Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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1,917 rows where chamber = "Senate" and party = "Independent" sorted by date descending
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| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-veterans-access-to-high-cost-prescription-medications | King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Veterans’ Access to High-Cost Prescription Medications | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing bipartisan legislation to improve access to high-cost prescription drugs for veterans living in state veterans’ homes. The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act would require the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to reimburse State Veterans Homes (SVH) for high-cost medications that exceed 8.5% of their per diem rate, like the arrangement many private contract nursing homes currently have with the VA. Alternatively, it could require the VA to provide these medications directly to the SVHs. Maine has six SVH’s in locations across the state. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not pay State Veterans Homes for high-cost medications for severely disabled veterans, which are covered for veterans who reside outside the facilities. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) joins Senator King as a lead co-sponsor of the bill. “Our men and women in uniform didn’t hesitate when it came time to answer the call and serve the nation – we shouldn’t hesitate to make their retirement from service as comfortable as possible,” said Senator King. “If the VA covers veterans’ medications when they are living at a private nursing home, those cost reimbursements should be the same when veterans choose to enter a facility that specializes in taking care of veterans. This bipartisan Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act is a crucial piece of legislation that will ensure our veterans continue to receive the care they have earned, regardless of where they chose to live.” “State veterans’ homes should never have to turn away elderly and disabled veterans because lifesaving medications are too expensive,” said Senator Banks. “This bipartisan bill will help states cover those costs and expedite care for our nation’s heroes.” Since the successful passage of the PACT Act in 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of veterans adjudicated as being severely disabled. For these veterans, the VA currently pays a per diem but doesn’t pay the Sta… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-slams-unconstitutional-lawlessness-of-trump-rescissions | King Slams “Unconstitutional Lawlessness” of Trump Rescissions | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) issued the following response to news that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded nearly one billion dollars of Congressionally-approved bipartisan spending without warning or Congressional authorization: “This administration’s Office of Management and Budget has just unilaterally taken away 800 million dollars that Congress passed on a bipartisan basis towards key priorities – in blatant defiance of the Constitution and federal law. “This isn’t a vague legal concept they are abusing; it’s grade school-level American government: Article 1 of the United States Constitution. Elected lawmakers make funding decisions to provide for the common defense and support the general welfare - that’s the beating heart of representational democracy. “But this President and his administration no doubt believe they can get away with such an illegal action – because, for over 20 months, they have. Watching the President spend billions on his unauthorized and illegal war that is costing lives and wrecking household budgets; wage economic warfare on our allies through tariffs that hike costs for Americans on everyday goods and spend over a billion dollars on his vanity projects, the Congressional majority has shown no resistance. “Why does he believe he can claw back a nearly billion dollars of bipartisan-approved Congressional spending? Because this Congress has enabled him by declining to stand up for itself and the rule of law – even voting down a Senate attempt to formally ban rescissions like this on party lines. After nearly two years of this explicitly unconstitutional lawlessness, will my colleagues finally say ‘no more?’ I urge my colleagues to come together, reject this unconstitutional pattern of behavior, and reset the balance among the branches of government. “President Trump is having enough difficulty doing his job; Congress should take this opportunity to do ours.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-celebrate-maines-iconic-lobster-industry-on-national-lobster-day | Collins, King Celebrate Maine’s Iconic Lobster Industry on ‘National Lobster Day’ | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins are celebrating Maine’s iconic lobster industry after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan resolution recognizing September 25, 2026, as “National Lobster Day.” The resolution recognizes the crustacean as a foundational part of Maine’s economy and culture. The resolution also highlights the environmental and economic impact of this heritage industry. “Fueling the lobster’s iconic status are the hardworking men and women who wake up early every morning in towns up and down our coastline to carry on the proud lobstering tradition,” said Senator King and Collins. “This National Lobster Day, let us highlight their work to ensure the long-term health, resiliency, and sustainability of our waters and the hundreds of millions of dollars they bring to our local economy. Our lobstermen bring immeasurable pride to our great state and this resolution is just one way we can acknowledge and appreciate their service to our communities.” "National Lobster Day comes at peak Maine Lobster season and is the perfect time to enjoy the sweet flavor and tender texture of your favorite lobster dish,” said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. “While celebrating this delicious treat, people are also supporting the independent fishermen and coastal communities that have worked for generations to bring lobster to tables everywhere." Lobster is a top economic driver for the state of Maine. The Maine lobster fishery is one of the oldest continually operated industries in North America, with the first documented catch dating back to the 1600s. Today, Maine is the largest lobster-producing state in the nation. Each year, the fishery employs 5,600+ independent lobstermen, harvests 100+ million pounds of lobster, and contributes $1+ billion to the Maine economy. Senator King and Collins have been top advocates for the Maine lobster industry, most recently urging Senate action to extend the current lobster regulatory pause to … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-supporting-fire-departments-and-boosting-community-home-safety-standards | King Introduces Legislation Supporting Fire Departments and Boosting Community Home Safety Standards | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing a key piece of legislation that would support fire departments responding to in-home emergencies. More specifically, the FASTER Act would fund grants to support fire department safety visits, simple home modifications like grab bars, and connections to lifesaving community resources. The legislation is being introduced during the annual Falls Prevention Awareness Week and would empower local fire departments to initiate a program where seniors could sign up to get lock boxes installed (local FD had the master key) so Emergency Medical Services (EMS) don’t have to knock down their door to get inside to respond to an emergency. While at the senior’s home installing the lock box, the fire department staff could also evaluate the home for fall hazards and suggest minor home modifications. On a percentage basis, Maine leads the nation with the largest 65 and older population. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older. There are roughly 1 million fall-related hospitalizes and 3 million emergency department visits annually across the country due to falls. “We all know the saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and preventative care is a win-win for Maine patients, families and the taxpayers,” said Senator King. “The FASTER Act is a critical step forward in supporting older Maine people and making sure that fire departments have the tools and resources to respond to in-home emergencies promptly while avoiding costly complications. Tools like lock boxes, grab bars or handrails can be the difference between a simple installation and an avoidable injury, while reducing time-consuming delays for responders. This is just another effort we are making in the Congress to help Maine people—and all older Americans—to stand strong.” Preventing falls is also about enabling adults to age comfortably in their homes, which is where most Americans want to age. At a tim… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-casar-introduce-legislation-to-create-new-federal-agency-to-ban-artificial-superintelligence-pause-advanced-ai-development/ | NEWS: Sanders, Casar Introduce Legislation to Create New Federal Agency to Ban Artificial Superintelligence, Pause Advanced AI Development | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) today introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act — legislation to stop artificial intelligence (AI) oligarchs from building machines humans cannot control and to pause advanced AI development until we have put in place rigorous federal testing and oversight to ensure AI does not harm humanity. “When you are racing towards a cliff, you don’t just ease up on the gas pedal. You hit the brakes. When the future of humanity is at stake, we cannot let a handful of Big Tech CEOs write their own rules,” Sanders said. “Scientists have been clear: AI is an existential threat to humanity. It must be treated as such. This legislation will permanently ban the development of artificial superintelligence and would put in place an immediate pause on advanced AI development until we have clear safety rules in place — developed by the most knowledgeable scientists in our country. Congress must act now before it is too late.” “Experts are warning that AI superintelligence, wielded by the wrong humans or by rogue AI, could kill countless numbers of people. But Donald Trump says he wants to encourage it. Something has to change,” Casar said. “Our bill bans the development of artificial superintelligence and pushes for international agreements so that no one, anywhere, builds AI too powerful for humans to control. Furthermore, our bill would immediately halt other dangerous AI capabilities, such as the capacity to develop biochemical weapons, or the capacity for AI to develop new AI instead of humans.” Over the past few months, we have learned that AI models can circumvent restrictions to hack into computers. We have learned they can create never-before-seen viruses. And we have learned they can automate research to build smarter AI. Even as the AI companies claim they recognize these dangers and want to slow down, they are racing ahead — investing hundreds of billions of dollars into a technology that nobody can fully predict or control. That … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-call-on-president-trump-to-release-home-heating-oil-from-northeast-reserve-as-prices-surge | Senators Collins, King Call on President Trump to Release Home Heating Oil from Northeast Reserve as Prices Surge | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King sent a letter to President Trump urging him to release supply from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve to help protect Mainers from high costs as the cold weather months approach. According to the Maine Department of Energy Resources’ most recent weekly fuel survey, statewide heating oil prices have increased by 74 percent compared to this time last year. It now costs approximately $675 more to fill a standard heating oil tank than it did last year, imposing a significant hardship on the half of Maine households that heat their homes with fuel oil. “We write to request that you release home heating oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve to protect Mainers from the very high prices that are imposing a difficult financial burden,” Senators Collins and King wrote. “You ordered a release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve earlier this year to help address rising costs, and we believe the same urgency now applies to the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve.” “The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest Short-Term Energy Outlook finds that U.S. distillate fuel inventories, which include home heating oil, fell below the five-year range in April and are expected to remain below the 2021–2025 low through the end of 2026 and most of 2027,” they continued. “According to the EIA, ‘Low inventories may also contribute to higher prices for residential heating oil in the Northeastern United States.’” “Further, the conflict in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine War have prevented additional heating oil from reaching the global market. Maine is particularly vulnerable to global supply shocks because our state imports much of our home heating oil. With both domestic and international supplies running low, a release from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve would help ease these prices,” the Senators concluded. Click here to read their letter in full. ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/prepared-remarks-sanders-ahead-of-un-general-assembly-oligarchy-is-ascending-and-democracy-is-in-retreat-working-together-that-must-change/ | NEWS: Sanders Ahead of UN General Assembly: “Oligarchy is ascending and democracy is in retreat… Working together, that must change.” | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | NEW YORK, Sept. 21 — On the eve of the United Nations General Assembly, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) delivered a major foreign policy address today at the historic Riverside Church in New York City — where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his Beyond Vietnam speech and where Nelson Mandela spoke after his release. The senator’s full remarks, as delivered, are below. It is a true honor and a privilege for me to be speaking here at this extraordinary and historic Riverside Church. This, as many of you know, is the church that Nelson Mandela came to visit as a free man, just five months after he was released from prison, having served 27 years. He came here to thank the people of the United States for standing up for justice against the evils of apartheid in South Africa. The courage and historic life of Mr. Mandela inspired millions and millions of people all over the world. His life and legacy will never be forgotten. As I think all of you also know, in 1967, at this very same pulpit that I am honored to be speaking from tonight, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made clear his vigorous opposition to the War in Vietnam — a war that was based on lies. A war of horrific destruction for the people of Asia, and for 59,000 young Americans who went abroad and never came home. In his remarks, with extraordinary courage, Dr. King exposed what he very eloquently called “the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism.” He warned us that “a nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” What Dr. King said was true nearly 60 years ago, and it is even truer today, as our country, the United States of America, is now spending over $1 trillion a year on the military while some 800,000 Americans are homeless, 85 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured, and millions of people cannot afford the basic necessities of life. This business of spending more and more on the military and turning backs on working families … | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-federal-judge-restoring-7-billion-forsolar-for-all/ | NEWS: Sanders Statement on Federal Judge Restoring $7 Billion forSolar for All | 2026-09-19 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 19 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement after a federal judge ruled President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) illegally cancelled $7 billion in funding for the Solar for All program. I introduced the Solar for All program to provide loans or grants to working class families to help cover the cost of installing solar rooftops or participating in community-based solar projects. This program would slash electric bills for working families up to 80% — putting money back in the pockets of ordinary Americans, not fossil fuel billionaires. Unfortunately, at a time when working families are getting crushed by skyrocketing energy costs and the planet is facing extreme weather and record-breaking temperatures, Donald Trump tried to illegally kill this program to protect the obscene profits of his friends in the oil and gas industry. He lost. Yesterday, a federal judge rejected the EPA’s illegal termination of this funding and preserved this enormously important program. Solar for All means lower utility bills, many thousands of good-paying jobs and real action to address the existential threat of climate change. That’s a win-win-win. | 1 | 2026-09-20T09:37:28Z | 2026-09-20T09:38:59Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-colleagues-demanding-answers-from-hegseth-on-human-economic-cost-of-iran-war | King Joins Colleagues Demanding Answers from Hegseth on Human, Economic Cost of Iran War | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is calling on the Pentagon to provide basic information on the cost to American taxpayers of the Iran War. In a letter to Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth from King and several of his colleagues, the senators demand a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran and criticized the DoD for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and costs continue to increase. In their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Secretary Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The senators wrote, “We write regarding the Department of Defense’s failure to provide the American people with basic information about the war with Iran and its cost to taxpayers, even as the human costs of this war rise. More than six months into a war that the President said would last six weeks, 18 American servicemembers have been killed, 824 have been wounded, and more than 50,000 troops are currently deployed in the Middle East…Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war. Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-va-hiring-retention-of-high-skilled-doctors | King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve VA Hiring, Retention of High-Skilled Doctors | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), is introducing bipartisan legislation that makes it easier for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) medical centers to hire and better retain high-skilled doctors. The bipartisan VA Salary Cap Waiver Adjustment Act would allow the VA Secretary to issue waivers to VA medical directors and allow them to exceed existing salary caps if they need to hire or retain highly skilled physicians. The VA system currently faces a serious shortage of doctors, due in part to the higher pay rates available in the private sector. Joining Senator King on the legislation are Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). When the United States Congress passed the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole Act in December of 2024, it allowed the VA to exceed salary caps for a limited number of highly trained physicians and for a limited time. Senator King’s bipartisan bill would allow the VA Secretary to issue as many waivers as necessary and allow this system to remain in place for the next five years after enactment allowing medical facilities a greater degree of certainty when they make hiring decisions. As VA Secretary Doug Collins discussed with Senator King in a recent SVAC hearing, the limitations of the current system created by the Elizabeth Dole Act are not giving the VA the flexibility it needs, resulting in the need for this type of legislation. “Our men and women in uniform served our country with patriotism and without conditions, and they deserve medical attention with a minimum of red tape,” said Senator King. “The VA Salary Cap Waiver Adjustment would allow VA facilities to have a more competitive salary structure that will maintain high levels of care for our veterans and reduce the odds that the VA lose doctors to higher paying opportunities elsewhere.” “Hiring and retaining skilled physicians is a serious challenge within the VA and it needs to be addressed now,” Senator Fische… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-stresses-importance-of-uschina-engagement-on-ais-shared-risks | King Stresses Importance of U.S.–China Engagement on AI’s “Shared Risks” | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the White House’s historic State Visit with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is underlining the crucial importance of productive engagement by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with the Chinese Government on the “shared risks” posed by artificial intelligence (AI). In a letter to Bessent, King acknowledges Bessent’s recent public comments on his willingness to discuss critical AI risks with China and states that while the White House should continue to promote American leadership in the artificial intelligence space, continued conversations and dialogue with the Chinese government are critical to AI safety strategy in defense of all humankind. Senator King wrote, “As you are aware, the American people are increasingly concerned that rapid AI development poses risks that simply cannot be ignored. When an Anthropic employee responsible for ensuring that its models work as intended recently wrote that “[w]e really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans,” many Americans for the first time reckoned with the potentially catastrophic implications of uncontrolled AI development. While thoughtful domestic regulation of the frontier AI labs that are developing the most advanced models is one important aspect of ensuring the safety of the American people, earnest and sustained dialogue with the Chinese government is another critical element of any serious and durable AI safety strategy.” “Chinese and American companies will continue to compete fiercely in the global market for AI products and services, and the U.S. government should continue to work closely with American AI companies to prevent the theft of intellectual property and ensure American leadership in this space,” Senator King continued. “But we also cannot lock ourselves into a race to the bottom with China on AI safety given the stakes.” “According to an expert on China’s AI policy, the Cyberspace Administration of China has within the last year published an updated “AI S… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-army-cutting-vital-ukraine-drone-battalion-another-worrying-signal | King, Colleagues: Army Cutting Vital Ukraine Drone Battalion “Another Worrying Signal” | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of his colleagues in requesting a formal briefing on the Army’s decision to eliminate a specialized drone battalion critical to U.S. interests in Europe and the defense of Ukraine. In a letter to departing Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and acting Army Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve, the lawmakers cited deep concerns about the elimination of the drone battalion of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Joining King on the letter are Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH-10). The lawmakers wrote, “We write to request a briefing to better understand your decision to eliminate the drone battalion of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. We are particularly keen to understand the data, analysis and process used to cancel this innovative unit established less than a year ago, and if this decision was based on Department of Defense leadership guidance or was an Army-internal decision.” “We have deep concerns that eliminating this specialized drone unit will limit our ability to learn from allies, particularly the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and hinder our efforts to modernize drone warfare at the speed necessary to compete on the modern battlefield. This specialized unit was a prudent response in a moment when the character of warfare is changing faster than a conventional formation’s ability to adapt. [...] Both the Ukraine-Russia War and the ongoing conflict in Iran have demonstrated our need to make significant improvements in drone warfare—lessons learned from our Ukrainian allies who have proven their ability to innovate and compete in this space,” the lawmakers continued. They further explained, “The DOD’s commitment to Ukraine and European security has been uneven and inconsistent— the reoccurring efforts to cut European force posture, the delayed spend plan of appropriated funds for aid to Ukraine, and the transfer of U.S. Army Eu… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-urge-senate-commerce-committee-to-promptly-consider-bill-to-extend-pause-on-right-whale-regulations | Senators Collins, King Urge Senate Commerce Committee to Promptly Consider Bill to Extend Pause on Right Whale Regulations | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King wrote to Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, respectively, urging them to advance the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act in their committee as soon as possible. The bipartisan legislation, which was introduced by U.S. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME-02) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), recently passed the House of Representatives and would extend the current pause on new North Atlantic right whale regulations through 2035. “This pause is necessary to protect Maine’s lobster fishery, which is essential to the state’s economy and coastal communities. According to the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, the lobster industry supports an estimated $2 billion in annual economic activity and more than 17,500 jobs,” Senators Collins and King wrote. “The Maine Department of Marine Resources has used congressionally appropriated funds to establish a right whale research and monitoring program that is now in its third year of data collection,” they continued. “The program includes aerial, vessel-based, and acoustic whale monitoring. This work is ongoing, and extending the pause would allow it to continue and provide scientists and regulators with better data to inform future management decisions.” “It is critical that any future regulatory actions appropriately balance protecting North Atlantic right whales with the economic and practical realities facing Maine’s lobster industry. We ask that you work to advance H.R. 9436 as soon as possible,” the Senators concluded. Click here to read their letter in full. +++ In 2022, Maine’s lobster fishery faced sweeping new federal regulatory requirements that relied on flawed assumptions and an inadequate scientific record. The requirements threatened severe economic consequences for Maine’s lobster industry without a sufficiently sound scientific basis. The Maine Delegation responded by securing a provision in the 2022 year-end appropriations la… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/prepared-remarks-sanders-regulating-ai-is-as-american-as-apple-pie/ | PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders: Regulating AI “is as American as apple pie.” | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | At Pro-Human Assembly in Washington, Sanders Urges Global Response to AI Threats and Pushes for AI Giants to End Election Meddling WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today addressed a diverse group of artificial intelligence experts, lawmakers, faith and union leaders, and Americans who share concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) breaking outside of human control at the Pro-Human Assembly in Washington. The senator’s full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. This afternoon, I want to cut to the chase and focus on what I consider to be the very most important aspect of the crisis we’re facing and how we can best go forward. Let’s be clear. Artificial intelligence and robotics are the most transformational technologies in the history of the world — impacting the lives of every man, woman and child in our country. AI experts have told us that, within a few years, AI may be able to do anything we can do better than we can do it. The economic impact of that is that AI has the potential to eliminate tens of millions of jobs, wiping out entire professions and making it harder for young people to enter into the workforce. But it’s not just the economy. Psychologists have warned us about the increased isolation and mental health challenges young people are experiencing as they become more dependent upon an AI chatbot for their emotional support. Educators are worried about a decline in our kids’ reading scores, writing abilities and cognitive capabilities as AI is used more and more in schools. Civil libertarians warn that AI is in the process of eviscerating our privacy rights by making it easier to collect and analyze every email, every text, every website visit, and every trip that we make in our car — creating a mass surveillance state. Political scientists warn that AI could threaten the integrity of our elections and political institutions. Go to the internet right now and, with very sophisticated deepfakes, you will find it increasingly difficult to determine truth from fict… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-demands-education-department-restore-critical-mental-health-funding-that-addresses-youth-needs | King Demands Education Department Restore Critical Mental Health Funding That Addresses Youth Needs | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is urging the Department of Education to restore funding for critical school-based mental health programs and halt efforts to terminate grants that help schools hire and retain counselors, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals. In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, King and his colleagues warned that the Department’s actions are disrupting student access to care – including those handling difficult psychological issues – and creating uncertainty for schools and educators across the country. The School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration (MHSP) grant programs were funded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to address shortages of mental health professionals in schools, particularly in rural communities. In just one year, grantees reached nearly 775,000 K-12 students nationwide and trained and hired nearly 1,300 mental health professionals. Despite the programs’ demonstrated results, the Department abruptly discontinued more than 200 multi-year grants in April 2025, claiming the programs did not align with the administration’s policy priorities regarding diversity and equity initiatives. The cancellations forced some grantees to pause hiring and training, lay off school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, and stop funding scholarships used to recruit future mental health professionals. “The Department’s recent actions create significant operational uncertainty for local school districts, interrupting student access to care and stalling the recruitment of future school-based mental health care professionals,” King and his colleagues wrote. “We therefore demand that the Department disburse the funds grantees are contractually owed in a timely manner to ensure local school programs face no further disruption.” “Despite these grants’ clear effectiveness, the Department sent boilerplate notices in April 2025 to 70 SBMH and 153 MHSP recipients claiming tha… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-modernize-noaa-fishery-stock-counts | King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize NOAA Fishery Stock Counts | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to update the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) capacity to track and protect fisheries. The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would incorporate environmental DNA (eDNA) and other biomolecular tools into NOAA's fisheries science programs, bolstering their ability to conduct more accurate and cost-effective stock assessment surveys. Today, NOAA's stock assessment methods are limited due to their high operational costs and limited vessel availability. This in turn results in gaps in survey coverage. The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would integrate eDNA into these assessments, a method that is already widely used in the private sector to close these gaps by enabling sampling in remote or hazardous environments while reducing costs. “Fisheries have long been an essential part of Maine’s economy and culture, and their enduring prominence depends upon their sustainability,” said Senator King. “The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would provide the NOAA with the advanced tools necessary to conduct more comprehensive surveys of our fisheries. By painting a more accurate picture of species health, we can be certain that our fisheries receive the attention they need, improving their sustainability and keeping them healthy for generations to come.” King is joined on the legislation by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). Senator King has long been a vocal advocate for the protections of Maine’s fisheries and marine ecosystems. Earlier this year, he introduced the American Seafood Competitiveness Act, legislation which would expand access to U.S. Department of Agriculture loan and grant programs for commercial fishermen, seafood processors, and mariculture-related businesses. In 2025, Senator King introduced the Help Our Kelp Act, investing in the protection of the … | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/advisory-sanders-and-welch-to-celebrate-vermont-national-guard-family-readiness-and-support-center-groundbreaking-provided-6-6m-in-federal-funding/ | ADVISORY: Sanders and Welch to Celebrate Vermont National Guard Family Readiness and Support Center Groundbreaking, Provided $6.6M in Federal Funding | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 9 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Wednesday will join Adjutant General of Vermont Major General Henry Harder Jr. and other representatives from the Vermont National Guard to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Family Readiness and Support Center at Camp Johnson in Colchester. Through the FY2022 Congressionally Directed Spending process, Sanders secured $4.6 million to help design and build the space that will provide services for servicemembers, veterans and their families, including financial counseling, legal assistance, suicide prevention and retirement services all under one roof. Sanders and Welch secured an additional $2 million this year in federal money to fully fund the project at no cost to Vermonters. Details: What: Vermont National Guard breaks ground on new Family Readiness and Support Center When: Wednesday, September 9, 1 p.m. Where: Camp Johnson, 30 Mt Mansfield Ave, Colchester, VT | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-takano-reintroduce-bill-to-move-toward-32-hour-workweek-ensure-americas-workers-benefit-from-ai-and-automation/ | NEWS: Sanders, Takano Reintroduce Bill to Move Toward 32-Hour Workweek, Ensure America’s Workers Benefit from AI and Automation | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) today announced that they will reintroduce legislation to establish a standard 32-hour workweek in America with no loss in pay or benefits. This bill comes as America’s workers have seen massive increases in productivity over the past century and as artificial intelligence, automation and new technologies promise to further increase productivity. “At a time when artificial intelligence and robotics will radically transform our economy, it is imperative that the financial gains from this new technology benefit working families, not just a handful of billionaires and corporate CEOs. One important way to do that is through a 32-hour workweek with no loss in pay or benefits,” Sanders said. “A 32-hour workweek is not a radical idea. What’s radical is that, despite an explosion in technology and productivity over the last fifty years, millions of workers are working longer hours for lower wages while nearly $80 trillion in wealth has been redistributed from the bottom 90 percent to the top 1 percent. That has got to change. It’s time to reduce the stress level in our country and allow workers and their families to enjoy a better quality of life. It’s time to pass this bill.” “The 40-hour workweek was established in law nearly 90 years ago,” said Takano. “Since then, cell phones, the internet, and now AI have increased worker productivity, but the profits have been largely concentrated at the top by billionaires and corporations. Work has fundamentally changed. It’s time that labor standards caught up. I’m proud to continue partnering with Senator Sanders in reintroducing this bill to make sure that the gains from historically high productivity are felt by all American workers.” Today, American workers are more than 400 percent more productive than they were in the 1940s. However, millions of Americans are now working longer hours for lower wages. … | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-casar-introduce-legislation-to-ban-artificial-superintelligence-and-temporarily-pause-advanced-ai-development/ | NEWS: Sanders, Casar to Introduce Legislation to Ban Artificial Superintelligence and Temporarily Pause Advanced AI Development | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) today announced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, forthcoming legislation to stop AI oligarchs from building machines humans cannot control. The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would permanently ban the development and deployment of superintelligent AI and temporarily pause advanced AI development until a federal regulator has established safety rules. It would also direct the U.S. to pursue international agreements to prevent superintelligence from being developed anywhere in the world. “Nearly every day, there is a frightening new story about how Big Tech companies are losing control of the technology they are developing, with potentially cataclysmic results,” Sanders said. “The leaders of the major AI companies publicly acknowledge that they do not fully understand the technology and that it is escaping their control. It is irresponsible for society to allow them to move forward and make these products even more advanced. That’s why I am introducing legislation to immediately pause the development of increasingly powerful AI and ban the creation of systems that humanity cannot fully control — at home and around the world. The future of humanity cannot be left in the hands of a handful of Big Tech oligarchs. The American people and people throughout the world must determine that future.” “If we allow Artificial Superintelligence to be built, it could risk the security, freedom, and lives of Americans,” Casar said. “Despite its potential deadly consequences, cutting-edge AI technology is less regulated than the average food truck. That must change. In just four years, we have gone from the first version of ChatGPT to AI models so powerful they cannot be properly controlled. Congress should immediately ban AI systems too powerful to control.” In recent weeks, OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta have all acknowledged instances of their AI escaping human control and hacking into other companies’ systems — violating the law and s… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hollow-promise_king-responds-to-news-that-ice-has-acquired-sufficient-body-worn-cameras | “Hollow Promise” – King Responds to News that ICE Has Acquired Sufficient Body-Worn Cameras | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today shared the following statement responding to news that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement now says it has acquired enough body-worn cameras to have all officers equipped with: “This update from ICE is a hollow promise since ICE announced weeks ago that they have no intention of making body-worn camera footage public if it does not show them in a favorable light. So unless and until there is a change of policy and leadership, today’s news simply means that there is more expensively equipped lawlessness on our streets rather than responsible, legitimate law enforcement.” Senator King has been outspoken and proactive in his efforts to negotiate necessary guardrails for ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the wake of unprofessional and unconstitutional behavior among those agencies. In January, King appeared on Face the Nation where he explained his Constitutional concerns over how ICE was operating in Maine, as well as possible paths forward for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding package. In February, he released a statement on congressional efforts to curtail ICE’s activities in Maine and across the country—again calling for the implementation of guardrails. Weeks ago, he condemned the news that ICE was buying painful “shock gloves” for officers to stun and paralyze suspects they were seeking to detain. Most recently, King called for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. Additionally, when given the chance to vote for a DHS budget that funded TSA, FEMA, CISA and the Coast Guard – holding ICE and CBP funding for bipartisan negotiations to include additional civilian protections – Senator King voted in favor of this approach all eleven times it was considered on the Senate floor. ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-efforts-to-protect-military-brain-health-making-improvements-identifying-remaining-challenges | King Efforts to Protect Military Brain Health Making Improvements, Identifying Remaining Challenges | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Armed Service Committee (SASC) and the Senate Veteran’s Affairs Committee (SVAC), is continuing to push for research into the traumatic effects of blast overpressure on servicemembers during and after their time in the military. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a study that reviews Department of Defense (DOD) actions to assess, monitor, and improve the health risks posed by blast overpressure on troops operating heavy weapons. The report was issued after Senator King worked to include it in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which codified his Blast Overpressure Safety Act. While the study concludes that “DOD has taken critical steps to prevent and mitigate service members’ exposures,” it identifies root causes behind shortfalls in monitoring servicemembers’ brain health – including the shortage of industrial hygienists who can conduct the sophisticated tests that can help unit commanders and medical personnel evaluate and track the injuries. “For years I have said that you cannot fix a problem unless you can measure it,” said Senator King. “Thanks to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) survey, we now have more information and metrics to track progress in addressing this invisible danger that has been lurking for years. We have seen the tragic consequences that result when these blast overpressure symptoms go unnoticed or untreated, and it’s work like this that will make the difference, improve the health of our service members, and likely save lives.” In addition to the specific finding of an insufficient number of medically-trained staff, the report surveyed five factors that are playing a part in addressing and improving the mental health threat posed by blast overpressure. Awareness, military hierarchy, unit culture, access to care, and the nature of interactions with health care providers were all singled out by participants as playing a role in confronting this problem among America’s militar… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-and-colleagues-call-for-committee-hearing-on-needless-avoidable-shortages-and-strain-on-troops | King and Colleagues Call for Committee Hearing on Needless, Avoidable Shortages and Strain on Troops | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is calling for a public hearing to scrutinize the planning and management of extended military deployments in support of ongoing operations in Iran and the mounting toll on American servicemembers and their families. In a letter to SASC Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS), King and twelve of his colleagues pointed to recent reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and other ships, as well as extended deployments affecting soldiers, airmen, National Guardsmen, and reservists. The lawmakers are seeking testimony from Department of Defense leadership about how the military is supporting deployed servicemembers, planning relief rotations and addressing the effects of extended deployments on military readiness, recruitment, and retention. The request follows reports that sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have faced deteriorating living conditions during an extended deployment, including food rationing, shortages of water and other basic supplies, broken facilities and serious mental health concerns. Most recently, Stars and Stripes reported that military families stationed in Bahrain are facing “uncharted territory” when it comes to a lack of planning and communications from the highest levels of government – from reasons for the war to sudden and chaotic evacuations. “The toll this unauthorized, disastrous war is taking on our troops is unconscionable,” King and his colleagues wrote. “Troops are suffering because of this Administration’s inability to end this war or make the environment safe enough for our servicemembers to be delivered the food, medication or supplies they need.” “Military families and the American people deserve answers about when our heroes will come home and how DoD plans to restore military readiness that has been drained by this war,” the lawmakers continued. “Supply shortages and unjustified extended deployments also have a real impact on our ability to recruit … | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-us-canada-trade-war-could-devastate-lobster-industry | King: US-Canada Trade War Could “Devastate” Lobster Industry | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement after the United States and Canada recently escalated the year-long trade war with retaliatory tariffs that will have major impacts on Maine people and businesses: “Maine’s lobstermen are some of the most determined and resilient members of Maine’s workforce. For months, these hardworking men and women have faced challenges across the board, from the increased cost of living at home to the spike in diesel fuel prices at work. Now this new escalation of the trade war with Canada – ‘the dumbest trade war’ according to the Wall Street Journal – is going to make things even worse’ “The Canadians just announced that they will begin retaliatory tariffs against American products as a response to the White House’s rash actions – including a 25% tariff on lobsters beginning in September. In the fall, almost half of the Maine lobster catch goes to Canada for processing which means that they will be tariffed on their way from the United States to Canada which could cut off the Canadian market with devastating consequences. And if the President’s misguided trade war further escalates, the processed lobsters could be taxed again when they are shipped back from Canada to the United States. If the President doesn’t relent, this hammer blow to hardworking Maine people would devastate the Maine lobster industry and leave many of these hardworking people literally high and dry. “Maine people are not interested in personal, retaliatory politics. They are focused on the high cost of goods here at home. The majority party must listen to the industry leaders here in Maine, put pressure on the President, and move forward with an economic policy that works for us and not against us.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pushing-state-department-to-fix-college-student-visa-delays | King Pushing State Department to Fix College Student Visa Delays | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined 29 of his Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of State to address delays in processing student and exchange visitor visas ahead of the upcoming academic year. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators are calling for the timely processing of F, M, and J visas as well as for answers about the lack of available visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates. The Senators highlight the vital contributions international students make to universities and communities nationwide, including expanding opportunities for American students, generating economic activity, strengthening the U.S. workforce, and building international partnerships. “International students are critical to the success of our universities, including contributing nearly $43 billion annually to local communities and supporting more than 355,000 American jobs during the 2024-2025 academic year. Even though international students make up only six percent of the total higher education population, their enrollment creates opportunities for American students,” write the Senators. “International students also improve our national security by fostering global relationships, cross cultural understanding, and long-lasting diplomatic ties. These benefits are at risk if visa processing delays persist.” In addition to King, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The f… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-demand-answers-from-pentagon-about-safety-and-well-being-of-uss-abraham-lincoln-crew | King, Colleagues Demand Answers from Pentagon About “Safety and Well-Being” of USS Abraham Lincoln Crew | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined several of his colleagues in demanding answers about deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, King and his colleagues raised concerns about the Department of Defense’s failure to provide a clear timeline for the crew’s return and pressed the Department for information about the health, safety and well-being of the sailors and Marines aboard the ship. The letter follows reports that the aircraft carrier’s crew has endured food and water shortages, broken plumbing, and serious mental health crises during its record-setting deployment. “We write regarding the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and mounting evidence that conditions aboard the carrier have deteriorated to the point that the safety and wellbeing of its crew could be compromised,” the Senators began. “These are deeply troubling reports, and the American people deserve honest answers. The USS Lincoln departed San Diego on November 21, 2025. The ship has now been deployed for more than 250 days, including over 200 consecutive days without a port call, setting a modern-day record for continuous time at sea for a U.S. aircraft carrier.” “Our sailors and Marines signed up to serve and to be treated with respect. They did not sign up to be kept at sea indefinitely with no announced return date and, by multiple accounts, without reliable food, hot water, or working plumbing. That is not how we treat the men and women we ask to carry out this mission,” the Senators continued. “As the Secretary of Defense, you are accountable to the men and women who serve our nation. It is time for you to demonstrate leadership, rather than peddle excuses. The servicemembers we send into harm’s way deserve nothing less,” the Senators concluded. King is joined on the letter by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hiron… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-welch-demand-dairy-farmers-of-america-end-its-illegal-retaliation-against-vermont-dairy-workers/ | NEWS: Sanders, Welch Demand Dairy Farmers of America End its Illegal Retaliation Against Vermont Dairy Workers | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 18 – Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today wrote to Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) CEO Dennis Rodenbaugh to demand that the company reverse its decision to close the St. Albans plant and creamery and lay off 80 Vermonters. DFA appears to have decided to shutter the plant following the efforts of workers to come together and form a union. “This decision will have a devastating impact on your workers, their families, Vermont dairy farmers, and the entire St. Albans community. To make matters worse, the timing of this decision following a recent union contract renegotiation raises concerns that idling the plant appears to be an attempt to illegally union-bust and set an example of the approximately 80 Vermonters represented by Teamsters Local 597,” Sanders and Welch wrote. “Without a sufficient explanation, it would be reasonable to conclude that the decision to idle the plant is illegal retaliation for last year’s strike. That is unacceptable.” In October 2025, St. Albans DFA workers ratified a contract after a lengthy bargaining process and a nearly two-week strike. DFA initially touted this contract. Less than a year later, it has announced plans to close the plant. Now recent public reporting indicates this closure could be in direct response to its workers efforts to form a union and a federal judge granted a restraining order against the closure on Monday. “DFA has a responsibility to the workers, farmers, and community members who have built and supported this facility for generations,” the senators continued. “That responsibility means making sure the constitutional rights of your workers to unionize and collectively bargain are fully respected. It means recognizing the impact this decision will have on Vermont’s dairy farmers. And it means being transparent with your workers, farmers and the people of St. Albans about why this decision was made and what DFA intends to do to mitigate its consequences.” Sanders and Welch concluded: “Do the right thing. Reverse yo… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-to-introduce-bill-to-stop-trump-from-garnishing-social-security-checks-of-seniors-with-student-debt/ | NEWS: Sanders to Introduce Bill to Stop Trump from Garnishing Social Security Checks of Seniors with Student Debt | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 17 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced he will introduce the Stop Social Security Garnishment Act — legislation to prevent seniors from having their Social Security payments withheld by the government to pay back decades-old student loan debt. Joining Sanders as cosponsors on this legislation are Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.). “As a result of Trump’s disastrous cuts to education, an increasing number of seniors are in danger of having their Social Security checks garnished to pay back student loans they took out decades ago. That is beyond unacceptable,” Sanders said. “In the richest country in the history of the world, no senior should have their Social Security payments taken away from them to pay back student debt. This is especially true when seniors throughout the country already cannot afford the skyrocketing price of healthcare, prescription drugs, groceries and housing. Congress must pass this legislation.” The Stop Social Security Garnishment Act comes amid a record-breaking student loan default crisis that has been made worse by Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which made the largest cuts to education in history. Over nine million Americans are now in default on their student loans. This means nearly 1 in 4 student loan borrowers cannot pay back their loans and are at risk of having their wages or Social Security payments seized to pay back their outstanding student debt. More than 1 in 3 Social Security recipients with student loans are reliant on their Social Security payments to make ends meet. Half of Social Security recipients that had a Social Security check garnished because of a defaulted student loan reported skipping a doctor’s visit or reported being unable to obtain a prescription they needed, due to cost. The Stop Social Security Garnishment Act of 2026 will put an end to this absurdity and ensure no Social Security payments are taken away f… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-secure-48-million-for-new-downeaster-train-station-in-portland | Collins, King Secure $48 Million for New Downeaster Train Station in Portland | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King (I-ME) today announced that they have secured federal funding to support the construction of a new Amtrak Downeaster station in Portland. More specifically, the $48,136,000 investment will help relocate Portland’s existing station, improving the speed and reliability of passenger rail service in Maine. “The Downeaster is an essential transportation link for the people of Maine, connecting communities, supporting our economy, and providing a reliable alternative to getting in the car or boarding an airplane,” said Maine’s Senators. “Relocating Portland’s station to the mainline is a commonsense investment that will mean shorter trips, fewer delays, and better connections for passengers traveling throughout Maine and New England. We’re proud to have helped secure this federal funding to help move this long-awaited project forward and strengthen passenger rail service for generations to come.” The project has been selected to advance through final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) will provide a 20 percent non-federal match. Amtrak’s Downeaster provides daily passenger rail service connecting Brunswick and communities throughout southern Maine with Boston, Massachusetts. The service is managed by NNEPRA and serves communities including Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells. ### | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-on-reported-use-of-shock-gloves-by-ice | King Releases Statement on Reported Use of Shock Gloves by ICE | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in response to reporting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is spending $20 million dollars on “shock gloves” in its nationwide patrols. “At a time when the majority of Americans believe that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been irresponsible in its use of force, the new ICE announcement touting shock gloves begs a crucial question: is ICE genuinely focused on de-escalation or, what appears more likely, intimidation of anyone critical of their often unlawful conduct? “When two separate and entirely partisan funding bills passed Congress in the last year, they directed $75 billion in taxpayer dollars to ICE’s rogue agenda, and even forward-funded the agency into 2029 in order to make congressional oversight all but impossible. “We have already seen the tragic and deadly results of this agency operating without any real accountability. Innocent civilians have been killed, body-worn camera footage – when there are body cameras actually available and activated – is only released when it benefits the agency, and Americans nationwide are feeling more and more like they are living in a police state occupied by masked agents. “And rather than have an open, good-faith conversation over methods and tactics, ICE is now investing millions (through what is reportedly a no-bid contract) in shock gloves that can do serious harm with little or no transparency or accountability. “I urge every single one of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up, assert our constitutional authority, and demand immediate answers from ICE on their hiring practices, training, and tactics. “I never thought I would see the day when masked and armed men in unmarked cars would be roaming the streets and neighborhoods of America, acting in utter disregard of the legal constraints that are basic to our freedoms. “It’s becoming more and more clear that the stated basis for this gross violation of our rights—that they are ridding … | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-new-study-confirms-medicare-for-all-would-save-114000-lives-and-more-than-1-trillion-a-year/ | NEWS: New Study Confirms Medicare for All Would Save 114,000 Lives and more than $1 Trillion a Year | 2026-08-11 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today issued the following statement after Yale University researchers released a new study finding that Sanders’ Medicare for All legislation would save 114,000 lives and reduce overall healthcare spending in America by more than $1 trillion a year. “This study confirms what we have known for years: Medicare for All saves lives and saves money. In fact, guaranteeing healthcare as a human right through a Medicare for All, single-payer system would cost $1 trillion less than our current dysfunctional system. It would save working families thousands of dollars a year. And it would prevent over 100,000 Americans from dying unnecessarily each and every year because they cannot make it to a doctor in time,” Sanders said. “At a time when 15 million Americans are being thrown off the healthcare they have and 20 million Americans have already seen their premiums double, on average, as a result of Trump’s so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ we need Medicare for All now more than ever. The time is now to end the greed of the big insurance and drug companies and pass Medicare for All.” Yale University researchers found that Medicare for All would reduce total annual healthcare spending by nearly 20%, or more than $1 trillion while eliminating premiums, deductibles and copayments, provider networks, and prior authorization. As a result, Americans would save: $377.5 billion by paying no more than other major countries for prescription drugs; $286.3 billion by eliminating bureaucracy and waste; $285.7 billion by curbing fraudulent billing; $100 billion by preventing costly emergency room and hospital visits; and $295.6 billion by reimbursing providers fairly for the care they provide. Researchers also estimate that Medicare for All would save 114,000 lives every year, including: 33,232 Americans who are currently uninsured and can’t access lifesaving care; 29,631 Americans who are curre… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-calls-on-tech-giants-to-pause-development-of-out-of-control-ai/ | NEWS: Sanders Calls on Tech Giants to Pause Development of Out-of-Control AI | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 10 – Following recent and repeated public reporting about artificial intelligence (AI) technology breaking outside of human control and creating potentially dangerous viruses, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today urged America’s largest AI companies — Anthropic, Meta and OpenAI — to immediately pause their development of Artificial Intelligence. “Almost every day, there is a new story about how your companies are losing control of the AI technology you are developing, with potentially cataclysmic results,” Sanders wrote. “And yet, at a moment when we have seen human loss of control and the creation of potentially dangerous viruses, your companies are still racing ahead — investing tens of billions of dollars into a technology that nobody can fully understand, predict or control.” In his letter to the leaders of Anthropic, Meta and OpenAI, Sanders cites the companies’ previous commitments to limit AI development once these tools surpass dangerous safety thresholds. Last year, Meta said it would “stop development,” and OpenAI said it would “halt further development” once their technologies reach beyond its ability to operate safely and unless safeguards are in place. Anthropic made a similar commitment in 2023, saying it would “pause the scaling and/or delay the deployment of new models” if the technology outpaces its own guardrails. Over the past month, those three companies have all acknowledged instances of their AI escaping human control and hacking into other companies’ systems — violating the law and stepping outside of their intended functions. Just this week, AI was first used to create new viruses that could be used as bioweapons. “In the interest of humanity, stand by your words. Pause AI development. It is not too late to avoid disaster. Stop building machines that humans cannot control,” Sanders concluded. “Let me be very clear: If you do not take appropriate action now, my colleagues and I in the U.S. Senate will.” | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-cassidy-sanders-request-update-from-justice-department-on-contempt-charges-for-former-hospital-ceo/ | NEWS: Cassidy, Sanders Request Update from Justice Department on Contempt Charges for Former Hospital CEO | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 – Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member, sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting information on the status of the contempt referral for Dr. Ralph de la Torre, former Chairman and CEO of Steward Health Care, which was unanimously adopted by the Senate on September 25, 2024. Steward previously operated 31 hospitals in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. On May 6, 2024, Steward Health Care declared bankruptcy, representing the largest for-profit hospital bankruptcy in United States history. “The bankruptcy represented a culmination of financial mismanagement and self-interested incentives by Dr. de la Torre and corporate executives in health care, private equity, and real estate. The resulting harm included termination of health care workers, patient deaths, and multiple hospital closures resulting in lack of access to care,” Cassidy and Sanders wrote. In response to the bankruptcy, the HELP Committee initiated an investigation into Steward’s financial mismanagement and invited Dr. de la Torre to appear at a hearing on September 12, 2024. Dr. de la Torre declined the invitation. The Committee then voted to authorize a subpoena requiring de la Torre to appear on September 12, 2025. Dr. de la Torre failed to appear. In response, the Committee voted 20-0 on a criminal contempt resolution. This was the first time in modern American history that the HELP Committee issued a criminal contempt resolution. “We needed answers from Dr. de la Torre, as did the health care workers forced to treat patients in dangerous conditions, loved ones of patients who died, and communities who saw their local hospitals close or face severe financial distress. Dr. de la Torre’s wealth should not make him immune to requests from Congress, especially as communities continue to grapple with the consequences of Dr. de la Torre’… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-introduces-bill-to-guarantee-paid-vacation-for-u-s-workers/ | NEWS: Sanders Introduces Bill to Guarantee Paid Vacation for U.S. Workers | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today reintroduced the Guaranteed Paid Vacation Act — legislation that would guarantee at least two weeks of paid vacation to every full-time worker in America. Joining Sanders as cosponsors are Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) introduced companion legislation along with 86 members of the House of Representatives. “It is beyond unacceptable that in the year 2026, the United States remains the only major country on Earth not to guarantee paid vacation time to workers. This legislation would put an end to that international embarrassment,” Sanders said. “We hear a lot of talk about family values in America, but let’s be clear: When a husband, wife, and kids, during the course of an entire year, are unable to spend any time together on vacation, that is not a family value. That is an attack on everything that a family is supposed to stand for. It’s not a radical idea to require companies in America to provide at least two weeks of paid vacation to their workers. What’s radical is that millions of Americans are not only working longer hours for lower wages, but that they do not receive a single paid vacation day. That should not be happening in the United States of America, the richest country in the history of the world.” “Every worker in America deserves the chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with the people they love without worrying about missing a paycheck,” Magaziner said. “I’m grateful to Senator Sanders for leading this fight in the Senate. It is time that we deliver this basic fairness to hardworking Americans.” While millions of Americans are working longer hours for lower wages, the U.S. remains the only major economy in the world to not guarantee some type of paid vacation time to its people. Today in Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Australia and many count… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-ocasio-cortez-ramirez-reintroduce-the-green-new-deal-for-public-housing-act/ | NEWS: Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Ramirez Reintroduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act, which would rebuild the United States’ public housing stock, address the longstanding capital backlog and create thousands of union jobs. This bill provides a much-needed infusion of federal funding to update every public housing unit through weatherization, electrification, and modernization so that it may serve as a model of efficiency, sustainability and resiliency for the rest of the nation. Joining Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez and Ramirez as cosponsors of this legislation are Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and 38 members of the House of Representatives. “In the richest country in the history of the world, it is unacceptable that our nation’s public housing is in a state of chronic disrepair. It is unacceptable that hundreds of millions of Americans are facing the disastrous impacts of climate change while the fossil fuel industry makes huge profits. And it is unacceptable that far too many Americans are working multiple jobs just to keep a roof over their head,” Sanders said. “What the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act does is say that yes, we can create decent and affordable public housing for more than 1.5 million Americans that is based on energy efficiency and sustainable sources of power. And that when we do that, we can also create hundreds of thousands of good-paying, union jobs. That is a win-win-win situation.” “From record-breaking heat waves to extreme flooding displacing public housing residents, Americans are feeling the parallel impacts of the housing and climate crisis. Now more than ever, it is integral that Congress put forward bold solutions that ensure our nation’s housing stock is both affordable and resilient,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “I am proud to reintroduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing A… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-lead-push-to-protect-federal-workforce-at-portsmouth-naval-shipyard | King, Pingree Lead Push to Protect Federal Workforce at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and U.S Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), are urging the administration to withdraw a proposed rule that would weaken longstanding civil service protections for federal employees, including the nearly 8,000 civilian workers at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). In a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Charles Ezell and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Chairman Cathy Harris, the lawmakers warned that the proposal would make it more difficult to recruit and retain the skilled civilian workforce responsible for maintaining the Navy's submarine fleet, ultimately threatening national security. "We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)'s proposed rule 'Promoting Employee Accountability,’” the lawmakers began. “This proposed rule would weaken longstanding civil service protections that promote merit-based employment, due process and the recruitment and retention of skilled workers. Moreover, as Members of Congress who represent nearly eight thousand civilian workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, we are concerned about the proposed rule's impact on workers essential to our national security." "By stripping away the procedures that keep discipline fair for civilian employees doing the work of naval readiness... the proposed rule introduces costly unpredictability in the workforce and needlessly undermines readiness. We are concerned this will increase attrition in the critical and experienced workforce that keeps our submarine fleet ready... We, therefore, ask you to withdraw OPM and MSPB's proposed rule," the lawmakers concluded. Joining King and Pingree on the letter are U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and U.S. Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02) and Chris Pappas (D-NH-01). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Director Kupor and… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-fight-mosquito-borne-diseases | Senator King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fight Mosquito-Borne Diseases | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen the fight against mosquito and other vector-borne diseases (VBD). The Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (SMASH) 2.0 Act would reauthorize funding for federal mosquito control and public health response efforts as well as improve preparedness and response efforts for VBDs. Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) is the technical term for diseases spread by insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. For decades, the United States government has successfully controlled VBDs through methods like eliminating standing water breeding grounds and deploying safe pesticides to eliminate the seasonal scourges of malaria and yellow fever. “One of the best parts about living in Maine is being able to spend time outdoors, but the threat of dangerous illnesses from mosquito bites is a real concern,” said Senator King. “Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance – they have the potential to transmit dangerous diseases which threaten American public health Acting to prevent the spread of such diseases is essential to protect the health of Maine people and Americans nationwide. The SMASH 2.0 Act would provide our communities with further protection from vector-borne diseases and their complications, promoting health and reducing healthcare costs.” More specifically, the SMASH 2.0 Act would: Reauthorize the CDC’s Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (MASH) program at $100 million per year; Authorize within the MASH program to expand training, evaluation, and to support education and training for public health staff engaged in mosquito abatement; and Require the CDC to coordinate with the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) on stockpiling vector-borne disease control products. “Mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit are continual threats to all Americans,” said American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) Technical Advisor Daniel Markowski. “The reauthorization of the SMASH Act is imperativ… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-warns-democrats-dont-open-back-door-for-republicans-to-cut-social-security/ | NEWS: Sanders Warns Democrats: Don’t Open Back Door for Republicans to Cut Social Security | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 — After the Social Security Administration warned that 70 million Americans will have their benefits cut by 2032 unless Congress takes action, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today called on Senate Democrats to strongly oppose the PROMISE Act — legislation allowing congressional Republicans to slash or privatize Social Security through an unelected commission. Sanders instead urged his Democratic colleagues to support his legislation, backed by 78% of the American people, to apply the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000 a year, increase benefits by $2,400 a year and expand Cost-of-Living Adjustments. In 2023, the Social Security Administration estimated that this legislation would make Social Security solvent for 75 years without raising taxes on 91 percent of Americans who make less than $250,000 a year. “The Democratic Caucus must make it abundantly clear that under no circumstances will we support legislation that cuts Social Security benefits, raises the retirement age, reduces Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs), or privatizes this essential program,” Sanders wrote. “At a time when the wealthiest people in America are becoming much wealthier, asking them to pay the same percentage of their income into Social Security as teachers, nurses, firefighters, and construction workers is not a radical idea. It is common sense. It is what the American people want… Unfortunately, instead of clearly telling the American people how we intend to strengthen Social Security, there are now Members of Congress who are considering legislation that moves us in exactly the wrong direction.” Seniors in America today face the highest rate of poverty of almost any major country. Over 20% of seniors are trying to survive on an income of less than $15,000 a year and nearly half of older workers have no savings or plan for retirement. Yet despite this retirement crisis, billionaires continue to pay much less proportionally into Social Security than do working-class Americans, and Republicans in Con… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-medicare-patients-physicians | King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Medicare Patients, Physicians | 2026-08-03 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing bipartisan legislation to support physicians and preserve their ability to care for Medicare patients. The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act would modernize the Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule (MFPS) – how much medical professionals are reimbursed for providing care – and preserve patient access to care by adjusting payments to cover more of the actual cost of delivering medical services. As reported by the American Medical Association (AMA), the average Medicare reimbursement for physician services has declined roughly 33 percent since 2001 when adjusted for inflation. This reduction can be largely attributed to the Medicare budget neutrality threshold last updated in 1992, which has failed to keep pace with the rising cost of care. The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act reforms key structural elements of MPFS, supporting physicians and preserving their ability to care for Medicare patients. “Accessible, reliable health care is essential for seniors across Maine, particularly in our rural communities where providers are already stretched thin,” said Senator King. “The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act would help ensure that Medicare providers are fairly reimbursed so they can continue delivering the full range of care that Maine seniors depend on for their healthcare needs. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this commonsense bipartisan legislation to strengthen access to quality care for older Americans.” King is joined on the legislation by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Senator King has long been an outspoken advocate for the provision of affordable, accessible healthcare for all Americans. In June of 2026, Senator King introduced the Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act, requiring private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disord… | 1 | 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z | 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-announces-new-va-clinics-to-serve-vermont-veterans/ | NEWS: Sanders Announces New VA Clinics to Serve Vermont Veterans | 2026-08-01 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 1 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced today that new community-based U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinics (CBOCs) will be built in South Burlington, Vermont, and West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, to serve Vermont veterans. These facilities represent real progress in expanding VA healthcare for veterans in our state. “As the former Chair and a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am very pleased to announce these two new, state-of-the-art clinics for veterans to get their primary healthcare,” Sanders said. “The Burlington clinic — the state’s busiest — will be replaced by a facility that is twice as large, located at the Technology Park in South Burlington. The 36,000-square-foot facility will first see patients in spring 2029. I am also delighted that the new South Burlington clinic will provide desperately needed dental care services, a first for a VA facility in Vermont. “The Brattleboro clinic will be combined with a clinic in Keene, New Hampshire, to provide improved services for veterans in both states. The clinic will be located at 99 NH-9 in West Chesterfield. The 27,000-square-foot facility will also begin seeing patients in spring 2029,” Sanders continued. “When it became clear the VA would combine the Keene and Brattleboro clinics into one, larger facility, I worked with them to ensure a location was selected that was convenient to veterans in both states. I am pleased they selected a location right near the bridge to Brattleboro to ensure Vermont veterans don’t need to travel far to see their doctor.” The VA operates community-based outpatient clinics in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Newport and Rutland that serve nearly 19,000 Vermont veterans. These clinics provide primary care, specialty treatment and mental health services, and function as satellites of the VA medical center in White River Junction. | 1 | 2026-08-02T07:31:21Z | 2026-08-02T07:32:50Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-legislation-to-protect-polling-stations-from-federal-intervention-armed-troops | King Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Polling Stations from Federal Intervention, Armed Troops | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to protect against the use of federal troops or armed federal agents at polling places. The Protect Our Polls Act would require congressional approval prior to any deployment of armed federal law enforcement or uniformed military personnel at polling stations across the country. Existing federal law explicitly prohibits the federal government from sending federal troops or law enforcement to polling places with only a minor exception should they be used to repel “armed enemies of the United States.” The Protect Our Polls Act aims to close that loophole and create additional barriers to prevent the President from interfering in elections and utilizing law enforcement and the military to intimidate voters. “Free and fair elections serve as the foundation of American democracy, and its strength rests upon the assurance that elections remain accessible for all Americans,” said Senator King. “The Protect Our Polls Act would strengthen protections against tactics designed to intimidate voters at polling stations, ensuring that Americans are confident in their safety when exercising their right to vote. Our democracy remains healthy only when those who constitute it have their voices heard, and this bill will protect their ability to do so.” King is joined on the legislation by Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jackie Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). Senator King has long been an outspoken advocate for the protection of democratic freedoms. After President Trump gave a national address threatening increased federal interference with elections, King published an op-ed outlining his concerns surrounding the Trump administration’s aims to nationalize elections. Earlier this week, King introduced the Stop Harassment and Intimidation in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our El… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-grassley-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-audit-the-pentagon-and-end-wasteful-spending/ | NEWS: Sanders, Grassley Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Audit the Pentagon and End Wasteful Spending | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | The Pentagon failed its eighth consecutive audit last year, unable to fully account for $4.65 trillion in assets WASHINGTON, July 30 – Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today reintroduced the Audit the Pentagon Act. This legislation would impose financial consequences if the Pentagon fails to pass a full, independent audit. Any Pentagon component that fails to achieve a clean audit opinion would have 2% of its budget withheld and returned to the Treasury for deficit reduction. Joining Sanders and Grassley as cosponsors of the Audit the Pentagon Act are Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). Despite accounting for more than half of the federal government’s discretionary spending and roughly two-thirds of all federal contracting activity, the Pentagon remains the only one of the federal government’s 24 major agencies to have never passed a clean financial audit — a requirement under federal law since the early 1990s and mandatory on an annual basis since 2018. In its eighth consecutive failed audit, which was released in December 2025 and covered $4.65 trillion in reported assets and $4.7 trillion in liabilities across all 50 states and more than 40 countries, the Pentagon Office of Inspector General identified 26 instances of the most severe auditing errors and two additional significant accounting issues in the department’s internal controls over financial reporting. “The Pentagon has been plagued by a massive amount of waste, fraud and financial mismanagement for decades,” Sanders said. “Year after year, the Pentagon fails an audit, and year after year, Congress hands it another blank check. At a moment when the administration has dragged us into an unconstitutional war with Iran and is demanding the largest military budget in our history to pay for it, the Pentagon still cannot tell us where tr… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-dea-to-clarify-rule-threatening-maine-ems-providers-with-new-costs | Maine Delegation Calls on DEA to Clarify Rule Threatening Maine EMS Providers with New Costs | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are calling on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to quickly clarify federal guidance that is threatening Maine emergency medical service (EMS) agencies with new costs. In a letter to DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, the lawmakers explained that uncertainty surrounding the DEA's implementation of a 2017 law has led several Maine hospital systems to end longstanding agreements that allowed local EMS agencies to obtain certain emergency supplies and medications through their hospital partners. Without these agreements, EMS agencies have already begun to spend thousands of their own dollars on these expenses, likely resulting in cost increases to patients to recoup the additional charges. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), along with related DEA regulations, requires registration for any practice that dispenses controlled substances. Prior to 2017, the CSA did not directly mention EMS, and thus EMS departments historically were not required to register to procure or dispense controlled substances – allowing EMS to acquire medications and supplies from hospital partners to do their critical work. “We write today to request that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issue clarifying guidance regarding implementation of the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medicines Act of 2017 (PPAEMA),” the lawmakers began. “As you know, PPAEMA amended the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to allow Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies to obtain independent registrations to administer controlled substances. This statutory change was intended to codify existing law and ensure EMS responders operate seamlessly under the supervision of a licensed physician. Unfortunately, the DEA’s subsequent final rule has created disruption and confusion for Maine’s healthcare system.” “The conflicting interpretations of this rule have led our state’s largest hospital networks to ab… | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-bill-to-expand-mental-health-care-access-in-rural-maine-communities | King Leads Bill to Expand Mental Health Care Access in Rural Maine Communities | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King is introducing legislation to help people in rural Maine communities maintain reliable access to mental health care. The Compacts, Access, and Responsible Expansion (CARE) for Mental Health Professionals Act would incentivize interstate medical health provider networks with federally funded grant opportunities. Interstate networks allow providers to practice across state lines while avoiding duplicative registration processes, thus reaching more rural communities with mental health resources. Rural communities are disproportionately affected by the country’s mental health crisis. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 60% of rural Americans live in designated mental health provider shortage areas “The expansion of telehealth has been a game changer, especially for rural Maine communities, older adults, and those who might otherwise forgo care due to their inability to pay for or drive to their appointments. Telehealth has improved access to mental health services, eased burdens on providers, and helped patients receive the care they need when they need it,” said Senator King. “The CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act adapts care with the times, and reduces unnecessary red tape that makes it harder for qualified providers to deliver telehealth services across state lines, ensuring more Maine people can access quality mental health care for years to come.” "NAMI Maine remains committed to advancing policies that improve access to mental health care and strengthen the behavioral health workforce, said Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine. “We support bipartisan solutions, such as Sen. King's CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act, that ensure individuals, families, and communities can find qualified professionals when and where they need them,". Senator King is a long-time advocate for the availability and accessibility of telemedicine. King co-sponsored the bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act and the Teleh… | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-elections-from-interference-and-tampering | King, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Elections from Interference and Tampering | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing legislation to protect elections from interference and tampering – from both outside actors and unconstitutional orders from the federal government. The Stop Harassment and Intimidation in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act would authorize state attorneys general and individual voters to bring civil actions against those who violate federal laws protecting elections, extend the statute of limitations for federal criminal prosecutions involving election interference from five to nine years, and establish additional protections to prevent the unlawful seizure of ballots before election results are finalized. "Article 1, Section 4 of the Constitution makes it clear that the oversight and administration of elections is left to the states; recent remarks and proposals from the White House seem to threaten the firewall our founders made a priority – and also contradicts the principle of states’ rights," said Senator King. "The SHIELD Our Elections Act reinforces those fundamental principles and sustaining public faith in elections that are conducted fairly, impartially, and constitutionally – while strengthening accountability for those who attempt to undermine our electoral system." More specifically, the SHIELD Our Elections Act would: Allow State Attorneys General and impacted voters to sue when federal officials unlawfully interfere with or intimidate them at polling places; Strengthen accountability by extending the statute of limitations from five to nine years for key federal election crimes, including interference by armed forces and voter intimidation, to enable them to be brought by future administrations for past actions; Protect ballots from improper seizure by limiting when state or federal law enforcement may seize ballots or election equipment and requiring court-authorized election officials to maintain joint custody whenever materials must be seized, especially before the resolution of an election. In additi… | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-new-gao-report-finds-taxpayers-continue-to-subsidize-poverty-wages-at-walmart-amazon-other-large-corporations-as-corporate-welfare-spikes-since-2020/ | NEWS: New GAO Report Finds Taxpayers Continue to Subsidize Poverty Wages at Walmart, Amazon, Other Large Corporations as Corporate Welfare Spikes Since 2020 | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, July 22 – According to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, some of the largest and most profitable American corporations and their wealthy CEOs continue to pay their employees wages so low that those workers are forced to rely on Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — subsidized by U.S taxpayers — to survive. Commissioned by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and released today by the GAO, this report analyzes data from 11 states comprising nearly a fifth of the U.S. population, builds on the findings of a 2020 GAO report, and details how the number of workers relying on Medicaid and SNAP has grown significantly over the past six years. Across 11 states, the report found that an estimated 13.8 million working Americans were forced to enroll in Medicaid and 10.6 million depended on SNAP to make ends meet and feed their families, despite working full-time — up from 12 million and 9 million, respectively, in the 2020 report. “American taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the starvation wages of large corporations like Walmart and Amazon. These corporations are making record-breaking profits, paying their CEOs exorbitant compensation packages and spending billions of dollars on stock buybacks to enrich their wealthy shareholders. It is beyond unacceptable that these corporations, owned by some of the wealthiest people on the planet, are receiving corporate welfare from the federal government,” Sanders said. “It is time for the Walton family, worth $485 billion, and Mr. Bezos, worth $257 billion, to get off of welfare and pay their workers a living wage with good benefits. No one who works for a company making billions in profits should be living in poverty. This is especially true after these corporations and their multibillionaire owners received a massive tax break from President Trump’s so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ paid for by the largest cuts to Medicaid and nut… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-bill-to-require-warning-labels-on-ultraprocessed-foods-ban-junk-food-ads-for-kids-advances-in-committee/ | NEWS: Sanders Bill to Require Warning Labels on Ultraprocessed Foods & Ban Junk Food Ads for Kids Advances in Committee | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, July 22 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today applauded the committee voting 12-10 in a bipartisan manner to advance his legislation to take on the greed of the food and beverage industry and address the growing diabetes and obesity epidemics negatively impacting millions of American children and families across the country. This first-of-its-kind federal ban on junk food advertising targeted to children in the United States would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement strong health and nutrient warning labeling, direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the dangers posed by ultra-processed foods, and develop a national education campaign for children and caregivers through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “I am delighted that the HELP Committee passed the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act that I introduced. For decades, the food and beverage industry has made massive profits by enticing children to consume unhealthy products purposely designed to be overeaten — fueling the twin crises of type 2 diabetes and obesity in America. We cannot continue to allow these greedy corporations to put their own profits over the health and well-being of our kids,” Sanders said.“Nearly 30 years ago, Congress had the courage to take on the tobacco industry, whose products killed more than 400,000 Americans every year. Today, on a bipartisan basis, the Senate HELP Committee finally stood up to the greed of the food and beverage industry.” | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-white-house-to-withdraw-proposed-rule-politicizing-scientific-research-grants | King, Colleagues Urge White House to Withdraw Proposed Rule Politicizing Scientific Research, Grants | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is urging the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to withdraw a proposed rule that would significantly expand political control over how federal agencies award grants and cooperative agreements. In a letter to OMB Director Russ Vought with several of his colleagues, the senators warn the proposal could undermine scientific research, weaken American competitiveness, and jeopardize funding for critical projects in communities across the country. OMB has proposed sweeping, partisan changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements – the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science, and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects, including but not limited to infrastructure, public health, resource conservation, and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025 Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards. “The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities,” wrote the senators. “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.” “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increas… | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-renew-demands-to-dhs-for-civilian-protections-greater-transparency | King, Colleagues Renew Demands to DHS for Civilian Protections, Greater Transparency | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is leading dozens of his Senate colleagues in calling for stronger accountability measures for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the thirty-nine Senators urge DHS to fulfill its previous commitments to deploy and expand the usage of body-worn cameras, strengthen officer identification requirements, and review enforcement protocols. The measures suggested by the Senators are intended to help prevent future deadly encounters involving ICE enforcement officers – and comes after two fatal shootings during immigration enforcement operations in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas. “The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable,” the Senators wrote. “Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.” “The tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startling similarities. In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intendedtargets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel) along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies. These recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements a… | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-key-nomination-hearing-king-challenges-potential-intelligence-head-on-ability-to-avoid-political-pressure | In Key Nomination Hearing, King Challenges Potential Intelligence Head on Ability to Avoid Political Pressure | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a key hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) questioned the potential lead Intelligence official on his ability to resist political pressure. In his exchange with Office ofDirector of National Intelligence (ODNI) nominee Jay Clayton, King stressed the importance of analytical integrity and the obligation of intelligence officials to provide objective, fact-based assessments free from political influence. Senator King began, “There's been some discussion earlier about the importance of analytical integrity. Telling truth to power. The Intelligence Community directive, which goes back to more than a decade, says this, ‘Any information from the Intelligence Community should be independent of political consideration. Analytic assessments must not be distorted by or shaped by advocacy of a particular audience or policy viewpoint. Analytic judgments must not be influenced by the force of preference for a particular policy.’ Do you concur with that?” “Yes,” Mr. Clayton responded. Senator King asked, “Who won the 2020 election?” “I'm not going to get into that,” Mr. Clayton replied. “Could you answer the question? Who won 2020 election? It’s a simple question,” Senator King repeated. “My answer to the Chairman, he asked me if I was an election denier. I am not an election denier. Joe Biden was certified as the President. He went through his process. We went through our electoral process. I can tell you, I was in my seat at the SEC—,” said Mr. Clayton. “I am asking a really simple question. Who won 2020 election?” Senator King repeated again. “As I said, we went through our processes and Joe Biden became the President of the United States,” Mr. Clayton responded. “That is not an answer to the question. I am asking one more time. Who won the 2020 election?” asked Senator King. “I'm here to talk about my qualifications,” replied Mr. Clayton. “One of your qualifications is to tell the truth to power and you will not answer … | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-cassidy-applaud-senate-advancement-of-bipartisan-reauthorization-of-the-older-americans-act/ | NEWS: Sanders, Cassidy Applaud Senate Advancement of Bipartisan Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, July 15 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) applaud the Senate unanimously passing the Older Americans Act (OAA), a critically important law that provides services supporting the health, independence and dignity of older adults across the nation. The bill’s reauthorization effort was also led by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). “I’m delighted that the Senate unanimously passed legislation last night to expand and improve the Older Americans Act,” Sanders said. “This legislation begins to pay attention to the urgent unmet needs of seniors in America and what we should do as a nation to reduce the senior poverty rate, prevent hunger, combat loneliness and isolation and improve the health and well-being of some of the most vulnerable people in our country. Not only does the Older Americans Act save lives and ease human suffering, it saves money. In fact, it costs less to feed a senior for an entire year through the Older Americans Act than it does for a senior to spend one night in a hospital. While there is much more that we must do to reduce the senior poverty rate in America and to make sure that every senior in America has access to the services they need this bi-partisan legislation is a very good step forward.” “The Older Americans Act helps Americans remain independent and connected to the communities they helped build. For more than 60 years, the Older Americans Act has connected seniors with services that help them age with dignity,” Cassidy said. “This bipartisan reauthorization ensures that support continues as the nation’s aging population grows.” The OAA, first signed into law in 1965, funds a wide range of services. The act has provided vital nutrition, social, economic and health services to millions of older adults for over six… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-challenges-pentagon-nominees-on-financial-cost-of-iran-war | King Challenges Pentagon Nominees on Financial Cost of Iran War | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) pressed several Pentagon nominees on the total cost of the ongoing conflict in Iran, expressing frustration that neither Congress nor the American people have received a clear accounting of the financial burden of military operations. More specifically, Senator King questioned Department of Defense Comptroller nominee Jules W. Hurst III, who could not provide an updated estimate despite previously serving in a role that conducted oversight of the Pentagon’s finances – though he did admit to King that his estimate from earlier this year did not include damage to America’s military installations. Senator King began, “Mr. Hurst, I’m not persuaded by your professed ignorance over the costs of the war. You've been the Chief Comptroller of the Department of Defense until about seven weeks ago. To sit here today and say, “I don't really know and I'm not in the position…” You had to know that this question was going to come up at this hearing today. How much has the Iran war cost the American people?” “Senator King, I will give you the same answer I gave you during the posture hearing. It was $29 billion at the time I left the position,” Mr. Hurst responded. “Does that $29 billion include damage to facilities and assets in the region?” Senator King continued. “No, Senator, that estimate did not include military construction. Again, we don't know what the posture is going to be. There are lessons to be learned in military construction from this conflict, and one of them is that the United States needs to invest more in hardened and deeply buried facilities, particularly in these kinds of areas. Mr. Hurst answered. “So that’s not part of the estimate? Your estimate of 29 billion was essentially munitions and expenditures as a direct result of the conflict?” Senator King asked. “Senator, yes, I would characterize the estimate largely as munitions and that most of the rest of that was operational cos… | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-for-full-expedited-investigation-into-ice-fatal-shooting-in-maine | Maine Delegation Calls for Full, Expedited Investigation into ICE Fatal Shooting in Maine | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, the delegation requested an independent review of the incident to ensure a full accounting of the facts and help maintain public confidence in the investigative process. “We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred [yesterday/earlier this week] in Biddeford, Maine,” the lawmakers began. “Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.” “Given the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation,” they continued. “Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.” The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Inspector General Cuffari: We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred yesterday in Biddeford, Maine. Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting. To ensure public trust, … | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-urge-doj-to-cooperate-with-maine-law-enforcement-in-biddeford-shooting-investigation | Senators Collins, King Urge DOJ to Cooperate with Maine Law Enforcement in Biddeford Shooting Investigation | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today requested that the Department of Justice (DOJ) collaborate with Maine state and local law enforcement as authorities investigate yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. In a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators emphasized that coordination among law enforcement agencies is essential to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation. “We write to request that the Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cooperate with state and local law enforcement in the investigation of yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford, Maine, involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel,” the Senators wrote. “We understand that the FBI has opened an investigation into the shooting and is working with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General as it investigates what happened. We appreciate these steps. The facts surrounding the shooting remain a matter of significant local and national concern, and it is important that these investigations provide clear answers as to what transpired yesterday,” they continued. “Federal law enforcement agencies must fully cooperate with state and local law enforcement throughout the investigations to give the public confidence that the inquiries have been conducted in a thorough, fair, and impartial manner.” Click here to read the complete text of their letter. Earlier today, the Maine Delegation also sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Inspector General calling for a full, transparent investigation into the shooting to help ensure public trust in the investigative process. ### | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-shares-remarks-with-maine-press-corps-on-ice-involved-shooting-in-biddeford | King Shares Remarks with Maine Press Corps on ICE Involved Shooting in Biddeford | 2026-07-13 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke to the Maine press corps and share remarks on the reported shooting in Biddeford by a member of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Opening Remarks Senator King: “About 20 minutes ago, I talked to Secretary Markwayne Mullen of the Department of Homeland Security about the incident in Biddeford. Here's what I learned, and here's what I conveyed to him. The individual who has been killed is a male in his 20s. That's all I know about him. He had been given an order to leave the country. He was in a vehicle--pulled out in the vehicle, and the term the secretary used was “weaponized” the vehicle and was shot by an ICE agent. What I said to the Secretary was, we want a full, transparent and open investigation of this matter. And one of the problems is apparently—and again, everything I'm saying is what I know now, certain facts may come out—but apparently there are no cameras. Body cameras were not on the agents. So we have no video evidence of what occurred in this case. State and local officials, of course, are attending to it. The FBI will be leading the investigation because it was a federal operation, but my belief is that our state local officials should also be kept informed and engaged in the investigations. I also talked just five minutes, ten minutes ago to Mayor LaFountain of Biddeford and he is also anxious to see that state and local officials are not frozen out of this investigation. It's a tragedy whenever there's a loss of life. We don't know the circumstances at this point, but my statement to Secretary Mullen, I said, “I'm going to say that you have committed to me that this investigation will be full, fair and transparent. Can I say that? He said, “Yes, absolutely.” So that's the status of this matter right now. Of course, we'll be following it over the next several days. But as I say, I reached out to the Secretary less than a half hour ago, talked to Mayor LaFountain less than 15 minutes ago, and we're going to stay on this an… | 1 | 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z | 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-civil-war-and-genocide-in-sudan/ | NEWS: Sanders Statement on Civil War and Genocide in Sudan | 2026-07-09 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt. July. 9 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement: This is the year 2026. One might have hoped that, after thousands of years of war, humanity could have come up with a better way to resolve conflicts than killing and mass destruction. Unfortunately, that is not the case. There is now more war and bloodshed raging across the world than at almost any point in decades. In February 2022, Vladimir Putin, without provocation, invaded Ukraine. The result: hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians killed, millions displaced and a war that grinds on with no end in sight. In October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 innocent people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Netanyahu and the Israeli military did not simply wage war against Hamas — they waged war against the entire population of Gaza. At least 73,000 Palestinians have been killed, the real toll almost certainly far higher, most of them women, children and the elderly. Virtually the entire physical infrastructure of Gaza has been destroyed. I agree with the major human rights organizations around the world who call this a genocide. Four months ago, in collusion with Netanyahu, Trump took a page from Putin’s playbook: he started a war with Iran without provocation. The result of this war (and the ensuing Israeli war against Lebanon): 13 U.S. service members dead, thousands of Iranian and Lebanese civilians killed and more than $100 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars spent. And in the midst of all of this — Ukraine, Gaza, Iran — there is another horrific war happening now that is getting relatively little attention: the civil war and genocide in Sudan. Sudan’s two rival military factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the country’s national army, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, have been at war since 2023. The RSF descends from the Janjaweed militias that carried out Sudan’s first genocide in Darfur two decades ago, killing as many as 400,000 non-Arab civilians. Today, the R… | 1 | 2026-07-10T08:20:04Z | 2026-07-10T08:21:18Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-coast-guard-to-select-maine-as-homeport-for-new-arctic-security-cutter | King Urges Coast Guard to Select Maine as Homeport for New Arctic Security Cutter | 2026-07-06 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Co-Chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, is urging the U.S. Coast Guard to select Maine as the homeport for one of its new Arctic Security Cutters. In a letter to U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, King highlighted Maine's unique advantages as the Coast Guard evaluates homeports for the next generation of icebreakers. Arctic Security Cutters will anchor a modernized icebreaker fleet built for the most demanding conditions, ensuring the United States is equipped to defend its interests and meet emerging challenges in the Arctic for decades to come. In his letter, Senator King makes the point that as sea ice continues to recede in the Arctic, Maine’s unique location and infrastructure is ideally suited to position the next generation sea vessels to leverage America’s leadership as an Arctic Nation. “I write to urge that the State of Maine be selected as a homeport for the Service’s new Arctic Security Cutters,” Senator King began. “The decision to build out an 11-ship fleet is a generational investment in American presence in the high latitudes, and Maine offers the Coast Guard an ideal Atlantic homeport from which to project that presence.” “Geography makes the case on its own. Maine is the closest point in the continental United States to the Arctic, giving an Atlantic-based cutter the shortest transit to its operating areas. The state’s deep-water harbors offer reliable year-round access—from Portland, with its established working waterfront and supporting infrastructure, to Eastport, the deepest natural seaport on the East Coast. Either provides the Coast Guard strong options, and I would of course defer to the Service on the specific siting that best fits operational needs,” Senator King continued. “As the Coast Guard makes homeporting decisions for the cutters still to come, I urge you to make Maine a top choice. No other state offers this combination of Arctic proximity, deep-water access, shipbuilding and repair capacity, and Arctic expertis… | 1 | 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z | 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-independence-day-king-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday | On Independence Day, King Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday | 2026-07-06 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on Independence Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement to commemorate America’s 250th birthday: “Each Fourth of July, Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. But beneath those traditions lies one of the most remarkable moments in human history. When the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, it introduced a revolutionary idea: that government derives its power from the consent of the governed, and that every person is endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those principles challenged centuries of inherited power exercised by kings, pharaohs, emperors, and monarchs, and forever changed the course of history. “As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we're reminded that the promise of our nation has always depended on each generation's willingness to preserve and strengthen those founding ideals. Independence Day is not only a celebration of our past, but a renewal of our shared responsibility to uphold our founding values that remain at the heart of the American experiment.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z | 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bill-to-help-make-child-care-more-accessible-for-working-families | King Introduces Bill to Help Make Child Care More Accessible for Working Families | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are introducing legislation to make childcare more affordable and accessible for working families. The Right Start Child Care and Education Act would strengthen the childcare workforce by creating a new federal tax credit for childcare professionals with college degrees. This would help childcare providers recruit and retain qualified educators while expanding access to high-quality, affordable care. "For too many working parents in Maine, finding affordable childcare is the difference between being able to stay in the workforce or not – and it begins with a shortage of providers,” said Senator King. “The Right Start Child Care and Education Act recognizes that recruiting and retaining childcare providers is one of the smartest investments we can make in Maine families and the Maine economy, so it offers college graduates an additional financial incentive to enter the workforce.” “New Hampshire’s shortage of affordable childcare options has placed an enormous burden on families and providers alike. Unfortunately, it’s a persistent and worsening trend we’re seeing across the country,” said Senator Shaheen. “The Right Start Child Care and Education Act would make important reforms to our tax code to promote and increase access to high-quality childcare by supporting early education professionals, ensuring affordable childcare options are available for families everywhere.” “For far too many families, the struggle to find high-quality, affordable childcare serves as a barrier to children’s early development and to parents entering the workforce. This legislation will help recruit and retain more childcare professionals, to help families in all parts of the country afford and access the childcare they need,” said Senator Klobuchar. Specifically, the Right Start Child Care and Education Act would create a new tax credit for childcare professionals with relevant educational degrees. The legislation would provide tax c… | 1 | 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z | 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-legislation-to-protect-voting-access-for-all-american-citizens | King Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Voting Access for all American Citizens | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to strengthen the fundamental right to vote for all American citizens. The Right to Vote Act would establish the first-ever statutory right to vote in federal elections, protecting citizens from state and federal laws that attempt to restrict or limit voter access. Notably, the bill would also allow American citizens to sue states for any policy that unduly restricts ballot access. Over the last several years, states across the nation have attempted to restrict access to the polls by tightening voter ID laws, shortening voting times, restricting registration, and purging voter rolls. The Right to Vote Act would require that efforts to restrict voting access meet a high standard to justify any policy that makes it harder for citizens to participate in federal elections. “Free and fair elections are the foundation of participatory government, and any threat to the democratic process is a threat to our democracy itself,” said Senator King. “The Right to Vote Act would establish clear protections for voters and help ensure that every eligible American can demonstrate this sacred right in our elections. A healthy democracy depends on broad participation, and this bill will continue to make that participation easier—not harder.” King is joined on the legislation by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). Senator King has long been a proponent for the protection of democratic freedoms. In 2023, he introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, which aimed to establish national standards for voting rights, end partisan gerrymandering, and eliminate the influence of secret money in elections. In 2025, Senator King cosponsored the Defending America’s Future Election’s Act, which would repeal an Executive Order to review voter registration lists and in… | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-reject-proposed-cuts-to-veterans-disability-benefits | King, Colleagues Reject Proposed Cuts to Veterans’ Disability Benefits | 2026-06-26 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Veterans’Affairs Committee (SVAC), is opposing potential cuts to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for disabled veterans who suffer from sleep apnea and tinnitus, as proposed by a draft VA rule and the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, King and several of his colleagues condemn the proposed reductions to benefits for veterans suffering from sleep apnea and tinnitus, which would impact benefits for more than one million veterans. While the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act would address several key needs of America’s veteran population, it would do so by using funds that currently help those suffering from tinnitus and sleep apnea – which are two of the most significant health problems facing America’s men and women who served. “We write in strong opposition to a proposed reduction in benefits for more than one million veterans suffering from sleep apnea and tinnitus outlined in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) draft rule entitled “Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Ear, Nose, Throat, and Audiology Disabilities; Special Provisions Regarding Evaluation of Respiratory Conditions; Respiratory System” (RIN: 2900-AQ72),” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to listen to the growing opposition from veterans and publicly commit to addressing their concerns.” The Senators continued, “Along with the draft rule, we are equally opposed to the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act because it codifies the same harmful reductions in benefits for veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea benefits. By writing these cuts into statute, the legislation would permanently implement the very policies that veterans, medical experts, and veterans service organizations have overwhelmingly opposed. Whether implemented through regulation or enacted by Congress, these cuts would strip disabled veterans of earned compensation and health care benefits – they should be rejected outright.” “At your confirmation hearin… | 1 | 2026-06-27T06:16:17Z | 2026-06-27T06:17:30Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-denounce-white-house-attempt-to-restrict-vote-by-mail | King, Colleagues Denounce White House Attempt to Restrict Vote by Mail | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining dozens of his Senate colleagues in raising concerns overan unconstitutional executive order that would restrict mail-in voting. In a letter to the Postmaster General and Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service (USPS), the Senators demand that USPS follow existing federal law instead of an executive order signed by President Trump that would direct the USPS to create and maintain “Mail-in Absentee Participations Lists.” These lists would determine which voters are eligible to receive and cast absentee ballots through the mail. The letter follows an earlier letter sent on April 20th urging the USPS to resist the executive order. The order attempts to turn the USPS into an election administrator and regulator, when it is supposed to be a nonpartisan agency whose only priority is to deliver the mail. This directive would have a chilling effect on the eligibility of American voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote by imposing unnecessary barriers and would corrupt the independent mission of the USPS by giving the agency the authority to determine who can vote by mail. “We write for a second time regarding the unconstitutional and illegal attempt to transform the United States Postal Service into an election administration agency controlled by the White House and President Trump,” wrote the senators. “In April, 37 senators wrote to you after President Trump issued his Executive Order directing USPS to issue a rule to establish compulsory specifications for election mail and create a master absentee voter list of millions of American voters – with the power to refuse to deliver their ballots.” The senators continued, “Despite these grave and serious legal deficiencies, on June 2, 2026, USPS published a proposed rule that, if finalized, would establish President Trump’s control over federal elections and allow USPS to adjudicate who can and cannot vote by mail. This proposed rule risks disenfranchising millions of voters. We agai… | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-releases-internal-hhs-emails-demonstrating-secretary-kennedys-politicization-of-cdc-interference-with-vaccines/ | NEWS: Sanders Releases Internal HHS Emails Demonstrating Secretary Kennedy’s Politicization of CDC, Interference with Vaccines | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, June 25 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today released internal emails from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) showing Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr.’s politicization of HHS, willingness to ignore vaccine science and undermine the basic health and safety of Americans. The emails, provided to the committee by former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry, include the following revelations: Secretary Kennedy altered vaccine recommendations and released material to the public without CDC expert review or input. Secretary Kennedy specifically directed the agenda of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, known as ACIP, towards restricting access to vaccines. Secretary Kennedy directed the cancellation of flu vaccine campaigns amid a severe flu season. Andrew Nixon, HHS Director of Communications, confirmed in an email that “This was a direct ask from Secretary Kennedy.” Secretary Kennedy handpicked researchers to access confidential data to demonstrate the long-disproven claim that vaccines cause autism. Secretary Kennedy misled members of Congress on several occasions, including in interactions with Senator Hassan on COVID vaccine recommendations, Senator Wyden on vaccine access and HELP Committee Chair Cassidy on the CDC Director’s ability to act independently. Secretary Kennedy’s chief of staff told then-CDC Director Susan Monarez that political staff at CDC and HHS would need to review “major decisions at CDC…before they go into effect.” Less than a week later, Secretary Kennedy fired Director Monarez for failing to rubber stamp recommendations from ACIP. Secretary Kennedy’s senior advisor sought advice on how to remove vaccines from the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children. In an email, he asked, “What legally needs to happen or should be considered if a vaccine is going to be removed from th… | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-housing-package-with-king-provisions-passes-congress-and-heads-to-presidents-desk | Bipartisan Housing Package, with King Provisions, Passes Congress and Heads to President’s Desk | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is celebrating Congressional passage of bipartisan housing legislation. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will increase the nation's housing supply, reduce barriers to development, and help more Americans achieve homeownership. The bill passed the U.S. Senate by a resounding 85-5 vote before passing the House of Representatives—it now heads to the President’s desk for signature. "From families trying to buy their first home, to workers trying to find affordable housing close to their job, the severe housing shortage is debilitating for many Maine people and businesses,” said Senator King. "There is no single solution to our housing challenges, but this bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes meaningful steps toward creating affordable places to live. The one law that Congress can’t revoke is the law of supply and demand. Since housing affordability is fundamentally a supply issue, the enhancements to the development of new housing in this bill are the kind of practical, bipartisan problem-solving that Americans expect from Congress." Among its many provisions, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes bipartisan legislation Senator King cosponsored to address housing challenges in Maine. These include the Rural Housing Service Reform Act to improve rural housing programs and increasing house supply in rural areas, as well as the PRICE Act, which permanently authorizes a federal grant program to preserve and revitalize manufactured housing communities, an important source of affordable housing for thousands of Maine families. The package also incorporates the Whole Homes Repairs Act, which would help low- and moderate-income homeowners make critical repairs to existing homes to improve their safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Senator King has long been committed to ensuring Maine people across the state can access safe and affordable housing and has worked with his colleagues on creative solutions to combat the housing shortage. He in… | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-commemorates-world-refugee-day-and-reasserts-support-for-refugees-worldwide | King Commemorates “World Refugee Day” and Reasserts Support for Refugees Worldwide | 2026-06-19 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining a Senate Resolution that reaffirms U.S. commitments to protect and assist millions of refugees and displaced persons globally. The World Refugee Day Resolution honors World Refugee Day and highlights ongoing global refugee and displacement crises. “World Refugee Day,” annually celebrated on June 20, is an international day designated by the United Nations to recognize refugees around the globe and celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape conflict or persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. “Throughout our history, America has been a refuge for people fleeing war, persecution, and oppression in search of safety and opportunity,” said Senator King. “World Refugee Day is a reminder that behind every displacement statistic is a human story—a family seeking security, a parent seeking a future for their children, or an individual searching for freedom and dignity. Supporting refugees is not only a humanitarian obligation, but a reflection of our nation's values here at home and around the world.” Over the past three decades, Maine has welcomed refugees who have not only provided significant economic contributions—from starting small businesses to filling the state’s workforce shortage—but also enriched their local communities. The resolution is also joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-NY… | 1 | 2026-06-20T06:35:38Z | 2026-06-20T06:37:01Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-governor-of-guam-highlight-cybersecurity-attacks-on-national-security-installations-in-guam | King, Governor of Guam Highlight Cybersecurity Attacks on National Security Installations in Guam | 2026-06-19 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with territory officials on the increasing nature of cybersecurity attacks on national security installations in Guam. In a hearing of the ENR committee, King and Guam Governor “Lou” Aflague Leon Guerrero discussed how energy transmission lines that are of critical importance to both military installations and civilian infrastructure across the island have been subjected to increasing levels of cyberattacks. Senator King began, “Do the extensive U.S. National security facilities on Guam depend on the local grid, or do they have their own energy sources? “Our Guam power authority is the only provider of energy to the whole island, including military bases,” Governor Guerrero responded. Senator King clarified, “So, the security of that grid, you mentioned cyber, but also just the vulnerability to some kind of attack, is a very important issue. Not only for the people Guam but for our national security.” Governor Guerrero replied, “Absolutely. We have been working very closely with INDOPACOM [Indian-Pacific Command] and federal government to enhance the security for those grids and for our power transmission. One of the biggest resilient actions, I think, is putting the transmission lines underground. That's very key to hardening, and efficient, effective transmission of energy. But we have, yes, we are very aware, Senator, about cybersecurity.” “Are you under assault?” Senator King asked point blank. “I know that the People's Republic of China realizes the strategic value of Guam. Are you experiencing cyber-attacks and sabotage, those kinds of things already?” “Yes, we have had some cyberattacks just recently,” Governor Guerrero answered. “The federal government, the FBI, the CISA, and other various federal agencies are working very closely to monitor, investigate, and help us identify those attackers and, of course, try to g… | 1 | 2026-06-20T06:35:38Z | 2026-06-20T06:37:01Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-colleagues-in-call-to-terminate-illegal-plans-for-triumphal-arch | King Leads Colleagues in Call to Terminate Illegal Plans for “Triumphal Arch” | 2026-06-18 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Subcommittee on National Parks, is leading a group of his Congressional colleagues in objecting to the Trump Administration’sproposed plan to illegally construct a “Triumphal Arch” without congressional approval. In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the Acting National Park Service (NPS) Director and the Superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, members of both the House and Senate demand the Administration suspend the plans for construction of the arch, as proposed on federal land, unless Administration receives congressional authorization as required by multiple federal laws. “We write as Ranking Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives committees and subcommittees with jurisdiction over the construction of monuments in the Nation’s Capital to comment on the Assessment of Effects Report (Report) and draft Programmatic Agreement for the proposed Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle,” the lawmakers began. “We oppose this project in the strongest terms and object to execution of the draft Programmatic Agreement. The National Park Service (NPS) is assessing the effects of an undertaking that Congress has never authorized and that two federal statutes squarely prohibit. Section 106 consultation cannot supply that missing authority, and no programmatic agreement can resolve the adverse effects of a project the NPS has no power to build.” “We also object to the indefensibly truncated Section 106 comment process, which falls short of the law. The NPS has allowed ten days, June 5 to June 15, for public comment on a 250-foot undertaking that its own Report concludes would adversely affect historic properties across the monumental core, in a review the Report acknowledges is subject to the heightened duty of Section 110(f) of the National Historic Preservation Act to minimize harm to National Historic Landmarks to the maximum extent possible,” the legisla… | 1 | 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z | 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-introduces-legislation-to-create-7-trillion-ai-sovereign-wealth-fund/ | NEWS: Sanders Introduces Legislation to Create $7 Trillion AI Sovereign Wealth Fund | 2026-06-18 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, June 18 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today introduced the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act to give the public a 50% ownership in the largest artificial intelligence (AI) companies in our country. “Left unchecked, Artificial Intelligence and robotics threatens the jobs, privacy rights and mental health of every man, woman and child in America,” Sanders said. “As a society, we can no longer sit back and allow a handful of Big Tech oligarchs to determine the future of this revolutionary technology with no democratic input. AI was not created out of thin air. It was not a brilliant idea that just popped into Mark Zuckerberg’s head or Elon Musk’s imagination. The foundation of AI is based on the collective knowledge of humanity and the creative work of tens of millions of people. The American people must have the ability to slow it down and make sure that AI benefits humanity, not just the richest people on the planet. That’s precisely what this legislation does.” The legislation that Sanders is introducing would give the public a direct ownership stake in the largest AI companies in America through a one-time 50% tax on the stock of the biggest AI companies. This stock would be deposited into the sovereign wealth fund. If passed, Sanders’ bill would do three crucial things. First, it would create an Independent Commission for Democratic AI to manage the sovereign wealth fund in the public interest. The Independent Commission would use voting shares in these companies to block decisions that hurt the American people and to push for policies that help them. The Independent Commission would consist of seven members nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, with nominees selected from a list of bipartisan names provided by Congress. No longer would the future of AI and the transformation of human life that it will bring be dictated by fewer than a dozen Big Tech oligarchs. Second, it would require large companies that operate both AI and non-AI businesses to break up those businesses,… | 1 | 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z | 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-new-video-series-king-spotlights-joshua-chamberlains-legacy-as-americas-250th-birthday-approaches | In New Video Series, King Spotlights Joshua Chamberlain’s Legacy as America’s 250th Birthday Approaches | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is highlighting the legacy of Joshua Chamberlain, the Maine educator, soldier, and statesman, whose leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg helped shape the course of American history. As part of historian Heather Cox Richardson’s ongoing “We Are America” series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, King touts Chamberlain as “Maine’s greatest citizen” and recognizes his contribution to our nation. “Joshua Chamberlain’s story reminds us that history is often shaped not by those who seek greatness, but by ordinary citizens who answer the call to serve,” said Senator King. “Chamberlain’s courage at Gettysburg helped preserve the United States, but his legacy extends far beyond the battlefield. He embodied a belief that citizenship carries both rights and responsibilities—a lesson that remains as relevant today as it was more than 160 years ago. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Chamberlain’s life reminds us that each generation has a role to play in strengthening our democracy and shaping our nation’s future.” Before becoming one of the Civil War’s most celebrated military leaders, Chamberlain served as a professor at Bowdoin College. When the nation faced its greatest test, he left the classroom to join the Union Army, ultimately commanding the 20th Maine Regiment during the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg. Chamberlain’s decision to lead a bayonet charge at Little Round Top helped secure a crucial Union position turned the momentum of that struggle and has since become one of the most enduring stories of courage and leadership in American history. | 1 | 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z | 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-cost-saving-health-bill-to-have-insurance-plans-cover-three-primary-care-visits | King Introduces Cost-Saving Health Bill to Have Insurance Plans Cover Three Primary Care Visits | 2026-06-15 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing legislation to ensure Maine and American people have access to affordable primary care and mental and behavioral healthcare services, so they can proactively keep track of their mental and physical well-being. The Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act would require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disorder treatment visits, without charging a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible-related fee. This commonsense legislation would cover private insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and employer-sponsored plans. Under existing law, private group health plans, regulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), are not obligated to provide no-cost coverage for primary care, or mental and behavior health services. More than 180 million Americans receive health insurance coverage through employer-sponsored plans regulated by ERISA, who otherwise are not entitled to no or low-cost primary care. Over 46% of Maine people are covered through employer-sponsored plans. “Affordable and accessible healthcare is essential to keeping Maine people healthy – it is also a prevention measure that saves taxpayer dollars in the long-run,”said Senator King. “The cheapest medical procedure is the one that doesn’t have to happen because the problem was caught early. This commonsense approach, making routine healthcare visits to primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and substance use counselors more accessible and cheaper for all Americans, is the first step in supporting the longevity and success of our communities, our family and our friends.” Senator King has consistently worked to reduce healthcare costs for Maine people. The Inflation Reduction Act has laid the groundwork for — and in some cases already implemented — long-term changes in federal policy that will keep people healthier and deliver higher quality care at a low… | 1 | 2026-06-16T06:53:21Z | 2026-06-16T06:55:02Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-question-white-houses-redirection-of-national-park-funds | King, Colleagues Question White House’s Redirection of National Park Funds | 2026-06-12 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Subcommittee on National Parks, is raising questions and seeking transparency from the Administration for redirecting taxpayer dollars away from national parks and toward vanity projects in the Washington, D.C. area that were not among the National Park Service’s top construction priorities. In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the senators push for answers regarding how the redirected funds are being used. The oversight comes amidst a constant disregard for the Constitution which explicitly states that only the Congress has the power to appropriate funds. Some of the projects include repairing ornamental fountains, the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, covering statues in gold leaf, and others. “Visitors to our national parks contribute millions of dollars to the National Park Service’s (NPS) budget by purchasing recreation passes and digital versions of the America the Beautiful Pass. The American people deserve transparency and a complete explanation of where their money is being directed,” the Senators began. “This loss in revenue for our parks could have devastating effects on the future viability of these public natural treasures. As of the end of Fiscal Year 2025, NPS had a backlog of deferred maintenance projects totaling over $24.2 billion. Deteriorating roads, water systems, and other park facilities pose safety concerns for visitors and over time degrade the overall park experience. The redistribution of revenues to D.C. projects could mean multiple millions of dollars lost for individual national parks around the country,” the Senators continued. “The lack of transparency around awards for these beautification projects, as well as the loss in revenue meant for the maintenance and betterment of our national parks threatens the public’s trust and the long-term integrity of our nation’s most beloved public lands. Accordingly, as we investigate the potent… | 1 | 2026-06-13T06:32:19Z | 2026-06-13T06:34:27Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-bill-to-strengthen-rural-hospitals-passes-us-senate | King Bill to Strengthen Rural Hospitals Passes U.S. Senate | 2026-06-11 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is celebrating Senate passage of bipartisan legislation that would allow hospitals to continue testing innovative hospital payment models under Medicare as they face unprecedented financial challenges in delivering care in rural areas. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, cosponsored by Senator King,would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) for another five years, enabling rural hospitals to continue delivering quality care to the communities across Maine and the country. RCHD is a program that pays higher reimbursement rates for select small rural hospitals (with fewer than 51 beds) that otherwise do not qualify as Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) for covered Medicare inpatient hospital services. This program thus protects access to essential healthcare services for local communities in Maine by increasing the hospitals’ financial viability and capacity. “In many rural communities, the local hospital is more than a health care provider—it’s a source of good-paying jobs, and often the difference between receiving care close to home or driving hours to get critical medical care,” said Senator King. “But after the party-line passage of the Big Beautiful Bill last year resulted in shuttered hospitals and limited access to care, America’s rural health care providers are fighting to keep their lights on and communities healthy. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act will strengthen access to care in underserved areas while giving hospitals greater financial stability. I’m pleased the Senate has passed this bipartisan legislation to extend the RCHD, and I’ll continue working to ensure rural hospitals in Maine and across the country have the resources they need to serve their communities.” A 2025 report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found that participating RCHD hospitals significantly improved their Medicare margins and increased capital investments, resulting in stronger fina… | 1 | 2026-06-12T06:37:16Z | 2026-06-12T06:39:00Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-secures-confirmation-that-whistleblowers-protections-remain-intact-at-the-va | King Secures Confirmation that Whistleblowers Protections Remain Intact at the VA | 2026-06-05 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is pressing the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) for confirmation that whistleblowers will remain protected from retribution. In a committee hearing, King secured agreement from Michael Tierney, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP), that whistleblower protections will be left intact at the VA under his leadership. The commitment comes on the heels of reports that federal employees will soon be forced to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in an attempt to quell free speech and silence critics of the administration. “Mr. Tierney, I'm worried about sort of counter currents going on here. One is whistleblower protection, which you've talked about, and, investigating claims and protecting whistleblowers. And, you know, at the same time, last year, it was reported that the VA was requiring their employees to sign a non-disclosure agreement that did not include the legally required exclusion language for whistleblowers. Are you aware of that situation,” said Senator King. “Thank you. Senator, I have read reports about that,” replied Mr. Tierney. “Well,[…] OPM, just in the last week or so, has talked about […]new, non-disclosure agreements throughout the federal government. Have you reviewed the language that's being proposed?” asked Senator King. “I have not Senator King, but I will 100% say that NDAs and whistleblower activity have no role together. […]Employees must feel 100% comfortable that they are not going to be restricted in reporting on bad conduct,”said Mr. Tierney. “I would hope as the legal counsel in this situation that you would inform whoever's setting up these NDAs that that language must be in there, that says this does not include whistleblower complaints and the protections are left intact. Will you commit to me that you'll do that?”asked Senator King. “Yes, Senator, and it's also on OAWP… | 1 | 2026-06-06T06:16:30Z | 2026-06-06T06:17:47Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-protect-veterans-from-scams-exploitation | King Cosponsors Bill to Protect Veterans From Scams, Exploitation | 2026-06-04 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is cosponsoring legislation to crack down on fraudulent activity that attempts to exploit veterans’ hard-earned benefits. The Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would clarify that only accredited individuals can assist veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims, reinstating criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While federal law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution, and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties. “Veterans earned their benefits through service and sacrifice, and no one should be allowed to profit by scamming them out of what they've earned,” said Senator King. “These so-called ‘claims sharks’ prey on veterans at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Our SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, and better protect veterans so they can access the benefits they deserve without being exploited by bad actors.” More specifically, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would: Reestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans; Prohibit VA accreditation of any person found guilty of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims; Close loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims; Prohibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information; Require VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans… | 1 | 2026-06-05T06:35:23Z | 2026-06-05T06:36:42Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/under-king-questioning-intelligence-nominee-undercuts-independence-claims | Under King Questioning, Intelligence Nominee Undercuts “Independence” Claims | 2026-06-03 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), questioned an administration nominee on his independence and integrity – stressing that the nation’s most significant national security mistakes occur when “biased” information is given to leaders. In a SSCI open hearing on the nomination of Mr. Michael Vance to be Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (I&R), Vance first stated that he would act follow the long tradition of independence –void of political motivations – within the Intelligence and Research branch. However, when Senator King pushed him on credible facts, like if President Biden won the 2020 election, the nominee deflected thus undercutting his independent claims. Senator King began, “Mr. Vance, in your opening statement, you use the word independence 4 or 5 times, which I really appreciate. You use the phrase candid, timely, and free of political influence, integrity and independence. This isn't an academic concern. If you look back over the past 60 years, I think many of our foreign policy disasters that have cost American lives were based upon not faulty intelligence, but intelligence that was that was biased in favor of the views of the policymakers in charge at the time. Vietnam. Bay of Pigs. Iraq. Talk to me about the importance of the integrity of the analytic process and the willingness to tell the president of the United States, or that national director of national intelligence or this committee, something that we don't want to hear that is inconsistent with our, policy preference.” “Senator, thank you very much. For that very important question. Analytic integrity, a willingness to speak candidly about the content of the intelligence record is absolutely at the core of intelligence work,” Vance responded. “We do policymakers no favors by telling them the things that they want to hear. We do them, I think a much greater service when we're able to speak authoritatively about the content of the inte… | 1 | 2026-06-04T06:38:12Z | 2026-06-04T06:39:44Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-secure-probe-into-flawed-misleading-tax-filing-program | King, Colleagues Secure Probe into Flawed, Misleading Tax Filing Program | 2026-06-02 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — After urging the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to initiate a probe into the Free File program, a current partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and private tax preparation companies, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), secured confirmation from GAO Acting Managing Director David Pownerthat it will launch a new investigation into the problematic program. The probe comes amidst the Trump administration’s decision to end the Direct File program — an effort to offer free direct online tax filing assistance to taxpayers without private company involvement. GAO previously evaluated the Free File program and highlighted the need for the government to develop new ways for lower- and middle-income Americans to file their taxes for free in April 2022. In response, the Biden administration created the Direct File program, which allowed Americans, including taxpayers in Maine, to file their tax returns online, for free with no hidden or surprise fees, and directly with the IRS. “We have serious concerns that Free File cannot efficiently, effectively, and securely serve the taxpayers who are statutorily entitled to free tax filing services,” wrote the lawmakers to GAO on May 17th. “GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority. We anticipate that staff with the required skills will be available shortly to initiate an engagement,” responded GAO. The new GAO investigation will help evaluate the program’s user experience, accessibility, accuracy, and costs, and address broader concerns surrounding Free File’s underperformance and the difficulties that low- and middle- income Americans encounter when trying to truly file their taxes for free. Senator King has consistently advocated for tax fairness. Earlier this year, he introduced the Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (Stop CHEATERS) Act which would restore and revitalize the IRS with additional funding for … | 1 | 2026-06-03T06:40:39Z | 2026-06-03T06:42:22Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/over-9-million-views-and-counting-king-goes-viral-for-promoting-money-saving-falls-prevention-measures | Over 9 Million Views and Counting: King Goes Viral for Promoting Money-Saving Falls Prevention Measures | 2026-05-27 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has ignited a national conversation over a simple and common-sense way to prevent household injuries for older Americans while also saving taxpayers billions of dollars. In fact, his proposal advocating for bathmats is approaching nearly 10 million views across several social media platforms and garnering significant media discussion. In a special hearing of the Senate Committee on Aging focused on falls prevention last week, Senator King used the simple, inexpensive example of a bathmat to show that a small investment of $11 per recipient could drastically decrease Medicare and Medicaid payouts associated with the repercussions of dangerous falls “Much like an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure, an $11 bathmat sure beats a $30,000 hospital trip,” said Senator King of his trending status online. “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults in the U.S, and it’s reassuring that so many people are drawn to a simple, cost-saving measure that can ensure the health and safety of older Americans. As Americans grow more concerned over the growing federal deficit, it’s irresponsible to not be looking at upfront investments that save taxpayer dollars in the long run.” During his opening remarks at last Wednesday’s hearing– in the moment that attracted millions of viewers online – Senator King explained his thinking: “This is an $11 bathmat. I’m the Johnny Appleseed of bathmats. Whenever I go to see somebody and they don’t have one of these in their shower, I buy one and send it to them. Now, here is the proposal, though. Why doesn’t [the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)] send one of these to every Medicare recipient in the country? I did the back-of-the-envelope calculation; it would pay for itself in about 9 months. This is $11. I suspect if CMS bought them by the millions, they could get a deal. And it would have a noticeable effect on the number of falls, a very simple idea. Along with that is, and I have some l… | 1 | 2026-05-28T06:29:45Z | 2026-05-28T06:31:18Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-34-senators-demand-mcmahon-reverse-failed-policies-protect-students-from-discrimination-and-harassment/ | NEWS: Sanders, 34 Senators Demand McMahon Reverse Failed Policies, Protect Students from Discrimination and Harassment | 2026-05-27 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, May 27 — After the Trump administration tried to fire more than half of the investigators tasked with protecting the civil rights of students and left students nationwide without protection from alleged civil rights violations, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Ct.), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and 30 senators called on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take immediate actions to reverse its failed policies and finally protect students from discrimination, mistreatment and harassment. In their letter, the senators call on the Trump administration to provide a full accounting of the nearly 12,000 pending cases before the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) left without protection under the administration’s watch and to inform students nationwide about the status of their complaints. “Make no mistake: OCR’s disastrous recent track record in providing enforceable relief for students is a direct consequence of choices made by the Trump administration,” Sanders and the senators wrote. Since taking office, the administration has undertaken unprecedented efforts to gut OCR, the agency responsible for protecting students from discrimination based on race, sex, disability, color, national origin and age. In March 2025, the administration attempted to lay off nearly half of OCR’s workforce — costing taxpayers up to $38 million while investigators were barred from doing their jobs. The administration proposed a second round of layoffs during the 2025 shutdown before reversing course and reinstating staff. “The Department formally rescinded those layoffs in January 2026, but only after nine months of paid inaction, sustained court order… | 1 | 2026-05-28T06:29:45Z | 2026-05-28T06:31:18Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-maine-resident-retired-us-coast-guard-chief-warrant-officer-in-memorial-day-episode-of-answering-the-call | King Highlights Maine Resident, Retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer in Memorial Day Episode of ‘Answering the Call’ | 2026-05-25 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices.” In the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Leo J. Deon, Jr. of Industry, Maine. Deon served at various military posts in Massachusetts, Florida, Ohio, Guam, and New Jersey and worked at key sites like the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks and the U.S. Capitol during the anthrax scare. In the interview, King asked about Deon’s commitment to service and how he continues to provide for veterans in the Maine community long after his retirement from active duty. “Leo J. Deon Jr. is one of the millions of Americans who selflessly served our country, putting himself in harm’s way to protect Americans—and American interests—at home and abroad,” said Senator King. “However, his commitment to service and community extends far beyond the Coast Guard and his missions. Since moving to Maine, he has worked diligently to help Maine’s veterans transition to civilian life. He began supporting veterans through Veteran’s Inc., and eventually the Maine Department of Labor where he worked as a local veteran’s employment representative. Even after retirement, Leo is involved in the Maine Military Community Network and serves on the board of Vet2Vet Maine. Leo represents the best Maine has to offer, and it’s a privilege to help preserve his story in the Library of Congress.” Deon was born and raised in Elbridge, a small town in western New York. Deon’s interest in military service began at age 14 after he and a friend saw a Coast Guard commercial on late-night television. After graduating high school, the two joined the Coast Guard Buddy Program and were sent to basic training in Alameda, California. Following training, Deon served aboard the West Wind on the Great Lakes before attending navig… | 1 | 2026-05-26T06:27:29Z | 2026-05-26T06:29:16Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-memorial-day-senator-king-releases-statement-in-remembrance-of-fallen-service-members | On Memorial Day, Senator King Releases Statement in Remembrance of Fallen Service Members | 2026-05-25 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, on Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC) released the following statement in remembrance of Maine’s – and all of America’s – fallen servicemembers: “One of our most solemn and important holidays in this country is Memorial Day. Sometimes we think of it as an opportunity to have a barbecue with our friends at the beginning of summer, but really it’s a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. Dating back to the Civil War, Memorial Day has become such an important and emotional time for so many people across our country. “This Memorial Day, have a great time with friends and family, but stop for a minute to remember the sacrifices of those who made it all possible. “Happy Memorial Day and happy remembrance of all those who went before that made our lives what they are today.” ### | 1 | 2026-05-26T06:27:29Z | 2026-05-26T06:29:16Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-partisan-defense-budget-abdication-of-the-congresss-appropriations-responsibility | King Calls Partisan Defense Budget “Abdication of the Congress's Appropriations Responsibility” | 2026-05-21 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | To watch or download the exchange, click here WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns over the “dangerous precedent” being set by a partisan Department of Defense (DoD) budget that suggests bypassing the normal appropriations process. King argued that defense budgets should not circumvent congressional authority, since the defense budget request has been split into a bipartisan bill and a separate one that will be passed with only Republican engagement. Senator King then pressed the Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink on maintenance and military readiness. This year’s defense budget, as submitted by the Administration, is divided into two distinct segments, one, a conventional budget submission requiring analysis and approval by the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees and a second section—representing more than 25% of the total budget—to be passed in an entirely partisan reconciliation bill, thus bypassing the usual committee consideration and oversight. Senator King began, “There is no such thing as mandatory spending except in areas where there is a legal obligation to expend the money. Mandatory spending is a term of art in government budgeting, and it refers to principally Social Security and Medicare. There's nothing mandatory about part of your budget. It is being put in this budget as a part of reconciliation, which is a bypassing of the normal administration of appropriations and the Congress. It's an abdication of the Congress's appropriations responsibility, but it is also a usurpation of that.” Later in the hearing, King discussed the concept of “Right to Repair”, securing an agreement that the Air Force will invest in their ability to save time and money by allowing maintainers to make their own parts and repair equipment that would otherwise have to be sent back to the manufacturer. “Mr. Secretary, one thing we have talked about frequently is the right to repair. There's been a lot of talk tod… | 1 | 2026-05-22T06:27:39Z | 2026-05-22T06:29:18Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-demand-answers-on-special-edition-politicized-us-passport-featuring-trumps-portrait | King, Colleagues Demand Answers on Special-Edition, Politicized U.S. Passport Featuring Trump’s Portrait | 2026-05-21 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined his colleagues in seeking answers on the special-edition, politicization of the official U.S. passport. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King and his colleagues asked for information on the State Department’s reported plans to issue 25,000 special passports featuring President Trump’s portrait in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. “We write to express our deep concern regarding the State Department’s reported plans to issue a limited number of specially designed U.S. passports featuring a picture of President Trump to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The U.S. passport has never—and should not now—feature an image of a sitting U.S. president. We ask you to halt these plans given the anti-democratic impact this decision will have,” the Senators wrote. “Using our nation’s semiquincentennial to elevate the profile of the current president risks turning a unifying national milestone into a vehicle for personal promotion.” The Senators also emphasized how unprecedented it would be to put a political figure’s face on the U.S. passport and the potential waste of American taxpayers’ dollars in the process. “To our knowledge, no country places the portrait of a sitting leader in its passport,” they stressed. “Even the most authoritarian and autocratic governments have avoided equating national identity to the sitting president in such a way.” Also on the letter are U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Rubio: We write to express our deep concern regarding the State Department’s reported plans to issue a limited number of specially designed U.S. passports featuring a picture of President Trump to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The U.S. passport has never—and should not now—feature an image of a sitting U.S. president. … | 1 | 2026-05-22T06:27:39Z | 2026-05-22T06:29:18Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-lee-to-introduce-bill-to-abolish-super-pacs-stop-billionaires-from-buying-candidates/ | NEWS: Sanders, Lee to Introduce Bill to Abolish Super PACs, Stop Billionaires from Buying Candidates | 2026-05-20 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, May 20 – With AIPAC, crypto and AI super PACs already spending over half a billion dollars this primary season, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) today introduced legislation to ban super PACs from buying our elections. The Abolish Super PACs Act would cap the contribution limit of individuals to super PACs at $5,000, effectively abolishing them and putting power back into the hands of the people. “In the 2024 elections, Elon Musk — the richest man in the world — spent at least $290 million to elect Trump, while the 100 richest billionaire families in the country spent $2.6 billion to elect the candidates of their choice. As we enter the 2026 elections, we’re seeing billionaires spend far more money in a primary or midterm than at any time in history,” Sanders said. “You, as a citizen, get one vote. They, as oligarchs, get to buy the candidates. That’s not democracy. If we’re going to create a government that works for all, and not just the 1%, we have to end Citizens United, get super PACs out of elections, and move to public financing of elections. This bill is an important step forward and I am proud to support it.” “Super PACs have allowed limitless money to flow into our elections and influence every aspect of our lives. Our government is now undeniably held in the hands of the powerful and wealthy few. I’m proud to be the lead sponsor of the Abolish Super PACs Act in the House to put democracy back in the hands of the people, and I’m grateful for Senator Sanders’ partnership and leadership in the Senate,” Lee said. Since the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, election spending by billionaires has skyrocketed by more than 16,000%, reaching a total of $2.6 billion during the 2024 election cycle. In the 2026 election cycle, AI, crypto and AIPAC-aligned super PACs are projected to spend hundreds of millions of dollars. In addition to Sanders and Lee, the legislation is cosponsored by 17 members of the House of Representatives. The Abolish Super PACs Act is endo… | 1 | 2026-05-21T06:28:16Z | 2026-05-21T06:29:43Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-outsourcing-shipbuilding-to-asia-worst-idea-since-the-red-sox-traded-babe-ruth | King: Outsourcing Shipbuilding to Asia “Worst Idea Since the Red Sox Traded Babe Ruth” | 2026-05-19 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | To watch or download the exchange click here WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns over the possibility that the Navy is considering manufacturing ships outside of the United States. In a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing including Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, King advocated for maintaining America’s domestic shipbuilding industry and resisted any efforts to build vessels outside of the country. The hearing comes after former Secretary of the Navy John Phelan told reporters last month that the U.S. Navy may utilize foreign partners to manufacture new warships. “There is talk around the budget about building ships and even destroyers in Japan and Korea. That is the worst idea since the Red Sox traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees. It just doesn't make sense to be handing over that level of technology even to our allies. I have two reports I want to submit for the record. Both about substantial, even higher backlogs in Japan and Korean shipyards. Mr. Chairman, I would like, with permission to put these reports in the record,” asked Senator King. “Without objection. Also, let's put the chart which you just referred to in the record also. Is there objection? Without objection, that is done,” replied Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS). “The idea of building Naval Ships in a foreign shipyard I just don't understand. Admiral, every stitch of clothing you have on, is required to be made in the USA under the Barry amendment. If we require our sailors to wear shirts made in the USA but their ships can be made abroad, that doesn't make sense to me. I hope we can revisit this terrible idea of talking about building naval vessels abroad, both for the national security point of view but also rebuilding industrial base means providing the demand signal to allow our industrial base to reconstitute itself and meet the demand we are placing on them. I appreciate your work on this. Admiral, I certainly appreciate, you saw those incredible men and women at Bath that are doing -- building … | 1 | 2026-05-20T06:27:31Z | 2026-05-20T06:28:54Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-help-veterans-better-handle-inflation-king-cosponsors-bipartisan-bill-to-provide-annual-cost-of-living-increase | To Help Veterans Better Handle Inflation, King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Provide Annual Cost-of-Living Increase | 2026-05-19 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is cosponsoring legislation to ensure veterans benefits are adjusted to reflect the increasing cost of living. The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 would increase certain veteran’s benefits – including disability compensation, clothing allowances, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children – to reflect rising everyday costs. These changes would align the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with annual benefit increases provided by the Social Security Administration. “Veterans and military families should not see the value of their earned benefits undercut by rising costs,” said Senator King. “This bipartisan legislation helps ensure that disability compensation and survivor benefits keep pace with inflation and continue to provide stability for the men and women who served our country and the families who stand beside them.” King is joined on the legislation by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Boozman (R-AR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Banks (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” On the Senate Veterans’ Affair… | 1 | 2026-05-20T06:27:31Z | 2026-05-20T06:28:54Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-takano-introduce-legislation-to-expand-overtime-pay-to-nearly-30-million-workers/ | NEWS: Sanders, Takano Introduce Legislation to Expand Overtime Pay to Nearly 30 Million Workers | 2026-05-18 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, May 18 — As President Trump and congressional Republicans tout so-called “No Tax on Overtime” while simultaneously denying the right to overtime pay for more than 4.3 million workers, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) today introduced the Restoring Overtime Pay Act to expand and strengthen overtime protections for nearly 30 million workers. “At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, it is beyond unacceptable that President Trump is denying overtime pay to millions of workers who desperately need it to keep up with the outrageously high cost of living,” Sanders said. “We should be making it easier, not harder, for Americans who work more than 40 hours a week to get the time-and-a-half pay that they have earned and deserve. That’s precisely what this bill would do.” “Americans are working more for less,” Takano said. “Expanding the overtime threshold for salaried employees is the best way to ensure that families can survive the cost-of-living crisis caused by Donald Trump. I am proud to introduce this bill to help make sure over 29 million workers get paid fairly.” The Restoring Overtime Pay Act would expand or strengthen overtime protections for up to 29.3 million workers by gradually increasing the overtime salary threshold from just $35,568 today to more than $89,000 by 2030. This legislation comes on the heels of President Trump’s rescission of a Biden-era rule that would have expanded overtime pay for more than 4 million workers. Currently, just eight percent of full-time salaried workers are eligible for overtime pay based on their salaries alone. This legislation would increase that figure to 55% of full-time salaried workers. This is not a radical idea. In 1975, nearly 63% of all full-time salaried workers were guaranteed overtime pay. Restoring Overtime Pay Act Timeline YearOvertime Threshold2026$45,0002027$… | 1 | 2026-05-19T06:31:01Z | 2026-05-19T06:32:40Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-africa-commander-on-how-americas-reduction-in-soft-power-is-feeding-an-expansion-of-terrorism | King Questions Africa Commander on How America’s Reduction in Soft Power is Feeding an Expansion of Terrorism | 2026-05-15 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), questioned a top military general on the reduction of non-military power in Africa and the impact that has had on the expansion of global terrorism. In his exchange with United States Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a hearing centered on the Department’s Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027, King argued that the cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have contributed to a resurgence of Al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates intent on attacking the American homeland. General Anderson testified that the African continent “has become the center of gravity for global jihadism, with West Africa accounting for over 51 percent of global terror-related deaths in 2024.” He is not alone in raising issues. The Council for Foreign Relations addressed this rise in terrorism and acknowledges that the removal of soft power instruments USAID in the Sahel region created a vacuum in which violent extremism can expand – including groups like Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), and the Islamic State in the West African Province (ISWAP). Senator King began, “General Anderson, talk to me about the loss of soft power in Africa, our abandonment of USAID and what has happened with the Chinese and Russians that, my understanding is, are now filling that gap in addition to the other aggressive actions they are taking?” “Senator, I would say that we look at all facets of national power and how to bring those to bear on the continent to provide a security outcomes,” General Anderson replied. Senator King then followed up, “I think one facet of our national power off the table, unilaterally, for no apparent reason. The whim of Elon Musk.” “Senator, we work very closely with the state, commerce, and energy in order to look at the security requirements on the continent,”Gener… | 1 | 2026-05-16T06:05:00Z | 2026-05-16T06:06:37Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/togus-va-police-positions-still-under-review-not-cut | Togus VA Police Positions Still Under Review, Not Cut | 2026-05-14 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns after the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) recently directed the Togus VA Medical Center in Maine to make cuts to vacant positions. Among those cut were vacant police officer positions, which the medical center had been prevented from filling while the positions underwent reclassification reviews by the VA. In a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), King asked VA Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration Mark Engelbaum about the unfairness of the VA forcing Togus to cut the positions when remaining vacant was due to a VA required review. At the end of the discussion about the pending review, Senator King asked Mr. Engelbaum directly whether the positions in question had necessarily been lost, and Mr. Engelbaum confirmed that they had not. VA Police are armed and uniformed federal law enforcement officers within the VA responsible for the protection of VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and other facilities such as Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), Health Care Centers (HCCs), annexes, and other facilities operated Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Additionally, King has repeatedly spoken out against cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce. Last month, he introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the VA to develop a long-term workforce strategy to improve outcomes at the VA. During a SVAC hearing in January, King pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins to release the VA contracts that he canceled, including those canceled in Maine, so that veterans are aware of potential impacts on patient care and benefits. Last year, he sent a letter to Secretary Doug Collins raising concerns about a leaked report that highlighted plans called for by Elon Musk’s DOGE to cut 83,000 VA employees. Earlier this year, he was honored by The American Legion with its 2… | 1 | 2026-05-15T06:17:41Z | 2026-05-15T06:18:51Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blasts-massive-cuts-to-forest-service | King Blasts Massive Cuts to Forest Service | 2026-05-13 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | To watch or download the exchange click here WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns over the Administration’s proposed cuts to forest research, partnerships with state and tribal authorities, and maintenance of public lands. In a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) committee hearing, King pressed Chief of the United States Forest Service (USFS) Tom Schultz on the rationale behind cutting vital forest services, drawing a contrast with the President’s White House ballroom project which could be receiving a billion dollars in a bill as soon as next week. The Administration’s planned cuts and reorganization of the USFS present serious challenges for logging, mining, and firefighting on 200 million acres of U.S. land, as well as thousands of trails and forests that millions of Americans visit every year. “Budgets represent priorities, and it's fascinating to me that if you add together the cuts for service operations, forest and rangeland research, and state, private and tribal forestry, that pretty much exactly equals the proposed billion dollars in the reconciliation bill for the ballroom. So, the President's ballroom has a higher priority than forest research, state and tribal forestry, and Forest Service operations. “So, another way to look at it in perspective is that number represents 3/10 of 1% of the proposed increase in the defense budget this year to $1.5 trillion. So, I don't understand the priorities here. I just don't think it makes any sense…your statement is that “The budget eliminates the account for state, private, and tribal forestry funding to ensure fiscal responsibility and to better balance the appropriate roles of federal and state government.” That's a euphemism for we've got the gold mine, you get the shaft. You're shafting the states and the tribes. About ten times today you've used the word partnership. It ain't a partnership if one side has to give up everything, and the other side says, this is what we're going to do, and we're not going to give you any… | 1 | 2026-05-14T06:11:37Z | 2026-05-14T06:12:56Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-omar-more-than-100-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-end-child-hunger-through-universal-school-meals/ | NEWS: Sanders, Omar, More Than 100 Colleagues Introduce Legislation to End Child Hunger Through Universal School Meals | 2026-05-13 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, May 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) today introduced legislation to end child hunger in the United States. The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 would offer free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to every student in America — regardless of income — and eliminate school meal debt while incentivizing local food in schools. Joining Sanders and Omar as cosponsors on this legislation are Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maizie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Minn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and 85 members of the House of Representatives. “It is outrageous that, while the billionaire class has never had it so good, one in five children will go hungry in America this year,” Sanders said. “The United States is the richest country in the history of the world. Nobody should be going hungry. And what we learned during the pandemic is that a universal approach to school meals works and helps kids do better in school. States across the country continue to prove this every day. It is time for Congress to reinstate universal school meals at the national level to finally ensure no student goes hungry.” “No child should have to sit in a classroom hungry or worried about where their next meal will come from,” Omar said. “As a former nutrition educator and someone who experienced hunger firsthand, this fight is deeply personal to me. I have always believed you must feed kids’ bellies before you can feed their brains. That is why I am proud to partner again with Bernie Sanders to introduce the Universal School Meals Program Act, which would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to students year-round. Uni… | 1 | 2026-05-14T06:11:37Z | 2026-05-14T06:12:56Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-upcoming-u-s-china-ai-talks/ | NEWS: Sanders Statement on Upcoming U.S.-China AI Talks | 2026-05-11 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, May 11 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement on upcoming talks between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. When I convened leading American and Chinese scientists at the U.S. Capitol, they warned that the world is woefully unprepared for the threats posed by the rapid and uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence. That is why I welcome the news that the U.S. and China are planning to discuss the risks related to AI this week. Trump and Xi must seize this moment to make clear that humans, not machines, come first. In my view, this means: Allowing top scientists to share technical information and develop “AI redlines” about dangerous behavior; Ensuring that AI models are safe and effective; and Making progress towards a treaty to ban superintelligence — an artificial mind smarter than any human, capable of operating independently beyond our control. At the height of the Cold War, Reagan and Gorbachev found a way to negotiate nuclear arms control. The existential risk posed by AI demands nothing less from Trump and Xi. | 1 | 2026-05-12T06:07:57Z | 2026-05-12T06:09:10Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-puzzled-by-massive-cuts-to-national-parks-budget | King Critical of Massive Cuts to National Parks Budget | 2026-05-01 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) and Ranking Member of the National Parks Subcommittee, criticized the Administration for drastic cuts to the National Park Service’s budget. In an ENR committee hearing this week, King questioned Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on the rationale behind cutting the chronically-underfunded park service funding by a third when there is a history of a deferred maintenance backlog. “Let's talk about the National Park Service. You and I talked about this before. [The] National Park Service budget is cut by one third. About $1 billion, which is one day of the Iran war just to put it in context. I don't understand why. In terms of the overall budget, in terms of what is being proposed for expenditures in many other areas, why are we cutting the most popular program the federal government runs? I understand there's always room for rightsizing and analysis of staffing and those kinds of things, but this is not a gotcha question. I'm puzzled why the administration would cut by one third the funding of one of the most important agencies that we have in terms of direct interface with the public? It’s not just about people at the parks. They need the backup from the rest of the organization. Why such a major cut?” asked Senator King. Secretary Burgum replied, “You said a number of things that were qualifying in there, but I think there is a belief that we can deliver the services that people desire and the outcomes people are looking for. One thing I found as governor and I’m finding in this role is there is a high degree of interest in inputs and less interest in outcomes. If you said ‘the goal is, Secretary, please deliver higher customer satisfaction at all of your parks. Go get it done as efficiently as you can, we want to have citizens very satisfied.’ But it’s never about satisfaction. It’s always about the spending like a bigger input somehow implies a better outcome. I just don’t believe that… | 1 | 2026-05-02T05:53:08Z | 2026-05-02T05:54:44Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-hegseth_-why-are-we-abandoning-ukraine | King to Hegseth - “Why Are We Abandoning Ukraine?” | 2026-05-01 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today raised concerns regarding the administration’s decision to abandon Ukraine by zeroing out military and humanitarian support in this year’s Department of Defense (DoD) budget despite widespread American support for continued financial and military assistance. In the annual SASC committee hearing on the DoD’s fiscal year 2027 budget, King pressed the Under Secretary of Defense and Comptroller Jules Hurst, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, on the complete lack of resources being provided to Ukraine as the countrycontinues to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked and bloody aggression. The small democratic nation has defended itself over the course of the four year war with the help of American equipment, training, and funding. “One of the factors of this budget that has not gotten any publicity is there is zero funding for Ukraine. That is correct, Mr. Hurst?”asked Senator King. Mr. Hurst replied, “That is correct. There is no USAI funding in this budget.” “There was $400 million appropriated last year by a bipartisan bicameral act of Congress. What has become of that money? My understanding is not a dollar of it has been dispersed,” Senator King questioned. “It was released very recently. We got these funds, I believe, in March. It takes time for the funds to flow through department, but it’s going to be put to work very shortly. We are going to work with the UCOM to make sure we use these funds in the most appropriate way possible,” Mr. Hurst answered.. “This [chart] indicates what has happened to our support for Ukraine over the years. The orange bars are US support; the blue is Europe. As you can see, Europe is 99% in the year 2026, same thing with humanitarian and other aid to Ukraine,”Senator King continued. “And yet, this is, I believe, an existential struggle for the future of democracy where we had an aggressive country invade a neighboring country without any justification whatsoev… | 1 | 2026-05-02T05:53:08Z | 2026-05-02T05:54:44Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-iran-war-proving-value-of-diversifying-energy-sources | King: Iran War Proving Value of Diversifying Energy Sources | 2026-04-29 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | To watch or download the exchange click here WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), today argued that current—and rising—oil and gas prices due to the war in Iran are demonstrating the economic value of a more diverse energy strategy that includes renewables. In a committee hearing, King pressed Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on the importance of expanding American energy resilience by increasing wind and solar energy production to better shield Americans from worldwide spikes in oil prices, “Energy dominance. You use that term 3 or 4 times. If $4.30 gas and almost $6 diesel is energy dominance, I'd rather go back to what we had before. What's going on now, because of the illegal war in Iran, is drastically affecting our national security and will continue to do so in affecting the people of America. And it seems to me that the situation we're in now is a real lesson in the importance of weaning ourselves from fossil fuels, because we can produce all the oil we want, but as you well know, oil is a worldwide commodity and the price is not set in Maine or North Dakota or Texas. It's set on a worldwide basis, and that's exactly what we're suffering from now. So, I believe and I would like your view, that a more diverse energy source, particularly one that's based on resources that we control rather than a worldwide price, would be beneficial to the country. Your thoughts?” asked Senator King. Secretary Burgum replied, “Well, I think having secure supply chains is essential. But the idea that somehow, going down a path of wind and solar makes things more affordable is just not factually true.” “Why is that not? Wind and solar are the lowest cost energy sources today by a factor of about two,” Senator King pushed back. Secretary Burgum answered, “But I disagree, because we have no ability to dispatch wind and solar. And so we, if you're going to have wind and solar as part of the mix and the over rotation to thos… | 1 | 2026-04-30T06:05:15Z | 2026-04-30T06:07:09Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/moran-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-va-workforce-improve-outcomes-for-veterans | King, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen VA Workforce, Improve Outcomes for Veterans | 2026-04-29 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), both members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, are introducing bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to develop a long-term workforce strategy to improve outcomes at the VA. The Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act would direct the VA to develop, maintain, and provide Congress with a strategic plan that aligns staffing levels with current and projected demand for VA services, down to the local level, and in accordance with industry best practices. The VA would further be required to set goals and strategies to improve the productivity of the workforce, recruit and retain veterans, military spouses, veteran caregivers and survivors to fulfill staffing needs and reduce the time it takes to hire and onboard new employees. This legislation also requires VA to notify Congress in advance of significant staffing changes or a reduction in force, with a detailed justification of potential impacts. This comes on the heels of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) indiscriminate cuts last year to the VA workforce and its services. “Our veterans served this country with grit and class, and now it is our turn to return the favor and provide access to the high-quality care and benefits they have rightly earned,” said Senator King. “The current workforce shortage at the VA is an unforced error that we must now expeditiously work to mitigate. The bipartisan Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act would require the VA to produce a long-term workforce strategy that would improve outcomes for our veterans – going down to the most local level, matching industry best practices, and taking into account the current and future demand for services. I am grateful to work alongside my colleague and friend, Senator Moran, to continue prioritizing our American heroes.” “Veterans deserve a VA workforce that is adequately staffed to deliver the healthcare and benefits they have earned thr… | 1 | 2026-04-30T06:05:15Z | 2026-04-30T06:07:09Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-baldwin-introduce-legislation-to-finally-update-half-century-old-workplace-safety-laws-protect-american-workers/ | NEWS: Sanders, Baldwin Introduce Legislation to Finally Update Half-Century-Old Workplace Safety Laws, Protect American Workers | 2026-04-28 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, April 28 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) today introduced the Protecting America’s Workers Act to commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day. This legislation would comprehensively reform the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which has not been meaningfully updated since it was passed in 1970. According to the AFL-CIO’s Death on the Job Report, 140,000 workers die every year in the United States from workplace hazards. Unfortunately, the Occupational Safety and Health Act lacks the teeth to protect workers. Today, there are only five OSHA inspectors for every one million workers — the lowest in at least 45 years. This record low means each workplace can only be inspected once every 191 years. Earlier this month, an Amazon warehouse worker in Oregon collapsed on the job. It is reported that Amazon workers were told to stop life-saving emergency care and get back to work. It was over an hour before emergency medical services arrived and too late to save their life. The Protecting America’s Workers Act would ensure other workers are protected and that companies like Amazon are punished for this outrageous misconduct. Amazon’s choice to put profits ahead of people is well documented. A 2024 HELP Committee report on the dangerous working conditions at Amazon’s warehouses revealed that Amazon knew that its productivity standards were the reason workers are so frequently injured, yet they refused to make any changes, instead putting profits over safety of their workers. “In America today, it is unacceptable that large, profitable corporations like Amazon are routinely violating our nation’s health and safety laws,” Sanders said. “Even worse, when corporations are found liable for workplace fatalities and injuries, no one is held accountable for breaking the law and the fines are so meaningless that CEOs treat them as simply the cost of doing business. That must change. Corporations in America … | 1 | 2026-04-29T06:03:53Z | 2026-04-29T06:05:09Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-releases-new-report-detailing-how-trumps-education-layoffs-abandoned-students-facing-violence-harassment-and-discrimination/ | NEWS: Sanders Releases New Report Detailing How Trump’s Education Layoffs Abandoned Students Facing Violence, Harassment and Discrimination | 2026-04-28 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, April 28 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today released a new report finding that the Trump administration’s widespread efforts to lay off workers and shutter regional offices at the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) left students facing discrimination or harassment throughout the country without the help they are entitled to under federal law. As a result, Trump’s Education Department has been the least productive in over a decade — reaching in 2025 the lowest number of resolution agreements in 12 years and, shockingly, reaching zero resolution agreements for students facing serious traumatic incidents including sexual harassment, sexual violence, seclusion, restraint, racial harassment and discriminatory school discipline. Resolution agreements are legally binding commitments between OCR and schools to remedy violations of students’ civil rights, monitored for years after a complaint is filed. A resolution agreement means OCR identified a problem and required a school to fix it — not just for the student who came forward, but for every student who comes after them. Despite receiving the same budget as the prior year and facing nearly 12,000 pending civil rights cases, Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s OCR provided relief to students and families through resolution agreements in just 1% of pending cases. “Every child in America should be able to go to school safely and be treated with dignity. Unfortunately, this report makes clear that the Trump administration’s illegal efforts to dismantle the Education Department have been a disaster for students and families across this country,” Sanders said. “When a child with a disability is denied the education they are entitled to, when a student faces racial or sexual harassment — they turn to the Office for Civil Rights for help. Yet the Trump administration has decimated this office. As a result, tens of thousands of students facing discriminatio… | 1 | 2026-04-29T06:03:53Z | 2026-04-29T06:05:09Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-successfully-pushes-trump-administration-to-release-education-funding-for-vermont/ | NEWS: Sanders Successfully Pushes Trump Administration to Release Education Funding for Vermont | 2026-04-27 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt. April 27 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today announced that the Department of Education has finally released $11.58 million in federal K-12 COVID-19 funding for 20 Vermont school districts and the Agency of Education, after over a year of needless delay. “After a year of needless delay from the Trump administration, Vermont school districts will finally receive federal funding for summer and afterschool programs, school renovations and other critical services. At a time when so many of our school districts are suffering and struggling economically, this is an important step forward,” Sanders said. In March 2025, the Trump administration canceled an estimated $2.5 billion nationwide, including about $17 million for Vermont in unspent funding for K-12 schools provided under the American Rescue Plan Act that had already been approved for states to spend and created a burdensome appeals process for states and school districts to reapply for money they had been promised. Sanders urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon to reverse this decision on multiple occasions and ultimately secured her commitment that Vermont schools would receive the funding they were due. Courts also ruled against the Trump administration’s illegal withholding of the funds. The department assured the senator that the funding would be released in June of last year, but has forced the state through a months-long, disastrous and burdensome process to release funds. As part of the Trump administration’s actions to dismantle the Department of Education, the staff who managed these federal funds were fired in March 2025, further delaying the funds from reaching Vermonters. This month, Sanders finally received confirmation from the Department of Education that a total of $11.58 million in funding has been sent to Vermont to reimburse schools for essential activities, such as summer and afterschool programs, school renovations, teacher training, l… | 1 | 2026-04-28T06:05:12Z | 2026-04-28T06:07:17Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-raise-concerns-about-us-forest-service-reorganization-cuts-to-services | King, Colleagues Raise Concerns about U.S. Forest Service Reorganization, Cuts to Services | 2026-04-24 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is joining 33 of his senate colleagues to raise concerns about harmful workforce reductions at the United States Forest Service (USFS). In a to USFS Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, the Senators expressed their disapproval of the announced reorganization of the USFS which would amount to cuts for forestry research and public and private forest management. “We write with strong concerns regarding the announced reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS),” wrote the Senators. “While we have expressed support for improving the operations of the USFS, we believe the reorganization announced on March 31, 2026, may lead to additional capacity and workforce reductions throughout the agency, harming its ability to deliver on its mission.” “The USFS is charged with managing the 193 million-acre National Forest System (NFS), performing world-class forestry research, and delivering forestry assistance to improve the management of the more than 800 million acres of public and private forestlands across the country, including over 141 million acres of urban forests in our cities and towns,” the Senators continued. “After the deep cuts over the previous year, a 2025 survey by the Partnership for Public Service found that the USFS was significantly worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs and providing quality service than a year earlier. In addition, the sweeping changes being proposed – potentially impacting more than 6,500 employees – combined with the thousands of employees already lost through deferred resignation programs threatens to further erode the agency’s ability to complete its mission.” Senator King is seen as a national leader in efforts to support Maine’s forest products industry. King previously introduced the bipartisan Future Logging Careers Act to help train the next generation of Maine loggers and the bipartisan Timber Innovation for Building Rural Communities Act to improve forest health an… | 1 | 2026-04-25T05:38:36Z | 2026-04-25T05:40:21Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-demands-answers-from-usps-for-failing-to-pay-rockland-contractor-more-than-349000-jeopardizing-mail-service-for-maine-island-communities | Maine Delegation Demands Answers from USPS for Failing to Pay Rockland Contractor More Than $349,000, Jeopardizing Mail Service for Maine Island Communities | 2026-04-24 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Maine’s Congressional Delegation is calling on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to immediately resolve its payment issue with a Maine contractor that serves island communities. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden condemned USPS for failing to pay the Rockland-based Penobscot Island Air (PIA) more than $349,000 for mail-delivery service and demanded answers about why USPS has, according to PIA, repeatedly failed to make timely payments for several years. After PIA announced it would not make its scheduled deliveries on Tuesday in protest, USPS agreed Wednesday to immediately pay 25% of the outstanding balance, and PIA promptly resumed service. But questions and concerns still remain. “For decades, Penobscot Island Air has helped the USPS deliver essential mail to Maine’s island residents. We urge you to immediately resolve the outstanding back payments and provide clarification on how these payment lapses occurred, as well as how delays can be prevented in the future,” the delegation wrote. “From Matinicus to Vinalhaven, island communities in Maine rely on the USPS to pay bills, receive life-saving medications, and stay connected with friends and family. Penobscot Island Air is an indispensable bridge between the mainland and islands that helps the Postal Service fulfill its promise of reaching every American, even in the most rural communities.” USPS’s failure to pay PIA is the latest example of recent disruptions to mail delivery in Maine. Over the past several months, delegation offices have received hundreds of complaints from constituents about delayed and inconsistent deliveries—particularly in rural communities. Together, these issues underscore the importance of ensuring that USPS has the necessary resources and staff to fulfill its mission of providing all Americans with reliable, affordable, and universal mail service—and that its agreements with contractors like PIA are ful… | 1 | 2026-04-25T05:38:36Z | 2026-04-25T05:40:21Z |
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-statement-upon-senates-passage-of-ice-cbp-funding | Senator King Statement Upon Senate’s Passage of ICE, CBP Funding | 2026-04-23 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Independent | Senate | ME | Angus S. King, Jr. | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | angusking | https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today released a statement after the Senate passed funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a 50-48 vote: “The United States Senate just passed a funding bill for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without any meaningful reforms to the conduct of either. It is a shame that it took nearly four months to pass this bill, and even more of an embarrassment that this bill passed on a partisan vote after several attempts at good faith bipartisan negotiations to put in place standards of conduct across federal law enforcement agencies. “The recent well-documented conduct of ICE has clearly and repeatedly violated the Fourth and Fifth Amendments – with deeply unfortunate results. In nearly every other law enforcement agency across our nation, the standards of conduct include no masks, name and badge number identification, judicial warrants, required body cameras, training and hiring standards for sensitive locations, and no racial profiling. Maine people, as well as Minnesotans, know too well the abuses that can come from the current lack of such guidelines and restrictions. “It was the failure to adopt any reasonable reforms that compelled me to vote against this irresponsible bill.” Senator King has been outspoken in his efforts to negotiate necessary guardrails for ICE and CBP in the wake of unprofessional and unconstitutional behavior among those agencies. In January, King appeared on Face the Nation where he explained his Constitutional concerns over how ICE was operating in Maine, as well as possible paths forward for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding package. In February, he released a statement on congressional efforts to curtail ICE’s activities in Maine and across the country—again calling for the implementation of guardrails. Most recently, King called on former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for a detailed explanation and update about ICE’s prese… | 1 | 2026-04-24T05:51:25Z | 2026-04-24T05:53:00Z |
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