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

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1,058 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Independent" and state = "ME" sorted by date descending

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url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-push-back-against-executive-order-positioning-usps-as-elections-regulator King, Colleagues Push Back Against Executive Order Positioning USPS as Elections Regulator 2026-04-22 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 37 of his Senate colleagues are demanding the United States Postal Service (USPS) uphold existing federal law – and its own rulemaking and commitments – to best protect Americans’ constitutional right to vote. In a letter to the Postmaster General and Board of Governors of the 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” that would determine which voters are eligible to receive and cast absentee ballots through the mail. 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. “The Constitution provides no role for the President in regulating federal elections. And no statute delegates to the President any authority to regulate elections or voter eligibility either, including via USPS,” wrote the senators. “By issuing the executive order, however, the President is attempting to unconstitutionally consolidate power to personally regulate American elections.” The senators continued, “These directives clearly infringe on the states’ and Congress’ constitutional role to regulate the manner in which federal elections are held and would deny eligible voters their ability to cast a ballot. The prohibition on transmitting ballots from individuals not on the absentee voter list acts as a ban on vote-by-mail for any state unwilling to share its absentee voter lists with USPS or any voter who happens to be excluded from the list. Furthermore, under this executive order, it is the Postal Service who will have the… 1 2026-04-23T05:48:52Z 2026-04-23T05:50:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-asks-energy-secretary-how-canceling-approved-permitted-renewable-projects-promotes-certainty-in-marketplace King Asks Energy Secretary How Canceling Approved, Permitted Renewable Projects Promotes Certainty in Marketplace 2026-04-21 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. —Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), today criticized the Administration for creating uncertainty by canceling approved clean energy projects – especially ones actively under construction. In an ENR hearing, King pressed Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Christopher Wright on the current administration’s decisions to revoke energy permits as there is bipartisan agreement that America’s energy portfolio must increase across the board to improve the cost of living. Senator King began, “Do you feel that certainty is important in permitting and that is an important quality we need to be able to move permitting faster, that is correct, isn't it?” “Yes,” Secretary Wright agreed. “How do you feel about offshore wind projects being canceled that were fully permitted and under construction? What does that say about certainty for investment?” Senator King continued. “I will come back— there is some complexities to that issue, both with security concerns with drones that we learned more recently on the wars—,” Secretary Wright started. “Isn't that a risk of the developer?” Senator King asked. “It is a risk I think we need to manage with the developer just to make sure we are not introducing a critical vulnerability off of our east coast population. To your broader point, yes, Senator, I believe we need the parties to come together, we need a robust dialogue about that, and we need to deliver more certainty—,” Secretary Wright answered. “The idea of getting all of your permits, going through the process, being under construction and having the government say you can't do this, you wouldn't like that very much if you were in that position, is that correct?” Senator King asked. “That is correct,” Secretary Wright responded. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King is a national leader in advocating for climate solutions that support Maine communities and has been… 1 2026-04-22T05:46:42Z 2026-04-22T05:48:06Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-fight-robocalls-king-cosponsors-legislation-to-step-up-penalties To Fight Robocalls, King Cosponsors Legislation to Step Up Penalties 2026-04-17 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) is cosponsoring bicameral legislation cracking down on the enforcement of illegal robocalls. The Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act improves enforcement, and increases penalties for robocallers who violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The legislation would give the TCPA and the Do-Not-Call Registry added enforcement powers by providing all telephone subscribers, including small businesses, the ability to seek damages for all unconsented-to telemarketing calls immediately after such a call. Robocall scams often target the most vulnerable within our communities, including senior citizens, immigrant communities, and people with disabilities. Small businesses also are bombarded with these illegal calls, creating additional and burdensome costs and interfering with productivity. “At best, illegal robocalls are a constant annoyance — at worst, they’re scams that target our most vulnerable citizens or tie up businesses’ phone lines,” said Senator King. “The Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act would enhance enforcement and increase penalties for those who break the law. It’s time telemarketers are held accountable so Americans can live their lives without the flood of scam calls and texts overwhelming our phones.” More specifically, the Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act would: Amend TCPA to cover the equipment that scammers and telemarketers use by updating the definition of an Automated Telephone Dialing System to include systems which dial phone numbers from a stored list successively without human intervention. Allow small businesses to add their numbers to the Do-Not-Call Registry. Provide landline and cellular consumers, including small businesses, who have telephone numbers on the Do-Not-Call Registry, a private right of action after receiving one telephone call by or on behalf of the same entity in violation of the TCPA. Ensure that a minimum of $500 can be levied for each violation of the Do-Not-Cal… 1 2026-04-18T05:35:53Z 2026-04-18T05:37:16Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/veterans-committee-witnesses-support-senator-kings-mental-care-legislation Veterans Committee Witnesses Support Senator King’s Mental Care Legislation 2026-04-16 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. —Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today vetted legislationhe recently introduced that would allow the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans. In a conversation with the Director of the Veterans Justice Commission, Brigadier General David “Mac” MacEwen, King confirmed MacEwen’s support – as well as the support of the entire panel of witnesses – for King’s bill that would allow the VA to provide mental health care to incarcerated veterans with a service-connected disability for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or military sexual trauma (MST). The hearing panel also included Chief Counsel of All Rise Major General Clyde “Butch” Tate, U.S. Army (Ret.), the Honorable Chief Justice (Ret.) of the Kansas Supreme Court Lawton Nuss, U.S. Army Veteran Corey Schramm, and Associate Teaching Professor and Director of the Veterans Clinic at the University of Washington School of Law, Rose Carmen Goldberg. Senator King began, “Let me ask, the bill that was mentioned, the Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME, the pilot program for the V.A. to provide mental health services for incarcerated veterans. To me that is a gimme. That's obvious. But we have to start with a pilot program. I understand the commission is recommending returning to the 1944 G.I. Bill. The plain language [of the ’44 legislation] would allow most veterans to access V.A. services. Why did the commission make that recommendation? Give me background on that.” “Thank you, Senator. The commission made the recommendation because there was a huge discussion, we had researchers look at this as the commission did work. In 1944, the Congress spent weeks looking at who should be eligible for V.A. Benefits when they established the original G.I. Bill and they said only the worst of the worst should not get benefits. Dishonorable discharge that was the cut off. That was the rule and then over time, by rule, not by t… 1 2026-04-17T05:47:03Z 2026-04-17T05:48:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-tax-enforcement-services-against-high-dollar-tax-dodgers King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen Tax Enforcement Services Against High Dollar Tax Dodgers 2026-04-15 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), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are introducing legislation to provide additional funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to strengthen and expand tax collection services and systems. The Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (Stop CHEATERS) Act would restore and revitalize the IRS with additional funding for tax enforcement focused upon high-income tax evasion, technology operations support, systems modernization, and taxpayer services like free tax-payer assistance – and is expected to pay for itself several times over, given the extent of tax evasion among high earners and the positive impact of improved services to help lower- and middle-income taxpayers file their taxes. Yale Budget Lab has scored this bill as raising about $998 billion in net revenue over a ten-year window. For every dollar invested by this bill, the federal government will gain approximately $13 dollars in gross revenue. Prior to receiving historic funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS suffered from decades of chronic underfunding, leading the agency to disproportionally audit lower income earners. As a result, it is estimated that corporations and high-income individuals with access to high-level accountants – frequently in the highest-income brackets –have been able to evade the taxes they owe, contributing to $1 trillion in lost revenue. This legislation would allocate over $83 billion to the IRS over the next decade to enable tax auditors to enforce the tax code fairly across the board and at all income brackets and provide crucial services to taxpayers. “As Congress seeks ways to fund much-needed policy priorities and address our growing national debt, there is one common sense solution that should have unanimous bipartisan support: let’s enforce the tax laws already on the books,” said Senator King. “Our legislation will make sure the IRS has the resources it needs to conf… 1 2026-04-16T05:48:36Z 2026-04-16T05:50:08Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-raise-ropeless-gear-concerns-to-federal-policymakers Collins, King Raise Ropeless Gear Concerns to Federal Policymakers 2026-04-07 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 Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) are calling for continued engagement with Maine’s seafood industry stakeholders. In a letter to Eugenio Piñero Soler, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Senators urge NMFS to heed the well-founded concerns expressed by Maine’s lobstermen and fishermen regarding ropeless gear, and to include them in any further regulatory discussions. “Maine lobstermen’s concerns about ropeless gear are well-documented and deserve serious consideration. It is important to give full and meaningful weight to concerns raised by fishermen regarding ropeless/on demand fishing gear as NMFS’s core strategy for North Atlantic right whale (NARW) conservation. We urge you continue to explore other options such as Dynamic Area Management with the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), and strongly encourage you to continue engaging fishermen directly as your agency approaches new rulemaking on this issue,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “You heard these concerns directly from lobstermen at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum during the Federal Fisheries Leadership seminar. Lobstermen shared with you firsthand their concerns about the cost of this technology, and the dangers of not knowing where gear is placed in the Gulf of Maine. Small vessels simply would not have access to capital, deck space, crew, or familiarity with high-tech systems to survive a transition to ropeless fishing.” “We appreciate your willingness to listen, and we encourage NMFS to approach future rulemaking with a genuine commitment to flexibility and co-development directly with stakeholders. A single, uniform solution, particularly one that mandates technology that is not yet proven at scale, is not the right path forward for this fishery or for the conservation goals we share. We look forward to continuing this conversation and welcome the opportunity to work with you and your team directly,” the Senators concluded. This act… 1 2026-04-07T15:46:19Z 2026-04-07T20:08:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-rising-tensions-between-us-iran King Statement on Rising Tensions Between U.S., Iran 2026-04-06 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 as tensions grow in the Middle East after the President’s Easter Morning threat to escalate the U.S. bombing campaign to include civilian targets if Iran refuses to open the Strait of Hormuz. “The President’s unhinged post Easter Sunday morning saying that Tuesday is “Power Plant Day” in Iran followed by an interview where he continued, “I am blowing up everything over there” are gravely dangerous to our country on two levels. The first is moral and legal. Attacking civilian infrastructure without a direct military purpose but with a disproportionate impact on civilians is a war crime and puts the United States in the same category as Putin’s Russia. It also hastens our transition from the unquestioned leader of the free world to a lonely pariah state without allies or even friends. The second outcome is more practical and immediate. Iran’s response to such an attack will almost certainly be major strikes on oil infrastructure throughout the Middle East which will make the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz look like child’s play. $8.00 a gallon gas and world-wide recession would be just the start. And remember, the Strait of Hormuz was open before we started this war. The best result now would be for the President to declare victory (as he has half a dozen times already), cease the bombing, and let the international community sort out the aftermath. No more risk to our brave troops, no greater damage to our economy, no perpetration of war crimes, and no more blows to our tattered reputation.” 1 2026-04-07T05:38:05Z 2026-04-07T05:39:14Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-murkowski-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-american-fisheries King, Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Strengthen American Fisheries 2026-03-27 2026 2026-03 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 Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced legislation to strengthen the American seafood industry by treating it the same as the nation’s farmlands. The American Seafood Competitiveness Act would expand access to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan and grant programs for commercial fishermen, seafood processors, and mariculture-related businesses. The legislation would also expand Farm Credit eligibility to businesses providing services to fisherman and fish processors. “Whether your crops have seeds or scales, America’s food producers are essential to our economy and food supply, so we should seek economic parity for the men and women who work in the seafood industry,” said Senator King. “The American Seafood Competitiveness Act would help level the playing field and ensure our lobstermen and shellfish growers have access to the resources they need to grow and compete. That way, we can ensure the ‘Way Life Should Be’ for generations to come.” “In Alaska, agriculture isn’t just cattle and livestock in Delta Junction or carrot farms in Palmer—it also includes kelp farms in Douglas, oyster operations on Prince of Wales Island, and gillnetters in Bristol Bay harvesting our world-class salmon,” said Senator Murkowski. “These uniquely Alaska enterprises have been left out of some of America’s agricultural landscape, yet they play a vital role in our food security across the state. It’s past time our fishing and mariculture industries can access the same financing opportunities as farmers in the heartland.” More specifically the American Seafood Competitiveness Act would: Amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include commercial fishing and fish processing as eligible agricultural activities under USDA programs. Include wild-caught fish and shellfish as eligible agricultural products under USDA’s Local Agricultural Market Program and allow USDA to waive or reduce matching fund requirements, lowering barriers for small and rural operators. … 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-hhs-director-kennedy-to-return-to-data-based-cost-effective-preventive-health King, Colleagues Urge HHS Director Kennedy to Return to Data-Based, Cost-Effective Preventive Health 2026-03-25 2026 2026-03 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) led several of his Senate colleagues in calling for a return to evidence-based, cost-effective preventative health services after a key federal oversight group has been dormant for over a year. In a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Senators raise concerns that the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has not met for a full year, which is delaying critical decisions that directly affect health outcomes. The scientifically independent volunteer panel is responsible for reviewing evidence in preventive medicine to help guide clinical practice and improve the health of the American people. More specifically, the USPSTF helps people of all ages stay healthy and live well for years to come, as setting up healthy practices ahead of time often result in longer lives and better outcomes. Its evidence-based recommendations empower patients and their clinicians to make informed choices based on what works—and what doesn’t—in preventive care. The USPSTF systematically reviews the evidence on preventive services to make a conclusion about the benefits and harms of preventive services. Each step of the recommendation development process—from topic nomination to publication of the final recommendation—is transparent. “Since its inception in 1984, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) has issued nearly 300 evidence-based recommendations across 90 different topics to support preventive care, ensure that health care services are affordable, and help people live longer, healthier lives,” the Senators began. “The independence and scientifically-backed nature of the Task Force is paramount to its operations, and we urge that the future work of USPSTF, including meetings, agendas, appointments of new Task Force members, and revisions of recommendations, continues to adhere to principles of independence and scientific rigor.” The Senators continued, “As a result of Task Force recomme… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-ricketts-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-provide-mental-health-services-to-incarcerated-veterans King, Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Provide Mental Health Services to Incarcerated Veterans 2026-03-25 2026 2026-03 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 Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and U.S. Representatives Herb Conaway, MD (D-NJ) and Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) are introducing bicameral, bipartisan legislation to support mental health services for incarcerated veterans. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans Behavioral Assistance and Care for Key Health Outcomes to Maintain Empowerment (BACK HOME) Act would create a pilot program to allow the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, with a priority given to providing services to veterans with a service-connected disability for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or military sexual trauma (MST). Currently, the VA is prohibited from providing hospital or inpatient care to veterans who are patients or inmates in an institution of another government agency with a duty to provide care or services, such as prisons. Additionally, veterans who are convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than 60 days have their disability compensation payments reduced during their imprisonment. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act would create a pilot program that allows the VA to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, with a priority to those with a service-connected disability for PTSD, TBI, or MST. The bill also encourages prison facilities to establish dedicated veteran housing units, where possible, to provide an environment more conducive to the discipline, structure, and order familiar to veterans and facilitate more effective treatment, peer support, and rehabilitative efforts. “Too many of our veterans carry invisible wounds from their service, and far too often those wounds go untreated—especially for those who become incarcerated,” said Senator King. “The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act meets veterans where they are and ensures they receive the care they’ve earned. Expanding mental health services to incarcerated veterans helps give individuals a better pat… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cramer-take-action-to-reduce-federal-budget-deficit-avoid-passing-down-debt-to-next-generation King, Cramer Take Action to Reduce Federal Budget Deficit, Avoid Passing Down Debt to Next Generation 2026-03-20 2026 2026-03 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 Kevin Cramer (R-ND) are introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to spur Congress to reduce the federal budget deficit and avoid passing down large sums of debt to the next generation. The 3% Resolution would support the goal of reducing the federal budget deficit to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. “Restoring fiscal discipline isn’t about politics—it’s about responsibility,” said King. “Our 3% Resolution sets a clear, achievable target to benchmark progress on the deficit to stabilize our economic growth trajectory. Sound economic policy will take members of both parties working together to evaluate spending and revenues to create a better future for the next generation.” “It sure doesn’t take an economist to recognize the fiscal path we’re on is unsustainable, we all know that,” said Cramer. “Congress controls the purse and it’s long past time we address this imbalance of our ledgers. It is not going to happen without laser focus on economic growth and a willingness to look at every facet of the federal budget. Our 3% Resolution is a roadmap to what I consider fiscal sustainability, and I’m looking forward, and plead with my colleagues to work together on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Capitol, as we focus our efforts to deliver greater economic growth, for our country, for our people, and ultimately, our fiscal situation.” The 3% Resolution is also supported by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action group. “The best way to tackle a daunting fiscal challenge is to set a clear, achievable goal and then build a practical plan to reach it,” said Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. “Senators Cramer and King, joined by Senators Peters and McCormick, are taking an important step by putting forward a 3 percent deficit-to-GDP target to help stabilize the nation’s fiscal trajectory. We hope their colleagues will come together to meet thi… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-curtis-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-administration-to-reverse-course-on-new-policy-limiting-path-to-homeownership King, Curtis Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Administration to Reverse Course on New Policy Limiting Path to Homeownership 2026-03-20 2026 2026-03 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) and John Curtis (R-UT) are pressing the Trump Administration to reverse course on its decision to limit the path to home ownership for rural Americans. In a bipartisan letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Senators asked that recent updates limiting additional access to the Rural Development Section 502 Direct Loan program are rescinded. Unfortunately, the new revisions drastically reduce the loan limits and add in new layers of administrative complexity. The Senators began, “The Section 502 Direct Loan program administered by the Department has been instrumental in this success, financing homes for millions of families across the country. This program has also helped incentivize housing development in the rural communities that need it most. Unfortunately, the revisions issued to the handbook on February 10, 2026, PN655, severely curtail program eligibility and make it more difficult for non-profit partners to place rural families in homes.” “One of the most concerning changes is the reduction of Section 502 loan limits from 80 to 60 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 203(b) limit,” they continued in the letter. “This revision is coupled with another that prohibits loans from being issued when the appraised value of the house exceeds the loan limit. For families participating in the USDA Mutual Self-Help housing program, whose sweat equity lowers the total of the Section 502 loan but increases the value of the house, this change is especially problematic.” “Finally, we are perplexed by new requirements that will make the loan review process less efficient for USDA. Namely, loan reviews must now go through two separate rounds of review by Rural Development State Directors before approval. In addition, the changes will limit the ability for non-profit organizations to package loans, which USDA cannot do on its own. These changes are not only burdensome but also create uncertain… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-receives-pentagon-confirmation-of-us-greenland-denmark-cooperation-with-arctic-operations King Receives Pentagon Confirmation of U.S.-Greenland-Denmark Cooperation with Arctic Operations 2026-03-19 2026 2026-03 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) questioned Pentagon officials on the status of military operations in the Arctic, specifically those involving collaborations with Greenland and Denmark. In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), King asked General Francis Donovan, United States Marine Corps Commander of United States Southern Command whether Greenland was continuing to support American national security interests under the 1951 treaty. Senator King began, “I want to follow-up on Senator Shaheen's questions with regard to discussions, consultations, negotiations with Denmark and Greenland with regard to additional security assets in Greenland. Number one, are there to discuss is taking place? And number two, are they productive? Number three, are you meeting any resistance to establishing additional security assets in Greenland? “Senator, we are pursuing with Denmark expansion on the defense areas, which we are allowed in the 1951 agreement,” General Donovan replied. Senator King agreed, “The 1951 agreement is quite comprehensive. We don't really need a new treaty.” “It is very comprehensive and frankly very favorable to our operations or potential operations in Greenland,” General Donovan answered, “Working with the Department of State, we have three areas that we would like to negotiate with Denmark and Greenland to see if we can expand the defense areas from Pituffik where we are now into these other areas which would help our homeland defense mission.” Senator King followed up, “My final question is are you meeting any resistance, are they being cooperative and receptive to these discussions?” General Donovan confirmed, “Senator, very cooperative with both Greenland and Denmark, very eager to discuss ways to move forward to improve our defense capabilities.” Last month, Senator King led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Greenland to reinforce relations and respect with the people of the Arctic nation. The trip came as the American administration was threa… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/intelligence-officials-tell-senator-king-they-assessed-iran-would-likely-hold-the-strait-of-hormuz-as-leverage Intelligence Officials Tell Senator King They Assessed Iran Would Likely Hold the Strait of Hormuz as Leverage 2026-03-18 2026 2026-03 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, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) pressed administration officials on known intelligence that Iran could consider a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage if the United States attacked Iran. In the annual Worldwide Threats hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), King specifically pressed Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, and John Ratcliffe, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, on whether the potential blockade, and other retaliatory consequences, were communicated to the President prior to his decision to follow through with airstrikes in an attempt to cripple the regime. President Trump has maintained in public remarks that Iran halting activity in the region wasn’t fully considered ahead of the missile strikes and Operation Epic Fury. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passageway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in which a large percentage of the global oil supply and liquified natural gas (LNG) passes through shipping lanes on an annual basis. Because of the blockade, global oil prices have risen globally with prices in Maine rising more than 20% since the military operation began at the beginning of the month. Senator King began, “There seems to be a discrepancy between what the intelligence community has reported over the years and what the President has said in terms of this action. For example, Senator Wyden read the report from a year ago that strikes against neighboring state and action to close the Strait of Hormuz was predicted by the Intelligence Community. And the President says nobody knew. My question is, did you tell him? Anybody want to answer that question?” “I will answer the question. So, with regard to briefings, the President gets briefings constantly about intelligence. The comment that you talked about, I have not heard, but what I can tell you is that Iran had specific plans to hit U.S. interests in energy sites across the region and that is why the De… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-hoeven-fight-for-potato-farmers-call-for-investigation-into-canadian-trade-practices King, Hoeven Fight for Potato Farmers, Call for Investigation into Canadian Trade Practices 2026-03-18 2026 2026-03 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 John Hoeven (R-ND) led a bipartisan effort calling for an investigation into unfair Canadian trade practices that are harming U.S. potato producers. In a letter to U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Chair Amy Karpel and Commissioners David Johanson and Jason Kearns, the senators outline how Canadian federal and provincial policies impose competitive disadvantages on U.S. producers. In the letter also signed by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the senators also raise concerns regarding recent antidumping duties imposed by the Province of British Columbia on U.S. fresh potatoes, noting the antidumping policies do not reflect any realistic market conditions. Antidumping laws intend to prevent foreign producers from undercutting domestic potato farmers by selling at a cheaper price, however the senators argue current Canadian antidumping laws are misguided and harming U.S. producers. “Canada is one of the most important export markets for U.S. fresh and processed potatoes, with annual trade valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. A stable, transparent, and rules-based trading relationship with Canada is therefore essential to the continued viability of potato producers in our states. Unfortunately, recent developments have raised concerns among U.S. growers regarding whether current trade conditions are fair, and consistent with international law and trade agreements,” the senators wrote. “Producers in the Upper Midwest and Northeast in particular, have emphasized the importance of understanding whether these policies are materially affecting competition, investment decisions, and long-term market balance in regions where U.S. and Canadian potato industries have historically been closely integrated,” the senators continued. “We believe that Congress, the administration, and U.S. potato producers would benefit from a clear, objective, and comprehensive assessment of the facts provided by a Section 332 investigation. A Commission investigation could … 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-risch-seek-to-correct-veteran-burial-benefits-disparity-through-bipartisan-bill King, Risch Seek to Correct Veteran Burial Benefits Disparity Through Bipartisan Bill 2026-03-17 2026 2026-03 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), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Jim Risch (R-ID) are introducing bipartisan legislation to correct a disparity in funeral and burial benefits for veterans who die from service-connected injuries when compared to non-service related causes. The Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act would make sure that veterans who pass away due to service-related causes get the recognition they deserve for the sacrifices they made by receiving higher burial benefits compared to non-service-related deaths. In 2020, Congress passed legislation that increased burial benefits for non-service-connected deaths and tied them to inflation. As a result, the benefit amount for non-service-connected deaths now exceeds that for service-connected deaths, which is capped at $2,000. The Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act corrects this imbalance by increasing service-connected benefits from $2,000 to $3,000 and tying them to the same inflation adjustment as the non-service-connected benefit. “Veterans who die as a result of their service to our nation deserve to be honored appropriately, and their families deserve our full support,” said Senator King. “Our Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act corrects an unintended disparity between service and non-service related deaths to even out the burial benefits for these veterans who served our country. On behalf of a grateful nation, it is the least we can do for these families.” “Our nation’s veterans answered the call to serve and made unimaginable sacrifices for our freedoms,” said Senator Risch. “My Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act ensures our veterans who are injured or wounded during their service are laid to rest with honor and dignity.” 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… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-re-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expanding-resources-for-public-health-emergency-preparedness King, Colleagues Re-Introduce Bipartisan Bill Expanding Resources for Public Health Emergency Preparedness 2026-03-16 2026 2026-03 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 re-introducing legislation to strengthen and expand wastewater monitoring systems as a method to track and prevent serious public health emergencies. The Public Health Response and Emergency Detection through Integrated Wastewater Community Testing (PREDICT) Act would authorize wastewater infectious disease surveillance efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wastewater monitoring analyzes sewage to detect viruses and bacteria circulating in a community. Individuals infected with diseases such as measles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A can shed viral or bacterial material through everyday activities, even if they do not show symptoms. Tracking wastewater helps public health officials identify potential outbreaks earlier and respond quicker to protect communities. “Protecting the health of Maine people—and all Americans—is essential to the health of our communities, and information and research is the key to getting and staying ahead of threats,” said Senator King. “By building on the lessons we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the PREDICT Act will expand the scope of wastewater study to better detect infectious diseases from our communities before they become widespread. I am proud to re-introduce this bill and work together with my colleagues across the aisle on smart, science-focused legislation that will work to prevent dangerous public health emergencies.” More specifically, the PREDICT Act would: Direct the CDC to award grants to state, tribal, and local health departments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and public-private partnerships to establish, maintain, or improve wastewater monitoring activities.. Support advanced testing capabilities so laboratories can detect new pathogens quickly and simultaneously track multiple infectious diseases using consistent testing methods. Improve coverage and transparency by ensuring nationwide geographic representation and create a timely, accessible data das… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-expiration-date-nears-king-and-colleagues-demand-hhs-immediately-release-federal-funding-for-family-planning-services As Expiration Date Nears, King and Colleagues Demand HHS Immediately Release Federal Funding for Family Planning Services 2026-03-12 2026 2026-03 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), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), and Patty Murray (D-WA) are leading dozens of their Senate colleagues in pushing for the release of federal funding that supports comprehensive, confidential family planning and related preventive health services. In a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Senators demand that HHS take immediate action to protect Americans’ uninterrupted access to these services by awarding a one-year full funding extension for all current Title X grantees. In their letter, the senators highlight the importance of Title X, helping to provide broader access to important services that have resulted in improved health outcomes like lower maternal and infant mortality, fewer premature births, and lower rates of cancer. Last year, the Trump Administration withheld millions in funding from almost one in five Title X grantees, placing over 840,000 people at risk of losing access to Title X-funded care and forcing some sites to close. While the administration restored funding to these groups by December 2025, many grantees were forced to serve the same need with reduced funding. Now, Title X grantees’ current funding is set to lapse on March 31, 2026. Title X funds support the 18 clinics Maine Family Planning (MFP) operates, MFP’s mobile medical unit, subcontracts with Planned Parenthood’s four sites in Southern Maine, 31 Federally Qualified Health Centers, and 8 school-based health centers, collectively serving roughly 30,000 patients annually. If HHS fails to act and funding for these Title X grants lapses on March 31, Maine Family Planning would lose access to nearly $2 million in previously-approved, annual funding in addition to funding cuts because of the Republican-passed H.R. 1 last July. “In short, these services not only make our communities healthier, but also improve educational and economic attainment for women and their families,” the senators wrote. “Any gap in Title X funding could result in over two mil… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-impacts-of-extraordinary-military-resources-moving-to-middle-east King Highlights Impacts of Extraordinary Military Resources Moving to Middle East 2026-03-12 2026 2026-03 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), emphasized Russia’s current warfare capabilities in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Baltics, and the far-reaching impacts of America’s heightening military strikes in Iran. In a conversation with General Alexus Grynkewich, United States Air Force Commander of United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, King also questioned the impacts to Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion as American assets are moved into the Middle East theater for the campaign against Iran. Senator King began his questioning by asking whether the Russians are using the Iran military operation as an opportunity to conduct cyber attacks against NATO allies. Senator King began his questioning, “General Grynkowich, to what extent are the Russians -- there has been discussion about this -- probing in eastern Europe and doing asymmetric warfare in the Baltics, for example, in Poland? Disinformation, cyber-attacks, even drone incursions what are the Russians up to, are they building troops up along their western border?” “Yes Senator, right now we see a fairly robust amount of what we call Russian hybrid activities or asymmetric activities,” General Grynkewich replied. “You mentioned some of those whether it is information operations or sabotage and those types of things. There have been several incidences in the Baltics, and Poland in particular, in the last several months since I have been in command. As far as conventional true buildups, most of the Russian ground forces are focused on Ukraine. We do not see significant Russian buildups right now. But I know there are concerns those could be coming at some point in the future. Particularly once Russia is able to reconstitute its forces.” Senator King then asked the General about the primary positions of air defense capabilities in the EUCOM theater and how that impacts Ukraine’s defense. Senator King continued, “And if President Zel… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-murphy-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-small-farmers-from-financial-risk King, Murphy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Small Farmers from Financial Risk 2026-03-11 2026 2026-03 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 Chris Murphy (D-CT) have introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) programs, which help farmers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing, or conservation practices. The Agriculture Management Assistance Act would boost funding for the AMA to $30 million, increase funding limits for farmers to $200,000 over five years, and expand the eligible uses for these funds to include: soil health improvements, composting, implementing organic farming, developing value-added processing, and food safety certification in addition to existing authorized uses such as water management structure and soil erosion control. The AMA is only available to 16 states—including Maine—that have historically low rates of participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program. “Maine’s farmers are the backbone of our rural communities, and they deserve the same safeguards and assistance that we provide other industries across the country,” said Senator King. “The Agricultural Management Assistance Act will help ensure that Maine farms have the tools they need to manage financial risks, handle nature’s evolving challenges, and continue to produce the food that supports our local economies and families.” “Connecticut’s small farmers are really important to the diversity of our state’s food supply, but they face unique challenges, especially as climate change worsens,” said Senator Murphy. “Our bill provides small farmers with the support they need to navigate financial risks and invests in making their farms more resilient and efficient in the long term.” To be eligible for Agriculture Management Assistance Act, producers must: Be engaged in livestock or agricultural production. Have an interest in the farming operation associated with the land being offered for AMA enrollment. Have control of the land for the term of the proposed contract. Be in compliance with the provisions for protecting the interests … 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/the-american-people-can-handle-the-truth-king-lashes-out-at-administration-efforts-to-erase-american-history-at-national-parks “The American People Can Handle the Truth!” King Lashes Out at Administration Efforts to Erase American History at National Parks 2026-03-11 2026 2026-03 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 the floor speech, click here WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Ranking Member of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee, spoke on the Senate Floor to criticize the Trump Administration’s attempts to whitewash American history at our national parks. The floor speech comes on the heels of a letter he sent to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, King requests information pertaining to Executive Order 14253 “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” and Secretarial Order 3431, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” which together directs the Department to remove or alter properties that present American history in a negative light. He also previously shared remarks on social media last week after a rally to support truth-telling at America’s National Parks. The full transcript of Senator King’s floor speech from this afternoon is below. +++ “Mr. President, I'd like to begin by talking a little bit about history generally, rather than the topic that has been the subject of the prior remarks, and then get into the question that's been raised today. There are several cliches about history and one of the problems with cliches is, you hear them so often that they lose their meaning, and you just sort of slough them off, but these two, I think, do have some meaning, and they have become cliches because they're true. “One is, if you ignore history, you're doomed to repeat it. I've been hearing that all my life. If you don't know your history and if you ignore history, you're doomed to repeat it. The second is attributed to mark Twain, who said, history doesn't always repeat itself, but it usually rhymes. And that means that things that have happened in the past may not be exactly what happens in the future, but the history predicts the future. I recently finished a biography of Cicero, the great Roman statesman, and he said something about history that really stuck with me, which is, if you don't know the history of your civilization, you live your whole life as a child. I th… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-curtis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-cut-national-debt-and-strengthen-americas-fiscal-health King, Curtis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Cut National Debt and Strengthen America’s Fiscal Health 2026-03-10 2026 2026-03 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 John Curtis (R-UT) are introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s fiscal health and stabilize the nation’s finances for future generations. The Fiscal Commission Act bill would create a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission tasked with finding legislative solutions to stabilize spending and evaluate revenues with the goal of decreasing the national debt. The commission would be required to hold field hearings and complete a public awareness and education campaign on its work. The national debt now exceeds $38.8 trillion, which is approximately 124% of the entire U.S. economy. Both parties are responsible—fiscal policies enacted by both Democrats and Republicans have led to soaring annual budget deficits, which totaled $1.7 trillion in calendar year 2025 alone. It’s projected that the federal government will spend more than $1 trillion on interest on the debt alone in 2026, making it a larger expenditure than Medicare and national defense, and second only to Social Security. “Right now, the national debt breaks down to over $113,000 for every man woman and child in this country – that’s overwhelming and unsustainable. To add insult to injury, payments on interest alone—just this year—have become a larger source of spending than both Medicare and national defense spending,” said Senator King. “The Fiscal Commission Act will ensure that our government works in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to find legislative solutions that stabilize spending and decrease the national debt, since both parties dug this hole and we need to work together to get out of it. This bill is an important step forward in fiscal responsibility for future generations and most importantly moves the country in a direction where the government is a more responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.” “Our national debt has ballooned to over $38 trillion—a staggering figure that threatens higher costs for families, fewer economic opportunities, and a heavier burden for future gen… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-golden-collins-demand-irs-re-open-bangor-and-augusta-tax-assistance-centers King, Golden, Collins Demand IRS re-open Bangor and Augusta Tax Assistance Centers 2026-03-10 2026 2026-03 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 and U.S. Representative Jared Golden are calling on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to immediately reverse the closure of its Augusta and Bangor Tax Assistance Centers (TAC). TACs are physical offices which offer assistance to Mainers who lack stable internet access, need help navigating technology, or otherwise need in-person assistance. With the Presque Isle TAC having previously been shuttered and Downeast Maine long lacking its own TAC, some rural Mainers already traveled hundreds of miles to access the IRS’ services in Bangor. If the Bangor and Augusta offices — the only locations available in the Second District — were to remain closed, a resident of Fort Kent could face a roughly ten-hour, 600-mile trip to Maine’s only remaining TAC in South Portland. The trio recently contacted the IRS after receiving reports from constituents that the TACs they planned on using this filing season had closed. Following confirmation of the closures from the agency, the lawmakers are now making the case that rural Maine deserves the same quality of assistance as those living in the southern part of the state — especially for navigating the new tax provisions created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “TACs provide critical services to rural communities and seniors,” the lawmakers wrote. “...We ask that you restaff and re-open the TACs in Bangor and Augusta in a timely manner, and work with the Maine Congressional Delegation on a longer-term strategy to avoid future prolonged disruptions to these services in Maine.” In addition to asking for a long-term plan to re-open the Presque Isle TAC, the lawmakers are also pressing the IRS for answers on how the federal hiring freeze affected TAC staffing in Maine, whether Mainers who are unable to access tax assistance will receive an extended deadline to file, and what the agency’s plans are to help affected Mainers in the meantime. Last year, the IRS rolled back a previously scheduled closure of its Bangor TAC af… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-bicameral-amicus-brief-challenging-trumps-plans-for-illegal-monument-on-national-park-service-land King Leads Bicameral Amicus Brief Challenging Trump’s Plans for Illegal Monument on National Park Service Land 2026-03-09 2026 2026-03 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 Subcommittee on National Parks, is joining several of his Senate and House colleagues in filing an amicus brief that would put a stop to President Trump’s plan to construct a commemorative arch on federal property. The amicus brief argues that the President’s plan is illegal unless Congress authorizes it. Joining Senator King as the House of Representatives leader in this challenge is Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA2), who serves as Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Committee. The amicus brief supports a lawsuit brought by a group of Vietnam War veterans and a retired architectural historian to block construction of the proposed arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Specifically, the case concerns whether President Trump can bypass federal law requiring congressional approval for monuments on federal land in Washington, D.C. The Commemorative Works Act and 40 U.S.C. § 8106 both require express authorization from Congress before any monument or structure is built on federal reservations, parks, or public grounds in the nation's capital. The Independence Arch, slated for Memorial Circle in Lady Bird Johnson Park, has received no such authorization. In response to an inquiry from Senator King on this matter, the independent Congressional Research Service found that “the CWA would appear to govern the construction of the arch. Likewise, § 8106 would appear to require congressional authorization to construct a memorial arch in Memorial Circle.” “This is a straightforward example of checks and balances, and an exercise of Congressional authority – the Commemorative Works Act could not be clearer: any structure on grounds like this must be approved by Congress on behalf of the American people,” said Senator King. “Whether it is an arch, an obelisk, a ballroom, or a statue, this is a decision that cannot be made unilaterally when it is on public lands and protected by statute.” The Independence A… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-america-must-improve-drone-capabilities-as-technology-changes-cost-and-agility-of-war King: America Must Improve Drone Capabilities as Technology Changes Cost and Agility of War 2026-03-06 2026 2026-03 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) emphasized the critical need to improve drone manufacturing capabilities as changing technologies impact the cost and methods of 21st century wars. In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King questioned Mr. Travis Metz, Drone Dominance Program Manager at the Department of Defense (DoD) and Major General Steven Marks, Director at the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group at the DoD, on the research and acquisition of cost-effective drone technology and the impact of these drones on the severity and type of military injuries. Senator King began the conversation with Metz to discuss the economic realities and current contracting system of the American defense industrial base – by pointing out that Ukraine is making drones at a fraction of the expense. “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to see a chart of number of units produced per month, in price, from the Ukrainian industry, versus what we are projecting. You mentioned that there have been -- you put out effectively a bid with a proposed price. I want to see the numbers. Can you give us that off the top of your head? How many are the Ukrainians producing a month and what do they costs, versus what we are projecting for this section one production that you have now bidding?,” King questioned. Metz responded, “It's an excellent question. So, the Ukrainians last year built roughly 4.5 million drones in total, 4.4 million of them were this, in this size range. We think that they will build about 6 million this year, so 500,000 a month. Historically, most Ukrainian drones are made from components primarily from China, although as I mentioned before they are also concerned about their supply chain vulnerabilities on that. And we think that there per unit pricing, depending on the nature of the FPV, is somewhere between $500 on the low end and the low thousands on the high-end. Our program is designed to, over the six-month cycles, lower prices.” “Lower prices from what? What are the prices… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-curtis-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-attract-the-next-generation-of-rural-health-care-workers King, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Attract the “Next Generation” of Rural Health Care Workers 2026-03-05 2026 2026-03 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 John Curtis (R-UT) introduced bipartisan legislation to help address the physician shortage that is harming the quality-of-life in rural areas. The Community TEAMS Act would expand clinical training opportunities for medical students in medically underserved communities in Maine and across the country by creating new federal grants to support partnerships between medical schools and community-based health care providers, allowing medical students to complete clinical training in rural areas where physicians are needed most. This new Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant program would enable medical schools (MD and DO) to expand clinical rotations through partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), Rural Health Clinics (RHC), and other healthcare facilities in medically underserved communities “For many people in Maine, especially in rural parts of our state, accessing basic medical care can mean driving hours for an appointment,” said Senator King. “The Community TEAMS Act will help attract the next generation of health care workers from the ground up and improve access to care for families across Maine. That’s not just smart policy, that’s a people-first approach that will positively impact the health, safety, and economy of our state.” “Too many rural communities in Utah and across the country struggle to recruit and retain physicians,” said Senator Curtis. “Our bipartisan legislation will help train the next generation of doctors while strengthening our rural health systems and improving families’ access to care.” “The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) applauds Senators Curtis and King for their leadership in expanding clinical training opportunities where they are needed most,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “Medical students who train in underserved communities are nearly three times more likely to remain there to practice. The Community TEAMS Act would strengthen the … 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-administration-to-deliver-targeted-data-driven-economic-relief-for-states-blueberry-potato-apple-farmers Maine Delegation Urges Administration to Deliver “Targeted, Data-Driven” Economic Relief for State’s Blueberry, Potato, Apple Farmers 2026-03-04 2026 2026-03 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 and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden are calling on the Trump Administration to ensure its relief for specialty crop farmers addresses the needs of blueberry, potato, and apple farmers across Maine. In a letter to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Maine Congressional Delegation urges the administration to continue delivering targeted, data-driven support for Maine’s specialty crop farmers, foresters, and fisheries so that they can withstand the economic impacts of on-the-ground, environmental realities. The Delegation began, “We write to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that payment rates under the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program fully and accurately reflect the economic realities facing Maine producers. Given the absence of reliable, up-to-date cost-of-production and farm-gate pricing data for many specialty crops, it is essential that USDA work directly with Maine’s specialty crop stakeholders to establish payment rates that meaningfully address current losses. Failure to do so risks leaving critical sectors of Maine’s agricultural economy without adequate relief during a period of extraordinary financial strain.” “As USDA evaluates current and future relief efforts, we strongly urge the Department to ensure that Maine’s lumber and fisheries industries are not overlooked,” they continued in the letter. “Equity in federal relief requires that industries facing comparable trade-driven harm receive comparable support. The Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP) offered by the USDA in 2020 was invaluable for Maine’s lobster fishery.” “We appreciate USDA’s prior engagement with Maine’s potato, blueberry, and apple stakeholders. However, continued consultation is not simply beneficial, it is necessary to ensure that federal assistance reflects on-the-ground conditions. We urge USDA to adjust payment methodologies where needed, account for crop-specific produ… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-whether-us-has-now-delegated-war-decisions-to-other-countries King Questions Whether U.S. Has “Now Delegated” War Decisions to Other Countries 2026-03-03 2026 2026-03 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 questioned whether the United States’ decision to strike Iran was heavily influenced because American decision makers knew Israel was planning to take in the immediate future. In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King questioned Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, for answers regarding the military operation being carried out in Iran despite widespread agreement from the President and his administration that Iran didn’t present an imminent threat to the United States or American interests. The Senator’s questioning comes in response to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s public statement that suggested American strikes on Iran were preventative in nature to protect American assets in the Middle East and defend against retaliation from the Iranian regime in the event of an attack on Iran by Israel or another ally. Rubio told reporters Monday that “we knew there was going to be an Israeli action” and that the United States military was motivated to act because an Israeli strike would likely lead to Iranian counterattacks on Israel and American locations in the Middle East. Senator King began, “When I woke up Saturday morning to the news, the first question that popped into my mind was why now. Why now? What was the precipitating factor? There was discussion of an imminent threat of missiles, there was discussion of rebuilding the nuclear capacity but none of those were imminent in any way. Yesterday Secretary Rubio told us why now, in a stunning statement. “ ‘We knew there was going to be an Israeli action. We knew that would precipitate an attack against American forces and we knew if we did not preemptively go after them before they launched these attacks we would suffer higher casualties.” ‘Have we now delegated the most solemn decision that can be made in our society, the decision to go to war to another country? That’s the implication. That is the breathtaking implication of Secretary Rubio's statement whic… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-statement-on-american-military-strikes-against-iran Senator King Statement on American Military Strikes Against Iran 2026-02-28 2026 2026-02 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 U.S. launched “major combat operations” against Iran. “Early this morning, the President announced “major combat operations” against Iran with the stated goal of overthrowing the current regime. While I certainly agree with the President’s statements about Iran’s destructive behavior and the harm it has done in the region (including to Americans, going back to the bombing of the Marine barracks in Lebanon and including IED’s in Iraq), the statement left me with several questions. “The first is why hasn’t he made the case to the American people (and to their representatives in Congress) for such a major commitment of American forces, which could include troops on the ground? He had that opportunity as recently as Tuesday night, but did not take it. “Secondly, why now? All reports were that negotiations with regard to Iran’s nuclear program were proceeding positively this week with the possibility of a long sought-after diplomatic solution, and there is no indication that new malign actions by the regime were imminent. “The third question is what, if any, is the plan for an endgame now that the goal has moved from elimination of Iran’s nuclear capacity to regime change? As we have learned, toppling a despotic regime is only a first step; the hard question is what comes next and what will it take to insure that the next regime is not worse than that which went before. “And finally, what is the legal and Constitutional authority for this extraordinary action? The Constitution explicitly places the power (and the responsibility) for taking our country into war in the peoples’ representatives in Congress for a reason—the commitment to war is much too important to rest in the hands of one person. That principle is as valid today as it was at the founding of our country. “I hope for the best, especially for our troops who may be placed in harm’s way, but fear that this precipitous action may have unnecessarily put them at risk wit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cramer-introduce-bill-to-help-servicemembers-access-earned-benefits King, Cramer Introduce Bill to Help Servicemembers Access Earned Benefits 2026-02-27 2026 2026-02 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 Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), both members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), introduced a bipartisan bill that would provide support to veterans in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) applying for the benefits they earned in service to the nation. The TAP Promotion Act would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in TAP classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims. TAP is offered at over 300 installations around the world and helps prepare servicemembers for civilian life. Since TAP classroom instructors are not legally allowed to help veterans fill out benefits paperwork, having an accredited representative physically present in TAP classrooms during Veterans Affairs (VA) briefings would ease and simplify the process as service members transition to veteran status. Through BDD, servicemembers can file expedited claims and complete medical evaluations before leaving service. Accelerating claims decisions would allow transitioning servicemembers to have minimal gaps in essential care like mental health counseling and medication management once they officially leave service. “Every year approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life, whether the servicemember is finishing their first deployment, or retiring,” said Senator King. “The TAP Promotion Act would allow these servicemembers to connect with an informed, VA accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned. Thanks to my colleagues for understanding the importance of serving our veterans—just as they have served us throughout their careers.” “The Transition Assistance Program, otherwise known as TAP, is one of the most important tools we have to help service members prepare for life after the military,” said Senator Cramer. “But, of course, information a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-grills-defense-nominee-on-national-guard-in-cities-boat-strikes King Grills Defense Nominee on National Guard in Cities, Boat Strikes 2026-02-26 2026 2026-02 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 grilled potential Trump Administration officials on the legality and ethics of national guard deployments in American cities, as well as the controversial boat strikes in the Caribbean. In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King questioned Mr. Mark R. Ditlevson, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas Security Affairs, on the role of the Department of Defense, legal ramifications of DoD decision making, and his personal priorities if nominated to the post. Senator King began the conversation by asking about the classification authority of the strikes in the Caribbean, focusing on the September 2nd missile strike. “Have you seen the second video from September 2?” King questioned. Ditlevson responded, “Yes Senator, I have. I am aware of that particular video.” “What possible justification is there for the classification of that video where the first video 45 minutes earlier was on Fox News the next day along with the secretary? Why is the second video classified?” King asked in response. “I have seen it and I don't understand why the American public is being denied the opportunity to see it. What is the justification for its classification?” Ditlevson replied, “Senator, I appreciate the concern on the video and what it shows. I can't speak to the release ability –“ “How come? You’re where the policy guy,” King interjected. “What is the policy that says this should be classified bit of information?” “Senator, that’d be outside the purview of my particular office. We were not the classification authority for that particular video and the process and procedures governing declassification—” Ditlevson responded. King concluded, “I appreciate it if you take this question back. Because I have not, I have asked the secretary directly and not yet gotten a justification for why that video is classified. Except that it is embarrassing.” Senator King then asked the nominee about the limits of th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T17:26:08Z

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