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

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409 rows where party = "Independent", state = "ME" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending

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  • 2018 · 409 ✖

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  • ME · 409 ✖

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  • Independent · 409 ✖

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  • House 409
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-statement-on-departure-of-secretary-of-defense-james-mattis King Statement on Departure of Secretary of Defense James Mattis 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the announcement that Secretary of Defense James Mattis would be leaving the Trump Administration at the end of February: When I first considered General Mattis's nomination to serve as Defense Secretary, I concluded that he was an experienced leader' who would serve as a moderating voice within the Administration.' After nearly two years of service, I can say with confidence that Secretary Mattis has filled this role to the best of his ability given the Administration in which he served, providing a seasoned, rational voice on national security in the midst of numerous international challenges. His departure is extremely worrisome, particularly as it comes on the heels of a number of increasingly erratic foreign policy decisions that endanger American interests abroad and undermine our nation's place as a world leader. Quite frankly, I've slept better knowing that Secretary Mattis was leading the Department of Defense and providing counsel to this President on issues of national security, and while I understand his reluctance to continue to serve in an administration that ignores his expertise, I'm unsure who if anyone will be able to replace his measured, thoughtful approach in these important conversations. The loss of Jim Mattis's voice is a loss for the American people. He will leave mighty shoes to fill, and I will measure any nominee the President puts forward against Secretary Mattis's distinguished record of performance, patriotism, and service to his country. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-partial-government-shutdown King Statement on Partial Government Shutdown 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in advance of this evening's deadline to prevent a partial government shutdown: We shouldn't be in this situation. For months, Congress has worked on a bipartisan basis to craft spending bills that would attract support from both parties including substantial funds for border security. Instead, the President has forced a partial government shutdown unless his demands for a wall on the southern border are met. As a result of his decision to reject a bipartisan agreement, federal employees like law enforcement officers, park rangers, and air traffic controllers must spend their holidays worrying if their next paycheck will be affected by political games. Everyone in the Congress is in favor of enhanced border security; the issue is whether a wall is the best and most cost-effective method of achieving this. According to the agreement reached by party leadership in the Senate Friday afternoon, there will be no more votes on the budget bills until there is a final agreement between President Trump and House and Senate leadership. Senator King will return home to Maine tonight, and will return to Washington D.C. to vote as soon as an agreement is reached. After discussions with leaders of both parties, Senator King is hopeful that a reasonable resolution can be reached in short order. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-collins-king-and-rep-pingree-announce-contract-award-to-build-additional-destroyer-at-bath-iron-works Sens. Collins, King and Rep. Pingree Announce Contract Award to Build Additional Destroyer at Bath Iron Works. 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree announced today that the Navy is exercising its option under the fiscal years (FY) 2018-2022 multiyear procurement contract awarded in September to build an additional DDG-51 destroyer at Bath Iron Works (BIW) for $910,723,811. This FY 2019 option ship is in addition to four ships the Navy awarded the shipyard under the multiyear contract. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer called Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree to inform them of the award. The Navy's decision to build an additional DDG-51 at BIW is great news for the hardworking men and women at the shipyard. They can now spend the holidays with their families knowing that this additional ship will help keep the workload stable in the months and years ahead, said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. The Navy's latest contract decision is a testament to the quality work being done at BIW to produce the backbone of today's Navy. We are extremely proud to represent the best shipbuilders in the world right here in Maine and work together to support them in Congress." In addition to the five DDG-51s already funded in FY 2018 and FY 2019, the delegation will seek to ensure that Congress provides the necessary funding and statutory authority for the Navy to procure the six additional DDG-51s called for under the multiyear contract and up to three additional option ships. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. In September, Senators Collins and King both advocated for the passage of the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill, which included funding for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in FY 2019, while also including $250 million in advanced procurement funding for an additional destroyer in FY 2020. The legislation was… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-on-president-trump-to-condemn-recent-texas-v-us-decision-on-aca King, Colleagues Call on President Trump to Condemn Recent Texas V. U.S. Decision on ACA 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined a group of his Senate colleagues to call on President Trump to condemn the recent decision in Texas v. United States which declared the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional. If the decision stands, 20 million Americans could be left without health insurance and millions of families across the country could see healthcare costs rise. It is not too late for you to condemn this decision by requesting a stay and taking steps to defend the Affordable Care Act moving forward, the Senators wrote. The ACA is, quite simply, the law of the land, and it is your Administration's duty to defend it. Further, even among the numerous, failed attempts to repeal the ACA, there was widespread recognition that simply repealing the law without a replacement would be too devastating to American families and to our economy to fathom. Yet that is exactly what this ruling, if upheld, would do. The full text of the letter is below and is available HERE. +++ Dear President Trump: We are writing to express our serious concerns with the December 14th decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in the matter of Texas v. United States and to reiterate our strong objection to the Department of Justice's refusal to defend the law of the land. Judge O'Connor's decision wrongly declares the individual mandate unconstitutional and inseverable from the remainder of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This decision is not just legally unsound, itis inhumane and cruel. If the ruling stands, nearly every American's health care will be affected. The 20 million people who receive insurance coverage through the ACA will be left without the coverage they desperately need. Furthermore, 133 million Americans with pre-existing conditions will be at risk of losing access to treatment. And millions of families, women, seniors, and people with low incomes will see their health care costs rise. It is no exaggeration to say that, if upheld, this decision is a matter of lif… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-graham-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-reconsider-withdrawing-us-forces-from-syria King, Graham, Bipartisan Group of Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Reconsider Withdrawing U.S. Forces from Syria 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their concern regarding the consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power, the Senators wrote. They continued, The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors. The full text of the letter is below. +++ December 19, 2018 The Honorable Donald J. Trump The President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write today to express our concern regarding your Administration's consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. We believe that such action at this time is a premature and costly mistake that not only threatens the safety and security of the United States, but also emboldens ISIS, Bashar al Assad, Iran, and Russia. The United States currently retains a small and limited military presence within Syria. The approximately 2,000 American troops stationed in Syria serve as a vital shield against ISIS cells operating within North… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-legislation-to-protect-energy-grid-from-cyber-attacks Senate Passes King Legislation to Protect Energy Grid from Cyber-Attacks 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, the U.S. Senate passed the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho). Both Senators are members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR). The legislation would defend the U.S. energy grid by partnering with industry to utilize engineering concepts to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid through holes in digital software systems. For years we've seen the danger of cyber-attacks grow as bad actors pursue larger and more sophisticated incursions on our vital systems, but the federal government's response has not matched the severity of these threats, said Senator King. This commonsense, bipartisan bill is an important step in the right direction, and will help protect America's critical infrastructure from devastating attacks before they happen. Senators King and Risch first introduced the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act in the 115th Congress in January 2017, and the legislation has gained momentum in the months since. In March 2017, the ENR Committee held a hearing on the legislation, and in September 2017 the Western Governors' Association endorsed the proposal. In October 2017, a companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and John Carter (R-Tex.). In March 2018, the legislation was passed by the ENR Committee. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) are also original cosponsors of the legislation. Critical infrastructure within the United States is an enticing target to malicious actors. Notably, these include industrial control systems, which are operational technologies used to measure, control, or manage industrial functions (e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition systems). Industrial control systems are used in oil and gas pipelines, in electric power generation, transmission, and distrib… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-push-from-king-usda-outlines-rules-for-broadband-pilot-program-in-rural-america Following Push from King, USDA Outlines Rules for Broadband Pilot Program in Rural America 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today applauded an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlining its rules for a new rural broadband pilot program. The program, which includes several provisions supported by King, is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Congress created and allocated the funding for the pilot program in the March 2018 omnibus appropriations bill. In rural states like Maine, access to broadband is essential for students to learn and for businesses to grow, Senator King said. The USDA's new pilot program will focus critical investments towards building and expanding high-speed internet for our rural communities, so people in Maine and across the country regardless of where they choose to live or work can have the opportunity to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy. In September 2018, Senator King wrote a letter to the USDA seeking specific provisions in the pilot program, a number of which were included in the department's rules governing the program which were released last week. These include: Acquiring up-to-date broadband mapping data through partnerships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and state governments, and by collecting information from on-the-ground field tests. Accounting for the scope and depth of partnerships between funding applicants and local governments, employers and other key regional institutions when making funding decisions. Maximizing the benefit of these funds by seeking projects in states like Maine that have completed robust broadband planning efforts. The USDA pilot program, which Senator King pushed for as part of the March 2018 omnibus bill, mirrors the B-CROP Act, legislation Senator King cosponsored in August 2017 that would expand the resources available for building broadband infrastructure by bolstering an existing USDA loan program to include grant funding to help support projects in rural and tribal areas. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-100000-for-passamaquoddy-tribes-economic-impact-study- Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $100,000 for Passamaquoddy Tribe’s Economic Impact Study 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $100,000 to the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township to fund a study for a potential hydrogen-powered Business/Internet/Data Center on the Passamaquoddy reservation. Results of this study will identify the resources necessary for sustainable operationsincluding workforce development, capital, business management, legal services, and administrative supportwhich will help diversify the regional economy. This important funding from the EDA will assist the Passamaquoddy Tribe in assessing the feasibility of constructing a cutting-edge data center powered by clean energy, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome the EDA's continued investment in Maine's tribal communities, which supports economic development and job creation. The EDA leads the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. As an agency within the Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pushes-for-bill-to-restore-national-parks-in-senate-floor-speech King Pushes for Bill to Restore National Parks in Senate Floor Speech 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for theRestore Our Parks Act, a bipartisan bill led by that would address the$12 billion deferred maintenance backlogat the National Park Service (NPS). Senator King is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan bill along with Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). We have a wonderful park in Maine, Acadia. We had three and a half million people last year at that park. But the problem is, I've visited, I've seen leaky roofs, and roads that need repair, and if we don't do that we're not serving the public, we're not serving the next generation of Americans who want to enjoy the parks. And now we have an opportunity to do so that is supported on a bipartisan basis in this body, in the other body, and by the administration. The Restore Our Parks Act consensus proposal is the product of bipartisan discussions among the senators who had previously introduced similar bills, the National Park Service Legacy Act (Warner/Portman) and the National Park Restoration Act (Alexander/King), and has been gaining momentum since its introduction; the legislation is cosponsored by 37 Senators and is supported by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the National Parks Conservation Association, the Pew Charitable Trusts' Restore America's Parks' campaign, and the Outdoor Industry Association, among others. In September, Senator King joined Acting Director of the National Park Service, Dan Smith, on a tour of Acadia National Park to assess the park's critical maintenance needs that would be funded if Congress passed the Restore Our Parks Act. This legislation would have a positive impact on Acadia specifically, which has a maintenance backlog of approximately $60 million, and the surrounding communities like Bar Harbor. A companion bill, theRestore our Parks and Public Lands Act,has been introduced in the House. More sp… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-king-pays-tribute-to-longtime-friend-outgoing-chief-of-staff-kay-rand On Senate Floor, King Pays Tribute to Longtime Friend, Outgoing Chief of Staff Kay Rand 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate floor to pay tribute to Kay Rand, his longtime chief of staff who will be leaving the Senator's office in January. Rand, a native of Ashland, Maine, has served as Senator King's chief of staff since he was sworn-in in 2013, and was King's chief of staff during both of his terms as Maine's governor. She also led both of Senator King's gubernatorial campaigns and his 2012 Senate campaign. After six years of traveling between Washington, D.C. and Maine, Rand will return to Maine full-time at the beginning of 2019. Anything I have achieved in mypublic life has been in manyways attributable to the work ofKay Rand, said Senator King. She has made an enormousdifference in my life and Ibelieve in the life of thepeople of Maine.She's never lost her passion forpublic service, her deepaffection and understanding forthe people of Maine, and theresponsibility that those of uswho have been entrusted with the publiccharge, the public trust, withthe responsibility we have toremember who sent us here, toremember what the values are,what the issues are, what we cando to represent the people ofMaine. Kay Rand has always always reminded me of thatbecause that's who she is.Facetiously, I've often said mystandard for leadership can besummarized in one sentence:Hire good people and take creditfor what they do.And I've been doing that for 25years.Kay Rand is an extraordinarilyable, devoted, and seriouspublic servant. She's leaving, well deserved But I just want this Senate toknow and the people of Maine toknow that an important publicservant is leaving us but hasleft us and left me with aneverlasting legacy ofleadership, integrity,character.She in many ways has taught mehow to lead.I will miss her.I'll miss her as a friend.I'll miss her as a leader in myoffice.I'll miss her as a person whohas made such a difference in mylife, in my family's life, andthe life of the people of Maine.Kay Rand is an extraordinaryperson.She has done an amazing job forthe people o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-backed-by-collins-king Senate Passes Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill Backed by Collins, King 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed the FIRST Step Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), among others. The legislation, which passed by a vote of 87-12, would improve fairness in sentencing of federal crimes, promote public safety, and reduce recidivism. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisanSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which Senator King cosponsored in July and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. The legislation has been endorsed by the President, has strong bipartisan support in Congress, and is supported by a wide range of law enforcement organizations and criminal justice reform advocates. The FIRST Step Act is modeled after the efforts by dozens of states that have successfully reformed their criminal justice systems to rehabilitate minimum- and low-risk offenders, said Senator Collins. This legislation will make our communities safer by reducing recidivism, give a second chance to people who have committed non-violent crimes, and save taxpayers money. Right now, our criminal justice system isn't working; not for those who spend decades in prison for nonviolent offenses, not for law enforcement officers, and not for taxpayers, said Senator King. But we can create a better criminal justice system, and today we took the first step towards a solution that works for all Americans. This bipartisan bill will make our communities safer, prepare inmates to be productive members of society, and save taxpayer money no wonder it has widespread support from across the ideological spectrum. The comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional development … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-committee-assignments-for-116th-congress King Announces Committee Assignments for 116th Congress 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced his committee assignments for the 116th Congress, when Senator King will continue to serve on the Armed Services Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the Rules & Administration Committee. I ran for re-election for one simple reason: there's more work to be done, said Senator King. I've spent six years working to keep Maine people safe by strengthening America's national security, to defend the natural resources that support our lobstermen, forest economy and tourism industry, to keep our state beautiful by protecting our environment and finding cost-effective energy options, and to improve the way that Congress works so we can get more things done in Washington that will help Maine people. The work we do in committees is where so much of the progress that is important to Maine gets done, and I'm honored to be able to continue these efforts to improve the lives of Maine people. Committee work takes up a significant portion of Senator King's business in Washington. He has made it a priority to not miss Committee hearings, earning him praise from his colleagues and the reputation as a workhorse in the Senate. The late Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), who served as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, once called Senator King one of the most serious and hard-working members of the Committee, and Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), who currently serves as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, has singled out Senator King for always [staying] to the bitter end of committee hearings. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-colleagues-in-bipartisan-letter-urging-forest-service-to-institute-competition-to-explore-new-uses-for-mass-timber King Leads Colleagues in Bipartisan Letter Urging Forest Service to Institute Competition to Explore New Uses for Mass Timber 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the co-chair of the Working Forest Caucus, led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture supporting an award program for educational institutes who explore new potential uses for mass timber. In the letter, which was also signed by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), the Senators point to the previous success of similar programs through USDA and the U.S. Forest Service, and highlight that the innovative solutions developed through a potential competition would benefit both the forest products industry and the environment. In 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the USDA had tremendous success in bringing attention to the potential use of wood in tall buildings with the first U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. We believe an award program utilizing an educational institution is an ideal next step to teach and demonstrate to the next generation of decision-makers, engineers, architects, planners and builders the benefits of mass timber, wrote the Senators in their letter. Mass timber technology can help colleges and universities across the nation achieve their sustainability goals. Stronger markets create an incentive for landowners to ensure forest land is managed sustainably to reduce wildfire risk and help maintain a high monetary value for timber. Further, mass timber use at our nation's colleges and universities has the additional benefit of supporting wood product markets at the local level. Mass Timber development and commercialization were key recommendations in the 2017 outlined Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT) report, which wasoriginally requested in March 2016 by Senators Collins and King and worked across federal and state agencies, industry sectors, and municipalities to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. Additionally, key provisions of theTimber Innovation Act,which Senator… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-15-2018-as-wreaths-across-america-day Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 15, 2018, as “Wreaths Across America Day” 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 15, 2018, as Wreaths Across America Day. On December 15, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks from Maine down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Tens of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition. In its 27-year history, Wreaths Across America has become an enduring symbol of valor and sacrifice, and reaffirms our never-ending obligation to thank those who served in defense of our nation, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This Maine-led tradition is an inspiring example of the generosity and gratitude to our nation's veterans that makes the holiday season so special. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who Remember, Honor, Teach' through Wreaths Across America. To honor our fallen heroes, wreaths will be laid at the graves of American servicemembers as part of a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place approximately 1.2 million wreaths at more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states and numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. For the first time this year, wreaths will be laid at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The resolution is available HERE. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-for-ferc-commissioner-mcnamees-recusal-from-future-business-involving-potential-subsidies-for-coal-and-nuclear-plants King, Colleagues Call for FERC Commissioner McNamee’s Recusal from Future Business Involving Potential Subsidies for Coal and Nuclear Plants 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a group of his Senate colleagues in a letter calling for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Bernard McNamee to recuse himself from any future business at FERC involving the potential subsidization of coal and nuclear plants. In the letter, the senators expressed concerns regarding Mr. McNamee's actions in his previous role at the Department of Energy (DOE) in developing and filing a rule to subsidize failing coal and nuclear plants, as well as his recent public comments implying bias against renewable energy technologies. We are concerned about positions you have taken, both while serving as the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy and in the private sector,the senators wrote. These positions and statements suggest a lack of independence and an inappropriate predisposition on a number of topics likely to be involved in proceedings that will come before you in your new role as a FERC Commissioner. The senators continued, Moving forward, and particularly as FERC considers matters related to grid resilience and reliability, we urge you to remain true to your commitment to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to be fair, objective, and impartial' and to work with your colleagues to fulfill (FERC's) mission to ensure just and reasonable rates under the law.' With that in mind, we urge you to recuse yourself from any future FERC proceedings where your impartiality could be questioned based upon your past statements, positions, or work on the DOE NOPR. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Ed Markey (… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-end-us-support-for-saudi-engagement-in-yemen King Votes to End U.S. Support for Saudi Engagement in Yemen 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, voted in support of Senate Joint Resolution 54, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the ongoing civil war between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen pursuant to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This is the first time a chamber of Congress has ever voted to invoke the War Powers Resolution. This resolution, which passed by a vote of 56-41, would not impact important U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen. The civil war, which is between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen, has led to mass civilian casualties, and reports indicate that as many as 85,000 children may have died of starvation in Yemen since the war began. The civil war in Yemen is a complex civil conflict between Saudi and Iranian backed factions, but one thing is clear: the violence has had an immense and devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Yemeni civilians, particularly children. It has killed thousands and has left millions on the brink of starvation, said Senator King. This is a humanitarian disaster and the United States should no longer be complicit. That's why I've voted to end our limited support for the Saudi-led coalition, and why I continue to urge all parties to seek a diplomatic solution to end this bloodshed that is hurting so many innocent people. Senator King voted to advance SJ Res 54 in November, and had previously voted to advance SJ Res 54 in March, when the resolution was tabled by a vote of 55-44. The resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict in Yemen does not apply to ongoing American counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen, and would allow U.S. forces conducting counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to continue their work. The resolution now heads to the House of Representatives for its consideration; however, due to a last-minute procedural maneuver… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-led-legislation-to-measure-the-economic-impact-of-broadband-on-the-us-economy Senate Passes King-Led Legislation to Measure the Economic Impact of Broadband on the U.S. Economy 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy SCARBOROUGH, ME Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act, a bill led by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), co-chairs of the Senate Broadband Caucus. The bipartisan bill requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis to conduct a study of the effects of broadband deployment and adoption on the U.S. economy. While the federal government measures the economic impact of many industries, it does not produce current, reliable statistics on the economic impact of broadband on the U.S. economy. Accurate, reliable data on the economic impact of broadband is a valuable tool for policymakers and business leaders and many research institutions, state broadband offices, and trade associations have highlighted the need for this data. We know that access to affordable, high-speed broadband has the ability to transform the way rural communities conduct business but without accurate data, we don't know how much economic value it provides, said Senator King. By collecting this information, policymakers, businesses and community leaders will have the tools they need to pursue smart investments to boost connectivity and improve local economies. In conducting this analysis, the Secretary of Commerce will consider job creation, business headcount, online commerce, income, education and distance learning, telehealth, telework, agriculture, population growth, population density, broadband speed, and geography. The Secretary may consult representatives of business, including rural and urban internet service providers and telecommunications infrastructure providers; state, local, and Tribal government agencies; and consumer and community organizations. In addition to Senators King, Klobuchar and Capito, cosponsors of the bill include Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.), who also serve as co-chairs of the Senate Broadband Caucus, as well as Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). This leg… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/effort-from-senators-collins-king-ensures-harmful-house-amendment-not-in-farm-bill Effort from Senators Collins, King Ensures Harmful House Amendment Not in Farm Bill 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Following a push from U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), the final conference report of the 2018 Farm Bill does not include an amendment harmful to Maine that would have required state and local governments to accept products from other states even if those products violate standards and regulations enacted in the importing state. The Farm Bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13 and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. In August, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan group of 32 Senators in sending a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee leaders urging them to reject this harmful House amendment during the conference negotiations. We are delighted that the Senate bill prevailed, and that the final conference report did not include this harmful provision, said Senators Collins and King. There are a number of state laws in Maine that would have been undermined if this amendment was adopted, including those on crate bans for livestock, consumer protections for blueberry inspections, and environmental safeguards for cranberry cultivation. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-fcc-move-to-boost-rural-broadband-deployment King Applauds FCC Move to Boost Rural Broadband Deployment 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, applauded the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) move to make affordable and reliable broadband more accessible to rural Americans. Today's vote by the FCC increases funding to rural broadband providers who serve some of the nation's most rural communities, ensuring that these providers can continue to expand access to higher-speed broadband in rural areas. Senator King has pushed for these changes, and in May 2018 and August 2017 joined bipartisan groups of his Senate colleagues in letters urging the FCC to expand rural broadband deployment. In the 21st century economy, there is no substitute for a high-speed broadband connection, said Senator King. Whether it's a small business trying to reach its global customers or a farm working to improve efficiency, internet access is a vital tool that fuels innovation and economic growth. Today's FCC vote is just one step but it's an important step, that will help rural Maine people. Among the providers who will benefit from today's FCC vote is UniTel, a high-speed internet and phone service provider for central Maine. Senator King visited UniTel in August 2017 during his broadband listening tour of the state with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. UniTel applauds the leadership of Senator King and other members of Congress who have consistently advocated for rural carriers and the communities they serve said Laurie Osgood, President and CEO of UniTel Inc. These efforts have resulted in reforms adopted by the FCC today to provide more predictable levels of support for small rural broadband providers as we continue our commitment to make the benefits and opportunities of broadband access available to everyone who lives in rural Maine. Connectivity in rural regions is a key part ofSenator King's economic agendato help grow Maine's rural economy, support innovation and create jobs. This week, the Senate passed a reauthorization of the Farm Bill that includes provi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-honors-retiring-chairman-of-northern-maine-veterans-cemetery King Honors Retiring Chairman of Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. In a statement submitted to the Congressional Record, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) recognized Harry Hafford, the outgoing Chairman of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery (NMVC). Hafford, an Army veteran and Maine native who returned to his home state after a career working for General Motors, was a founding member of the NMVC and has served as the Chairman since 2003. He will be stepping down from his post at the end of the year. A representative from Senator King's office presented the statement to Hafford last week during a ceremony honoring his years of service to Maine's veterans. Harry's honorable service in the United States Army is something I am very appreciative of but in addition, what is truly inspirational is the dedication Harry has shown to veterans for all of his adult life, especially in retirement, said Senator King. He was instrumental in creating and sustaining a veteran's surplus clothing organization to ensure that the needs of his fellow veterans were met. Perhaps his most notable and impressive work was as a founding member of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation, which developed the Maine Veterans Cemetery-Caribou People like Harry are a rare breed. They give for the right reasons and ask nothing in return. The complete statement is as follows: +++ Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Mr. Harry Hafford of Masardis, ME as he retires his gavel as Chair at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Harry is an extraordinary man, a passionate community leader, an honorable veteran, and a friend to me and my staff. Harry is special in so many ways and has quietly led countless efforts to improve the lives of others. Aroostook County, and the entire state of Maine, is a better place because of folks like Harry Hafford. Harry returned to his home town of Masardis, ME to spend his retirement years quietly after a long career at General Motors, where he also served as a strong and steadfast union steward. This next chapter of Harry's life seemed ideal … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-overturn-irs-rule-enabling-dark-money King Votes to Overturn IRS Rule Enabling Dark Money 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Angus King (I-Maine) voted to overturn the U.S. Treasury Department's controversial decision that allows special interests to hide their donors from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In July, the Treasury Department and the IRS eliminated the requirement for certain types of tax-exempt organizations to report the identities of major donors to the IRS, which allowed "dark money" donors to hide their contributions to tax-exempt non-profit organizations that engage in political activity. Senator King opposed this change, and in July cosponsored the Spotlight Act, which would reverse the rule and require donor information to be disclosed to both the IRS and the public. The CRA passed the Senate this afternoon by a Congressional Review Act vote of 50-49, and will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. In my opinion, Maine's town meetings are the finest examples of democracy at work, where anyone can walk in with an idea and try to sway public opinion. But not a single one of these gatherings would allow someone to stand in the middle of the room with a bag over his or her head and anonymously attack other members of the community because Maine people believe you should stand behind your beliefs, said Senator King. The same rules should apply to our campaign finance system let's require transparency, and make sure Americans know who's trying to influence their vote. Senator King has been a long-time advocate for election transparency as a means of increasing voter trust and engagement in our electoral process. Last September, Senator King announced his support for a series of campaign finance bills called theWe the People Democracy Reform Act of 2017. This bicameral legislation proposes a series of wide-ranging electoral reforms to restore integrity, accountability, and transparency to our broken political system. The legislation includes proposals to comprehensively reform campaig… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-collins-legislation-to-support-maine-dairy-farmers-passes-senate Senator Collins’ Legislation to Support Maine Dairy Farmers Passes Senate 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. In a win for Maine dairy farmers, an amendment authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that will promote innovation and increase demand for milk products was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senators Collins and Baldwin's amendment will provide $7 million for grants to state departments of agriculture, cooperative extension services, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to administer programs that promote dairy product innovation, process improvement, and marketing. Senator Angus King (I-ME) was a cosponsor of their amendment. Our amendment will support Maine's hardworking dairy farmers by increasing awareness of milk's many health benefits and investing in innovative methods for processing milk and dairy products, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined me in advancing this amendment that will help provide critical support to this integral part of our agriculture community. Maine's dairy farmers work hard to create a great product so let's help them sell it! said Senator King. The Dairy Business Innovation Act will establish regional initiatives to spur innovation in dairy businesses, which can help add more value to the milk farmers produce and expand uses for milk to address oversupply and depressed milk prices. The legislation will also foster the development of new and innovative dairy products, modernize existing dairy plants and support new dairy entrepreneurs. Specifically, the regional initiatives created by the Dairy Business Innovation Act will provide technical assistance and grants for the purpose of: Supporting new and expand… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-farm-bill-with-king-led-provisions-to-benefit-rural-maine Senate Passes Farm Bill With King-Led Provisions to Benefit Rural Maine 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of the conference report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, more commonly known as the Farm Bill. The report, which passed by a vote of 87 to 13, includes a number of provisions that Senator King supported that will help Maine's farmers and rural communities. Overwhelming bipartisan votes like today's don't come easy they're the product of a lot of hard work, compromise, and consensus-building. Fortunately, if there's one thing that everyone, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, can agree on, it's that farmers are the backbone of our rural economy and pillars of rural communities across the country, said Senator King. Today's passage of the Farm Bill means a lot to the honey or maple producers who won't have to put misleading labels on their pure products, and to the potato and blueberry farmers who can continue growing their superior crops which is only right, because the work these farmers do every day means a lot to the state of Maine. And though it may be called the Farm' Bill, the fact is that this legislation will have an important effect on rural Maine people from all walks of life through its provisions to support innovation the forest economy and boost rural broadband efforts. The legislation may have taken a lot of negotiation and debate, but in the end, we're left with a bill that will help a lot of people. This year's Farm Bill includes several major victories supported by Senator King that will directly benefit Maine if they remain in the final bill signed by the President, including: EVALUATING AND MODERNIZING THE FORMULA USED BY USDA TO SUPPORT COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAMS: Senators King and Susan Collins (R-Maine) successfully included an amendment that directs USDA to use the 2017 Census of Agriculture to better understand the changing needs of agriculture and rural communities. Specifically, this aims to help Cooperative Extension programs better address the challeng… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-portland-king-urges-maine-people-to-sign-up-for-health-coverage-before-deadline In Portland, King Urges Maine People to Sign Up for Health Coverage Before Deadline 2018-12-10 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined healthcare advocates and patients to urge Maine people to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act before the ACA's Open Enrollment deadline on Saturday. The press conference at Greater Portland Health highlighted the resources available to Maine people as they navigate coverage options offered through the ACA Marketplace, and emphasized the upcoming deadline. To sign up for coverage in 2019 during the Open Enrollment period, log on to http://www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for more information before December 15, 2018. Maine people interested in additional information can also call the Consumers for Affordable Health Care, toll-free, at 1-800-965-7476, or reach out to your local Federally Qualified Health Center. Saturday is the last day to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. That's less than a week to make sure you and your family can have health insurance in 2019, said Senator King. There are a wide range of options in the marketplace, and some may be less expensive than you think. This isn't about politics it's about making sure you can protect your family from medical or financial trouble. With only a few days left, there's no time to wait so please, sign up today. In addition to Senator King, speakers at today's event included Kate Ende, Consumer Assistance Program Manager at Consumers for Affordable Healthcare; Kalie Hess, Health Equity Program Manager for the Maine Primary Care Association; Hillary Barter, Healthcare Navigator Coordinator for Western Maine Community Action; and Nicole Manganelli of Portland, who recently signed up for ACA coverage. Senator King has been outspoken in opposition to administration moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act, and has met with Maine people around the state to discuss the ACA's importance to their lives. In October,he met with Maine people in recovery in Brewerto discuss the importance of ACA protections for … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-king-attends-veterans-holiday-open-house-in-bangor On Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, King Attends Veterans’ Holiday Open House in Bangor 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BANGOR, ME Today, on the 77th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the Holiday Open House at the Bangor Vet Center, where he met with local veterans to honor their service and celebrate the holiday season. Today was about celebrating the holiday season with the Maine veterans who've made so many contributions to our national defense and our communities and it was made even more special because today is the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, said Senator King. The men and women who served at Pearl Harbor will forever be examples of the strength resilience of our servicemembers. We will never forget them, and today we honor not only their memory, but the service of all the men and women who've answered the call to duty. To all American veterans: I thank you for your service, and I join all of Maine in wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season. Senator King has been an advocate for veterans issues during his time in Washington. Last month, Senator Kingintroducedthe Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill that would help improve veterans' health care. The bill seeks to increase collaboration among federal agencies and authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new technologies that improve our understanding of the health challenges facing veterans. Earlier in November, Senator King honored Maine's veterans in a speech at Messalonskee Middle School's annual Veterans Tribute Assembly. In preparation for the assembly, students completed projects focused on learning about military service and the sacrifices of America's veterans. In October, heattendedthe 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford where he recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. In October,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-king-backed-bill-to-promote-high-speed-internet-for-farmers Senate Passes Bipartisan King-Backed Bill to Promote High-Speed Internet for Farmers 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BANGOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded last night's Senate passage of the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Senator King that promotes precision agriculture and rural broadband deployment. The legislation, which Senator King cosponsored in May, would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a task force to identify gaps in high-speed internet connectivity for the nation's agricultural land.The measure also instructs the agency to develop ways to help encourage broadband adoption and precision agriculture and to promote broadband deployment in areas where it is currently unavailable. In rural regions across Maine, our state's farmers are pillars of their communities and the foundation of the local economy, said Senator King. And, by the way their products are second-to-none. We need to find ways to help them expand their efforts and reach new markets, and we should start by making sure they have all the technology they need to maximize their yield and reduce their costs. Through precision agriculture and rural broadband, we can help Maine farms increase efficiency and become more competitive in the global marketplace. Broadband connectivity can support our rural farmers and their farm businesses in many ways, including utilization of tools and technologies to enhance their practices, and improving access to markets and other timely information that is difficult to obtain without reliable and consistent broadband service,said Amanda Beal, President and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust, at the time of Senator King's cosponsorship in May. Precision agriculture describes the use of mobile devices, robotics, field sensors, remote monitoring, and other technologies to manage agricultural production. Farmers and ranchers who use the technology can significantly increase crop yields, streamline operations, and reduce production expenses. In many areas of the United States, reliable, high-speed internet connections are not consistently… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-join-group-of-senators-in-introducing-legislation-to-honor-wwii-cadet-nurses Senators Collins, King Join Group of Senators in Introducing Legislation to Honor WWII Cadet Nurses 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, DC U.S Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) in introducing the U.S Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, bipartisan legislation to honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status. The bill, which comes on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, would recognize former Cadet Nurses' service to our country and provide them with honorable discharges, ribbon and medal privileges, and burial privileges. The bill will be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-MT). "Whether in a hospital or overseas on a military base, nurses work on the front lines of patient care in a wide variety of health care settings and serve as critically important advocates for patients and their families," said Senator Collins. "The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps played a vital role in WWII, addressing a critical shortage of nurses during the War and providing women with an expedited nursing education in exchange for their health care services. U.S. Cadet Nurses worked tirelessly to keep America's healthcare system strong, and many went on to work in military hospitals caring for our injured troops. I am proud to cosponsor this meaningful bill, and I encourage my colleagues to join us in honoring U.S. Cadet Nurses." "On this day in 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation and brought the United States into World War II," said Senator King. "Seventy-seven years later, it is still important to remember the contributions of all Americans who answered the call to serve - including the Cadet Nurses, who saved lives, healed the injured, and in so many ways, helped save our nation." Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) joined the bipartisan group in recognizing the service of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. In the midst of WWII, a severe shortage of trained nurses threatened the nation's … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/04/18/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-to-the-united-states-military-service-academies Senators Collins And King Announce Maine Nominees To The United States Military Service Academies 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination. We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation's distinguished service academies, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character. The following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King: United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs Name Home Town High School Brett Brown Bangor Bangor High School Logan Christian Hampden Hampden Academy William Curtis Brunswick Brunswick High School Trace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School Tristan Denholm Kittery Point Robert Williams Traip Academy Aspen Dyer North Berwick Noble High School Caroline Leal York York High School Alexander Morrison Baileyville Woodland Jr./Sr. High School Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Academy Andover Maxime Reznik Bar Harbor Mount Desert Island High School United States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point Name Home Town High School Trace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School Louis Daukas Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Jack Hermansen Windham Windham High School George Holt Cumberland Foreside Baxter Academy for Technology & Science J. Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Benjamin Jacobs Carrabassett Valley Carrabassett Valley Academy Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Andover Academy Morgan Sharp Kennebunkport Kenn… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-46-million-investment-for-water-infrastructure-in-southwest-harbor-bridgton-and-rockland Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $46 Million Investment for Water Infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development office is investing a total of $46,121,000 to upgrade water infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland. USDA is providing financing through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, which can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage, and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of these communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland are renowned for their pristine beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. These significant investments will help protect the environment in the regions while creating jobs and increasing efficiencies at their wastewater treatment plants. The funding was awarded as follows: Southwest Harbor Water and Sewer District ($15,684,000) Southwest Harbor was awarded an $8,000,000 loan and a $7,684,000 grant to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility and pump stations. The project will remove processing equipment that has exceeded its useful life, replace and expand existing structures, and improve overall efficiencies of the treatment process. The improvements include building upgrades, pump station upgrades, new blowers, sludge pumps, a dumping station, sludge dewatering, and clarifiers. These upgrades include higher efficiency equipment, which will result in more affordable operations for the users of the system. The town's wastewater treatment facility provides essential wastewater services to its 539 residential and 128 commercial and governmental customers. Upon completion of the project, the district will be in compliance with its Maine Department of Environmental Protection discharge permit. Modernization of this circa 1973 wastewater treatment plant will minimize and/or eliminate the potential for discharge… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-2-million-for-head-start-in-hancock-and-washington-counties Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2 Million for Head Start in Hancock and Washington Counties 2018-12-03 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Downeast Community Partners (DCP) received $1,996,333 for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Hancock and Washington counties. Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that young children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will help build an educational foundation for children in Hancock and Washington counties and provide parents with access to the services they need during their children's early years. In October 2017, Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) and Child and Family Opportunities (CFO) merged to form Downeast Community Partners (DCP). The two entities formerly operated as two separate local non-profits dedicated to serving the residents of Washington and Hancock counties. Child and Family Opportunities, Inc. (CFO), formed in 1970, and the Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA), formed in 1966, have each served the Down East region of Maine, focusing on helping low-income and at-risk residents thrive. DCP now continues this work. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. This funding, which was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), funds local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-george-hw-bush King Statement on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush 2018-12-01 2018 2018-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush: Former President George H.W. Bush was a statesman and a leader, a man of dedication and dignity who served his nation in the military, in Congress, and in the White House. Throughout his lifetime of service, President Bush left his mark on our entire nation but his loss will be felt even more acutely in Maine, the home of his beloved Walker's Point. For all his achievements, President Bush remained humble, kind, and warm. Like so many Maine people, I've been fortunate enough to spend time with President Bush during some of his trips to Kennebunkport and like all who have had that opportunity, I will forever cherish the time we were able to share. His passing leaves a great hole in our nation and in our state; he will be deeply missed. During this sad time, Mary and I are keeping his family especially his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren in our thoughts. Senator King is at the Ronald Reagan National Library today in Simi Valley, California, to participate in the Reagan National Defense Forum. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-issue-bipartisan-call-to-protect-worship-centers King, Colleagues Issue Bipartisan Call to Protect Worship Centers 2018-11-30 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined his colleagues in a bipartisan letter to push for strong community safety funding in any FY19 appropriations package. Specifically, the Senators have called for adequate allocations to the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant program which helps nonprofit organizations like religious institutions, schools, and community centers make security improvements. The Senators penned the letter as the United States continues to grieve the deadliest attack on the American Jewish community in our nation's history. We regret that nonprofit organizations especially religious institutions, schools, and community centers have become targets for violent attacks and believe we have a responsibility to address the motivating factors behind these threats, wrote the Senators. But as long as the threat remains, we must take steps to ensure these facilities have the necessary resources to improve their security if they wish to do so. While we recognize much more remains to be done beyond investing in security, we urge your strong support for robust funding of the Nonprofit Security Grant program in the FY19 appropriations cycle and stand ready to work with you on this issue. U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Gary C. Peters (D-Mich,), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined Senator King in this effort. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-over-11-million-for-community-health-centers-in-washington-kennebec-penobscot-and-cumberland-counties Collins, King Announce Over $11 Million for Community Health Centers in Washington, Kennebec, Penobscot and Cumberland Counties 2018-11-29 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a total of $11,668,486 for four community health centers throughout Maine. The funding will be awarded to Regional Medical Center in Lubec, Healthreach Community Health Centers in Waterville, Health Access Network Inc. in Lincoln, and Portland Community Health Center to improve health services and support health care professionals. Community health centers provide essential services and make a tremendous difference in the lives of Maine people, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. This important investment will support these health professionals as they continue to help ensure access to top-quality care for our families, friends, and neighbors. The funding is allocated as follows: Regional Medical Center in Lubec received $1,276,277. Healthreach Community Health Centers in Waterville received $3,987,494. Health Access Network, Inc. in Lincoln received $2,861,773. Portland Community Health Center received $3,542,942. This grant funding is awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within HHS that is tasked with improving access to health care by building healthy communities, strengthening the health care workforce, and achieving health equity. HRSA's programs target the economic and medically vulnerable as well as the geographically isolated. The grants are awarded under HRSA's Health Center Cluster program. Community health centers (CHCs) provide care to more than 200,000 people in Maine and are a critical part of the nation's primary care network. Across the nation, CHCs serve approximately 26 million patients at over 10,000 sites in both rural and urban communities in every state in the nation. In 2017, community health centers were the medical home for one in twelve Americans, one in ten children, one in six Americans living in rural areas, and more than 330,000 of our nation's veterans. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-senate-hearing-king-urges-nominee-to-emphasize-preventive-treatment-in-effort-to-reduce-healthcare-costs In Senate Hearing, King Urges Nominee to Emphasize Preventive Treatment in Effort to Reduce Healthcare Costs 2018-11-29 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) highlighted the importance of pursuing preventive healthcare measures to reduce overall healthcare costs. During his questioning of Mr. Thomas McCaffery, the nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Senator King emphasized the rising costs of healthcare nationwide, and the unique ability of the Department of Defense (DoD) to drive changes in the marketplace as a major purchaser of healthcare services. Later in the hearing, Senator King questioned Mr. William Bookless, the nominee to serve as Principle Deputy Administrator of National Nuclear Security Administration about nuclear proliferation. You have about 10 million people in your system as I recall, about 9.4, something like that, that gives you a tremendous opportunity to talk about the cost of health care, which is a problem that's nationwide, the cost of health care is going to break us no matter who is paying, said Senator King to Mr. McCaffery. So it seems to me you have a particular opportunity with a closed population to deal with issues like prevention, and method of payment, and accountable care, and all of those kinds of things, that could seriously diminish the cost curve on health care.You are a major buyer of healthcare services and therefore you should be able to drive reforms, in everything from drugs to medical devices to care, and I just, I see this as a terrific opportunity for the, for the country, and I hope you'll pursue it aggressively. Senator King has been an advocate for the healthcare of America's servicemembers and veterans issues in Washington. Earlier this week, Senator King introduced the Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill that would help improve veterans' health care. The bill seeks to increase collaboration among federal agencies and authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new technologies that improve our understanding of the health cha… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-backed-by-white-house King Cosponsors Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill Backed by White House 2018-11-28 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he has cosponsored the bipartisan First Step Act, which would improve fairness in sentencing of federal crimes, promote public safety and reduce recidivism. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisanSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which Senator King cosponsored in July and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. The legislation has been endorsed by the President, has strong bipartisan support in Congress, and is supported by a wide range of law enforcement organizations and criminal justice reform advocates. The First Step Act can help make our communities safer, help inmates become productive community members upon release from prison, and save taxpayer money no wonder it has broad, bipartisan support from Congress, the White House, and from law enforcement and criminal justice reform advocates across the country, said Senator King. This bill is an important chance to work across the aisle and create a better criminal justice system for all Americans let's take this opportunity, and pass it swiftly." The comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional development programs.It also improves fairness in prison sentences by recalibrating certain mandatory minimum sentences, granting greater discretion for judges in sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug crimes and clarifying congressional intent on sentencing enhancements for certain crimes involving firearms. It also preserves the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. The legislation also allows petitions for retroactive application of theFair Sentencing Actto be considered on an ind… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-advance-legislative-effort-to-end-us-support-for-saudi-engagement-in-yemen King Votes to Advance Legislative Effort to End U.S. Support for Saudi Engagement in Yemen 2018-11-28 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, voted to advance Senate Joint Resolution 54, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the ongoing civil war in Yemen pursuant to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This resolution would not impact important U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen.The resolution was advanced by a vote of 63 to 37. The civil war, which is between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen, has led to mass civilian casualties, and reports indicate that as many as 85,000 children may have died of starvation in Yemen since the war began. The civil war in Yemen has created one of the most serious humanitarian disasters in recenthistory, said Senator King. Too many civilians especially children have already died as a result of the war between the Saudi Arabia-led coalition and Iranian-backed Houthis. The United States should not be complicit in this tragedy that's why I voted in March to end our limited support for the Saudi-led coalition, and why I voted the same way today. I reiterate the call for all parties to seek a diplomatic solution to resolve this political and humanitarian crisis. Senator King had previously voted to advance SJ Res 54 in March, but the resolution was tabled by a vote of 55-44. The resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict in Yemen does not apply to ongoing American counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen, and would allow U.S. forces conducting counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to continue their work. The Senate will now begin debating the resolution and possible amendments.A vote on final passage of the resolution may occur as late as next week. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-improve-veterans-health-care King Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Help Improve Veterans’ Health Care 2018-11-27 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) introduced the Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill that would help improve veterans' health care. The bill seeks to increase collaboration among federal agencies and authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new technologies that improve our understanding of the health challenges facing veterans. A version of the legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously in September. In addition to Senator King, the bill is also supported by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). America's veterans have made immense sacrifices for our nation. Through their service they have earned not only our eternal gratitude, but also the best support that we can possibly provide, said Senator King. In order to live up to our duty, we must strive to improve the care they receive, taking steps like utilizing cutting-edge technology and increasing communication between government agencies. By improving our overall knowledge of the healthcare challenges facing our veterans, we can improve the quality of care they receive. The Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act will build on current interagency collaborative effortslike the Million Veterans Program Computational Health Analytics of Medical Precision to Improve Outcomes initiativeby authorizing a program within the DOE to develop technologies to help solve complex data challenges by analyzing data sets from federal agencies, higher education institutions, non-profits and the private industry. In addition, this bill authorizes a DOE research program to spur development to accommodate for large data sets. Senator King has been an advocate for veterans issues during his time in Washington. Earlier this month, he honored Maine's veterans ina speech at Messalonskee Middle School's annual Veterans Tribute Assembly, where he highlighted students' work on their projects, honored veterans in the room, and underscored the im… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-senate-hearing-king-presses-energy-nominee-to-recuse-himself-from-evaluating-costly-energy-policy-he-helped-design In Senate Hearing, King Presses Energy Nominee to Recuse Himself from Evaluating Costly Energy Policy He Helped Design 2018-11-15 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC In a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) cited the United States Code in asking Bernard McNamee, a nominee to serve as a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to recuse himself from any proceedings related to a proposed rule that Mr. McNamee worked on while serving at the Department of Energy. The proposed rule, which called for additional compensation for electric generators that hold 90 days of fuel supply on site, effectively encourages use of coal and nuclear power. The proposal was unanimously rejected by FERC in January 2018, but similar proposals may be forthcoming from the Administration. The United States Code says, any judge, justice, or magistrate judge of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned.' It goes on to say, where he has served in government employment, and in such capacity participated as counsel, adviser, or material witness, considering the proceeding, or express an opinion concerning the merits of a particular case in controversy, he should disqualify himself,' said Senator King. I don't understand any argument where you would have to consult any counsel, anywhere on Earth to understand, that you have a conflict of interest when it comes to this issue of the price of the so-called grid resiliency pricing rule or any version thereof. Will you recuse yourself if that issue comes before the commission and you are a member? After McNamee refused to commit to recusing himself, Senator King added, I'm surprised and disappointed that you feel you have to consult with counsel on something that's so clear. Today's hearing also included the nominations of Dr. Rita Baranwal to be Assistant Secretary of Energy and Mr. Raymond David Vela to be Director of the National Park Service. Later in his questioning, Senator King, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, asked Mr. Vela if he supported the Restore Our … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-new-england-delegation-in-introducing-resolution-honoring-boston-red-sox-world-series-victory Collins, King Join New England Delegation in Introducing Resolution Honoring Boston Red Sox World Series Victory 2018-11-14 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined members of the New England Senate delegation today in introducing a resolution to congratulate the Boston Red Sox on their 2018 World Series victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In clinching the 2018 World Series, the Boston Red Sox stand as a testament to the New England values of hard work and perseverance, said Senator Collins. This resolution not only recognizes the commitment, skill, and leadership exhibited by the team, but it also expresses the gratitude from all of us who make up Red Sox Nation. Congratulations to the Red Sox on an extraordinary season! Since Spring Training, the Red Sox showed time and again that they were a special team, said Senator King. From the leadership of Alex Cora, to the positivity of Mookie Betts, to the exceptional performance of Steve Pearce in the World Series, the Sox had it all. It was great to watch their energy and charisma capture the hearts and minds of fans in Maine and across New England. Congratulations to the 2018 World Champions! In addition to Senators Collins and King, the resolution was introduced by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Jack Reed (D-RI).The full text of the resolution is available here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-in-response-to-chinas-human-rights-abuses-against-uyghurs King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation in Response to China’s Human Rights Abuses Against Uyghurs 2018-11-14 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to introduce the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act in response to the gross violations of human rights in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including the mass internment of over one million Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities, as well as China's intimidation and threats against U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs) on American soil.In addition to Senator King, the bill is sponsored by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Human rights are not limited to certain people, or only applicable in select countries they are universal, said Senator King. The United States must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. That includes the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, who have been the victims of serious human rights violations at the hands of the Chinese government. These inhumane policies are unacceptable, and the United States must take steps to push China to end them. A copy of the legislation can be found here. Key elements of the legislation include:A report by the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the State Department, regarding the regional security threat posed by the crackdown and the frequency with which Central Asian countries are forcibly returning Turkic Muslim refugees and asylum seekers. The report will also include a list of Chinese companies involved in the construction and operation of the camps.An FBI report on efforts to provide information to and protect U.S. citizens and LPRs (including Uyghurs) from Chinese government harassment and intimidation.A report by the CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media regarding efforts to intimidate… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-urge-army-secretary-to-create-uss-thresher-memorial-in-arlington-national-cemetery Collins, King Urge Army Secretary to Create USS Thresher Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery 2018-11-13 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in a letter urging Secretary of the Army Mark Esper to consider the USS Thresher Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Project to establish a monument honoring the 129 men who perished aboard the USS Thresher, a submarine that sank off the coast of New England on April 10, 1963. April 10, 2018 marked the 55th anniversary of the tragedy. As you know, on April 9, 1963, the USS Thresher, built and maintained at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, departed with a crew of 16 officers, 96 sailors, and 17 civilians. Early in the morning on April 10th, approximately 300 miles off the coast of New England, the Thresher experienced an incident during a post-maintenance sea trial dive from which she could not recover. Tragically, the boat was lost along with all 129 men on board, wrote the Senators. In response to the Thresher tragedy, the U.S. Navy instituted a new program to ensure the health and safety of U.S. submarines, establishing the Submarine Safety and Quality Assurance Program (SUBSAFE). SUBSAFE is one of the world's most comprehensive military safety programs and has helped provide maximum protection for Navy crews. No SUBSAFE-certified submarine has ever been lost. The Senators concluded, As we pass the 55th anniversary since we lost the Thresher, we believe a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery would be a fitting tribute to its legacy. As you know, a number of special monuments and memorials have been dedicated at Arlington, including tributes to the USS Serpens, the USS Maine, the Space Shuttles Columbia and Challenger as well as those lost during the Iran rescue mission in 1980. We believe a memorial to the USS Thresher would reflect the Arlington National Cemetery's long legacy as a national shrine and a living history of freedomwhere dignity and honor rest in solemn repose.' Thi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-13-million-for-head-start-in-york-county- Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $1.3 Million for Head Start in York County 2018-11-13 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that York County Community Action Corporation received $1,342,612 for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Head Start provides children with a strong educational foundation that allows them to grow and succeed. It also gives parents the developmental resources they need to support their children and to help them build confidence, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. We welcome this important investment in the children and families of York County. York County Community Action Corporation seeks to alleviate and solve poverty for the people of York County by assisting families and seniors within the community. The organization helps to administer economic stability services such as Head Start, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Women with Infants and Children (WIC). This funding, which was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), funds local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country. With this investment, the Head Start programs at York County Community Action Corporation will continue to work with community members to provide early educational and developmental resources for parents and their children. These programs offer support for children in low-income families from infancy to pre-school age. They prepare children for school, host classes with educational activities, provide health screenings, and connect families with disability and other health care services. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-honoring-veterans-day King Statement Honoring Veterans Day 2018-11-11 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C. Today, the Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement from Senator King in honor of Veterans Day: On this Veterans Day, it is my privilege to recognize and thank all of the men and women who have served in our armed forces for their commitment to our country, said Senator King. Their tireless efforts and unfailing devotion to duty have kept us safe in times of peril. Today, we pause to reflect on their service and the debt of honor that we owe them and their families. One hundred years ago, members of the Allied Forces and Central Powers laid down their arms, an event recognized as the end of the First World War. Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11 became the date each year that we as a country remembered and honored the more than 116,000 Americans who lost their lives during The Great War. After World War II, this annual remembrance was expanded to honor all those who served, and became known as Veterans Day. Today, we continue to use this occasion to pay tribute to all of our Nation's veterans who have proudly served. Our veterans and their families those who returned home, those who are still missing, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice represent the very best of what this country has to offer and I am deeply thankful for their noble service. The people of Maine have long embraced the call to serve, and our state has a storied history of sending our sons and daughters to bravely defend the safety, security, and values of the United States of America. This spirit of service not only lives in the willingness to don the uniform, but also in the commitment of the people of Maine to care for those who have returned. I am humbled to join people throughout Maine and across the country to honor the selfless service of our Veterans and to recognize the eternal debt that we owe to them and their families. There is still much work to do to honor their sacrifices, but today we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have served in uniform on our be… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/newsroom/press-releases/king-addresses-students-honors-veterans-at-messalonskee-middle-schools-veterans-tribute-assembly King Addresses Students, Honors Veterans at Messalonskee Middle School’s Veterans Tribute Assembly 2018-11-08 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy OAKLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) honored Maine's veterans in a speech at Messalonskee Middle School's annual Veterans Tribute Assembly. In preparation for the assembly, students completed projects focused on learning about military service and the sacrifices of America's veterans. During his remarks, Senator King highlighted students' work on their projects, honored the veterans in attendance, and underscored the importance of living up to the sacred responsibility of caring for those who have served. An event like today's truly epitomizes what makes Maine so special. These students at Messalonskee Middle School are not only learning about the sacrifices of our veterans, but also understanding at their young age the responsibility that we have as community members to ensure that these veterans are cared for, said Senator King. Maine has a long tradition of brave service, with one of the highest numbers of veterans per capita in the United States, and it's important for students to have a strong, first-hand understanding of the opportunities and challenges that veterans face in their own communities. Year after year, the students and faculty at Messalonskee Middle School honor the service of our veterans and in doing so, remind us all about the gratitude we owe to the men and women who have served. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues during his time in Washington. Last month, he attended the 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford where he recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. In October,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-566690-to-strengthen-rural-maines-response-to-opioid-abuse Senators Collins, King Announce $566,690 to Strengthen Rural Maine’s Response to Opioid Abuse 2018-11-02 2018 2018-11 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $566,690 to two rural health care organizations in Maine as part of USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. The funding will help the organizations purchase network, video-conferencing, and other telecommunications equipment for rural health care facilities that specialize in addressing opioid abuse, treatment, and recovery. Opioid abuse is one of the most serious health epidemics facing Maine, and this crisis is particularly harmful to rural areas, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. These new technology and telemedicine upgrades will help rural Maine's health care providers access the education, training, and resources necessary to help Maine people struggling with substance use disorders enter recovery. The funding was allocated as follows: Maine Quality Counts received $479,679 to fund video-conferencing equipment that will connect partners in the opioid abuse recovery community in Kennebec, Washington, Waldo, Hancock, and Piscataquis CountiesMaine Rural Health Collaborative received $87,011 to fund telehealth network and video-conferencing equipment that will connect nine health care facilities in Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, and Washington Counties with partners in Maine and New Hampshire, increasing access to resources and training addressing opioid misuse. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. For example, this program can link medical service providers in one area to patients in another. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-celebrate-new-defense-contract-at-new-balance-supporting-900-maine-jobs Collins, King, Poliquin Celebrate New Defense Contract at New Balance Supporting 900 Maine Jobs 2018-10-30 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Norridgewock, ME Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Bruce Poliquin visited the New Balance plant in Norridgewock in celebration of New Balance's new contract with the U.S. military to produce athletic footwear for our military recruits domestically. The Senators and Representative toured the production line and delivered remarks congratulating New Balance employees and leadership. Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin played a pivotal role in making the contract possible by securing language in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the Pentagon to consider athletic footwear subject to the Berry Amendment, which states that the U.S. military must purchase 100% American-made gear when possible. The men and women of America's armed forces exemplify the best of our nation's values, and the men and women of New Balance exemplify the best of our nation's manufacturing heritage, said Senator Collins. I am so proud of the hardworking New Balance employees in Skowhegan, Norway, and Norridgewock who have kept the Made in America' label alive and well in the footwear industry and have proven that there is no challenge that American workers cannot meet. This is a win-win that is long overdue, and frankly, it just makes sense, said Senator King. Hundreds of Maine people work hard to make New Balance athletic footwear right here in Norridgewock. And now that the Berry Amendment applies to athletic footwear, Maine-made footwear will, quite literally, continue to support our military, and American military recruits. Today, as we celebrate this legislative achievement, we should really thank the men and women who make these high-quality footwear. They are the heart and soul of New Balance and they're what make Maine such a special place to live. This is a great day for Maine jobs, said Congressman Poliquin. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of these 900 Mainers in Norridgewock, Skowhegan, and Norway, our troops are now provided with 100% Am… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-advocacy-from-maine-congressional-delegation-sanford-rug-manufacturer-is-victorious-in-trade-zone-application Following Advocacy from Maine Congressional Delegation, Sanford Rug Manufacturer is Victorious in Trade Zone Application 2018-10-30 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.Maine's Congressional Delegation announced today that Sanford-based Flemish Master Weavers prevailed in its application for an exemption from a tariff on yarn it uses to manufacture area rugs in Maine. The ruling by the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board helps to level the playing field for Flemish Master Weavers to compete against foreign competitors and places the company in a strong position for continued growth. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin strongly advocated for Flemish Master Weavers. In November 2016, they sent a letter to the FTZ Board calling for the approval of the company's application. As one of Southern Maine's largest manufacturing employers, Flemish Master Weavers has a vital role in our state's economy and provides good jobs for Maine families, said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Poliquin. We are pleased that, following our advocacy, Flemish Master Weavers will now be exempt from this harmful tariff. The approval of Flemish Master Weavers' application not only increases the company's competitiveness, but puts it on track to expand operations. Johan Moulin, the President of Flemish Master Weavers of Sanford, Maine, said, This Board approval of our application to keep rug production in Maine resulted from more than three years of intense work by our Senators and Representatives, the Governor, the City of Waterville, the Central Maine Growth Council, our attorney and consulting firm and many others. Senator Collins and Senator King were incredibly strong advocates for us at the Commerce Department in Washington. Governor LePage and Representatives Pingree and Poliquin helped us in working with the many government agencies and business groups that were instrumental in our ability to remedy, at least in large part, a major impediment to our continued growth. In this time of political division, all of them strove together to achieve a positive result for the people of Maine as well as for Flemis… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-honors-veterans-at-6th-annual-women-veterans-luncheon-in-rumford King Honors Veterans at 6th Annual Women Veterans’ Luncheon in Rumford 2018-10-27 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford. At the celebration, Senator King recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. In Maine, we're lucky that so many incredible veterans call our state home,said Senator King.What a privilege it is to celebrate and honor the sacrifice of Maine's women veterans. Your service kept our country safe and strong when we needed you and your contributions to our communities have made Maine a special place. We owe you more than the thanks we can offer you today, but it is my hope you know how grateful we are for your service. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues since arriving in Washington. Earlier this month, he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Center to highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. Last month, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources. Also in September,he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, whichaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs and reform the VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans.In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In May, he helda listening session with Maine veteranson the qualities and values they are looking for in a new VA Secretary, and in April, Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. Senator King also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by dedicating… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-underscores-importance-of-maines-forest-economy-in-bangor-visits-pleasant-river-lumber-in-dover-foxcroft King Underscores Importance of Maine’s Forest Economy in Bangor, Visits Pleasant River Lumber in Dover-Foxcroft 2018-10-26 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy DOVER-FOXCROFT, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) addressed attendees at the Forest Community Readiness Forum in Bangor, where he emphasized the importance of the forest economy in Maine's rural communities and highlighted his continued efforts to support Maine's rural economy. The event was hosted by the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/Maine) and Maine & Company, and focused on economic investment strategies that support rural community redevelopment efforts and included leaders from various mill communities throughout Maine, local, state, and federal officials, and representatives of philanthropic organizations. Following his remarks at the forum, Senator King visited Pleasant River Lumber, a sawmill in Dover-Foxcroft, to hear about their ongoing investments, tour their new construction and meet with the management team to discuss job creation and economic development in rural Maine. Maine forests have powered our state's economy for generations,said Senator King.In rural communities across our state, the forest industry has been and continues to be an important economic engine. And this industry has a bright future here thanks in large part to forward-thinking collaborations like the FOR/Maine Initiative and the continued investments and dedication of management and employees alike at places like Pleasant River Lumber. Maine is a special place and thanks to so many here today, it can and will be a special place for Maine families for generations to come. Senator King has been a strong supporter of Maine's forest economy, which plays a vital role in the state's rural communities. Last month, Senator King joined with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) to applaud the2018 FOR/Maine Initiative to grow Maine's forest economy and increase workforce prosperity in rural communities, which came after Senators King and Collins called on theU.S. Department of Commerce in 2016 to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT). The EDAT worked across federal and state age… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-55-million-contract-for-new-crane-at-pnsy Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $55 Million Contract for New Crane at PNSY 2018-10-24 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Navy awarded a $54,928,445 contract to Konecranes Nuclear Equipment and Services to provide a 140-ton portal crane to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Kittery. This year, the Navy announced that it would refuel and extend the life of up to seven Los Angeles-class submarines, and that all of those availabilities will be performed at PNSY. The crane will allow PNSY to safely refuel the submarines with new reactor cores. PNSY is known as the gold standard' of our public shipyards due to the efforts of the thousands of hardworking and highly skilled employees, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This contract awarded today will ensure workers have the equipment necessary to perform vital maintenance on Los Angeles-class submarines both safely and efficiently. We welcome this important investment in the infrastructure at PNSY, which is integral to our national security. The funding for the new crane was provided in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Defense Appropriations Bill signed into law in September. Separately, the FY 2019 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill that was also signed into law last month included $40 million to extend Dry Dock #1's portal crane rail, which is needed to support the new crane. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. Senator King is a member of the Armed Services Committee. The crane is expected to be completed by May 2021. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-15-million-for-maine-department-of-public-safety Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $1.5 Million for Maine Department of Public Safety 2018-10-23 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Public Safety has been awarded $1,460,169 through the U.S. Department of Justice's National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) to replace outdated fingerprinting technology and to improve access to criminal records. Accurate and timely forensic science and access to criminal records are crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of our criminal system, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will enhance the Maine Department of Public Safety's efforts to protect Maine residents and achieve justice by enhancing its database, maintaining the reliability of fingerprinting scans, and increasing resources for staff. This funding will be used for: Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Support: The funding will help support a new Tri-State AFIS system that is shared by Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.Livescan Fingerprinting Replacement: The funding will be used to replace five Livescans in Portland, Rockland, Bangor, Caribou, and Auburn. The upgrade in Livescans across the state will ensure a more efficient and effective processing of information on the state and federal levels, including qualifying records submitted to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.Converting Criminal History Records to Electronic Format: The funding will support efforts to convert all State Bureau of Identification files from paper to an easy-to-use electronic format by purchasing scanners for staff.Correcting Court Records: The funding will allow the Maine Judicial Branch to conduct individual file research and correct criminal court records that did not meet the standards for records submission as established by the FBI. The goal of NCHIP is to improve the nation's safety and security by enhancing the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information and by ensuring the nationwide implementation of criminal justice and noncriminal justice background c… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-bethel-area-chamber-of-commerce-annual-meeting-king-honors-contributions-of-oxford-county-small-business-leaders At Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, King Honors Contributions of Oxford County Small Business Leaders 2018-10-18 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BETHEL, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the Bethel Area Chamber Annual Meeting and Dinner at the Bethel Inn Resort. At the meeting, Senator King met with local business leaders to congratulate them on their success in economic development and job creation, and thank them for their economic contributions to the region. Maine is a great place to live and work, and the men and women who make up the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce know it. That's why they've worked so hard and invested so much in their businesses and it's why they've kept those businesses right here in Maine, said Senator King. These businesses have evolved so much in recent years, and the Chamber has evolved with its membership from providing opportunities for networking and new businesses to setting up community events and providing workforce training, the people in Bethel know just how important the Chamberof Commerce is to the community. In Bethel and in communities across Maine, Chambers of Commerce have become a major community resource: they drive the economy, provide community investment and ingenuity, and work to secure the long-term success of the region by investing in people through training and education. Through the leadership and dedication of so many here tonight, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce has made Oxford County a great place to live.Senator King has consistently visited small businesses throughout Maine to celebrate innovation, ingenuity and discuss challenges and obstacles to success. Earlier this month Senator King visited the Tambrands manufacturing facility in Auburn to tour the facility and meet with the company's senior leadership and employees. In August, Senator King celebrated Maine innovation and entrepreneurship at the unveiling of the newest renovations to the UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship in Orono. The Center, is Maine's longest running incubator for startup businesses and provides resources, technological support and coaching for future entrepreneurs. Also in August, he met with … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-500000-to-support-arts-curriculum-in-portland-and-lewiston Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $500,000 to Support Arts Curriculum in Portland and Lewiston 2018-10-17 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Side x Side, Inc., will receive a four-year, $524,193 grant through the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will support Side x Side's project titled (Re)Imagining Education to promote arts curriculum in Portland and Lewiston elementary schools. Senators Collins and King wrote a letter to the Department of Education in support of this grant. By creating new learning opportunities and promoting innovative teaching methods through the arts, Side x Side will help children in Portland and Lewiston unlock their full potential and achieve academic success, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We believe that Side x Side is well equipped to carry out this program to enhance access to arts education for all students, regardless of background or ability level. (Re)Imagining Education is designed to address achievement gaps among elementary school students in Portland and Lewiston by helping teachers integrate the arts into the curriculum and assigning trained teaching artists as mentors as part of a Master Teachers program. Objectives of the project include strengthening teachers' knowledge of arts integration and arts appreciation; strengthening students' deeper learning and social-emotional skills to improve learning ability; and establishing a sustainable model for embedding arts integration into schools' professional development, school culture, and community expectations. Side x Side is a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide educators in the Portland and Lewiston school districts with comprehensive arts integration strategies and tools to use in their curricula. The funding for this project was awarded through the Assistance for Arts Education Development and Dissemination Grants Program. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-15-million-for-maine-sea-grant-program Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $1.5 Million for Maine Sea Grant Program 2018-10-17 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded $1,417,581 to the Maine Sea Grant College Program at the University of Maine. The funds will be used to advance the development of Maine's coastal communities by advancing ecological stewardship in commercial salmon farming and developing new high-resolution satellite technology to strengthen Maine's growing aquaculture industry. Maine's coast is a powerful economic engine that supports jobs and helps drive local communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This natural resource is an important part of our state's economy, and advances in aquaculture technology provide new opportunities for Maine's coastal communities. This funding will not only boost Maine's economy, but also promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. The funding is allocated to the following two projects to be carried out by the University of Maine Sea Grant program: $725,365 to fund a project to improve sea lice control in the commercial cultivation of Atlantic salmon.$692,216 to fund the development and use of new high-resolution satellite technology that will promote productive and sustainable oyster, scallop, and mussel aquaculture. In past years, funding from NOAA's Maine Sea Grant Program has had an enormous impact on Maine's coastal economy by supporting research that has benefitted fishermen, lobstermen, and all manner of ocean-based industries along Maine's coast. Earlier this year, Senators Collins and King joined a group of their colleagues in a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies to provide full funding for the program. Designated as a Sea Grant College, the University of Maine is one of 33 NOAA Sea Grant programs throughout the coastal and Great Lakes states. The University of Maine chapter of NOAA's Maine Sea Grant Program focuses on sustainable use and stewardsh… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-attends-maine-public-health-association-annual-conference-focusing-on-opioid-epidemic King Attends Maine Public Health Association Annual Conference Focusing on Opioid Epidemic 2018-10-16 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy AUGUSTA, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the Maine Public Health Association's 2018 Annual Conference at the Augusta Civic Center. The yearly conference brings together hundreds of public health professionals from across Maine to discuss developments in science and policy relating to public health. This year's event focused on addiction and the state of public health in Maine. Today's conference featured some of Maine's brightest minds coming together to share information about how to fight the serious public health challenges facing our state what a fantastic sight to see, said Senator King. We can't end the opioid epidemic without contributions from people of all walks of life first responders and advocates, policy-makers and treatment providers, friends and family of those struggling with substance use disorders. We need all hands on deck, and today's conference is a major part of that comprehensive effort to end the epidemic and help the people and communities who are struggling across Maine. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Washington. He has held roundtables throughout Maine from Portland to Bangor to Milo to Paris and earlier this month, he met with Maine people in recovery and treatment providers at the Bangor Area Recovery Network (BARN) in Brewer to discuss the importance of pre-existing condition protections for those seeking to recover from substance use disorders (SUDs). Also in October, Senator King voted for the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, sweeping opioid legislation which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and multiple King-backed provisions that will help Maine families and communities affected by the opioid crisis. The legislation was the result of months of bipartisan hearings and discussions on the opioid crisis. In September, Senator King spoke on the Senate Floor in support of the Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act, which would permanently authorize nurse practitioners and physician assi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-legislative-push-from-king-cms-proposes-rule-to-increase-prescription-drug-pricing-transparency Following Legislative Push from King, CMS Proposes Rule to Increase Prescription Drug Pricing Transparency 2018-10-15 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would implement a piece of Senator King's bipartisan legislative efforts to require the disclosure of drug prices in advertising. The proposed rule reflects language from the King-backed Drug-Price Transparency in Communications Act, and would require pharmaceutical companiesto list pricesintheir prescription drugs in direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements. If the proposed rule were to be implemented, itwouldhelpto empower patients, promote transparency, and lower prescription drug costs. We've all seen the commercials for prescription medications you know, the ones that spend half of the ad listing a variety of escalating possible side effects. But no matter how many of those commercials you watch, there's one thing you won't hear: how much this drug will cost you, said Senator King. For decades, pharmaceutical companies have been able to sell their drugs to the public without disclosing their prices, and all the while, the prices have continued to rise. These costs are hurting Maine people who rely on prescription medications, and they deserve transparency. This proposal has significant bipartisan support, and for good reason it's a commonsense answer that will address a serious challenge facing millions of Americans. Senator King's bipartisan work on this issue has attracted support from the AARP, American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals, America's Health Insurance Plans, BlueCross BlueShield Association, and the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing. Senators King, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) advocated for the inclusion of an amendment based on the Drug-Price Transparency in Communications Act in last month's minibus funding bill, but the provision was stripped from the final bill. Last year, the pharmaceutical industry spent more than $6 billion in DTC advertise… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-maine-tribes-receive-440011-in-opioid-and-healthcare-grants Senators Collins, King Announce Maine Tribes Receive $440,011 in Opioid and Healthcare Grants 2018-10-15 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that four Maine Native communities will receive a total of $440,011 in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to respond to substance abuse and jumpstart community health projects. These four grants will primarily address the impact of the opioid epidemic on Maine's Native communities. No community is immune from this heartbreaking epidemic that has taken its toll on too many of our peers, friends and neighbors said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will give Maine's tribes additional resources to combat the opioid crisis and protect the health of their community members. The funding will be allocated as follows Passamaquoddy Indian Township Tribal Government will receive $141,456 to fund the Passamaquoddy Tribal Opioid Response Initiative.Aroostook Micmac Council will receive $64,142 to fund the Micmac Community Health and Wellness Project. Penobscot Indian Nation will receive $93,887 to fund Penobscot Nation Health Department Tribal Opioid Response Grant-Aftercare Services.Wabanaki Health and Wellness will receive $140,l526 to increase the capacity of both the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and Wabanaki Health and Wellness to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and develop additional substance abuse prevention initiatives. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-vets-at-21st-annual-homeless-veterans-stand-down-at-togus King Joins Vets at 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus 2018-10-13 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy AUGUSTA, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Center. The yearly event highlights services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing, and helps connect at-risk veterans with the tools they need to find long-term housing. Maine's veterans answered the call to uphold our freedoms and keep our nation safe, said Senator King. Through their service, these men and women have earned our eternal gratitude and support but unfortunately, far too many of our veterans face the challenge of homelessness. That's why events like today's are so important there are resources, both at Togus and in communities across Maine, to help support the veterans who have made so many sacrifices on behalf of our country, and today's event helps connect veterans in need with these services. By bringing together those in need with those who can help, we can help our veterans secure the safe, stable, long-term housing they deserve. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues since arriving in Washington. Last month, he joined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregivers at the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to highlight common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide, provided information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, and emphasized the importance of starting the conversation around veteran mental health. Also in September,he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, whichaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs, as well as improve VA's ability to hire high-quality healthcare professionals, expand VA caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras and establish a process to evaluate and reform VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans.In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In May, he helda listening session with Maine veteranson the qua… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/legislation-backed-by-collins-king-to-support-songwriters-signed-into-law Legislation Backed by Collins, King to Support Songwriters Signed into Law 2018-10-11 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the President's signing of The Music Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill which will ensure songwriters are paid fair value for their songs. The legislation will set up a new simplified licensing entity to make it easier for digital music companies to obtain a license to play songs, and help songwriters be paid a fair market value for their music. My mother started me with piano lessons at age four, and from that young age, I cultivated a life-long appreciation for music and its value in our society, said Senator Collins. Through their artistry, America's talented songwriters and music producers bring people together, enhance our culture, and strengthen our communities. This bipartisan legislation will provide a much needed update to our music and copyright laws and help ensure that these artists receive fair compensation for their inspiring creations. America's talented songwriters provide the soundtrack to our daily lives, and in doing so, inspire countless people across the country and around the world, said Senator King. I know that I'm not alone when I say that my life has been improved by the work of Maine musicians, who share the sound of our state at weekend festivals throughout the summer and via streaming services year-round. This bipartisan legislation will make sure that their compensation is in tune' with their immense contributions to our culture, and allow them to continue to strike a chord with fans worldwide. The Music Modernization Act updates outdated music licensing laws to make it easier for songwriters to be paid when their music is played online by a digital streaming service, or purchased online. According to Standard and Poor's, there were 86 million paying subscribers to digital streaming services, who streamed music 252 billion times in 2016. Revenues generated from online music account for half of the music industry's revenues in 2016. As digital music streaming increases, the numbe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-maine-superior-court-justice-lance-walker-is-confirmed-by-senate-unanimously Senators Collins, King Announce Maine Superior Court Justice Lance Walker is Confirmed by Senate Unanimously 2018-10-11 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Senate unanimously approved the nomination of Maine Superior Court Justice Lance Walker, a native of Piscataquis County, to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. During his nearly two decades of experience as both an attorney in private practice and as a judge in Maine's judicial system, Justice Walker has demonstrated that he has the intelligence, temperament, and integrity required for this important position, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Justice Walker has made numerous contributions to Maine's legal community and will serve our state well as a federal judge. We are pleased that the Senate unanimously approved his nomination. Justice Walker has served on the Maine Superior Court in Portland since 2015, when he was unanimously confirmed by the Maine Senate. He has presided over some of the state's most complex criminal and civil cases, appeals, post-conviction reviews, and jury trials. Prior to his service on the Maine Superior Court, Justice Walker was appointed and unanimously confirmed to the Maine District Court bench, where he presided over a wide variety of dockets, primarily in Androscoggin and Oxford Counties. He also worked for more than a dozen years in the Portland law firm Norman, Hanson & DeTroy as an experienced trial and appellate attorney as well as a legal consultant specializing in complex litigation and insurance law. He became a partner after six years. Justice Walker has tried cases before juries and judges across the state and in federal court. He has argued several appeals before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. He has been selected for recognition in respected peer-reviewed legal publications such as Benchmark Litigation, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America. As a judge, he has spoken with recovering addicts and caregivers on the issue of opioid addiction and its inte… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-applaud-purchase-of-old-town-mill-by-nd-paper Collins, King Applaud Purchase of Old Town Mill by ND Paper 2018-10-10 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King applauded an announcement that ND Paper LLC has reached an agreement to purchase the Old Town Mill, which has been idled since the previous owners ended operations at the mill in 2015. ND Paper will shift the mill's operations and invest in capital improvements to reduce manufacturing costs. The Old Town Mill is expected to reopen in early 2019 and will support more than 100 jobs in the region. This is the latest investment in Maine's forest economy from ND Paper; earlier this week, the company announced that they would invest $111 million at their Rumford Mill, which currently supports 650 jobs and is expected to add an additional 50 employees. Today's announcement is the latest in a line of important investments that will boost not just our state's forest products industry, but also the Maine families and communities that rely on this vital sector of our economy, said Senators Collins and King. We commend ND Paper for making long-term investments in the Old Town Mill that will create more than 100 jobs in the Bangor region and revitalize one of our state's most historic manufacturing sites. We will continue working with industry and community leaders to help our state's forest economy thrive for generations to come. Our acquisition of the Old Town pulp mill is supportive of ND Paper's strategic fiber sourcing initiatives, added Ken Liu, CEO of ND Paper. Beyond that, we clearly recognize the economic and community impact of this restart to Penobscot County; we are thrilled for the opportunity to create new, high-paying jobs in the State of Maine. Senators Collins and King have been strong supporters of Maine's forest economy. In 2016, they called on the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), which would work across agencies and sectors to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. The creation of the EDAT and subsequent federal funding from the EDA and … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-overturn-expansion-of-junk-insurance-plans King Votes to Overturn Expansion of “Junk” Insurance Plans 2018-10-10 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of legislation that would overturn the administration's final junk insurance plan rule, whichwouldexpand the number of insurance plans that are not required to provide health care coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.The legislation, which Senator King cosponsored, fell one vote short of the 51 votes needed for passage. I've met with Maine people with pre-existing conditions, medical professionals, and advocates across the state, and not a single one of them has told me that they want insurance plans that cover less of their medical needs. So why are we making these junk plans more common? said Senator King. It's simply wrong that we would expand the use of these junk plans, because they don't help Maine people they are part of the problem, not part of the solution. The failure of today's vote is extremely disappointing, but it's far from the end of this fight, and I'll keep working as hard as I can to make sure that our healthcare system works for all Maine people. The administration's rule expanding these plans has beenoverwhelmingly opposed by healthcare groups, including patient and consumer advocates, physician groups, nursing associations, hospital groups, medical providers, insurance companies and more; according toan analysis by theLA Times, 98% of healthcare groups who have issued public comments on the proposal were against the new rule. A study conducted by the Urban Institute indicated that the expansion of junk plans, combined with the loss of the individual mandate, would cause healthcare premiums in Maine to rise by 15.9% in 2019. Senator King has been outspoken in opposition to administration moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act, and has met with Maine people around the state to discuss the ACA's importance to their lives. Earlier this week, he met with Maine people in recovery in Brewer to discuss the importance of ACA protections for those with pre-existing conditions … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-5-million-for-maine-organizations-supporting-those-with-substance-use-and-mental-health-disorders Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $5 Million for Maine Organizations Supporting Those with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders 2018-10-10 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that 17 community health centers in Maine will receive a total of $4,980,138 through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Expanding Access to Quality Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services (SUD-MH) awards. This funding will better equip health centers to help individuals and families overcome substance use disorders and improve mental health. The opioid epidemic has already harmed far too many families and communities in Maine and throughout the country said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Community health centers are on the front lines in fighting this epidemic. We are pleased that this funding will support their mission to help those struggling with addiction and other mental health disorders. The HRSA funding will be awarded as follows: Sacopee Valley Health Center in Parsonsfield will receive $308,500. Fish River Rural Health in Eagle Lake will receive $285,000. Katahdin Valley Health Center in Patten will receive $285,000. Sebasticook Family Doctors in Newport will receive $285,000. Portland Community Health Center will receive $293,750. Regional Medical Center at Lubec, Inc. will receive $300,000. St. Croix Regional Family Health Center in Princeton will receive $289,250. Bucksport Regional Health Center will receive $261,388. DFD Russell Medical Center in Leeds will receive $285,000. Healthreach Community Health Centers in Waterville will receive $391,000. Health Access Network, Inc. in Lincoln will receive $297,250 Penobscot Community Health Center, Inc. in Bangor will receive $388,250. Islands Community Medical Services, Inc. in Vinalhaven will receive $292,250. Pines Health Services in Caribou will receive $142,000. Maine Migrant Programs, Inc. in Augusta will receive $285,000 Harrington Family Health Center will receive $285,000 York County Community Action Corporation in Sanford will receive $306,500 The purpose of SUD-MH funding is to support health centers in impl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-umaine-king-celebrates-maine-volunteers At UMaine, King Celebrates Maine Volunteers 2018-10-09 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BANGOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) addressed attendees at the annual Blaine House Conference on Service and Volunteerism at the University of Maine to congratulate participants and celebrate their contributions to Maine. The event was sponsored by the Maine Commission for Community Service, and included members of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. Whether it's providing healthcare to those who cannot afford coverage, ensuring our older citizens can thrive in place, or supporting our neighbors struggling with substance use disorders, our volunteers dedicate their time and skills to helping those in need, said Senator King. The volunteers I spoke with today use their efforts to build stronger communities and inspire others to do right by their neighbors. Each and every one of these volunteers makes our state a better place to live through their actions and their examples, and they deserve to be commended. During his time in the Senate, Senator King has sought to elevate the voices and support the efforts of Maine people who volunteer their time working to make Maine a better place. In September, Senator King visited the Good Shepherd Food Bank, where he met with staff members and volunteers to discuss the challenges facing Maine people who are struggling with the lack consistent access to heathy food due to lack of financial resources, often referred to as food insecurity. In May, he attended the Aroostook County Special Olympics where he spent time with members of Maine's law enforcement community who volunteered to provide security at the event. While in the County, he also met with volunteers at the nearby Co-Op where he discussed the importance of volunteer efforts to further economic development in Aroostook County and throughout Maine. In July, Senator King visited Leavitt's Mill Free Health Center in Bar Mills to meet with volunteers who provide free healthcare to Maine people who would otherwise be unable to receive care. Earlier this year, he joined with Senator Susan Collins to present a Sena… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-umaine-king-celebrates-maine-volunteers- At UMaine, King Celebrates Maine Volunteers 2018-10-09 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BANGOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) addressed attendees at the annual Blaine House Conference on Service and Volunteerism at the University of Maine to congratulate participants and celebrate their contributions to Maine. The event was sponsored by the Maine Commission for Community Service, and included members of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. Whether it's providing healthcare to those who cannot afford coverage, ensuring our older citizens can thrive in place, or supporting our neighbors struggling with substance use disorders, our volunteers dedicate their time and skills to helping those in need, said Senator King. The volunteers I spoke with today use their efforts to build stronger communities and inspire others to do right by their neighbors. Each and every one of these volunteers makes our state a better place to live through their actions and their examples, and they deserve to be commended. During his time in the Senate, Senator King has sought to elevate the voices and support the efforts of Maine people who volunteer their time working to make Maine a better place. In September, Senator King visited the Good Shepherd Food Bank, where he met with staff members and volunteers to discuss the challenges facing Maine people who are struggling with the lack consistent access to heathy food due to lack of financial resources, often referred to as food insecurity. In May, he attended the Aroostook County Special Olympics where he spent time with members of Maine's law enforcement community who volunteered to provide security at the event. While in the County, he also met with volunteers at the nearby Co-Op where he discussed the importance of volunteer efforts to further economic development in Aroostook County and throughout Maine. In July, Senator King visited Leavitt's Mill Free Health Center in Bar Mills to meet with volunteers who provide free healthcare to Maine people who would otherwise be unable to receive care. Earlier this year, he joined with Senator Susan Collins to present a Sena… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-grow-maines-workforce King Introduces Legislation to Grow Maine’s Workforce 2018-10-09 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BANGOR, ME U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) introduced the Invest in America Act, legislation that will create competitive grant programs to expand the workforce, modernize training tools, and promote job creation. Organizations that wish to apply for these grants would first apply for a planning grant to help prepare an Invest in America plan that identifies industries and occupations to be targeted as part of the implementation phase of a project. Planning grant recipients would then apply for an implementation grant to put their Invest in America plan into action to support targeted economic expansion and resilience, job creation, and associated workforce development and re-employment opportunities. The bill is also supported by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Everywhere I go in Maine, businesses large and small tell me the same thing they need more qualified workers,said Senator King.As our state's population ages, it becomes more important that we look for creative approaches to bolster our workforce, train our young people, and keep current workers' skills on the cutting edge especially for the forest economy that drives so many of our rural communities.By investing in our workforce and our economic development infrastructure, our state will be able to reap the benefits for generations to come. The Maine forest economy is in the midst of a strong recovery from unprecedented challenges in recent years, said Dana Doran, Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine. Our remaining mills are making strong investments for the future and we are poised for future growth. However, before we can take advantage of our tremendous forest resource and realize our potential, we must tackle a workforce shortage in logging and trucking that could limit our opportunities. The strategy to do this includes worker recruitment and a comprehensive approach to workforce development that encourages our youth to see logging and trucking as a viable and worthwhi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-brewer-king-meets-with-maine-people-in-recovery-to-discuss-importance-of-pre-existing-condition-protections In Brewer, King Meets with Maine People in Recovery to Discuss Importance of Pre-Existing Condition Protections 2018-10-08 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BREWER, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) met with Maine people in recovery and treatment providers at the Bangor Area Recovery Network (BARN) in Brewer to discuss the importance of pre-existing condition protections for those seeking to recover from substance use disorders (SUDs). SUDs are considered a pre-existing condition, meaning that if allowed to discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, insurers could refuse to cover or increase prices for individuals who have a history of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse possibly deterring individuals battling SUDs from seeking treatment. The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across Maine, killing more than one person per day in our state but through all of this pain, it is important to remember that addiction is not a death sentence, said Senator King. With the proper treatment and support system, those with substance use disorders can lead full, happy lives and make invaluable contributions to their communities. It's up to all of us to be a part of that support system, and the men and women of the Bangor Area Recovery Network are leading the way and changing lives. They are an example to all Maine people of how we must stand with our loved ones, friends, and neighbors as they fight to overcome this deadly disease. Senator King's visit to BARN comes following last week's Senate passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a sweeping opioids bill that included several King-backed provisions to help support Maine communities fighting against the opioid epidemic. Among these provisions are the permanent authorization for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders, which Senator King advocated for in a speech on the Senate floor, and a removal of the Institutions for Medical Disease (IMD) Exclusion that prevents residential treatment facilities with more than 16 beds from receiving federal reimbursement through Medicaid. This prov… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-brewer-king-meets-with-maine-people-in-recovery-to-discuss-importance-of-pre-existing-condition-protections- In Brewer, King Meets with Maine People in Recovery to Discuss Importance of Pre-Existing Condition Protections 2018-10-08 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BREWER, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) met with Maine people in recovery and treatment providers at the Bangor Area Recovery Network (BARN) in Brewer to discuss the importance of pre-existing condition protections for those seeking to recover from substance use disorders (SUDs). SUDs are considered a pre-existing condition, meaning that if allowed to discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, insurers could refuse to cover or increase prices for individuals who have a history of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse possibly deterring individuals battling SUDs from seeking treatment. The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across Maine, killing more than one person per day in our state but through all of this pain, it is important to remember that addiction is not a death sentence, said Senator King. With the proper treatment and support system, those with substance use disorders can lead full, happy lives and make invaluable contributions to their communities. It's up to all of us to be a part of that support system, and the men and women of the Bangor Area Recovery Network are leading the way and changing lives. They are an example to all Maine people of how we must stand with our loved ones, friends, and neighbors as they fight to overcome this deadly disease. Senator King's visit to BARN comes following last week's Senate passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a sweeping opioids bill that included several King-backed provisions to help support Maine communities fighting against the opioid epidemic. Among these provisions are the permanent authorization for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders, which Senator King advocated for in a speech on the Senate floor, and a removal of the Institutions for Medical Disease (IMD) Exclusion that prevents residential treatment facilities with more than 16 beds from receiving federal reimbursement through Medicaid. This prov… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-after-confirmation-of-brett-kavanaugh-to-the-supreme-court King Statement After Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court 2018-10-06 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to serve as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court: Over the past several weeks, so many Maine people particularly women have shared with me their stories about how they have been affected by this nomination fight. All I can say to them today is that we cannot give up hope. The work is not over; it is just beginning. Senator King originally announced his opposition to Judge Kavanaugh in September, before the allegations against him were made public, and earlier this week released a statement reaffirming his opposition to the nomination after reviewing the FBI's supplementary background investigation into Judge Kavanaugh. Last night, he spoke on the Senate floor to lay out his arguments against Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-after-reviewing-fbi-report King Statement After Reviewing FBI Report 2018-10-05 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after reviewing the FBI's supplementary background investigation into Judge Brett Kavanaugh: The FBI report that I reviewed today does not confirm or contradict Judge Kavanaugh's statements, nor does it undermine the credible testimony of Dr. Ford. For me, my decision is based on Judge Kavanaugh's record, which indicates an overly rigid judicial philosophy that would threaten protections for healthcare, personal liberty and a women's right to choose, the environment, and campaign finance laws; it is based on his refusal to recuse himself from any cases that may come before the court involving presidential power as it applies to the President who nominated him for the seat; it is based on his partisan behavior during last week's hearing, which does not match the temperament and impartiality needed to serve on our nation's highest court; and it is based on the voices of Maine women who in recent weeks have shared with me their deep concern about this nomination. Based upon what I've seen, read, and witnessed, I remain a no vote on his confirmation. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-king-lays-out-argument-against-judge-kavanaugh On Senate Floor, King Lays Out Argument Against Judge Kavanaugh 2018-10-05 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate floor to detail his decision to vote against the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the Supreme Court. In his speech, Senator King emphasized Judge Kavanaugh's judicial philosophy on issues such as healthcare, the environment, and a woman's right to choose, his refusal to recuse himself from cases on presidential power relating to the President that appointed him that may come before the Supreme Court, and Judge Kavanaugh's temperament during his hearing last week. I stated my opposition to Brett Kavanaugh's appointment to the United States Supreme Court before Dr. Ford's allegations became public,said Senator King in part during his speech.Before I ever heard about them before anyone had heard about them, as far as I know, except some members of the Judiciary Committee. Therefore, I don't believe you have to believe Dr. Ford to conclude that Judge Kavanaugh should not be elevated to the Supreme Court. I think based on judicial philosophyhis failure to say he will recuse himself from issues involving the president who appointed him, the incredible lack of documentation based upon his record, and his demeanor last week disqualifies him. No, Mr. President, you don't have to believe Dr. Ford to conclude as I have that Judge Kavanaugh should not be elevated to the Supreme Court. But Mr. President, before I close I should add one note: I do believe Dr. Ford. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-faa-reauthorization-with-collins-king-amendment-to-improve-rural-healthcare Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization with Collins-King Amendment to Improve Rural Healthcare 2018-10-03 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the passage of legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years. The legislation, which passed with strong bipartisan support, authorizes funding for all FAA programs, including FAA operations, research and development, aviation programs, extension of expiring authorities, airport planning and improvement, and noise compatibility and programs. The legislation also includes an amendment introduced by Senators Collins and King requiring any future evaluations of airport master plans to take into account the role of airports to support evacuations related to medical emergencies or natural disasters. The amendment will be a boost for Maine's rural communities, which regularly use their airports to transport patients to larger medical centers in emergencies. Our rural citizens should be able to access the medical care they need, and airports can help facilitate that for patients who require care in a larger or more specialized center, said Senators Collins and King. This FAA reauthorization, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, will help ensure that future airport investments will be made with the health of rural Mainers in mind. The FAA is primarily responsible for the advancement, safety, and regulation of civil aviation, as well as for overseeing the operation of the air traffic control system and the development of commercial space travel. The legislation passed today will now go to the President's desk for his signature. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-sweeping-opioid-bill-with-king-backed-provisions Senate Passes Sweeping Opioid Bill With King-Backed Provisions 2018-10-03 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted for the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and includes many provisions that will help Maine families and communities affected by the opioid crisis. The legislation was the result of months of bipartisan hearings and discussion on the opioid crisis. Senator King has previously supported several core provisions of the legislation, which will improve the federal government's response to the opioid epidemic and lessen negative effects on children, families, and communities. The bill will now head to the President's desk for his signature. The opioid epidemic is killing more than one person per day in Maine, leaving communities suffering in its wake and in need of support from the federal government, said Senator King. This bill takes a multi-pronged approach that will increase treatment opportunities, strengthen law enforcement efforts to crack down on drug dealers and smugglers, and give communities the tools they need to support their citizens struggling with substance use disorders. I've met with Maine people in recovery, parents of those struggling with substance use disorders, treatment providers and law enforcement officials across the state, each of whom has shared a unique story with a common message: this disease is hurting Maine people, families, and communities. This is not about partisanship it's about supporting our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are currently caught in the midst of a disease they cannot control. Today's legislation is a strong step to help those battling addiction, but must not be the end of this effort there are still too many people who need help. Specifically, Senator King has backed the following core values of the legislation: Permanent Expansion of Base of Opioid Treatment Professionals Allowed to Prescribe Medication-Assisted Treatment: Senator King is a cosponsor of the Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-urging-usda-to-direct-broadband-funding-to-high-need-rural-areas- Collins, King Join Bipartisan Group Urging USDA to Direct Broadband Funding to High-Need Rural Areas 2018-10-02 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), a founder and co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to designate a funding carve out within the $600 million rural broadband e-Connectivity Pilot Program established in the March 2018 omnibus appropriations bill. The senators urged the USDA to work with states to determine eligible areas for a funding set aside within the total amount in the e-Connectivity program specifically to reach the high cost, rural and geographically challenged areas of the country that need it most. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), of the 24 million American households that do not have reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, 80 percent are located in rural areas. As you know, rural America is largely at a disadvantage for broadband deployment as a result of low population density, which makes these areas less attractive to the average broadband provider looking for a large return on investment, the Senators wrote. Certain areas, however, face even bigger obstacles to deployment because of their challenging topography. Mountains and valleys, desert terrain, working forests, islands, remote coastal areas and ribbons of winding roads are central to the identity of the communities we represent, and their beauty is what draws people to visit from around the world. Unfortunately, these same natural features make it far more expensive to construct critical broadband infrastructure. For example, during the first phase of the Mobility Fund, the average cost of Auction 901 greenfield sites constructed by U.S. Cellular in West Virginia came in at about $1.2 million, three times more expensive than flatter, easier to serve states like Oklahoma which only had an average cost of about $400,000. With the additional effort and higher costs associated with this difficult and remote terrain, it is clear why providers would choos… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/enr-committee-passes-king-legislation-on-national-parks-deferred-maintenance-bill-advances-permanent-reauthorization-for-lwcf ENR Committee Passes King Legislation on National Parks Deferred Maintenance Bill, Advances Permanent Reauthorization for LWCF 2018-10-02 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, applauded the ENR Committee's passage of the Restore Our Parks Act, a bipartisan bill led by Senators King, Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) that aims to address the $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog at the National Park Service (NPS). The Committee also approved legislation cosponsored by Senator King to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Wildlife Conservation Fund (LWCF). Both pieces of legislation will now be sent to the full Senate for consideration. Last month, I accompanied the Acting Director of the National Park Service to Acadia National Park and while the views were as beautiful as ever, the situation behind the scenes is not so picturesque as the park grapples with serious maintenance backlogs, said Senator King. Acadia has delayed a number of important projects worth a total of $60 million that are vital to ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the park's natural wonders with a high quality visitor experience. It's not alone in that struggle, as national parks across the country currently face a backlog of $12 billion. These lands are a national promise to leave behind a better world than we received, but these massive backlogs show that we're not currently living up to that responsibility. Today's markup is a step in the right direction for a bipartisan bill that will address this backlog and protect our national parks for future generations." The Restore Our Parks Act consensus proposal is the product of bipartisan discussions among the senators who had previously introduced similar bills, the National Park Service Legacy Act (Warner/Portman) and the National Park Restoration Act (Alexander/King), and has been gaining momentum since its introduction; the legislation is cosponsored by 30 Senators and is supported by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-and-representative-pingree-announce-nearly-300000-for-usms-trio-veterans-upward-bound-program Senators Collins, King, and Representative Pingree Announce Nearly $300,000 for USM’s TRIO Veterans Upward Bound Program 2018-10-02 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree announced that the University of Southern Maine's Veterans Upward Bound program has been awarded $275,155 from the U.S. Department of Education. USM's Veterans Upward Bound program is the only one of its kind in the State of Maine, and one of two such programs in New England. Since being awarded funds, USM has been working diligently to recruit veterans for the program, said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. We are pleased that this essential program that gives veterans the resources and support they need to succeed in postsecondary education will continue to be offered across Maine. The TRIO Veterans Upward Bound grant is so important to supporting the college aspirations of veterans across Maine, said Dr. Glenn Cummings, President of the University of Southern Maine. I want to thank Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree for their successful effort to ensure this essential grant for Maine veterans continues. Last month, Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education in support of USM's grant application. The University of Southern Maine's Veterans Upward Bound program will serve low-income, first-generation veterans from across the State of Maine. Of Maine's 119,058 veterans, 7,954 are low-income and 89,179 do not have a bachelor's degree and are highly likely to be potential first-generation college students. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring, and academic instruction in the core subject areas. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-applaud-53-million-investment-for-katahdin-non-profit Collins, King Applaud $5.3 Million Investment for Katahdin Non-Profit 2018-10-01 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded an announcement that Millinocket-based nonprofit Our Katahdin has been awarded $5.3 million from the Economic Development Administration. The funding will help Our Katahdin build critical infrastructure, including roads, water, sewer, power and broadband on the 1,400-acre former Great Northern Paper mill site in Millinocket. In June, Senators Collins and King wrote in support of Our Katahdin's grant application, citing the impact that the significant job losses resulting from the Millinocket paper mill's closure would have on Maine's rural economy. This funding for an array of significant infrastructure improvements will help Millinocket attract new, innovative companies that will create much-needed jobs in the region, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.We welcome this important investment, which will strengthen the community of Millinocket and lay the foundation for future economic growth. In 2016, Senators Collins and King called on the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), that would work across federal agencies and industry sectors to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. The creation of the EDAT and its subsequent report and recommendations led to the EDA providing funding for Our Katahdin's work to redevelop the former mill site. Our Katahdin, a volunteer based 501(c)3 non-profit that works to promote community and economic development in the Katahdin region. Our Katahdin purchased the former paper mill site in early 2017, and intends to develop the site into a multi-tenant industrial park hosting both traditional and innovative forest products businesses such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing, biorefining and nanocellulose production. The site has also been of interest to potential tenants in the aquaculture, food production and data center industries. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-visits-with-employees-at-tambrands-manufacturing-facility King Visits with Employees at Tambrands Manufacturing Facility 2018-10-01 2018 2018-10 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) visited the Tambrands manufacturing facility in Auburn to tour the facility and meet with the company's senior leadership and employees. The company is owned by Proctor & Gamble and recently celebrated 50 years in business; with approximately 400 employees, Tambrands is Auburn's largest private employer and produces between 8 and 9 million Tampax tampons per day, which are shipped all over the world. Tambrands has been investing in Maine's workforce and our state's economy for the past fifty years it is not only an economic success story, but also an important part of the Auburn community, said Senator King. The success of Tambrands' Auburn facility is not only a testament to great leadership, but also to the generations of the diligent and innovative Maine folks who have worked there. When people from away hear the phrase Made in Maine', they expect high-quality products that's thanks to the hard work of Maine's manufacturing workers like those at Tambrands.In recent months, Senator King has visited several small businesses and manufacturing facilities throughout Maine to celebrate innovation, ingenuity and discuss a few challenges and obstacles to success. In August, Senator King celebrated Maine innovation and entrepreneurship at the unveiling of the newest renovations to the UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship in Orono. The Center, is Maine's longest running incubator for startup businesses and provides resources, technological support and coaching for future entrepreneurs. Also in August, he met with management at Origin Maine, a martial arts and athletics-wear manufacturer in Farmington, as well as leaders of Nine Dragons Paper LLCat the company's Rumford mill, which was recently purchased from Catalyst Paper.He also visited with a number of Lewiston businesses, including Elmet Technology and Central Distributors and ate lunch with a group of entrepreneurs who are members of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-south-portland-king-speaks-on-importance-of-dementia-research In South Portland, King Speaks on Importance of Dementia Research 2018-09-28 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) provided remarks at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA)'s Charting the Future: Innovation in Dementia Research, Treatment and Care symposium in South Portland. The symposium featured 200 policymakers and researchers who work to find treatments for dementia. Dementia affects 27,000 Maine people, robbing our family, friends, and neighbors of their memories and their independence. It is heartbreaking to watch, and requires a strong response from all corners of our communities, said Senator King. That's why the work the Southern Maine Agency on Aging has done is so important. By fighting this debilitating disease from all angles, and by working collaboratively, they've changed lives and given hope to thousands of Maine people and their families. As the state with the oldest median age, seniors are a vital part of Maine's population. In September, Senator King visited The Center for Seniors in Kennebunk to meet with members and discuss a number of issues facing Maine seniors such as, Medicare, the high costs of prescription drugs, and the importance of finding solutions that help Maine people age in place.In June, Senator King convened a roundtable discussion of strategies to combat Alzheimer's Disease at the Bangor Public Library. During a visit toWoodlands Memory Care of Farmington in February, Senator King announced his support for theBuilding Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, which would create a public health infrastructure for the treatment of Alzheimer's patients. In 2015, he introducedthe Ensuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer's (EUREKA) Act, bipartisan legislation that would create prize-based incentives to encourage more public-private collaboration in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia. A provision based on the EUREKA Act was signed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016. Senator King cosponsored the Health Outcomes, Plann… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-celebrates-portland-housing-authoritys-75th-anniversary King Celebrates Portland Housing Authority’s 75th Anniversary 2018-09-28 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke at the Portland Housing Authority's (PHA) 75th Anniversary Celebration at Sagamore Village in Portland. The celebration included staff members, community partners and approximately 300 residents of Sagamore Village, a PHA facility, as well as Portland city officials and Maine state legislators. For 75 years, the Portland Housing Authority has brought stability into the lives of the region's families, seniors, and those living with disabilities, said Senator King. The PHA's long history of lending a helping hand to our neighbors should be an example for all of us on how to take care of each other an example that I hope the organization will continue to set for the next 75 years. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-collins-king-and-reps-pingree-poliquin-announce-contract-award-to-build-four-destroyers-at-bath-iron-works Sens. Collins, King and Reps. Pingree, Poliquin Announce Contract Award to Build Four Destroyers at Bath Iron Works 2018-09-27 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin announced today that Bath Iron Works (BIW) has been awarded four ships, in the amount of $3,904,735,559, over the next five years pursuant to the Navy's multiyear procurement contract. The contract includes potential options for additional ships, including one that will be awarded in fiscal year 2019. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer called Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree today to inform them of the award. We are proud of the hardworking and highly skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works who have earned the reputation that Bath built is best built,'said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Poliquin in a joint statement. The award of these four ships over the next five years, including the potential for additional ships, demonstrates the Navy's recognition of the high-quality destroyers BIW produces that are critical to our national security. At a time when threats to our nation are increasing, we will continue to push for an aggressive rate of growth for large surface combatants to ensure our nation's sailors have the resources they need to carry out their national securitymissions. The delegation will work to help ensure that Congress provides the necessary funding and statutory authority for the Navy to procure ten DDG-51's and all possible option ships over the next five years. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Earlier this month, Senators Collins and King both advocated for the passage of the Fiscal Year 2019 Defense Appropriations bill, which included funding for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2019, while also including $250 million in advanced procurement funding for an additional destroyer in fiscal yea… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-applaud-sappi-north-americas-investment-in-skowhegan-paper-mill Senators Collins, King Applaud Sappi North America’s Investment in Skowhegan Paper Mill 2018-09-26 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the announcement from SappiNorth America, Inc.that the company has completed an investment project at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan. The investment of more than $200 million will help the mill diversify its manufacturing line by expanding into paperboard packaging, while retaining its leadership position in the graphic paper market. The mill will now have an annual production capacity of almost one million tons per year. The Somerset Mill supports approximately 800 jobs in Skowhegan, and 1,300 jobs in Maine. The forest products industry continues to be a vital part of our state's economy, particularly in rural communities, said Senators Collins and King. It is critical that companies make long-term investments and pursue forward-thinking strategies to respond to changing market demands. Sappi has done just that with their recent investment and upgrades at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, which supports hundreds of jobs across Maine. We are thrilled by the completion of this project and look forward to working alongside Sappi and other community and industry leaders to find new market opportunities for Maine's forest-products industry to thrive. Senators Collins and King have been strong supporters of Maine's forest economy.In 2016, they called on theU.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), which would work across agencies and sectors to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. The creation of the EDAT and subsequent federal funding from the EDA and U.S. Forest Service established the 2018 FOR/Maine Initiative, an industry-led effort that released the following recommendations earlier this week to grow Maine's forest economy: Invest, Innovate, Grow- Sustain and grow Maine's existing and emerging forest products economy. Manage Sustainably- Manage the wood resource using sustainable and respons… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-applaud-sappi-north-americas-investment-in-skowhegan-paper-mill- Senators Collins, King Applaud Sappi North America’s Investment in Skowhegan Paper Mill 2018-09-26 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the announcement from SappiNorth America, Inc.that the company has completed an investment project at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan. The investment of more than $200 million will help the mill diversify its manufacturing line by expanding into paperboard packaging, while retaining its leadership position in the graphic paper market. The mill will now have an annual production capacity of almost one million tons per year. The Somerset Mill supports approximately 800 jobs in Skowhegan, and 1,300 jobs in Maine. The forest products industry continues to be a vital part of our state's economy, particularly in rural communities, said Senators Collins and King. It is critical that companies make long-term investments and pursue forward-thinking strategies to respond to changing market demands. Sappi has done just that with their recent investment and upgrades at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, which supports hundreds of jobs across Maine. We are thrilled by the completion of this project and look forward to working alongside Sappi and other community and industry leaders to find new market opportunities for Maine's forest-products industry to thrive. Senators Collins and King have been strong supporters of Maine's forest economy.In 2016, they called on theU.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), which would work across agencies and sectors to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. The creation of the EDAT and subsequent federal funding from the EDA and U.S. Forest Service established the 2018 FOR/Maine Initiative, an industry-led effort that released the following recommendations earlier this week to grow Maine's forest economy: Invest, Innovate, Grow- Sustain and grow Maine's existing and emerging forest products economy. Manage Sustainably- Manage the wood resource using sustainable and respons… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-applaud-initiative-to-revitalize-and-diversify-forestry-industry Collins, King Applaud Initiative to Revitalize and Diversify Forestry Industry 2018-09-25 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), a cofounder of the Working Forest Caucus, applauded an action plan released by the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/Maine) Initiative to grow Maine's forest economy and increase economic prosperity in rural communities. Supported by funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Maine Timberlands Charitable Trust, the industry-led initiative rolled out a plan to diversify the state's wood products businesses, attract investments, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures. The FOR/Maine Coalition includes a strategic plan to grow Maine's forest economy by 40% by building on traditional industry strengths like saw logs and paper, and add new layers of innovative products including eco-friendly chemicals, bio-degradable plastics, and medical and technical products made from nanocellulose which can be made from the residuals of other wood manufacturing processes. Maine's forests continue to be a vital part of our state's economy, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The FOR/Maine Initiative is the product of collaboration between industry and community leaders, the Economic Development Administration, and all levels of government, and the resulting recommendations will support job creation and economic growth in our rural communities. We applaud the Forest Opportunity Roadmap partners for their hard work, creativity, and steadfast commitment to strengthening the future of the forest economy in our state, and we look forward to continuing to support their efforts to help Maine's forest economy thrive for generations to come. FOR/Maine outlines five goals to build a more diverse forest economy: Invest, Innovate, Grow - Sustain and grow Maine's existing and emerging forest products economy. Manage Sustainably - Manage the wood resource using sustainable… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-600000-for-workforce-development-efforts-in-biddeford Senators Collins, King Announce $600,000 for Workforce Development Efforts in Biddeford 2018-09-25 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)'s Office of Community Services' Community Economic Development Project Program will award $600,000 to Coastal Enterprises, Inc., (CEI), a non-profit based in Brunswick that helps to grow economic development in Maine. The funding will support a partnership between CEI and Junora LTD, a start-up manufacturing company based in Biddeford, to provide job training and support for low-income individuals in the region. For over 40 years, CEI has been a national leader in rural economic development and financing environmentally sustainable business practices, said Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. Maine needs qualified workers, and these funds will help Maine people acquire the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy. We are proud to support this partnership between CEI and Biddeford-based Junora to bolster our state's economy, develop our workforce and create promising job opportunities for Maine people. Last spring, Senators Collins and King sent a letter to the HHS in support of CEI's grant application. Coastal Enterprises, Inc. is a non-profit in Brunswick with a joint focus on economic growth and environmental health. Established 40 years ago, CEI works with Maine start-ups and entrepreneurs to provide support and create jobs for Maine people. Junora LTD is a start-up manufacturing company that provides advanced metallurgical products to produce products such solar panels and lithium batteries. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-portland-king-speaks-at-protect-our-care-rally In Portland, King Speaks at ‘Protect Our Care’ Rally 2018-09-24 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke at the Protect Our Care' Bus Tour event at Portland's City Hall in defense of the Affordable Care Act. Protect Our Care is a group of healthcare activists that are currently traveling the country via bus to share stories, testimonies and represent Americans whose health is being put at risk by continued attacks on the Affordable Care Act. In addition to Senator King, attendees included Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), people who suffer from pre-existing conditions, healthcare providers, seniors, local elected officials, people with disabilities and others. During their 48 stop, country-wide tour, the Protect Our Care activists work to bring humanity to the policy decisions of the administration, which could potentially result in millions of Americans losing their health care coverage. Healthcare is not a privilege that can be revoked from those who are too poor or too sick it is a prerequisite for Americans seeking to live happy, healthy and productive lives, said Senator King. This isn't a radical idea it's a compassionate one. Maine people, and people across the country, should not be denied access to the medical care they need. In response to those who would revoke this care from millions of Americans, those of us who care about defending healthcare access need to speak up. All those involved in the Protect Our Care Bus Tour are leading the charge in this fight, and I'm proud to stand alongside them to defend the health insurance of Maine people. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-damariscotta-king-highlights-importance-of-healthcare-protections-to-maine-people-working-in-high-risk-industries- In Damariscotta, King Highlights Importance of Healthcare Protections To Maine People Working in High Risk Industries 2018-09-21 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) met with Maine people at Lincoln Health Education Center in Damariscotta to highlight the impact of protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, as well as the importance of community rating, another provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which requires health insurance providers to offer policies within a given territory at the same price to all potential customers. These protections are particularly important to workers involved in the natural resource industries that drive Maine's rural economy; while Maine law does include some protections that would remain in place if the ACA's protections were overturned, it does not prohibit health insurance companies from increasing prices for people based on their occupation, creating increased risks for those working in industries such as fishing, forestry and farming. Maine people living with medical conditions should be able to get health insurance at a reasonable price, rather than charged astronomical prices simply because of what they do for a living,said Senator King. The lobstermen and farmers I met today are a vital part of our state's economy we should be supporting them, not allowing health insurance companies to discriminate against them. This isn't a matter of ideology it's about keeping our citizens healthy, and supporting Maine workers. I'll keep fighting to defend the health insurance of Maine people, however, whenever, and as strongly as I possibly can. Following the event, Senator King released a video sharing his thoughts on the event, which can be seen HERE. Today's discussion is a continuation of a series of conversations on healthcare around the state. Earlier this month, Senator King met with seniors in Kennebunk to discuss the high cost of healthcare services in prescription drugs. In August, Senator King met with Maine families on the impact of insurance protections for children living with pre-existing conditions, and in June he spoke with … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-honoring-pow/mia-day King Statement Honoring POW/MIA Day 2018-09-21 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BRUNSWICK, ME Today U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This day recognizes and shows solidarity with America's servicemembers who have been Prisoners of War, those still Missing in Action, and their families: We join today to honor the brave members of our Armed Forces who were held as Prisoners of War and those who remain Missing in Action. I am humbled to join families in Maine and across the Nation to recognize their courage, patriotism, and immeasurable sacrifices. This day is a solemn reminder of these sacrifices, but it is also a call to action. In recognizing the sacrifices made by our family and community members who are or have been POW/MIA, we must recommit ourselves to working to bring them home and to caring for those among us they have left behind. The POW/MIA flag is emblazoned with the phrase, You Are Not Forgotten.' This serves as a stark reminder to us all that we must bear witness to the sacrifice of those still unaccounted for by joining together in our unyielding efforts to ensure that no one is left behind. This is also a reminder of our commitment and obligation to those who have returned and to ensure that they receive the support and compassionate care they deserve. This national day of recognition is a day we gather as a country to remember, but the families of POW/MIA must quietly endure the pain of a missing loved one every day. We must commit to stand by these families as a community, state, and Nation, to pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who are or have been POW/MIA. We vow to continue our efforts not only to bring them home, but also to care for their families and their comrades who have returned. On this day, I am honored to express my deepest gratitude to the brave members of our community who are or have been POW/MIA. To the families who have quietly borne the pain of a missing loved one, know t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-cape-elizabeth-king-joins-usda-secretary-sonny-perdue-to-discuss-maine-agriculture-with-industry-leaders In Cape Elizabeth, King Joins USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to Discuss Maine Agriculture with Industry Leaders 2018-09-20 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy CAPE ELIZABETH, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue at the William H. Jordan Farm in Cape Elizabeth. Senator King and Secretary Perdue toured the farm and met with Maine agricultural leaders representing a variety of important sectors of the state's agricultural economy and discuss the challenges they face. Senator King and Secretary Perdue were also joined by Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). Maine farmers feed our people, drive our economy, and carry on traditions dating back generations, said Senator King. Our farmers are a vital part of Maine, and it's critical that the USDA understands the significant role they play in our rural economy, the challenges they're facing and the opportunities the Department can provide to help Maine agriculture grow and innovate. Today's visit allowed Secretary Perdue to see what made in Maine' really means that both our products and our people are second-to-none. Senator King has been a strong advocate for Maine farmers, and in June, the Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill witha number of King-backed provisionsto support innovation and create new opportunities for the Maine's agricultural communities, including a modernization of rural broadband programs, permanent funding to educate and train beginning farmers and ranchers, and continuing support for important Maine products like dairy, blueberries and potatoes. In the months since the Senate Farm Bill passed, Senator King has met with agricultural leaders around the state to discuss its provisions and other challenges facing Maine farmers, meeting with farmers in Aroostook County in July and Penobscot County in August to discuss their efforts to innovate. Earlier this month he also highlighted the challenge of food insecurity in Maine during a visit to Good Shepherd Food Bank. Senator King has also pushed to help Maine farms in a variety of ways, including introducing the PRIME Act to help small farm… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-address-suicide-crisis-in-native-communities King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Suicide Crisis in Native Communities 2018-09-19 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BRUNSWICK, ME U.S Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues to introduce the Native American Suicide Prevention Act. This legislation would help address the suicide crisis in Indian Country by ensuring collaboration among states and tribal communities to design and implement statewide suicide intervention and prevention strategies that work for their communities. The Native American Suicide Prevention Act is the Senate companion to H.R. 3473, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Congressman Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and 27 other House cosponsors. One suicide in Maine is one too many and in order to tackle a problem as serious as this, we need to have everyone at the table discussing solutions, said Senator King. Native communities have some of the highest rates of suicide in the nation, which is why including them in discussions about suicide prevention is so important it's just commonsense, and it can save lives. Native American reservations are experiencing an epidemic of suicide that is claiming the lives of countless young people. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Native people ages 10-34. For American Indians and Alaska Natives ages 15-34, the suicide rate is 1.5 times higher than the national average. In some tribal communities, the youth suicide rate is 10 times greater than the national average. Despite the devastating scope of this crisis and the clear need for Native communities' involvement in the development of suicide prevention strategies, tribes and tribal organizations are too often left out of planning and execution of statewide suicide prevention programs. The Native American Suicide Prevention Act would help address this epidemic by amending the Public Health Service Act to require states or state-designated entities to collaborate with tribes in an effort to curtail the alarming suicide rate in Native communities. Specifically, the bill would mandate that state governments coll… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-tours-acadia-national-park-with-acting-director-of-nps-highlights-need-for-restore-our-parks-act King Tours Acadia National Park with Acting Director of NPS, Highlights Need for ‘Restore Our Parks Act’ 2018-09-19 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BAR HARBOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, joined Acting Director of the National Park Service, Dan Smith, on a tour of Acadia National Park to assess the park's critical maintenance needs. The visit highlights the need for Congress to pass the Restore Our Parks Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senator King along with Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) that would reduce the $12 billion maintenance backlog facing National Parks around the country. This legislation would have a positive impact on Acadia, which has a maintenance backlog of approximately $60 million, and the surrounding communities. a companion bill, the Restore our Parks and Public Lands Act, has been introduced in the House. Mary and I have gone with our kids to almost two dozen national parks across the country, but Acadia will forever hold a special place in our hearts, said Senator King. Acadia, like all of our treasured national parks, represents a responsibility that is passed from generation to generation: our responsibility to leave behind a better world for those who come next. Unfortunately, we've fallen behind on that commitment, putting off $12 billion of important maintenance projects required to fulfill the promise of these parks. Our bipartisan bill will address this backlog, and ensure that our children and grandchildren can experience Cadillac Mountain sunrises for years to come. Senator King and Acting Director Smith were led through the park by Acadia National Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider. Also joining the tour were U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine); Town Manager of Bar Harbor, Cornell Knight; President and CEO of Friends of Acadia, David MacDonald; Maine State Senator, Brian Langley (R-Ellsworth); Maine State Representative, Brian Hubbell (D-Bar Harbor); Executive Director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Martha Searchfield… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-colleagues-to-secure-5-million-for-textbook-grants King Joins Colleagues to Secure $5 Million for Textbook Grants 2018-09-18 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today applauded the inclusion of a provision allocating $5 million in additional funding for the continued implementation of the Open Textbooks Pilot in the FY19 Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Package. The Open Textbooks Pilot is a competitive grant program to support the creation and expand the use of open college textbooks textbooks that are available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. College is expensive enough textbooks shouldn't drive the price even higher, said Senator King. The Open Textbooks Pilot is an important opportunity to expand the use of free educational resources at schools across the country, making sure that students have affordable access to the tools they need to succeed. Senator King has been a leader on this issue, along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).In April, King, Durbin, and Smith led 23 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) pressing them to provide additional funding for the program in the FY19 funding bill. The program was created with an initial $5 million investment in the FY18 Omnibus.The Department is in the process of reviewing applications for FY18 grants under the Pilot and is expected to announce the first awards soon. Durbin, King, and Smith, along with Representatives Jared Polis (D-Colo.) andKyrstenSinema(D-Ari.) in the House, have been working to ensure the program is effectively implemented by the Department of Education sending letters to Secretary Betsy DeVos in April and August. Today's bill also includes report language to ensure that the Department: Awards FY19 funds through a new grant competition; Uses the funds to provide a greater number of grants in FY19 a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-portland-king-joins-experts-for-panel-discussion-on-preventing-veterans-suicide In Portland, King Joins Experts for Panel Discussion on Preventing Veterans Suicide 2018-09-17 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregivers at the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). The panel included: Russell Armstead, Assistant Medical Center Director at the VA Maine Healthcare System; Tracy Charette, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Togus VA Medical Center; David Richmond, Interim Director at Bureau of Veterans' Services; Greg Marley, Clinical Director & Senior Trainer at Maine Chapter National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); Shamera Simpson, Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Suzanne Fox, Founder of The Yellow Tulip Project; and veterans Camden Ege and Jeremy Kendall. The discussion highlighted common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide, provided information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, and emphasized the importance of starting the conversation around veteran mental health. Our veterans have made immense sacrifices on behalf of our national security, and we have a national responsibility to care for them both physically and mentally, said Senator King. Unfortunately, far too many of our veterans still carry the weight of their service, and feel like they cannot access the help they need. That needs to change, and one of the ways to bring about that change is through a dialogue, speaking directly to veterans to tell them that we are here to help. I'm grateful for the insight of today's excellent panel, and for their dedication to supporting the mental health of our veterans. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues since arriving in Washington. Earlier this week, he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, which aims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs, as well as improve VA's ability to hire high-quality healthcare professionals, expand VA caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras and establish a process to evaluate and ref… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-inhofe-push-to-expand-civics-education King, Inhofe Push to Expand Civics Education 2018-09-17 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) introduced the Constitution education Is Valuable In Community Schools (CIVICS) Act, to support the development of Constitution and civics education curriculum for students across the country. The Senators' legislation comes on Constitution Day, which was established in 1952 to recognize the importance of the United States Constitution and the importance of citizenship and civics in our daily lives. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln called upon the American people to take up the cause of our nation, and fight for the continued success of Government of the people, by the people, for the people,' said Senator King. But Lincoln's plea doesn't only apply to his contemporaries it is the responsibility of each successive generation to carry the mantle of American civic life forward. In order to live up to the ideals of our nation, it is important to first fully understand them; civics education is one of the most important ways we can teach our future leaders about our past, and I'm proud to support any effort to expand its presence in schools. The Constitution established the basis and formation of our nation: that we are a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Yet, too often, students aren't taught about the Constitution, its history or its principles including the Bill of Rights, Inhofe said. By restoring an emphasis on the Constitution in civics education, we can encourage more young Americans to be active participants in our democracy by communicating with their elected officials, engaging in advocacy and, when eligible, voting in state, local and federal elections. First established in 1952, Congress expanded the recognition of Constitution Day in 2004, requiring public schools and federal agencies teach the Constitution and civics lessons. While the American History and Civics Education program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, created grants… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-usda-to-target-600-million-investment-in-rural-broadband-to-maximize-impact-for-maine-communities King Urges USDA to Target $600 Million Investment in Rural Broadband to Maximize Impact for Maine Communities 2018-09-17 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy PORTLAND, ME U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a founder and co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to allocate funding towards investing in broadband access for Maine's underserved and rural areas by submitting a letter during RUS's comment period. The RUS's funding was included in the March 2018 omnibus, which was supported by Senator King in large part because Congress funded a $600 million broadband pilot program to help private, non-profit and public entities that provide rural broadband services. Access to affordable, high-speed broadband is increasingly an economic development imperative for rural communities in Maine and across the country that are seeking to attract business investment, increase economic prosperity, and reverse outmigration by drawing in younger residents, Senator King wrote in his letter. This Pilot offers tremendous potential for catalyzing broadband investment in rural areas.[USDA Rural Utilities Service] should encourage the best use of limited Pilot funding by coordinating with states that have completed robust broadband planning efforts and continue to modernize the program to meet the connectivity needs of rural America. In his letter, Senator King highlighted key criteria the USDA should consider when structuring this program, including: Defining sufficient access to broadband in a way that accounts for affordability and common business practices including two-way video conferencing. This will ensure that what is deemed as sufficient access will actually reflect the needs of local businesses and consumers. Acquiring up-to-date broadband mapping data through partnerships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), state governments, and local governments, as well as seeking input from consumers. This will allow the government to make informed decisions about where to target broadband funding with the most recent data. Accounting for the scope and depth of partnersh… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-king-speaks-in-support-of-expanding-base-of-opioid-treatment-professionals On Senate Floor, King Speaks in Support of Expanding Base of Opioid Treatment Professionals 2018-09-17 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate Floor in support of the Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act, which would permanently authorize nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. Though this legislation is not a part of the Senate opioid package that is expected to be taken up today, it was included in the House of Representatives' version, and Senator King is hopeful it will be included in the conference committee's final report. Click HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. The discussion today is about the opioid crisis, one of the most serious public health crises I have seen in my adult life, certainly in the state of Maine. said Senator King in his speech. It's an enormous problem across the country, particularly in rural areas. In my state we are losing more than one person a day to an overdose death. That is an epidemic by anybody's definition[and] the numbers continue to get worse. More and more families are being devastated by this crisis, and there aren't many answers being provided. There is, however, one ray of hope that this bill that we're going to be discussing and voting on this afternoon does provide, and that is: Treatment works. Recovery is possible." Now, the problem is that treatment, particularly in rural areas, is short on infrastructure. It's short on people who can deliver the treatment. And we can fund programs and talk about them here, but if you are talking about a rural county about Milo, Maine in Piscataquis County you're not talking about a tremendous amount of infrastructure. But there is available an army of people who can contribute to the solution of this problem. The people I'm talking about are nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners are, in many ways, among the unsung heroes in the health care discussion particularly, in rural areas where there aren't a lot of physicians. But nurse practitioners were enabled in the CARA bill to pro… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-legislation-to-fight-the-opioid-crisis-including-multiple-king-backed-provisions Senate Passes Legislation to Fight the Opioid Crisis Including Multiple King-Backed Provisions 2018-09-17 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted for the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, a bipartisan package which passed today by a vote of 98 to 2 and includes many provisions that will help Maine families and communities affected by the opioid crisis. The legislation was the result of months of bipartisan hearings and discussion on the opioid crisis. Senator King has previously supported several core provisions of the legislation, which will improve the federal government's response to the opioid epidemic and lessen negative effects on children, families, and communities. This legislation isn't perfect but it's an important step in the right direction on an issue that desperately needs progress, said Senator King. The severity of the opioid crisis isn't a partisan issue; it's about protecting our families, friends, neighbors, loved ones, and ensuring the safety of our young people. In Maine, the opioid epidemic takes away the lives of our community members at a rate of one person per day. This pain is being felt not only across our state, but also across our nation, and this bill will work to solve this problem through a multi-pronged legislative approach that increases support systems for victims, strengthens law enforcement efforts to crack down on those who smuggle and deal drugs, and empowers communities with the tools they need to help their citizens fight addiction. As I said, this is not perfect bill, and there are a number of provisions that I hope will be added during the conference committee, so we can build on the already strong gains made in this legislation. Earlier today on the Senate floor, Senator King highlighted one specific provision that he hopes will be included in the conference report: The Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act, which would permanently authorize nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders. Under current law, these medical professionals are all… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-center-for-seniors-in-kennebunk-king-addresses-reigning-in-high-cost-of-health-care-and-prescription-drugs At Center for Seniors in Kennebunk, King Addresses Reigning in High Cost of Health Care and Prescription Drugs 2018-09-14 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy KENNEBUNK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) visited The Center for Seniors in Kennebunk to meet with members and discuss a number of issues facing Maine seniors. Throughout the conversation, Senator King touched on topics including Medicare, the high costs of prescription drugs, and the importance of finding solutions that help Maine people age in place. I think all of us need to be concerned in this country about how much healthcare costs. We can talk about policy and which approach works better, but when it comes right down to it: we have to reign in the cost of healthcare, said Senator King. The cost of prescription drugs is one of the first places we ought to start to address costs. If we let Medicare negotiate a volume discount on behalf of Maine seniors, can you imagine how much we'd save? Today's conversation with the men and women who frequent The Center for Seniors was productive, insightful and reminded me that what makes Maine great isn't just our coast or our mountains; it's our people. And the folks who've been here for decades or who have moved to Maine to enjoy our state in their retirement are an essential maybe even the essential element that makes our home such a great place to live. As Maine is the state with the oldest median age, Senator King has made senior issues one of his top priorities. In June, he met with seniors and staff at Cohen Community Center in Hallowell to discuss aging in place.Earlier this year, Senator King joined Maine seniors and healthcare providers in Machias to discuss strategies to help seniors age safely and comfortably. In March 2017, Senator King introduced theSenior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a process to better coordinate the many existing federal home modification programs and provide more consumer-friendly information on how those programs can benefit older Americans. He also introduced theDELIVER Act, which would promote volunteerism within meal delivery… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-passage-of-milcon-va-conference-report King Applauds Passage of MilCon-VA Conference Report 2018-09-14 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded Congressional passage of bipartisan legislation to fund the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Defense (DoD). The package includes full funding for the VA Mission Act, a bipartisan effort that seeks to improve the availability and quality of care through the VA. The legislation, which passed the Senate last night and the House of Representatives this evening, now heads to the President's desk for signature. America's veterans have earned our nation's eternal gratitude, and their dedicated service deserves nothing less than the best care we can possibly provide, said Senator King. As a result of this week's overwhelmingly bipartisan votes, the VA will have the funds it needs to look after our veterans. I'm particularly pleased by the inclusion of funds for the VA MISSION Act, which will strengthen the VA's status as a unique healthcare provider and help rural veterans to receive community care closer to home. TheVA MISSION Actaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs, as well as improve VA's ability to hire high-quality healthcare professionals, expand VA caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras and establish a process to evaluate and reform VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans. TheVA MISSION Acthas received broad support from leading veterans groups that represent millions of veterans in the United States; in May,agroup of 38 veteran and military advocacy organizationswrote to the House and Senate in support of theVA MISSION Act. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues since arriving in Washington. In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA was signed into law. In May, he helda listening session with Maine veteranson the qualities and values they are looking for in a new VA Secretary, and in April Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which br… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-2-million-for-maine-legal-assistance-programs-for-victims-of-domestic-violence Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2 Million for Maine Legal Assistance Programs for Victims of Domestic Violence 2018-09-14 2018 2018-09 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced a total of $1,117,794 for Next Step Domestic Violence Project in Ellsworth and Caring Unlimited Corporation in Sanford. The funding was awarded through the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program and Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program. Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence should have access to every resource available to ensure their safety, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Next Step Violence Project and Caring Unlimited have each spent decades working to coordinate local programs, improve awareness, and identify gaps in services to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence. We are pleased that these investments will help both coalitions continue their vital work to protect victims in Maine. Next Step is thrilled and relieved to receive this grant, which will sustain our ability to provide pro bono legal representation to survivors of domestic violence in Washington and Hancock Counties for the next three years, said Dorathy Martel, Executive Director of Next Step Domestic Violence Project. Our attorneys work closely with domestic violence advocates to ensure that safety planning is at the center of every interaction, and this approach saves lives. The funding was awarded as follows: Next Step Domestic Violence Project of Ellsworth will receive $578,268 to provide attorney representation and consultation as well as legal advocacy and court accompaniment for matters related to and/or arising from domestic violence. The Next Step Domestic Violence Project will partner with Husson University to recruit and hire legal interns. The goal is to expand the knowledge base of future legal practitioners regarding domestic violence and related matters, potentially expanding the pool of people it can recruit for future posi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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