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

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1 if body text was successfully extracted
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bioguide_id
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242 rows where party = "Independent" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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  • ME 239
  • CA 3

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  • Senate 239
  • House 3

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  • 2025 · 242 ✖

party 1

  • Independent · 242 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-staff-up-irs-for-better-service-swifter-refunds King, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Staff Up IRS for Better Service, Swifter Refunds 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, alongside 23 of his Senate colleagues, wrote a letter urging the Trump Administration to help Americans get more responsive service and expedited refunds by restoring staff and resources at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), the independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps taxpayers resolve issues within the IRS. TAS has faced dramatic attrition since this administration began, and at its current staffing level, it faces significant challenges handling its current caseload and helping taxpayers in Maine and across the country. The Senators are urging Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent to stop hiring freezes, reduction-in-force efforts, and properly staff TAS. “TAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS […] We are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS and the ongoing hiring freeze will greatly hinder these advocates' ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help,” wrote the Senators. “Since January, the Trump Administration's deferred resignation programs and efforts to reduce the federal workforce have resulted in nearly one in four TAS advocates departing the IRS […] According to the National Taxpayer Advocates FY2026 Report to Congress, these losses of IRS customer service personnel have created "vulnerabilities in service delivery…and taxpayer assistance." We are concerned that the rapid decrease in staff will increase remaining advocate’s case load and taxpayers’ wait times for service,” the Senators continued. “According to the January 20, 2025, Presidential Memorandum, the IRS hiring freeze will remain in place until the Secretary of the Treasury determines that ending it is in the "national interest." […] We expect you agree with us that ensuring Americans can access their full tax benefits in a timely manner falls squarely within the “national interest,” the Senators concluded. In addition to Senator King, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Ba… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-biddeford-resident-former-air-force-bomber-pilot-in-new-episode-of-answering-the-call King Highlights Biddeford Resident, Former Air Force Bomber Pilot in New Episode of ‘Answering the Call’ 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices.” In the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with U.S. Air Force pilot Colonel Jen Fullmer of Biddeford, Maine. Fullmer served at various military posts around Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and flew 90 combat missions while serving on active duty. During the interview, King asked about Fullmer’s commitment to service and how she continues to provide for veterans in the community after her retirement from the service. “Jen Fullmer was one of the millions of Americans who has selflessly served our country, putting herself in harm’s way to protect Americans — and American interests — at home and abroad,” said Senator King. “However, her commitment to service and community extends far beyond the Air Force and her combat missions. Since moving to Maine, she has worked diligently to help Maine’s veterans transition to civilian life. Even more nobly, she spent countless hours helping to evacuate an Afghan national and his family, eventually resettling in Maine, who was at great risk after the United States pulled out of Afghanistan. Jen Fullmer is the very best of America and I am glad we can now preserve her story in the Library of Congress for posterity.” Jen Fullmer grew up in Wilton, Connecticut before enrolling at the University of Connecticut. While studying at UConn, Fullmer made friends with a Marine who served in Beirut. She was inspired by the camaraderie he had with his fellow Marines. This inspired her to apply — and being accepted — into a summer Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Vandenberg AFB in California. After completing the program and going back to Connecticut, she took a gap year and worked at the Connecticut State Capital. Following her year at the Connecticut State House, Fullmer enroll… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/crapo-king-introduce-bill-to-streamline-state-veterans-home-inspections Crapo, King Introduce Bill to Streamline State Veterans Home Inspections 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), both members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), have introduced bipartisan legislation to streamline redundant inspection requirements for State Veterans Homes (SVHs) nationwide. Under current law, all SVHs must undergo an annual inspection survey by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides a comprehensive assessment of safety protocols, facility condition, clinical care practices and other standards required for certification. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also conduct a nearly identical annual inspection of SVHs serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries—resulting in a roughly 75 percent overlap in the number of SVHs that face an audit from both agencies. The State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act would allow SVHs to forgo the CMS survey if they have met all the requirements of the annual VA survey. “Maine Veterans Homes and state veterans’ homes across the country are a lifeline to the brave men and women who served,” said Senator King. “However, redundant inspections hamper their ability to deliver critical services and support. The State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act is commonsense legislation that will ensure we continue to provide the highest quality of care to our veterans while streamlining administrative processes. Keeping our promise to veterans everywhere — from Maine to Idaho — should never be partisan and I’m grateful to partner with Senator Crapo on this issue.” “Overlapping survey requirements take time and resources away from the core mission of State Veterans Homes — providing care to our nation’s heroes,” said Crapo. “We must remove unnecessary administrative burdens and allow for a more streamlined certification process, all without compromising the quality of care veterans deserve.” The CMS survey has been found to be 90 percent identical to the clinical life and safety sections of the VA inspection survey. The VA survey is c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kings-bipartisan-mapwaters-act-heads-to-presidents-desk King’s Bipartisan MAPWaters Act Heads to President’s Desk 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), and John Barrasso (R-WY) expressed their appreciation to their Senate colleagues for unanimously passing their bipartisan legislation that will increase public access to all available information about federal waterways. The MAPWaters Act will standardize, consolidate, and publish the digital data related to public recreation on America’s federal waterways. The MAPWaters Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year, and it now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “Maine people across the state, and Americans across the country, enjoy recreating on federal waterways like those in Acadia National Park,” said Senator King, Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. “The bipartisan MAPWaters Act would combine all the available information about federal waterways into a one-stop resource containing information about recreation and navigation that you can hold in the palm of your hand. This legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine’s federal waterways can do so safely and responsibly.” “Today is a great day for all Americans who enjoy recreating on our federal lands and public waterways,” said Senator Barrasso. “Wyoming is home to more than 108,000 miles of rivers, and countless more lakes, ponds, and streams that help create our state’s unique system of waterways. The bipartisan MAPWaters Act will ensure the most accurate information is available and easily accessible to everyone who visits our federal lands. Sportsmen and women who enjoy Wyoming’s waters will benefit from access to up-to-date data of this wonderful resource.” Information about access to federal waterways, including restrictions on boating, commercial and sport fishing, and seasonal or tidal depth changes, can be difficult or impossible to access in a timely and convenient fashion. The MAPWaters Act will synthesize this important data, allowing the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backed-legislation-strengthening-national-security-and-maine-economy-signed-into-law King-Backed Legislation Strengthening National Security and Maine Economy Signed into Law 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — The bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the Senate in a 77-20 vote and now heads to the White House to be signed into law. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI), Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), and cofounder of the Senate Arctic Caucus, has been working with his colleagues this entire year to secure strong investments in Maine’s economy and America’s national defense. This final legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs. Earlier this year, Senator King led the Senate Armed Services Committee in supporting bipartisan measures for the finalized legislation for the Senate version of the bill. The legislation includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, continued monitoring of brain health among servicemembers, aggressive policies to strengthen America’s cybersecurity, and provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence. “For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, the Senate is continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill for the Department of Defense (DoD) that will make our nation safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our country faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country. “There are many important provisions in this legislation – including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defense,” continued Senator King. “All told, t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-lashes-out-at-dishonest-va-staffing-cuts King Lashes Out at “Dishonest” VA Staffing Cuts 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) released the below statement following exclusive new reporting in the Washington Post claiming that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be eliminating as many as 35,000 mostly unfilled healthcare positions, including some in Maine: “After months of deflecting, dissembling, and doublespeak, there are now reports of damaging staffing cuts at the Veterans Administration (VA) – and as many as 35,000 health care positions could be eliminated in the upcoming weeks. “Abraham Lincoln outlined the mission of the VA in his second inaugural address when he said it is America’s responsibility ‘to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.’ And since its founding in 1930, the VA has worked to repay the debt we, as a country, owe to the servicemembers who defend our principles. “That is why the news that this administration is hollowing out this hallowed agency is a disservice to everyone who has worn the uniform. Cutting staff means more than cutting positions – it means cutting services and denying timely care to those who have earned these benefits. And it means asking the selfless medical professionals and support staff at the VA to do more with less. The VA has never enjoyed the budget it deserves or a smooth agency-wide, integrated process, but to be rewarded with crippling staffing cuts will cause serious physical and mental harm to our veterans. “Now that they are being questioned about these cuts, the administration is trying to claim these are merely vacant positions that are going to be done away with. But to anyone who has walked into any business with a ‘help wanted’ sign on the window and faced slow or shoddy service, we know that an unfilled job is not an unnecessary job – especially when the VA Inspector General’s office found a severe nationwide staff shortage earlier this year. So rather than stepping up for our veterans, this White House is cut… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-led-legislation-signed-into-law-will-help-military-life-insurance-keep-up-with-inflation King-led Legislation Signed into Law, Will Help Military Life Insurance Keep Up with Inflation 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) are celebrating the signing into law of their bipartisan bill, which to help adjust military life insurance for servicemembers and their families to account for cost-of-living increases and inflation. The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act will help ensure the maximum group insurance available to servicemembers and veterans account for increases in cost of living. From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for servicemembers and veterans remained static, lagging far behind inflation rates. This law will strengthen the financial safety net for veterans, servicemembers, and their families by requiring a report to the U.S. Veterans’ Affairs Department, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding cost-of-living increases and inflation rates every five years to ensure they don’t go years without assessing inflation rates. “Our servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service,” said Senator King. “With the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living — giving more peace of mind to military families as they increasingly face the difficulties of an unstable economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues, and the President for signing a bill into law that honors our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.” “We need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m grateful to President Trump for his unwavering support of our brave men and women in uniform and for signing this bill into law, which … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-on-senate-votes-to-extend-healthcare-tax-credits-for-americans King Releases Statement on Senate Votes to Extend Healthcare Tax Credits for Americans 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement after two votes both failed to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which will now result in increased healthcare costs for all Americans: “Americans of all regions and political views agree that health care costs are already too high. Yet, healthcare premiums will increase yet again in just 20 days. “Today’s votes represented a choice: a simple extension of the current health care insurance tax credits to stabilize costs or a complicated proposal that will not address the impending premium increases and threatens reproductive health. “As I have made clear, my priority is helping Maine people manage their healthcare costs and lower their cost of living. That is why one of the first bills I cosponsored this year was the Health Care Affordability Act to permanently extend the enhanced Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) — tax subsidies that lower monthly premiums for people buying their own health insurance, which will expire at the end of this year. “It is estimated that without an extension, nearly 20,000 Maine people could lose insurance, the uninsured rate would increase by 5%, and the average annual premium increase for Maine people relying on PTCs would be $3,100. “We must not let that happen. I will continue to seek a bipartisan solution.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-led-effort-to-restore-transparency-in-public-health-passes-first-procedural-hurdle King-Led Effort to Restore Transparency in Public Health Passes First Procedural Hurdle 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke on the Senate floor to restore transparency in public health via a congressional disapproval resolution. Senator King led the effort to reverse the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) April 2025 decision to halt public comment in a Senate procedure under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Today’s bipartisan, procedural vote passed 50-49 and will lead to a final Senate vote on the motion. Before the vote, Senator King stood on the Senate floor and encouraged his colleagues to stand up for open government and against “radical obfuscation” of public health decisions. “Mr. President, this is a nonpartisan CRA, which doesn't happen around here all that often. This is basically just public participation and good government. “When the Administrative Procedure Act was passed in 1947, the Department of Health and Human Services didn't exist. And for about a dozen years, it didn't have much in the way of responsibility. And so, it was exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act that apply to public comment and public input on significant decisions, in agencies that apply throughout the federal government. “In the early 70's, Elliott Richardson who was the Secretary of Health and Human Services for President Nixon, issued a waiver for the exemption. Basically, what we found is that the Health and Human Services Department was vastly expanded after Medicare, Medicaid, and the other responsibilities that had been placed in that department, so, he said, in effect, we will we subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, and we'll notice the major activities that we're going to do to the public, and we'll allow public comment. It's not a veto, it's just a simple transparency of, here's what our activity is going to entail, and allow the public to comment. And that's been the law for 54 years. Through six Republican presidents, including Ronald Reagan and the first administration of Donald Trump. “In March of this year, Secretary Ken… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
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 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination. “We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation’s distinguished service academies,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character.” The following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King: United States Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs Name Home Town High School Benjamin Abbott Winslow Winslow High School Thomas Carmack Veazie John Bapst Memorial High School Courtney Christoforo Saco Thornton Academy Adrian Dyer Easton Lee Academy Toby Foelix Camden Lexington High School, MA Connor Grant Houlton Houlton High School Nathan Hersom Rockland Oceanside High School Patrick Hopkins Winslow Winslow High School Jacob Lennon Albion Lawrence High School Jennifer Lorbeski Richmond Gardiner Area High School James Mannette Windham Windham High School Ryan Moore Bangor Phillips Exeter Academy, NH John Pepin Rumford Mountain Valley High School Ira Toracinta Kittery St. Thomas Aquinas High School United States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point Name Home Town High School Ethan Roger Boucher Rumford Mountain Valley High Andrew Cloutier Lyman Massabesic High School Keenan Collett Orono Orono High School Thomas Lawson Gorham Cheverus High School Jacob Lennon Albion Lawrence High School James Mannette Windham Windham High School Dylan Roberts Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Adam Sciretta Bath Annandale High School, VA… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blasts-national-park-services-aim-to-whitewash-our-history King Blasts National Park Service’s Aim to “Whitewash Our History” 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the National Parks Subcommittee, laid out his concerns over the rewriting and whitewashing of history within the National Park Service by the Trump Administration. During his opening remarks, he noted that while it is important to celebrate the triumphs of America, it is just as crucial to recognize — and learn from — our mistakes as a nation. Earlier this year, the Administration moved to scrub signs from national park and historic sites that could cast a “negative light” on American history. Additionally, the Administration announced this past week that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Juneteenth would be removed as free entry days and replaced with President Trump’s birthday. Senator King began, “I'm also worried and concerned about the effort to whitewash our history - to rewrite history within the National Park system. Our history is a country of 250 years. We have had triumphs. We have had great, prideful moments. We have had accomplishments, heroism, a lot to be proud of, relish, and learn about. But we also have some dark parts of our history. Like any history. We are not too excited about those, but they have to be addressed. Slavery, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, segregation, the treatment of Native Americans in our history. Those are things we can't avoid –we can't forget — and we don't want to forget. I recently finished a biography of the Roman statesman Cicero, and he had something that stuck with me. He said, “to not know your history, to not know history is to live your whole life as a child.” In other words, you are giving away a lot of human knowledge if you don't understand history. These chapters in our history, which we aren't proud of, we have to understand and learn from them and never repeat them. “A couple of years ago I was at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany. I met a young man, and we were chatting. He shared something that was … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-65-million-for-economic-development-projects-across-maine Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $6.5 Million for Economic Development Projects Across Maine 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins—Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee—and Angus King announced that 10 Maine organizations will receive a total of $6,541,337 to support important development projects. The funding comes from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Fiscal Year 2025 Catalyst Program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act (IIJA). Senator Collins was one of 10 senators who negotiated the IIJA. “The NBRC has long helped provide rural regions with the economic tools they need to prosper,” said Senators Collins and King. “This funding will help improve critical infrastructure in communities across our state while strengthening our workforce and creating economic opportunities for Mainers.” Specifically, the funding is allocated as follows: Bangor YMCA - $1,000,000 Caribou Utilities District - $1,000,000 Monmouth Water Association - $1,000,000 Outdoor Sports Institute - $1,000,000 Town of Jonesport - $799,615 Friends of Veterans Memorial Library - $606,691 Maine Development Foundation - $500,000 Center for Entrepreneurial Studies - $499,869 Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems - $100,000 Hancock County Planning Commission - $35,162 A detailed description of all funded projects can be read here. The NBRC was established by Congress in 2008, with Senator Collins’ and King’s support, to fund a broad range of development projects in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York aimed at alleviating economic distress and encouraging private sector job creation. In 2023, Senator Collins introduced and Senator King co-sponsored legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the NBRC. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-slam-latest-efforts-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education King, Colleagues Slam Latest Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King joined a letter with a number of his colleagues to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon slamming the Department’s recent announcement that it has signed interagency agreements (IAAs) to illegally outsource core functions that students and their families rely on to four other federal agencies. In the letter, the senators called on the Secretary to reverse these latest steps that would further erode the Department of Education. Earlier this year, Senator King criticized an executive order from the Trump Administration to dismantle the Department of Education, saying “it could cost our children untold damage in their lives.” The senators began, “The actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on. Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department—including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding—will undermine public education.” “Let’s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families. We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students,” wrote the senators. “We expect you to work with Congress to pursue any ideas to streamline programs and improve public education, as the law and the Constitution require, and you have yourself stated you would do in your confirmation hearing. … Congress has unambiguously a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-vas-electronic-records-are-a-debacle King: VA’s Electronic Records Are a “Debacle” 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), spoke with Alyssa Hundrup, Director of Health Care at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), about the importance of streamlining information-sharing between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and community care providers. During the exchange, Senator King pointed toward the difficulties associated with the current electronic medical records system used by the VA, calling it a “debacle,” asking why proven private sector methods aren’t being used, and raised the question of what role artificial intelligence (AI) could play in helping create a more cohesive information stream. Director Hundrup agreed with Senator King’s analysis that AI has the potential to create a more efficient system that would benefit veterans’ care. “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to emphasize what Sen. Sheehy just said. As I looked over my notes and questions, it comes back to decent electronic medical records. We talked about coordination with community care. Good electronic medical records. Coordination with veterans coming out of the defense department. Decent electronic medical records. And everything comes back to that. Overprescribing, or prescribing polypharmacy where there's conflicts and danger, that’s where you get — that won't happen if you have decent medical records. So, every practitioner that sees a veteran sees the same information about what they’re taking, what they’ve been prescribed, what their history is, all of that necessary background. The development of electronic medical records for the Department of Defense and the VA has been a national debacle. We are spending billions of dollars, it is still not working, it hasn’t been tested, people don't like it. I never understood frankly while we did not use the same system that is already on the shelf for thousands of hospitals across the country. Why are we inventing a new system for these patients? Sorry about the speech, but Senator Sheehy provoke… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-passing-of-world-war-ii-veteran-charles-shay King Statement on the Passing of World War II Veteran Charles Shay 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement following the passing of Charles Shay, a member of the Penobscot tribe who served as an Army medic during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery carrying critically wounded soldiers to safety during the D-Day invasion in 1944, and was a recipient of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award. Shay passed away at 101 at his home in Bretteville-L’Orgueilleuse in France’s Normandy region. “I was honored to meet and get to know Charles Shay both at his home on Indian Island and on the beaches of Normandy, at the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Charles Shay was a world-class individual who gave honor to his home state, to his tribe, to his family, and to the people of America. I know he's going to be missed by his many friends and admirers around the country, but especially on Indian Island. My warmest wishes go out to his many family and friends, and it was an honor for me to have an opportunity to meet and get to know one of Maine's most distinguished citizens.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-track-benefits-of-preventive-health-care-legislation King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Track Benefits of Preventive Health Care Legislation 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King — with a number of his bipartisan colleagues — has introduced bipartisan legislation to better measure the cost savings that come with improved investments in preventive health care for Maine people. The Preventive Health Savings Act would instruct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to fully study the costs and benefits that could be seen with proposed preventive health care legislation. CBO analyses are essential benchmarks that members of Congress use to determine the cost of legislation to the American taxpayer. By taking a longer-term view into consideration past the current 10-year window and incorporating prevention interventions into CBO scoring, Congress could make more informed decisions and better measure the return on investment of Americans getting ahead of health problems before they get more serious and costly. “I often say, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to keep Maine people healthy and save money for patients and taxpayers alike, and as we work to expand this care, we must first learn how we can best measure it,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Preventive Health Savings Act will allow Congress a more complete view of how preventative healthcare legislation can help patients stay healthy and cut costs. The cheapest surgery or treatment is the one that we avoid by getting ahead of the issue, and this bill is a simple step to reduce health care expenses, save taxpayer dollars and support Americans’ long-term health.” “It is important we have a clear, long-term picture of the return on investment from preventive health care measures,” said Senator Crapo. “Removing current CBO limitations benefits any future health care reform and helps pave the way for additional preventive measures that save lives and reduce costs.” “Preventive care and early detection can help patients live longer and healthier lives while also saving on long-term costs for everything from treatments to hospital … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-collins-urgently-request-certainty-on-tariffs-for-maines-forest-products-industry King, Collins Urgently Request Certainty on Tariffs for Maine’s Forest Products Industry 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are urgently requesting tariff relief for Maine’s forest products industry. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the Maine Senators called for prompt support to Maine’s forest product manufacturers, many of whom are struggling with added costs because of the tariffs. The Maine forest products industry is deeply interconnected with Canada. Last year alone, Maine exported roughly 2 million tons of wood. Similarly, and within the same time frame, Maine imported 2.3 million tons of wood. “We are gravely concerned about the impact of the tariffs imposed on imports of timber and lumber on the forest products industry. This industry is part of Maine’s heritage, boosting our state’s economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in rural communities, and providing essential products to consumers across the United States. As such, we request that the Administration provide immediate and meaningful relief to this industry, which is already struggling to survive,” the Senators wrote. They continued, “We are aware that the Administration is considering measures to provide aid to agricultural industries that cannot weather the headwinds in global markets as a result of the tariffs. Accordingly, we believe that the forestry products industry should be eligible and included in any relief program. Maine’s mills require certainty and predictability to plan, and the added costs from the tariffs are raising prices that they cannot absorb in a competitive global marketplace. The potential of retaliatory tariffs also poses a devasting threat.” “In closing, we are supportive of the Administration’s goal to strengthen domestic manufacturing and the U.S. forestry industry. However, as trade negotiations continue, we ask that you provide prompt relief to our hardworking forestry product manufacturers so they can thrive now… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-effort-to-repeal-provision-allowing-lawmakers-to-sue-justice-department-for-phone-surveillance King Cosponsors Effort to Repeal Provision Allowing Lawmakers to Sue Justice Department for Phone Surveillance 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside 27 of his colleagues, has introduced legislation to prevent the special protection of lawmakers in federal investigations. The Anti-Cash Grab Act would repeal a provision — quietly added at the last minute into the Senate government funding bill — that would award $500,000 or more in damages to senators whose records were lawfully obtained by the Department of Justice (DOJ) if their cases are successful in a court of law. The bill comes after the Senate Judiciary Committee released FBI records related to “Arctic Frost,” a 2021 investigation into efforts to overthrow the 2020 election. During the investigation, former Special Counsel Jack Smith legally subpoenaed the phone records of eight Republican senators, as well as hundreds of Republican officials, activists and organizations. “The American people deserve transparency and accountability, and that’s what we ought to be delivering — not sneaking 11th hour provisions into a bill to end the longest running government shutdown in our nation’s history,” said Senator King. “The Anti-Cash Grab Act makes it crystal clear that lawmakers should not be granted special privileges when federal investigations legally look into their activities. Period. This was a bad faith provision that has created a bipartisan outcry, and I’m urging all my colleagues to support efforts to overturn it.” The Anti-Cash Grab Act is sponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI.), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT.), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brain Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-on-majority-leader-thune-to-immediately-bring-epstein-files-transparency-act-to-floor-for-vote King, Colleagues Call on Majority Leader Thune to Immediately Bring Epstein Files Transparency Act to Floor for Vote 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today joined dozens of his Senate colleagues in a letter urging Republican leadership to immediately vote on legislation aimed at releasing the Epstein files. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), the Caucus calls on the Majority Leader to bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which passed the House of Representatives earlier today 427-1, to the Senate floor as soon as possible for a vote. The bill would require the Department of Justice to release all documents and records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency with the American people and justice for the victims. “As you know, despite promises from then-candidate Donald Trump, the current Trump Administration DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), President Trump, and his subordinates have obfuscated, misdirected, and obstructed efforts in both the Senate and the House to secure release of the Epstein files. In 2024, President Trump stated on the campaign trail that he would “declassify” the Epstein files. Attorney General Bondi, once confirmed by the Senate, indicated that the Epstein client list was “sitting on my desk right now to review.” However, President Trump and his Administration have not kept their promises,” the senators wrote. “Newly released emails raise serious questions about President Trump’s knowledge of, and possible complicity in, Epstein’s crimes. In 2011, Epstein emailed Maxwell, ‘that dog that hasn’t barked is trump.. [victim] spent hours at my house with him ,, [sic] he has never once been mentioned.’ In 2019, Epstein again referenced President Trump, stating ‘of course he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.’ These revelations further demonstrate the urgent need for the Trump Administration to provide transparency and release the full Epstein files,” the senators continued. “Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has responsibly acted to provide transparency on this matter – we call on… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-lead-bipartisan-push-for-release-of-visas-to-support-small-businesses King, Rounds Lead Bipartisan Push for Release of Visas to Support Small Businesses 2025-11-14 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) are leading a bipartisan push for the release of supplemental H-2B seasonal employment visas to support small businesses across the United States. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer that Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) also joined in signing, King, Rounds and their colleagues call on the Administration to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for fiscal year (FY) 2026. H-2B visas fill workforce needs for American small businesses that are unable to hire enough American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions – and bipartisan research shows employing these workers boosts wages across the board. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions; when the local workforce is insufficient, the H-2B visa program is seen as a necessary tool to support local economies. With Maine continuing to experience a shortage of seasonal and temporary employees, these nonimmigrant visas provide a lifeline for the economy and ensure small businesses can meet the demand for their products and services. “These visas will allow employers to supplement their U.S. workforce to keep their businesses open, as well as provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months,” wrote the senators. “Chronic labor shortages—faced by seasonal U.S. employers throughout the nation’s history—have been exacerbated by the post-pandemic evolution of the American workforce. As this need grows, so does the pressure on U.S. workers, whose employers’ workforce needs cannot be met with American workers alone. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Gover… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-warn-of-dangerous-spike-in-street-homelessness-if-administration-makes-proposed-changes-to-homelessness-support-system King, Colleagues Warn of “Dangerous Spike in Street Homelessness” if Administration Makes Proposed Changes to Homelessness Support System 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined dozens of his Senate colleagues urging the Trump Administration to reconsider anticipated changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, federal assistance that provides a wide range of housing and services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, King his colleagues urged HUD to immediately halt these harmful – and potentially illegal – changes that could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced back onto the streets. “HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year [Notice of Funding Opportunity], and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously,” the senators wrote. “For months, we have heard from countless front-line workers, faith-based and non-profit service providers, mayors, and governors who have been frantically attempting to navigate HUD’s actions and anxiously waiting for HUD to provide details around the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes. For months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress’s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for fiscal year 2025 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time.,” the senators continued. “HUD’s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,00… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-vote-toward-ending-shutdown-is-the-opening-of-an-opportunity King: Vote Toward Ending Shutdown is “The Opening of an Opportunity” 2025-11-09 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today voted to advance debate on a Senate spending bill that could eventually reopen the government in a 60-40 vote. The vote comes as the shutdown became the longest federal government shutdown in American history at 40 days. From federal furloughs to cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, the shutdown caused incredible harm to Maine families and people across the country. At a nationally-televised press conference toward the end of the vote joined by his colleagues Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Senator King shared the following remarks: “Those of us here, and those of us certainly are participating in the Democratic Caucus, are 100% committed to working on the issue of the ACA premium tax credits and preserving access to healthcare for millions of Americans. “So, the question before us, before those of us here, who decided to vote yes tonight, the question was, does the shutdown further the goal of achieving some needed support for the extension of the tax credits? “Our judgment was that it will not produce that result. And the evidence for that is almost seven weeks of fruitless attempts to make that happen. Would it change in a week or another week or after Thanksgiving or Christmas? And there's no evidence that it would. “What there is evidence of is the harm that the shutdown is doing to the country. What it's doing to millions of federal workers, but also what is doing to tens of millions of recipients of SNAP benefits. This is a true crisis for those individuals. Soup kitchens, kitchens can't fill the gap, food pantries can't fill the gap. SNAP is an essential part of the food, the food provision program in this country. So, we were faced with a series of steps that weren’t working to achieve the goal we wanted with regard to the ACA, but it was at the same time creating hardship and diff… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-experts-on-improving-veterans-shifting-to-civilian-life King Questions Experts on Improving Veterans Shifting to Civilian Life 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke with Jared Lyon, National President and Chief Executive Officer of Student Veterans of America, and retired Colonel Barbara Carson, the Managing Director of Programs and Services at Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) about the importance of ensuring a smooth transition from active duty to veteran status. During the exchange, Senator King offered simple fixes — such as having servicemembers’ contact information automatically shared with state department of veterans’ affairs so that new veterans can be connected to resources in their home communities — that would ensure veterans are properly equipped with the information and resources needed to successfully resume civilian life. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 200,000 servicemembers make the transition to civilian life each year. “Really what we are talking about is transition,” Senator King began. “I believe the Department of the Defense and the V.A. combined should spend as much time, money, and effort on transition as they do on recruiting. There was a lot of activity, and it has improved recently, but it still is not where it wants to be. There are two or three issues I have been involved with, and I would like your quick thoughts. One is pre-enrolling in V.A. healthcare before you leave active duty. You are nodding. Is that a good idea?” Caron replied, “Yes, senator.” “So, there is not that gap,” Senator King continued. “Secondly, Form 2648 has a box on it that says, ‘if you opt-in, [do you] want your contact information shared with a state veterans agency?’ We would like to change that to an opt-out because people often do not check boxes. [We want to] reverse the presumption so that people, unless they object to it, can have their contact [shared with state veterans agency]. My idea is if you get a state veterans organization structure in connection with VSOs, I… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-pressure-trump-administration-to-fully_not-partially--fund-snap-benefits King, Colleagues Pressure Trump Administration to Fully — Not Partially — Fund SNAP Benefits 2025-11-04 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — After benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for roughly 42 million Americans were stopped over the weekend due to the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside, 45 of his colleagues, introduced a resolution calling on the Trump Administration to immediately use all congressionally approved funding to keep families from going hungry. Though the Trump Administration relented to court rulings yesterday and announced plans to partially distribute the contingency funds available to them, Senator King and his colleagues reminded the White House of the billions available to them and that half-measures are not sufficient. In Maine, nearly 170,000 people — over 12 percent of the state — receive SNAP benefits. Several counties across the state are approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their population relying on these critical benefits. “Americans going hungry during a government shutdown is not inevitable — it’s a choice,” said Senator King. “In all our history, a government shutdown has never meant that Americans can’t put food on their tables because Congress has appropriated contingency funds for this exact purpose. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to demand that this Administration fully fund SNAP for the month of November by using the billions of dollars at its disposal. Maine families, children and seniors rely on these critical programs and it’s our responsibility to make sure they receive the help they deserve.” SNAP benefits lapsed on November 1 because the Administration initially refused to use a SNAP contingency fund of $6 billion previously appropriated by Congress. After two federal judges ruled that SNAP must continue to be funded, the Administration agreed to use the $4.65 billion left in the contingency fund to finance the program. However, the contingency fund will only cover half of SNAP benefits for the month of November, and the Administration is refusing to use additional available funds using an agreement establish… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backed-legislation-would-keep-maine-families-fed-during-government-shutdown King-Backed Legislation Would Keep Maine Families Fed During Government Shutdown 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today cosponsored new legislation that would prevent the Trump administration from illegally withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the government shutdown. The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act directs the USDA to immediately release billions of dollars in available funds to ensure SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted, as the nation faces “uncharted territory” that could put America’s most vulnerable at risk. The legislation also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown. “Maine families, children, veterans and seniors shouldn’t have to worry about losing access to food assistance because of political tactics,” said Senator King. “No one in this country should ever have to choose between paying the electric bill and putting dinner on the table. The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act is about decency and plain common sense, and it keeps faith with the Maine people who count on us most. In all our history, a shutdown has never meant Americans go hungry — and it shouldn’t start now.” By law, the administration is required to use billions in available funding to keep SNAP benefits flowing in November; guidance from the USDA confirms the authority to use available funding during a shutdown. Nearly 170,000 Maine people — more than 12 percent of the state’s population — receive SNAP benefits. Several counties across the state are approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their population relying on these critical benefits. Nationwide, approximately 42 million Americans rely on this critical program. In 2024, over 18,000 Maine people received WIC benefits. As it stands, if the current government shutdown extends into November, nutrition assistance would not be issued. Senator King has also cosponsored legislation from Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) that would disburse SNAP benefits after… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-strategic-command-nominee-on-presidents-missile-test-claims King Questions Strategic Command Nominee on President’s Missile Test Claims 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today questioned Vice Admiral Richard Correll, nominee for the rank of Navy Admiral and to serve as Commander of United States Strategic Command, on whether foreign adversaries Russia and China are in the process of testing nuclear weapons. The hearing comes the morning after President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing through a late night announcement on the social media platform Truth Social. During the exchange with Senator King, Vice Admiral Correll confirmed neither country is currently testing nuclear weapons. Senator King began, "We have been talking about this phrase the president used yesterday — I feel like we’re doing Talmudic analysis here of the words — ‘Because of other countries’ testing programs, I’ve instructed the Department of War — Department of Defense — to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis.’ Are any other countries doing explosive testing of nuclear warheads?” “Senator, I want to thank you for the time in your office. I really appreciated your time and the conversation. To my knowledge, the explosive testing, the last explosive nuclear testing was by North Korea, or DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), and that was in 2017 to be publicly confirmed,” replied Vice Admiral Correll. “But Russia and China have not done explosives that we know of, is that correct,” asked Senator King. “No, for China, the last publicly acknowledged test was in 1996,” replied Vice Admiral Correll. King continues, quoting the President, “‘We are testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis.’ It could be that what he is talking about is delivery systems. Is that not correct? Just recently we learned about the new Sky Fall Russian missile. Is that a reasonable interpretation of what he is saying, rather than explosive testing of weapons.” “I don't have insight into the president's intent. I agree that could be an interpretatio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-presses-usda-to-immediately-release-billions-in-snap-funds-to-help-feed-maine-families King Presses USDA to Immediately Release Billions in SNAP Funds to Help Feed Maine Families 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Angus King (I-ME) today joined 45 of his colleagues in writing a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to release billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November. Nearly 170,000 Maine people — over 12 percent of the state — receive SNAP benefits. Several counties across the state are approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their population relying on these critical benefits. Nationwide, approximately 42 million Americans rely on this critical program. As it stands, if the current government shutdown extends into November, nutrition assistance would not be issued. The senators began, “We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks.’ In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.” “First, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown,”wrote the senators. The senators continued, “In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA’s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-trump-administrations-unauthorized-demolition-of-the-historic-east-wing-of-the-white-house King Statement on Trump Administration’s Unauthorized Demolition of the Historic East Wing of the White House 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration carrying out unauthorized demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House in order to build a $200 million, 90,000 square-foot ballroom: “President Trump’s desecration of the White House is an insult to the American people and a betrayal of his obligation to safeguard our history and heritage. While each President has left some mark on the building, none has attempted to so drastically alter its fundamental structure and purpose. The proposed outsized ballroom will be twice as big as the entirety of the current White House and cover more than two acres. “The White House does not belong to President Trump; it belongs to the American people – he is but a temporary resident with no right to despoil this iconic landmark on his personal whim. The house was purposefully never intended to be a palace, but rather a residence befitting a democratically-elected leader, and an important symbol of our rejection of the trappings of royalty. “Echoing Ronald Reagan, my first thought is, ‘Mr. Trump, don’t tear down this house.’” Originally, the Trump Administration claimed the ballroom expansion would not interfere with the existing structure of the White House. Presidents have the authority to make minor changes such as redecorating the private residence and Oval Office, but major structural changes must be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). As of October 22, no plans have been filed with the NCPC to demolish the East Wing and build the new structure. Prior to the demolition, the East Wing housed the Office of the First Lady and served as the primary public entrance. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-out-va-secretary-for-lack-of-responsiveness-during-shutdown King, Colleagues Call Out VA Secretary for Lack of Responsiveness During Shutdown 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), joined members of the Committee to criticize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for unnecessarily ending critical services for veterans during the government shutdown. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, King and his colleagues also called out the VA for politicizing the lapse in appropriations to end communication with Congress and halt operations, even though the Department has already been funded in a multi-year appropriations bill that remains unaffected by the current government shutdown. “Congress has provided the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with multi-year funding, which ensures a government shutdown has minimal impact on veterans’ health care and benefits,” the lawmakers wrote. “That is why we are deeply concerned that your Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) refuses to initiate, dispatch, or respond to congressional inquiries on behalf of our veteran constituents. Every single day, veterans and their families come to our offices for help in getting their health care and benefits from VA. Often, they come to us as their last resort. We take those concerns or their specific cases directly to VA and advocate on their behalf. Thus, any delay in responding to this outreach or dispatching their cases will cause harm to the veterans we serve…The Department must revisit this prioritization scheme and dedicate sufficient staff and resources necessary to accomplish the task of responding in a timely manner to ALL constituent casework requests initiated by Congress.” The lawmakers continued, “…[W]e know that previous administrations planned to continue dispatching and responding to congressional inquiries during government shutdowns by utilizing non-furloughed employees. The fact that VA has chosen not to prioritize communication with Congress on policy matters is clearly a leadership decision and a direct affront to our constitutional duty to oversee the work of … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-backed-legislation-supporting-maine-economy-and-strengthening-national-security Senate Passes King-Backed Legislation Supporting Maine Economy and Strengthening National Security 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a 77-20 vote. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), had previously worked with his colleagues to secure strong investments in Maine’s economy and America’s national defense. This legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs. Earlier this year, Senator King led the Senate Armed Services Committee in supporting bipartisan measures for the finalized legislation that passed out of committee. The legislation includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for servicemembers an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), a comprehensive new approach to monitoring brain health, aggressive policies to strengthen America’s cybersecurity, provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. The bill will now be conferenced with the House of Representatives before heading to the President’s desk for signature. “For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, the Senate is continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill for the Department of Defense (DoD) that will make our nation safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our country faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country. “There are many important provisions in this legislation – including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defen… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-ukraines-defense-against-russia-proving-modern-value-of-drone-warfare King: Ukraine’s Defense Against Russia Proving Modern Value of Drone Warfare 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), questioned General Kenneth Wilsbach, nominee to serve as Chief of Staff of the Air Force, on the importance of prioritizing America’s drone warfare capabilities, as well as supporting technologies such as 3-D printing to drive down production costs. During the exchange, Senator King highlighted Ukraine’s extensive use of drones for aerial reconnaissance and attacks and noted that the United States military should be investing similarly in the unmanned warfighting technology. General Wilsbach agreed with Senator King’s assessment, calling it a useful military tactic. “A question about drones: to me it underlines the cumbersomeness of our military procurement system….Ukraine is now producing 200,000 drones a month at an average price of $500. We don't have remotely that capacity here. And I believe we are missing, I think, the major lesson of Ukraine, which is the importance of drone warfare. I would hope that this might be, again, a place of new emphasis. Not only defensive, which you have mentioned, but also offensive. I find it astounding what the Ukrainians have been able to do. Think of that, 200,000 drones produced a month, average cost $500. We've got to have a major initiative in this area, in my view. Do you agree,” asked Senator King. General Wilsbach replied, “I do, senator. And we have come to the same lessons learned that you have, that this is a tactic that would be useful for us, and it creates massive dilemmas for your adversary, because they have to honor those 200,000 a month. They don't know what they are up to. They might have a weapon on them, there might be a decoy, but they have to honor them, and you end up overwhelming their defenses, and then you eventually get one to the target and you achieve objectives. We’re learning that lesson, and by the way, 3D printing — you can 3-D print one-way attack drones at scale. So, we should invest in that, I believe.” As a member of th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-shares-updated-thoughts-on-the-ongoing-federal-government-shutdown King Shares Updated Thoughts on the Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown 2025-10-08 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement providing an update to the ongoing federal government shutdown: “The imminent expiration of the tax credits which make health insurance affordable for millions (including tens of thousands in Maine) is a totally avoidable crisis. They could and should have been extended earlier this year when the Republican-only tax bill was passed—which extended (and made permanent) tax breaks for billionaires. “But it didn’t happen and the dramatic increase in health insurance premiums will hit in the next several weeks. “That’s why I have been working intensely with Senators on both sides of the aisle to find a solution to this problem while at the same time trying get us out of the current increasingly dangerous government shutdown, so far without success. “I intend to continue that work and as long as there are Republican Senators willing to talk, I’ll be at the table “But as serious as the health insurance crisis is, I believe the shutdown itself and the additional powers it conveys to Donald Trump and his henchmen, is the greater risk. The greatest challenge our country faces right now is the accelerating slide toward authoritarianism. Troops in our cities, ignoring the law, defying the courts, trampling on the free press, weaponizing the legal system, and more examples everyday, have brought our country to the most dangerous moment in my lifetime. “And this shutdown has the potential to make all this worse by further empowering Donald Trump, Steven Miller, and Russell Vought. “That’s why I have decided to stick with my vote to reopen the government rather than continue the shutdown in the hopes of coming to a resolution on health insurance. This is not an easy decision—made more so by the Republicans’ refusal to even discuss the health insurance issue—but in the end, I have determined that preserving our democracy has to be the highest priority. “I hope I’m wrong about this risk, but the stakes are too high to take that chanc… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-block-trump-administration-attempt-to-gut-the-federal-government-and-essential-services King Votes to Block Trump Administration Attempt to Gut the Federal Government and Essential Services 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) voted to keep the government open because a shutdown will give President Trump the ability to do far greater damage – plans he shared in public comments earlier today. A full statement can be found below: “I just came from the Senate floor where I took one of the most difficult votes I've taken since I've been in the Senate. I voted to keep the government open for a continuing resolution. The irony of this vote is, many feel that this was an opportunity to stand up to Donald Trump, to vote no and to fight back. “The irony – the paradox is – by shutting the government, we're actually giving Donald Trump more power. And that was why I voted yes. I did not want to hand Donald Trump and Russell Vought and Stephen Miller additional power to decimate the federal government, to decimate the programs that are so important to so many people. “Here is what Donald Trump said just this afternoon: ‘We can do things during a shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them. He means the Democrats like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like. We can do things medically in other ways, including benefits we can cut numbers of people out.’ “Maya Angelou once said, ‘If someone tells you who they are, you should believe them.’ Donald Trump, in this quote, tells us what he plans to do if there's a shutdown and it will not be good for the American people. This was a difficult vote, but in the end, I could not, in good conscience, vote to shut the government down and hand even greater power to the trio of Donald Trump, Stephen Miller and Russell Vought. This was a vote of conscience on behalf of the State of Maine and the people of the United States.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-department-of-education-to-continue-funding-usm-umf-upward-bound-programs Maine Delegation Urges Department of Education to Continue Funding USM, UMF Upward Bound Programs 2025-09-26 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to Education Secretary Linda McMahon urging her to reverse the Department of Education’s decision to terminate funding for two federally funded TRIO Upward Bound programs in Maine: the Veterans Upward Bound Program at the University of Southern Maine (USM) and the River Valley Upward Bound Program at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). The TRIO Upward Bound program helps prepare low-income and first-generation students for success in higher education by providing academic support, mentoring, and other college readiness services. Both the USM and UMF programs were awarded five-year TRIO grants in 2022 and expected funding to continue through 2027, but the Department recently notified them that funding would end prematurely on September 30, 2025. Both programs have filed formal requests for reconsideration. “The Department’s decision to terminate funding for these Upward Bound programs is deeply upsetting, and the negative impact on the students enrolled in these two programs cannot be overstated,” the Delegation wrote. “Upward Bound has proven its effectiveness in the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students who often face barriers to accessing a college education,” they continued. “We have seen the lives of many young people changed by the TRIO program. In fact, some of our own staff members went through TRIO and tell us that they would not have pursued higher education but for the support and opportunities it provided.” “Rather than terminate funding after the third year of this five-year grant, we urge you to use all available authorities to work with these programs and allow them to operate with continued funding in full compliance with the current Administration’s priorities. Given the importance of these TRIO programs to the students they serve, we are hopeful you will work with them achieve this outcome,” the Delegation concluded. The Veterans Upward B… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-king-collins-celebrate-national-lobster-day Senators King, Collins Celebrate National Lobster Day 2025-09-25 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins are celebrating Maine’s iconic lobster industry after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan resolution recognizing September 25, 2025 as “National Lobster Day.” The resolution recognizes the crustacean as a foundational part of Maine’s economy and culture, as well as highlights the environmental and economic impact of this important industry. “Lobsters are synonymous with Maine’s identity, history, and culture,” said Senator King and Collins. “Fueling the lobster’s iconic status are the hardworking men and women who wake up early every morning in towns across our coastline to carry on the proud lobstering tradition. Together, they work to ensure the long-term health, resiliency, and sustainability of our waters. Today is an opportunity to not only honor Maine’s favorite crustacean, but to also recognize the success of our lobstermen and women who contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy, bringing immeasurable pride to our great state.” “National Lobster Day is a chance to honor the tradition and impact of Maine Lobster — an industry that has sustained generations of families and coastal communities,” said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. “We’re grateful to Senator King and his office for recognizing the hardworking men and women who make this fishery possible and for helping ensure Maine Lobster remains a source of pride for Maine and a favorite on tables nationwide.” Lobster is a top economic driver for the state of Maine, and in 2024, the industry brought in over $709,000,000. Senators King and Collins have been top advocates for the Maine lobster industry, securing more than $1.9 million for lobster research in 2024 to address critical knowledge gaps and improve fisheries. In 2022, Senators Collins and King secured a provision in the annual appropriations spending bill which included a regulatory reprieve to protect Maine’s sustainable lobster industry from misguide… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-combat-political-redistricting-abuse King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Combat Political Redistricting Abuse 2025-09-22 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), is introducing legislation to combat partisan efforts to gerrymander congressional districts ahead of the next census in 2030. The Redistricting Reform Act would prohibit states from mid-decade redistricting and would require every state to adopt a nonpartisan, independent redistricting commission (IRC), similar to the advisory commission that Maine currently uses. The legislation comes amid partisan efforts to redraw congressional districts ahead of the competitive 2026 midterm elections, particularly in Texas and California. “Abusing the redistricting process is one of the most serious threats to democracy and our Constitution,” said Senator King. “Not only does partisan and off-schedule redistricting damage and disenfranchise American citizens’ fundamental right to vote, but it also contributes to rising polarization in Congress and further diminishes public faith in our political process. I’m proud to cosponsor this critical piece of legislation that will ensure the American people are accurately represented by their elected officials and hope that we can begin to discourage hyper partisan politics. Voters should choose their officials, not the other way around.” Specifically, the Redistricting Reform Act would require IRCs to have 15 commissioners, evenly divided into three groups — majority party, the minority party and unaffiliated/minor party. The composition of each commission would be representative of the state’s demographic and geographic diversity, with enough members from racial, ethnic, and language minority communities to allow meaningful participation in the redistricting process. To comply with the legislation, each state redistricting plan must: Comply with the U.S. Constitution; Comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and all applicable federal laws; Ensure minorities receive equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect their p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-administration-to-continue-issuing-paper-checks-for-americans King, Colleagues Urge Administration to Continue Issuing Paper Checks for Americans 2025-09-19 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is leading several of his Congressional colleagues in urging the leaders of the Treasury Department and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to delay the implementation of a federal executive order requiring the federal government to eliminate paper checks. President Trump issued an Executive Order requiring the Treasury Department to stop issuing paper checks by September 30 for all payments across the federal government – including Social Security benefits, vendor payments, tax refunds, and more. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and OMB Director Russell Vought written by Senator King and signed by the Maine Delegation as well as Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lawmakers share how cutting off access to paper checks will disproportionately affect older and rural Americans — as well as the domestic forest products industry — if not implemented in a strategic manner. Thousands of individuals rely on paper checks — many of whom live in rural areas, or may be elderly, disabled, or low-income. Although individuals can apply for a waiver to receive paper checks, the process is needlessly bureaucratic and there is little information if the Department of Treasury office has the workforce available to process waivers applications. It is also unclear as to whether those with existing waivers will need to re-apply to maintain the status quo and if people need to apply for multiple waivers across different agencies. “The domestic forest products industry manufactures over $435 million worth of products and directly employs more than 925,000 people across the country, many of whom live in rural areas,” the lawmakers wrote. “This industry produces essential items that Americans use every day, from paper to packaging. As you know, E.O. 14247, issued on March 25, 2025, requires the Treasury Department to stop issuing paper checks for all payments across the federal government, including benefits payments, vendor payments, and tax refunds, by September 30, 202… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bolster-civics-education King and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Civics Education 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster civics education resources for school children across the United States. Introduced to mark Constitution Day, the Constitution education Is Valuable In Community Schools (CIVICS) Act would require elementary and secondary education federal grant recipients to include U.S. Constitution education—through hands-on programming for teachers and students—to be eligible for continued funding. The bill recognizes the importance of teaching American history, government, geography, and the importance of the Constitution to basic civic literacy. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined King on the legislation. “Good civics education creates good citizens. The U.S. Constitution is the blueprint for democracy and freedom, and its survival relies on each generation understanding our history and the values Americans have held sacred since our founding,” said Senator King. “Our democratic system of governance is an anomaly in world history, and if we truly want a government of, by, and for the people, we must make sure people have the perspective and knowledge required to do their part in protecting it. I hope this bipartisan legislation allows young Americans to better understand and engage with America’s foundational principles.” “The Constitution isn’t just paper and ink. The soul of our nation rests in what our Constitution represents: the rule of law, personal responsibility without government coercion, protection of humanity, and a limited federal government,” Senator Lankford said. “We must continue to safeguard those values and defend the Constitution’s carefully crafted guarantees of our freedoms and rights. Our children will only live our American values if we intentionally commit to pass down our Constitutional values to the next generation.” “President Reagan said that freedom is 'never more than one generation away from extinction.' Through civics education, we teach A… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-military-nominees-on-legal-authority-for-caribbean-attacks King Questions Military Nominees on Legal Authority for Caribbean Attacks 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), pressed Derrick Anderson, nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict in the Department of Defense (DoD), about his views on the legality of the recent unprecedented lethal strikes on vessels in the Caribbean ordered by the Trump Administration. Earlier this month, a first strike on an alleged drug boat killed 11 people. A second strike was carried out just days ahead of the hearing and claimed three lives. The Administration has not publicly disclosed evidence of drugs or weapons onboard the ships, nor provided a full legal or military justification for why this deadly strike was the preferred option. “Mr. Anderson, what is the authority for the lethal strikes on the ships in the Caribbean that have recently been carried out by the administration, that I believe would fall under your jurisdiction and the new position you are being nominated for,” asked Senator King. “Senator, I appreciate the question. I was not involved in the operation, nor do I know any of the details but what I have seen on the news in small clips, Senator, and what I can tell you is that in my capacity as a green beret, I understand the complexities of operations, planning operations, and all the different factors, but again Senator I was not involved in it,” replied Mr. Anderson. “But don't you think that one of the early things that you should assess — you listed all those things — and the first is, ‘Is this a legal action of the United States government?’ Wouldn’t that be part of your calculation,” questioned Senator King. “Senator, again, I was not involved in that operation,” stated Mr. Anderson. “I understand that, but I am talking in the future. You might be in this job in three weeks and be ordered to strike another ship in the Caribbean. Are you going to ask a question about what is the legal authority for that strike,” asked Senator King. “Senator, certainly, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-on-armed-services-chairman-to-hold-hearing-on-urban-militarization-plans King Calls on Armed Services Chairman to Hold Hearing on Urban Militarization Plans 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is calling on SASC Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) to hold a hearing on President Trump’s deployment of American troops into American cities. More specifically, the letter he sent with several SASC colleagues encourages Wicker to work with Department of Defense (DoD) leadership to evaluate these ongoing military deployments to American cities and their impact to military readiness, American civil liberties, and public trust in our military. “We request that you convene an Armed Services Committee hearing with Department of Defense (DoD) leadership regarding the deployment of members of the Armed Forces to American cities and efforts to increasingly dedicate DoD forces, assets, resources and personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Concerningly, DoD has deployed members of the Armed Forces to Los Angeles and the District of Columbia and the President has openly stated that an expansion to other cities, including Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans and Memphis is imminent. In response, state and local leaders are actively protesting the Administration’s actions and attempting to remove these military personnel from their streets. These deployments could have devastating effects on our military readiness and trusted relationship between the public and the servicemembers who are meant to protect them from external threats.” “The American people deserve clarity on the chosen priorities and missions of the Department of Defense and the short- and long-term implications for national security and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars of this new focus on a mission usually reserved for law enforcement professionals,” the Senators concluded. “…We believe it is critical that we conduct public oversight to ensure that the use of military power remains lawful, constitutional, strategically justified and responsible and transparent to the American… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-aim-to-designate-september-as-national-literacy-month King, Colleagues Aim to Designate September as National Literacy Month 2025-09-16 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside a bipartisan group of his colleagues, is cosponsoring a resolution recognizing the importance of literacy, as well as encouraging more Maine people and Americans of all ages to pick up a good book. The resolution establishes September 2025 as “National Literacy Month.” “Reading will open your eyes to new worlds and ideas,” said Senator King. “For people of all ages, literacy not only expands economic opportunities and growth, but also encourages us to think more and be more skeptical consumers of information. When we invest in literacy, we invest in our families, communities and our society. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to cosponsor this resolution highlighting the importance of literacy, and I remain committed to advocating for literacy awareness for all Maine people, and people across our nation.” Reading is a cornerstone for personal growth, economic opportunity, and a strong society. Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the most important predictors of whether a student will graduate high school and succeed in a career, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to a 2020 study by Gallup in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, it is estimated that low levels of adult literacy could be costing America as much as $2.2 trillion a year. In recognition of National Literacy Month, throughout the month of September, schools, libraries, non-profits, and other organizations will host a variety of activities, events, and free workshops highlighting the importance of building and strengthening literacy skills and the benefits of reading on healthy development. The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Katie Britt (R-AL), James Lankford (R-OK), Jack Reed (D-RI)… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-led-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-ocean-navigation-and-safety Senate Passes King-led Bipartisan Bill to Improve Ocean Navigation and Safety 2025-09-12 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. —The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation to improve ocean navigation and safety in federal waters. The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (MAPOceans) led by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and Ted Cruz (R-TX), would modernize mapping information on public oceans to improve public safety and provide navigation guidance through a user-friendly smartphone app. If passed into law, the MAPOceans Act would create a one-stop shop that would help to ensure sportsmen and women can recreate in a safe and responsible manner. “Maine’s Atlantic coastline is an incredible natural treasure that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the country,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan, and now Senate-passed, MAPOceans Act combines all the available information about ocean recreation and navigation into a one-stop resource — a phone app — containing information about ocean recreation and navigation. From deep-sea anglers to sailors and lobstermen, this legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine can do so safely and responsibly.” “Recreational fishing and boating are a favorite pastime of many families who cherish the outdoors. But far too often, a relaxing day on the water can turn into a frustrating time when you can’t navigate waterways and restricted areas,” said Senator Cruz. “That is why I introduced MAPOceans Act, alongside Sen. King, to ensure fishery information is easily and centrally accessible. This is commonsense legislation, and I urge my House colleagues to take up this legislation so anglers and boaters can spend more time enjoying America’s beautiful waterways instead of deciphering confusing data sources.” Senator King is among the Senate’s leading voices for conservation of our nation’s outdoor treasures. In 2022, his bipartisan MAPLand bill to modernize park and public land mapping was signed into law. He also helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-24th-anniversary-of-the-september-11tth-attacks King Statement on the 24th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks 2025-09-11 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in recognition of the 24th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks: “Twenty-four years ago, nearly 3000 innocent lives were taken by terrorists who sought to shake the foundations and values of our nation. Across our country, we watched in shock and horror as everyday Americans going about their daily business became victims in one of the darkest days — and deadliest attacks — in American history. The tragic events of that day are seared into the memory of so many of us, as well as the heroic response from our first responders. “Today, we honor and remember those we lost on September 11th, 2001. From the everyday New Yorkers, firemen, policemen, Pentagon workers, and the brave passengers of Flight 93 who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We are forever in debt to those who ran towards danger that day, and in the days, weeks and years afterwards. Those men and women embody the very best of the American spirit, and they deserve our full respect and gratitude. “We must never forget the attacks and the lives lost that day, as well as how our nation united around our shared values. Today is a solemn opportunity to remind ourselves of the words on our currency and buildings: E Pluribus Unum — from many, one — and how we are always stronger when we stand together. The values of democracy and freedom we defended twenty-four years ago continue to bond us together and the years since have proven that no enemy — foreign or domestic — will be able to destroy the defining principles of our country.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-you-just-lost-my-vote-after-he-grills-va-nominee-over-cuts King: “You Just Lost My Vote,” After He Grills VA Nominee Over Cuts 2025-09-11 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), questioned a Trump Administration nominee about the reckless approach the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has taken with regard to contract reductions. In a tense exchange with Dr. Karen Brazell, the nominee to serve as the VA Under Secretary for Benefits, Senator King directly asked if she had been involved with the contract cancellation process. Throughout the line of questioning, Dr. Brazell refused to provide a straightforward answer, even after several attempts from Senator King, to find out whether she could be credited with helping create the framework for the murky contract cancellation process. Senator King began, “Asking you a pretty straightforward question. Did you have anything to do whatsoever with the review of the contract of your former employer? That is a pretty straightforward yes or no question: I did, or I didn't.” “Senator, I have not reviewed the contracts with my former employer” said Dr. Brazell. “That is not what I asked. I asked, did you have anything to do whatsoever with that review,” Senator King repeated “Senator, I have not reviewed any contracts of my former employer. Again, I am not a contracting authority,” replied Dr. Brazell. Senator King asked again, “That’s the third time you’ve given me that answer and for the third I’m going to say, ‘that’s not what I’m asking.’ I’m asking were you involved anyway whatsoever with the review with the contract of your former employer.” “Senator King, I have answered that. I am not a contracting official or contracting authority. I have not reviewed the contracts of my former employer,” responded Dr. Brazell. “Your failure to answer that question — you just lost my vote on this nomination,” said Senator King. Failing to receive an adequate answer to his initial line of questioning, Senator King moved on by asking Dr. Brazell about what she meant in an earlier statement about “taking risks” regarding how the VA handles … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-white-house-about-legal-authority-for-strike-in-the-caribbean King Questions White House About Legal Authority for Strike in the Caribbean 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is pressing the White House for additional information on a strike against what it claimed was a “narcoterrorist” threat to America in the Caribbean. In a letter to President Donald Trump, King and several of his SASC colleagues point out that the Constitution gives the Congress the authority to declare war – and no declaration has been made for the use of lethal force against this potential target in the Caribbean. In the letter, they pose ten questions about the strike and why traditional interdiction tactics used effectively for decades were not deployed. The strike on an alleged drug boat killed 11 people. Despite its claims in press and social media, the Administration has not substantiated them with evidence of drugs or weapons onboard the ship, nor provided a full legal or military justification for why this deadly strike was necessary. “On September 2, 2025, the U.S. military at your direction struck a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, hundreds of miles from the United States and reportedly killing all 11 individuals onboard. Your Administration has asserted, without evidence, that the individuals on the vessel and the vessel’s cargo posed a threat to the United States,” the Senators wrote. “This strike followed press reports in early August that your Administration had secretly signed a directive for the use of U.S. military force across Latin America – despite the lack of any legal basis for such use of military force. Your September 4th War Powers Report to Congress following the strike noted ‘the potential for future such actions,’ but provided no legitimate legal justification and was scant in details regarding the legal or substantive basis for this or any future strikes.” The Senators continued, “On issues of national security, our top priorities are protecting Americans, American interests, and our servicemembers who put their lives on the line every day.” “In the interest of ensuring th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-warren-call-for-end-of-trickery-by-large-corporations-avoiding-paying-taxes King, Warren Call For End of “Trickery” by Large Corporations Avoiding Paying Taxes 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are leading a bicameral group of their colleagues in a letter urging Treasury Secretary and Acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Scott Bessent to strongly implement a tax law passed by Congress that requires the largest American corporations to pay their fair share in taxes. The corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) requires that companies reporting over $1 billion in profits to their shareholders must pay at least 15 percent of those profits in taxes, applying to approximately 150 of America’s wealthiest corporations. From 2018 to 2020, 39 Fortune 500 companies generating $122 billion in profit paid $0 in federal income tax. One of the most profitable companies in the United States secured a 4.3 percent effective tax rate on its $43.4 billion income during the same period, less than one-third of the rate paid by the average American taxpayer. The CAMT, which was included as a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), imposed a 15 percent minimum tax based on financial income reported to investors and creditors for corporations earing over $1 billion beginning in tax year 2023. However, as of recent under the Trump Administration, Treasury and the IRS have started to loosen certain requirements to help fewer corporations become subject to the tax, further eroding the Congressional intent of the law. “We write to express our concern about the Trump Administration's recent publication of multiple interim guidance notices that create new loopholes in the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) for the largest and wealthiest corporations. These notices will allow major corporations to circumvent the law by using accounting trickery to pay zero taxes on their massive profits,” the lawmakers began. “Prior to CAMT’s enactment, corporations worth billions of dollars would routinely pay little or no federal income tax. From 2018 to 2020, 39 Fortune 500 companies generating $122 billion in profit and paid $0 in federal… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/during-suicide-prevention-month-king-and-colleagues-urge-secretary-of-va-to-reinstate-funding-for-suicide-prevention-efforts During Suicide Prevention Month, King and Colleagues Urge Secretary of VA to Reinstate Funding for Suicide Prevention Efforts 2025-09-09 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), led his colleagues in urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reinstate funding for suicide prevention efforts that has been terminated for the upcoming fiscal year and protect remaining, unspent funds from being clawed back. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, King and his colleagues argue that the VA should be using every tool available to prevent the unnecessary deaths of veterans who risked their lives in service to the nation. At present, Maine is one of only 10 states (and 2 territories) that received this funding. However, the VA has haphazardly determined that these suicide prevention efforts are not a “good return on investment” and are therefore terminating the funding. The Senators began the letter, “We write regarding the recent notification that funding to our states to plan and develop Suicide Mortality Review (SMR) Committees will not be renewed for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and regarding the potential that any unused FY2025 funds may be clawed back. You have repeatedly stated that veteran suicide and suicide prevention is a top priority for you personally and for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), and we are concerned that cutting funding for the SMR projects in our states will make it harder to address veteran suicide.” “Our states know the severe impacts of veteran suicide all too well,” they continued. “That is why they were awarded cooperative agreements to plan and develop SMR Committees to help address veteran suicide through a public health lens. SMR is grounded in evidence-based methods that are championed by the VA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This initiative prioritizes a review of veteran suicide deaths to identify systematic gaps and implement strategies to address suicide prevention for veterans in their communities.” “We encourage the VA to continue with year two of fun… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-help-the-american-horticulture-industry-bloomlegislation-would-plant-the-seeds-to-encourage-government-entities-to-exclusively-buy-flowers-cut-greens-from-american-growers King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help the American Horticulture Industry Bloom 2025-09-08 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), has introduced bipartisan legislation to prioritize domestic horticulturists and farmers, and strengthen the American floral industry. The American Grown Act would require the Executive Office of the President, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of State to only purchase flowers and cut greens grown in the United States. “When the federal government spends taxpayer dollars on American-made products, those funds help small businesses, including many Maine people, succeed right here at home,” said Senator King. “Under the current system, the vast majority of flowers and cut greens purchased by the U.S. government are foreign grown, meaning the economic benefits are flowing to foreign markets. The American Grown Act is an opportunity to prioritize American-grown flowers, a simple fix that will boost both our flower industry and economy at large.” “If there’s one cause that can bring members of Congress together, it’s the commitment to Buy American,” Senator Sullivan said. “Every year, our federal agencies purchase millions of dollars’ worth of flowers and greenery for official events and ceremonies using taxpayer dollars. This money should benefit our American farmers and growers. By making this straightforward, patriotic principle the law of the land, we can support the men and women who power this industry — including the hundreds of hardworking growers right here in Alaska.” “Alaska’s floriculture industry has rightfully garnered global recognition, as we grow the largest, most vibrant peonies in the world. It is well past time that our domestic federal agencies — particularly the White House, State Department, and Department of Defense — support American cut-flower growers and strengthen local economies that benefit from this industry,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation once again, and sincerely hope my colleagues join us in s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-bill-signed-into-law-veteran-customer-service-office-becomes-permanent King Bill Signed into Law, Veteran Customer Service Office Becomes Permanent 2025-09-05 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), today applauded the signing into law of his bipartisan Improving Veteran Experience Act by President Donald Trump. Under the new law, the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) will become a permanent part of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), ensuring it can continue to provide consistent and quality care for the veteran community. Established in 2015 the VEO collects veterans’ feedback through surveys and uses that data to continuously improve the VA’s website and other resources used by veterans interacting with the VA. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was an original cosponsor of the legislation. “Veterans across Maine and our nation consistently and courageously answer the call of duty when serving, and we owe it to them to deliver the very best care,” said Senator King. “Supporting our veterans should never be partisan, and customer service should not be reserved just for the private sector. The signing into law of the Improving Veteran Experience Act is a perfect example of government providing a necessary public service. I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to Senator John Cornyn for his work helping get this important legislation over the finish line. Today, we celebrate codifying a long-awaited and much-needed office that is laser focused on improving veterans’ ability to access their hard-earned benefits.” Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-science-not-ideology-should-drive-national-energy-policy King: Science, not “Ideology” Should Drive National Energy Policy 2025-09-04 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), today questioned Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) nominees on their commitment to cost effective, renewable energy technologies. In the hearing with FERC nominees Laura Swett and David LaCerte, King pressed for support to wind and solar energies as they are significantly cheaper energy options than fossil fuels, and swifter to develop. King also asked the nominees about the importance of batteries in the longevity and success of stabilizing the electric grid. Senator King began his questioning by asking the nominees about the cheapest forms of electricity generation. Senator King began, “Ms. Swett, what is the cheapest form of electricity generation today in the country? “Thank you for the question, Senator. I have not looked into that issue, but I am happy to look into it and answer any questions you may have,” Swett replied. Senator King followed up on his question, “Well, I’ll help you. It is wind and solar by a mile, by a factor of two. The fellow who left here under difficult circumstances was correct. The cheapest form of energy today is wind and solar by a long shot. Let's take a case study in Iowa. Any idea how much wind power supplies to the electricity supply of Iowa?” “I don't know the specific number,” Swett answered. “Sixty percent,” Senator King responded. “Iowa is the fifteenth lowest electricity cost in the country and in the past year we have already learned average electricity prices across the country have gone up between six percent and ten percent. In Iowa, it has actually gone down a half a percent. The point is: you both have talked about being agnostic. I hope you will hold to that because we cannot ignore the reality around us that this administration is extremely hostile – and that is a mild term – to renewable energy. And the second point – I talked about price – is speed. There is no question that wind and solar are the quickest to deploy. Senat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-led-effort-secures-delay-of-removal-of-navigational-buoys-in-gulf-of-maine King-led Effort Secures Delay of Removal of Navigational Buoys in Gulf of Maine 2025-08-18 2025 2025-08 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Weeks after he led a bipartisan group of New England Senators in urging the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to delay its plans to remove navigational buoys in the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Ocean, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) received confirmation that the USCG will accept their recommendation. In a letter addressed to the Senators, USCG Director of Marine Transportation Systems, Michael D. Emerson, agreed with the Senators and outlined the Coast Guard’s plan to modify and extend the stakeholder engagement process to better understand the impacts of the proposal. The USCG launched the Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative in April 2025, a component of its broader Short-Range Aids-to-Navigation Modernization effort. This initiative proposed the discontinuation of 351 coastal buoys across New England (Maine accounts for the largest share at 145 buoys). At the same time, an additional 2,349 buoys and beacons are under review for future removal as part of the Harbor Buoy Modernization Initiative and the Shallow Water Level of Service Study (SWLOSS), scheduled for phased implementation from 2026 through 2029. In total, some 2700 buoys are up for consideration for removal along the New England coast. “I appreciate your concern that the Coast Guard slow down the effort to ensure that the needs of communities and mariners in your states are understood. Accordingly, the Coast Guard will modify and extend the process. The Northeast District will review first round comments, assess feedback., and re-advertise with any changes to the current proposal. This notice will include changes to aids in the vicinity of proposed discontinuations (such as relocations, lighting, or increased nominal range); which will provide users a more complete change picture,” Emerson wrote in response to the Senators. The Coast Guard’s response is in line with the Senators’ prior request in June: “We urge the agency to slow down this effort to ensure that the agency understands the needs of the communities and mariners in … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-introduce-new-policy-proposal-offering-tax-credits-to-working-waterfronts-at-risk-of-natural-disaster-damage King, Pingree Introduce New Policy Proposal Offering Tax Credits to Working Waterfronts at Risk of Natural Disaster Damage 2025-08-01 2025 2025-08 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — As America enters hurricane and storm season, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) — along with Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Greg Murphy (R-NC) — are introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to offer a disaster mitigation tax credit to working waterfronts located on the coasts and on navigable waterways. The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million when they invest in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually. Senator King has been at the forefront of supporting working waterfronts as they face the effects of sea level rise and storm damage. This new legislation would ensure that working waterfronts have the financial resources to shore up their infrastructure and prevent the oftentimes devastating consequences of natural disasters. “Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine is facing challenges that will define our state’s success for generations to come,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts up and down the coast of Maine with the necessary financial resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. Thanks to Senator Cassidy for working with me to ensure our waterfront businesses have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.” “Let’s empower coastal businesses to invest in flood and disaster prevention before a storm hits,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Doing so protects our way of life, fishing and coastal industries, and the livelihoods of Louisiana families.” “From lobstering to boatbuilding, working waterfronts are the economic backbone of many coastal communities — but they’re vanishing under pressure from development and intensifying climate impacts,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “In Maine, we've seen firsthand how vulnerable ou… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/how-in-the-world-senator-king-confronts-pentagon-nominee-on-impact-to-cybersecurity-priorities-amid-massive-cuts “How in the World?” Senator King Confronts Pentagon Nominee on Impact to Cybersecurity Priorities Amid Massive Cuts 2025-07-31 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today questioned a Department of Defense nominee on the harmful impact of staffing cuts to the Defense Department that tests weapons systems including testing for cybersecurity. In an exchange with Dr. Amy Henninger, nominee to be Director of Operational Test and Evaluation at the Department of Defense (DoD) during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), King questioned whether she was in support of the existing staffing cuts and whether, if confirmed, she believed she would have enough resources to keep Americans safe. Senator King began, “70% of the staff in the office you are designated to lead has been cut, yet at the same time, the challenges of investing in a new technology, particularly the challenges of cyber and ensuring cybersecurity of the whole supply chain, have multiplied in recent years. How in the world are you going to do your job when you've only got 30% of the people who were there a year ago? “Thank you for the opportunity to expand on that, Senator King. I have not been briefed on the details, the Secretary of Defense, his memorandum and decisions after the memorandum,” Dr. Henninger replied. “I understand that there is a 60-day period, where there will be a reconsideration of any resources that might be necessary. I don't know where that stands right now. The operational test and evaluation community spreads out responsibility, across a number of entities, including the service OTAs who actually do the cyber testing. At DOT&E, the office that you were talking about in your question, specifically provides oversight and analysis for a certain number of programs that were on the oversight list. And when I get into the office, I will do an independent analysis.” Senator King concluded, “I think this office is very important, particularly at this moment in time.” As former Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) and current member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Select Intelligence Committ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-legislation-to-streamline-green-card-status-for-at-risk-immigrant-youth King Cosponsors Legislation to Streamline Green Card Status for At-Risk Immigrant Youth 2025-07-31 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to help provide an expedited pathway to green card status for young immigrants under 21 whose case of abandonment, abuse or neglect by their legal guardian has been evaluated and affirmed by a U.S. state court. The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act, S. 1965, aims to exempt Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) children from annual employment-based visa caps. This would end years-long backlogs and allow these children to move forward with their lives as lawful, productive, permanent residents of the United States. “For generations, our country has been a beacon of hope for immigrants seeking a better life,” said Senator King. “However, navigating the immigration system and pathway to legal citizenship is often a lengthy, cumbersome process — especially for younger immigrants trying to escape abuse or neglect. The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act would gently ease some of the barriers to obtaining a green card for vulnerable minors and help keep these children safe and out of harm’s way. We owe it to the young people seeking refuge in our country to provide them with the tools and support to achieve their American dream.” The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) was established in 1990 to create a pathway to lawful permanent residence (a “green card”) for immigrant children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected by their parents or guardians. Children who receive SIJS have faced horrific conditions in their home countries, leaving them unable to return and often with few resources here in the U.S. Despite being a humanitarian visa, the pathway to a green card for SIJS children runs through the employment-based immigration visa system — subjecting SIJS recipients to annual worldwide and country-specific visa limits. This has resulted in thousands of children stuck in a backlog, unable to move forward with their lives. The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act is cosponsored by Senators Cortez Masto (D-NV), Alex … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-senate-resolution-affirming-importance-of-prevention-task-force-that-guides-medical-best-practices King Leads Senate Resolution Affirming Importance of Prevention Task Force that Guides Medical Best Practices 2025-07-30 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are introducing a Senate Resolution affirming support for the forty-year-old federal task force charged with guiding medical best practices across the United States. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), recently reported to be in the early stages of being disbanded, is responsible for making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications. These prevention measures guide patients and providers in their treatment options to keep Americans healthy with the secondary order effect of keeping treatment costs down. Created in 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is a scientifically independent, volunteer panel of national experts that works to improve the health of people nationwide. Task Force members come from the fields of preventive medicine and primary care, including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, obstetrics and gynecology, and nursing. Their recommendations are based on a rigorous review of existing peer-reviewed evidence and are intended to help primary care clinicians and patients decide together whether a preventive service is right for a patient's needs. As required by the Affordable Care Act, public and private insurers also use the USPSTF recommendations to determine what preventive interventions should be covered without cost-sharing by patients. “Every Maine person deserves access to affordable, evidence-based medicine,” said Senator King. “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, historically, has been that guiding light: a group of independent experts that came together to offer science-backed treatment options for everything from heart disease to HIV prevention and routine cancer screenings. I have always said that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ but the ongoing threats from the Trump Administration to disband the task force are the latest example that the cheap… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-streamline-information-sharing-between-community-care-providers-and-va-medical-centers King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Information-Sharing Between Community Care Providers and VA Medical Centers 2025-07-29 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) have introduced legislation to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implement guidelines to streamline information-sharing between community care providers and VA medical centers. The Coordinating and Aligning Records to Improve and Normalize Governance (CARING) for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 would enable the Office of Integrated Veteran Care to better track medical documentation after a veteran receives care from a community provider. It would also require the VA to measure the performance of timeliness and efficiency in obtaining community care records. Nearly 75% of veterans return to VA medical centers for continued care after receiving services from community providers, increasing the risk of medical documentation between providers falling through the cracks. The Office of Integrated Veteran Care of the Veterans Health Administration currently lacks systemwide visibility into whether medical documentation from community providers is being received, jeopardizing oversight and clinical coordination for Maine’s veterans. “Veterans in Maine and across the country have sacrificed greatly in service to the nation and it is our job to now return the favor,” said Senator King. “The CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 would ensure that veterans have access to the best care by improving information-sharing between community care providers and VA medical centers to reduce the chances of important details falling through the cracks. I am grateful to my colleague, Senator Ricketts, for working with me on this important legislation putting veterans first.” “Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Senator Ricketts. “In order to ensure our veterans receive the best standard of care, it is important that their medical history is shared and available for VA medical centers following care in the community. This bill will help establish guidelines and procedures for VA medical facilities to obtain medical do… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-amid-growing-nutrition-crisis-in-gaza King Releases Statement Amid Growing Nutrition Crisis in Gaza 2025-07-28 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amid the growing nutrition and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement severing his support for the current Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “I cannot defend the indefensible. Israel’s actions in the conduct of the war in Gaza, especially its failure to address the unimaginable humanitarian crisis now unfolding, is an affront to human decency. What appears to be a deliberately-induced famine among a civilian population—including tens of thousands of starving children—can never be an acceptable military strategy. “While clearly justified in responding to the horrific attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli citizens, that tragic event cannot in turn justify the enormous toll on Palestinian civilians caused by Israel’s relentless bombing campaign and its indifference to the current plight of those trapped in what’s left of Gaza. “I in no way accept or condone the actions of Hamas, but recent events have placed a moral burden on Israel to ameliorate the current crisis, a burden it has thus far totally failed to meet. “For these reasons, I am through supporting the actions of the current Israeli government and will advocate—and vote—for an end to any United States support whatsoever until there is a demonstrable change in the direction of Israeli policy. My litmus test will be simple: no aid of any kind as long as there are starving children in Gaza due to the action or inaction of the Israeli government.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-help-farmers-and-cut-meat-costs-king-paul-introduce-bill-to-reduce-red-tape-for-maine-farmers To Help Farmers and Cut Meat Costs, King, Paul Introduce Bill to Reduce Red Tape for Maine Farmers 2025-07-28 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY) have introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for small farms and ranches to provide locally produced meats to consumers. As beef prices in the United States hit record highs, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act would give individual states the freedom to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, goat or lamb to consumers, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses and grocery stores. Custom-slaughter facilities are annually inspected facilities — Maine’s state standards are “at least equal to” federal government standards — that process safe, and clean meat from small farms for private consumption, but are not currently allowed to make public sales. “Maine farmers should not face redundant barriers when it comes to meeting increased demand for fresh, locally produced meats,” said Senator King. “The PRIME Act would put a stop to unnecessary federal regulations by empowering states to regulate the processing and local sale of meat. This bipartisan legislation is a solid step toward restoring a measure of commonsense to the process, supporting Maine’s farmers and bolstering the local foods movement, all while protecting consumer safety. If Maine or Kentucky wants to let a farm sell fresh, tested, safe meat in their communities using a custom slaughterhouse and proven methods, the federal government doesn’t need to get involved.” Under current law, farmers and ranchers must have their animals processed at a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified facility to sell their product commercially. However, many states such as Maine have a limited amount of USDA-approved processing facilities, which are often at capacity. This makes it expensive and time-consuming for farmers to transport their animals, sometimes across the state or even out of state when they intend to sell the meat to their neighbors. The PRIME Act would give states the authority to allow meat from custom-… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-crack-down-on-trespassing-on-sensitive-government-property King, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Trespassing on Sensitive Government Property 2025-07-25 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), have introduced legislation to better ensure access to U.S. Intelligence Community property is only available to authorized personnel. The bipartisan Intelligence Community Property Security Act would strengthen the penalty for trespassing on sensitive property under the jurisdiction of the Intelligence Community. Currently, Title 18 of United States Code — which outlines laws pertaining to crimes and criminal procedures — does not express address criminal incursions onto U.S. intelligence sites. The bill would revise criminal penalties to address the severity of the crime, and the pointed threat repeat offenders pose to U.S. national security interests. “The 21st century threat landscape is complicated, but there are some simple and straightforward steps we can take to protect our security and operations — like make sure that our Intelligence Community facilities are not compromised by unauthorized trespassers,” said King. “The bipartisan Intelligence Community Property Security Act would take action to strengthen the penalties for bad actors and offenders attempting to intrude on intelligence sites. It’s commonsense legislation that will help better protect American people and interests.” “Having unauthorized personnel trespassing onto some of our nation’s most sensitive sites presents a grave national security risk. We can’t take these offenses lightly,” said Rounds. “Our legislation would strengthen the punishment for repeated offenses and, in turn, better deter those bad actors who may try to infringe on these properties. Now more than ever, it’s critical to protect our intelligence sites from foreign adversaries.” A member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues. In addition to his committee work, Senator King se… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://kiley.house.gov/posts/how-seniors-benefit-from-the-budget-law How Seniors Benefit from the Budget Law 2025-07-24 2025 2025-07 Independent House CA Kevin Kiley K000401 kiley.house.gov kiley https://kiley.house.gov/press scraper Beginning immediately, seniors in California will see the largest tax relief in our nation’s history, thanks to the recently passed budget law I voted for. I’ve heard from many of you about the growing challenges of living on a fixed income as everyday costs continue to rise. This tax relief is a direct response to those concerns, putting more money back in the pockets of those who need it most. Below, you’ll find many ways the budget improves the lives of seniors, like no tax on Social Security, a higher standard deduction, and additional deductions that will save you money. Higher Standard Deduction: One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the higher standard deduction, which applies to all taxpayers who don’t itemize. For single filers, the standard deduction increases to $15,750. For married couples filing jointly, it rises to $31,500. You don’t need to do anything to claim it. Choose the standard deduction when you file your federal return, and the new amount will automatically apply. Special $6,000 Deduction for Seniors: Besides the standard and senior deductions, the new law provides a temporary $6,000 deduction specifically for Americans age 65 and older with incomes below $75,000, or $150,000 for a joint return. Seniors above that threshold will be eligible for a smaller, increased deduction. It’s estimated to benefit 33.9 million seniors, including seniors who are not claiming Social Security. This amounts to the largest tax break in American history for our nation’s seniors. Major Increase in the SALT Deduction: The State and Local Tax (SALT) cap increased from $10,000 to $40,000, allowing taxpayers who itemize their deductions to subtract certain state and local taxes, including property taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes, from their federal taxable income. Protecting Medicaid/MediCal: Seniors who are also enrolled in Medicaid (Medi-Cal here in California) will see no reduction in their benefits. More Access to Care: The new law provides a 2.5% increase to physician reimbursement fo… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-criticizes-va-nominee-for-harmful-ready-fire-aim-contract-terminations King Criticizes VA Nominee for Harmful “Ready, Fire, Aim” Contract Terminations 2025-07-24 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), questioned a Trump Administration nominee about the reckless approach it’s taking to contract and staff reductions at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). In his exchange with John Bartrum, Nominee to be Under Secretary for Health, King reasoned that it is virtually impossible to make dramatic, across-the-board reductions with thought, care and precision while protecting care for veterans because of the speed in which the reductions are happening. Senator King began, “I’ve done a little examination, this is full of contracts for nursing services, nursing home services you mentioned prosthetics, probably a dozen prosthetics contracts being canceled. It is hard for me to believe that all of these are unnecessary contracts. $13 billion worth of contracts. It worries me is that there seems to be a pattern of ready, fire, aim at Veterans’ Affairs. You started with hiring freeze applying to everybody, then, oh no, it doesn't apply to medical people. That was a good decision, but it should not have been, it shouldn't have been made in the first place. Then it was 83,000 people are going to be fired by the end of the year, now it is 30,000, not fired, but we are going to downsize by 30,000. And I just wonder if upon review, I can't believe all 16,000 of these contracts, and then the email, of course, lists three or four ones that we would all say, okay, those probably aren’t necessary but prosthetics contracts, nursing contracts, nursing home contracts, it really bothers me. Mr. Bartrum, you mentioned we don't have a good staffing model. That may well be true, but I think you should start with the staffing model and then decide what the right size of the staff is. Not start with 30,000 or a month ago, it was 83,000 and work backwards. Do you see what I'm saying? Analyze the staff, do the staffing model, determine what you need and then make those decisions instead of starting with what amounts to a quot… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-presses-navy-nominee-for-certainty-on-shipbuilding-defense-contracts King Presses Navy Nominee for Certainty on Shipbuilding, Defense Contracts 2025-07-24 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today pressed the U.S. Navy for a firmer commitment to long-term shipbuilding plans at shipyards like Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard – plans that would give Maine communities and defense contractors greater predictability. In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), King pressed Admiral Daryl Caudle, the nominee for Chief of Naval Operations, about his desire to maintain these long-term plans to allow the shipyards hire and maintain their workforces. Senator King began, “We talked about industrial base. It was touched upon. One of the things that has been missing, isn’t on your watch, is a 30-year shipbuilding plan. We always talk about the industrial base. One of the things the industrial base needs is a consistent demand signal. Part of that is a 30-year ship building plan that says to the private sector, here are the ships we are planning to build, here’s the schedule, here's is what we are looking for in terms of the modern Navy. I hope that can be one of the things you attend to on your watch, producing that overdue 30-year shipbuilding plan. “Well Senator, I often joke at my office that you cannot change a 30-year ship building plan every year. That is called a one-year ship building plan,” Admiral Caudle jokingly replied. Senator King promptly responded, “And that’s what we have had.” “Yes sir. Changing year 31 is okay, but not year 1. You have my commitment on that, and I am a big fan of multiyear procurement, incremental funding, multi-ship buy, anything that can stabilize our precious private and public workforce with clear planning demand signal I am an advocate for,” Admiral Caudle said. “That is absolutely a very important observation. As you say, the consistent demand signal allows the ship building community to hire and maintain their workforce. We cannot have troughs in terms of the demand,” Senator King concluded. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King has championed funding for … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-calling-on-us-senate-to-ratify-global-ocean-governing-agreement King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling on U.S. Senate to Ratify Global Ocean Governing Agreement 2025-07-23 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, has introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the U.S. Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS, which has been ratified by 170 parties, defines the rights and responsibilities of nations regarding the world’s oceans — including guidelines for businesses and the management of marine natural resources — and provides a legal framework to protect those rights while avoiding conflict. “America is an Arctic Nation, but as we fail to assert our rights on the global stage, we allow rival countries to seize opportunities in our maritime territory that should rightfully be ours,” said U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator Angus King (I-ME). “Signing on to the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea would give us our rightful seat at the table for international conversations about territorial rights, navigation, environmental protections and economic opportunities — especially in the race for critical minerals that will unlock our technological future. Every military official and diplomatic appointee I have met with has said that America joining the Law of the Sea Treaty would assist in advancing America’s interests, increase our supply chain resilience, and strengthen our national security. The High North offers historical possibilities for America’s future, but we are holding ourselves back by standing still.” UNCLOS — sometimes referred to as the “constitution of the oceans” — is a comprehensive legal framework governing all uses of the world’s oceans and seas, and their resources. It also allows for further development of specific areas of the law of the sea. It is the globally recognized framework for dealing with all matters relating to the law of the sea, governing areas including, but not limited to, environmental control, marine scientific research, economic and commercial activities, and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters. Without American agreement … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-witness-electric-bills-in-maine-are-rising-storage-and-transmission-solutions-should-be-pursued King to Witness: Electric Bills in Maine are Rising, Storage and Transmission Solutions Should Be Pursued 2025-07-23 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke about the rising costs of electric bills in Maine and the path forward to address these rising costs via transmission upgrades and battery storage for renewable energy sources. In his exchange with Rob Gramlich, the President of Grid Strategies LLC, King highlighted that while battery storage capabilities exist today, the demand is only growing greater. King also shared that by simply upgrading existing transmission lines, the United States can lower the cost of home energy in places like Maine. Senator King began, “The word transmission has come up numerous times a day and how important it is and what an important part it is of this discussion. Unfortunately, this morning, the Department of Energy terminated a loan program for a major interregional transmission system in the Midwest. So, here we are talking about how important transmission is, and here is the Department of Energy – and it was not a grant, it was a loan guarantee program. I just think the timing is somewhat ironic. “We all know that solar and wind are intermittent. We understand that [and] everybody knows that. I was in the hydro business, that is also intermittent. It doesn't always rain. As well as wind, biomass and large-scale conservation. What is really happening is really dramatic in terms of energy storage,” Senator King continued. “If you have adequate energy storage, solar and wind are baseload, because you have something to make up the difference. I used AI … to check on where we are on batteries. As of five minutes ago, the U.S. added a record 10.4 gigawatts of utility scale battery storage in 2024, marking a 66% increase from the prior year. In 2025, the EIA anticipates a record-setting year with another 18 gigawatts of utility scale battery storage on the grid. Looking ahead, the EIA forecast the U.S. battery storage will nearly double, reaching 65 gigawatts by the end of 2026. Senator King continued, “In oth… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-205-million-for-economic-development-projects-across-maine Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $20.5 Million for Economic Development Projects Across Maine 2025-07-23 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King announced that 29 Maine organizations will receive a total of $20,588,173 to support important development projects. The funding comes from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Fiscal Year 2025 Catalyst Program and Timber for Transit Program and will support projects aimed at strengthening economic opportunity in communities across 13 Maine counties. “The NBRC has long helped provide rural regions with the economic tools they need to prosper,” said Senators Collins and King. “This funding will help improve water infrastructure and roadways in communities across our state while strengthening our workforce and creating economic opportunities for Mainers.” The recipients of the Catalyst Program funding are as follows: Boothbay Region Water District - $1,000,000 City of Gardiner - $1,000,000 Mount Desert Island Hospital - $1,000,000 Presque Isle Utilities District - $1,000,000 Town of Waldoboro - $1,000,000 Regional Medical Center at Lubec - $800,000 Cherryfield Town Square - $500,000 Eastern Maine Development Corporation - $500,000 Friends of the Mountain - $500,000 Main Street Skowhegan - $500,000 Maine Department of Labor - $500,000 Maine Outdoor Brands - $500,000 Paris Utility District - $500,000 The Harry E. Davis Partnership for Children's Oral Health - $499,613 Associated General Contractors of Maine - $497,961 Town of Thomaston - $497,640 Maine Community College System - $497,537 Town of Beals - $482,236 Arnold Trail Snowmobile Network - $403,409 GrowSmart Maine - $388,700 Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce - $303,150 Midcoast Council of Governments - $300,000 Bangor Children's Home d.b.a. Hilltop School - $227,735 Island Institute - $181,712 Town of North Haven - $100,000 The recipients of the Timber for Transit Program funding are as follows: Town of Island Falls - $2,808,000 City of Presque Isle - $2,500,000 University of Maine, Orono Campus - $1,000,000 I… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-prohibit-sharing-of-personal-data-of-daca-program-applicants-with-immigration-officials King Cosponsors Bill to Prohibit Sharing of Personal Data of DACA Program Applicants with Immigration Officials 2025-07-22 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has joined legislation to prohibit the sharing of sensitive personal data, like taxpayer and health information, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act would provide a statutory guarantee to current and prospective Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program applicants, also known as Dreamers, that the private information they provide in their applications will not be used against them. This comes as the Trump Administration increases information sharing to advance its mass deportation agenda. The Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act will prohibit the DHS Secretary from disclosing information included in an individual’s application for the DACA program to law enforcement agencies, including ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for any purpose other than the implementation of the DACA program, with limited exceptions. “Dreamers are productive, established members of our community woven into the fabric of our lives; neighbors and friends that go to school, work at the local store, and contribute honestly to American society no matter the passport they hold,” Senator King said. “The Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act would allow thousands of law-abiding Dreamers to continue living their lives and making contributions to society without fear of their personal information being misused by those enforcing the administration’s misguided deportation agenda.” Since 2012, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, contributing an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and paying $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes. In 2021, a federal district court judge paused the DACA program and prevented USCIS from approving any new DACA applications. In March 2025, however, a Fifth Circuit decision giving United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states othe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-africa-command-nominee-were-taking-our-eye-off-the-terrorism-ball King to Africa Command Nominee: “We’re Taking Our Eye off the Terrorism Ball” 2025-07-22 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) questioned a Trump Administration nominee about his thoughts on the current role of ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups within the African region. In his exchange with Air Force Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, nominee to be general and Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), King asked if America’s focus on Asian nations in the Pacific is undercutting its ability to root out and counter terrorism in Africa and the Middle East. “General Anderson, one of the things that concerns me, and it relates somewhat to the aid question, but more generally is the rise of terrorism. And you mentioned September 11th. That was 19 people, and my concern is with our so-called pivot to the Indo-Pacific we're taking our eye off the terrorism ball. Could you share with us the thoughts about the status of Al Qaeda and ISIS in Africa, and what we should be watching out for and being concerned of?” Senator King asked. “Yes, Senator, I appreciate that concern, and if confirmed, I will definitely make this a priority to assess as it's been four years since I was at SOCAFRICA [Special Operations Command Africa],” General Anderson responded. “With that said though, we have seen the terrorist groups move much of their operations into the ungoverned spaces of Africa, both ISIS and Al-Qaeda. We're seeing ISIS active in Somalia as well as in West Africa – ISIS West Africa. AQIM [Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb] and their affiliate, JNIM [Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin], are also very active in the Sahel, both with intent to attack US interests.” General Anderson continued, “Whether or not they have that capability is not clear. And so, to your point, one of the greatest concerns we have is having enough resources and enough relationships to be able to understand how these threats are progressing. So, we have an adequate amount of indicators and warnings and we know what the threat to the United … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/protecting-veterans-from-claim-sharks-senator-king-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-fight-unaccredited-claims-representatives Protecting Veterans from “Claim Sharks,” Senator King and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Fight Unaccredited Claims Representatives 2025-07-21 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), has introduced legislation to protect veterans from unaccredited claims representatives seeking to defraud them of their benefits. The VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to warn veterans more effectively about unaccredited VA claims representatives, or “claim sharks.” Claim sharks are unaccredited agents or companies that charge veterans fees, usually between $5,000 and $20,000, to help them file their initial VA benefits claims—a service that is supposed to be free to veterans. Unfortunately, because these actors operate outside the bounds of VA regulations, the VA has little authority to go after them. The VA is currently required to warn veterans about unaccredited claims representatives on its websites, but only after veterans log in to their VA benefits accounts. This approach limits the reach and efficacy of the notice requirement, increasing the risk that some veterans may not see the warning until after they have already begun working with unaccredited claims agents. “Veterans in Maine and across the country rely every day on accredited veteran claims representatives for assistance with filing disability claims,” said King. “However, there are bad actors who proactively prey on veterans, offering assistance while illegally charging them high costs for services that Veterans Service Organizations perform for free. The VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would require the VA to more aggressively warn veterans about unaccredited agents who are scamming our men and women who served. This commonsense legislation is a simple way to help protect veterans from predatory companies and ensure they receive their earned benefits.” The VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would address this shortcoming by requiring the VA to post warnings on its public-facing websites, without requiring veterans to first create or log in to an account. The l… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-increase-access-to-affordable-childcare-in-maine King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Increase Access to Affordable Childcare in Maine 2025-07-18 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining legislation to lower childcare costs and address the nationwide shortage of affordable childcare. The Child Care for Working Families Act is comprehensive legislation that would put a cap on childcare costs for working families, address childcare deserts by providing grants to open new facilities, support higher wages for childcare workers, provide comprehensive funding for Head Start to provide full-day, full-year programming, and expand access to pre-K programs. Included in the legislation is a provision that would enable the typical family in America to pay less than $15 a day for childcare—with many families paying nothing at all—and no eligible family paying more than 7% of their income on childcare. “Affordable and accessible childcare is one of the most pressing needs for working families in Maine and across the nation, and it presents a huge hurdle to mothers and fathers who want to enter the workforce,” said Senator King. “The Child Care for Working Families Act would provide ample resources for communities across the country to support childcare options that are open for the full day and don’t break the bank. When families have access to care, they can succeed as parents and professionals.” The average cost of childcare is now $13,128—a 29% increase since 2020 that outpaces inflation. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, the average annual costs of child care for two children exceeds median rent—and in 41 states and the District of Columbia, the cost of care for one infant exceeds in-state university tuition. The crisis costs the U.S. economy over $100 billion each year. An estimated 18,000 people in Maine are currently out of the labor force due to a lack of child care, while the child care crisis costs Maine nearly $403 million in annual costs. More specifically, the Child Care for Working Families Act will: Make childcare affordable for working families. The typical family earning the state median income will pay less than $15 a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-king-collins-smith-introduce-bill-to-combat-lyme-and-other-tick-borne-diseases Senators King, Collins, Smith Introduce Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases 2025-07-16 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) today introduced legislation to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, their landmark legislation to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases, which became law in 2019. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joins them as an original co-sponsor. The Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Confirmed cases of Lyme disease reached a record number in Maine – 3,035 – last year. Senators Collins and Smith named their bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus. “Our state has been battling diseases like Lyme for decades, so it is critical we continue to invest in our research and understanding of these vector-borne diseases to better protect Maine residents and visitors,” said Senator King. “The Kay Hagan Tick Act will further the prevention efforts that keep us safe by funding research, testing and diagnostics along with resources for improved data collection. I am proud to work on this critical bipartisan legislation that will help mitigate this long-term public health threat for the future safety and health of all Maine people.” “Last year, Maine reported over 3,000 cases of Lyme disease—a record in our state. The reauthorization of our Tick Act is urgently needed to continue to support those who struggle with Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses and keep improving research, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention for these terrible diseases,” said Senator Collins. “Resources from the Tick Act have led to exciting developments such as the first-ever clinical trial for a Lyme disease vaccine for people, which is underway right now at the MaineHealth Institute for Research.” “My home state of Minnesota is proud to have more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers for us to enjoy, and we’re always especia… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bad-policy-to-downright-dangerous-king-says-on-floor-in-preparation-for-vote-on-recissions-legislation ‘Bad Policy to Downright Dangerous,’ King says on Floor in Preparation for Vote on Recissions Legislation 2025-07-15 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today spoke on the Senate floor against the ‘Recissions Package’ currently being considered by the governing body. This legislation aims to remove Congressionally-approved funding from critical public services including, but not limited to, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) which helps to fund Maine Public broadcasting and public interest newsgathering nationwide, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) which leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage and directs and coordinates the world’s response to health emergencies before they can pose a threat to American lives. More specifically, King made the point that this bill is a further abdication of congressional authority to fund national priorities, also known in the Constitution as “the power of the purse.” Early in the speech, King highlighted the importance of public broadcasting and its impact on the American people. King began, “Public broadcasting has a unique place in the United States and our media environment in that it is the only media form not driven by advertising and advertising dollars. It cannot be driven by ratings. It therefore is able to provide programming to the American people that they probably almost certainly would not have access to otherwise. It wouldn't simply find a home on commercial broadcasting because the ratings wouldn't be there, but that doesn't mean the programming isn't important. King then spoke about international interests that have wide-ranging effects on the health and safety of people here at home. “Vaccination campaigns, food security, nutrition programs, disaster response, refugee support. This aligns with our American values. As I say, it's a relatively small part of the budget. It helps to stabilize fragile states. It cuts the risk of extremism and terrorism and conflict. And James Mattis put it best. General James Mattis, one of the most distinguished military officers of our time, said, ‘If you don't fund the state department … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-press-for-answers-on-striking-inconsistency-of-immigration-policies-for-afghans-living-in-the-us King, Colleagues Press for Answers on “Striking Inconsistency” of Immigration Policies for Afghans Living in the U.S. 2025-07-15 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Angus King and a number of his Senate colleagues are pressing the White House for clarity on their shifting immigration policies for Afghans living in the United States. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King and his colleagues point out that the justifications for the decisions to implement a large-scale travel ban, which applies to Afghanistan, and terminate Temporary Protected Status, conflict with one another. Many of these Afghan nationals played essential, life-saving roles in supporting American servicemembers during the war in Afghanistan over two decades. Afghanistan remains gripped by violence and instability; the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, many risk being caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP, threatening their human rights and freedoms. These risks are on top of retribution risks for Afghan nationals that supported American armed forces. “We write to you with deep concern over President Donald Trump’s recently announced so-called travel ban and its striking inconsistency with the Department of Homeland Security’s justification for termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. We respectfully request that you provide detailed information regarding the State Department’s assessment of the conditions in Afghanistan to clarify the Trump Administration’s position,” the lawmakers wrote. “As you know, the U.S. visa vetting system is a multi-layered process involving extensive background checks, biometric data collection, interagency information sharing, and screening against a range of national security databases that works to keep residents of our country safe,” the lawmakers continued. “According to the Brennan Center for Justice, “[m]ore than 40 national security experts from acros… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-on-potential-recissions-legislation-checks-and-balances-essentially-have-melted-away King on Potential Recissions Legislation: ‘Checks and Balances Essentially have Melted Away’ 2025-07-15 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today spoke on the Senate floor to speak on the Senate floor against the ‘Recissions Package’ currently being considered. This legislation aims to remove Congressionally-approved funding from critical public services including, but not limited to, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) which helps to fund Maine Public broadcasting and public interest newsgathering nationwide, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) which leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage and directs and coordinates the world’s response to health emergencies before they can pose a threat to American lives. More specifically, King made the point that this bill is a further abdication of congressional authority to fund national priorities, also known in the Constitution as “the power of the purse.” The full transcript of Senator King’s floor speech from this morning is below. +++ “Mr. President, I'd like to talk today about the rescission bill that will be coming before us in the next couple of days, and I want to really cover two points – what is being done in this bill, and how it's being done. I think they are equally important. In fact, I think perhaps how it is being done is more significant in the long run. The rescission bill talks about essentially two areas, public broadcasting, and USAID. In my view, the rescission, the total rescission of those two agencies, by the way –it is a total rescission— it's not selective cutting of certain programs or partially, it's the whole thing, both in the corporation for public broadcasting and USAID, go from bad policy to downright dangerous, and I want to talk about that for a minute. “Public broadcasting has a unique place in the United States and our media environment in that it is the only media form not driven by advertising and advertising dollars. It cannot be driven by ratings. It therefore is able to provide programming to the American people that they probably almost certainly would not have access to oth… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-asserts-role-on-armed-services-committee-to-support-maine-economy-and-strengthen-national-security King Asserts Role on Armed Services Committee to Support Maine Economy and Strengthen National Security 2025-07-14 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), worked with his committee colleagues this week to secure strong investments in Maine’s economy and America’s defense posture through the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs leading to a more prosperous Maine and a stronger national security for the United States. The legislation passed out of committee in a bipartisan 26-1 vote and represents the first step in bipartisan negotiations to pass a fiscal year budget for the armed forces and national defense interests. It includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for veterans, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), a comprehensive new approach to monitoring brain health, aggressive policies to strengthen America’s cybersecurity, provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. “For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions, and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, we are continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill out of Committee that will make our nation and state safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our global community faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country. “There are many important provisions in this legislation – including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defense,” continued Senator King. “All told, this year’s defense bill will… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-collins-golden-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-our-troops-and-strengthen-domestic-manufacturing King, Collins, Golden Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Our Troops and Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing 2025-07-08 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure our troops are wearing high quality, safe and reliable footwear as part of their uniforms. The Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act would expand current uniform regulations to ensure the combat boots worn by our servicemembers are entirely manufactured in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials thus strengthening our national security and creating good-paying jobs. U.S. Representative Jared Golden (D-ME-02), a Marine Corps. combat veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), is an original sponsor of companion legislation in the House. “Our military depends on the availability, accessibility, safety and quality of the uniforms worn by our servicemembers,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan BOOTS Act will ensure that all combat boots and parts worn by the American military are made in the USA—both boosting our domestic economy and ensuring the safety of the boots supply chain. Thank you to my colleagues for putting our servicemembers first.” “Requiring our servicemembers’ combat boots to be produced in the United States with American materials improves military readiness and strengthens our defense industrial base,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would help avoid supply disruptions in times of crisis, create more jobs and investment domestically, and better outfit our nation’s troops.” “American warfighters should be supplied American gear, including footwear,” said Representative Golden. “Ensuring domestic suppliers are first in line to provide equipment to our service members is good for troops, good for the jobs, and good for domestic manufacturing. I’m proud to cosponsor the BOOTs Act to provide American-made footwear to the men and women who volunteer to defend America.” The BOOTS Act would mandate that all optional combat boots worn by U.S. military servicemembers ar… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://kiley.house.gov/posts/rep-kiley-touts-major-tax-cuts-in-one-big-beautiful-bill-act Rep. Kiley Helps Deliver Historic Tax Relief for Californians 2025-07-03 2025 2025-07 Independent House CA Kevin Kiley K000401 kiley.house.gov kiley https://kiley.house.gov/press scraper WASHINGTON – Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) released the following statement on the House of Representatives passing H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “Californians will soon get something long overdue: major tax relief. That is the most immediate consequence of passing today’s legislation, which will benefit all Americans but especially Californians, because of an increase in the SALT deduction. Had the bill failed, Californians would have faced the largest tax increase in U.S. history, costing the average family thousands of dollars. I was committed to making sure that didn’t happen. “The bill also provides crucial support for education, national defense, and border security. And it protects our public lands and rural hospitals – both of which I advocated for throughout the legislative process,” said Rep. Kevin Kiley. 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-gravely-concerned-by-possible-weapons-pause-in-delivering-military-aid-to-ukraine King “Gravely Concerned” by Possible Weapons Pause in Delivering Military Aid to Ukraine 2025-07-03 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in response to reports that the White House may be pausing congressionally-directed weapons shipments to Ukraine: “I am gravely concerned by the potential “pause” in the supply of crucial weapons necessary for the defense of the Ukrainian people. To slow or stop the delivery of promised weaponry (which reportedly were already in Poland on their way to Kiev) is a serious policy and humanitarian mistake. “These systems are designed to intercept and destroy incoming aerial attacks of exactly the type that Russia has escalated recently against civilian targets in Ukraine. Cutting off the delivery of this desperately needed shield puts civilian lives at greater risk and sends a dangerous signal to Moscow. “The only thing that will bring Putin to the table, as the President desires, is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a continuing show of force in the face of intensifying Russian aggression. This decision undermines both of these objectives, significantly weakening the President’s hand in brokering peace. “Stopping Putin in Ukraine is critical to the preservation of Ukraine as a sovereign nation and the protection of her brave people, but it is in our interest as well by deterring further Russian aggression elsewhere in Eastern Europe which would lead to a much wider conflict. After all, America is sending our superior and sophisticated arsenal; Ukraine is sending its fathers, sons and brothers to the front – in defense of democratic values. “This regrettable decision should be reversed and repudiated at once—for Ukraine, for the United States, and for the world.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-regressive-downright-cruel-tax-bill-that-will-significantly-harm-maine-people Senate Passes ‘Regressive, Downright Cruel’ Tax Bill that will Significantly Harm Maine People 2025-07-01 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the United States Senate passed the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ tax and budget legislation — a bill that was passed by the Republican majority with a single tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance. Maine DHHS estimates that, because of this legislation, 31,000 Mainers would be disenrolled from MaineCare in the first year and estimates suggest that 4 rural Maine hospitals could close. In addition, it is estimated that 20,000 Mainers will lose their coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration in the days ahead. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) previously spoke on the Senate Floor to share remarks on the bill that he called “irresponsible, regressive, and downright cruel” and highlighted the inevitable harm it would do to Maine people — adding he found it “immoral” to take food from vulnerable children while giving larger tax breaks to well-off Americans. A statement from Senator King on final Senate passage of the bill is below: “We just voted on the so-called Budget Reconciliation, a bill which was passed by the Republican majority on a straight party-line vote. This bill will have catastrophic impacts on Maine people. In fact, I think this is the worst, most regressive and harmful piece of legislation I've ever seen. “Here's the way I can best explain the consequences of this disastrous bill: 1. It will have devastating impacts upon Maine itself, on our state and on our state budgets. 2. It's going to have devastating impacts on Maine people. 3. It's a gross transfer of wealth from lower income people to the very wealthy. 4. Even with these devastating cuts, the bill still explodes the federal deficit which will result in higher interest rates and a drag on business expansion in Maine and across the country. “I call this the Great Maine Robbery. First, it’s going to shift millions of dollars to state budgets —which means Maine taxpayers will be left footing the bill for essential services like healthcare and… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-on-senate-floor-this-tax-bill-is-irresponsible-regressive-and-downright-cruel King on Senate Floor: This Tax Bill is “Irresponsible, Regressive, and Downright Cruel” 2025-06-30 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke on the Senate Floor to share remarks on the so-called GOP ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and the potential harm it would do to Maine people. In the next hour, the bill is scheduled for an extended series of votes on amendments before a final Senate vote is held. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would add $3.3 trillion dollars to the federal deficit over the next ten years, while also cutting $1.1 trillion from Medicaid over the same time, resulting in 11.8 million Americans losing healthcare. Maine DHHS estimates that, if passed as is, 31,000 Mainers would be disenrolled from MaineCare in the first year and estimates suggest that 4 rural Maine hospitals would close. “Mr. President. This bill is a farce. Imagine a bunch of guys sitting around a table, saying, I've got a great idea. Let's give $32,000 worth of a tax breaks to a millionaire and we’ll pay for it by taking health insurance away from lower- income and middle-income people. And to top it off we cut food stamps, SNAP, and food aid to people? It's a joke. I would say it's a joke, but it's not the least bit funny. I've been in this business of public policy now for 20 years, eight as governor, 12 years in the United States Senate. I have never seen a bill this bad. I have never seen a bill that is this irresponsible, regressive, and downright cruel. “The basic premise of the bill as I said is to cut benefits for the American people, particularly in the areas of health care and food, in exchange for tax cuts for the very wealthy. Now, I know my colleagues are going to come to the floor, because I've had this discussion before, they're going to say, no, this is a middle-class tax cut. This is going to cut taxes for people in the middle-class. Well, here's a little suggestion of how to get out of this mess, if you cap the tax cuts at people making $400,000 a year, a pretty healthy income, the cost of this bill would drop by 60%, and you wouldn't have any need to cut Medic… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reminder-maine-congressional-delegation-accepting-military-academy-nomination-applications Reminder: Maine Congressional Delegation Accepting Military Academy Nomination Applications 2025-06-30 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, Jr., and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced that they are accepting nomination applications from Maine high school students for appointments to the United States service academies operated by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marine. No nomination is required to apply to the United States Coast Guard Academy. Students should apply for a nomination in the spring and summer of their junior year. Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden began accepting nomination applications as of May 15, 2025, from students for admission to the academies in the summer of 2026. For more information please contact: Senator Susan Collins Contact: Karen Staples 207-784-6969 collins.senate.gov Senator Angus King, Jr. Contact: Katie Fellows 207-352-5216 king.senate.gov Representative Chellie Pingree Contact: Dorian Cole 207-774-5019 pingree.house.gov Representative Jared Golden Contact: Kim Rohn 207-249-7400 golden.house.gov ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://kiley.house.gov/posts/rep-kevin-kiley-leads-house-debate-to-condemn-violent-anti-ice-riots-in-los-angeles Rep. Kevin Kiley Leads House Debate to Condemn Violent Anti-ICE Riots in Los Angeles 2025-06-27 2025 2025-06 Independent House CA Kevin Kiley K000401 kiley.house.gov kiley https://kiley.house.gov/press scraper WASHINGTON – Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) led a House floor debate on Friday to condemn the violent, anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles this month. The House ultimately passed a resolution condemning the riots. Every Republican voted for it, yet only seven Democrats did as well. “This should not be a partisan issue,” Rep. Kiley said. “Attacks on officers and other acts of violence are reprehensible and should be universally condemned. That is not how we settle political differences in this country. I am grateful for all of our officers at the local, state, and federal level for restoring order to LA and for the sacrifices they make every day.” 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-demand-answers-on-potential-political-personal-discrimination-at-va King, Colleagues Demand Answers on Potential Political, Personal Discrimination at VA 2025-06-26 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and several of his colleagues are calling on the administration to explain secret hospital guideline changes. In a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins, the Senators request an explanation of why certain VA Medical Center bylaws were changed in a way that could invite discrimination against veteran patients and health care providers. Recent reporting has uncovered how the Trump Administration is secretly changing guidelines in a way that leaves VA providers and patients with ambiguity regarding whether certain protected traits, including their political affiliation or sexual orientation, can serve as reasons for denial of health care for veterans or the hiring of medical professionals. “We write today to request information regarding recent changes to patient and staff policies governing medical facilities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),” wrote the Senators in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Having reviewed past and current versions of bylaws for multiple medical facilities within the Department, we have confirmed the Department made changes, in secret and without notification to the veterans you serve or to Congress, that could allow for discrimination in treating patients and hiring medical professionals.” The Senators explicitly detailed the difference between the previous version of the bylaws and the new version. Language that previously required VA providers to care for veterans regardless of politics, marital status, age, national origin, and disability has been removed from certain VA health care facilities’ medical bylaws. Language that also previously ensured decisions for who was able to be a part of VA’s medical staff were made without regard to political affiliation, marital status, age, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and union membership have been removed from certain VA facilities’ medical bylaws. While the Department has cited President Trump’s discriminatory “Defe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-presses-labor-secretary-to-reopen-job-corps-centers Maine Delegation Presses Labor Secretary to Reopen Job Corps Centers 2025-06-26 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Maine’s Congressional delegation opposed the agency’s attempt to bypass Congress and close Job Corps centers nationwide. The move, which DOL calls a “phased pause in operations,” comes just months after officials froze enrollment at the Loring and Penobscot Job Corps Centers — exacerbating rural workforce shortages in central and northern Maine. “By calling this plan a pause, the DOL is closing Job Corps centers without Congressional approval…” the lawmakers wrote. “The agency’s decision, which has been temporarily paused by the courts, to dismantle a widely popular, successful program has put hundreds of low-income Mainers at risk.” The lawmakers also wrote that as Job Corps staff in Maine have tried to meet the DOL’s timeline to close the Penobscot and Loring facilities, “complications are impacting students and staff alike. Some students at both Job Corps Centers in Maine are not able to return home and are facing a risk of homelessness, and while organizations around these communities are helping, their resources are limited.” Maine’s Job Corps is among the agency’s most successful and productive programs, with the Penobscot Center ranking fourth in the most recent national Job Corps Report Card. This report measures how efficiently students at each center attain trade credentials and improve other skills like math and reading. Loring’s Job Corps Center currently has 129 staff members and is one of the largest employers in rural northern Maine. It currently enrolls 228 students and opened in 1997 — just a few years after the closure of the Loring Air Force Base devastated the region. The Penobscot Job Corps has 223 students enrolled, and 65 students have graduated since July 2024. Of those graduates, 58 students have been verified as placements into employment, the military, or higher education, and five have transferred to other centers for advanced training opportunities. Penobscot is home to the only Advanced Ma… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-technology-is-what-wins-wars-king-stresses-in-armed-services-hearings “Adaptation of New Technology is What Wins Wars” King Stresses in Armed Services Hearings 2025-06-26 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with Michael Dodd, the nominee to serve as the Assistance Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, about the importance of developing and deploying new defense technologies. During his discussion with Dobb, Senator King highlighted that previously the United States has significantly underfunded the development of advanced weapon technologies like directed energy— the class of weapons systems that use electromagnetic energy, such as high-energy lasers. At the end of the exchange, he received commitment from Dodd, that if confirmed, he will aggressively work to advance directed energy platforms. Senator King began, “Mr. Dodd, you have, I think, one of the most important jobs in the Pentagon, which is technology. The adaptation of new technology is what wins wars. Genghis Khan was able to conquer the world because of his utilization of the stirrup, which enabled his archers to shoot from horseback. It was that technology that enabled him, the longbow. In the battle of Agincourt, enabled 6,000 British troops to defeat an army of 20,000 French. You mentioned several technologies in your testimony, but we have been basically slow on several technologies. We’ve been slow on drones, hypersonics, and particularly on directed energy, which you didn't mention. In the age of drones, directed energy can be more important than ever. The prior administration woefully underfunded the development of directed energy. I hope that is something you will pursue in your new position. “ “Thank you for raising that important issue. If confirmed, directed energy would be a technology area in the critical technologies portfolio. I am a staunch advocate and believer, as you referenced, in a one to many response, in utilizing many faster, cheaper platforms. Certainly, in the counter U.S. Domain, directed energy will play a role in that. High-performance microwaves are making some significant advances. Those pla… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/patrick-dempsey-joins-senator-king-in-inviting-maine-people-to-share-real-life-impacts-of-cuts-to-mainecare-and-coverme Patrick Dempsey Joins Senator King in Inviting Maine People to Share Real-Life Impacts of Cuts to MaineCare and CoverME 2025-06-25 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, in partnership with fellow Maine native Patrick Dempsey, U.S. Senator Angus King is calling on Maine people to speak up and share their stories of how potential cuts to MaineCare and CoverMe will impact their health and their wallets. In a new public information campaign, King and Dempsey highlight that the only way to save Medicaid (also known as MaineCare in Maine) and CoverME is to speak up, call your elected officials and share the potentially devastating consequences of this legislation. Senator King: As you've probably heard, there's a terrible bill that's now coming up in the Senate, probably this week, that's going to have a severe impact on Maine, particularly people who receive Medicaid and hospitals who depend upon Medicaid reimbursement. So, my friend Patrick Dempsey has a few thoughts on this. Here he is, and what I want you to do is be in touch with my office at the address below to share your stories about what these cuts will mean to you. Patrick Dempsey: Hey there. I want to talk to you about what's happening in DC right now and the potential of losing Medicare and Medicaid across the country, but in particular, as you know, I grew up in Maine, and I care very deeply about the health and wellness of our fellow Mainers and also Americans in general. But if this bill goes through, those two things will be lost, but we can do something about it. Use your voice. Call your senator now. Senator King has set up an email that you can go to. It's called health_stories@king.senate.gov tell your story, voice your opinion, and let's stop this. Senator King has been a longstanding advocate for affordable and accessible healthcare, especially to ensure sufficient funding for Medicaid and Medicare. Earlier this month, he sent a letter to the Majority Leader and select committee chairmen laying out significant concerns about how this partisan bill will place incredible burdens on state budgets, ultimately reducing critical services like Medicaid and SNAP. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blumenthal-call-for-investigation-into-cancelled-contracts-impacting-veterans King, Blumenthal Call for Investigation into Cancelled Contracts Impacting Veterans 2025-06-24 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) Ranking Member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General to launch an investigation into the Trump Administration’s controversial, unilateral cancellation of VA contracts at the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite multiple requests from Senators King and Blumenthal, VA Secretary Doug Collins refuses to send Congress the complete and updated list of VA contracts canceled or proposed for cancellation — a list Secretary Collins consistently touts in public hearings, on social media and in interviews. The Senators began, “We write to request the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiate a review of the mass cancellation of VA contracts launched by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Secretary Collins, and other officials of the Department and the impact of these actions on veterans and VA operations. These activities began soon after January 20 and are ongoing.” “Since February of this year, Committee Minority staff have investigated these activities using public government contracting databases, internal VA documents, conducting interviews with VA employees and contractors, and other methods. The preliminary findings after analyzing more than 650 VA contracts ‘terminated for convenience’ between January 20 and May 30, 2025, extracted from federal contracting databases, are that a majority appear to be for services directly for veterans or critical VA operations to include for safe health care delivery,” wrote the Senators. While Collins and VA officials have refused to turn over the complete and updated list of contracts canceled, contract data is available online in near real time — including information on the cancellation of VA contracts. “To add to these alarming facts, recent media investigations, to include two stories released by ProPublica on June… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/former-governors-in-senate-gop-reconciliation-bill-will-slash-medicaid-services-snap Former Governors in Senate: GOP Reconciliation Bill will Slash Medicaid Services, SNAP 2025-06-23 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) led a number of his Senate colleagues who previously served as state governors to communicate to Republican leadership the devastating impacts of the Senate reconciliation bill on states. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairman John Boozman, the former governors lay out their significant concerns about how this partisan bill will place incredible burdens on state budgets, ultimately reducing critical services like Medicaid and SNAP. The former Governors began, “We write as a group of former governors to share our perspective on the impact that the Senate reconciliation bill will have on state budgets. We have significant concerns about how this bill passes incredible burdens onto state budgets in order to finance tax cuts that disproportionately benefit ultra-wealthy taxpayers and ultimately reduce long-term economic growth.” “The impact of these cuts – some of which are even deeper in the reconciliation bill released by the Senate Finance Committee – will also be especially felt by hospitals, nursing homes, and other health facilities particularly in rural communities,” the group continued. “More uninsured patients mean reduced revenues, increased costs for services, and a greater burden of uncompensated care for hospitals, all of which may result in staff or service reductions. And when costs for uncompensated care go up, states and localities often must step in and provide additional funds to keep these vital community health providers afloat. Estimates suggest that 338 rural hospitals nationwide are at risk of closing due to the House reconciliation bill, including two in Maine, two in South Dakota, two in Nevada, three in Idaho, six in Virginia, and five in North Carolina.” “The reconciliation bill also cuts over $200 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through 2034—the largest reduction in the progra… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/outlining-maine-economic-benefits-of-foreign-students-senator-king-urges-secretary-of-state-rubio-to-reconsider-harmful-pause Outlining Maine Economic Benefits of Foreign Students, Senator King Urges Secretary of State Rubio to Reconsider Harmful Pause 2025-06-20 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) called on the State Department to reinstate student visa programs for the benefit of Maine schools and the state’s local economy. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King outlined the immediate impact of revoking student visas on schools in Maine like Thornton Academy, the University of New England (UNE), Foxcroft Academy, College of the Atlantic and the University of Maine (UMaine) System. Senator King began, “I write to underscore the critically harmful impacts that the Department of State’s decision to pause new visa interviews for international students, as well as the Department’s threats to revoke visas of Chinese students, are having on schools across the state of Maine.” “These actions are deterring international families from sending their students to the U.S.—the tuition of which contributes significantly to the revenue of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in Maine. Thornton Academy, which functions as the public high school for students in Saco, and its neighboring towns in Maine, has already seen a loss of $120,000 in revenue due to the withdrawal of Chinese education programs from their summer camp. Thornton Academy anticipates a potential annual loss of $6.6 million should the Administration’s policy remain in place—a loss of one third of the school’s annual budget for employee salary payments,” King continued. King concluded, “International students studying at schools in Maine are subsidizing the cost of local education, saving taxpayers money, and providing Maine students with unmatched opportunities. These are not funds coming from the pockets of our community, the taxes of our businesses, or from the federal government. These are funds brought in from outside of the United States and used to the benefit of all our students both domestic and international. King has long supported the impact and contributions of international students. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation to streamline the bureaucratic pr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blasts-defense-secretary-for-presenting-incomplete-fy26-pentagon-budget King Blasts Defense Secretary for Presenting Incomplete FY26 Pentagon Budget 2025-06-18 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) blasted the Department of Defense (DoD) for not presenting the committee with a full year 2026 fiscal budget that fully reflects the department’s funding priorities and needs. In an unprecedented move, the DoD is submitting its FY2026 budget in two pieces – the core budget that reflects no increase in spending, and an additional budget via the GOP reconciliation bill to make up the difference and match the threats facing the United States. In the conversation with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, King suggested that the DoD budget needs to be presented to the committee in its entirety to prevent a yearly partisan decision making process. “Let me talk about the budget. I don't understand why the budget is coming to us in two pieces. Why not give us an honest base budget instead of putting a piece of it in reconciliation? As I understand it, OMB (the Office of Management and Budget) is saying we are going to have a flat defense budget for the next four or five years. Are we playing reconciliation every year from now on? Why not give us an honest budget telling us what your priorities are, and we can consider it. This committee always works on a bipartisan basis on the defense budget. We all want to see some increases in the defense budget, yet you are giving us this fake [version] — here is a piece of the project, here is another. In the base budget you are cutting ship building in half and saying, well we’re going to make it up in reconciliation. Are we going to have reconciliation every year? Which basically puts a significant part, 10% or 15% of the defense budget in a wholly partisan decision-making process, whereas in the history of this committee it has always been bipartisan. Why are we doing it this way,” asked Senator King. “Senator, from our view the budget number, $961 [billion], meets the requirements for threats we face,” responded Secretary Hegseth. “That's not the number. The number… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-administration-hypocrisy-slashing-irs-funding-will-balloon-federal-deficit King Highlights Administration Hypocrisy: Slashing IRS Funding Will Balloon Federal Deficit 2025-06-18 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining efforts to highlight the hypocrisy of White House policy slashing funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), resulting in diminished enforcement for “wealthy tax cheats.” In a letter to IRS Commissioner Billy Long, King and his colleagues suggest that plans to slash IRS funding would balloon the federal deficit and result in $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade. In June last year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he was “alarmed by the size of [the government’s] deficit,” and publicly championed a plan to cut the annual deficit from just over six percent of GDP to three percent. In an interview in April, Deputy Treasury Secretary Faulkender reiterated that the Administration’s intent is to “bring the deficit down.” When pressed by Senators in written questions, Secretary Bessent affirmed his commitment to lowering the deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of President Trump’s term. The Senators began, “We write to you with concern regarding the Trump Administration’s hollowing out of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For too long, the IRS has been underfunded and operating with outdated technology and inadequate staffing – resulting in unacceptable levels of service to taxpayers and enabling wealthy tax cheats to evade taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in 2021, finally provided the IRS with the resources the agency needed to modernize and improve efficiency, but Congressional Republicans quietly slashed that funding in recent years. It is critical that we protect and build on the IRA’s investments. Otherwise, we risk failing honest, hardworking taxpayers while ballooning the federal deficit.” “Reducing the tax gap by ensuring that high-income individuals pay the taxes they owe should be an obvious bipartisan approach to making progress on the federal deficit,” the Senators continued. “Further, it is a good investment – one study found that $1 spent on auditing the highest earners yields $12 in returns to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-national-security-threats-from-china King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Combat National Security Threats from China 2025-06-17 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is cosponsoring legislation to counter threats to U.S. national security posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act would direct the Attorney General to prepare a report on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) efforts to combat threats from China and espionage in the United States, so that the federal government can better form a fact-based, up-to-date strategy to contain and confront China. China poses one of the greatest threats to the United States’ national security and economy. In February 2023, the United States Air Force shot down a Chinese spy balloon that had traveled through American airspace for several days — an apparent act of Chinese provocation. It was also revealed last year that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has secretly been operating “service centers” across America — raising questions about China’s surveillance efforts in our country. Additionally, China has leveraged much of its legal system to steal American intellectual property. It leads America’s adversaries as the top thief of United States’ intellectual property (IP). According to the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property, the CCP has stolen IP that is estimated to cost the United States from $225 billion to $600 billion every year. “For decades, the Chinese Communist Party has consistently worked to undermine our national security, weaken our economy and steal intellectual property,” said Senator Angus King. “The first step in combatting any threat is to ensure we have a clear understanding of the facts. The bipartisan Counting Chinese Espionage Reporting Act would be a commonsense, invaluable step forward in countering these serious threats posed by Chinese agents. By using our own intelligence and annual reporting from the Department of Justice, we can better protect our communities and companies from foreign bad ac… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-press-white-house-to-resume-processing-daca-applications King, Colleagues Press White House to Resume Processing DACA Applications 2025-06-16 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and his colleagues are urging the White House to abide by a court ruling and resume processing applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Angelica Alfonso-Royals, the Senators highlight the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and request that the administration comply with the recent Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling to resume processing applications for DACA. Sunday, June 15th marks the thirteenth anniversary of President Obama establishing the DACA program via policy memorandum in 2012. Since then, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, empowering recipients to bolster their careers and contribute an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes. The Senators wrote, “Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship, and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.” “Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately,” the Senators continued. The Senators concluded by reiterating their request, “We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tomorrow-is-officially-vets-get-outside-day-after-senators-king-cassidy-resolution-passes-senate-unanimously Tomorrow Is Officially “Vets Get Outside Day” After Senators King, Cassidy Resolution Passes Senate Unanimously 2025-06-13 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), both members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), marking Saturday, June 14th as “Veterans Get Outside Day.” The resolution encourages veterans, especially those struggling with mental health challenges, to spend time in the great outdoors. Veterans have free lifetime access to National Parks and Maine State Parks. “From beach walks on the rocky coast to a challenging hike in the woods, Maine’s extraordinary outdoor spaces can bring moments of calm during the most difficult times,” said Senator King. “I hope that ‘Vets Get Outside Day’ will encourage Maine veterans to find a relaxing outdoor space that helps them process their daily stressors. It’s a simple way to promote two of Maine’s greatest treasures — the great outdoors and our brave veterans.” “Resuming civilian life can be isolating,” said Senator Cassidy. “When veterans stay active and connected with their community, their mental health and quality of life improve. That is what today is all about.” The resolution calls on veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges to walk, run, hike, bike ride, or simply spend time outside on June 14th, 2025, as part of an effort improve mental health Over 460,000 veterans were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries between 2020 and 2024, and there were 6,407 veteran suicide deaths in 2022. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors in nature can have positive impact on an individual’s mental health and lessen feelings of isolation. Veterans can dial 9-8-8 and then press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24-hours a day. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veter… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-new-england-colleagues-urge-coast-guard-to-delay-removal-of-navigational-buoys King, New England Colleagues Urge Coast Guard to Delay Removal of Navigational Buoys 2025-06-12 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Angus King and a bipartisan cohort of the New England Senate Delegation are urging the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to delay the removal of navigational buoys off the coast of New England so they can better engage with stakeholders and understand the impacts of the proposal. In a letter to Coast Guard Commandant Kevin Lunday, the Senators ask for USCG to extend the comment period for public input, undertake more extensive outreach and enhance the compilation of data before making any final decisions on the removal of the navigational buoys. The USCG launched the Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative in April 2025, a component of its broader Short-Range Aids-to-Navigation Modernization effort. This initiative proposed the discontinuation of 351 coastal buoys across New England (Maine accounts for the largest share at 145 buoys). In parallel, an additional 2,349 buoys and beacons are under review for future removal as part of the Harbor Buoy Modernization Initiative and the Shallow Water Level of Service Study (SWLOSS), scheduled for phased implementation from 2026 through 2029. In total, some 2700 buoys are up for consideration for removal along the New England coast. These efforts collectively represent a significant reconfiguration of the region’s maritime navigational infrastructure affecting both commercial and recreational mariners; despite the technical justifications for the initiative, the USCG approach has raised concerns throughout New England’s maritime community. “We write regarding our concerns with the First District Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative and related efforts. Principally, we have reservations about how this would affect the safety of mariners throughout District One, the timeline the agency is proposing and the sufficiency of the agency’s communications with stakeholders of the proposed changes. We understand the need to modernize the Aids-to-Navigation (ATON) system, and we commend the agency for proactively initiating a program to asses… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-uss-gravely-to-visit-eastport-for-fourth-of-july-celebration Senators Collins, King Announce USS Gravely to Visit Eastport for Fourth of July Celebration 2025-06-12 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Eastport will receive a port visit during the city’s 2025 Fourth of July celebration. The U.S. Navy has committed to sending the guided missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107), which has a crew complement of approximately 330 sailors. USS Gravely is a battle-tested warship and recently saw action in the Red Sea. “We are grateful to the U.S. Navy for honoring the State of Maine with this port visit during Eastport’s Fourth of July celebration,” said Senators Collins and King. “The arrival of the USS Gravely will give Mainers a special opportunity to meet the sailors bravely serving our country. It’s an honor to welcome these servicemembers to our state as we mark Independence Day, and we thank the Navy for making this visit possible.” The Eastport Fourth of July parade and festival is the largest in the state and draws thousands of Maine people every year. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-severe-weather-season-king-and-colleagues-call-on-white-house-to-nominate-an-experienced-fema-administrator Ahead of Severe Weather Season, King and Colleagues Call on White House to Nominate an Experienced FEMA Administrator 2025-06-11 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — With Maine facing a severe weather season, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined his colleagues calling on the White House to nominate an experienced Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator. In a letter to President Donald Trump, King and his colleagues expressed serious concern about the ongoing absence of a Senate-confirmed FEMA Administrator and steps his administration has taken to weaken and destabilize the agency, including the abrupt termination last month of Cameron Hamilton, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator. To date, President Trump has failed to nominate an Administrator or appoint someone who satisfies the qualifications specified for the role. David Richardson — Mr. Hamilton’s replacement as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator — told agency staff last week that he did not know the United States has a hurricane season. “In recent months, your administration has reduced FEMA staff by roughly 30%, rescinded grant funding local communities rely on to recover from disasters and significantly scaled back emergency management training for state officials,” wrote the Senators. “Taken together, these actions have impeded ongoing recovery efforts and undermined the national response to future natural disasters.” “We agree that FEMA can do better and needs reform. But dismantling the agency and weakening its leadership will only leave states and localities stranded when disaster strikes. To preserve the long-term integrity of FEMA and ensure our nation’s preparedness for future disasters, we urge you to nominate a qualified Administrator that will restore confidence in the agency as soon as possible,” the Senators concluded. In addition to Senator King, the letter was cosigned by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-spars-with-interior-secretary-over-harmful-arbitrary-budget-cuts-to-national-parks King Spars with Interior Secretary Over Harmful, Arbitrary Budget Cuts to National Parks 2025-06-11 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the National Parks Subcommittee, demanded answers from Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as to why the National Park Service’s (NPS) budget is being cut by $1.2 billion. During the exchange, Senator King pressed Secretary Burgum to justify the cuts and made clear that arbitrary budget decisions will have devastating consequences for national parks across the country — not just to operations, but to the visitor experience at locations nationwide. The hearing comes as the Trump Administration has implemented drastic cuts to federal land agencies such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service at the request of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These actions, alongside aggressive pushes to privatize federally managed lands and reshape environmental policy, pose serious threats to public land protections. The cuts to the National Park Service, as of late, are now facing bipartisan pushback in Congress. “The 1.2 billion dollars you are cutting from the National Park Service is devastating to the National Park Service. It doesn't amount to anything in terms of our federal budget. I did a calculation, if our federal budget was the height of this room, what you are cutting from the National Park Service is the combined height of two credit cards. In other words, to save virtually no money from the federal budget, we’re devastating one of America's treasures. And that’s what I don't understand. You yourself a few minutes ago said you don't have the data; you don't have the visitation data. This is ready, fire, aim. How about waiting a year, developing the data, finding out what it is because you can’t convince me that a detailed analysis of the National Park Service took place in the last couple of months to justify this pitiful submission to this committee. So, I’m anxious to hear. We all know the term bang for the buck, this is damage for the buck… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-modern-cost-effective-weapons-systems-should-be-deployed-in-red-sea-future-conflicts King: Modern, Cost-Effective Weapons Systems Should be Deployed in Red Sea, Future Conflicts 2025-06-10 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with Secretary of the Navy John Phelan and raised the importance of properly funding cutting-edge directed energy programs — the class of weapons systems that use electromagnetic energy, such as high-energy lasers. Calling it the “weapon of the future,” he received commitment from Secretary Phalen to advocate for an increase in the directed energy budget. “It’s unclear in the budget where the directed energy money is if it’s in there. Those missiles that we’re using in the Red Sea to knock down $20,000 Yemen drones cost $4 million apiece. Directed energy is an incredibly important priority. The prior administration grossly underfunded it. I hope this administration will pay attention. This is cost-effective and it’s the weapon of the future. Mr. Secretary, are you going advocate for directed energy and see an increase in that budget,” asked Senator King. “Yes, senator. I think it’s very important. Our capability, and as you mentioned, it’s a cost-effective one. We continue to be working very hard with the one system we have been testing live right now that appears to be working well, so we continue to work on that. So, yes,” replied Secretary Phelan. Senator King also touted Bath Iron Works’ (BIW) role in helping construct the U.S. Navy’s Guided-Missile Destroyer (DDG) ships. Earlier in their exchange, Senator King thanked Secretary Phelan for his visit earlier this year to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) to discuss the strategic value of developing a strong workforce and expanding shipbuilding in the U.S. to stay ahead of foreign adversaries. “I want to thank you for your visits to the Portsmouth naval shipyard and Bath Iron Works, particularly for the time you took to talk with the men and women on the deck plates, the people who are out there doing the work. It meant a lot to those people, it meant a lot to the workforce, and the fact that you took the time to do that, I think is exe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-murkowski-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-maines-coastal-workforce-fisheries-and-infrastructure King, Murkowski Introduce Bill to Strengthen Maine’s Coastal Workforce, Fisheries and Infrastructure 2025-06-10 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation that would lay the groundwork to boost the workforce, energy and shoreside infrastructure, food security, and economies of coastal communities in Maine and across the country. The Working Waterfronts Act, which is also co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), is comprised of more than a dozen provisions, would support efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen federal conservation research projects. Included in the legislation is Senator King’s Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act which would allow businesses that provide direct assistance to fishing operations — like gear producers or cold storage — to access loans from the Farm Credit System (FCS) that are already offered to service providers for farmers, ranchers and loggers. “Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state’s success for generations,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Act would provide Maine’s working waterfronts up and down the coast with the necessary financial, energy and infrastructure resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. It would also help support the necessary workforce to sustain our coastal businesses. Thanks to my colleagues for working with me to ensure our waterfronts have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.” “One of my priorities this Congress was reintroducing the Working Waterfronts Act, a comprehensive and collective effort to harness the potential of the blue economy for Alaska's coastal communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “With 66,000 miles of coastline, it is vital Alaska strengthens our shoreside infrastructure and supports workforce development to ensure the sustainability and growth of our fisheries, tourism, and mariculture sectors. This… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-to-white-house-immediately-reverse-damaging-unconstitutional-cuts-to-job-corps King, Colleagues to White House: “Immediately Reverse” Damaging, Unconstitutional Cuts to Job Corps 2025-06-09 2025 2025-06 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the Trump administration attempting to shutter the nation’s largest jobs training program for low-income and at-risk young people, Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside 39 of his Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer urging her to reverse the unconstitutional and illegal cuts to the Job Corps program that are harming student and communities in Maine and across the country. These cuts have left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers in the lurch, including nearly 500 Maine students and nearly 270 Maine employees “The Administration’s decision to illegally and abruptly terminate Job Corps center operations has left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers in the lurch,” wrote the senators. “The sudden ‘pause’ of operations at Job Corps centers puts young people’s lives at risk, especially a significant number of students who were experiencing homelessness before arriving to the program. Local communities will pay a steep price, especially the thousands of individuals who work at the centers and will lose their livelihoods.” “We urge you to immediately reverse this decision to prevent a lapse in education and services for Job Corps students. We further urge that the Department restart enrollments, expeditiously restart background checks, and make any contract extensions or modifications necessary to ensure no interruptions or delays for students or program operations,” concluded the senators. For more than 60 years, Job Corps has helped millions of young people in rural communities and cities alike to finish high school, learn technical skills and get good-paying jobs while providing stable housing, medical and mental health care, and other supportive services. Through Job Corps programs, young people receive the training they need to start in good-paying jobs that support their communities after graduation – including as wildland firefighters, nurses, electricians, machinists, pipefi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T01:08:28Z

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