed the Senate unanimously and now awaits the President's signature. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). The Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 renews and builds on the $240 million commitment to the federal museum and library programs administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that helps museums and libraries across the country advance their educational missions, deliver services, preserve history, and make their collections more accessible. The fact that Congress passed the bill by overwhelming margins sent a strong, bipartisan message on the importance of robustly supporting the federal agency that helps museums and libraries better serve their communities. IMLS supports programs at more than 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums nationwide. Public libraries and museums are central community institutions in Maine and throughout the country. Increasingly, libraries have emerged as hubs not just for literacy and Internet access, but for workforce support and community activities. The bipartisan Museum and Library Services Act represents a commitment to supporting libraries and museums that do more than accumulate artifacts they tell stories that enrich our communities and inspire the mi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/major-victory-maine-maple-syrup-and-honey-producers-signed-law | Major Victory for Maine Maple Syrup and Honey Producers Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - In a significant win for Maine's maple syrup and honey producers, a provision that builds upon U.S. Senator Susan Collins' (R-ME) work to prevent the enactment of a confusing labeling requirement was included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, was signed into law today. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins secured an amendment in the agriculture funding bill earlier this year to protect pure maple syrup and honey producers from a misguided Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule that would have required single-ingredient sweeteners to have an added sugar label.Under the requirement, all sugar in these products would have been denoted as added sugar. This could have misled consumers into believing that pure maple syrup includes added high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar. Senator Collins' amendment will still support public health and consumer awareness by retaining the FDA's ability to state the percent daily value of sugars the products contain. The Farm Bill builds on Senator Collins' efforts by including a provision that is virtually identical to her agriculture appropriations amendment. This commonsense provision, which mirrors an amendment I secured in the agriculture funding bill, will prevent the harmful consequences the FDA's labeling rule would have had on Maine's maple syrup and honey producers. Although the FDA's rule was well-intentioned, it would have created widespread consumer confusion and negatively affected many family-owned businesses, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined me in advancing this provision to support this integral part of our agriculture community. In June, Senator Collins met with MaryAnne Kinney, the owner of Kinney Sugar House in Knox, who along with other producers informed Senator Collins how the FDA's proposed labeling rule would impact her b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/provisions-authored-senators-collins-brown-support-local-farming-programs-signed-law | Provisions Authored by Senators Collins, Brown to Support Local Farming Programs Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. In a win for our nation's farmers and local food production, several provisions authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) from the Local Farms and Regional Market Supply (FARMS) Act were included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, was signed into law today. These provisions will provide important funding for several agricultural and health programs that connect farmers with local and regional markets, reduce barriers to entry for local producers, and leverage local resources for programs that combat food insecurity, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined Senator Brown and me in advancing these provisions to support our agriculture community. When we make it easier to connect farmers to their communities, we don't just help individual farms we invest in entire local economies. I worked on this legislation after meeting with farmers, producers, and small businesses across my state. It builds on the important work we did in the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bill to grow these important programs, said Senator Brown. This bill will help farmers from around the state grow their bottom lines and sell more product at home in Ohio. "The inclusion of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) in the final 2018 Farm Bill sends a signal to family farmers and food-producing communities that their work is valued by policymakers in Washington, D.C. Making permanent investments in local and regional food systems through LAMP shows the growing value of these markets, the growth of which is needed now more than ever as farming and rural communities continue to struggle in a declining agricultural economy," said Wes King, Senior Policy Specialist at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). "NSAC is very proud to have been one of LAMP's strongest allies during the farm bill negotiations, and we thank Senator Brown and Sen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-bipartisan-bill-fight-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-be-signed-law | Senator Collins Bipartisan Bill to Fight Alzheimers to be Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Approximately 5.5 million Americansand 28,000 Mainersare currently living with this disease Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed theBuilding Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). This bipartisan bill would, for the first time, create a public health infrastructure across the country to combat Alzheimer's disease and preserve brain health. The BOLD Act has alreadypassed the Senate unanimouslyand now awaits the President's signature. Alzheimer's disease is one of the greatest andmost under-recognized public health threats of our time. Millions of Americans and thousands of Mainers are living with the disease, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older and lives longer,said Senator Collins, a founder and Senate co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. After decades of increasing investments in biomedical research for Alzheimer's, we are ready for the next step: to translate research into practice. The BOLD Act takes a multi-pronged public health approach that will create a modern infrastructure for the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer's and related dementias. I am proud of the overwhelming bipartisan support our legislation received in Congress and in communities across the nation. BOLD brings us to the brink of a brighter day for Alzheimer's, and I look forward to it being signed into law. At The Jackson Laboratory we are committed to helping to find treatments and even stop Alzheimer's before it starts. We're incredibly grateful for Senator Collins' leadership, which provides hope for the future. The new BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act will help to propel Alzheimer's and dementia into the forefront as a public health issue and enable further funding to accelerate research and development for this devastating disease,said Edison T. Liu, president & CE… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-legislation-ban-animal-fighting-united-states-signed-law | Senator Collins Legislation to Ban Animal Fighting in the United States Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) announced that the Parity in Animal Cruelty Enforcement (PACE) Act is included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representative with overwhelming bipartisan support, was signed into law today. In May, Senator Collins led a group of 27 Senators in introducing the PACE Act and in August, they sent a letter to the leadership on the Senate Agriculture Committee urging them to include the PACE Act in the 2018 Farm Bill. The PACE Act would protect animals from vicious cruelty, protect communities from criminal activity often linked to animal fighting such as drug trafficking and gang violence, reduce public health threats from bird flu and other diseases, and enhance enforcement of the federal animal fighting law across the United States. Animal fighting is a cruel activity that pits animals against each other, with animals often drugged to heighten their aggression and forced to keep fighting even after they have suffered grievous injuries, said Senator Collins. The PACE Act will clarify federal prohibitions on animal fighting activity and ensure they are extended to all U.S. jurisdictions, including U.S. territories. We are grateful Senator Collins worked in a bipartisan fashion to lead efforts to include the Parity in Animal Cruelty Enforcement (PACE) Act in the Farm Bill, Humane Society Legislative Fund President Sara Amundson said. This provision will ensure that current federal prohibitions on animal fighting activity are consistently applied in all U.S. jurisdictions including the U.S. territories, where cockfighting is often still openly displayed, and thereby protect animals from vicious cruelty, protect communities from other criminal activity often linked to animal fighting, and reduce threats to public health and the food supply from the transmission of bird flu and other diseases. In recent years, Congress has strengthened the federal animal fighting law on multiple occasions, including amendments in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-legislation-help-strengthen-organic-farming-research-signed-law | Senator Collins Legislation to Help Strengthen Organic Farming Research Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) announced that the Agricultural Research Act of 2018, legislation she authored with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), was included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, was signed into law today. Senators Collins and Casey's legislation will reauthorize and incrementally increase funding for USDA's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) to ensure continued investment in organic agricultural research. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. Over the past five years, Maine's organic agriculture industry has grown by more than 75 percent with the support of the USDA's successful Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, said Senator Collins. Our legislation will strengthen federal investments in this important research program to help ensure farmers in Maine and across the country are equipped with the data, skills, and resources necessary to meet the increasing consumer demand for organic food. Specifically, the Organic Agricultural Research Act of 2018 willreauthorize OREI for an additional five years and gradually increase its funding from $40 million in fiscal year 2019 to $50 million in fiscal year 2023. This level of funding meets a critical threshold which makes the organic research provision a permanent part of the Farm Bill's Research Title moving forward. OREI is the flagship competitive organic research program at USDA, supporting applied research and extension projects that meet the needs of producers and processors that have adopted organic standards. The program helps organic and non-organic farmers alike by funding applied research projects that help growers improve their crop and livestock management skills, protect their produce from pests and diseases, ensure safe handling of fresh value-ad… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-legislation-support-maine-dairy-farmers-signed-law | Senator Collins Legislation to Support Maine Dairy Farmers Signed into Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. In a win for Maine dairy farmers, an amendment authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that will promote innovation and increase demand for milk products was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The legislation, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, was signed into law today. Senators Collins' and Baldwin's amendment will provide $7 million for grants to state departments of agriculture, cooperative extension services, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to administer programs that promote dairy product innovation, process improvement, and marketing. Senator Angus King (I-ME) was a cosponsor of their amendment. Our amendment will support Maine's hardworking dairy farmers by increasing awareness of milk's many health benefits and investing in innovative methods for processing milk and dairy products, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined me in advancing this amendment that will help provide critical support to this integral part of our agriculture community. Maine's dairy farmers work hard to create a great product so let's help them sell it! said Senator King. The Dairy Business Innovation Act will establish regional initiatives to spur innovation in dairy businesses, which can help add more value to the milk farmers produce and expand uses for milk to address oversupply and depressed milk prices. The legislation will also foster the development of new and innovative dairy products, modernize existing dairy plants and support new dairy entrepreneurs. Specifically, the regional initiatives created by the Dairy Business Innovation Act will provide technical assistance and grants for the purpose of: Supporting new and expanding dairy busin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-successfully-block-harmful-house-amendment-becoming-law | Senators Collins, King Successfully Block Harmful House Amendment from Becoming Law | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Following a push from U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), the final conference report of the 2018 Farm Bill does not include an amendment harmful to Maine that would have required state and local governments to accept products from other states even if those products violate standards and regulations enacted in the importing state. The Farm Bill, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, was signed into law today. In August, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan group of 32 Senators in sending a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee leaders urging them to reject this harmful House amendment during the conference negotiations. We are delighted that the Senate bill prevailed, and that the final conference report did not include this harmful provision, said Senators Collins and King. There are a number of state laws in Maine that would have been undermined if this amendment was adopted, including those on crate bans for livestock, consumer protections for blueberry inspections, and environmental safeguards for cranberry cultivation. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-on-president-trump-to-condemn-recent-texas-v-us-decision-on-aca | King, Colleagues Call on President Trump to Condemn Recent Texas V. U.S. Decision on ACA | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined a group of his Senate colleagues to call on President Trump to condemn the recent decision in Texas v. United States which declared the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional. If the decision stands, 20 million Americans could be left without health insurance and millions of families across the country could see healthcare costs rise. It is not too late for you to condemn this decision by requesting a stay and taking steps to defend the Affordable Care Act moving forward, the Senators wrote. The ACA is, quite simply, the law of the land, and it is your Administration's duty to defend it. Further, even among the numerous, failed attempts to repeal the ACA, there was widespread recognition that simply repealing the law without a replacement would be too devastating to American families and to our economy to fathom. Yet that is exactly what this ruling, if upheld, would do. The full text of the letter is below and is available HERE. +++ Dear President Trump: We are writing to express our serious concerns with the December 14th decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in the matter of Texas v. United States and to reiterate our strong objection to the Department of Justice's refusal to defend the law of the land. Judge O'Connor's decision wrongly declares the individual mandate unconstitutional and inseverable from the remainder of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This decision is not just legally unsound, itis inhumane and cruel. If the ruling stands, nearly every American's health care will be affected. The 20 million people who receive insurance coverage through the ACA will be left without the coverage they desperately need. Furthermore, 133 million Americans with pre-existing conditions will be at risk of losing access to treatment. And millions of families, women, seniors, and people with low incomes will see their health care costs rise. It is no exaggeration to say that, if upheld, this decision is a matter of lif… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-graham-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-reconsider-withdrawing-us-forces-from-syria | King, Graham, Bipartisan Group of Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Reconsider Withdrawing U.S. Forces from Syria | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their concern regarding the consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power, the Senators wrote. They continued, The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors. The full text of the letter is below. +++ December 19, 2018 The Honorable Donald J. Trump The President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write today to express our concern regarding your Administration's consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. We believe that such action at this time is a premature and costly mistake that not only threatens the safety and security of the United States, but also emboldens ISIS, Bashar al Assad, Iran, and Russia. The United States currently retains a small and limited military presence within Syria. The approximately 2,000 American troops stationed in Syria serve as a vital shield against ISIS cells operating within North… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-legislation-to-protect-energy-grid-from-cyber-attacks | Senate Passes King Legislation to Protect Energy Grid from Cyber-Attacks | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, the U.S. Senate passed the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho). Both Senators are members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR). The legislation would defend the U.S. energy grid by partnering with industry to utilize engineering concepts to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid through holes in digital software systems. For years we've seen the danger of cyber-attacks grow as bad actors pursue larger and more sophisticated incursions on our vital systems, but the federal government's response has not matched the severity of these threats, said Senator King. This commonsense, bipartisan bill is an important step in the right direction, and will help protect America's critical infrastructure from devastating attacks before they happen. Senators King and Risch first introduced the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act in the 115th Congress in January 2017, and the legislation has gained momentum in the months since. In March 2017, the ENR Committee held a hearing on the legislation, and in September 2017 the Western Governors' Association endorsed the proposal. In October 2017, a companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and John Carter (R-Tex.). In March 2018, the legislation was passed by the ENR Committee. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) are also original cosponsors of the legislation. Critical infrastructure within the United States is an enticing target to malicious actors. Notably, these include industrial control systems, which are operational technologies used to measure, control, or manage industrial functions (e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition systems). Industrial control systems are used in oil and gas pipelines, in electric power generation, transmission, and distrib… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-pingree-highlights-funding-opportunity-expand-rural-broadband | VIDEO: Pingree Highlights Funding Opportunity to Expand Rural Broadband in Maine | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Brunswick, MaineThis morning, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) held a press conference at CEI in Brunswick to raise awareness of the USDA ReConnect Program, a new package of grants and loans to improve Internet speeds in rural areas. Along with stakeholders in attendance, Pingree discussed the problems that slow Internet in parts of Maine creates for those who live and work there, and possibilities for how funding could be used. For too many Mainers, the information superhighway looks more like a narrow dirt road riddled with potholes. This is more than just an inconvenience for themit's a severe handicap. If we can't bring their Internet speeds up quickly, our rural communities and businesses are simply going to get left behind in today's economy, Pingree said in a statement. This funding is a positive first step to addressing a key need in rural America, which is why I have been proud to advocate for it on the House Appropriations Committee. The clear level of need in many parts of Maine makes them great candidates for funding. I hope many apply and want them to know my office is prepared to help however it can. Maine consistently ranks among the slowest in the country for broadband speed, with an overall average of 23.8 mbps and much lower speeds in many areas of the state. As a member of the Rural Broadband Caucus, Congresswoman Pingree has supported legislation to increase broadband investment and has advocated for it on the House Appropriations Committee. Local Stakeholder Statements Being able to have access to good broadband is so important for communities. The ReConnect program can be a big boost for those rural communities working to make it so their citizens have the same opportunities to connect as Maine's urban areas, said Peggy Schaffer of the Maine Broadband Coalition. Maine can ill afford to continue with this digital divide and we are excited that this new USDA program can help provide a boost for communities to connect to the 21 century. Maine has about 40,000 households that we believe me… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-retirement-umaine-chancellor-james-page | Senator Collins Statement on the Retirement of UMaine Chancellor James Page | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senator Collins' Statement on the Retirement of UMaine Chancellor James Page Posted Wed, 12/19/2018 - 07:42 Washington, D.C. Following the announcement by James Page that he will be stepping down as Chancellor of the University of Maine System, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) released this statement: Jim Page's tenure as Chancellor of the University of Maine System has brought about tremendous progress. Delivering a high quality, affordable education to students has always been Jim's number one priority. In particular, he led the One University initiative to transition the seven campuses to one system that delivers education to students more effectively and efficiently. He deserves credit and praise for his visionary leadership during a period of challenging demographics and economic constraints. I wish Jim and his wife Liane all the best and thank him for his service to the people of the State of Maine. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-joins-bipartisan-group-introducing-resolution-condemning-atrocities-against | Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Introducing Resolution Condemning Atrocities Against Rohingya in Burma | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) joined Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today in introducing a bipartisan resolution that highlights the horrific acts of violence against the Rohingya people in Burma. Underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis that followed the brutal crackdown by Burmese security elements in Rohingya communities in 2017, the resolution calls for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to make a determination on whether these crimes constitute genocide. Earlier this month, the Public International Law and Policy Group released a report detailing the atrocities and calling for tribunals for those responsible for the genocide. Additionally, an August United Nations report found that Myanmar's military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingyas with genocidal intent and made the case for prosecuting its commander-in-chief and five generals under international law. The Trump Administration has yet to label the crimes against the Rohingya a genocide, instead calling it ethnic cleansing. The well documented campaign of atrocities committed against the Rohingya people in Rakhine State appears to have been premediated and coordinated by Burmese military and security forces, and should be condemned by the international community for what it was: genocide. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled to Bangladesh amidst horrendous acts of violence and threats of violence, and these refugees carry with them unimaginable stories of cruelty and depravity, said Senator Collins. Our bipartisan resolution, which urges the Administration to make a determination on whether these crimes constitute genocide, would help garner continued international pressure on the Burmese military and government. This resolution also stresses the importance of imposing additional sanctions on senior Burmese officials complicit in carrying out the violence. It encourages Facebook and other social media platforms to counter hate speech that fomen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-100000-passamaquoddy-tribe%E2%80%99s-economic-impact-study | Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $100,000 for Passamaquoddy Tribes Economic Impact Study | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $100,000 for Passamaquoddy Tribe's Economic Impact Study Posted Wed, 12/19/2018 - 09:01 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $100,000 to the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township to fund a study for a potential hydrogen-powered Business/Internet/Data Center on the Passamaquoddy reservation. Results of this study will identify the resources necessary for sustainable operationsincluding workforce development, capital, business management, legal services, and administrative supportwhich will help diversify the regional economy. This important funding from the EDA will assist the Passamaquoddy Tribe in assessing the feasibility of constructing a cutting-edge data center powered by clean energy, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome the EDA's continued investment in Maine's tribal communities, which supports economic development and job creation. The EDA leads the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. As an agency within the Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-push-from-king-usda-outlines-rules-for-broadband-pilot-program-in-rural-america | Following Push from King, USDA Outlines Rules for Broadband Pilot Program in Rural America | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today applauded an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlining its rules for a new rural broadband pilot program. The program, which includes several provisions supported by King, is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Congress created and allocated the funding for the pilot program in the March 2018 omnibus appropriations bill. In rural states like Maine, access to broadband is essential for students to learn and for businesses to grow, Senator King said. The USDA's new pilot program will focus critical investments towards building and expanding high-speed internet for our rural communities, so people in Maine and across the country regardless of where they choose to live or work can have the opportunity to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy. In September 2018, Senator King wrote a letter to the USDA seeking specific provisions in the pilot program, a number of which were included in the department's rules governing the program which were released last week. These include: Acquiring up-to-date broadband mapping data through partnerships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and state governments, and by collecting information from on-the-ground field tests. Accounting for the scope and depth of partnerships between funding applicants and local governments, employers and other key regional institutions when making funding decisions. Maximizing the benefit of these funds by seeking projects in states like Maine that have completed robust broadband planning efforts. The USDA pilot program, which Senator King pushed for as part of the March 2018 omnibus bill, mirrors the B-CROP Act, legislation Senator King cosponsored in August 2017 that would expand the resources available for building broadband infrastructure by bolstering an existing USDA loan program to include grant funding to help support projects in rural and tribal areas. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-100000-for-passamaquoddy-tribes-economic-impact-study- | Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $100,000 for Passamaquoddy Tribe’s Economic Impact Study | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $100,000 to the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township to fund a study for a potential hydrogen-powered Business/Internet/Data Center on the Passamaquoddy reservation. Results of this study will identify the resources necessary for sustainable operationsincluding workforce development, capital, business management, legal services, and administrative supportwhich will help diversify the regional economy. This important funding from the EDA will assist the Passamaquoddy Tribe in assessing the feasibility of constructing a cutting-edge data center powered by clean energy, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome the EDA's continued investment in Maine's tribal communities, which supports economic development and job creation. The EDA leads the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. As an agency within the Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-backed-collins-king | Senate Passes Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill Backed by Collins, King | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed the FIRST Step Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), among others. The legislation, which passed by a vote of 87-12, would improve fairness in sentencing of federal crimes, promote public safety, and reduce recidivism. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisanSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which Senator King cosponsored in July and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. The legislation has been endorsed by the President, has strong bipartisan support in Congress, and is supported by a wide range of law enforcement organizations and criminal justice reform advocates. The FIRST Step Act is modeled after the efforts by dozens of states that have successfully reformed their criminal justice systems to rehabilitate minimum- and low-risk offenders, said Senator Collins. This legislation will make our communities safer by reducing recidivism, give a second chance to people who have committed non-violent crimes, and save taxpayers money. Right now, our criminal justice system isn't working; not for those who spend decades in prison for nonviolent offenses, not for law enforcement officers, and not for taxpayers, said Senator King. But we can create a better criminal justice system, and today we took the first step towards a solution that works for all Americans. This bipartisan bill will make our communities safer, prepare inmates to be productive members of society, and save taxpayer money no wonder it has widespread support from across the ideological spectrum. The comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional developme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-falmouth-native-selected-senate-page-program | Senator Collins Announces Falmouth Native Selected to Senate Page Program | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that she has nominated Falmouth native John Bishop Wahlig III for the United States Senate Page Program for the spring of 2019. John was appointed to the program by Senator Collins following a competitive selection process. He is the son of John and Jennifer Wahlig of Falmouth. I was proud to nominate John to the Senate Page Program, and I know he will do an exceptional job in this important role, said Senator Collins. John is a highly motivated student with an impressive record of academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities. This opportunity will provide him with a unique opportunity to witness the legislative process firsthand. John is deeply involved in his community and has received awards for his leadership and entrepreneurship. He is a junior at Falmouth High School, where he serves as the student advisor to the Maine State Legislature. In addition, John is the founder and president of the Falmouth Computer Programming Club; CEO of Itvara LLC, an iOS development company; and president and teacher at Falmouth Girls Code, an eight-week course on the basics of computer science and programming for elementary school girls. He is also a sailing instructor at the Portland Yacht Club. Senate pages must be high school juniors, at least sixteen years old, and attend school. Senate page duties consist primarily of delivery of correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol complex. Other duties include preparing the chamber for Senate sessions and carrying bills and amendments to the desk. Pages attend classes in the early morning at the United States Senate Page School, a program fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. With 30 pages per session, only the most senior members of the Senate can sponsor pages. Maine students who are interested in applying for future sessions of the Senate Page Program can do so through Senator Collins' website at: https://www.collins.senate.gov/services/students | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pushes-for-bill-to-restore-national-parks-in-senate-floor-speech | King Pushes for Bill to Restore National Parks in Senate Floor Speech | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for theRestore Our Parks Act, a bipartisan bill led by that would address the$12 billion deferred maintenance backlogat the National Park Service (NPS). Senator King is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan bill along with Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). We have a wonderful park in Maine, Acadia. We had three and a half million people last year at that park. But the problem is, I've visited, I've seen leaky roofs, and roads that need repair, and if we don't do that we're not serving the public, we're not serving the next generation of Americans who want to enjoy the parks. And now we have an opportunity to do so that is supported on a bipartisan basis in this body, in the other body, and by the administration. The Restore Our Parks Act consensus proposal is the product of bipartisan discussions among the senators who had previously introduced similar bills, the National Park Service Legacy Act (Warner/Portman) and the National Park Restoration Act (Alexander/King), and has been gaining momentum since its introduction; the legislation is cosponsored by 37 Senators and is supported by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the National Parks Conservation Association, the Pew Charitable Trusts' Restore America's Parks' campaign, and the Outdoor Industry Association, among others. In September, Senator King joined Acting Director of the National Park Service, Dan Smith, on a tour of Acadia National Park to assess the park's critical maintenance needs that would be funded if Congress passed the Restore Our Parks Act. This legislation would have a positive impact on Acadia specifically, which has a maintenance backlog of approximately $60 million, and the surrounding communities like Bar Harbor. A companion bill, theRestore our Parks and Public Lands Act,has been introduced in the House. More sp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-king-pays-tribute-to-longtime-friend-outgoing-chief-of-staff-kay-rand | On Senate Floor, King Pays Tribute to Longtime Friend, Outgoing Chief of Staff Kay Rand | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate floor to pay tribute to Kay Rand, his longtime chief of staff who will be leaving the Senator's office in January. Rand, a native of Ashland, Maine, has served as Senator King's chief of staff since he was sworn-in in 2013, and was King's chief of staff during both of his terms as Maine's governor. She also led both of Senator King's gubernatorial campaigns and his 2012 Senate campaign. After six years of traveling between Washington, D.C. and Maine, Rand will return to Maine full-time at the beginning of 2019. Anything I have achieved in mypublic life has been in manyways attributable to the work ofKay Rand, said Senator King. She has made an enormousdifference in my life and Ibelieve in the life of thepeople of Maine.She's never lost her passion forpublic service, her deepaffection and understanding forthe people of Maine, and theresponsibility that those of uswho have been entrusted with the publiccharge, the public trust, withthe responsibility we have toremember who sent us here, toremember what the values are,what the issues are, what we cando to represent the people ofMaine. Kay Rand has always always reminded me of thatbecause that's who she is.Facetiously, I've often said mystandard for leadership can besummarized in one sentence:Hire good people and take creditfor what they do.And I've been doing that for 25years.Kay Rand is an extraordinarilyable, devoted, and seriouspublic servant. She's leaving, well deserved But I just want this Senate toknow and the people of Maine toknow that an important publicservant is leaving us but hasleft us and left me with aneverlasting legacy ofleadership, integrity,character.She in many ways has taught mehow to lead.I will miss her.I'll miss her as a friend.I'll miss her as a leader in myoffice.I'll miss her as a person whohas made such a difference in mylife, in my family's life, andthe life of the people of Maine.Kay Rand is an extraordinaryperson.She has done an amazing job forthe people o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-backed-by-collins-king | Senate Passes Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill Backed by Collins, King | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed the FIRST Step Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), among others. The legislation, which passed by a vote of 87-12, would improve fairness in sentencing of federal crimes, promote public safety, and reduce recidivism. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisanSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which Senator King cosponsored in July and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. The legislation has been endorsed by the President, has strong bipartisan support in Congress, and is supported by a wide range of law enforcement organizations and criminal justice reform advocates. The FIRST Step Act is modeled after the efforts by dozens of states that have successfully reformed their criminal justice systems to rehabilitate minimum- and low-risk offenders, said Senator Collins. This legislation will make our communities safer by reducing recidivism, give a second chance to people who have committed non-violent crimes, and save taxpayers money. Right now, our criminal justice system isn't working; not for those who spend decades in prison for nonviolent offenses, not for law enforcement officers, and not for taxpayers, said Senator King. But we can create a better criminal justice system, and today we took the first step towards a solution that works for all Americans. This bipartisan bill will make our communities safer, prepare inmates to be productive members of society, and save taxpayer money no wonder it has widespread support from across the ideological spectrum. The comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional development … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-senator-alexander%E2%80%99s-retirement | Senator Collins Statement on Senator Alexanders Retirement | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Following the announcement by U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) that he will not seek reelection in 2020, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) released this statement: Lamar Alexander is an extraordinarily effective member of the U.S. Senate, with a strong record of bipartisan accomplishments that take aim at the problems facing the American people. Simply put, he is a great Senator. Throughout his Senate service, Lamar has repeatedly demonstrated exemplary leadership on our nation's most pressing issues. From pursuing ways to make health insurance and health care more affordable, to authoring comprehensive legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, to improving our education system and strengthening the skills programs that help Americans get good jobs, Lamar has successfully forged bipartisan solutions that have improved the lives of millions of Americans. As a member of both the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which Lamar chairs, and the Appropriations Committee, on which we both serve, I have had the privilege of working closely with Lamar on a number of these issues. I have always valued his intelligence, his diligence, his mastery of policy details, his fairness, and most important, his friendship. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years as he completes his term and adds to his outstanding record of public service. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/icymi-senator-collins-abc%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9C-week%E2%80%9D | ICYMI: Senator Collins on ABCs This Week | 2018-12-16 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | ClickHEREto watch the interview Note to assignment editors and news directors: ClickHEREfor a high-resolution video Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Susan Collins appeared on ABC's This Week with host George Stephanopoulos. A transcript of the interview follows: This Week December 16, 2018 GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: We are back with the Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine. Senator Collins, thank you for joining us this morning. SUSAN COLLINS (R), MAINE: My pleasure. STEPHANOPOULOS: Let's talk about health care. You heard Senator Durbin say that this judge's ruling is a real problem for Republicans now. What's your reaction to the judge's ruling? COLLINS: The judge's ruling was far too sweeping. He could have taken a much more surgical approach and just struck down the individual mandate and kept the rest of the law intact. I believe that it will be overturned. STEPHANOPOULOS: You say it's going to be overturned. He based his rulings, you said, on last year's tax bill which brought the tax penalty for violating that mandate down to zero and then he said that invalidated the whole law. Any second thoughts on your vote for that bill because of this? COLLINS: Not at all. I think it's important to keep in mind what the impact of the individual mandate was. Eighty percent of those who paid the penalty under the individual mandate earned less than $50,000 a year. So this disproportionately affected lower- and middle-income families. In addition, not one Democratic senator offered an amendment to strike the repeal of the individual mandate, although they had the opportunity to do so. And that's because it was probably the most unpopular and unfair provision of the Affordable Care Act. There are many good provisions of the law. Those should be retained. STEPHANOPOULOS: And you voted for this after being promised for more funding for lower premiums but that never happened. So what needs to happen with Obamacare now? COLLINS: Actually, we did bring a bill to the floor that would have reduced premiums in the indi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/icymi-senator-collins-cnn%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Cstate-union%E2%80%9D | ICYMI: Senator Collins on CNNs State of the Union | 2018-12-16 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | ClickHEREto watch the interview Note to assignment editors and news directors: ClickHEREfor a high-resolution video Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Susan Collins appeared on CNN's State of the Union with host Jake Tapper. A transcript of the interview follows: State of the Union December 16, 2018 JAKE TAPPER: Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine joins me now. She's a member on the Senate Intelligence Committee and she voted not to replace Obamacare in that famous voteor infamous depending on your point of view, I suppose. Thanks so much for being here.We appreciate it.So, millions of Americans, including everyone covered by Medicaid expansion and many with pre-existing conditions are going to lose their health insurance if this ruling is upheld. You voted for the repeal of the individual mandate as part of the tax reform bill last December. That's the basis of this judge's decision. You heard President Trump call this, quote, a great ruling for our country, do you agree? SUSAN COLLINS: I don't. First of all, I would point out that this really is not going to affect people who are currently enrolled in Obamacare policies or their policies for 2019. There is widespread support for protecting people with pre-existing conditions. There's also widespread opposition to the individual mandate, and here's why: The individual mandate penalties, 80% of people who paid the penalty earned under $50,000 a year. So, this hurt low- and middle-income families who couldn't afford the cost of health insurance, and it's telling that when the tax bill was on the floor, not a single Democratic Senator offered an amendment to strike the repeal of the individual mandate. That's how unpopular it was. I think this will be overturned on appeal. TAPPER: You do? COLLINS: I do. TAPPER: In the Supreme Court or fifth circuit or where do you think it's -? COLLINS: I'm not sure where it will occur, but there's no reason why the individual mandate provision can't be struck down and keep all of the good provisions of the Affordable Ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-judge-s-ruling-gop-lawsuit-against-affordable-care-act | Statement on Judges Ruling in GOP Lawsuit Against Affordable Care Act | 2018-12-15 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding a U.S. district judge's ruling in Texas v. US, a Republican lawsuit seeking to strike down key provisions of the Affordable Care Act: "In one fell swoop, days before Christmas, a single partisan judge's decision could strip health care access from millions of Americans. If Texas v. US is allowed to stand, it would eliminate fundamental consumer protections for tens of thousands of Mainers, including for those with preexisting conditions, threaten Medicaid expansion, and eliminate many cost saving initiatives that benefit seniors. Republicans have attempted to repeal the ACA in Congress dozens of times. As they've been unsuccessful in ripping health care from millions through the legislative process, they've turned to the courts to accomplish their goal. This absurd ruling will be appealed, and in the meantime, I want to reassure Mainers relying on the ACA's protections that their 2019 health insurance plans will proceed as expected. The midterm elections were an overwhelming affirmation that Americans want affordable healthcare and the incoming Democratic House will do everything in our power to ensure affordable health care for all. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-encourages-maine-communities-apply-new-broadband-program | Pingree Encourages Maine Communities to Apply for New Broadband Program | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Portland, MaineCongresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) today encouraged Maine communities to apply for a new USDA program providing loans and grants to improve rural broadband access. Slow internet in so many Maine towns is more than just an inconvenience for the people who live thereit's a severe handicap. If we can't bring their Internet speeds up quickly, our rural communities and businesses are simply going to get left behind in today's economy, Pingree said. This funding is a positive first step to addressing a key need in rural America, which is why I have been proud to advocate for it on the House Appropriations Committee. The clear level of need in many parts of Maine makes them great candidates for funding. I hope many apply and want them to know my office is prepared to help however it can. Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, which appropriated the $600 million for the USDA ReConnect Program. She is also a member of the Rural Broadband caucus and has cosponsored many bills to support expansion of rural broadband. Details on the Application Process provided by USDA Rural Development Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA's new ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. USDA will make available approximately $200 million for grants (applications due to USDA by April 29), as well as $200 million for loan and grant combinations (applications due May 29), and $200 million for low-interest loans (applications due by June 28). Projects funded through this initiative must serve communities with fewer than 20,000 people with no broadband service or where service is slower than 10 megabits per second (mbps) download and 1 mbps upload. Approved projects must create access speeds of at least 25 mbps upload and 3 mbps download. Priority will be awarded for projects that propose to deliver higher-capacity connections … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/honor-41st-president-and-first-lady-poliquin-proposes-coins-featuring | In Honor of 41st President and First Lady, Poliquin Proposes Coins Featuring George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush to Be Minted | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Bruce Poliquin | P000611 | poliquin.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), a member of the House Financial Services Committee with jurisdiction over the U.S. Mint, is proposing a $1 coin be issued in honor of the late U.S. President George H. W. Bush, whose family shares deep roots in Maine's communities. His legislation also calls for a commemorative coin to be issued in honor of First Lady Barbara Bush. Both President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush hold a special place in the hearts of so many Mainers, said Congressman Poliquin. President Bush was a World War II hero, a family man, and a true statesman, while First Lady Bush was an inspiration to Americans across our Nation and truly embodied the warmth and strength of our country. Their lives should be recognized and celebrated by generations of Mainers to come and it's my hope their inclusion in the Presidential $1 Coin Program will be a fitting tribute to their legacies. The U.S. Congress created the Presidential $1 Coin Program in 2005 under the Presidential $1 Coin Act. Under the program, all deceased presidents are featured in separate issuances on the $1 coin. In addition, each deceased first lady is featured on a commemorative gold coin. Congressman Poliquin's legislation would direct the U.S. Treasury Secretary to include President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush into the program in 2019. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/provisions-authored-senators-collins-brown-support-local-farming-programs-be-signed-law | Provisions Authored by Senators Collins, Brown to Support Local Farming Programs to Be Signed into Law | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. In a win for our nation's farmers and local food production, several provisions authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) from the Local Farms and Regional Market Supply (FARMS) Act were included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support and now awaits the President's signature. These provisions will provide important funding for several agricultural and health programs that connect farmers with local and regional markets, reduce barriers to entry for local producers, and leverage local resources for programs that combat food insecurity, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined Senator Brown and me in advancing these provisions to support our agriculture community. When we make it easier to connect farmers to their communities, we don't just help individual farms we invest in entire local economies. I worked on this legislation after meeting with farmers, producers, and small businesses across my state. It builds on the important work we did in the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bill to grow these important programs, said Senator Brown. This bill will help farmers from around the state grow their bottom lines and sell more product at home in Ohio. "The inclusion of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) in the final 2018 Farm Bill sends a signal to family farmers and food-producing communities that their work is valued by policymakers in Washington, D.C. Making permanent investments in local and regional food systems through LAMP shows the growing value of these markets, the growth of which is needed now more than ever as farming and rural communities continue to struggle in a declining agricultural economy," said Wes King, Senior Policy Specialist at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). "NSAC is very proud to have been one of LAMP's strongest allies during the farm bill negotiations, and we thank Senator Brown … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-15-2018-%E2%80%9Cwreaths-across | Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 15, 2018, as Wreaths Across America Day | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.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 15, 2018, as Wreaths Across America Day. On December 15, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks from Maine down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Tens of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition. In its 27-year history, Wreaths Across America has become an enduring symbol of valor and sacrifice, and reaffirms our never-ending obligation to thank those who served in defense of our nation, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This Maine-led tradition is an inspiring example of the generosity and gratitude to our nation's veterans that makes the holiday season so special. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who Remember, Honor, Teach' through Wreaths Across America. To honor our fallen heroes, wreaths will be laid at the graves of American servicemembers as part of a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place approximately 1.2 million wreaths at more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states and numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. For the first time this year, wreaths will be laid at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The resolution is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-committee-assignments-for-116th-congress | King Announces Committee Assignments for 116th Congress | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced his committee assignments for the 116th Congress, when Senator King will continue to serve on the Armed Services Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the Rules & Administration Committee. I ran for re-election for one simple reason: there's more work to be done, said Senator King. I've spent six years working to keep Maine people safe by strengthening America's national security, to defend the natural resources that support our lobstermen, forest economy and tourism industry, to keep our state beautiful by protecting our environment and finding cost-effective energy options, and to improve the way that Congress works so we can get more things done in Washington that will help Maine people. The work we do in committees is where so much of the progress that is important to Maine gets done, and I'm honored to be able to continue these efforts to improve the lives of Maine people. Committee work takes up a significant portion of Senator King's business in Washington. He has made it a priority to not miss Committee hearings, earning him praise from his colleagues and the reputation as a workhorse in the Senate. The late Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), who served as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, once called Senator King one of the most serious and hard-working members of the Committee, and Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), who currently serves as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, has singled out Senator King for always [staying] to the bitter end of committee hearings. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-colleagues-in-bipartisan-letter-urging-forest-service-to-institute-competition-to-explore-new-uses-for-mass-timber | King Leads Colleagues in Bipartisan Letter Urging Forest Service to Institute Competition to Explore New Uses for Mass Timber | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the co-chair of the Working Forest Caucus, led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture supporting an award program for educational institutes who explore new potential uses for mass timber. In the letter, which was also signed by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), the Senators point to the previous success of similar programs through USDA and the U.S. Forest Service, and highlight that the innovative solutions developed through a potential competition would benefit both the forest products industry and the environment. In 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the USDA had tremendous success in bringing attention to the potential use of wood in tall buildings with the first U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. We believe an award program utilizing an educational institution is an ideal next step to teach and demonstrate to the next generation of decision-makers, engineers, architects, planners and builders the benefits of mass timber, wrote the Senators in their letter. Mass timber technology can help colleges and universities across the nation achieve their sustainability goals. Stronger markets create an incentive for landowners to ensure forest land is managed sustainably to reduce wildfire risk and help maintain a high monetary value for timber. Further, mass timber use at our nation's colleges and universities has the additional benefit of supporting wood product markets at the local level. Mass Timber development and commercialization were key recommendations in the 2017 outlined Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT) report, which wasoriginally requested in March 2016 by Senators Collins and King and worked across federal and state agencies, industry sectors, and municipalities to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. Additionally, key provisions of theTimber Innovation Act,which Senator… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-15-2018-as-wreaths-across-america-day | Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 15, 2018, as “Wreaths Across America Day” | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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 15, 2018, as Wreaths Across America Day. On December 15, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks from Maine down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Tens of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition. In its 27-year history, Wreaths Across America has become an enduring symbol of valor and sacrifice, and reaffirms our never-ending obligation to thank those who served in defense of our nation, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This Maine-led tradition is an inspiring example of the generosity and gratitude to our nation's veterans that makes the holiday season so special. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who Remember, Honor, Teach' through Wreaths Across America. To honor our fallen heroes, wreaths will be laid at the graves of American servicemembers as part of a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place approximately 1.2 million wreaths at more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states and numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. For the first time this year, wreaths will be laid at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The resolution is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/farm-bill-includes-major-victory-maine-maple-syrup-and-honey-producers | Farm Bill Includes Major Victory for Maine Maple Syrup and Honey Producers | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - In a significant win for Maine's maple syrup and honey producers, a provision that builds upon U.S. Senator Susan Collins' (R-ME) work to prevent the enactment of a confusing labeling requirement was included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support and now awaits the President's signature. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins secured an amendment in the agriculture funding bill earlier this year to protect pure maple syrup and honey producers from a misguided Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule that would have required single-ingredient sweeteners to have an added sugar label.Under the requirement, all sugar in these products would have been denoted as added sugar. This could have misled consumers into believing that pure maple syrup includes added high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar. Senator Collins' amendment will still support public health and consumer awareness by retaining the FDA's ability to state the percent daily value of sugars the products contain. The Farm Bill builds on Senator Collins' efforts by including a provision that is virtually identical to her agriculture appropriations amendment. This commonsense provision, which mirrors an amendment I secured in the agriculture funding bill, will prevent the harmful consequences the FDA's labeling rule would have had on Maine's maple syrup and honey producers. Although the FDA's rule was well-intentioned, it would have created widespread consumer confusion and negatively affected many family-owned businesses, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined me in advancing this provision to support this integral part of our agriculture community. In June, Senator Collins met with MaryAnne Kinney, the owner of Kinney Sugar House in Knox, who along with other producers informed Senator Collins how the FDA's proposed labeling rule would impac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-landmark-legislation-combat-alzheimer%E2%80%99s | Senate Passes Landmark Legislation to Combat Alzheimers | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). This bipartisan bill would, for the first time, create a public health infrastructure across the country to combat Alzheimer's disease and preserve brain health. The BOLD Act now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Alzheimer's disease is one of the greatest and under-recognized public health threats of our time. Five and a half million Americans are living with the disease, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older and lives longer, said Senator Collins, a founder and Senate co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. After decades of increasing investments in biomedical research for Alzheimer's, we are ready for the next step: to translate research into practice. The BOLD Act takes a multi-pronged public health approach that would create a modern infrastructure for the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer's and related dementias. The bipartisan BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act will fund and promote early diagnosis, effective intervention, and better treatment options and establish Centers of Excellence to educate the public and professionals on the illness. I'm proud to support this bipartisan effort to support doctors, caregivers and all those working to improve the quality of life and finally find a cure for people suffering the effects of Alzheimer's and related cognitive disorders, said Senator Cortez Masto. To prevent millions of more Americans and their families from being devastated by Alzheimer's, we have to tackle this disease on all fronts. The BOLD Act helps us do that by empowering our federal and state public health infrastructure to play an expanded role and by helping us gain a better understanding of the true scope of the disease, Senator Ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-unanimously-passes-senator-collins%E2%80%99-bipartisan-bill-fight-alzheimer%E2%80%99s | Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Collins Bipartisan Bill to Fight Alzheimers | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). This bipartisan bill would, for the first time, create a public health infrastructure across the country to combat Alzheimer's disease and preserve brain health. The BOLD Act now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Alzheimer's disease is one of the greatest and under-recognized public health threats of our time. Five and a half million Americans are living with the disease, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older and lives longer, said Senator Collins, a founder and Senate co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. After decades of increasing investments in biomedical research for Alzheimer's, we are ready for the next step: to translate research into practice. The BOLD Act takes a multi-pronged public health approach that would create a modern infrastructure for the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer's and related dementias. On behalf of the millions of Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease, we want to thank Senator Collins for her steadfast leadership in the fight to end Alzheimer's, said Alzheimer's Association Chief Public Policy Officer, Robert Egge. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act is innovative legislation that will allow our nation to address Alzheimer's as the urgent public health crisis that it is. We appreciate Senator Collins and the more than half of Congress who followed her lead in cosponsoring the bill for recognizing the impact this devastating disease has on our nation, and for taking decisive action to change the trajectory of this disease. "We are grateful to Sen. Collins for her leadership to address the growing Alzheimer's crisis here in Maine and across the country. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act is important … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-joins-bipartisan-group-introducing-amendment-prohibit-resumption-refueling | Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Introducing Amendment to Prohibit Resumption of Refueling of Saudi Coalition Aircraft in Yemen Civil War | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Today, coinciding with votes related to Senate Joint Resolution 54(S.J.Res.54), U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Todd Young (R-IN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Chris Coons (D-DE)introduced a bipartisan amendment to prohibit the resumption of U.S. air refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft engaged in the civil war in Yemen. In response to the argument that the U.S. is not engaged in hostilities in Yemen and that air refueling does not constitute hostilities, this amendment would explicitly make clear that the term hostilities in S.J.Res.54 includes U.S. air refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft. The time has come to confront one of our allies in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, over the Saudi-led war in Yemen, which has become a humanitarian disaster,said Senator Collins.This bipartisan legislation will place further pressure on all parties to bring hostilities in Yemen to a swift end. On April 11, Senators Collins, Young, Shaheen, and Coonsintroduced Senate Joint Resolution 58(S.J.Res.58)and then worked to include a version of that legislation in the annual defense bill signed into law by President Trump.Section 1290of theJohn S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 requires the Secretary of State to submit written, detailed, and unclassified certifications related to the efforts of the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to end the civil war, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and protect civilians.If the Secretary of State cannot make these certifications, the law prohibits the U.S. from refueling Saudi coalition aircraft conducting missions exclusively focused on the civil war. When the Secretary of State submitted a questionable certification to Congress pursuant to Section 1290, the Senators wrote Secretary Pompeoand asked for a clarification. On November 9,following months of pressure, the administrationannouncedthe suspension of U.S. refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft in Yemen. However, nothing prevents the resumption of that ref… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-votes-resolution-end-us-support-saudi-led-war-yemen | Senator Collins Votes for Resolution to End U.S. Support for Saudi-Led War in Yemen | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Following passage of the War Powers resolution, the Senate unanimously adopted a resolution attributing the responsibility of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salaman and calling for appropriate accountability Washington, D.C.In response to the humanitarian disaster in Yemen, U.S. Senator Susan Collins voted in favor of Senate Joint Resolution (S.J. Res. 54), which uses the 1973 War Powers Resolution to compel the withdrawal of U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. The resolution passed by a vote of 56-41. The devastating war in Yemen has created a humanitarian crisis that threatens the lives of millions of innocent civilians, said Senator Collins. Earlier this year, I voted to advance debate on this resolution to confront Saudi Arabia for its actions that have contributed to this crisis, and I am pleased that a bipartisan majority of my colleagues have joined me today in pressuring all parties to bring hostilities in Yemen to an end. The passage of this resolution sends a strong message in defense of American values that the U.S. will not tolerate Saudi Arabia's abhorrent record on human rights. The conflict in Yemen has killed thousands of civilians, and Saudi obstruction of humanitarian relief has caused a famine that has left millions more on the verge of starvation. Additionally, human rights experts have accused both the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels of violating international law. Saudi Arabia's exacerbation of the devastation in Yemen builds on its egregious record of human rights abuses, including the atrocious murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October. Excluding counterterrorism operations, U.S. forces currently provide intelligence sharing and targeting assistance to the Saudi-coalition against the Houthis in Yemen. This resolution would prohibit U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's activities in Yemen's civil war, except in the case of operations against al Qaeda or associated terrorist forces. Additionally, along with Senators Todd … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-for-ferc-commissioner-mcnamees-recusal-from-future-business-involving-potential-subsidies-for-coal-and-nuclear-plants | King, Colleagues Call for FERC Commissioner McNamee’s Recusal from Future Business Involving Potential Subsidies for Coal and Nuclear Plants | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a group of his Senate colleagues in a letter calling for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Bernard McNamee to recuse himself from any future business at FERC involving the potential subsidization of coal and nuclear plants. In the letter, the senators expressed concerns regarding Mr. McNamee's actions in his previous role at the Department of Energy (DOE) in developing and filing a rule to subsidize failing coal and nuclear plants, as well as his recent public comments implying bias against renewable energy technologies. We are concerned about positions you have taken, both while serving as the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy and in the private sector,the senators wrote. These positions and statements suggest a lack of independence and an inappropriate predisposition on a number of topics likely to be involved in proceedings that will come before you in your new role as a FERC Commissioner. The senators continued, Moving forward, and particularly as FERC considers matters related to grid resilience and reliability, we urge you to remain true to your commitment to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to be fair, objective, and impartial' and to work with your colleagues to fulfill (FERC's) mission to ensure just and reasonable rates under the law.' With that in mind, we urge you to recuse yourself from any future FERC proceedings where your impartiality could be questioned based upon your past statements, positions, or work on the DOE NOPR. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Ed Markey (… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-end-us-support-for-saudi-engagement-in-yemen | King Votes to End U.S. Support for Saudi Engagement in Yemen | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, voted in support of Senate Joint Resolution 54, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the ongoing civil war between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen pursuant to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This is the first time a chamber of Congress has ever voted to invoke the War Powers Resolution. This resolution, which passed by a vote of 56-41, would not impact important U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen. The civil war, which is between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen, has led to mass civilian casualties, and reports indicate that as many as 85,000 children may have died of starvation in Yemen since the war began. The civil war in Yemen is a complex civil conflict between Saudi and Iranian backed factions, but one thing is clear: the violence has had an immense and devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Yemeni civilians, particularly children. It has killed thousands and has left millions on the brink of starvation, said Senator King. This is a humanitarian disaster and the United States should no longer be complicit. That's why I've voted to end our limited support for the Saudi-led coalition, and why I continue to urge all parties to seek a diplomatic solution to end this bloodshed that is hurting so many innocent people. Senator King voted to advance SJ Res 54 in November, and had previously voted to advance SJ Res 54 in March, when the resolution was tabled by a vote of 55-44. The resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict in Yemen does not apply to ongoing American counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen, and would allow U.S. forces conducting counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to continue their work. The resolution now heads to the House of Representatives for its consideration; however, due to a last-minute procedural maneuver… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-led-legislation-to-measure-the-economic-impact-of-broadband-on-the-us-economy | Senate Passes King-Led Legislation to Measure the Economic Impact of Broadband on the U.S. Economy | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | SCARBOROUGH, ME Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act, a bill led by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), co-chairs of the Senate Broadband Caucus. The bipartisan bill requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis to conduct a study of the effects of broadband deployment and adoption on the U.S. economy. While the federal government measures the economic impact of many industries, it does not produce current, reliable statistics on the economic impact of broadband on the U.S. economy. Accurate, reliable data on the economic impact of broadband is a valuable tool for policymakers and business leaders and many research institutions, state broadband offices, and trade associations have highlighted the need for this data. We know that access to affordable, high-speed broadband has the ability to transform the way rural communities conduct business but without accurate data, we don't know how much economic value it provides, said Senator King. By collecting this information, policymakers, businesses and community leaders will have the tools they need to pursue smart investments to boost connectivity and improve local economies. In conducting this analysis, the Secretary of Commerce will consider job creation, business headcount, online commerce, income, education and distance learning, telehealth, telework, agriculture, population growth, population density, broadband speed, and geography. The Secretary may consult representatives of business, including rural and urban internet service providers and telecommunications infrastructure providers; state, local, and Tribal government agencies; and consumer and community organizations. In addition to Senators King, Klobuchar and Capito, cosponsors of the bill include Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.), who also serve as co-chairs of the Senate Broadband Caucus, as well as Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). This leg… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-helps-pass-bipartisan-farm-bill-supporting-maine-forestry | Poliquin Helps Pass Bipartisan Farm Bill, Supporting Maine Forestry Workers, Broadband Development, and Maine Farmers | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Bruce Poliquin | P000611 | poliquin.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) helped pass major legislation in the House that will support Maine's forestry workers, rural broadband development, and Maine farmers. The final Farm Bill, which passed by a wide 369-47 margin in the U.S House of Representatives, includes key provisions of the Timber Innovation Act, legislation Congressman Poliquin cosponsored that would help spur new uses for cross-laminated timber (CLT) in tall wood building constructionbuildings of about seven stories or higher, or 85 feet and above. There have already been two separate CLT producers that have announced new projects in Maine, LignaTerra Global and SmartLam, LLC of Montana. The final bill also includes improvements to broadband delivery and a large increase in funding for broadband deployment, which is chiefly administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In September, Congressman Poliquin hosted USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue in Farmington, Maine for a roundtable focusing on access to reliable broadband in rural Maine. The final bill also allows for states like Maine to maintain their own laws and policies concerning the regulation of local foods, a win for Maine's local farmers. Congressman Poliquin has consistently voted to support states' rights to maintain their own policies on local foods. With some of the most expansive and dependable working forests in the nation, Maine is America's wood basket, said Congressman Poliquin. Generations of hardworking Mainers have made their living in this industry. I'm proud to strongly support our wood products workers and allow for continued research into technologies that will help the industry grow and prosper for our next generation. In addition, this bill will drastically increase funding for rural broadband development. When I hosted Secretary Perdue in Farmington this year, our conversations with Maine hospital workers, law enforcement officers and community leaders centered around the importance of broadband access in our rural areas. This … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/effort-senators-collins-king-ensures-harmful-house-amendment-not-farm-bill | Effort from Senators Collins, King Ensures Harmful House Amendment Not in Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | House Amendment would have required states to accept agriculture products that may violate state and locals laws. Washington, D.C. Following a push from U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), the final conference report of the 2018 Farm Bill does not include an amendment harmful to Maine that would have required state and local governments to accept products from other states even if those products violate standards and regulations enacted in the importing state. The Farm Bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13 and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. In August, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan group of 32 Senators in sending a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee leaders urging them to reject this harmful House amendment during the conference negotiations. We are delighted that the Senate bill prevailed, and that the final conference report did not include this harmful provision, said Senators Collins and King. There are a number of state laws in Maine that would have been undermined if this amendment was adopted, including those on crate bans for livestock, consumer protections for blueberry inspections, and environmental safeguards for cranberry cultivation. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/farm-bill-passes-senate-includes-provisions-authored-senator-collins-benefit-maine-farmers | Farm Bill Passes Senate, Includes Provisions Authored by Senator Collins to Benefit Maine Farmers | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Farm Bill Passes Senate, Includes Provisions Authored by Senator Collins to Benefit Maine Farmers Posted Tue, 12/11/2018 - 18:24 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that the Senate passed the 2018 Farm Bill by an overwhelming bipartisan margin of 87-13. The legislation, which includes a number of provisions Senator Collins authored to support Mainers employed in the agriculture industry, now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Our agriculture industry is an integral part of our economy and continues to be the lifeblood of countless rural communities. Thousands of Mainers are employed on farms, and the myriad products they produce, ranging from potatoes to dairy to maple syrup, are renowned for their superior quality and taste. Maine farmers work tirelessly every day to meet the growing demand for locally grown and raised products, and this legislation will provide them with the support they need to continue to thrive. Provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill include: The Next Generation in Agriculture Act, introduced with Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), will give the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) more resources to help young and beginning farmers become established in the field of agriculture. Click HERE to read more; The Organic Agricultural Research Act of 2018, introduced with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), will reauthorize the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative for an additional five years and gradually increase its funding from $40 million in fiscal year 2019 to $50 million in fiscal year 2023. The Nourishing Our Golden Years Act, introduced with Senator Casey, will reduce the administrative barriers for low-income seniors participating in the Senior Food Box Program, which reduces food insecurity. Click HERE to read more. The Northern Border Regional Commiss… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-legislation-help-strengthen-organic-farming-research-included-2018-farm | Senator Collins Legislation to Help Strengthen Organic Farming Research Included in 2018 Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) announced that the Agricultural Research Act of 2018, legislation she authored with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), was included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senators Collins and Casey's legislation will reauthorize and incrementally increase funding for USDA's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) to ensure continued investment in organic agricultural research. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. Over the past five years, Maine's organic agriculture industry has grown by more than 75 percent with the support of the USDA's successful Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, said Senator Collins. Our bill will strengthen federal investments in this important research program to help ensure farmers in Maine and across the country are equipped with the data, skills, and resources necessary to meet the increasing consumer demand for organic food. Serious investment in organic agricultural research is essential to the strength of American agriculture, said Senator Casey. This legislation will help ensure that organic and conventional farms in communities across the country have the tools they need to continue to grow. I'm pleased that my colleagues have supported this important legislation so that we can build upon the growth we've seen for a number of years. Specifically, the Organic Agricultural Research Act of 2018 willreauthorize OREI for an additional five years and gradually increase its funding from $40 million in fiscal year 2019 to $50 million in fiscal year 2023. This level of funding meets a critical threshold which makes the organic research provision a permanent part of the Farm Bill's Research Title moving forward. OREI is the fl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-legislation-support-maine-dairy-farmers-passes-senate | Senator Collins Legislation to Support Maine Dairy Farmers Passes Senate | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. In a win for Maine dairy farmers, an amendment authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that will promote innovation and increase demand for milk products was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senators Collins and Baldwin's amendment will provide $7 million for grants to state departments of agriculture, cooperative extension services, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to administer programs that promote dairy product innovation, process improvement, and marketing. Senator Angus King (I-ME) was a cosponsor of their amendment. Our amendment will support Maine's hardworking dairy farmers by increasing awareness of milk's many health benefits and investing in innovative methods for processing milk and dairy products, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined me in advancing this amendment that will help provide critical support to this integral part of our agriculture community. Maine's dairy farmers work hard to create a great product so let's help them sell it! said Senator King. The Dairy Business Innovation Act will establish regional initiatives to spur innovation in dairy businesses, which can help add more value to the milk farmers produce and expand uses for milk to address oversupply and depressed milk prices. The legislation will also foster the development of new and innovative dairy products, modernize existing dairy plants and support new dairy entrepreneurs. Specifically, the regional initiatives created by the Dairy Business Innovation Act will provide technical assistance and grants for the purpose of: Supporting new and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/effort-from-senators-collins-king-ensures-harmful-house-amendment-not-in-farm-bill | Effort from Senators Collins, King Ensures Harmful House Amendment Not in Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Following a push from U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), the final conference report of the 2018 Farm Bill does not include an amendment harmful to Maine that would have required state and local governments to accept products from other states even if those products violate standards and regulations enacted in the importing state. The Farm Bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13 and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. In August, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan group of 32 Senators in sending a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee leaders urging them to reject this harmful House amendment during the conference negotiations. We are delighted that the Senate bill prevailed, and that the final conference report did not include this harmful provision, said Senators Collins and King. There are a number of state laws in Maine that would have been undermined if this amendment was adopted, including those on crate bans for livestock, consumer protections for blueberry inspections, and environmental safeguards for cranberry cultivation. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-fcc-move-to-boost-rural-broadband-deployment | King Applauds FCC Move to Boost Rural Broadband Deployment | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, applauded the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) move to make affordable and reliable broadband more accessible to rural Americans. Today's vote by the FCC increases funding to rural broadband providers who serve some of the nation's most rural communities, ensuring that these providers can continue to expand access to higher-speed broadband in rural areas. Senator King has pushed for these changes, and in May 2018 and August 2017 joined bipartisan groups of his Senate colleagues in letters urging the FCC to expand rural broadband deployment. In the 21st century economy, there is no substitute for a high-speed broadband connection, said Senator King. Whether it's a small business trying to reach its global customers or a farm working to improve efficiency, internet access is a vital tool that fuels innovation and economic growth. Today's FCC vote is just one step but it's an important step, that will help rural Maine people. Among the providers who will benefit from today's FCC vote is UniTel, a high-speed internet and phone service provider for central Maine. Senator King visited UniTel in August 2017 during his broadband listening tour of the state with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. UniTel applauds the leadership of Senator King and other members of Congress who have consistently advocated for rural carriers and the communities they serve said Laurie Osgood, President and CEO of UniTel Inc. These efforts have resulted in reforms adopted by the FCC today to provide more predictable levels of support for small rural broadband providers as we continue our commitment to make the benefits and opportunities of broadband access available to everyone who lives in rural Maine. Connectivity in rural regions is a key part ofSenator King's economic agendato help grow Maine's rural economy, support innovation and create jobs. This week, the Senate passed a reauthorization of the Farm Bill that includes provi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-honors-retiring-chairman-of-northern-maine-veterans-cemetery | King Honors Retiring Chairman of Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. In a statement submitted to the Congressional Record, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) recognized Harry Hafford, the outgoing Chairman of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery (NMVC). Hafford, an Army veteran and Maine native who returned to his home state after a career working for General Motors, was a founding member of the NMVC and has served as the Chairman since 2003. He will be stepping down from his post at the end of the year. A representative from Senator King's office presented the statement to Hafford last week during a ceremony honoring his years of service to Maine's veterans. Harry's honorable service in the United States Army is something I am very appreciative of but in addition, what is truly inspirational is the dedication Harry has shown to veterans for all of his adult life, especially in retirement, said Senator King. He was instrumental in creating and sustaining a veteran's surplus clothing organization to ensure that the needs of his fellow veterans were met. Perhaps his most notable and impressive work was as a founding member of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation, which developed the Maine Veterans Cemetery-Caribou People like Harry are a rare breed. They give for the right reasons and ask nothing in return. The complete statement is as follows: +++ Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Mr. Harry Hafford of Masardis, ME as he retires his gavel as Chair at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Harry is an extraordinary man, a passionate community leader, an honorable veteran, and a friend to me and my staff. Harry is special in so many ways and has quietly led countless efforts to improve the lives of others. Aroostook County, and the entire state of Maine, is a better place because of folks like Harry Hafford. Harry returned to his home town of Masardis, ME to spend his retirement years quietly after a long career at General Motors, where he also served as a strong and steadfast union steward. This next chapter of Harry's life seemed ideal … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-overturn-irs-rule-enabling-dark-money | King Votes to Overturn IRS Rule Enabling Dark Money | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Angus King (I-Maine) voted to overturn the U.S. Treasury Department's controversial decision that allows special interests to hide their donors from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In July, the Treasury Department and the IRS eliminated the requirement for certain types of tax-exempt organizations to report the identities of major donors to the IRS, which allowed "dark money" donors to hide their contributions to tax-exempt non-profit organizations that engage in political activity. Senator King opposed this change, and in July cosponsored the Spotlight Act, which would reverse the rule and require donor information to be disclosed to both the IRS and the public. The CRA passed the Senate this afternoon by a Congressional Review Act vote of 50-49, and will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. In my opinion, Maine's town meetings are the finest examples of democracy at work, where anyone can walk in with an idea and try to sway public opinion. But not a single one of these gatherings would allow someone to stand in the middle of the room with a bag over his or her head and anonymously attack other members of the community because Maine people believe you should stand behind your beliefs, said Senator King. The same rules should apply to our campaign finance system let's require transparency, and make sure Americans know who's trying to influence their vote. Senator King has been a long-time advocate for election transparency as a means of increasing voter trust and engagement in our electoral process. Last September, Senator King announced his support for a series of campaign finance bills called theWe the People Democracy Reform Act of 2017. This bicameral legislation proposes a series of wide-ranging electoral reforms to restore integrity, accountability, and transparency to our broken political system. The legislation includes proposals to comprehensively reform campaig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-collins-legislation-to-support-maine-dairy-farmers-passes-senate | Senator Collins’ Legislation to Support Maine Dairy Farmers Passes Senate | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. In a win for Maine dairy farmers, an amendment authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that will promote innovation and increase demand for milk products was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senators Collins and Baldwin's amendment will provide $7 million for grants to state departments of agriculture, cooperative extension services, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to administer programs that promote dairy product innovation, process improvement, and marketing. Senator Angus King (I-ME) was a cosponsor of their amendment. Our amendment will support Maine's hardworking dairy farmers by increasing awareness of milk's many health benefits and investing in innovative methods for processing milk and dairy products, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined me in advancing this amendment that will help provide critical support to this integral part of our agriculture community. Maine's dairy farmers work hard to create a great product so let's help them sell it! said Senator King. The Dairy Business Innovation Act will establish regional initiatives to spur innovation in dairy businesses, which can help add more value to the milk farmers produce and expand uses for milk to address oversupply and depressed milk prices. The legislation will also foster the development of new and innovative dairy products, modernize existing dairy plants and support new dairy entrepreneurs. Specifically, the regional initiatives created by the Dairy Business Innovation Act will provide technical assistance and grants for the purpose of: Supporting new and expand… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-scores-major-wins-local-and-organic-farming-food-waste-farm-bill | Pingree Scores Major Wins for Local and Organic Farming, Food Waste in Farm Bill | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is announcing her support for the 2018 Farm Bill released today and negotiated by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. The legislation contains numerous provisions that Pingree introduced and fought for to support farmers serving organic and local markets, and to reduce food waste. She released the following statement on the bill: Two of the brightest spots in agriculture right now are the growing markets for locally sourced and organic food. Maine is a great example of how these trends are driving economic growth in rural communities that need it and inspiring a new generation of farmers. The Farm Bill released this week takes a number of significant steps to better support these key areas of agriculture. I'm proud that it contains several provisions I worked with Maine and national stakeholders to introduce, such as strengthening farmer access to local and regional markets, more than doubling funding for organic research, and advancing steps to reduce food waste. And I'm excited that this legislation includes funding for a new produce prescription program that will allow us to test this innovative food-is-medicine strategy and improve health outcomes, especially among low-income families. This bill is far from perfectfor one, it is a missed opportunity to reform the billions of dollars we spend on lopsided subsidies. I will continue pushing to get those much-needed reforms in the next Farm Bill. But I'm relieved that we were able to strip the worst partisan provisions from the legislation, such as denying food assistance to 2 million Americans through burdensome work requirements, weakening environmental protections, and nullifying local authority with the King Amendment. These are major victories for the American people. On the whole, I think the bill will serve Maine families and rural communities well over the next five yearsand in particular will help our farmers take advantage of the opportunities before them. Pingree Wins Included… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-house-passes-legislation-containing-pingree-provision-help | VIDEO: House Passes Legislation Containing Pingree Provision to Help Veterans Blindsided by Debt | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Legislative efforts by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) to help veterans blindsided by debt to the Department of Veterans Affairs cleared a major hurdle last night, passing the House within a broader piece of veterans legislation, S. 2248. The bill now goes on to the Senate, where it is likely to pass as the result of a pre-negotiated deal between the House and Senate veterans committees. During debate on the bill yesterday, Pingree spoke in support of the legislation and her provision. Because of failure to notify, or confusingly-worded letters, many veterans in Maine and elsewhere are shocked to learn they owe debts and have missed deadlines to dispute or seek forgiveness for the alleged debt. This legislation improves the way that veterans are notified about debts that they may owe from a VA benefits program, Pingree said in her floor speech. The bill directs the VA to work with veterans service organizations to develop standard notification notices written in plain language and allows veterans to receive notices electronically. To promote accountability, the bill also requires the VA to report to Congress on the new standard, and on the VA's efforts to reduce the number of errors in its debt notification system. Pingree's full remarks are below. BACKGROUND ON PINGREE'S LEGISLATION Pingree's office has worked with multiple Maine veterans who were inadequately alerted to money they owed the VA, finding out only after it was too late to for them to take action to address it. As a result, Pingree introduced the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act, which the House unanimously passed in November 2017. The legislation mandates that the VA work with veteran service organizations to develop plain language debt notifications that clearly outline a veteran's options, and that veterans are given the option of receiving electronic notifications in addition to mailed copies. After Pingree's bill was passed in the House, Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced a companion bill that also included language requi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-authored-collins-king-bolster-northern-border-regional-commission-clears-key-hurdle | Bill Authored by Collins, King to Bolster the Northern Border Regional Commission Clears Key Hurdle | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | In 2018, the NBRC awarded $2.9 million in grants for projects throughout Maine. Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced that the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) funds grants for projects throughout northern and central Maine, as well as northern New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont, spurring economic and community development. In 2018, the NBRC awarded $2.9 million in grants for projects throughout Maine. The Northern Border Regional Commission is a critical source of investment for northern and central Maine, helping to grow the economy and create jobs, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Our bipartisan bill will continue the NBRC's work to strengthen communities through projects that support business retention and expansion, infrastructure development, and increased access to high-speed telecommunications. Senators Collins and King have long advocated for the NBRC, and introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act in March 2018 with Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). This bipartisan legislation included in the 2018 Farm Bill extends the authorization of the NBRC for five years, increases the authorization to $33 million per year, and makes additional reforms to encourage business retention and expansion in northern Maine and distressed rural communities. The reauthorization will allow the NBRC to attract businesses from outside the United States as well as devote additional resource… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-legislation-improve-senior-nutrition-included-2018-farm-bill | Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Senior Nutrition Included in 2018 Farm Bill | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, announced that the Nourishing Our Golden Years Act is included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Nourishing Our Golden Years Act will streamline the recertification process and reduce the administrative burden on states for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), also known as the Senior Food Box Program. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. Far too many seniors in Maine and across the nation find themselves forced to choose between buying food and buying prescription drugs or paying essential bills, said Chairman Collins. The Senior Food Box program provides qualified seniors with fruits, vegetables, and healthy non-perishable foods to fill this void. Our bipartisan legislation will not only make it easier for seniors to continue to receive the assistance, but it will simplify the process for state agencies that provide this critical support. I am pleased that the Nourishing Our Golden Years Act will be signed into law. This bill will strengthen the senior food box program, which is a vital tool for ensuring older adults have enough to eat said Ranking Member Casey. Every day, millions of seniors, in Pennsylvania and throughout the country, don't know where their next meal will come from. Older Americans have worked hard their entire lives and this bill will help ensure seniors do not struggle in their golden years for something as basic as having food to eat. The Senior Food Box Program reduces food insecurity in Americans age 60 and older by providing a monthly box of non-perishable items to program participants. Currently, participants must … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-bipartisan-bill-support-young-beginning-farmers-and-ranchers | Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Support Young & Beginning Farmers and Ranchers | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced that the Next Generation in Agriculture Act was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. This bipartisan bill will support programs that help new and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world. Senators Collins and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) introduced The Next Generation in Agriculture Act in April. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Next Generation in Agriculture Act aims to ensure a younger generation of agriculture workers have the education and support they need to begin a career in farming and ranching. The average age of a farmer is 57 years old in both Maine and North Dakota, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Across the country, the share of farmers age 65 and older has increased from 14 percent in 1945, to more than 31 percent in 2012. The percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982, and without efforts to cultivate the next generation of farmers, rural economies could suffer. The future of our country's agriculture industry, a vital component of our economy, is dependent on energizing, supporting, and educating the next generation of farmers, said Senator Collins. Our legislation will ensure that new farmers and ranchers have the tools and firsthand experience necessary to become established in this field by facilitating apprenticeships with older farmers, assisting with the acquisition of land from retiring farmers, and providing critical entrepreneurship and business training. I look forward to seeing this important legislation become law. The Next Generation in Agriculture Act will give the U.S. Department of Agricul… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-farm-bill-with-king-led-provisions-to-benefit-rural-maine | Senate Passes Farm Bill With King-Led Provisions to Benefit Rural Maine | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of the conference report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, more commonly known as the Farm Bill. The report, which passed by a vote of 87 to 13, includes a number of provisions that Senator King supported that will help Maine's farmers and rural communities. Overwhelming bipartisan votes like today's don't come easy they're the product of a lot of hard work, compromise, and consensus-building. Fortunately, if there's one thing that everyone, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, can agree on, it's that farmers are the backbone of our rural economy and pillars of rural communities across the country, said Senator King. Today's passage of the Farm Bill means a lot to the honey or maple producers who won't have to put misleading labels on their pure products, and to the potato and blueberry farmers who can continue growing their superior crops which is only right, because the work these farmers do every day means a lot to the state of Maine. And though it may be called the Farm' Bill, the fact is that this legislation will have an important effect on rural Maine people from all walks of life through its provisions to support innovation the forest economy and boost rural broadband efforts. The legislation may have taken a lot of negotiation and debate, but in the end, we're left with a bill that will help a lot of people. This year's Farm Bill includes several major victories supported by Senator King that will directly benefit Maine if they remain in the final bill signed by the President, including: EVALUATING AND MODERNIZING THE FORMULA USED BY USDA TO SUPPORT COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAMS: Senators King and Susan Collins (R-Maine) successfully included an amendment that directs USDA to use the 2017 Census of Agriculture to better understand the changing needs of agriculture and rural communities. Specifically, this aims to help Cooperative Extension programs better address the challeng… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-submits-comments-opposing-federal-rule-would-hurt-immigrant | Pingree Submits Comments Opposing Federal Rule That Would Hurt Immigrant Families | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) has submitted official comments opposing the Trump administration's proposed public charge rule. Today is the last day to submit public comments on the proposal, which would impose new obstacles on those who wish to come to the United States legally or seek legal permanent resident, so-called green card, status. The proposed rule unnecessarily overturns decades of settled policy, allows for inconsistent and arbitrary discretionary decision-making, and is unduly burdensome, while aiming to solve a nonexistent problem. It impermissibly changes the standard of likely to become a public charge' from reliance on public benefits in order to subsist, to the supplemental use of public benefits common in working poor' households across the U.S. because their employment fails to provide a living wage or employee benefits such as health insurance, Pingree wrote in her comments. The proposed rule makes fundamental changes to our nation's immigration system without involving Congress, and undermines our nation's values. The rule should be withdrawn in its entirety. Current law already requires qualifying immigrants to meet a common sense test to ensure they would not become a financial burden on the public under a change in status. The Trump administration would add more programs to this test, raising the barrier to legal immigration and causing harm to tax-paying immigrant families by causing them to avoid health care and nutrition services for fear of jeopardizing their green card application. Pingree has also cosponsored legislation introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) to block implementation of the rule. The proposed rule and link to comment are available here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-participates-wreaths-across-america-ceremony-us-capitol | Senator Collins Participates in Wreaths Across America Ceremony at U.S. Capitol | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for high-resolution photos of Senator Collins Washington, D.C. This morning, U.S. Senator Susan Collins participated in the Wreaths Across America wreath laying ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. Beginning in 2007, and each December since, Wreaths Across America, based in Columbia Falls, Maine, has placed a remembrance wreath at the Capitol. The wreath is adorned with flags representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as the POWs/MIA flag, and it is decorated with a red bow. During the ceremony, which coincided with similar ceremonies at all 50 state capitols across the country, Senator Collins delivered remarks and joined in a moment of silence to reflect on the holiday season and to honor and remember our nation's veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices. Wreaths Across America is a powerful demonstration of respect and appreciation for our veterans both those that we've lost and those still with us, said Senator Collins. This is the work of many volunteers, many supporters, and many hands. I am so proud that this heartfelt expression of gratitude originated in the great State of Maine. We Mainers have always had special affection for those who have served. Thanks to the spirit of this tradition, we will remember and honor America's veterans this holiday season, while also teaching generations to come of the sacrifices that have been made to secure our freedoms and to defend our liberty. A convoy of volunteers and thousands of Maine-made balsam wreaths departed from Maine yesterday, December 9th, and are stopping at schools and community groups for assemblies and other events. Senator Collins spoke at the convoy stop in Ellsworth Sunday morning. The wreaths are scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery on December 15th. Thousands of volunteers are expected to lay the wreaths at the graves of each American veteran. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place approximately 1.2 million wreaths at more than 1,200 loc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-receives-affordability-champion-award-council-affordable-health-coverage | Senator Collins Receives Affordability Champion Award from Council for Affordable Health Coverage | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins Washington, D.C. The Council for Affordable Health Coverage (CAHC) honored U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, with the Affordability Champion Award for her work to lower health care costs through bipartisan, commonsense solutions. Policymakers rely on the expertise and analysis that the Council for Affordable Health Coverage provides to determine what reforms can reduce health care costs and increase coverage, said Senator Collins. I welcome your continued efforts to help us reduce these unacceptable costs and ensure more people have access to coverage, and I am honored to have been selected as an Affordability Champion. Senator Collins has been a champion for lower health costs and access to quality health coverage in every sense of the word. When the debate over the Affordable Care Act was at its most rancorous, it was Senator Collins who reached across the aisle, partnering with Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on commonsense market stabilization solutions including a reinsurance proposal that we estimated would have lowered average premiums by 9 to 11 percent. Senator Collins has also worked with Democrats and Republicans alike on CAHC-supported legislation to protect Mainers from seeing their shifts and wages cut under the healthcare law and, as Chairwoman of the Special Committee on Aging, has been a tireless and thoughtful advocate for quality care for our nation's seniors. We could not be prouder to bestow her with this well-deserved honor, said CAHC President Joel White. As the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Collins has made it a priority to lower the soaring costs of prescription drugs. In October, Senator Collins' legislation to prohibit the use of pharmacy gag clauses was signed into law after passing both the House of Representatives and the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act prohibits an egregious practice that concealed lower prescription d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-portland-king-urges-maine-people-to-sign-up-for-health-coverage-before-deadline | In Portland, King Urges Maine People to Sign Up for Health Coverage Before Deadline | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined healthcare advocates and patients to urge Maine people to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act before the ACA's Open Enrollment deadline on Saturday. The press conference at Greater Portland Health highlighted the resources available to Maine people as they navigate coverage options offered through the ACA Marketplace, and emphasized the upcoming deadline. To sign up for coverage in 2019 during the Open Enrollment period, log on to http://www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for more information before December 15, 2018. Maine people interested in additional information can also call the Consumers for Affordable Health Care, toll-free, at 1-800-965-7476, or reach out to your local Federally Qualified Health Center. Saturday is the last day to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. That's less than a week to make sure you and your family can have health insurance in 2019, said Senator King. There are a wide range of options in the marketplace, and some may be less expensive than you think. This isn't about politics it's about making sure you can protect your family from medical or financial trouble. With only a few days left, there's no time to wait so please, sign up today. In addition to Senator King, speakers at today's event included Kate Ende, Consumer Assistance Program Manager at Consumers for Affordable Healthcare; Kalie Hess, Health Equity Program Manager for the Maine Primary Care Association; Hillary Barter, Healthcare Navigator Coordinator for Western Maine Community Action; and Nicole Manganelli of Portland, who recently signed up for ACA coverage. Senator King has been outspoken in opposition to administration moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act, and has met with Maine people around the state to discuss the ACA's importance to their lives. In October,he met with Maine people in recovery in Brewerto discuss the importance of ACA protections for … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-delivers-remarks-wreaths-across-america-convoy-stop-ellsworth | Senator Collins Delivers Remarks at Wreaths Across America Convoy Stop in Ellsworth | 2018-12-09 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | ClickHERE,HERE, andHEREfor high-resolution photos Ellsworth, ME Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the Wreaths Across America convoy stop in Ellsworth at the Maine Coast Mall.Approximately 750 veterans, Gold Star families, local community members, families, and business owners were estimated to attend the event. Since the Wreaths Across America tradition began in 1992, more than six million wreaths have been placed at national cemeteries and veterans memorials in every state and overseas, wherever American heroes lie at rest.This remarkable effort is made possible by trucking companies across the nation who donate their services and by the generosity of thousands of volunteers and supporters,said Senator Collins.Thanks to the spirit of this Maine-made tradition, we remember and honor America's veterans this holiday season, while also teaching the generations to come of the sacrifices that have been made to secure a future of peace and liberty. The convoy of volunteers and thousands of Maine-made balsam wreaths began on Saturday inLubecand will make several stops in Maine before departing the state tonight.They are scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery on December 15.In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place approximately 1.2 million wreaths at more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states and numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil.For the first time this year, wreaths will be laid at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial inColleville-sur-Mer, France. A mobile Vets Center unit, a free program supporting veterans as they readjust to life after deployment, was available to veterans during today's event. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-joins-bipartisan-group-urging-department-energy-stop-unnecessary-delays | Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Urging Department of Energy to Stop Unnecessary Delays Over Weatherization Program Funding | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry regarding delayed guidance and documentation for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Senator Collins is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. The letter comes after the Department of Energy (DOE) missed an important deadline to deliver information concerning state allocations to WAP grantees. Persistent delays in this guidance could impact critical funding for states whose WAP programs begin in the early spring. The Weatherization Assistance Program helps lower energy costs for low-income families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities by making energy efficiency modifications to their homes. We appreciate the commitment you made on April 11, 2018, before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development to fund WAP consistent with Congressional intent and urge you to release these final guidance documents without delay, the Senators wrote. The first step in the WAP funding process is the Department's release of grant guidance and management information to assist grantees in developing state plans for the upcoming program year. In the enclosed memorandum dated September 25, 2018, DOE announced that this guidance was to be released on November 30, 2018. As of the date of this letter, DOE has failed to release these guidance documents or state allocations for FY 2019, the Senators continued. We urge DOE to release the FY 2019 WAP guidance and state allocations no later than December 7, 2018, in order to avoid unnecessary delays in services to low-income families and seniors who rely on the energy savings from this program. In their letter, the Senators highlighted that Congress provided a $6 million increase in funding for WAP through the annual appropriations bill that was signed into law earlier this fall and directed the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-join-group-senators-introducing-legislation-honor-wwii-cadet-nurses | Senators Collins, King Join Group of Senators in Introducing Legislation to Honor WWII Cadet Nurses | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Bill Text | One-Pager Washington, DC U.S Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) in introducing the U.S Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, bipartisan legislation to honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status. The bill, which comes on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, would recognize former Cadet Nurses' service to our country and provide them with honorable discharges, ribbon and medal privileges, and burial privileges. The bill will be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-MT). "Whether in a hospital or overseas on a military base, nurses work on the front lines of patient care in a wide variety of health care settings and serve as critically important advocates for patients and their families," said Senator Collins. "The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps played a vital role in WWII, addressing a critical shortage of nurses during the War and providing women with an expedited nursing education in exchange for their health care services. U.S. Cadet Nurses worked tirelessly to keep America's healthcare system strong, and many went on to work in military hospitals caring for our injured troops. I am proud to cosponsor this meaningful bill, and I encourage my colleagues to join us in honoring U.S. Cadet Nurses." "On this day in 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation and brought the United States into World War II," said Senator King. "Seventy-seven years later, it is still important to remember the contributions of all Americans who answered the call to serve - including the Cadet Nurses, who saved lives, healed the injured, and in so many ways, helped save our nation." Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) joined the bipartisan group in recognizing the service of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. In the midst of WWII, a severe shortage of trained nurse… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-king-attends-veterans-holiday-open-house-in-bangor | On Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, King Attends Veterans’ Holiday Open House in Bangor | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | BANGOR, ME Today, on the 77th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the Holiday Open House at the Bangor Vet Center, where he met with local veterans to honor their service and celebrate the holiday season. Today was about celebrating the holiday season with the Maine veterans who've made so many contributions to our national defense and our communities and it was made even more special because today is the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, said Senator King. The men and women who served at Pearl Harbor will forever be examples of the strength resilience of our servicemembers. We will never forget them, and today we honor not only their memory, but the service of all the men and women who've answered the call to duty. To all American veterans: I thank you for your service, and I join all of Maine in wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season. Senator King has been an advocate for veterans issues during his time in Washington. Last month, Senator Kingintroducedthe Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill that would help improve veterans' health care. The bill seeks to increase collaboration among federal agencies and authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new technologies that improve our understanding of the health challenges facing veterans. Earlier in November, Senator King honored Maine's veterans in a speech at Messalonskee Middle School's annual Veterans Tribute Assembly. In preparation for the assembly, students completed projects focused on learning about military service and the sacrifices of America's veterans. In October, heattendedthe 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford where he recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. In October,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-king-backed-bill-to-promote-high-speed-internet-for-farmers | Senate Passes Bipartisan King-Backed Bill to Promote High-Speed Internet for Farmers | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | BANGOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded last night's Senate passage of the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Senator King that promotes precision agriculture and rural broadband deployment. The legislation, which Senator King cosponsored in May, would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a task force to identify gaps in high-speed internet connectivity for the nation's agricultural land.The measure also instructs the agency to develop ways to help encourage broadband adoption and precision agriculture and to promote broadband deployment in areas where it is currently unavailable. In rural regions across Maine, our state's farmers are pillars of their communities and the foundation of the local economy, said Senator King. And, by the way their products are second-to-none. We need to find ways to help them expand their efforts and reach new markets, and we should start by making sure they have all the technology they need to maximize their yield and reduce their costs. Through precision agriculture and rural broadband, we can help Maine farms increase efficiency and become more competitive in the global marketplace. Broadband connectivity can support our rural farmers and their farm businesses in many ways, including utilization of tools and technologies to enhance their practices, and improving access to markets and other timely information that is difficult to obtain without reliable and consistent broadband service,said Amanda Beal, President and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust, at the time of Senator King's cosponsorship in May. Precision agriculture describes the use of mobile devices, robotics, field sensors, remote monitoring, and other technologies to manage agricultural production. Farmers and ranchers who use the technology can significantly increase crop yields, streamline operations, and reduce production expenses. In many areas of the United States, reliable, high-speed internet connections are not consistently… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-join-group-of-senators-in-introducing-legislation-to-honor-wwii-cadet-nurses | Senators Collins, King Join Group of Senators in Introducing Legislation to Honor WWII Cadet Nurses | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, DC U.S Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) in introducing the U.S Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, bipartisan legislation to honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status. The bill, which comes on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, would recognize former Cadet Nurses' service to our country and provide them with honorable discharges, ribbon and medal privileges, and burial privileges. The bill will be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-MT). "Whether in a hospital or overseas on a military base, nurses work on the front lines of patient care in a wide variety of health care settings and serve as critically important advocates for patients and their families," said Senator Collins. "The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps played a vital role in WWII, addressing a critical shortage of nurses during the War and providing women with an expedited nursing education in exchange for their health care services. U.S. Cadet Nurses worked tirelessly to keep America's healthcare system strong, and many went on to work in military hospitals caring for our injured troops. I am proud to cosponsor this meaningful bill, and I encourage my colleagues to join us in honoring U.S. Cadet Nurses." "On this day in 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation and brought the United States into World War II," said Senator King. "Seventy-seven years later, it is still important to remember the contributions of all Americans who answered the call to serve - including the Cadet Nurses, who saved lives, healed the injured, and in so many ways, helped save our nation." Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) joined the bipartisan group in recognizing the service of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. In the midst of WWII, a severe shortage of trained nurses threatened the nation's … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/waterville-receives-73-million-federal-transportation-grant | Waterville Receives $7.3 million Federal Transportation Grant | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Waterville, MaineCongresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the City of Waterville will receive a Department of Transportation BUILD grant for a total of $7,371,200 to make a number of improvements to its downtown streets and traffic pattern. Some fantastic things have been happening in Waterville's downtown over the last few yearsnew businesses, redevelopment, investment, and a resurgence of the arts, to name a few. Bringing the city's traffic flow and infrastructure up to date is key to keeping up the momentum, Pingree. This grant will fund significant changes to decrease congestion, improve safety, and increase access for pedestrians. I'm excited to see this highly anticipated project come to fruition. The project will convert two downtown streets from single-direction traffic to two-way traffic, improve five intersections, and reconstruct sidewalks and major public spaces to promote accessibility and walkability throughout the downtown. Pingree submitted a letter in support of the city's application for the grant. In October, Pingree held a roundtable with stakeholders from Waterville's arts community and took a walking tour of downtown redevelopment. She has a District Office in downtown Waterville on Silver Street. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-unanimously-passes-library-museum-bill-senator-collins-introduced-bipartisan-group | Senate Unanimously Passes Library & Museum Bill Senator Collins Introduced with Bipartisan Group | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. In a major victory for libraries, museums, and lifelong learning opportunities, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The bill is cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Roger Wicker (R-MS). The Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 renews and builds on the $240 million commitment to the federal museum and library programs administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that helps museums and libraries across the country advance their educational missions, deliver services, preserve history, and make their collections more accessible. The U.S. Senate sent a strong bipartisan message on the importance of robustly supporting the federal agency that helps museums and libraries better serve their communities. IMLS supports programs at more than 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums nationwide. Public libraries and museums are central community institutions in Maine and throughout the country. Increasingly, libraries have emerged as hubs not just for literacy and Internet access, but for workforce support and access to important information. The bipartisan Museum and Library Services Act represents a commitment to supporting libraries and museums that do more than accumulate artifacts they tell stories that enrich our communities and inspire the minds of future generations, said Senator Collins. Our bill would bolster that commitment, and I will continue to work with Senator Reed to ensure that libraries and museums … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-266-million-three-transportation-projects-maine | Senator Collins Announces $26.6 Million for Three Transportation Projects in Maine | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Collins has secured more than $160 million for Maine transportation projects through this grant program since 2009 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that Maine will receive a total of $26.6 million to fund three transportation projects. The projectswhich will be funded through the BUILD program that was previously known as TIGERwill improve infrastructure statewide as well as create jobs, reduce traffic congestion, and increase safety. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called Senator Collins this morning to notify her that these projects for which Senator Collins strongly advocated were approved. Improving Maine's transportation infrastructure is one of my top priorities. I am delighted to announce this $26.6 million investment that will benefit communities across the state, said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee. These projects will enhance the safety and efficiency of our transportation network while growing our economy and helping Mainers reach their homes and jobs more quickly. We are deeply grateful to Senator Collins and Secretary Chao for their support of Waterville's revitalization through the awarding of this BUILD grant, said Colby College President David A. Greene. This grant will be a catalyst for a safe, beautiful, and vibrant Main Street. Our downtown businesses will prosper with these changes and job growth and opportunity will continue to be the cornerstone of Waterville's resurgence. This is a great day for the city of Waterville and for all those who are committed to seeing this community thrive. The three Maine transportation projects that will receive funding are as follows: Western Gateways Project. The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) will receive an $11,027,500 million BUILD grant for a $22 million project to repair, resurface, improve drainage, and enhance pedestrian safety to a network of three key roadways i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-chellie-pingree-nominates-19-maine-students-united-states | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree nominates 19 Maine students to United States Service Academies | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Portland, MaineCongresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) has announced her office's nominees to the United States Service Academiesthe U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. This group represents some of Maine's best and brightest. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic standards, and a passion for helping others, said Pingree. Whatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves. We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it's an honor to nominate them. The nominees were interviewed by a panel of six on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and exemplified commitment to serving their country. Pingree nominated several students to more than one academy. The full list of nominations is below. United States Naval Academy Annapolis William Cleaves, Windham, Windham Christian Academy William Curtis, Brunswick, Brunswick High School Dante DeLorenzo, Kennebunk, Kennebunk High School Tristan Denholm, Kittery Point, R.W. Traip Academy J. Edward Huffard, Cape Elizabeth, Cape Elizabeth High School Caroline Leal, York, York High School Michael Manetti, Freeport, Cheverus High School Kara Murray, Yarmouth, Yarmouth High School Morgan Sharp, Kennebunkport, Kennebunk High School Jacob Witham, Winslow, Winslow High School United States Military Academy West Point Ryan Fitzmaurice, Bath, Maine School of Science & Mathmatics Luke Hill, Portland, Deering High School Caroline Leal, York, York High School Michael Manetti, Freeport, Cheverus High School Kara Murray, Yarmouth, Yarmouth High School Eric Quirk, Scarborough, N… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/falmouth-student-wins-2018-congressional-app-challenge-maine-s-first | Falmouth Student Wins 2018 Congressional App Challenge for Maines First District | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Portland, MaineCongresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that Falmouth High School junior John Wahlig has won the 2018 Congressional App Challenge for Maine's 1st District. His submission, Midway, aims to bridge partisan divides by providing a platform for people of different political beliefs to discuss issues. It's always exciting to see the innovative apps Maine students submit for this competition. Year after year, these apps have been impressive not only for their technical detail, but for the important problems students are trying to address with them, Pingree said. John Wahlig's submission this year is no exception. He has hit on a real need for a more productive political dialogue and did a great job building a venue for it to happen. Congratulations to him and my thanks to all who participated this year. In his video submission,Wahlig spelled out the need for his app. Being taught to avoid talking about politics has led to a lack of understanding of politics. Rather, we should be taught how to have civil conversations about difficult issues. This message is of the utmost importance in today's America as citizens grow more politically divided every day thanks to online echo chambers and a refusal to hear from the other side, he said. The idea (of Midway) is simple: to provide a platform that helps those on opposing sides of the political aisle find common ground through meaningful discussion. This is the second consecutive year Wahlig has submitted a winning app. He and partner, Pawan Yerramilli, won the 2017 Congressional App Challenge with a program to help diagnose concussions. The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competitionMembers of Congress must choose to participate for students in their District to be eligible. Winning apps from each District will be displayed and recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. this spring. The Internet Education Foundation coordinates the competition. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-announces-30-million-federal-investments-improve-wastewater | Rockland and Bridgton to Receive $30 Million Federal Investments to Improve Wastewater Systems | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Portland, MaineCongresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announced today that two communities in her DistrictBridgton and Rocklandwill receive a total of $30 million in grants and loans to make critical improvements to their wastewater systems. Funding comes from the USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program, which Pingree has defended in Congress. Having good systems in place to collect and treat wastewater so it doesn't create environmental issues is crucial to the health of any community. But maintaining and updating these systems is costly for towns, said Pingree. This significant investment from USDA Rural Development will allow these communities to make critical fixes to their wastewater infrastructure without breaking local budgets. I've been proud to advocate on the Appropriations Committee for the combination of federal grants and loans that help projects like these move forward. In previous budget proposals, the Trump Administration has recommended eliminating Water and Waste Disposal Grants while leaving the loan program in place. Pingree has fought successfully on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to restore funding for the grant program. Project Amounts and Summaries from USDA Rural Development City of Rockland has been selected to receive a total of $10,000,000 ($8,028,000 loan/$1,972,000 grant). This Rural Development investment will be used to rehabilitate the city of Rockland, Maine's, wastewater treatment facility, upgrade some aging sewer collection infrastructure, and correct some Combined Sewer Overflow abatement issues. The proposed project will focus on the wastewater system as it is in need of immediate upgrades. Some of the plant's original equipment and processes are upwards of forty years old, and the overall facility is well beyond the twenty-year useful life for which it was originally designed. The rehabilitation improvements address the aging infrastructure and capacity issues in the project area, as well as restore the design capacity… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-joins-bipartisan-group-calling-inspector-general-investigation-va%E2%80%99s-failure | Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Calling for Inspector General Investigation into VAs Failure to Pay Veterans Full Benefits | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General investigation into allegations that the VA would not reimburse veterans for misused or underpaid benefits. In their bipartisan letter to the VA's Inspector General, the lawmakers ask about how the technical errors occurred, how quickly any reimbursements will be made, and how the VA plans to make sure all benefits will continue to be paid out without interruption. The VA's continued ambiguity about whether it will fulfill this legal requirement threatens to erode our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to deliver promised care and benefits and demands close oversight and accountability, the lawmakers wrote. It is important that VA fix the technical and staffing shortages that contributed to its inability to implement the Forever GI bill so that it can continue to provide housing stipends to veterans. However, we remain resolved that VA make veterans whole for any missed or underpaid benefits based on the housing stipend rates that they were legally entitled to when the changes took effect in August 2018. In addition to Senator Collins, the letter was signed by Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.). The text of the full letter follows: Dear Mr. Missal: We are writing to request an investigation into allegations that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will withhold retroactive payments for missed or underpaid monthly housing stipends that it failed to pay veterans during delayed implementation of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act (P.L. 115-48), known as the Forever GI Bill. According to NBC News on November 28, 2018 (Veterans Affairs Dept. tells Ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-floor-senator-collins-pays-tribute-president-george-hw-bush | From the Senator Floor, Senator Collins Pays Tribute to President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. From the Senator floor this afternoon, U.S. Senator Susan Collins paid tribute to President George H.W. Bush. Senator Collins' full remarks can be read HERE and below: On Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport, Maine, stands a simple yet powerful monument, a gift from the people of that small community to a friend and neighbor. The monument is a United States Navy anchor; the friend and neighbor was President George Herbert Walker Bush. It is a fitting tribute. President Bush often called the family home at Walker's Point his anchor to the windward,' a special place of unsurpassed beauty in a caring community. Through the years, it has been the place that gave him the strength to face the many challenges he took on in dedicated service to our country. And indeed, every summer of his life, George Herbert Walker Bush spent at Walker's Point, except when he was defending our country during World War II. It is a fitting tribute in another way. As a Navy aviator in World War II, as a Member of Congress, as a Special Envoy to China, as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, as Vice President, and President, George H.W. Bush consistently and vigorously demonstrated the values that are the anchor of American society. Courage, duty, honor, and compassion defined his life. As he encouraged Americans to be a thousand points of light through service to others, he shone the brightest himself. He always answered the call to serve our country. I had the pleasure to visit President and Mrs. Bush at Walker's Point many times over the years and how I looked forward to those annual visits in Kennebunkport. The very first time I remember so well. It was in 1994, and I had just won the Republican primary for Governor of Maine. I received a call from President Bush's staff inviting me to have lunch with him and Mrs. Bush at Walker's Point. The last time I saw the president was on September 7, just months after President Bush had lost his beloved Barbara and as his own health was declining rapidly. Yet as the Pres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-united-states-military-service-2 | Senators Collins And King Announce Maine Nominees To The United States Military Service Academies | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination. We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation's distinguished service academies, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character. The following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King: United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs Name Home Town High School Brett Brown Bangor Bangor High School Logan Christian Hampden Hampden Academy William Curtis Brunswick Brunswick High School Trace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School Tristan Denholm Kittery Point Robert Williams Traip Academy Aspen Dyer North Berwick Noble High School Caroline Leal York York High School Alexander Morrison Baileyville Woodland Jr./Sr. High School Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Academy Andover Maxime Reznik Bar Harbor Mount Desert Island High School United States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point Name Home Town High School Trace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School Louis Daukas Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Jack Hermansen Windham Windham High School George Holt Cumberland Foreside Baxter Academy for Technology & Science J. Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Benjamin Jacobs Carrabassett Valley Carrabassett Valley Academy Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Andover Academy Morgan Sharp Kennebunkport Kennebunk High School Aidan Willitts Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Unites States Military Academy West Point Name Home… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-46-million-investment-water-infrastructure-southwest | Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $46 Million Investment for Water Infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development office is investing a total of $46,121,000 to upgrade water infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland. USDA is providing financing through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, which can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage, and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of these communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland are renowned for their pristine beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. These significant investments will help protect the environment in the regions while creating jobs and increasing efficiencies at their wastewater treatment plants. The funding was awarded as follows: Southwest Harbor Water and Sewer District ($15,684,000) Southwest Harbor was awarded an $8,000,000 loan and a $7,684,000 grant to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility and pump stations. The project will remove processing equipment that has exceeded its useful life, replace and expand existing structures, and improve overall efficiencies of the treatment process. The improvements include building upgrades, pump station upgrades, new blowers, sludge pumps, a dumping station, sludge dewatering, and clarifiers. These upgrades include higher efficiency equipment, which will result in more affordable operations for the users of the system. The town's wastewater treatment facility provides essential wastewater services to its 539 residential and 128 commercial and governmental customers. Upon completion of the project, the district will be in compliance with its Maine Department of Environmental Protection discharge permit. Modernization of this circa 1973 wastewater treatment plant will minimize and/or eliminate the potential for disc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/04/18/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-to-the-united-states-military-service-academies | Senators Collins And King Announce Maine Nominees To The United States Military Service Academies | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination. We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation's distinguished service academies, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character. The following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King: United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs Name Home Town High School Brett Brown Bangor Bangor High School Logan Christian Hampden Hampden Academy William Curtis Brunswick Brunswick High School Trace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School Tristan Denholm Kittery Point Robert Williams Traip Academy Aspen Dyer North Berwick Noble High School Caroline Leal York York High School Alexander Morrison Baileyville Woodland Jr./Sr. High School Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Academy Andover Maxime Reznik Bar Harbor Mount Desert Island High School United States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point Name Home Town High School Trace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School Louis Daukas Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Jack Hermansen Windham Windham High School George Holt Cumberland Foreside Baxter Academy for Technology & Science J. Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Benjamin Jacobs Carrabassett Valley Carrabassett Valley Academy Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Andover Academy Morgan Sharp Kennebunkport Kenn… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-46-million-investment-for-water-infrastructure-in-southwest-harbor-bridgton-and-rockland | Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $46 Million Investment for Water Infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development office is investing a total of $46,121,000 to upgrade water infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland. USDA is providing financing through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, which can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage, and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of these communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland are renowned for their pristine beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. These significant investments will help protect the environment in the regions while creating jobs and increasing efficiencies at their wastewater treatment plants. The funding was awarded as follows: Southwest Harbor Water and Sewer District ($15,684,000) Southwest Harbor was awarded an $8,000,000 loan and a $7,684,000 grant to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility and pump stations. The project will remove processing equipment that has exceeded its useful life, replace and expand existing structures, and improve overall efficiencies of the treatment process. The improvements include building upgrades, pump station upgrades, new blowers, sludge pumps, a dumping station, sludge dewatering, and clarifiers. These upgrades include higher efficiency equipment, which will result in more affordable operations for the users of the system. The town's wastewater treatment facility provides essential wastewater services to its 539 residential and 128 commercial and governmental customers. Upon completion of the project, the district will be in compliance with its Maine Department of Environmental Protection discharge permit. Modernization of this circa 1973 wastewater treatment plant will minimize and/or eliminate the potential for discharge… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-2-million-head-start-hancock-and-washington-counties | Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2 Million for Head Start in Hancock and Washington Counties | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Downeast Community Partners (DCP) received $1,996,333 for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Hancock and Washington counties. Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that young children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will help build an educational foundation for children in Hancock and Washington counties and provide parents with access to the services they need during their children's early years. In October 2017, Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) and Child and Family Opportunities (CFO) merged to form Downeast Community Partners (DCP). The two entities formerly operated as two separate local non-profits dedicated to serving the residents of Washington and Hancock counties. Child and Family Opportunities, Inc. (CFO), formed in 1970, and the Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA), formed in 1966, have each served the Down East region of Maine, focusing on helping low-income and at-risk residents thrive. DCP now continues this work. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. This funding, which was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), funds local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-2-million-for-head-start-in-hancock-and-washington-counties | Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2 Million for Head Start in Hancock and Washington Counties | 2018-12-03 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Downeast Community Partners (DCP) received $1,996,333 for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Hancock and Washington counties. Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that young children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will help build an educational foundation for children in Hancock and Washington counties and provide parents with access to the services they need during their children's early years. In October 2017, Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) and Child and Family Opportunities (CFO) merged to form Downeast Community Partners (DCP). The two entities formerly operated as two separate local non-profits dedicated to serving the residents of Washington and Hancock counties. Child and Family Opportunities, Inc. (CFO), formed in 1970, and the Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA), formed in 1966, have each served the Down East region of Maine, focusing on helping low-income and at-risk residents thrive. DCP now continues this work. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. This funding, which was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), funds local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-passing-president-hw-bush | Senator Collins Statement on Passing of President H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Bangor, MEU.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement on the passing of President George H.W. Bush: On Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport, Maine, stands a simple yet powerful monument, a gift from the people of that small town to a friend and neighbor. The monument is a United States Navy anchor; the friend and neighbor is President George Herbert Walker Bush. It is a fitting tribute. President Bush often called the family home at Walker's Point his anchor to windward,' a special place of unsurpassed natural beauty in a caring community. Through the years, it has been the place that gave him the strength to face the many challenges he took on in dedicated service to our country. It is fitting in another way. As a Navy aviator in World War II, in Congress, as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Vice President, and President, George H.W. Bush consistently and vigorously demonstrated the values that are the anchor of American society. Courage, duty, honor, and compassion define our nation and his life. As he encouraged Americans to be a thousand points of light through service to others, he shone the brightest. These values were also demonstrated by his First Lady, Barbara, his devoted partner for 73 wonderful years. As we recall what President and Mrs. Bush gave to our nation, we also reflect upon what we have lost. The end of a life so devoted to the highest ideals of the human spirit brings to mind the Parable of the Talents. The master, leaving on a journey, entrusts a servant with a portion of his treasure. Upon his return, the master is delighted to find that his wealth was wisely invested and multiplied. George Herbert Walker Bush was entrusted with the great treasure of principles, determination, and courage. He invested that treasure wisely and multiplied it to the benefit of all. Like the master in the New Testament, to him we say, Well done, good and faithful servant.' May God bless him and keep his memory always anchored in our hearts. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-george-hw-bush | King Statement on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush: Former President George H.W. Bush was a statesman and a leader, a man of dedication and dignity who served his nation in the military, in Congress, and in the White House. Throughout his lifetime of service, President Bush left his mark on our entire nation but his loss will be felt even more acutely in Maine, the home of his beloved Walker's Point. For all his achievements, President Bush remained humble, kind, and warm. Like so many Maine people, I've been fortunate enough to spend time with President Bush during some of his trips to Kennebunkport and like all who have had that opportunity, I will forever cherish the time we were able to share. His passing leaves a great hole in our nation and in our state; he will be deeply missed. During this sad time, Mary and I are keeping his family especially his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren in our thoughts. Senator King is at the Ronald Reagan National Library today in Simi Valley, California, to participate in the Reagan National Defense Forum. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-participates-women%E2%80%99s-retirement-security-panel-elevate-summit | Senator Collins Participates in Womens Retirement Security Panel at Elevate Summit | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins speaking at the summit Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, participated in a panel at the Elevate Summit this week to address the challenges women face as they save for their retirement. Senator Collins delivered brief remarks and answered questions from the audience. Nearly half of working Americans believe that they will not have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, improving American's retirement security is one of my top priorities. I was pleased to address the concerns of so many hard working women at the Elevate Summit. In 2017, Senators Collins and Bob Casey (D-PA) sent two letters to the Government Accountability Office requesting that they study retirement issues related to women. The first specifically involved retirement savings challenges unique to women while the second addressed the savings challenges faced by women who take time off from work to serve as caregivers for members of their family. The studies are ongoing with expected completion dates in the coming year. The Elevate Summit was an all-day bipartisan conference for women, by women to discuss the 2018 election results and issues of women's financial security. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-reed-bill-fund-america%E2%80%99s-libraries-and-museums-clears-senate-hurdle | Senators Collins, Reed Bill to Fund Americas Libraries and Museums Clears Senate Hurdle | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee unanimously passed the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (MLSA), legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) to reauthorize MLSA through fiscal year (FY) 2025. The programs in this bill directly serve libraries and museums across the country. This bipartisan bill would also modernize the authorities and grants at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to help museums and libraries better meet the changing needs of their communities. Public libraries and museums are central community institutions in Maine and throughout the country. Increasingly, libraries have emerged as hubs not just for literacy and Internet access, but for workforce support and access to important information. The bipartisan Museum and Library Services Act represents a commitment to supporting libraries and museums that do more than accumulate artifacts they tell stories that enrich our communities and inspire the minds of future generations, said Senator Collins. Our bill would bolster that commitment, and I will continue to work with Senator Reed to ensure that libraries and museums across the country receive this vital support. We must do all we can to support libraries and museums, which serve as anchor institutions for their communities and are beacons of education, connectivity, and discussion across our nation. The Museum and Library Services Act is a crucial step toward ensuring that these institutions are funded, staffed, and accessible to all. Through a relatively modest federal investment, this law helps build the capacity to support and expand access to library and museum services at the state and local level, and it will help fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting the learning, educational, and workforce development needs of Americans nationwide, said Senator Reed. The MLSA would enhance the ability of libraries and museums to address community needs, includi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-elizabeth-and-bob-dole-recognize-senator-collins-advocacy-behalf-military | Senators Elizabeth and Bob Dole Recognize Senator Collins for Advocacy on Behalf of Military Caregivers | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Marjorie Pennington, a 2017 Elizabeth Dole Fellow and military caregiver from Kenduskeag, Maine, presented Senator Collins with the award Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins with Tom Hanks and Senator Elizabeth Dole Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins with Marjorie Pennington and Steve Schwab. Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) was honored last night with the first Congressional Caregiver Champion Award at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Heroes and History Makers Dinner for her outstanding advocacy of military caregivers. Actor and military caregiver advocate Tom Hanks, as well as TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi were also honored at the ceremony. Nowhere is our duty as citizens greater than in our obligation to support the men and women of our armed forces, who bear the wounds of their service, and to support their family caregivers, who serve them, said Senator Collins. I am honored to receive the Caregiver Champion Award, and I thank my dear friends and true American heroes, Senators Elizabeth and Bob Dole, for their commitment to this remarkable cause. "Senator Collins has devoted herself to finding legislative solutions to the most urgent concerns of our military and veteran caregivers, said Senator Elizabeth Dole. Through her dedication and leadership, she has helped forever change how America supports our hidden heroes. She is a true champion of all of America's caregivers, and I am proud to recognize her with this honor." In June 2017, Senator Collins chaired a hearing of the Senate Aging Committee to examine the challenges facing the 5.5 million individuals in the United States who are providing informal care on a routine basis to veterans in need of regular assistance. A new report, released at the hearing, found that the individuals are providing roughly $14 billion a year in voluntary, uncompensated care, and that these spouses, parents, friends and other loved ones transform their lives to provide dai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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