Press releases
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914 rows where party = "Independent" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/dartmouth-alumni-magazine-profiles-king-as-man-in-the-middle | Dartmouth Alumni Magazine Profiles King as “Man In The Middle” | 2013-12-31 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Dartmouth Alumni Magazine Profiles King as “Man In The Middle” Tuesday, December 31, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine last Friday published a profile of U.S. Senator Angus King (Class of ’66) entitled “Man In The Middle” in which author Matthew Mosk captures King’s role in resolving the student loan crises, his thoughts on the October government shutdown, and his broader efforts at tackling partisanship in the U.S. Senate. In addition to Senator King, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Rob Portman (R-OH) are also graduates of Dartmouth College. The profile is below and can also be read by clicking here. +++ Man In The Middle Independent Maine Sen. Angus King ’66 went to Washington, D.C., hoping to help opposing parties find common ground. Frustration has set in. It is the morning of September 11, 2013, and on this day, for a change, no one on Capitol Hill is talking about the looming impasse on the federal budget. Syria has been accused of using chemical weapons, and a fierce debate over the correct response is under way. On one side of Congress are the hawks who, like President Obama, say a red line has been crossed in a manner that demands a military response. On the other side, a sizable coalition that is weary of war and uneasy about the fallout of a strike in the Middle East. Then there is Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who finds himself in a familiar posture—standing in the middle. King arrived in Washington, D.C., last January as the newest of four U.S. senators from Dartmouth. After eight years as governor of Maine and an almost 10-year hiatus from public office, he won handily a tumultuous three-way Senate campaign with 53 percent of the vote, becoming only the second member of the chamber not affiliated with a major political party. (He caucuses with the Democrats.) King assumed the seat vacated by three-term moderate Republican Olympia Snowe, who left, she said, because Congres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-congratulates-alejandro-mayorkas-new-dhs-deputy-secretary | Kilili congratulates Alejandro Mayorkas, new DHS Deputy Secretary | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan says he applauds the recent promotion of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security. Mayorkas previously served as Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and has had a critical, decision-making role in the transition to federal management of immigration in the Northern Marianas. He was sworn in as Deputy Secretary on December 23. “I congratulate Mr. Mayorkas on his nomination by the President and applaud the Senate for agreeing to fill this top leadership position at the Department of Homeland Security with someone who understands the challenges facing the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Congressman Sablan. “I also extend my deepest appreciation to Mr. Mayorkas for all he has done as USCIS Director over the last five years to help make the immigration transition as least difficult as possible.” Mayorkas played a critical role in the decision to extend humanitarian parole to persons who were born in the Northern Marianas between 1974 and 1978 but who did not have U.S. citizenship, to persons with Northern Marianas Permanent Resident status and their immediate relatives, and to the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. People in these situations previously had legal status under Commonwealth immigration law. The parole policy Mayorkas approved allowed these individuals the opportunity to remain and work in the Northern Marianas legally. Without parole they would have been forced to leave the after November 28, 2011. “Director Mayorkas called me personally on Thanksgiving Day in 2011 to tell me about that decision,” Sablan said. “I thought of all the families I had knew, who were facing separation until that moment. It is a Thanksgiving Day I will always remember.” Originally, the parole for these people was to be available through the end of 2012. At Congressman Sablan’s request, however, Mayorkas later provided a two-year extension of the parole eligibili… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/dod-budget-has-293m-divert-airfield-nmi | DoD budget has $29.3M for divert airfield in NMI | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | President Barack Obama signed into law on Thursday (Friday, CNMI time) the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2014 that provides $29.3 million for the development of a U.S. Air Force divert airfield in the CNMI. The new law also requires the Pentagon to report to Congress by June 25 the feasibility of having a National Guard in the CNMI and American Samoa. The defense bill also includes almost $495 million in spending for military construction projects in Guam. “Our economy could definitely use that money,” Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) told Saipan Tribune, referring to the $29.3 million for the development of a divert airfield in the CNMI. The divert airfield is intended to be an alternative landing base for Air Force planes if Andersen Air Force Base in Guam becomes unavailable because of weather or war. Sablan worked with the U.S. House Armed Services Committee to place some limits on the Air Force, because there is still a question about where to put this facility: on Tinian or Saipan. “I think that Northern Marians officials decided long ago that Tinian would be the preferred location for military expansion in the Northern Marianas, but the Air Force has other ideas. So, at my request, the Committee report directs the Air Force to work with the governor to find a mutually agreeable resolution to this siting issue,” Sablan said. The delegate added that the Air Force is also barred from spending any of the $29.3 million until it reports to Congress on all the alternatives that have been considered, the overall construction requirements, and the cost/benefits of options for the land needed. Gov. Eloy S. Inos said last week that the CNMI remains unified in its voice to have a divert airfield on Tinian where two-thirds of lands are already leased to the U.S. Department of Defense, instead of Saipan where the U.S. military had planned on placing it. The governor told the Air Force that its request to lease 33 acres of land on Saipan for the next 50 years “is quite an undesirable con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/divert-field-nmi-national-guard-pay-raise-sexual-assault-all-part-new-defense-law | Divert field, NMI National Guard, pay raise, sexual assault all part of new defense law | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | On Thursday, the President signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, which contains important provisions specific to the Northern Mariana Islands. $29.3 million will be available for a divert airfield in the NMI to use if Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base is closed by weather or war. But I also worked with the House Armed Services Committee to place limits on the money because of the question of siting: Tinian or Saipan? I think we decided long ago that Tinian is the preferred location for military expansion in our islands, but the Air Force has other ideas. So, at my request the Committee report directs the Air Force to work with the Governor to find a mutually agreeable resolution to this siting issue; and the law bars any expenditure of the $29.3 million until Congress gets a look at all the alternatives that have been considered. The NDAA also gives the Defense Department 180 days to report to Congress on the feasibility of a Northern Marianas National Guard, just like Guam and all of the other states and territories, except American Samoa, have. We have 16 of our people deployed with the Guam National Guard – and returning safely home soon. So, clearly, there is an interest. But do we have enough people for a full Guard unit? Do we have the needed infrastructure? Will our local legislature support establishing a Northern Marianas National Guard? These are the questions the report will answer. I introduced legislation in 2011 to set up an NMI unit. If the feasibility study comes back positive, we could push towards that goal. We should know by June 25. Besides these Northern Marianas specific provisions the annual defense authorization makes some other changes worth noting: Our military personnel will be getting a 1 percent raise. And the new law addresses the issue of sexual assault in the military, which is a problem that seems to be increasing and puts anyone in the armed service – men and women, including our people from the Northern Marianas – at risk. The new law bars com… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/article/man-in-the-middle | Man In The Middle | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Man In The Middle Independent Maine Sen. Angus King ’66 went to Washington, D.C., hoping to help opposing parties find common ground. Frustration has set in. By: Matthew Mosk Friday, December 27, 2013 It is the morning of September 11, 2013, and on this day, for a change, no one on Capitol Hill is talking about the looming impasse on the federal budget. Syria has been accused of using chemical weapons, and a fierce debate over the correct response is under way. On one side of Congress are the hawks who, like President Obama, say a red line has been crossed in a manner that demands a military response. On the other side, a sizable coalition that is weary of war and uneasy about the fallout of a strike in the Middle East. Then there is Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who finds himself in a familiar posture—standing in the middle. King arrived in Washington, D.C., last January as the newest of four U.S. senators from Dartmouth. After eight years as governor of Maine and an almost 10-year hiatus from public office, he won handily a tumultuous three-way Senate campaign with 53 percent of the vote, becoming only the second member of the chamber not affiliated with a major political party. (He caucuses with the Democrats.) King assumed the seat vacated by three-term moderate Republican Olympia Snowe, who left, she said, because Congress had become an impossible place from which to govern effectively. King’s campaign promised not just a moderate, business-friendly agenda that was left-leaning on social issues but also to do what Snowe considered impossible: provide a bridge between the increasingly factionalized parties to get things done. “He’s independent and a problem solver,” actor Sam Wate… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-introduce-legislation-to-assist-maine-veterans-who-trained-at-cfb-gagetown | Senators Collins, King Introduce Legislation to Assist Maine Veterans Who Trained at CFB Gagetown | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Collins, King Introduce Legislation to Assist Maine Veterans Who Trained at CFB Gagetown Friday, December 27, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have introduced legislation that would help Maine veterans with claims made to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contending they have suffered from health problems as a result of being exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange during military training at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown. For years, veterans who trained at Gagetown have attempted to gain recognition from the VA that their health problems stem from exposure to Agent Orange, which was previously sprayed there in 1966 and 1967. The bill would direct the VA to establish a registry of U.S. veterans who have served or trained at CFB Gagetown and who have subsequently experienced health problems, which may be related to this chemical exposure. The establishment of a registry will provide veterans with a way to make their claims known to the VA and to identify commonalities among their shared experiences. It also provides the VA with a mechanism to reach out to veterans concerned with this specific issue. In addition, the Collins-King bill requires the VA to commission an independent study tasked with investigating the linkage between service at Gagetown and the development of health problems and disease associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Unfortunately, a previous study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relied exclusively on previous Canadian studies and included no new research, such as interviews with those who trained at CFB Gagetown. “Protecting the health of those who have served our nation is a solemn responsibility, and I have raised this issue directly with Secretary of the VA Eric Shinseki,” said Senator Collins. “Just as the Government of Canada found a way to offer compensation to service members exposed to toxic herbicides at Gagetown, the VA should likewise be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-expresses-concern-over-allegations-misconduct-against-fishery-council | Kilili expresses concern over allegations of misconduct against fishery council | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | THE Western Pacific Fishery Management Council has not acted on recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office and U.S. Congressmen Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and Henry A. Waxman have expressed concern over allegations of misconduct. In a letter to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration acting administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, and acting administrator for fisheries Samuel D. Rauch III, Kilili and Waxman wrote: “We understand that the Council has taken some positive steps, such as clarifying its record-access policy in their Statement of Organization and Practices and Procedures guidelines. Unfortunately, in the four years since the GAO report, the Western Pacific Council has failed to comply with all the GAO recommendations.” They said they are troubled by reports that WESPAC is not adequately fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of the territories. In 2009, GAO issued a report that looked into the allegations and made the following recommendations: (1) GAO recommended that NOAA direct the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council or WESPAC to maintain documentation of all requests for information from federal and state legislators. This was to help ensure compliance with OMB Circular A-122 requirements governing federal grant recipients. GAO also stated that to reduce the risk of loss or unauthorized use associated with reimbursing meeting participant expenses with cash, it asked that NOAA direct WESPAC to pay per-diem costs for meeting participants by check to the extent practicable. It also called for WESPAC to implement actions such as (1) notifying NOAA regional counsel before meeting with federal or state legislators or testifying before one of their committees; (2) asking NOAA regional counsel to provide an annual briefing to council members and staff on the rules governing their conduct, including limits on contacts with legislators; (3) adopting procedures that require council meeting minutes to include not only a council member’s statement of recusal from vot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-old-moe-formula-remains-intact-pss | Kilili: Old MOE formula remains intact for PSS | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan says the central government is still required to give the Public School System $7 million in unremitted maintenance-of-effort funds, pursuant to the mandates of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This comes after Sablan confirmed that the U.S. Department of Education issued no response or action to the proposal of the CNMI government to change the formula in calculating the MOE award. The CNMI received in 2009 $44 million in SFSF funds, of which $32.3 million is for public education. When the CNMI was awarded the SFSF grant, one of the conditions was that PSS must be given a specific amount of the overall budget of the CNMI government—at the time equivalent to 40 cents to $1 dollar or 25 percent of the overall CNMI government budget. The issue over the MOE formula came to light after the CNMI government filed a waiver application for it in 2012. The USDOE has not issued a response up to now. “The fact that there’s no decision [by USDOE] means we have to live with the first decision, which is good for PSS. The MOE’s first formula remains and that has not changed,” Sablan told Saipan Tribune. Saipan Tribune learned that in PSS books, the central government owes it $7 million in unremitted MOE for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan just wants the whole matter done and over with. “For me, I wanted it resolved. I just want that MOE issue out of the way. The whole issue here is that the central government owes us millions of money that is badly needed in our classrooms. It’s the government’s responsibility to pay us,” she said. Once they receive the funds, it will all be utilized for the classroom and instructional needs of schools. She is firm that there’s no way all or a portion of this unremitted MOE will be used to pay CUC arrears. “Whatever federal money we get from MOE will go to the classrooms where it belongs,” she added. As to when this money will go to PSS is uncertain up to this time. Saipa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/26677-awarded-diesel-emission-reduction | $26,677 awarded for diesel emission reduction | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $26,677 awarded for diesel emission reduction Dec 24, 2013 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation $26,677 to reduce unsafe diesel emissions in the Northern Marianas Islands. CUC will use the money to help retrofit its generators, improving efficiency and cutting pollution. Congratulations to CUC. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/228458-awarded-historic-preservation-office | $228,458 awarded to Historic Preservation Office | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $228,458 awarded to Historic Preservation Office Dec 23, 2013 The National Park Service announced the award of $228,458 to the Commonwealth government this week. The historic preservation grant will be used to preserve and protect our islands’ historic sites. The formula grant only provides funding up to January 2014, but should be augmented when Congress finalizes appropriations for the rest of the year. Congratulations HPO! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/transition-period-may-be-extended-2019 | Transition period may be extended up to 2019 | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | THERE could be a stop-gap measure that will prevent the exodus of nonresident workers next year as the U.S. Congress considers extending the transitional period up to 2019. U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan on Friday announced that the transition extension, which is included in S. 1237 or the omnibus territories bill, could be granted until 2019 with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approving the bill. “The current Commonwealth-only worker and investor programs would be extended until the end of 2019 under the terms of an omnibus territories bill approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Washington today. The number of foreign workers in the Northern Mariana Islands would still have to be reduced every year, however, and zeroed-out by December 31, 2019. The 184 foreign investors, who established businesses in the Northern Marianas prior to 2009 and who now hold Commonwealth-only visas, would be allowed to stay in business, also until the end of 2019. Both the worker and investor programs are presently scheduled to end completely in twelve months,” according to Sablan’s newsletter. He said U.S. Senate bill was introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, on June 27, 2013. Sablan expressed concern about the potential impact to the CNMI economy if extension were not granted next year following the expiration of the transitional worker program on Dec. 31, 2014. “Foreign workers now hold about 10,000 jobs in the NMI, but only 1,742 local workers are registered with the Commonwealth employment services office as looking for work. Even if every local worker took a job, we would still be 8,000 short. Businesses would close. Investors would take their money elsewhere. The cost of electricity and other basics would rise, because we would have fewer consumers in our economy. And tax revenues would drop, making it harder for the Commonwealth to pay government employees and retirees,” his e-newsletter also stated. Sablan conveyed his gratitude to Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/jim-richardson-selected-superintendent-american-memorial-park | Jim Richardson selected as Superintendent of American Memorial Park | 2013-12-22 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Jim Richardson selected as Superintendent of American Memorial Park Dec 22, 2013 The National Park Service has announced that Jim Richardson will be the new Superintendent of the American Memorial Park on Saipan. Richardson is no stranger to our islands. He was assigned on detail in 2011 to the War in the Pacific Historical Park on Guam and American Memorial Park. More recently, Richardson served as Acting Superintendent at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona. He has 31 years of law enforcement and emergency service duties, including six years as the Chief Ranger at the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California. Richardson replaces Barbara Alberti, who has transferred to the Pacific Regional Office in San Francisco. Congratulations to Superintendent Richardson; and thank you to Ms. Alberti for all of her work over the last several years at American Memorial Park. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/magnuson-stevens-fisheries-act-added-2014-agenda | Magnuson-Stevens fisheries act added to 2014 agenda | 2013-12-21 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Magnuson-Stevens fisheries act added to 2014 agenda Dec 21, 2013 Chairman Doc Hastings (R-Washington) released a draft bill that would reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and asked for public comment. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs, I will be working closely with Natural Resources Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) to shape this important reauthorization. I am also looking into how the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, one of the regional councils set up by Magnuson-Stevens to regulate fishing and manage stocks, is responding to recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office in 2009. Together with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-California), who asked GAO to study the Council’s expenditures in 2008, I asked the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for an update on the Council’s compliance with the changes in contracting practices and other problem areas GAO identified. Reauthorization of Magnuson-Stevens provides an opportunity to improve management of the councils, if needed, as well as to provide further protection for the dwindling fish stocks in the Pacific. I encourage all stakeholders to submit comments to your congressional office at kilili@mail.house.gov and/or to the Natural Resources Committee Majority at magnusonstevens@mail.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-roll-call-names-student-loan-deal-as-one-of-top-8-congressional-accomplishments-for-2013 | ICYMI: Roll Call Names Student Loan Deal as One of Top 8 Congressional Accomplishments for 2013 | 2013-12-21 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | ICYMI: Roll Call Names Student Loan Deal as One of Top 8 Congressional Accomplishments for 2013 Saturday, December 21, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, last Tuesday Roll Call columnist David Hawkings penned an article outlining the major accomplishments and shortcomings of the 113th Congress. In his piece, “Lackluster Final Score for Congress This Year: 8 to 22, Hawkings names this summer’s student loan compromise as one of the top eight “most important things the 113th Congress did.” The agreement to revamp the student loan system was brokered in large part by Senator King along with Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Tom Carper (D-DE), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Lamar Alexander (R-TN). The article can be read by clicking here and is below: Every lawmaker and staffer who’s about to head home for the holidays knows to expect to spend the break answering some version of the same dreaded and derisive question: What’s it like, being a part of the least productive Congress in modern times? Here are two simple numbers for prolonging the uncomfortable conversation: 8 and 22. Assuming the Senate does everything it’s expected to do this week, eight undeniably consequential things actually will have been completed at the Capitol this year. But another 22 relatively big legislative goals — some set by one party, but plenty claimed by both sides — will have been left at various points along the wayside. The narrative’s been set for months: Record gridlock will be the “historic” hallmark affixed to the first session of the 113th Congress. Yes, there are the easy caveats: There are always limits to making laws in a divided government. Some of the most important issues of our time are too complex to solve quickly. Writing legislation is not necessarily the best way to address a national problem. And not all bills are created equal; renaming a post office is, of course, not as credit-worthy as mandating peace in our time. Still, the 10-year extension of the ba… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/defense-bill-divert-limitations-heads-president | Defense bill with divert limitations heads to the President | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Defense bill with divert limitations heads to the President Dec 20, 2013 The 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, setting limits on Air Force development of divert airfield facilities in the Northern Marianas, passed the Senate Thursday and now goes to the President to sign into law. The bill bars expenditure of the $29.3 million, allotted for construction of maintenance and storage buildings and a hazardous cargo pad, until the Air Force reports on all the alternatives considered for the divert field. Congress expects “the Secretary of the Air Force to consult with the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands regarding the location of projects to support divert field operations with the goal of achieving a mutually agreeable solution.” The NDAA also requires the Defense Department to report within 180 days on the feasibility of establishing a National Guard unit for the Northern Marianas, a project I have been working on since 2011. Another important component of the bill is new sexual assault policy for the military. It provides legal counsel for victims, eliminates the statute of limitation for sexual assault-related courts-martial, requires civilian review of cases not prosecuted, and stipulates dishonorable discharge or dismissal for anyone convicted of sexual assault. Military commanders are stripped of their ability to overturn jury convictions; and retaliation against victims will carry criminal penalties. I strongly support efforts to combat sexual assaults in the military and in civilian life. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/top-homeland-security-officials-confirmed-senate | Top Homeland Security officials confirmed by Senate | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Top Homeland Security officials confirmed by Senate Dec 20, 2013 Mr. Jeh Johnson and Mr. Alejandro Mayorkas were confirmed by the U.S. Senate this week to be Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The agency is responsible for immigration, including the ongoing transition in the Northern Mariana Islands and the parole program that is critical to our tourist industry. Johnson is a former General Counsel at the Department of Defense, well versed in national security issues. Mayorkas is currently Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and we have worked together on Marianas issues since day-one of the transition period. He called me on Thanksgiving Day in 2011 to announce his decision to make parole available on a case-by-case basis to persons born in the Northern Marianas between 1974 and 1978, their immediate relatives, and the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, a policy he extended a year later. Mayorkas was also instrumental in responding to my calls for accommodation for foreign workers acting as family care-givers to our man’amko and the disabled. I look forward to working with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Mayorkas to continue making the immigration transition as least difficult as possible for the people and the economy of the Northern Mariana Islands. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/transition-extension-gets-senate-committee-okay | Transition extension gets Senate committee okay | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | The current Commonwealth-only worker and investor programs would be extended until the end of 2019 under terms of an omnibus territories bill approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Washington today. The number of foreign workers in the Northern Mariana Islands would still have to be reduced every year, however, and zeroed-out by December 31, 2019. The 184 foreign investors, who had established businesses in the Northern Marianas prior to 2009 and who now hold Commonwealth-only visas, would be allowed to stay in business, also until the end of 2019. Both the worker and investor programs are presently scheduled to end completely in twelve months. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan thanked Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and his Republican counterpart Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) for today’s action. “I very much appreciate this bipartisan recognition that it is impossible to fill the 10,000 jobs now held by foreign workers with U.S. workers by the end of next year,” Sablan said. “I understand there are only 1,742 U.S. workers now registered with our local employment services office. Even if every one of them took a job, we would still be 8,000 short. Businesses would close. Investors would take their money elsewhere. Tax revenues would drop. And the cost of electricity and other basic necessities would rise, because we would have fewer consumers in our economy.” In addition to adding five years to the ongoing period of transition from local to federal management of immigration in the Northern Marianas, the omnibus territories bill contains eleven other sections. They aim to cut electricity rates in the U.S. insular areas, reduce the local match island governments pay for some federal grants, and help island finance departments improve annual revenue estimates. S.1237 was introduced by Wyden and Murkowski at Sablan’s request on June 27. Sablan authored and introduced a companion bill in the House, H.R. 2200, one month earlier. Congresswomen Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam) and Donna… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/oped/-our-leaders-speak_-king-on-the-benefits-of-an-imperfect-budget | Our leaders speak - King on the benefits of an imperfect budget | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Our leaders speak - King on the benefits of an imperfect budget By: Senator Angus S. King, Jr. Friday, December 20, 2013 This week, for the first time in four years, Congress successfully passed a budget. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 is a two-year budget resolution that finally provides the American people with a measure of certainty regarding our country’s financial situation. The agreement is far from perfect and contains a number of provisions that I would not have included, but despite that I believe it represents an important step forward for this institution and the country. At time when Congressional approval ratings are at an all-time low, it demonstrates that we as lawmakers still have the ability to perform the most basic functions of government. The agreement, brokered by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), represents a true compromise; the type that has been absent from Congress for far too long. They both began their work on the conference committee knowing that no deal was going to make everybody happy. However, after a lengthy process of back and forth negotiations, with each side offering concessions, they were able to reach a middle ground solution that sets our country on a path towards improved economic stability. The bill sets a spending limit for the current fiscal year– almost exactly halfway between the proposed Senate budget level and the proposed House budget level. It partially relieves the sequester over the next two years, which will alleviate the funding pressures on programs such as Meals on Wheels, Head Start, and local housing authorities that serve low-income individuals and families. It maintains important deficit reductions that have already begun and will now continu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-king-praises-passage-of-defense-bill-with-measures-important-to-maine | Sen. King Praises Passage of Defense Bill with Measures Important to Maine | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. King Praises Passage of Defense Bill with Measures Important to Maine Friday, December 20, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), the Senate last night passed the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 84-15. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King helped author the legislation which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and national security programs under the Department of Energy. In addition to provisions that support members of the military and their families, provide for national defense, and combat sexual assault in the military, the bill also contains several policy and funding measures important to Maine’s defense-related industries. “Ensuring that our military men and women are provided the tools, resources, and support they need to protect our country and safeguard our freedoms is one of Congress’s most important responsibilities. This bill meets that fundamental obligation through cost-efficient provisions that support our servicemen and women and their families, provides for our national defense and security, and advances groundbreaking reforms to the military justice system to combat sexual assault in the military,” Senator King said. “The legislation also includes measures that will benefit Maine’s economy and contribute to stable jobs for people in defense-related industries across the state. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I am proud to have played a role in crafting the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, and I am pleased to see it receive such widespread and bipartisan support in the Senate this evening.” The following NDAA provisions are of particular importance to Maine: AUTHORIZATION OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR DDG-51: Senator King worked closely with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, to secure language that provides statutory authority for a $100 million funding increase … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-statement-on-time-warners-decision-to-keep-necn-on-in-maine | Senators Collins, King Statement on Time Warner’s Decision to Keep NECN on in Maine | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Collins, King Statement on Time Warner’s Decision to Keep NECN on in Maine Friday, December 20, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today released this statement following the announcement by Time Warner Cable that it is reversing its decision and will continue to carry New England Cable News (NECN) in Maine. “Our offices heard from many constituents around Maine who were upset that they would lose access to the New England coverage that NECN provides. We are pleased that Time Warner and NECN worked together to reach an agreement that is good for the companies and their customers.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/senate-committee-okays-kiaaina-insular-areas-assistant-secretary | Senate committee okays Kia'aina for Insular Areas Assistant Secretary | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Senate committee okays Kia'aina for Insular Areas Assistant Secretary Dec 19, 2013 Esther Kia’aina has moved a step closer to becoming Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas. On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources gave her the nod after both Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) recognized Ms. Kia’aina as highly qualified and urged Members to support her nomination. President Obama picked Kia’aina to be the next Assistant Secretary in September. Now, the nomination heads to the Senate floor for consideration. I look forward to working with Ms. Kia’aina when she is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-taa-benefits-for-flotation-technologies-workers-in-biddeford | Senators Collins, King Announce TAA Benefits For Flotation Technologies Workers in Biddeford | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Collins, King Announce TAA Benefits For Flotation Technologies Workers in Biddeford Thursday, December 19, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has certified Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for workers at Flotation Technologies in Biddeford. As a result, workers who will become totally or partially separated from employment are eligible for the TAA benefits which include reemployment services and training, as well as job search allowances. “It is certainly devastating for dedicated and hard-working employees, and their families, to lose their jobs through no fault of their own,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “The news that the Department of Labor has approved this application for Trade Adjustment Assistance will be critical to helping ensure that the Flotation Technologies workers and their families get all of the resources they need in the coming months.” Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a program of the Department of Labor that helps workers who have lost their jobs as a result of increased imports or a shift of production outside of the United States. TAA provides these trade-affected workers with a variety of reemployment services and benefits to help them find new jobs and get back to work. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-collins-king-voice-support-for-nomination-of-justice-jon-levy-to-us-district-court-for-maine | Sens. Collins, King Voice Support for Nomination of Justice Jon Levy to U.S. District Court for Maine | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Sens. Collins, King Voice Support for Nomination of Justice Jon Levy to U.S. District Court for Maine Thursday, December 19, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the nomination of Judge Jon D. Levy, of Portland, to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. Levy, who currently serves on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, was nominated for the position by President Obama in mid-September. You can watch Senators Collins’ and King’s remarks below. “I am pleased to join my colleague Senator King in recommending Justice Jon David Levy to serve on the United States District Court for the State of Maine,” said Senator Collins. “Justice Levy’s extensive experience as a state judge and in private practice makes him extremely well qualified for Maine’s federal district court. His contributions to the Maine legal community and the juvenile justice system would give him a valuable perspective as a federal judge. I am confident that if confirmed, Jon Levy will serve the people of Maine and the nation with great intelligence, integrity, and impartiality.” “As Governor I was proud to nominate Judge Levy to both the Maine District Court and the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, and now as Senator, I am honored to enthusiastically support his nomination to the U.S. District Court for Maine,” Senator King said following the hearing. “Jon’s strong legal credentials, his outstanding judicial temperament, and his dazzling intellectual abilities make him a supremely well-qualified candidate for Maine’s federal bench, and I urge my colleagues to fully support his nomination.” As Governor, Senator King nominated Levy to the Maine District Court in 1995 and then the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in 2002. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statement-of-sens-king-warner-shaheen-landrieu-heitkamp-and-kaine-on-white-house-response-on-hardship-exemption | Statement of Sens. King, Warner, Shaheen, Landrieu, Heitkamp, and Kaine on White House Response on Hardship Exemption | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Statement of Sens. King, Warner, Shaheen, Landrieu, Heitkamp, and Kaine on White House Response on Hardship Exemption Thursday, December 19, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Angus King (I-ME), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following joint statement after Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that some individuals who had their health plans cancelled will be automatically eligible for a hardship exemption that allows them to purchase a catastrophic plan on the health insurance marketplace. The Senators raised the issue in a joint letter to Secretary Sebelius on Dec. 19th. In addition, Secretary Sebelius today announced that the Administration has established a dedicated hotline for consumers with cancelled plans at 1-866-837-0677: “We are pleased that the Administration appears to have responded to the concerns we’ve raised. As a result, this clarifies an option that will help those consumers who have had their plans cancelled this year transition more smoothly into the marketplace. We will closely monitor how the Administration implements this option, and we remain committed to proposing responsible solutions.” The Senators’ letter to Secretary Sebelius is available here. Secretary Sebelius’s response is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/this-week-in-washington-king-highlights-budget-ndaa-judgeship-nomination-and-intel-hearing | This Week in Washington: King Highlights Budget, NDAA, Judgeship Nomination, and Intel Hearing | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | This Week in Washington: King Highlights Budget, NDAA, Judgeship Nomination, and Intel Hearing Thursday, December 19, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of his ongoing effort to keep people at home apprised of his work in the nation’s capital, U.S. Senator Angus King took a few minutes to share this week’s accomplishments in the Senate. In his weekly address Senator King discussed: Passage of the 2013 Bipartisan Budget Act which sets a spending limit for the current fiscal year, provides partial relief from the sequester, maintains important deficit reductions, and provides the American people with the sense of economic predictability they deserve and need. His testimony at an open meeting of the Intelligence Committee during which he and other committee members listened to testimony from Ms. Caroline Krass, the President’s nominee to be General Counsel to the CIA. Comments made by Senator Collins and himself in support of Justice Jon Levy, of Portland, to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. His expectations for final passage of the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act and its implications for the state of Maine. The full video of Senator King’s recap can be viewed below. Also, a broadcast quality version of the video can be downloaded here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-passage-of-budget-agreement- | King Applauds Passage of Budget Agreement | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Applauds Passage of Budget Agreement Wednesday, December 18, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the joint House-Senate Budget Conference Committee, released the following statement today after supporting the passage of a two-year budget agreement. “The passage of the budget agreement marks a major step forward for the country, for the economy, and for Congress as a whole. While I do not support every provision and would have preferred to see a larger and more comprehensive agreement like the one I offered in November, I fully recognize that compromises must be made – and should be made – in order to advance the work of the country. “The agreement, although modest in scope, makes important strides in maintaining momentum on deficit reduction, in mitigating the harmful effects of sequestration, and perhaps most importantly, in ending the governing-by-crises style of legislating. As a result, this agreement will introduce much-needed certainty and stability to the budgetary process that I believe will be of substantial benefit to the economy moving forward. “Lastly, in a Congress rife with partisanship, Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Paul Ryan should be praised for their good work in forging a compromise that was able to pass both houses of a divided government. Their determined efforts, coupled with our vote today, demonstrate that Congress can still work for the people. As we head into the new year, it is my hope that this agreement will serve as the foundation for additional bipartisan cooperation and negotiation on other serious issues that merit our attention.” Earlier today, Senator King spoke on the Senate floor in favor of the bipartisan budget agreement. BACKGROUND: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which is the first budget to pass a divided Congress since 1986, will set overall discretionary spending for the current fiscal year at $1.012 trillion – about halfway between the Senate budget level of $1.058 trillion and the Ho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backs-legislation-to-restore-military-cola-benefits-altered-under-budget-conference-agreement | King Backs Legislation to Restore Military COLA Benefits Altered Under Budget Conference Agreement | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Backs Legislation to Restore Military COLA Benefits Altered Under Budget Conference Agreement Wednesday, December 18, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced his support for legislation authored by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) that would safeguard military retirees from changes in cost of living adjustments (COLA) that were included in the bipartisan budget agreement the Senate is expected to pass today. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace the estimated $6 billion in expected savings from military retiree cost of living adjustments with an estimated $6.6 billion raised by eliminating a tax loophole for offshore corporations. “The budget conference agreement will go a long way in helping to provide stability and certainty for our economy, but as with any compromise measure, there are provisions in it that I do not agree with,” Senator King said. “I am particularly concerned with the provision to reduce the annual cost of living adjustment for military retirees of working age. The men and women of our armed forces have earned these benefits through their service to our nation, and we must do all that we can to honor their sacrifice. By reversing the provision approved in the bipartisan budget agreement, and by closing an offshore tax loophole to pay for it, this commonsense legislation will do just that.” The provision within the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 modifies the annual cost of living adjustment for working-age military retirees by making the adjustments equal to inflation minus one percent. The provision would go into effect in December 2015 and is expected to save approximately $6 billion over ten years. At age 62, the retired pay would be adjusted as if the COLA had been the full CPI adjustment in all previous years, and the service members would receive the full COLA from then on. The Military Retirement Restoration Act achieves $6.6 billion in savings by p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-eyes-cw-extension-2019 | Kilili eyes CW extension to 2019 | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Besides asking long-term legal aliens to help the CNMI “get through the transition period,” Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) also said yesterday he now has reason to believe that U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez’s anticipated decision would be to extend the transitional Commonwealth-only worker program beyond Dec. 31, 2014. A U.S. Senate bill that Sablan drafted will be marked up on Thursday, extending the federal immigration transition period only up to 2019. That revised version of the bipartisan S. 1237 would also extend the E2-C program for long-term foreign investors up to 2019, and ensure that the CNMI’s exemption from accepting asylum applications will last until the end of the transition period. The bill that’s up for the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s markup will require the U.S. Department of the Interior to work with the CNMI to help reduce utility rates on the islands, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office to aid the CNMI in the budgeting process to help avoid annual and cumulative deficits. A revised version of S. 1237 is needed because some of its CNMI-specific provisions already became law in recent months, including a delay in the 2013 and 2015 minimum wage increase and conveying 3 miles of submerged lands to the CNMI. ‘Values’ Sablan, a guest speaker at yesterday’s Rotary Club of Saipan meeting at Hyatt Regency Saipan, also put a spotlight on an ongoing petition “that calls for sending all foreign workers back to where they came from by the end of next year,” which he said is just the opposite of the Rotary Club’s values of unity, compassion, and caring for others. “People are looking for ways to divide us. Instead of believing that by working together, by cooperating, by helping each other we can all do better in life—the Rotary values—these people are convinced that they lose when others succeed,” Sablan told Rotary Club members and guests. He said some people “feed the fire of fear that we all sometimes feel that we are being taken advantage of or are … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-support-request-for-trade-adjustment-assistance-for-displaced-workers-from-lincoln-paper-and-tissue | Senators Collins, King Support Request for Trade Adjustment Assistance for Displaced Workers from Lincoln Paper and Tissue | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Collins, King Support Request for Trade Adjustment Assistance for Displaced Workers from Lincoln Paper and Tissue Tuesday, December 17, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a letter sent today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King urged Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez to approve a Petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the 200 workers at Lincoln Paper and Tissue, LLC, who have been displaced as a result of a significant drop in demand due to competition with foreign countries. “TAA assistance is critical to helping workers who have been subjected to layoffs obtain the training and resources they need to pursue alternative job opportunities,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “These dedicated workers, many of whom have worked at the facility throughout their entire careers, lost their jobs as a result of increased imports and foreign competition. In this difficult economic time, we will continue to work together to support the Mainers impacted by this layoff and ensure that they receive the assistance and resources they need.” The purpose of the TAA program is to aid workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages decrease as a result of increased imports. If the TAA petition is approved, displaced Lincoln Paper and Tissue workers will be eligible for employment training in another job or career, income support, job search allowances, and relocation services for individuals who obtain jobs outside of their normal commuting area. The full text of the letter follows: December 17, 2013 The Honorable Thomas E. Perez Secretary United States Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210 Dear Mr. Secretary: We are writing on behalf of 200 workers at Lincoln Paper and Tissue (LPT), LLC, of Lincoln, Maine, who have been displaced as a result of a sudden and significant drop in demand for the mill’s products due to competition with foreign countries. Specifically, we urge your careful consideration … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/pacific-coast-representatives-concerned-about-loggerhead-turtle-catch | Pacific coast Representatives concerned about loggerhead turtle catch | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Pacific coast Representatives concerned about loggerhead turtle catch Dec 16, 2013 Led by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California) thirteen members of the House of Representatives from the Pacific coast have asked for an update on consultations between the United States and Mexico on efforts to protect loggerhead turtles from being caught by mistake. Loggerheads begin their lives off the coast of Japan, then migrate thousands of miles across the Pacific to feed off the coast of California and Mexico. According to a 2013 report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Each year thousands of loggerhead sea turtles die at sea or become stranded after encountering the high density of fishing gear deployed by Mexican fishermen off the West Coast.” NOAA is currently using its authority under the Magnuson-Stevens Act to investigate the Mexican government’s efforts to address the problem. Our letter expresses support for NOAA’s work. The update will be valuable when, early next year, reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act is expected to be on the agenda of the Natural Resources Committee, where I serve as Ranking Member of the subcommittee responsible for oceans and fisheries. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/media/decembers-inside-maine-on-wgan-with-former-senator-alan-simpson-part-2 | December's Inside Maine on WGAN with former Senator Alan Simpson, part 2 | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content December's Inside Maine on WGAN with former Senator Alan Simpson, part 2 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/media/decembers-inside-maine-on-wgan-with-senator-mark-warner-part-1 | December's Inside Maine on WGAN with Senator Mark Warner, part 1 | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content December's Inside Maine on WGAN with Senator Mark Warner, part 1 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/newsletters/december-2013-e-newsletter-constituent-services-edition | December 2013 e-Newsletter: Constituent Services Edition | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. King joins with representatives from the Maine State Society and Wreaths Across America to lay a wreath on the Capitol steps to honor and remember military service members and their families who are separated this holiday season. Sen. King tours the Advanced Structures and Composites Lab at the University of Maine in Orono. King chairs meeting of the Senate Rules Committee. King meets with a constituent at Capitol Coffee. Resources for Constituents In an effort to help Mainers access resources offered by our federal government, I have highlighted a few cost-saving opportunities and support services that have been made available. Please feel free to forward this information along to other agencies or individuals in need of the services described below. In addition, if you need to meet with a constituent services representative please stop by one of our state offices or join us at one of our "Your Government Your Neighborhood" outreach locations. Taxes I have included some resources that will hopefully save you both money and time filing your taxes: The Saver's Credit: Low and moderate-income employees now have an opportunity to save for retirement and earn a special tax credit in 2013 and for future years. Learn more about who is eligible here. For employers: Hire Veterans by Dec 31 and Save on Taxes. If you plan to hire soon, consider hiring veterans. If you do, you may be able to claim the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit worth thousands of dollars. Lear more here. For tax-exempt organizations: The IRS recently produced this user-friendly online form to help folks through the process of applying for their organization's tax exempt status. Check it out here. Veterans Veterans to Receive 1.5% Cost-of-Living Increase in 2014. Veterans, their families, and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs will receive a 1.5% cost-of-living increase in their monthly payments beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/oped/king-on-paying-physicians-through-medicare | King on paying physicians through medicare | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King on paying physicians through medicare By: Senator Angus S. King, Jr. Monday, December 16, 2013 During my first year in the Senate I have been confronted by a variety of issues that are frustrating and difficult to resolve. This includes the rising cost of healthcare and its impact on the federal budget. Congress has tried to manage healthcare costs for decades. As part of this effort, since 1997, payments for Medicare services provided by physicians and certain non-physician practitioners have been made on the basis of a special fee system. The formula was originally intended to rein in the growth of Medicare costs by setting boundaries on physician reimbursement. However, beginning in 2002 the formula has led to annual reductions in Medicare physician payments. Rather than finding a permanent solution to this issue, each year Congress patched the program and postponed these cuts through a series of temporary fixes. These last minute “doc fixes” have resulted in a situation of financial uncertainty for Medicare providers. Imagine the frustration of not knowing until the last minute what you are going to be paid for your services next year. Now the cuts have accumulated to an unsustainable level and unless Congress intervenes, Medicare physician payments will be reduced by about 25 percent on January 1, 2014. In my meetings with physicians, other health care providers, and senior advocates I have been hearing the same request; they all want a permanent fix to this broken fee system. So where does Congress find $140billion for the Doc Fix without cutting essential healthcare services? Last winter I joined my colleague Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Chairman of the Health Care Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/10000-awarded-northern-marianas-protection-and-advocacy-system | $10,000 awarded to the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy System | 2013-12-15 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $10,000 awarded to the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy System Dec 15, 2013 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the award of $10,000 to NMPASI for Traumatic Brain Injury Protection and Advocacy. This grant will support services to individuals with traumatic brain injury, including (1) information, referrals, and advice, (2) individual and family advocacy, (3) legal representation, and (4) specific assistance in self-advocacy. Congratulations to NMPASI. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/oped/reform-militarys-sexual-assault-policies-but-dont-relieve-commanders-of-duty-to-get-it-right | Reform military’s sexual assault policies, but don’t relieve commanders of duty to get it right | 2013-12-15 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Reform military’s sexual assault policies, but don’t relieve commanders of duty to get it right By: Senator Angus S. King, Jr. Sunday, December 15, 2013 On Dec. 6, Caroline Baldacci published an OpEd in which she eloquently describes the problem of sexual assault within our nation’s military. Like Caroline, I agree that any incident of sexual assault in our armed services is unacceptable, that it is not only a stain upon the character of our military but upon our nation as a whole, and that it is necessary for Congress to take serious steps to address the issue. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have been immersed in this issue since entering the Senate in January and, like every member of Congress, I am committed to finding the most comprehensive and effective way to eradicate the problem. I supported the national defense bill reported by our committee that contains the strongest steps ever undertaken by Congress to address the problem of military sexual assault, and I have also spoken in favor of additional amendments that would continue to make significant changes to the military justice system. In fact, legislation I supported would trigger an automatic review of any sexual assault case by the civilian service secretary — the highest ranking official in the service — when a commander overrules the recommendation of a military legal advisor to prosecute that case. Additionally, if a military legal advisor recommends and a commander agrees not to prosecute a sexual assault case, the bill would require the next higher level commander to review that decision. Perhaps most importantly, though, in an effort to protect victims and improve reporting, a provision I supported would criminalize retaliation against a vi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/conferees-get-more-time-finish-farm-bill | Conferees get more time to finish farm bill | 2013-12-14 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Conferees get more time to finish farm bill Dec 14, 2013 We will have to wait until January to see if the $33 million SNAP pilot program for the Northern Mariana Islands and the rest of the 2013 farm bill are enacted into law. As the holiday recess neared without conference committee agreement on the farm bill, H.R. 2642, House Agriculture Committee Chair Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma) convinced the House to pass an extension of the 2008 farm policies effective until the end of January. This extension will give conferees time to complete their work; otherwise the agriculture law enacted in 1949 goes into effect on January 1. The Senate has not yet agreed to the extension, but may vote next week. Key House negotiators say they are close to an agreement and will continue to work through the holidays to ensure that Congress can enact the farm bill in January. Meanwhile, I will continue to work to be sure the Northern Marianas SNAP pilot program is a part of the final conference agreement, so that food stamp benefits for our people are on par with the rest of the United States. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/this-week-in-washington-the-budget-deal-and-the-benefits-of-the-aca- | This Week in Washington: the Budget Deal and the Benefits of the ACA | 2013-12-14 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | This Week in Washington: the Budget Deal and the Benefits of the ACA Saturday, December 14, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his ongoing effort to keep constituents back home up to date with his work in the Senate, U.S. Senator Angus King took a few minutes to discuss this week’s events in Washington. In his recap, Senator King discussed the budget deal that was announced Tuesday evening by Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Paul Ryan. The deal continues the significant deficit reduction of the past three years and provides a much-needed sense of certainty for the economy. On Thursday, Senator King was joined by North Yarmouth resident and former intern, Hannah Dorr, who shared her personal story illustrating the benefits of ACA for children with pre-existing conditions. While he has concerns about certain provisions of the ACA, Senator King emphasized the huge and positive impact the law has already made on the lives of countless people across the county. The full video of Senator King’s weekly recap can be viewed below. A broadcast quality version of the video can also be downloaded here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/house-approves-federal-budget-2014-and-2015 | House approves federal budget for 2014 and 2015 | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | House approves federal budget for 2014 and 2015 Dec 13, 2013 Northern Marianas programs dependent on federal dollars will be spared some of the impact of sequestration over the next two years. On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. The Act provides $63 billion in relief from the across-the-board sequester cuts that hurt Head Start and other federal programs nationwide. 169 Republicans and 163 Democrats voted in favor; 62 Republicans and 32 Democrats voted against. Discretionary spending for fiscal 2014 had been scheduled to go down to $967 billion, but is now set $1.012 trillion for this year and $1.014 trillion for fiscal year 2015. Next week, the Senate is expected to pass the bill; and President Obama has said he will sign it into law. After that, Congress will have to enact appropriations for fiscal 2014. Appropriations are set to expire on January 15. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/oped/maines-home-to-great-inventors-entrepreneurs | Maine's home to great inventors, entrepreneurs | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Maine's home to great inventors, entrepreneurs By: Senator Angus S. King, Jr. Aroostook Republica Friday, December 13, 2013 I am frequently asked what the most limiting factor to innovation and entrepreneurship in Maine is. The truth is that our attitude and imagination are the only limiting factors, but creating a business friendly environment and supportive infrastructure are two important steps to unleashing great ideas here at home. The good news is that there are countless small businesses throughout the state that are adopting new technologies and marketing strategies to help enhance, grow, and expand their operations. I saw this first-hand on my recent trip to Washington County where I met with local business and community leaders to talk about what they are doing, the challenges they face, and what can be done to help promote economic growth. Here are just a few examples of Maine innovators Down East who are helping move our state economy forward: Situated in the St. Croix River Valley along the border between New Brunswick, Canada and Baileyville, Maine, Woodland Pulp Mill has been demonstrating how our traditional industries can adapt to the demands of the 21st century. I was impressed to learn that they have become 100% energy self-sufficient and have successfully incorporated alternative, cleaner energy sources, such as natural gas, into their day-to-day operations. This, and the use of other new technologies, has allowed them to reduce costs and increase profit margins while adhering to environmentally responsible practices that ensure our forests will remain a valuable resource for generations to come. Simi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-exempt-volunteer-first-responders-from-healthcare-mandate | Collins, King Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Exempt Volunteer First Responders from Healthcare Mandate | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Collins, King Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Exempt Volunteer First Responders from Healthcare Mandate Proposal designed to allow localities to retain volunteer first responders Friday, December 13, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King this week introduced bipartisan legislation to help ensure volunteer firefighters and other first responders can continue protecting communities that rely on them. The Protect Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, which is also sponsored by Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Pat Toomey (R-PA), and Mark Begich (D-AK) would amend the Affordable Care Act to make it clear that volunteer emergency service workers are not required to be counted as full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) for purposes of healthcare coverage. Approximately 750,000 volunteer firefighters serve in 20,000 all-volunteer and 5,000 combination career-volunteer fire departments throughout the United States. In Maine, there are an estimated 405 fire departments throughout the state that are either mostly staffed or all staffed by volunteers. Some volunteer firefighters are nominally paid, and most volunteer first responders have other full-time employment. Many emergency response agencies do not have the resources to provide pay or benefits to volunteers and most volunteer first responders do not expect to receive compensation or health coverage as a result of their volunteer public service. “Maine boasts one of the highest percentages of volunteer and on-call firefighters in the nation, and these brave men and women play a vital role in keeping our communities safe each and every day,” Senator Collins said. “It is unacceptable that an undue burden could be placed on volunteer fire departments across the country, and it is imperative that this ambiguity in the law be clarified and fixed.” “Hundreds of small towns in Maine and thousands more across the nation rely on volunteer firefighters and other e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/nmi-national-guard-study-authorized | Defense bill calls for mutual agreement on divert field location | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | NMI National Guard study authorized The conference committee ironing out differences between the U.S. House and Senate on the National Defense Authorization Act for 2014 has set limits on Air Force development of divert airfield facilities in the Northern Mariana Islands. Statutory language in Section 2305 of the bill, H.R. 1960, will bar any expenditure of funds until the Air Force reports to Congress on various alternatives considered for the divert-field operations. In addition, report language accompanying the bill notes the concerns of the Governor of the Northern Marianas with regard to whether the operations will be located on the island of Tinian or Saipan and calls for a mutually agreeable resolution to that issue. “I have been in active discussion with the Armed Services Committee regarding the location of the divert field,” said Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, “and how to make sure that all of our local concerns are addressed by the Air Force. “The requirements that Congress now seems likely to approve in the Defense Authorization Act will help ensure that all sides of this issue are considered fully.” The National Defense Authorization Act for 2014 is expected to be brought to the House floor for a vote this week and to the Senate the week after. The divert field will provide an alternative in the event that aircraft cannot be landed at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam because of natural disaster or military conflict. Construction of a maintenance facility, a hazardous cargo pad, and an airport storage facility are among the planned developments on either Tinian or Saipan. Both those islands have existing runways capable of handling large military aircraft. The Defense Authorization Act provides $29.3 million for the projects: $2.8 million for the mainteance facility, $8 million for the hazardous cargo pad, and $18.5 million for bulk storage at the airport. “Governor Inos – and I fully agree with him on this – has expressed the view that Tinian is a preferable location,” Sablan said. “The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/sen-king-and-hannah-dorr-of-north-yarmouth-highlight-benefits-of-affordable-care-act-for-people-with-pre-existing-conditions | Sen. King and Hannah Dorr of North Yarmouth Highlight Benefits of Affordable Care Act for People with Pre-Existing Conditions | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Thursday, December 12, 2013 Sen. King and Hannah Dorr of North Yarmouth Highlight Benefits of Affordable Care Act for People with Pre-Existing Conditions Videos of both the Senator’s remarks and Hannah Dorr’s remarks have been included below: A complete transcript of Senator King’s remarks: I'm here because bad news gets halfway around the world before good news gets its shoes on. And all we hear is bad news and all we hear are examples of people that are having problems. But the quiet good news is that literally millions of Americans, for the first time, have been able to access quality healthcare at a reasonable price. And it's almost impossible to convey in words what that means to these families; people who have literally lived their lives with a cloud of not being able to having insurance to cover their children or themselves because they've had some healthcare issues in the past. I have two personal stories, and I think the fact that we all virtually have personal stories tells you how widespread the impact of this is. It's not just a few people, it's not somebody in Peoria or California, it's people right here in this building. 40 years ago I was fortunate enough to have a good healthcare coverage that included free physicals. And because of that, at the age of 28 or 29, I went in to have a routine physical, my first in 9 years. In the course of that routine physical, which was part of my healthcare coverage, which by the way is now preventive care that's provided under the Affordable Care Act to everyone, it was determined that I had a rare and aggressive form of cancer called malignant melanoma. And the thing about malignant melanoma is that you either get it in time and live, or you don't and you die. And I was fortunate enough that it was caught in time, I had surgery and fully recovered - here I am. But it has haunted me ever since that somewhere in America, that same year, was a young man or a young woman who didn'… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-king-and-hannah-dorr-of-north-yarmouth-highlight-benefits-of-affordable-care-act-for-children-with-pre-existing-conditions | Sen. King and Hannah Dorr of North Yarmouth Highlight Benefits of Affordable Care Act for Children with Pre-Existing Conditions | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. King and Hannah Dorr of North Yarmouth Highlight Benefits of Affordable Care Act for Children with Pre-Existing Conditions Thursday, December 12, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today stood beside Hannah Dorr, a native of North Yarmouth, Maine, to highlight how up to 17 million children with pre-existing conditions – including thousands in Maine – can no longer be denied health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act. “The quiet good news is that literally millions of Americans for the first time have been able to access quality healthcare at a reasonable price, and it’s almost impossible to convey in words what that means to these families – people who have literally lived their lives with a cloud of not being able to have insurance to cover their children or themselves because they’ve had some healthcare issues in the past,” Senator King said. “Disease is no respecter of social class or economics or anything else, and that’s why we need to be able to provide this type of coverage to all of our citizens.” Hannah Dorr, a 22-year-old native of North Yarmouth and a former intern in Senator King’s Washington, D.C. office, joined him to share her story of how her pre-existing condition has impacted her life. At the age of 16, Hannah was diagnosed with a rare, progressive, genetic heart disease called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia, or ARVD, but thanks to the Affordable Care Act, she is now able to stay on her parents’ insurance until age 26 and cannot be denied health insurance coverage because of her heart condition. “I think the scariest part for my parents was the uncertainty of how I was going to afford insurance later in life with a preexisting condition. For me, going into the individual market before the Affordable Care Act would mean astronomically high premiums and cost-sharing that would be outside of my means, and caring for my disease would fall by the wayside,” Hannah said. “The Affordable Care Act not only allows me t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-shipping-proposal-could-affect-costs-goods-nmi | Kilili: Shipping proposal could affect costs of goods in NMI | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) joined five other members of U.S. Congress in asking the Federal Maritime Commission to carefully review a proposed vessel sharing deal that could affect the costs of goods in Hawaii and other Pacific territories such as the CNMI. The three largest shipping companies in the world—Maersk Line, MSC, and CMA-CGM—announced the creation of a new vessel sharing agreement, the P3 Alliance. Given its current makeup, the P3 Alliance will control 58 percent of vessels with greater than 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit capacity and 80 percent of vessels over 16,000 TEU. The six U.S. Congress members—Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, Rep. Don Young, Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Donna Christensen, American Samoa Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, and Sablan—said they neither support nor oppose the P3 Alliance concept at this time. “Yet, the State of Hawaii and the Pacific territories rely more heavily on ocean shipping for food, medicine, fuel, and other life-sustaining goods than perhaps any other region of these United States,” the lawmakers told Federal Maritime Commission chair Mario Cordero in a Dec. 4 letter. Along with the other Pacific area representatives who signed the letter to the FMC chairman, Sablan said he took no position on whether the commission should approve the proposed P3 Alliance. “Together the combination would control 58 percent of large, ocean-going cargo carriers. Pacific areas are particularly dependent on ocean shipping to provide basic commodities, and the Alliance could exert considerable influence on pricing and availability of goods. We have asked the commission to fully consider the effects of the proposed P3 Alliance,” Sablan said. https://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=152216 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-praises-budget-conference-announcement | King Praises Budget Conference Announcement | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Praises Budget Conference Announcement Tuesday, December 10, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the joint House-Senate Budget Conference Committee, praised an announcement this evening by Senator Patty Murray and Committee Chairman Paul Ryan that they have reached a two-year budget agreement in advance of the budget conference’s December 13th deadline: “The announcement of a budget agreement by Senator Murray and Congressman Ryan represents a significant and desperately-needed victory for compromise and bipartisanship in a Congress that has been plagued by extreme gridlock,” Senator King said. “While there are provisions within the deal that I do not agree with, I understand that in order to move forward and best serve the nation, compromises must be made. I urge my colleagues to recognize that, although the deal is not perfect, it is a step in the right direction.” The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 would set overall discretionary spending for the current fiscal year at $1.012 trillion – about halfway between the Senate budget level of $1.058 trillion and the House budget level of $967 billion. The agreement would provide $63 billion in sequester relief over two years, split evenly between defense and non-defense programs. In fiscal year 2014, defense discretionary spending would be set at $520.5 billion, and non-defense discretionary spending would be set at $491.8 billion. The sequester relief is fully offset by savings elsewhere in the budget. The agreement includes dozens of specific deficit-reduction provisions, with mandatory savings and non-tax revenue totaling approximately $85 billion. The agreement would reduce the deficit by between $20 and $23 billion. The House of Representatives is expected to take up the Bipartisan Budget Act first, followed by the Senate. If this bill is signed into law, the appropriations committees will then be able to work on spending bills at an agreed-upon level in advance of the January 15th dead… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/white-house-summer-internships-open | White House Summer Internships open | 2013-12-09 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | White House Summer Internships open Dec 9, 2013 The White House has announced that applications are open for the 2014 Summer Internship Program. White House interns gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills in a remarkable environment. An applicant must be a US citizen, 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship, and either currently enrolled or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university. Veterans of the US Armed Forces, who have a high school diploma or its equivalent and have served on active duty in the two years preceding the first day of the internship, are also eligible. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2014. More information is available here, and to apply go to White House Internship Program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/we-mark-sadness-passing-nelson-mandela | We mark with sadness the passing of Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-07 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | We mark with sadness the passing of Nelson Mandela Dec 7, 2013 We mark with sadness the passing of Nelson Mandela, who led South Africa from a state of division and oppression to become a rainbow nation. “We are turning the variety of our languages and cultures, once used to divide us, into a source of strength and richness,” he declared, as South Africa’s first President, elected by all. And he sounded this ideal of common humanity beyond the borders of his own country. Accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, Mandela called for “a society which recognises that all people are born equal, with each entitled in equal measure to life, liberty, prosperity, human rights and good governance.” His allegiance to this principle of equality cost the great man 27 years behind bars, which President Obama remembered in a eulogy yesterday, repeating Mandela’s own words from the prisoner’s dock: “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Though Nelson Mandela has passed on, let us all keep his ideal alive. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/fukushima-marine-debris-addressed | Fukushima marine debris addressed | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Fukushima marine debris addressed Dec 6, 2013 $50,000 has been set aside to clean up any debris from the Fukushima tsunami that comes ashore in the Northern Mariana Islands. The Government of Japan gave $5 million to the United States last year to help with the problem. $1.75 million has been allocated so far among the US Pacific coast areas. The Natural Resources Committee is also addressing the issue of marine debris legislatively. On Thursday we approved two bills amending the Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act, which I cosponsored in the last Congress. H.R. 1491 provides statutory authority for distribution of the Fukushima grant from Japan. H.R. 1425 allows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to give priority to severe marine debris events, such as the tsunami or Hurricane Sandy, and redistribute existing Marine Debris Program funds to where they are most needed. Governors would be authorized to request declaration of a severe marine debris event. Marine debris is an eyesore and an environment hazard. 10,290 pounds of the trash was collected along the shores of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota in September during the 28th annual International Beach Cleanup. Thanks to all the volunteers who are keeping our islands beautiful. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/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 | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies Friday, December 6, 2013 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 (note some students received a nomination to more than one academy): United States Naval Academy – Annapolis Name Home Town High School Laura Broderick Kennebunkport Kennebunk High School Emily Cox Topsham Mount Ararat High School Tyler Davidson South Berwick Marshwood High School Angus Ferrell Falmouth Falmouth High School Jacob Fogel Portland Portland High School Grace Harrison Lincolnville Camden Hills Regional High School John Harrison Bar Harbor Marine Academy of Science & Technology Wyatt Hart Lebanon Noble High School Molly McAleer Orono … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-send-letter-to-secretary-shinseki-supporting-continuation-of-the-arch-program-in-caribou | Senators Collins and King Send Letter to Secretary Shinseki Supporting Continuation of the ARCH Program in Caribou | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Collins and King Send Letter to Secretary Shinseki Supporting Continuation of the ARCH Program in Caribou Friday, December 6, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Aging Committee and one of the top Republicans on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Angus King have sent a letter to Secretary Eric Shinseki of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which requests that the VA indefinitely extend the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) pilot program in Caribou. “Maine has one of the highest ratios in the nation of veterans to overall population, and in a large, rural state like Maine, it is critically important that the VA goes the extra mile to see that our veterans have access to and receive the treatment they need and deserve,” said Senator Collins. “For veterans in northern Maine, a one-way drive to the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta can take four hours or more to complete. Especially for our ailing and elderly veterans, such a trip can be physically taxing, painful, or detrimental to their health, and we must do all that we can to improve access to health care they receive through the VA.” “For generations, Mainers have proudly and honorably shouldered the heavy responsibility of defending our country, and as a result, our state today is home to more veterans per capita than most other states. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that we provide these men and women the highest quality care and support that our country can offer,” Senator King said. “In a rural state like Maine, however, accessing vital and deserved healthcare resources can be both physically and logistically challenging for our veterans, especially those who are disabled or elderly. That’s why it’s so important the VA continue outreach programs, like the ARCH initiative in Caribou, that bring these critical care and support services directly to their communities.” According to information prov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-nearly-74-million-contract-modification-for-bath-iron-works | Collins, King Announce Nearly $74 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Collins, King Announce Nearly $74 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works Thursday, December 5, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that the U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics’ Bath Iron Works (BIW) a contract modification worth $73,913,646. This is a continuation of BIW’s longstanding planning yard contracts to support the DDG-51 class destroyers and FFG-7 class frigates. The modified contract calls for BIW to provide expert design, planning, and material support services for planned and emergent availabilities for both ship classes. “We are pleased that the Navy chose to modify BIW’s contract, which will allow the highly-skilled workforce at the Bath shipyard to continue to make important improvements to the ships responsible for the future of our national security,” said Senators Collins and King. The work will be performed in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be completed by December 2016. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-death-of-nelson-mandela | King Statement on the Death of Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Statement on the Death of Nelson Mandela Thursday, December 5, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement today on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “I join with Mainers, Americans, and people across the globe in mourning the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela. “With his passing today, the world loses one of its greatest and most revered leaders. He was a man of extraordinary character whose courage, compassion, and vision led a deeply divided South Africa out of the age of apartheid and into an age of peace. His words and deeds not only captured the hearts of his people, but inspired millions more across the world, as they still do today, to stand in abiding solidarity with one another. Indeed, Nelson Mandela embodied the finest and most noble qualities of the human spirit and he shall forever be remembered for it. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of South Africa as we share in their sorrow and mourn in their loss.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/gdp-down-then-2011-and-2012 | GDP down, then up for 2011 and 2012 | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that Gross Domestic Product in the Northern Mariana Islands decreased 6.8 percent in 2011, then increased 5.2 percent in 2012. The 2012 GDP remained, however, below the 2010 level. In 2010 GDP ticked up 1.1 percent following six straight years of declines. “The 2010 turn-around was largely the result of federal government grants to the Commonwealth and individuals from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan observed. “And that spending seemed to have halted the freefall in our economy. “The 2011 and 2012 data are sending an unclear message about just where we are headed. Though, of course, we all we want to believe that the strong growth in 2012 was the beginning of a trend that will continue.” GDP—a sum of spending by consumers, government, and business—fell from over $1.2 billion in 2002 to $593 million in 2012, now the most recent year for which data is available. In its announcement today the Bureau of Economic Analysis cited fluctuations in tourism as well as local government austerity measures as significant contributors to the ups and downs in GDP in 2011 and 2012. The drop in tourism was attributed to the earthquake and tsunami that struck northern Japan in March 2011. “Being largely dependent on one industry, tourism, makes our economy vulnerable to external factors,” Sablan said. “That is why it is so important that we diversify the sources of our tourism. When one of the countries that sends us tourists suffers a problem, tourists from other countries will not replace the loss. But at least our economy will have some cushion. “This is why we have to work hard to maintain the parole system that makes it easy for tourists from Russia and China to visit us.” “Looking at GDP should also remind us of the importance of keeping our population numbers up. Consumer spending is the bulk of GDP. Losing population, whether it is because people leave to find more opportunity or because of changes in immigration, hu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-king-highlights-affordable-care-act-successes-in-maine | King Highlights Affordable Care Act Successes in Maine | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Highlights Affordable Care Act Successes in Maine Despite rocky rollout, new health care law is supporting better care practices and cost-saving measures like preventive care Monday, December 2, 2013 PORTLAND, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King joined today with a network of healthcare providers from MaineHealth, as well as a group of students from East End Community School in Portland, to promote some of the little-noted ways in which the Affordable Care Act is having a positive impact in Maine. Senator King, who supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) but has been critical of the flawed rollout of the federal exchange website, met with representatives from Maine’s largest family of not-for-profit health care providers, MaineHealth, to discuss the marked success of the group’s Accountable Care Organization (ACO). ACOs, which are incentivized under the ACA through several programs including the Medicare Shared Savings Program, attempt to facilitate coordination and cooperation among health care providers in order to improve the quality of care and reduce unnecessary costs. Specifically, ACO arrangements provide financial incentives for providers to improve quality and reduce costs by providing the payment reform necessary to invest in improved value of care for patients. Senator King also visited East End Community School in Portland, where he observed students participate in Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0, a nationally-recognized childhood obesity prevention program aimed at increasing physical activity and healthy eating habits for students from birth to age eighteen. Let's Go! works to reach families where they live, study, work and play by focusing on six areas – school, afterschool, childcare, workplace, community and healthcare – and emphasizes a “5-2-1-0 message” (5 or more fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity and 0 sugary drinks, more water and low fat milk a day). The Affordable Care Act invests heavily … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/2014-congressional-summer-internship-opportunity-beckons | 2014 Congressional summer internship opportunity beckons | 2013-11-30 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | 2014 Congressional summer internship opportunity beckons Nov 29, 2013 I received word this week that there are no applicants from the Northern Mariana Islands for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s summer 2014 Congressional Internship Program. So, if you are a college student from the NMI, I encourage you to consider applying. Selection is competitive; but the reward is a 12-week paid internship in the office of a Member of Congress with training in legislation, constituent casework, and legislative research. Interns also participate in a community service project and receive educational and professional training from the Institute. The program pays for round-trip travel to Washington D.C., housing, health insurance, and provides a $2,500 stipend. I became a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in part to open the door to this kind of opportunity, so I hope NMI students will look at all the internships, fellowships, and scholarships that CHCI has to offer. See an information packet here. And for more information about summer 2014 Congressional Internship go to https://www.chci.org/internships/. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/inos-kilili-offer-dhs-specific-ways-curb-birth-tourism | Inos, Kilili offer DHS specific ways to curb birth tourism | 2013-11-29 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Seven months after jointly raising “birth tourism” concerns with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) sent another letter to DHS early this week but this time with specific suggestions to curb the problem such as requiring “all” airlines flying to the CNMI to adopt the pre-screening and other strategies that charter tour flights have developed to deter travel to the islands for the sole purpose of giving birth to an automatic U.S. citizen. Many of those who come to Saipan solely for birth tourism—mostly from China—do so by boarding a signatory airline, Asiana Airlines, and not through charter tour flights. Asiana Airlines picks up passengers from Korea. This is because charter companies that fly directly between China and the CNMI “proactively screen” their passengers to ensure compliance with parole conditions such as travel for the authorized purpose of tourism and on-time departure, the governor and delegate said. Since 2009, tourists from China and Russia are allowed to visit the CNMI without a U.S. visa pursuant to the DHS secretary’s use of parole authority. Inos and Sablan said record of experience shows that companies operating charter tour flights have been most successful in ensuring that tourists meet the parole program’s requirements. “As far as we know from industry data, these charter operators have a low rate of entry refusal and a high rate of timely departure,” Inos and Sablan said in their joint Nov. 25 letter to DHS acting secretary Rand Beers. A copy of the letter was made available only yesterday, although Sablan confirmed a letter was forthcoming, during an interview last Sunday. The federal government, through DHS and its component agencies, now control CNMI borders. The governor and the delegate said while only DHS has the official entry and exit data with which to evaluate the record industry-wide, what appears true for the charter tour flights many not hold for all airlines providing services for Chinese tourists to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/happy-thanksgiving | Happy Thanksgiving | 2013-11-28 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | What a profound idea President Lincoln had when setting aside a day for all of us to remember what we have to be thankful for. It is so quick and easy to say thanks, but it is so easy to forget the importance of that simple action. So today I would like to say thank you: ...To our brave men and women in the military and to our military families, to our veterans, to our police officers and fire officers, for they risk their lives daily to protect us and to save the lives of others; ...To our teachers, who work hard to educate and train our students to prepare them for our future; ...To my critics, who force me to think harder about my positions, to see if I may be missing something, and, thus, help me work better and smarter in service to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands; ...To my wife, Andrea, who, despite my absence from home over half the year, working in Washington, continues to hold our family together; ...To my Dad, who has now passed on, but whom I am just so blessed to have had as a loving, kind, and generous Father for 58 years; and ...To all who have entrusted me to represent them in Congress and given me the opportunity to make life better for everyone in our Commonwealth. May you enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving today with family and friends. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/oped/many-steps-needed-to-keep-people-warm-this-winter | Many steps needed to keep people warm this winter | 2013-11-28 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Many steps needed to keep people warm this winter By: Senator Angus S. King, Jr. Thursday, November 28, 2013 The days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, and families across the state are preparing for the cold months ahead. As winter arrives, a large portion of Mainers’ incomes will be devoted to keeping warm. With each passing year, the cost of heating rises and for many families a higher heating bill means making difficult decisions. Families may be forced to choose between staying warm and other necessities like food or medicine. In Congress, I’ve been tackling this issue on two fronts: by working to reduce heating costs and to maintain adequate funding for programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Mainers who rely on heating oil are often those who must shoulder the greatest financial burden. Home heating oil is expensive, the price is volatile, and its emissions are harmful to our natural environment. That’s why I’ve been encouraging the transition away from oil, toward renewable and domestic energy sources like biomass, wind, solar, and natural gas. This year, Senator Susan Collins and I introduced legislation to promote the economic and environmental benefits of biomass thermal energy. The Biomass Thermal Utilization Act of 2013 amends the tax code so that thermal biomass systems receive the same tax incentives as other renewable energy technologies. Biomass systems, such as wood pellet boilers, offer a local and efficient way to generate heat, save money, and invest in our state. I know this is just a first step in helping keep people warm during the winter. As cost-saving opportunities offered by gas and alternative energy sources continue to evolve, cold winters remain a serious chall… | 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-geneva-jean-michaud | King Statement on the Passing of Geneva “Jean” Michaud | 2013-11-27 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Statement on the Passing of Geneva “Jean” Michaud Wednesday, November 27, 2013 BRUNSWICK, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement today on the passing of Geneva “Jean” Michaud, mother of Congressman Mike Michaud: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jean Michaud, who by all accounts was a warm and loving woman, and whose kindness and generosity touched the lives of those fortunate to know her. “Indeed, all who knew Jean recall with great fondness her sense of humor, her love of politics and public service, and her unflagging desire to help others. Her devotion to her friends, to her community, and above all, to her beloved family is and always will be a testament to her extraordinary character. Maine has certainly lost a dear friend today. “My thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Michaud and his entire family during this difficult time.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/5-us-service-academy-slots-available-%E2%80%93-apply-nomination-today | 5 U.S. Service Academy slots available – Apply for nomination today | 2013-11-25 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | 5 U.S. Service Academy slots available – Apply for nomination today Nov 25, 2013 Young men and women from the Northern Marianas interested in a high quality education and committed to serving our country are urged to apply for a congressional nomination to one of the U.S. Service Academies. As a result of enactment of U.S. Public Law 111-84, there are four openings available this year: one at the Military Academy at West Point, one at the Air Force Academy and two at the Naval Academy. There is also one position open at the Merchant Marine Academy. Attending a service academy is a unique opportunity to obtain a first-rate college education entirely free. Graduates also earn the honor of receiving an officer’s commission in the U.S. Armed Forces. As your Congressman, I may make nominations, but final selections among the nominees are made by academy admission officials. They look for strong grades in high school, high SAT or ACT scores, physical ability, and leadership potential. More information and an application form are available at https://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations. Applications are due by December 13, 2013. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-reduce-regulatory-burden-on-maine-grocery-and-convenience-stores- | King Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Regulatory Burden on Maine Grocery and Convenience Stores | 2013-11-25 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Regulatory Burden on Maine Grocery and Convenience Stores Monday, November 25, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King, along with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), introduced legislation last week that would free grocery stores and other covered food establishments from the regulatory burdens of a poorly interpreted menu-labeling provision within the Affordable Care Act. Specifically, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2013 would limit the scope of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement a chain restaurant menu labeling provision mandated by the new healthcare law. Signed into law in March 2010, the Affordable Care Act includes a provision that calls for a national, uniform nutrition-disclosure standard for foodservice establishments, originally intended for restaurants. Regulations implementing this provision released in 2011 by the FDA, however, also unexpectedly incorporated grocery and convenience stores. In addition, the proposed rule created rigid requirements that pose an unreasonable burden on many businesses by requiring them to provide calorie information for whole menu items, irrespective of the number of servings in the product delivered to customers. For example, pizza establishments would have to label their pizzas per whole pie rather than per slice. Additionally, many grocery and convenience stores, including many across Maine, offer food bars that would be impacted by the proposed rule. Senator King’s bill would codify a less burdensome approach to menu-labeling by allowing covered establishments greater flexibility in providing calorie information. Under the bill, covered establishments could present calorie information through one of several approaches, including: for the whole product the number of servings and the number of calories per serving the number of calories per the common unit of division “Grocers, restaurants, and food providers across Maine are already struggl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/article/our-view-filibuster-reform-right-move-for-senate | Our View: Filibuster reform right move for Senate | 2013-11-23 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Our View: Filibuster reform right move for Senate Most Americans want action, not dysfunction, from Washington. By: Press Herald Editorial Board Saturday, November 23, 2013 If there was a single issue that really mattered in the last U.S. Senate race in Maine, it was anger over the dysfunction in Washington. Independent Angus King ran on a promise to work with both parties, and to challenge the rules of the Senate that give a minority of senators the ability to stop the other branches of government from doing their jobs. Pundits said that you can’t build a campaign around “process” instead of policy, but King won with 53 percent of the vote, no mean trick for a non-party candidate in a three-way race. Maine voters got what they asked for Thursday when King voted with most Democrats to change the Senate rules to allow an up-or-down vote for every executive branch appointment and judicial nomination for courts other than the Supreme Court. This has been described as a “nuclear” attack, a “naked power grab” by Democrats that jettisons centuries of tradition. But it’s not. It is a much-needed correction for an institution that was not functioning. With congressional approval ratings in the single digits, this was no time to stick with business as usual. It’s not surprising that most of the criticism comes from Republican senators, who say this will change the way the body has operated for centuries. “This is contrary to not only the long-standing rules of the Senate but our traditions of respecting minority (party) rights,” said Maine Sen. Susan Collins. But it is what the Republicans have been doing in the Senate over the last four-and-a-half years that is the real aberration, and the new Senate … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-135000-for-damariscotta-mills-fish-ladder-restoration-project- | Collins, King Announce $135,000 for Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration Project | 2013-11-23 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Collins, King Announce $135,000 for Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration Project Saturday, November 23, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Nobleboro Historical Society has been awarded a $135,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support the Final Phase of the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration project. “Fish ladders play an indispensable role maintaining the balance of our marine ecosystem as well as the health of our lakes, rivers, and streams,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “This grant will help support our fishing communities by strengthening the local food chains that they depend on. Enabling alewives, and other feeder fish, to access spawning grounds is an important step in that process. We are pleased to support the community effort to restore and improve this historic fish ladder. It is a wonderful local attraction where families from all over Maine can experience one of nature’s most spectacular events when the fish run every spring.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/another-69m-water-and-sewer-money-cuc-17m-deq-operations | Another $6.9m in water and sewer money for CUC; $1.7m for DEQ operations | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Another $6.9m in water and sewer money for CUC; $1.7m for DEQ operations Nov 22, 2013 The change we won in 2010 to increase drinking water and wastewater construction grants continues to pay off year after year. The Environmental Protection Agency announced $6.9 million in water and sewer grants to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation this week. Before we got the funding formula changed the Commonwealth was only receiving about $1 million a year. Since the increase we have received $37 million; and Saipan has reached the goal of 24-hour water in many areas. The Commonwealth’s Division of Environmental Quality – part of the newly formed Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality – was also awarded this week $1.7 million to carry out its operations, including beach monitoring, permitting, and other environmental protection programs. Thanks to all the staff and management at CUC and the new Bureau for improving our water system and protecting our environment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/this-week-in-washington-filibuster-reform-ndaa-and-sec-hagels-visit-to-biw | This Week in Washington: Filibuster Reform, NDAA, and Sec. Hagel’s visit to BIW | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | This Week in Washington: Filibuster Reform, NDAA, and Sec. Hagel’s visit to BIW Friday, November 22, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his ongoing effort to keep people at home up to date with his work in the Senate, U.S. Senator Angus King took a few minutes to highlight this week’s events in Washington. In his recap, Senator King discussed: - His recent vote in support of filibuster reform, which reflects his belief that judicial and executive nominees, excluding Supreme Court nominees, deserve an up-or-down vote in the Senate regardless of what party is in the majority or controls the White House. - His work on the National Defense Authorization Act, which contains several provisions designed to support Maine’s shipbuilding and footwear industries. - Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s visit to BIW, following invitations from Senator King and Senator Collins. The full video of Senator King’s weekly recap can be viewed below. A broadcast quality version of the video can also be downloaded here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/sec-hagel-visits-bath-iron-works | Sec. Hagel Visits Bath Iron Works | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Thursday, November 21, 2013 Sec. Hagel Visits Bath Iron Works On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel visited Bath Iron Works to witness firsthand the shipyard's immeasurable value and significant contributions to our Navy and national defense. The men and women at BIW are among the finest shipbuilders in the world. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to building the highest quality ships is unparalleled. While visiting the facility, Sec. Hagel had an opportunity to tour the recently launched USS Zumwalt, the first DDG-1000. Department of Defense photos of his tour can be viewed here. For more information see below: Hagel Visits First Zumwalt-class Destroyer By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service BATH, Maine, Nov. 21, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the not-yet-launched Zumwalt-class destroyer he toured here today “represents the cutting edge of our naval capabilities.” The ship, now known as the Pre-Commissioning Unit, or PCU, Zumwalt, will become the USS Zumwalt, named for former Navy Adm. Elmo Zumwalt. Officials said the ship is about a year away from joining the fleet. Now littered with large protective crates storing systems not yet installed, the ship is being fitted with new automated systems. The Zumwalt, Navy officials explained, has highly accurate long-range weapons, an impressive power generation capability and a design emphasizing “stealthy” radar-defeating materials and shapes. The ship will be home ported in San Diego, Hagel noted, and it “represents an important shift … in America’s interests to the Asia-Pacific,” he told a mixed crowd of sailors, government civilians and General Dynamics employees assembled near where the ship is docked. Hagel thanked General Dynamics and its workforce at Bath Iron Works, which will produce all three of the Zumwalt-class ships planned for production. The secretary called the facility “a magnificent institution that’s been part of the security of t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/staying-warm-this-winter | Staying Warm this Winter | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Thursday, November 21, 2013 Staying Warm this Winter by Senator Angus King The days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, and families across the state are preparing for the cold months ahead. As winter arrives, a large portion of Mainers’ incomes will be devoted to keeping warm. With each passing year, the cost of heating rises and for many families a higher heating bill means making difficult decisions. Families may be forced to choose between staying warm and other necessities like food or medicine. In Congress, I’ve been tackling this issue on two fronts: by working to reduce heating costs and to maintain adequate funding for programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Mainers who rely on heating oil are often those who must shoulder the greatest financial burden. Home heating oil is expensive, the price is volatile, and its emissions are harmful to our natural environment. That’s why I’ve been encouraging the transition away from oil, towards renewable and domestic energy sources like biomass, wind, solar, and natural gas. This year, Senator Susan Collins and I introduced legislation to promote the economic and environmental benefits of biomass thermal energy. The Biomass Thermal Utilization Act of 2013 amends the tax code so that thermal biomass systems receive the same tax incentives as other renewable energy technologies. Biomass systems, such as wood pellet boilers, offer a local and efficient way to generate heat, save money, and invest in our state. I know this is just a first step in helping keep people warm during the winter. As cost-saving opportunities offered by gas and alternative energy sources continue to evolve, cold winters remain a serious challenge for our state’s most vulnerable families. In the face of persistently high energy prices, it is essential that we have in place adequate home heating safety nets for who need them mos… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-vote-to-alter-filibuster-rule | King Statement on Vote to Alter Filibuster Rule | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Statement on Vote to Alter Filibuster Rule Thursday, November 21, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement today after voting in support of a rule change that alters the filibuster to allow for a majority vote threshold on executive and judicial nominations, except those to the Supreme Court: “I entered the Senate with significant concern for the way the filibuster was being continually, and in my belief, inappropriately, used to stall judicial and executive nominations and prevent legislation from moving forward. Over the past eleven months in office, and despite several earlier informal agreements brokered to ameliorate the problem, I believe the abuse of the filibuster has only grown worse, most recently with repeated partisan objections to a series of the President’s nominees to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. “It is important to me to go back to the language of the Constitution on this question. Article II, Section 2, defines the President’s power to enter into treaties, make executive and judicial nominations, and identifies the role of the Senate in this process. Significantly, this provision specifies that the President’s power to enter into treaties must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate, while in the same sentence, no such super-majority requirement is imposed in connection with presidential appointments. I believe that today’s action is more fully consistent with the terms of the Constitution than the previous extra-Constitutional practice which imposed a super-majority requirement for these nominations. “My support of the rule change was not an easy decision to reach, but it reflects my belief that these nominees deserve an up-or-down vote by the Senate, regardless of which party is in the majority or which party controls the White House, and that a structural adjustment was necessary in order for that to occur and for the Senate to function better as an institution. It is important to underscore that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-welcome-defense-secretary-to-bath-iron-works | Senators Collins, King Welcome Defense Secretary to Bath Iron Works | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Collins, King Welcome Defense Secretary to Bath Iron Works Thursday, November 21, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today welcomed U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to Bath Iron Works. Both Senator Collins and Senator King extended invitations to Secretary Hagel to visit all defense facilities in Maine, including BIW, during his confirmation process earlier this year. Unfortunately, due to Senate consideration of the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization bill, neither Senator was able to accompany Secretary Hagel on his visit. “I am delighted that Secretary Hagel has accepted our invitation to see our nation's finest shipyard, and I know he will be impressed with the work of the dedicated men and women of Bath Iron Works,” said Senator Collins. “BIW remains an extraordinary asset to the Navy, and I am pleased that Secretary Hagel will have the opportunity for a first-hand look at the ongoing shipyard programs, including a tour of the very first DDG-1000. While I regret that official Senate business prevents me from accompanying the Secretary, I am confident that he will see the exceptional skill and experience of BIW's workers and the tremendous efficiencies in the yard that reap benefits for the Navy and the taxpayers.” “I am pleased to join Senator Collins in welcoming Secretary Hagel to Maine and to Bath Iron Works, and regret that I could not personally accompany him on his tour due to ongoing work in the Senate,” Senator King said. “The Secretary's visit comes at an important time for the shipyard as it completes its work on the cutting-edge DDG-1000, and I have no doubt that during his tour he will come to witness firsthand the shipyard's immeasurable value, its significant contributions to our Navy and national defense, as well as its world-class workforce, all of whom are committed to building noth… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/article/mt-ararat-makes-textbooks-real-with-capitol-class | Mt. Ararat makes textbooks real with ‘Capitol Class’ | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Mt. Ararat makes textbooks real with ‘Capitol Class’ By: Darcie Moore Tuesday, November 19, 2013 Teaching students the structure of the nation’s government, teacher Sewall Janeway said he tries to make class special every year by finding a way to make textbook material come alive. That is why he contacted U.S. Sen. Angus King’s office in September. King “came to” Mt. Ararat High School on Nov. 7 with a virtual appearance via Skype — the online video-conferencing service. Recently, seniors in both Advanced Placement government classes gathered in the high school’s Learning Commons — formerly the library, now transformed into a place that now combines the library and technology experience — to pepper King with questions about governance. King answered, the conversation was recorded on both ends, and the exchange is now posted on YouTube where the two video streams play side-by-side. It is a program King does called “Capitol Class.” Thus far, Janeway said, Mt. Ararat is one of only a few schools to participate. Students asked King several questions, ranging from the difference between the jobs of governor and senator; the challenges and opportunities he’s faced as an independent in a partisan Congress; how many bills he’s sponsored and that process; how he was appointed to committees — Armed Services, Budget, Rules and Intelligence; and to weigh in on the direction of the Affordable Care Act and campaign finance. Isabella Leon of Harpswell said, “Every class we start out talking about the current events ... so we get a good sense of what’s happening, and then relate it to what we’re studying about the government.” The class has studied Congress and the presidency and just studied the Supreme Court. “I’m really happy we’… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/media/11-19-13-sen-king-on-the-takeaway | 11-19-13 Sen. King on "The Takeaway" | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content 11-19-13 Sen. King on "The Takeaway" | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/us-responds-yolanda-disaster | US responds to Yolanda disaster | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | US responds to Yolanda disaster Nov 18, 2013 America has a long history with the people of the Philippines, so we are responding quickly and forcefully to the humanitarian needs there in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda. The U.S. Government is already providing more than $22 million in assistance for emergency shelter, water, and sanitation, as well as helping with airlifts of government and private relief supplies to storm-battered areas. Latest reports indicate the typhoon affected 8.7 million people, leaving 819,000 homeless, and causing up to 4,460 deaths. In the Northern Marianas we know what it feels like to be hit by a typhoon. So, our hearts and prayers go out to the people of the Philippines. Members of Congress are prohibited by ethics rules from using official resources to solicit or collect donations of goods, funds, or services on behalf of private organizations, but I have provided a link on my official website, https://sablan.house.gov/typhoon-yolanda-relief, to official government websites that give details about how constituents may help, if you want to. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-and-rockefeller-urge-hospital-physician-support-for-medicare-drug-savings-act | KING AND ROCKEFELLER URGE HOSPITAL, PHYSICIAN SUPPORT FOR MEDICARE DRUG SAVINGS ACT | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | KING AND ROCKEFELLER URGE HOSPITAL, PHYSICIAN SUPPORT FOR MEDICARE DRUG SAVINGS ACT Legislation proposed as a permanent way to pay for “Doc fix” Monday, November 18, 2013 WASHINGTON D.C.— Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Chairman of the Health Care Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Angus King (I-ME), are asking more than 65 physician, provider, and hospital groups for their support of the Medicare Drug Savings Act which provides a path to permanently fix the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). These groups stand to benefit the most from a stable reimbursement system, which is why Senators Rockefeller and King have asked for their support in urging other Senators to vote to return to the pharmaceutical payment system which existed before Medicare Part D was enacted 10 years ago. “Year after year, it has not been how to reconfigure the Medicare payment system that has stymied progress but the failure to identify a way to pay for these changes. This year may finally be different,” Rockefeller and King wrote. “The Medicare Drug Savings Act is a sensible way to pay for replacing the SGR. It would return drug pricing for the dual eligibles to the same mechanism that was used prior to the passage of Part D and still for the Medicaid program, a mechanism that would not harm patients, doctors or hospitals in any way. With this simple change we can finally move beyond the SGR and create needed certainty and stability for both physicians and hospitals.” To read a sample letter, please click here and full text of the letter is below. A comprehensive list of groups the Senators contacted is available upon request. In late October, Rockefeller recommended to his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee that the Medicare Drug Savings Act be used to pay for the so-called “Doc fix”, as it would save $141.2 billion over ten years – a savings that could fully pay for the permanent SGR fix. The Medicare Drug Savings Act restores discount pricing on m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/another-reap-grant-alternative-energy-nmi | Another REAP grant for alternative energy in the NMI | 2013-11-17 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Another REAP grant for alternative energy in the NMI Nov 17, 2013 Servino & Associates, Inc. is the recipient of a $2,633 Renewable Energy Assistance grant from the Department of Agriculture. The company will use the funds to buy a 5 kilowatt, grid-tied photovoltaic system for its offices on Saipan. This is the second REAP grant announced in the Northern Marianas this month. Earlier Marianas Business Plaza was granted $500,000, also to use for solar electrical generation. Congratulations to Servino & Associates. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/165565-awarded-department-public-safety | $165,565 awarded to Department of Public Safety | 2013-11-16 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $165,565 awarded to Department of Public Safety Nov 16, 2013 The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the award of $165,565 to the Commonwealth’s Department of Public Safety. The grant will support state highway safety programs aimed at improving driver behavior to reduce deaths and injuries. Congratulations to DPS. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/oped/alternative-web-sites-provide-information-about-insurance-plans-under-aca_read-more-st-john-valley-times---column-alternative-web-sites-provide-information-about-insurance-plans-under-aca- | Alternative Web sites provide information about insurance plans under ACA Read more: St. John Valley Times - COLUMN Alternative Web sites provide information about insurance plans under ACA | 2013-11-16 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Alternative Web sites provide information about insurance plans under ACA Read more: St. John Valley Times - COLUMN Alternative Web sites provide information about insurance plans under ACA By: Senator Angus S. King, Jr. Saturday, November 16, 2013 Millions of Americans across the country have expressed their frustrations with the new healthcare Web site. I count myself among those who are disappointed with the President’s rollout of the Affordable Care Act. The failure to create a functioning Web site to provide people with the necessary information and resources to enroll in new insurance plans is inexcusable. Furthermore, it has left a large number of folks in the uncomfortable position of losing their existing plans, while unable to learn about new options available to them. That is why I supported the President’s one year delay on the expiration of existing plans that had previously been canceled because they do not meet the ACA’s standards. His proposal will allow people more time to consider their options while continuing their current coverage. However, despite problems with the new healthcare law’s implementation, it’s important to keep in mind that the purpose of the law is to offer higher quality health insurance to more people at a more affordable price. A goal that I still believe marks a step in the right direction for our country. Every year, too many lives are lost from a lack of healthcare insurance - taking an unbearable toll on our communities and the strength of our economy. So as the White House works to resolve problems with healthcare.gov, I am encouraging people to access information about available insurance plans under the ACA through alternative resources. For example, TheHeathSherpa.com allows visitors… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/noaa-reports-253940-lbs-fish-caught-marianas | NOAA reports 253,940 lbs. of fish caught in the Marianas | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | NOAA reports 253,940 lbs. of fish caught in the Marianas Nov 15, 2013 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released the latest edition of Fisheries of the United States. NOAA reports that 253,940 pounds of fish, valued at $581,404, were harvested commercially in the Northern Marianas in 2012. Of the U.S. territories, American Samoa had the highest commercial landings both in quantity – 9 million pounds – and in value – $9.7 million. Guam had the lowest reported catch: 200,000 pounds valued at $507,743. Not including the territories, U.S. commercial fishermen landed 9.6 billion pounds of seafood valued at $5.1 billion. NOAA’s report can be found online at: https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/commercial-fisheries/fus/fus12/index. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/water-resources-bill-moves-forward | Water resources bill moves forward | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Water resources bill moves forward Nov 15, 2013 The House has appointed its members to the conference committee on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. The conference committee will reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and recommend final passage. The House version of H.R.3080 includes my provision doubling the waiver of the local match requirement for Army Corps projects in the Northern Mariana Islands. This will increase the current $200,000 waiver, set in 1986, to reflect inflation over the last 27 years. The new waiver should be in excess of $400,000, meaning projects can go forward without $400,000 of Commonwealth money. Last week, I joined with 29 other Members from both sides of the aisle calling for appointment of the conferees in a letter to Speaker John Boehner (Ohio) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (California). I appreciate their quick response to our request. Typical Army Corps projects in the NMI recently have included the Rota Harbor improvements completed in 2008 and the on-going Susupe-Chalan Kanoa Drainage Plan to address flooding in those villages. If WRRDA is enacted with my provision, the planned Outer Cove Marina project and the Saipan Lagoon Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration project could each cost the Commonwealth over $200,000 less. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/this-week-in-washington-judicial-nominations-budget-proposal-and-ndaa | This Week in Washington: Judicial Nominations, Budget Proposal, and NDAA | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Friday, November 15, 2013 This Week in Washington: Judicial Nominations, Budget Proposal, and NDAA | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/this-week-in-washington-judicial-nominations-budget-proposal-and-ndaa | This Week in Washington: Judicial Nominations, Budget Proposal, and NDAA | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | This Week in Washington: Judicial Nominations, Budget Proposal, and NDAA Friday, November 15, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his continued effort to keep folks at home up to date with his work in Washington, U.S. Senator Angus King took a few minutes to discuss the events of this past week in the nation’s capital. In his weekly recap, Senator King addressed: His frustration with recent Republican filibusters that have prevented the confirmation of judicial nominees to the D.C. District Court of Appeals. The National Defense Authorization Act, which the Senate is expected to take up next week, and which also contains several important priorities for Maine’s shipbuilding and footwear industries. The full video of Senator King’s weekly recap can be viewed below. A broadcast quality version of the video can also be downloaded here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/108923-awarded-maternal-and-child-health-services | $108,923 awarded for Maternal and Child Health Services | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $108,923 awarded for Maternal and Child Health Services Nov 14, 2013 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Commonwealth’s Department of Public Health $108,923 for Maternal and Child Health Services. Public Health uses the funds to plan, promote, coordinate, and evaluate the health care of pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children with an emphasis on children with special needs and on those families that do not otherwise have access to adequate health care. Congratulations DPH! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/major-breakthrough-liheap-funding-nmi | Major breakthrough in LIHEAP funding for NMI | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan received word today that years of effort to increase the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grant for the Northern Mariana Islands have paid off. The Department of Health and Human Services informed Sablan that Secretary Kathleen Sebelius had decided to provide the maximum amount permitted by law for the NMI and the other U.S. territories, almost four times more than they have been receiving since 1981. The change goes into effect on January 1 and will continue indefinitely. Last week, Sablan announced that the Department was releasing $50,000 in LIHEAP funding to the Northern Marianas for the current fiscal year. But at the same time the Department informed him that it was nearing completion of its analysis of the long-standing request by Sablan and other territorial representatives to raise the grant to the maximum the law allows. “We knew that the Secretary would be deciding whether to keep us at 0.135 percent of total national funding or give us the maximum of 0.5 percent,” Sablan said. “And we knew electricity rates and fuel costs in our islands made a strong argument for her to increase the grant. “Today we found out that those arguments were convincing. “I am very grateful to Secretary Sebelius and everyone on her staff, who took a long, hard look at the cost of energy in the Northern Mariana Islands and agreed to help our poorest families.” LIHEAP grants can be used to pay for electricity, make home improvements that save energy, and, in a crisis, prevent service interruptions. As many as 300 families in the Northern Marianas have in recent years received up to $58 in monthly assistance from the federal program. The number of NMI families who are eligible and the monthly aid amount can significantly increase now. Years of effort and persistence rewarded Sablan identified LIHEAP funding as an opportunity to improve funding for the Northern Mariana Islands early in his congressional career. Year after year he has been among members of Congress activ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-presidents-decision-to-allow-insurers-to-renew-canceled-health-insurance-plans | King Statement on President’s Decision to Allow Insurers to Renew Canceled Health Insurance Plans | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Statement on President’s Decision to Allow Insurers to Renew Canceled Health Insurance Plans Thursday, November 14, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement today after President Obama announced that he would be directing his Administration to pursue an administrative fix to the Affordable Care Act that will allow health insurance companies to renew plans that do not meet the standards set forth by the new law: “I have been disappointed by the Administration’s flawed rollout of the Affordable Care Act, particularly its failure to create a functional website the problems with which are now preventing Mainers and Americans from finding and enrolling in new health insurance plans. “I have also been troubled by the stories of people receiving health insurance cancellation notices. The fact is that President Obama reassured Americans with a simple and straightforward promise: if they liked their health insurance plan, they could keep it. That assurance, however, was clearly not accurate, which is why I am pleased that he took a step today to fully honor his promise. I agree with his decision to pursue an administrative fix that will allow individuals the opportunity to stay on their existing plans for an additional year while they explore new options once the website issues are resolved. It will allow people more time to consider their options while continuing their current coverage. “It’s important to keep in mind that the entire goal of the Affordable Care Act is to offer higher quality health insurance to more people at a more affordable price, and I will work with my colleagues in pursuit of that.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/hhs-schedules-release-liheap-funds | HHS schedules release of LIHEAP funds | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | HHS schedules release of LIHEAP funds Nov 13, 2013 The Northern Mariana Islands is scheduled to receive $56,000 for fiscal year 2014 from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Department of Health and Human Services recently released the LIHEAP funding nationally. Because Congress has yet to agree on appropriations for all of FY14 the funding released this week is only 90 percent of the expected annual total. The Northern Marianas will receive $50,000 initially and the balance sometime after January 15, when fiscal 2014 appropriations should be finalized. Energy costs are high in the Marianas and LIHEAP is an important way for Congress to assist those in need. The territories’ congressional representatives have petitioned the HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to increase LIHEAP grants for the island areas, which she has legal authority to do. The Department is currently conducting an analysis of the request so that any change the Secretary makes in our allotment is well-justified. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/article/angus-king-proposes-budget-compromise | Angus King proposes budget compromise | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Angus King proposes budget compromise By: Erik Wasson Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Sen. Angus King (I-Maine.) on Wednesday floated a compromise proposal to the new House-Senate budget conference committee on which he serves. The King plan seeks to strike a balance between entitlement cuts, tax loophole closing and tax rate reduction to get both Democrats and Republicans onboard. The proposal would replace half of the next eight years of sequester cuts while also lowering the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 32.5 percent. Budget conference chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said only that he welcomed suggestions from all panelists, when King referenced the plan in brief remarks during the second meeting of the budget panel on Wednesday. So far the group has been at logger-heads over whether any tax revenue would be included in a two-year sequester-replacement deal. The King plan replaces $455 billion of sequestration with $200 billion in new revenue and $255 billion in entitlement reforms. The initial plan does not specify which tax breaks or which entitlement benefits would be cut. Additional revenue from the tax loopholes would be used to lower the corporate tax rate and to create a $50 billion infrastructure stimulus fund. The remaining sequester would be changed under the King plan using a method known as "smoothing" which would lower the growth of spending in out years in order to pay for bumping up near term cuts. King told reporters that the economy is too weak now to allow sequestration in ther near term. "This is not the time to be creating a headwind for the economy. The very best way to reduce the deficit is to foster economic growth," he said. He said the plan should work because "t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-urge-american-airlines-us-airways-to-consider-impact-of-merger-on-maine-airports-and-communities | Collins, King Urge American Airlines, US Airways to Consider Impact of Merger on Maine Airports and Communities | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Collins, King Urge American Airlines, US Airways to Consider Impact of Merger on Maine Airports and Communities Wednesday, November 13, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a letter, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator Angus King today urged the heads of American Airlines and US Airways to consider the potential impact that any reduction in service caused by the airlines’ proposed merger might have on small- and medium-sized airports in Maine and on the economies of local communities. “Maintaining direct access between small- and medium-sized communities and our nation’s capital is important for facilitating commerce and tourism for residents, businesses, and visitors,” Senators Collins and King wrote. “As you conduct your review, we urge you to make the process transparent and to evaluate the consequences of slot divestiture on the economies of small- and medium-sized communities, like the Cities of Bangor and Portland, and the surrounding regions of Maine.” Earlier today, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has reached an agreement with the airlines that would allow the proposed merger to proceed as long as the airlines divested certain takeoff and landing slots. Senators Collins and King have repeatedly urged federal and private officials to closely and carefully review the impact that a merger would have on Maine airports, particularly Portland International Jetport and Bangor International Airport. The complete text of the Senators’ letter is below: Mr. Thomas W. Horton Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President AMR Corporation P.O. Box 619616 Dallas Fort Worth Airport, TX 75261-9616 Mr. W. Douglas Parker Chairman and Chief Executive Officer US Airways Group, Inc. 111 West Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85281 Dear Mr. Horton and Mr. Parker, We are writing to express our concern about the potential reduction in service to small- and medium-sized airports as a consequence… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-offers-budget-proposal-to-conference-committee | King Offers Budget Proposal to Conference Committee | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Offers Budget Proposal to Conference Committee Wednesday, November 13, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – During the second public meeting of the Budget Conference Committee today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) offered his colleagues a preliminary proposal to mitigate the impact of sequestration and to promote economic growth. “As members of the Budget Conference Committee, we not only have a tremendous opportunity, but an obligation, to work together to reach a budget agreement that sets our country on a path to fiscal stability. For far too long, Congress has acted irresponsibly with its budgeting process. It’s time that we actually put together a plan that will instill certainty and confidence into our economy and show the American people we can still govern,” Senator King said. “The proposal I introduced today will most likely not be the final answer, but with only a month to go before the committee reaches its deadline, my plan is intended to be a contribution to the discussion that will be taking place over the next several weeks. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee, hearing their thoughts, and finding a path forward.” The “Grande” plan – a reference to Starbuck’s middle-sized drink – is intended to be a middle-of-the-road, compromise plan that would alleviate roughly half of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-2021 sequester, which amounts to approximately $455 billion, over the course of eight years. The sequester relief would be paid for with $200 billion in revenues generated by closing corporate tax loopholes and $255 billion in savings generated from entitlement reforms. The plan raises more than $525 billion in new revenues over ten years by closing corporate tax loopholes. More than half of the new revenue raised would be dedicated to federal corporate tax rate reduction, bringing the rate down from 35 percent to roughly 32.5 percent. The remaining portion is dedicated to raising the sequester caps implemented by the Budget Control Act, and puttin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/nmi-addressing-birth-tourism-says-governor | NMI addressing birth tourism, says governor | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | GOVERNOR Eloy S. Inos and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan are working with federal authorities to prevent the “small issue” of birth tourism from being “blown out of proportion.” In a joint press conference in the Fiesta Resort & Spa’s Azucena Room yesterday, Inos and Sablan emphasized that women can’t be denied entry to the CNMI because they are pregnant. They said they want to “contain” this issue for the sake of the health and safety of the female visitors themselves. They also wish to avoid potential liability on the part of airlines and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. if something bad happens to the pregnant passenger on the plane or while she is on island. Inos said it is very risky for the hospital to accept pregnant women who haven’t had prenatal care. For his part, Sablan said the incident involving a pregnant tourist from China who hid at the airport should not happen again. That woman, he added, should not have been allowed to board the plane in the first place. “They are welcome to come here and enjoy our beautiful islands. There is a way to [address this issue] without being discriminatory. I think there is something we can do. Let’s keep this problem small,” Sablan said adding that he and the governor are working closely with federal authorities. He said the CNMI wants tourists from China to continue coming here but birth tourism “is an issue that concerns all of us.” Sablan said he and the governor have been working on the issue since April when they wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about it. He said the governor has asked him to deal with the federal government, while Inos works with the airlines. Sablan said he met with DHS officials in September and is expecting another meeting as soon as he returns to Washington, D.C. “We have a small issue here that we would really like to keep contained because it took us a while to create a good image for the NMI,” Sablan said. Inos, he added, “is giving me some instructions on what it is I may need to do and I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/nmi-taps-dhs-chinese-govt-asiana-airlines | NMI taps DHS, Chinese govt, Asiana Airlines | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Weeks after national media put the CNMI on the spotlight over incidences of mostly Chinese “tourists” coming to Saipan to give birth, Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) said yesterday they are now working with Asiana Airlines, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Chinese government to further minimize—if not totally eliminate—the so-called “birth tourism” here. “Birth tourism” refers to travel for the purpose of giving birth to an automatic U.S. citizen child in the CNMI or any other U.S. state or territory. Inos and Sablan said a closer scrutiny found that most of those who come to Saipan solely to give birth do so by boarding Asiana Airlines’ scheduled commercial flights. This is contrary to reports that birth tourists were brought here through charter flights, whose travel agents have long put in place strict procedures to deter birth tourism. Asiana Airlines has agreed to be more vigilant in screening their passengers, Inos and Sablan said. “It could be a liability, too [for Asiana Airlines],” the governor said. Inos said it would be to Asiana Airlines’ benefit “to make sure that those things don’t happen” because, among other things, the airline has to immediately bring back those passengers that were not allowed entry to the CNMI for improper or lack of required documentation. “And so the airline would have to pick up that cost; you have to bump somebody off going back on that flight just to make sure [those turned away are sent back immediately]. So it’s an incentive for them to do the right thing,” Inos said. But more still needs to be done, including for Asiana Airlines to identify, for example, certain independent travel agents that book flights for birth tourists. “That’s where we have to zero in. We’re not too concerned about the chartered ones; we know they’re controlled by just two travel agencies,” the governor said. He said despite strict policies in place, there could still be some that will slip through the cracks. Inos said peopl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/delta-airlines-allows-use-peds-flights | Delta Airlines allows use of PEDs on flights | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Delta Airlines allows use of PEDs on flights Nov 12, 2013 Delta Airlines passengers taking off from or landing in Saipan may now use smartphones, tablets, e-readers, MP3 players, and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) during most of their time on board. The Federal Aviation Administration lifted a long-standing ban after finding that radio signals from PEDs do not pose a threat to aircraft navigation systems. Delta was the first airline to apply for and receive FAA approval to implement the new policy, but neglected to include flights into U.S. territories. Thanks to quick work from Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D-Puerto Rico), Delta was alerted to the oversight and amended its policy. Restrictions are still in place outside of the U.S., so Delta passengers between Narita and Saipan will be able to use their PEDs when taking off or landing in the Northern Marianas, but not in Japan. Using PEDs for voice communications while airborne remains prohibited. To learn more about Delta’s policy go to https://news.delta.com/index.php?s=18&item=176. Information from the FAA can be found at https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/ped/. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-recommends-temporary-alternative-to-healthcaregov | King Recommends Temporary Alternative to Healthcare.gov | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Recommends Temporary Alternative to Healthcare.gov Tuesday, November 12, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King is recommending the website TheHealthSherpa.com as a temporary alternative for those experiencing difficulties with Healthcare.gov. The site, created by George Kalogeropoulos, Ning Liang and Michael Wasser of San Francisco, California, allows users to quickly and easily compare healthcare plans covered under the Affordable Care Act in the 34 states without existing marketplace websites, including Maine. Plans cannot be purchased through the HealthSherpa site itself, but users are directed to private insurance sites or offered telephone numbers to call to enroll. “HealthSherpa offers a user-friendly platform to quickly browse through available health insurance plan options, including monthly premium costs, coverage plans, and possible premium subsidies,” Senator King said. “I recommend that Mainers who are having trouble with Healthcare.gov use HealthSherpa as a temporary alternative until the federal website functions properly.” http://www.thehealthsherpa.com/ ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/house-leaders-urged-move-water-resources-development-bill | House leaders urged to move on water resources development bill | 2013-11-11 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | House leaders urged to move on water resources development bill Nov 11, 2013 I joined Representative Edward Whitfield (R-Kentucky) and 28 of my colleagues in a letter urging Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Democrat Leader Nancy Pelosi (California) to appoint members to the conference committee on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, so we can get a final vote on the bill. In October, the House passed its version, H.R. 3080, with my provision doubling the waiver of local match requirements for Army Corps projects in the Northern Marianas and other territories. The waiver provision will adjust the $200,000 waiver put in place in 1986 to an amount that reflects inflation since then. The new waiver should be in excess of $400,000, making Army Corps work, like the Garapan-Susupe drainage project, cheaper for the NMI. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-honors-service-men-and-women-in-observance-of-veterans-day | King Honors Service Men and Women in Observance of Veterans Day | 2013-11-11 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | King Honors Service Men and Women in Observance of Veterans Day Monday, November 11, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – In observance of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Angus King today released the following statement thanking the brave men and women of our armed forces, and those who served before them, for their exceptional service to our country. Veterans Day was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on November 11, 1919. It is an official federal holiday that honors all of America’s veterans for their selfless courage in the face of danger and unwavering commitment to the defense of our great nation. Below is Senator King’s full statement. “For generations, the brave men and women of our armed forces have stood proudly in defense of this country. Their tireless efforts and unfailing bravery have kept us safe in times of peril. This Veterans Day, we reflect upon their service and the debt of honor that we owe them and their families. It is a time for us to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have returned safely to our shores, and the future generations of veterans to whom we must rededicate ourselves. On battlefields from Bunker Hill to Baghdad and Kandahar, their unparalleled professionalism and selfless sacrifice exemplify the best of America: strength, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of others. “We must also bear in mind that we remain a nation at war, and today, there are tens of thousands of service men and women serving in Afghanistan and other places far from the safety of home. They, and the generations of Americans who have proudly worn the uniform before them, deserve the unwavering support of a grateful nation. No veteran should have to live on the streets of a country they defended. No veteran should have to endure a lengthy backlog to receive the benefits that they earned. All veterans deserve only the highest quality of care and support that our country can offer; fulfilling that promise is one of our most sacred duties.” … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/federal-assistance-marianas-farmers-and-ranchers-available | Federal assistance for Marianas farmers and ranchers available | 2013-11-10 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Federal assistance for Marianas farmers and ranchers available Nov 10, 2013 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds farmers and ranchers that several programs continue to be available to assist in planning and implementing conservation practices in their farmlands. These programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, Agricultural Management Assistance Program, and the Conservation Stewardship Program. These programs provide financial and technical assistance focusing in best conservation practices in farm plots that help the soil, water and air. Applications for 2014 are due at NRCS offices by close of business on January 17, 2014. To find out if you are eligible for any of these program, contact the Saipan Service Center at (670) 233-3415 or visit NRCS at: www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-congratulates-marianas-business-plaza-500000-solar-power-grant | Kilili congratulates Marianas Business Plaza on $500,000 solar power grant | 2013-11-09 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | “Federal support is there for well-thought-out business plans that meet the needs of the community and fit our national energy policy goals,” said Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan. The Congressman was congratulating Marianas Business Plaza owner Erick van der Maas on the announcement today that he is the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program. The grant will be used, together with $1.8 million of private financing, to construct a 650 kilowatt solar power system over the parking lot at the Business Plaza in Susupe. The Marianas Business Plaza project was one of only five projects nationwide to receive the maximum allowable REAP grant of $500,000. Another of the maximum grants went to a solar project in Maryland; and three were for projects converting biomass to energy. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of 422 grants today with a total value of $14.2 million. “Because $500,000 is the maximum grant that can be awarded by the Rural Energy for America Program,” noted Sablan, “the Marianas Business Plaza has clearly done an excellent job of justifying the planned facility and demonstrating its economic feasibility. “Many people have talked about moving us in the direction of larger scale renewable energy, but Mr. van der Maas is demonstrating that it can really be done. I congratulate him on this success.” The Rural Energy for America Program provides grants and loan guarantees to farms and small businesses to install solar and other renewable energy systems. REAP financing may also be used to make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and for other energy conservation purposes in rural areas. “Having a solar power electrical generation system on this scale in such a public place will have a substantial impact on how we all think about the energy future of the Northern Marianas,” Sablan said. “I hope that it will encourage more energy entrepreneurs in the Northern Mariana Islands and speed our shift aw… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/media/novembers-inside-maine-on-wgan-with-senator-murrary-part-1 | November's Inside Maine on WGAN with Senator Murrary, Part 1 | 2013-11-09 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content November's Inside Maine on WGAN with Senator Murrary, Part 1 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/media/novembers-inside-maine-on-wgan-with-senator-portman-part-2 | November's Inside Maine on WGAN with Senator Portman, Part 2 | 2013-11-09 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content November's Inside Maine on WGAN with Senator Portman, Part 2 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/report-chamber-product-over-politics | Report to Chamber: product over politics | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Report to Chamber: product over politics Nov 8, 2013 Making opportunities and staying focused on the long game is how to get results for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, not playing politics. That was my message to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. Getting the submerged lands around our islands returned to us in September, helping the hospital stay open this year with $27 million in new Obamacare money, driving us to the legislative five-yard line on a $33 million program to transition the NMI into the national food stamp program – these were the examples I used of opportunities I made in Congress to help our Commonwealth. Even with a Republican-led House I have been able to get NMI measures signed into law by working on both sides of the political aisle. I also reported to the Chamber on recent enactment P.L. 113-34, rescheduling minimum wage increases. Business and workers asked me to begin work on that change last year, when our economy looked much worse than it does today. I recognize that federal law is a one-size-fits-all solution, even though our economy has lots of variation. So, I encouraged individual Chamber members to decide for themselves and pay more as business improves. Our Commonwealth Legislature, too, should look at the $3.05 local minimum wage, because the federal minimum only applies to businesses making over $500,000. Raising wages – subject to economic realities – benefits our entire community. So, I will continue to support H.R. 1010, which raises the U.S. minimum to $10.10/hour. Under current law, minimum wage increases in the Northern Marianas stop when we reach $7.25/hour, but I want us to keep increasing beyond that and pay workers more. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/article/senate-intelligence-committee-approves-amendment-for-some-accountabilty-when-using-lethal-force | Senate Intelligence Committee approves amendment for some accountabilty when using lethal force | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | House | ME | Angus King | K000383 | www.king.senate.gov | legacy | Senate Intelligence Committee approves amendment for some accountabilty when using lethal force By: Contributed Friday, November 8, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence approved an amendment on November 5 that would require an independent group to conduct a "red-team analysis" if the government is considering the legality or the use of targeted lethal force against a known U.S. person located outside the U.S. who is involved in international terrorism. The committee adopted the provision as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2014 Intelligence Authorization Act. The Committee approved the Authorization Act by a vote of 13-2 on Tuesday. U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) authored the amendment and introduced it first in May as S. 1035, the Targeted Strike Oversight Reform Act of 2013. "Our amendment aims to provide an additional layer of accountability within the decision-making process when the government concludes that a U.S. person is engaged in international terrorism and that lethal force against them may be necessary to prevent an attack," Senator King said. "In such a distinctive case, this amendment would ensure that an independent group (or "red team") reviews the facts and that the details of that review are shared with the Congressional Intelligence Committees. As I have said repeatedly, the executive branch should not serve as the judge, the jury and the executioner in these cases, and I believe this amendment is a vital step forward in balancing our critical national security needs with the basic constitutional rights that we cherish as Americans." Senator Rubio said, "This commonsense legislation also improves accountability and oversight of counterterrorism policy by r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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