Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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748 rows where party = "Republican", state = "ME" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-protect-patients-surprise-medical-bills-now-law | Legislation to Protect Patients from Surprise Medical Bills is Now Law | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills was signed into law as part of the government funding package. Americans increasingly pay more out-of-pocket for their health care, so it is crucial that they have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. The health and economic crisis we are currently experiencing due to COVID-19 has underscored the need for Congress to come together to increase the affordability and accessibility of medical care. Far too many Americans are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of health care, which places severe strain on family budgets and threatens access to the care and medications they need. The last thing patients should have to worry about while they are sick or recovering is receiving an unexpected bill because they were unaware they were receiving out-of-network care,said Senator Collins. Increasing the affordability and accessibility of health care is one of my highest priorities, and this new law ending the unfair practice of surprise medical billing will help provide significant relief. The proposal to end surprise medical billing will also allow approximately $18 billion in savings to be used to fully fund Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education, and Special Diabetes Programs for three years. As the lead sponsor of theTraining the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act, Senator Collins has long worked to bolster and expand this successful training program. As the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, she has championed the Special Diabetes Program, which has been instrumental in promoting advances in diabetes care such as the artificial pancreas system. The bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including: Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-500000-maine-housing-authorities-0 | Senator Collins Announces More Than $500,000 for Maine Housing Authorities | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that nine housing authorities in Maine will receive a total of $509,826 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). Maine's housing authorities provide an array of vital services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that the housing needs of all Mainers are met. By supporting public housing agencies, this funding will help connect individuals with the resources they need to achieve economic independence. The funding will be allocated as follows: Augusta Housing Authoritywill receive $32,484. Bangor Housing Authoritywill receive $63,709. City of Caribouwill receive $57,446. Housing Authority of Brewerwill receive $60,978. Housing Authority of Old Townwill receive $47,944. Lewiston Housing Authoritywill receive $58,873. Maine State Housing Authoritywill receive $62,467. Portland Housing Authoritywill receive $78,659. Westbrook Housing Authoritywill receive $47,266. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. Earlier this month, sheannounced$120,000 for housing authorities in Aroostook and Sagadahoc Counties. In addition, Senator Collins helped to secure a total of $46.5 million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communities throughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-protect-funding-nearly-200-rural-low-income-school-districts | Collins, Hassan Protect Funding for Nearly 200 Rural, Low-Income School Districts | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced that they successfully reversed a Department of Education decision that jeopardized funding for nearly 200 rural, low-income school districts. A provision they negotiated that was included in the year-end government funding bill that was signed into law prevents a funding cliff for the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), the only dedicated federal funding stream to support rural schools. The Department of Education's abrupt change in eligibility for REAP funding would have forced many ruralschools in Maine and throughout the country to forgo essential activities and services,said Senator Collins.REAP helps deliver an equitable and enriching education to thousands of students living in rural America. This bipartisanprovisionI pushed forwill ensure that students in rural communities continue to have access to these critical programs. Rural schools in New Hampshire rely on this critical funding coming every year so that they can serve their students, and the bipartisan provision that Senator Collins and I worked on will help ensure that these resources aren't pulled out from under them,said Senator Hassan.This funding is particularly important now amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has presented unprecedented challenges to remote and in-person learning. REAP was created in 2002 by Senator Collins and former Senator Kent Conrad to help rural schools overcome the increased expenses caused by geographic isolation. It consists of two programs the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program and the Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program. Many states have qualified for RLIS because the Department of Education has allowed school districts to measure poverty by the percentage of students receiving free lunch. Earlier this year, however, the Department abruptly announced that it would no longer accept the poverty measurements it had received from participating states in years past, threatening the eligibility and funding f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/provision-senator-collins-championed-prevent-medicare-physician-payment-cuts-signed-law | Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law Posted Wed, 12/30/2020 - 09:18 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the year-end government funding bill that was signed into lawincludesaprovision based onbipartisanlegislation sheco-authoredto prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021. These reimbursement cutswould have fallenprimarily on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties from radiology to physical therapy toorthopaedicsurgery andcould have hada devastating effect on health care practices and, most important, patient access to care,said Senator Collins. I am pleased that this provisionincluded in the government funding billwill halt theseill-timedpayment cuts from going into effect at the start of the New Year, helping to ensure that we do not further burden our health care system that is already struggling due to the pandemic. Senator Collins has long been a champion of improving access to health care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Inaddition tosponsoring legislationto avert destabilizing cuts to medical providers that would have harmed patients' access to health care, Senator Collinssent a letterto Senate leaders in October, urging them to advance legislation to prevent these sharp reductions in payment. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-improving-hope-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-act-signed-law | Bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimers Act Signed into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Shelley MooreCapito(R-WV)and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced that theImproving HOPE (Health, Outcomes, Planning, and Education) for Alzheimer's Actpassed Congress as part of the year-end omnibus package and has been signed into law. Following the lawmakers' successful bipartisan push in 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in November 2016 that Medicare would begin covering new care plans in 2017. TheImprovingHOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach to make more health care providers aware of this important benefit and to report back on rates of utilization and barriers to access. "It is imperative that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their families receive the resources they need, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available,said Senator Collins.Fortunately, following our advocacy, CMS implemented a new rule in 2018 that allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive a care planning session.Our legislation will expand access to this service by increasing awareness of this policy change among physicians.As the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimer's Task Force, I will continue to support those living with Alzheimer's diseaseand their caregivers. Care plans are an important tool to ensure that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones who help care for them every day have the support they need to cope with this devastating disease,said Senator Stabenow.TheImproving HOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill help make sure patients, their families, and their health care providers know about and can take advantage of the available resources. While we work towards the goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer's by 2025, we must also ensure seniors with Alzheimer's get the best care possible. Developing care plans that assist families, caregivers, and seniors understand diagnosis and avail… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/185-million-support-breweries-signed-law-following-senator-collins%E2%80%99-advocacy-0 | $18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins Advocacy | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom $18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins' Advocacy The bill also makes permanent several beneficial provisions for small brewers that were included in the 2017 tax reform law Posted Mon, 12/28/2020 - 11:53 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee,announced that a total of $18.5 million to support breweries in Maine and across the country was signed into law as part of the fiscal year 2021 government funding bill. The legislation also permanently lowers excise taxes to help brewers reinvest in their businesses, employees, and communities. Maine is home to the best craft brewers in the country.In addition to producing exceptional beer, they are a major contributor to our state's economy and a significant source of jobs,said Senator Collins.With the economic duress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, beverage producers have been under significant strain. The permanent reduction in excise taxes that I worked to securealong with investments made in the brewing supply chainare critical to helping these small businesses keeptheir doors open and their employees on payroll. Provisions championed by Senator Collins to benefit Maine's craft beverage industry include: Permanent authorization of theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act(CBMTRA)The legislation provides excise tax relief to the growing craft beverage industry by making permanent a measure in the2017 tax reform law.Senator Collinswasa cosponsor of the standalone bill, which reduces taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers.Earlier this month, Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME)joined a bipartisan groupof 55 of their colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Actin the next legislative pac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-bill-advance-energy-storage-technology-signed-law | Collins Bill to Advance Energy Storage Technology Signed into Law | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Bipartisan legislation to accelerate the development of next-generation energy storage was signed into law. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Tina Smith (D-MN), will support grid-scale energy storage research and development and improve the efficiency of the nation's electric grid, while helping to align research efforts on energy storage technologies. Energy storage technology holds such great promise in the fight against climate change. Supporting current technology and advancing next-generation energy storage will allow us to integrate more renewables, such as wind and solar, which in turn will help to reduce emissions, Senator Collins said.The BEST Act will advance energy storage technologies, improve the efficiency of our nation's electricity grid, and help align research efforts on energy storage.I am delighted that this bipartisan piece of legislation is now law and will help shape our clean energy future. As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, advocating for the research and development of long-term energy storage has been a top priority,saidSenator Heinrich.I am proud to see the Better Energy Storage TechnologyAct signed into law so that we can truly invest in reshaping the power industry. This bipartisan effort offers federal agencies and national labs the opportunity to modernize our energy grid with advanced storage technologies that can provide days, even months, of capacity. With advances in solar and wind energy, New Mexico remains a leader in the charge towards a clean energy future. Signing this bill into law adds the extra spark to boost New Mexico power grids with the potential to do the same around the globe. When we expand energy storage capabilities, we can increase our use of renewables like wind and solar while contributing to our nation's energy and economic security, said Senator Smith. This is a great step forward for our country and the clean energy future… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-covid-19-relief-government-funding-package-being-signed-law | Senator Collins Statement on COVID-19 Relief-Government Funding Package being Signed into Law | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, released this statement following President Trump signing the COVID-19 reliefgovernment funding omnibus into law. Senator Collins and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) co-led the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition that developed the framework for the COVID-19 relief package. The President's decision to sign the bipartisan COVID emergency relief bill into law is welcome news for the American people. The agreement that our bipartisan, bicameral group negotiated was the foundation for this much-needed assistance. The law extends the Paycheck Protection Program I coauthored and allows our hardest-hit small businesses, such as restaurants and others in the hospitality sector, to receive a second forgivable PPP loan. This additional assistance will help prevent small businesses from having to shut their doors for good, allow them to continue paying their employees, and cover certain overhead costs, such as modifications to comply with public health guidelines. A new program I authored with Congressman Jared Golden will also provide targeted assistance to loggers for the first time. The compromise also provides urgently needed housing, nutrition, and unemployment compensation to struggling families; appropriates additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and provider assistance to our stressed health care system; allocates funding for schools that have been challenged to operate safely in a COVID environment; assists the overwhelmed Postal Service; and provides assistance to our airlines, airports, mass transit, and bus and motorcoach companies that keep our country moving. The package also fully funds our government through September 2021 and provides significant investments including strengthening our defense and assisting our veterans to providing funding for biomedical research and public health to supporting transportation and economic development programs that will help our country as we make progress to de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/signed-law-funding-appropriations-bill-support-shipbuilders-biw | SIGNED INTO LAW: Funding in Appropriations Bill to Support Shipbuilders at BIW | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2021Defense Appropriations Billhas been signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. This legislation includes provisions Senator Collins championed to support Maine industries that have an indispensable role in our defense, including Bath Iron Works (BIW). The value and importance of our naval assets and shipyards to our national security have never been greater, which is why it is so critical that we continue to grow the Navy to be able to meet challenges around the world,said Senator Collins. Through my senior position on the Appropriations Committee, I secured funding for two DDG-51 Flight III ships. Funding included in this legislation will also help BIW make investments in the shipyard to ensure their hardworking employees have the cutting-edge tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. BIW is home to the best shipbuilders in the world, and this funding will help them stay competitive far into the future. The FY 2021 Department of Defense funding bill provides $696 billionan increase of $2.6 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level. Additionally, the bill includes a number of priorities Senator Collins advocated for: DDG-51 Shipbuilding:Includes funding fortwoDDG-51 Flight III ships. The bill also includes $130 million above the President's budget request of $29 million for DDG-51 advanced procurement specifically for a third DDG-51 in the next fiscal year. Surface Combatant Shipyard Infrastructure:Includes $215 million for surface combatant shipyard infrastructure.This funding can be used foryard improvements similar to the $130 millionawarded to BIWearlier in the year. DDG-51 Acquisition strategy report language:To ensure stability in the industrial base and shipyards, the bill includes explanatory language requiring the Navy to provide a fully funded strategy for the procurement o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-group-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-president-trump-sign-relief-package-or-veto-it | BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL GROUP 908 COALITION TO PRESIDENT TRUMP: SIGN RELIEF PACKAGE OR VETO IT IMMEDIATELY | 2020-12-27 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) again urged President Trump to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package. Mr. President, we are asking you to please sign the emergency relief bill. This act will show your support for the American people who are in need of emergency lifelines like food, shelter, unemployment benefits and small business relief during these challenging times. However, if your objection to the COVID-19 relief bill will prevent you from signing, please veto it immediately. You've made your position clear and rejecting it quickly will allow those in favor to act before it is too late. Never before in your personal, professional, or political life have you been characterized as a man of inaction. Now is not the time to sit idly by - please do the right thing and sign or veto this bill immediately. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-urges-president-trump-sign-covid-19-emergency-relief | BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL 908 COALITION URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SIGN COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) urged the President to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package: As members of the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition,' we urge the President to sign the COVID relief package. The legislation would bring desperately needed help to struggling families, unemployed workers, hard-hit small businesses, an overburdened health care system, stressed schools, and so many others. It would provide robust funding for testing and vaccine distribution at a critical time. By signing the bill, the President would be providing the best possible Christmas gift to the American people. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-protect-seniors-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-other-dementias-elder-abuse-signed-law | Bill to Protect Seniors with Alzheimers & Other Dementias from Elder Abuse Signed into Law | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Approximately one in 10 seniors aged 60 and older have experienced some form ofelderabuse. For people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the prevalence is much higher, with some estimates putting it at just over 50 percent. Legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation has been signed into law. ThePromoting Alzheimer's Awareness to PreventElderAbuseActwill ensure that the Department of Justice'selderabusetrainingmaterials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The bipartisan billpassedCongress unanimously earlier this month. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, one of my top priorities is protecting our seniors againstabuse,said Senator Collins, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic,there may be increased risk forelderabuse, includingelderfinancial exploitation.This law I co-authored with Senators Menendez and Grassleywill help to ensure that the frontline professionals who are leading the charge againstelderabusehave the training needed to respond to cases where the victim or a witness has Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. I watched my mother struggle and ultimately succumb to Alzheimer's, and it pains me that a growing number of Americans living with Alzheimer's and dementia are at risk of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation,said Sen. Menendez.I am thrilled that our legislation has now become law. With it, we can help ensure that those suffering with AD/ADRD are able to live with dignity in safe and healthy environments, while providing critical education and training to caregivers, health providers and law enforcement. We ought to do all we can to ensure the Justice Department is well-prepared to respond to crimes involving Alzheimer's patients and folks with other forms of dementia. These cases can be particularly challenging at each st… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-bill-signed-law-curbing-plastic-marine-debris | Collins, King Bill Signed Into Law, Curbing Plastic Marine Debris | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) are applauding the signing into law of theirSave Our Seas 2.0 Act. The bipartisan bill,introduced in June,seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018. Countless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters,said Senator Collins. I am pleased to see this legislation become law, which will help to accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come. Maine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people,said Senator King.By enacting this bipartisan legislation into law, we are building on our vital work to protect our oceans and allow future generations can access its widespread economic potential and its unparalleled beauty. Roughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean. TheSave Our Seas 2.0 Actis also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-34-million-maine-health-care-providers-amid-covid-19 | Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $34 Million for Maine Health Care Providers Amid COVID-19 | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $34 Million for Maine Health Care Providers Amid COVID-19 Posted Wed, 12/23/2020 - 09:15 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that 234 Maine health care providersincluding behavioral health providers such as addiction counseling centers and mental health counselorshave been awarded a total of $34,082,143 in federal funding to support their efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Phase 3 General Distribution funding was provided through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Medical providers are the backbone of Maine's health care system, providing primary and preventive care that is vital to the wellbeing of individuals and families throughout our state,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this additional funding, which will help 234 Maine health care providers continue to safely care for patients amid the pandemic. Through theCARES Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, HHS has allocated $175 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other health care providers. As Maine continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and providers across the state have received more than half a billion dollars in HHS relief funding. In June, Senators Collins and Kingannouncedthat safety net hospitals in Maine received more than $52 million to support their efforts to combat the pandemic. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-feinstein-bill-establish-smithsonian-american-women%E2%80%99s-history-museum-be-signed-law | Collins, Feinstein Bill to Establish Smithsonian American Womens History Museum to be Signed into Law | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) announced thatTheSmithsonian Women's History Museum Actpassed the Senate as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. This bipartisan legislation will establish a Smithsonian museumin Washington, D.C.honoring American women. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. As our Women's Suffrage Centennial year draws to a close, I am delighted that Congress was able to work together in a bipartisan way to pass this legislation,said Senator Collins. I look forward tothe creation of a museum in our nation's capital that celebrates the invaluable contributionswomen have madeto our nation. Women have been a central part of American history from our founding to the present day in every way, whether it's science, business, the arts or politics,said Senator Feinstein. A permanent museum to celebrate those contributions and tell the stories of so many incredible women is long overdue. I'm pleased to see our bill to establish a Smithsonian museum for women's history finally pass. "On behalf of the Commissioners of the US Commission to study the potential for an American Women's History Museum, we offer our sincere praise and gratitude to Senators Collinsand Feinsteinfortheiryears of leadership on this momentous piece of legislation. The personal energy and drive thattheyput forth was supported by ideas and input from women and men from across the country, of all ages and walks of life, in addition to leading authorities and experts on women's history and the museum community,saidJaneAbraham, chair of theAmerican Museumof Women's History Congressional Commission.We enthusiastically look forward to the day when our citizens and visitors visit the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum and gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the role that women played in building America. Congratulations Senators CollinsandFeinstein!" In December 2014, Congress created a Congressional Commission to study the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-golden-announce-200-million-help-loggers-timber-haulers-facing-covid-19-economic | Collins, Golden Announce $200 Million to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that the COVID-19 relief package that passed Congress and was signed into law included $200 million for logging and log hauling businesses that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introduced and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and CongresswomanPingree(ME-01) co-sponsored logger relief legislation earlier this year, and Senator Collins championed the funding in the final agreement. Throughout Maine's history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and strengthened rural communities,said Senator Collins. This industry is built on the backs of our dedicated loggers, who sustainably harvest and haul one of Maine's most precious resources. Loggers were already facing significant headwinds due to a changing 21st century economy and unfair trade practices, as well as the explosion at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay and the shutdown of the paper machine at Sappi in Westbrook. COVID-19 has only compounded these challenges. Maine's family logging and log hauling businesses need our support. That's why I worked to secure $200 million in the COVID-19 emergency relief package to provide critical financial assistance to the skilled professionals who work in this industry to help them get through this difficult period. Between COVID-19 and the Jay Mill explosion, many loggers and truck drivers are seeing workslow downas markets for their products decline. Maine loggers don't want a handout, but they deserve the same support during tough times that we have already provided for farmers and fishermen,said Congressman Golden.Senator Collins and I have worked together to introduce new legislation to provide targeted relief for loggers and log haulers, and we've successfully included it in the COVID-19 package that passed Congress today. Once this bill is law, we'll keep working together to make sure these funds get t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/covid-19-package-includes-collins-cantwell-provision-make-medical-expense-deduction | COVID-19 Package Includes Collins, Cantwell Provision to Make Medical Expense Deduction Permanent | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the government funding legislation that passedCongress and will now be signed into law.Companion legislation was sponsored in the House of Representatives by Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA) and DavidSchweikert(R-AZ). For those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, this provision, which is based on theMedical Expense Savings Act,Senators Collins and Cantwellintroduced in 2019, will allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill. Millions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction. The burden of high medical expenses falls disproportionately on seniors and those with disabilities. The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance. The medical expense deduction is a lifeline for Americans struggling with high medical costs, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities,said Senator Collins. By making this deduction permanent, our legislation will help provide certainty for those with pre-existing conditions and support millions of Americans with large medical bills. The medical expense deduction provides much-needed financial relief for Americans with high medical bills, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The extension we secured is critical for more than 200,000 Washingtonians who claim the deduction in order to lower their health care costs and help pay for unexpected medical expenses and life-saving treatment,said Senator Cantwell. "The signing of this bill is a victory for the millions of Americans with high out-of-pocket medical expenses,"Congresswoman Porter said."By making it easier for people to use the medical … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/government-funding-bill-passes-senate-measures-championed-senator-collins | Government Funding Bill Passes Senate with Measures Championed by Senator Collins | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The Senate passed a bipartisan appropriations package that will fund the government at updated levels through the end of September. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, successfully pushed for a number of provisions that were incorporated in the final bill. One of Congress' most important responsibilities is to pass an appropriations bill that sets the government's priorities for the year while balancing the need for fiscal responsibility,said Senator Collins. This legislation makes significant investments in our future, from strengthening our defense, to providing funding for biomedical research and transportation infrastructure, to supporting public health and economic development programs that will help Americans as we make progress to defeat the pandemic. The funding bill makes investments in numerous areas and reflects priorities Senator Collins strongly advocated for, such as: Biomedical Research I have long worked to secure significant investments for biomedical research, which will help us conquer so many diseases that take both an emotional and financial toll,Senator Collins said. This funding will help spur important research that is already underway to develop treatments, means of prevention, and cures for diseases that affect nearly every American family. Biomedical researchand public health provisions include: $42.9billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH),a $1.25billion increase.Over the past six years, Senator Collins has worked to increase funding for NIHby $12.85 billion. $15 million for theCDC's continuedimplementation of the BOLD Actthat Senator Collins authored to create a national public health infrastructure to combat Alzheimer's. $2.13billion for research at the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disorders, a $16.8million increase. A total of a $14million increase for research on Lyme and relatedtickbornediseases at NIH and CDC. $4million for the implementation of the Tick Act thatS… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/housing-funding-bill-authored-senator-collins-key-wins-maine-be-signed-law | Housing Funding Bill Authored by Senator Collins with Key Wins for Maine to be Signed into Law | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that theFiscal Year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Billshe authored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has passed the Senate and House and will be signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. The legislation includes Senator Collins' provisions to support vulnerable Mainers and strengthen communities. Increasing the supply of safe, affordable housing, strengthening our communities, and supporting job creation are among my top priorities as Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee,said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will bolster housing for low-income families and seniors, reduce homelessness, and support community revitalization projects across Maine. The final appropriation provides $75.4 billion, which is $1.1 billion more than the previous year. Housing provisions secured by Senator Collins that benefit Maine include: Community Development Block Grants.The bill provides $3.45 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation. Housing during substance abuse recovery.The bill provides $25 million for assistance to States to provide temporary housing to those who are in recovery from a substance use disorder.Maine will receive $850,000. Funding for youth homelessness.The bill includes $80 million for grants and technical assistance to test comprehensive efforts to end youth homelessness in urban and rural areas. Section 8 Vouchers for youth aging out of foster care.The bill includes $20 million for new family unification vouchers to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless. Housing Vouchers for Homeless Veterans (HUD-VASH).The bill includes $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. These vouchers have been critical to reducing veterans' homelessness by 50 percen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-900-billion-covid-19-emergency-relief-support-families-health-care-system-and | Senate Passes $900 Billion in COVID-19 Emergency Relief to Support Families, Health Care System, and Small Businesses | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Legislation includes a provision authored by Senator Collins toallow hardest-hit small businesses to receive second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate passed COVID-19 emergency relief legislation that will help American families, health care providers, small businesses, employees, and students during the ongoing health and economic crisis. The framework for the legislation was developed by a bipartisan, bicameral groupled by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Mark Warner (D-VA)including Senators Angus King (I-ME),Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and RepresentativesGottheimer(D-NJ-5)and Tom Reed (R-NY-23). This bipartisan relief legislation is a victory for the American people. Our bipartisan group led the way, working night and day to develop the commonsense plan that was both the foundation and the necessary impetus for this final agreement,said Senator Collins. This legislationalong with the distribution of safe and effective vaccinesfuels hope that we are making progress to defeat this virus and that our country is on course to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. I am particularly proud that this legislation provides an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program I co-authored, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. This will allow the hardest-hit small businesses to receive a second forgivable loan to help them stay afloat and continue paying their employees,Senator Collins continued. This is the sixth COVID-19 relief bill Congress has passed this year, bringing the federal government's total response to the pandemic to approximately $4 trillion. To date, Maine has received more than $8 billion in federal funding to protect Mainers' health and jobs. TheEmergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020will provide $900 billion in immediate relief. Highlights of the bill includ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-expresses-support-covid-19-relief-highlights-small-business-provision-she | Senator Collins Expresses Support for COVID-19 Relief, Highlights Small Business Provision She Co-Authored | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | ClickHEREto read Senator Collins' floor remarks. ClickHEREto watch Senator Collins' floor remarks.ClickHEREto download. Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks from the Senate floor this evening prior to the Senate's vote on agovernment funding bill and $900 billionCOVID-19 emergency relief package. The COVID-19 relief package was based on the framework developed by a bipartisan, bicameral group led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Collins, and Mark Warner (D-VA). Itincludes a provision SenatorCollinsco-authoredthat will allow the hardest-hit small businesses to receive a second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. I am proud to have helped lead a bipartisan, bicameral coalition that literally worked, night and day, to develop a common-sense plan that provided the foundation for this final agreement,said Senator Collins. There are many important components of the package before us, including assistance for struggling families, additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and health care providers resources to help our schools operate safely in a COVID environment, aid for the Postal Service, and for airlines, airports, mass transit, andmotorcoachcompanies that keep our country moving,Senator Collins continued.I come to the floor tonight, however, to focus on one aspect of the agreement. And that is the extension and expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP has been a critical lifeline for more than five million small employers. At one point, helping to sustain the jobs of upwards of 50 million Americans. It was one of the most successful programs in the CARES Act. Earlier this year,Senators Collins,Rubio, Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)co-authoredthe PPP to help small employers stay afloat and continue paying their workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Maine alone, the PPP has provided approximately $2.3 billion in forgivable loans to three out of four small businessesand helped sus… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/transportation-funding-bill-authored-senator-collins-key-wins-maine-be-signed-law | Transportation Funding Bill Authored by Senator Collins with Key Wins for Maine to be Signed into Law | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that theFiscal Year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Billshe authored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has passed the Senate and House and will be signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. The legislation includes programs to make critical improvements in Maine's transportation infrastructure and to promote economic and community development. Improving Maine infrastructure is essential to moving our economy forward,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have secured more than $747 million in competitive grants for Maine to enhance our transportation network. This legislation will build on those investments by funding projects that will enhance safety, move people and products more efficiently, and create jobs in communities across the state. The legislation will provide $75.4 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion over the previous year. Transportation provisions secured by Senator Collins that benefit Maine in the annual funding bill include: BUILD Grants:The bill includes $1 billion for BUILD grants, which provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Since the program's inception in 2009, Senator Collins has secured $250 million for key transportation investments throughout Maine, including bridges, seaports, and rail projects. This year Senator Collinssecured $45 million in BUILD grantsto rehabilitate and replace seven bridges in Maine. Due to Senator Collins' advocacy, Maine ranks number one on a per capita basis for receiving funding through the BUILD program, and Maine grant applications through this highly competitive program have been successful in every funding round. Highway and Bridge Funding Increase:The bill supports $47 billion for Federal-aid highways from the Highway Trust Fund. In addition, $2 billion is provided from the genera… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-cosponsor-bipartisan-legislation-support-america%E2%80%99s-small-food-processors | Collins, King Cosponsor Bipartisan Legislation to Support Americas Small Food Processors | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced theStrengthening Local Processing Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide much-needed federal support to America's small meat and poultry processors and help strengthen and streamline their operations. The legislation would give small food processors more access to information that is critical to food safety planning, allow more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and funnel federal dollars toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. In addition to Senators Collins and King, this legislation's original sponsors are Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, including our small farms that raise livestock,said Senator Collins.This bipartisan bill would provide some relief by clearing unnecessary, bureaucratic hurdles, which would ensure that the livestock raised in Maine can also be processed right here in our state by local, family-owned food processors and butchers. Maine's small family farms and meat and poultry processors are key building blocks of communities across our state, providing healthy, locally raised meat for their neighbors and making important contributions to the local economy,said Senator King.I'm proud to work with Senators Thune and Merkley to empower small processors to do their jobs and grow their businesses. It's our hope that this legislation will act as a helping hand in these difficult times by directing resources and investments to where they can do much good and bolster local economies around the country. As both a farmer and as an owner operator of a small meat processing facility, I feel reform is greatly needed in the industry,said Jason Tessier of Tessiers Farm in Skowhegan.During a time of continued uncertainty and volatility in the industry, these small plant… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-covid-19-relief-agreement | Senator Collins Statement on COVID-19 Relief Agreement | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.This evening, the final Covid-19 emergency relief package was released, which was based on the framework developed by a bipartisan, bicameral group led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Warner (D-VA). Their group includes Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives JoshGottheimer(D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23). Senator Collins released this statement on the agreement: This agreement on an emergency Covid-19 relief package will provide much-needed relief for the American people. Our bipartisan, bicameral coalition led the way, working night and day to develop the commonsense plan and budget recommendations that jump-started these negotiations and provided the foundation for this final agreement. This package extends the Paycheck Protection Program I coauthored and allows our hardest-hit small businesses, such as our restaurants and others in the hospitality sector, to receive a second PPP loan to keep them from shutting their doors for good and to allow them to pay their employees and certain overhead costs, such as for modifications to comply with public health guidelines. The compromise also provides urgently needed housing, nutrition, and unemployment compensation to struggling families, appropriates additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and provider assistance to our stressed health care system, allocates funding for schools challenged to operate safely in a COVID environment, assists the overwhelmed Postal Service, and provides assistance to our airlines, airports, mass transit, andmotorcoachcompanies that keep our country moving. From the beginning, I urged the leaders not to adjourn for Christmas without passing COVID relief. I am pleased that we will deliver this vital legislation before going home. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-group-finish-what-we-started | Bipartisan, Bicameral Group: Finish What We Started | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in calling on Congress to deliver immediate COVID-19 relief to the American people. Earlier this week, the group shared two bills, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package. The group is led by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Collins along with Senators King, Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23). Today we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 310,000 Americans, and hours away from a government shutdown that threatens to delay urgent aid to people in need throughout the nation. We must set our differences aside. The American people elected us to govern on their behalf, and at a time when they need us more than ever we must end the partisan games and meet this moment together for the good of the country. On Monday, our bipartisan, bicameral group presented a bill that helps provide for the emergency needs of the millions of families struggling to make ends meet. Once again, we encourage the leaders to finish what we started and deliver immediate assistance to the workers, families and businesses that need it most. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-cyberattack-likely-perpetrated-russians | Senator Collins Statement on Cyberattack Likely Perpetrated by Russians | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senator Collins' Statement on Cyberattack Likely Perpetrated by Russians Posted Fri, 12/18/2020 - 09:08 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued this statement following reports of a cyberattack on the U.S. government and multiple American companies for which Russia was likely responsible: This cyberattack likely perpetrated by the Russians spotlights the glaring vulnerabilities of our federal cybersecurity system. The President should immediately sign the NDAA not only to keep our military strong but also because it contains significant cyber security provisions that would help thwart future attacks. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-32-million-maine-head-start-programs | Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.2 Million for Maine Head Start Programs | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded two organizations in Maine a total of $3,188,676 for their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this investment for families in Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Cumberland counties, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive and support Maine's working families during the current public health and economic crisis. The funding will be allocated as follows: Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care in Lewiston will receive $1,641,177. Midcoast Maine Community Action in Bath will receive $1,547,499. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-expand-access-care-veterans-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-be | Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes to be Signed into Law | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will be sent to the President to be signed into law. The legislation was ultimately passed as part of a broad veteran benefits improvements package, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. The bipartisan legislation, authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced companion legislation in the House. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act also passed the Senate as stand-alone legislation on December 8. Maine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care. In Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients. Maine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with grat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/me-delegation-urges-feds-reject-petition-undermines-regulatory-process-threatens-maine | ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England. Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales. This petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted, said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree. The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery. The petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen. The petitioners also fail to acknowledge data collected by the National Marine Service indicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-900000-support-drug-free-communities-maine | Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $900,000 to Support Drug-Free Communities in Maine | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine communities have been awarded a total of $914,156 to prevent youth substance misuse and foster drug-free communities. This funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)'s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. Last year, drug overdoses claimed the life of 380 Mainers, more than one person each day. We must take an all-hands-on-deck approach to stop the drug epidemic, as well as alcohol abuse and concerning increases in youth tobacco usage. said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Maine communities strengthen their efforts to prevent and reduce substance misuse through programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and community involvement. The work of Drug Free Aroostook over the past five years has shown tremendous progress in reducing alcohol abuse among adolescence in Aroostook County. We are absolutely thrilled to continue this work for the next five years as its importance has only escalated due to the pandemic. Helping young people find healthy ways to manage difficult situations is critical at this time, said Meg Hegemann, Prevention Services Program Manager, Aroostook County Action Program. This federal funding allows us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. The 15 organizations serving this countywide collation understand that it is not enough to just say no, but that this federal funding will allow us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. Working as a countywide collation we are making these healthier options available. The funding will be allocated as follows: Aroostook County Action Program will receive $36,223. Mid Coast Hospital will receive $70,845. Medical Care Development, Inc. will receive $57,138. Cumberland County will receive $29,115. Sebasticook Valley Hospital will receive $80,845 Windham will receive $169,990. Presque Isle will receive $125,000. Brunswick will receive … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-feinstein-call-inclusion-legislation-establish-smithsonian-american-women%E2%80%99s-history | Collins, Feinstein Call for Inclusion of Legislation to Establish Smithsonian American Womens History Museum in Year-End Funding Bill | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Collins, Feinstein Call for Inclusion of Legislation to Establish Smithsonian American Women's History Museum in Year-End Funding Bill Posted Tue, 12/15/2020 - 12:06 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) sent a letter calling on Senate and House leadership to include bipartisan legislation to establish a Smithsonian museum honoring American women in the year-end omnibus appropriations package. Senators Collins and Feinstein introduced The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act last year. Cosponsors of companion legislation in the House, Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), also signed the letter. Additionally, the letter calls for the inclusion of legislation to create a National Museum of the American Latino in the year-end omnibus spending package. It was also signed by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) and Representatives Jose Serrano (D-NY) and Will Hurd (R-TX), lead sponsors of the National Museum of the American Latino Act. With near universal support from Congress, as well as the public at large, The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act and the National Museum of the American Latino Act would establish museums under the storied umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution. Each museum within the Smithsonian tells a unique part of the collective history of America, but there are still so many parts left to be told, the lawmakers wrote. We thank you for your careful consideration of this urgent request and understand the delicate nature of on-going negotiations. However, we believe this represents our last best hope in seeing these museums become a reality for millions of Americans who lack historical and cultural representation within the Smithsonian. Click HERE to read the full letter. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-colleagues-introduce-legislation-stop-medicare-physician-payment-cuts | Collins, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Stop Medicare Physician Payment Cuts | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), John Boozman (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced legislation to prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021. TheHolding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020would ensure payments to medical physicians are maintained at current levels for the next two years. These reimbursement cuts primarily fall on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties from radiology to physical therapy to orthopaedic surgery. If these ill-timed payment cuts go into effect, they could have a devastating effect on providers, health care practices, and, most important, patient access to care, said Senator Collins. Our legislation would halt these payments cuts from going into effect at the start of the New Year, helping to ensure that we do not further burden our health care system that is already struggling due to the pandemic. Cutting physician payments is the last thing CMS should be doing when we're in the middle of a pandemic. Patients deserve access quality and affordable health care, said Senator Boozman. This legislation is necessary to achieve this. If our heroes this year are people who wear scrubs, then it is unconscionable to hit them with Medicare cuts as a New Year's gift, said Senator Hyde-Smith.This legislation needs to be passed before the holidays to provide relief to the very healthcare professionals who bear the burden of fighting this pandemic. Health care providers in North Dakota and across the country face significant financial strain caused by COVID-19. They can't afford these cuts, and we can't afford to lose their services,said Senator Cramer. Our bill helps ensure these providers can continue the admirable service they've displayed throughout the pandemic without having another reason to worry about their bottom line. Many frontline health care providers face substanti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-share-details-two-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bills-along-bipartisan | Collins, King Share Details of Two Bipartisan Covid-19 Emergency Relief Bills Along with Bipartisan, Bicameral Group | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE to download. Click HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. Click HERE to download. Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The group is led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Collins along with Senators King, Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23). The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, Portman and Durbin, would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, Romney and Portman, would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House. We have had a Christmas miracle occur in Washington. We worked night and day for over a month to put together an emergency COVID relief package. My hope is that our hard work will spur our leadership on both sides of the aisle to take our products and use them as the basis for a COVID relief package that is urgently needed by our struggling families, hard-hit small businesses, health care providers, Postal Service, schools, and so many others, said Senator Collins. I'm particularly proud of the $300 billion small business provision that Senator Jeanne Shaheen and I led. It includes an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. Surely we can come … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-55-million-costs-mitigating-spread-covid-19-maine | Senators Collins, King Announce $5.5 Million for Costs of Mitigating Spread of COVID-19 in Maine | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine has received an additional $5,570,755 to reimburse the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) including KN95 surgical masks for frontline responders, as well as disposable non-sterile isolation gowns and disposable isolation suits. This funding was awarded to the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that health care professionals across Maine are properly equipped to treat individuals who contract the virus and prevent further transmission, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. We welcome this continued critical support, which helped provide PPE to our frontline workers and ensure the safety of individuals, families, and communities throughout Maine. In the midst of the pandemic, Senators Collins and King have fought hard to secure federal funding for PPE for Maine. Last month, the Senators announced that Maine received nearly $2.3 million for such medical supplies. In April, the Senators urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor to help Maine more easily access PPE secured by the COVID-19 Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force. As of November 13, FEMA has obligated more than $163 million in federal support to Maine, and as of November 18, FEMA and the Strategic National Stockpile have provided Maine with more than 1,498,514 gloves, 43,525 face shields, 41,290 surgical gowns, 204,393 surgical masks, and 566,775 N95 respirators. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-strengthen-national-defense-heads-president%E2%80%99s-desk-provisions-championed-0 | Legislation to Strengthen National Defense Heads to Presidents Desk with Provisions Championed by Senator Collins | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would authorize $731.6 billion for national defense, passed the Senate by an overwhelmingly bipartisan, veto-proof vote of 84-13 today. Senator Collins urges the President to quickly sign this crucial bill into law. The NDAA represents one of Congress' most important responsibilities. For the past 59 consecutive years, Congress has come together in a bipartisan manner to craft this annual legislation, said Senator Collins. The NDAA authorizes funding to support our brave military members serving overseas, including a three percent pay raise for our troops in this year's bill, and sets policy for our nation's military and critical national defense priorities. The legislation also contains provisions important to our state, supporting the jobs of the hardworking Mainers who make invaluable contributions to our national security, including at BIW, PNSY, Pratt & Whitney, and DFAS Limestone. Senator Collins authored an amendment that was adopted in the final bill: Strengthening the Navy. An amendment Senator Collins authored and Senator Angus King (I-ME) co-sponsored would prohibit the Navy from reducing its current 104-ship destroyer requirement unless the Secretary of the Navy submits a report to Congress demonstrating that any proposed reduction would not jeopardize our national security. This amendment will help to protect our shipbuilding industrial base, including Bath Iron Works, which will be essential to reach the goal of a 355-ship Navy. The NDAA also includes a number of provisions Senator Collins strongly advocated for that will benefit Maine: Support for BIW. The NDAA authorizes the procurement of nine battle force ships, including two Arleigh-Burke destroyers, one of which will be built by the highly skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works. Support for PNSY Employees. Provisions championed by Senato… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/more-50-million-covid-19-financial-relief-has-been-awarded-maine-farmers | More Than $50 Million in COVID-19 Financial Relief has been Awarded to Maine Farmers | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | TODAY is the last day to apply for CFAP funding: Farmers.gov/cfap Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine farmers have been awarded a total of$50,329,634 to dateto help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19. The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), created through the CARES Act, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America's farmers. The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation,said Senator Collins.These direct payments, which I worked to include in the CARES Act, will help provide some relief.During this difficult time, I will continue to advocate for Mainefarmers. In addition to facilitating the Farmers to Families Food Box program, CFAPis providing vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face significant additionalmarketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. The USDA is accepting applications until December 11th.More information aboutCFAP can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) resource page:Farmers.gov/cfap. To date, the funding has been allocated as follows: Dairy farmershave been awarded $13,153,412. Livestock farmershave been awarded $2,223,469. Non-Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $706,936. Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $15,128,560. Eggs/Broilershave been awarded $36,519. Sales Commoditieshave been awarded $17,800,886. Acreage-based crops have been awarded $1,279,852. CFAP payments are available for eligible producers of specialty crop commodities categorized as either sales commodities or flat-rate crops. Sp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-expand-access-care-veterans-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-passes | Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes Passes Senate | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) to address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives. Maine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwould address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care. In Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan bill would provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients. Maine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available, said Senator King. For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services. This bipartisan legislation grants much-needed flexibility to the VA system in order to make sure that our veterans get the health care they need and have earnedand State Veterans Homes are a critical part of that health ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-urges-transparency-state%E2%80%99s-covid-19-vaccine-allocation | Maine Delegation Urges Transparency on States COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Goldenwrote to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, urging HHS toprioritize transparent and timely communication with state partners regarding COVID-19vaccinedistribution. Maine'sreportedfederal allocation ofvaccines falls short of initialprojections, leading to considerable public confusion. The development and fair distribution of a safe and effectivevaccineare critical to successfully containing the COVID-19 pandemic,said the lawmakers in a letter.It is imperative that states have accurate and transparent information aboutvaccineallocations. In recent weeks, Operation Warp Speed significantly changed its projections on the number ofvaccinedoses that states should expect to receive through the Tiberius portal without an accompanying explanation for the changeWe encourage HHS to provide greater public transparency on state-by-state allocations, allocation methodologies, as well as distributions. Full text of the letter is availableonlineand below: Dear Secretary Azar, As the COVID-19 pandemic extends into a second year, we commend the scientific community for its outstanding achievements in developing diagnostic tests, therapeutics, and vaccines. In particular, the development and fair distribution of a safe and effective vaccine are critical to successfully containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring a smooth roll-out will require seamless coordination at every level. Two promising vaccine candidates have already sought Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other vaccine candidates are on the horizon. As these vaccine candidates move towards FDA approval, it is imperative that states have accurate and transparent information about vaccine allocations. In recent weeks, Operation Warp Speed significantly changed its projections on the number of vaccine doses that states should expect to receive through the Tiberius portal without … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-united-states-military-service-4 | Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination. We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation's distinguished service academies, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character. The following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King: United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs Name Home Town High School Joseph Bergen Yarmouth Yarmouth High School Paxton Dionne Bangor Bangor High School Garrett Engstrom Alton Old Town High School Harrison Hartnett Oxford Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Emelyn Hatch Pittsfield Maine Central Institute August Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Kathleen Hughes Yarmouth Yarmouth High School Andrew Klein Cumberland Center Greely High School Jonathan Leal York York High School Brendan Mailloux Portland Portland High School Tyler Ormonde Whitefield Erskine Academy Jaimey-Leigh Weidner Bowdoin Mount Ararat High School United States Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point Name Home Town High School Glory Blethen Boothbay Boothbay Region High School August Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Sumner Rugh Chebeague Island Yarmouth High School Unites States Military Academy West Point Name Home Town High School Jack Begin Chelsea Cony High School Garrett Engstrom Alton Old Town High School Bryan Frost Newburgh Hampden Academy Charles Fussell Orrington John Bapst High School Calvin Healey York York High School Aidan J… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-protect-seniors-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-other-dementias-elder-abuse-be-signed-law | Bill to Protect Seniors with Alzheimers & Other Dementias from Elder Abuse to be Signed into Law | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have unanimously passed legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation. The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Their bipartisan bill will ensure that the Department of Justice's elder abuse training materials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Approximately one in 10 seniors age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. For people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the prevalence is much higher, with some estimates putting it at just over 50 percent. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, one of my top priorities is protecting our seniors against abuse, said Senator Collins, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic,there may be increased risk forelder abuse, including elder financial exploitation. Our bipartisan bill will help to ensure that the frontline professionals who are leading the charge against elder abuse have the training needed to respond to cases where the victim or a witness has Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. I watched my mother struggle and ultimately succumb to Alzheimer's, and it pains me that a growing number of Americans living with Alzheimer's and dementia are at risk of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation, said Senator Menendez. I am thrilled that our legislation is now heading to the president's desk for his signature. This bill will ensure those with AD/ADRD are able to live with dignity in safe and healthy environments, while providing critical education and training to caregivers, health providers and law enforcement. I applaud the House for passing this bill and hope the president signs it without delay. We ought to do all we can to ensure the Justice Department is well-prepare… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-pingree-urge-us-army-corps-engineers-address-beach-erosion-camp-ellis-saco | Collins, King, Pingree Urge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Address Beach Erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Collins, King, Pingree Urge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Address Beach Erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco To date, 38 homes have been lost to erosion in Camp Ellis Posted Wed, 12/09/2020 - 14:04 Washington, D.C. In a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree voiced their support for the City of Saco formally expressing interest in entering into a Project Partnership Agreement with the USACE to address the ongoing beach erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco. A letter of support from the city was required before the USACE could move forward with a project to modify the jetty and renourish the beach. We were encouraged by the letter of support from the City of Saco, which was backed by the full City Council and the City's newly elected Mayor Bill Doyle, Senators Collins and King and Congresswoman Pingree wrote. To date, 38 homes have been lost due to erosion, along with dunes, a railroad, and four streets. This continuing loss of property prompted the City of Saco to request Federal assistance to mitigate further shoreline impacts we appreciate your willingness to work with the City of Saco to find a solution. The USACE has been working with Saco to find a solution to address erosion at Camp Ellis through Section 111 of the 1968 River and Harbor Act, which provides authority for the Corps to develop and construct projects for prevention or mitigation of damages caused by Federal navigation work. Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree have championed efforts to resolve the challenges created by the USACE's Camp Ellis Jetty. Click HERE to read the letter to USACE Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-120000-housing-authorities-aroostook-sagadahoc-counties | Senator Collins Announces $120,000 for Housing Authorities in Aroostook, Sagadahoc Counties | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that two housing authorities in Maine have received a total of $120,541 to support housing assistance to low-income families. This funding was provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Public Housing Operating Program. Maine's housing authorities provide vital support to individuals and families with disabilities,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to providing the resources to help meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. The funding was allocated as follows: Housing Authority of Fort Fairfield received $7,314. Bath Housing Authority received $113,227. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. She helped to securea total of$46.5million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communitiesthroughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-37-million-maine-health-centers-combat-covid-19 | Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.7 Million for Maine Health Centers to Combat COVID-19 | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, and Angus King announced that two Health Centers in Maine have been awarded a total of $3,682,207 to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies, and boost telehealth capacity in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will benefit health centers in Penobscot, Lincoln, Kennebec, Oxford, Somerset, Franklin, Sagadahoc, and Androscoggin counties. Community health centers provide affordable health care to our nation's most vulnerable citizens.As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, these medical providers are needed now more than ever,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.This important funding will assist the dedicated staff at Maine health centers as they continue to care for COVID-19 patients throughout our state. The funding was allocated as follows: HealthReach Community Health Centers received $2,101,747. Health Access Network received $1,580,460. Senators Collins and Kinghelped tosecurenearly $4 million in September, nearly $13 million in April, and more than $1 million in Marchfor Health Centers across the State of Maine. These facilities provide access to cost-effective primary and preventive care for more than 200,000 people in Maine and are a critical part of the nation's primary care network. Across the nation, Health Centers serve approximately 29 million patients at over 10,000 sites in both rural and urban communities in every state in the nation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-cosponsored-collins-king-increase-disability-insurance-access-individuals-als-be | Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Increase Disability Insurance Access for Individuals with ALS to be Signed into Law | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act by voice vote. This bipartisan legislation will eliminate the five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned by contributing into Social Security. Cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), this legislation will build on previous steps by Congress and the Social Security Administration to accommodate the difficult prognosis for those diagnosed with ALS. Last week, the Senate passed the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act by a vote of 96 to 1. The bipartisan bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Americans living with ALS, as well as the family members that care for them, should not have to wait to access important benefits that can help mitigate the financial burden that often accompanies this heartbreaking disease, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This bipartisan legislation will help to ensure that those with ALS have the immediate support they need, and we look forward to seeing this bill become law. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the ability of the brain to control muscle movements. Individuals with ALS progressively lose the ability to speak, walk, and breathe. The intended purpose of a five-month waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse. However, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and some ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act will help alleviate some of the financial hardship that accompanies an ALS diagnosis and support those living with ALS and their families. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act was cosponsored by 67 Senators, and the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives was cosponsored by 305 members. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-group-introduces-bill-support-victims-%E2%80%98havana-syndrome%E2%80%99 | Bipartisan Group Introduces Bill to Support Victims of Havana Syndrome | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.In a bipartisan effort to support American public servants who have incurred brain injuries from probable microwave attacks, a bipartisan group of 10 Senators introduced a bill today that would authorize additional compensation for injured individuals. The legislation was introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Sasse (R-NE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Burr (R-NC), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Tom Cotton (R-AR). Last week, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on the more than 40 U.S. diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, and at least a dozen U.S. diplomats at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China, who suffered symptoms consistent with the effects of directed, pulsed, radiofrequency energy. Ailments have included dizziness, tinnitus, visual problems, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties. Although the attacks first began in late 2016, many of the affected personnel continue to suffer from health problems. Under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), a federal employee may currently receive a schedule award if the employee suffers the loss or loss of use of a part of the body, but not if the impairment is to the brain, back, or heart. The proposed legislation would provide the CIA Director and the Secretary of State additional authority to compensate their personnel who incur brain injuries in connection with war or a hostile act. Public servants who work in our embassies and consulates overseas make many personal sacrifices to represent America's interests abroad, and they deserve our strong support, said Senator Collins. As we investigate the source of previous microwave attacks and seek to prevent them from occurring in the future, this legislation would provide additional financial assistance to Americans who were injured and continue to experience debilitating symptoms. As the Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I understand the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-call-permanent-expansion-telehealth-coverage-end-year-legislation | Collins, King Call for Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Coverage in End of Year Legislation | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of 49 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from the Collins and King-sponsored CONNECT for Health Act that have allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country to utilize telehealth services from their homes, as well as more types of health care providers to provide telehealth, were included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent. Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe, the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth. Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over. In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. The bipartisan and bicameral Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Hea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/icymi-senators-collins-warner-pen-op-ed-calling-action-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-package | ICYMI: Senators Collins, Warner Pen Op-Ed Calling for Action on Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Warner (D-VA) authored an op-ed that appeared in The Washington Post regarding the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework that the Senators unveiled last week. The $908 billion package is being spearheaded by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Rob Portman (R-OH). A breakdown of the COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found here. We've worked hard to achieve a covid-19 compromise package. We can't afford inaction. The Washington Post| By: Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Susan Collins Click HERE to read the op-ed online As the country stared into the abyss of a once-in-a-generation health and economic crisis earlier this year, Congress responded by passing five bills totaling approximately $3 trillion in relief to stave off disaster. Most economists agree that this prompt action kept millions out of poverty and prevented small businesses across the country from shuttering permanently. But nearly nine months since the pandemic began, at least 280,000 Americans have died, funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has run dry, and up to 12 million people could lose jobless benefits by year's end, portending a miserable Christmas season unless Congress once again acts. Despite a broad consensus that more relief is desperately needed, for months congressional leaders and the White House have been trapped on a merry-go-round of negotiations that have led only to one stalemate after another. Millions of struggling families watched as Washington dysfunction hijacked a debate with their lives and livelihoods at stake. We're proud to work across the aisle to solve the most pressing issues facing our nation, even though it has subjected us both at times to criticism from people in our own parties who would rather smear the other side than get things done. At a mom… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-hampden-resident-her-bangor-office | Senator Collins Welcomes Hampden Resident to Her Bangor Office | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senator Collins Welcomes Hampden Resident to Her Bangor Office Posted Mon, 12/07/2020 - 08:27 ClickHEREfor a high resolution photo Bangor, ME- U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Noelle Dana, a resident of Hampden, has been awarded an internship in her Bangor Constituent Service Center. Noelle is the daughter of James Dana. It is always a pleasure to give Mainers an opportunity to become actively involved in the legislative process and to serve the citizens of Maine,said Senator Collins. Noelle has a strong work ethic and a commendable desire to work in public service, and I am delighted to welcome her to my Bangor office. Noelle is ajuniorat the University of Notre Dame, where she is majoring in classics and pre-health. She is heavily involved in Student Government and the College Mentors for Kids program at the University. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to attend a fellowship and then pursue an M.D., J.D. dual-degree program. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-shaheen-bill-ensuring-access-national-parks-disabled-veterans-signed-law | Collins, Shaheen Bill Ensuring Access to National Parks for Disabled Veterans Signed into Law | 2020-12-05 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Act bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME)and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) was signed into law. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Actwill ensure free lifetime entry to U.S. national parks and other federal lands for all veterans who incurred or aggravated disabilities while serving in the U.S. military. Under theFederal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), individuals must be classified as having a permanent disability in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, leaving uncertainty as to whether all wounded veterans have access to this program. The Wounded Veterans Recreation Act clarifies the current statute to ensure that these heroes always have access to America's outdoor recreational lands. The brave men and women who have served in our military and have been wounded defending our nation should always have free access to our national parks and recreational areas the American land they fought to protect,said Senator Collins. From Acadia to Denali, and everywhere in between, this law will ensure that disabled veterans can continue to access our country's national treasures for outdoor recreation, which can help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war. This new law is just one way to show our appreciation for our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for this country. Access to our parks and lands is helpful to many veterans with rehabilitation, so I'm very happy to see our bipartisan effort to ensure that access free of charge become law,said Senator Shaheen. We owe our veterans the very best when they come home to help them build safe, healthy and happy lives. I look forward to building on the bipartisan spirit that gave way to this new law so we can continue to deliver for our veterans. The text of theWounded Veterans Recreation Actcan be readhere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine%E2%80%99s-congressional-delegation-governor-mills-convene-call-covid-19 | Maines Congressional Delegation, Governor Mills Convene Call on COVID-19 | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Augusta, METoday, Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden convened a Zoom conference call to discuss COVID-19 and the Congressional Delegation's work in Congress to support the State's efforts. We had a productive, in-depth discussion this morning regarding Maine's response to the ongoing public health and economic crisis, including our joint efforts to increase testing availability, prepare for vaccine distribution, and deliver additional state and local aid,said Governor Mills, Senators Collins and King, and Representatives Pingree Golden.We all agree that we urgently need an additional federal relief package to support families, small businesses, employees, students, and health care providers who are struggling, and we discussed the latest framework for a COVID-19 relief package proposed by Senators Collins, King, and a bipartisan group of their colleagues. We have stood united in advocating for the resources Maine needs, and we remain committed to working together to help our families and communities weather this storm. Since March, Congress has passed five bills and provided around $3 trillion in COVID-19 relief, including more than $8 billion for Maine, which is approximately double Maine's annual budget.Under Governor Mills, the State has committed $1.24 of the $1.25 billion in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF), almost half of which has gone to support Maine businesses,including money to replenish the Unemployment Trust Fund. On Tuesday, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan, bicameral group inannouncinga $908 billion COVID-19 emergency relief framework. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-legislation-curbing-plastic-marine-debris-unanimously-passes-senate | Collins, King Legislation Curbing Plastic Marine Debris Unanimously Passes Senate | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the passage of theSave Our Seas 2.0 Actby the U.S. Senate.The bipartisan bill,introduced in June, seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018. Countless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters,said Senator Collins. I look forward to seeing this legislation become law, which will help to accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come. Maine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people,said Senator King.This bipartisan legislation is a step in the right direction as we work to protect our ocean so future generations can access its widespread economic potential, as well as experience its unparalleled beauty. I'm pleased to see our bill pass the Senate and look forward to the President signing it into law for the benefit of generations to come. Roughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean. Earlier this year, Senator Collinswas honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Awardfro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/irs-implement-collins%E2%80%99-bill-help-prevent-con-artists-stealing-tax-refunds | IRS to Implement Collins Bill to Help Prevent Con Artists from Stealing Tax Refunds | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced this week that, starting in January, the Identity Protection (IP) PIN program will now be expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identities. This expansion was prompted by the Taxpayer Identity Protection Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Doug Jones (D-AL) to thwart identity theft tax refund fraud and prevent American taxpayers and seniors from falling victim. This legislation was signed into law last year as a provision in the Taxpayer First Act. Each year, tens of thousands of Americans are victims of tax refund fraud, and seniors are particularly vulnerable, said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee. Having an IP PIN has proven to protect against identity theft. This expansion by the IRS is an encouraging, concrete step to help protect taxpayers from being ripped off by criminals and ensure that they receive the refunds to which they are entitled. The IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. An IP PIN helps the IRS verify a taxpayer's identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return. Taxpayers who obtain an IP PIN should never share their code with anyone but their trusted tax provider. The IRS will never call to request the taxpayer's IP PIN, and taxpayers must be alert to potential IP PIN scams. Click here for more information on the IP PIN program: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/national-tax-security-awareness-week-day-3-irs-expands-identity-protection-pin-opt-in-program-to-taxpayers-nationwide | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-bill-cosponsored-collins-king-increase-disability-insurance-access | Senate Passes Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Increase Disability Insurance Access for Individuals with ALS | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate passed the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act by a vote of 96 to 1. This bipartisan legislation would eliminate the five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned by contributing into Social Security. This legislation, cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), would build on previous steps by Congress and the Social Security Administration to accommodate the difficult prognosis for those diagnosed with ALS. The bipartisan bill now awaits consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives. Americans living with ALS, as well as the family members that care for them, should not have to wait to access important benefits that can help mitigate the financial burden that often accompanies this heartbreaking disease, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This bipartisan legislation would help to ensure that those with ALS have the immediate support they need, and we are pleased that it is one step closer to becoming law. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the ability of the brain to control muscle movements. Individuals with ALS progressively lose the ability to speak, walk, and breathe. The intended purpose of a five-month waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse. However, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and some ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act would help alleviate some of the financial hardship that accompanies an ALS diagnosis and support those living with ALS and their families. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act is cosponsored by 67 Senators, and the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is cosponsored by 302 members. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-19-2020-%E2%80%9Cwreaths-across | Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 19, 2020, as Wreaths Across America Day | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 19, 2020, as Wreaths Across America Day. Traditionally, a convoy of volunteers travels from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there. International Paper, which has a corrugated packaging facility in Auburn, is donating 7,500 boxes and helping to purchase wreaths and transport them to Arlington National Cemetery. Wreaths Across America is a powerful demonstration of respect and appreciation for our veterans both those that we've lost and those still with us,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We are so proud that this heartfelt expression of gratitude originated in the great State of Maine and has become an enduring symbol of our nation's gratitude for veterans' valor and sacrifice. This resolution remembers and honors America's veterans this holiday season, while also teaching generations to come of the sacrifices that have been made to secure our freedoms and to defend our liberty. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, precautions will be taken this year to balance health and safety requirements and the desire for families of those interred at Arlington National Cemetery and the Soldier's and Airmen's Home Cemetery to participate in this year's Wreaths Across America event. The event will be closed to the public but a phased schedule has been established to allow for the participation of family pass holders, the Military District of Washington, soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the Wreaths Across America organization. A full statement from the Arlington National Cemetery can be found here. In 2019, approximately 2.2 million wreaths were laid at more than 2,200 locations across the U.S. and overseas.This included more than 13,300 wreaths placed at the American Cemeteries in Luxembourg and the Netherlands, in remembrance of those lost during Wo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-funding-combat-youth-substance-use | Collins, King Announce Funding to Combat Youth Substance Use | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $375,000 to Maine organizations working to support drug-free communities throughout the state. Specifically, HHS awarded $125,000 each to Healthy Communities of the Capital Area in Gardiner, River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition in Rumford, and the Westbrook School Department. Across our state, the pandemic's economic and social impacts have magnified substance use challenges for too many Maine people, said Senators Collins and King. As necessary health precautions such as social distancing make it harder for Mainers to access support systems, it is more vital than ever that we increase our outreach. These funds will offer significant resources to help support drug-free communities in Gardiner, Rumford, Westbrook, and the surrounding communities. This funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)'s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. Created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, DFC spearheads efforts to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance abuse. The program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-push-tax-relief-maine%E2%80%99s-brewers-distillers | Collins, King Join Bipartisan Group in Push for Tax Relief for Maines Brewers, Distillers | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined a bipartisan group of 55 of their colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act in the next legislative package. Making permanent a temporary measure in the 2017 tax reform law, the legislation provides excise tax relief to the growing craft beverage industry, helping these entrepreneurs reinvest more in their businesses and our communities. It is imperative that the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act be included in the next appropriate legislative package and acted upon before the end of the year,the Senators wrote.As businesses struggle to retain workers and stay open, allowing the current rates to lapse would force many businesses across the country to lay off workers or close their doors permanently. With the support of 77 Senators and 351 Representatives, this bill is a bipartisan priority and an important economic lifeline to thousands of businesses across the country. In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rob Portman (R-OH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tom Tillis (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Mazi Hirono (D-HI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kirs… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-650000-support-maine-shellfish-industry | Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $650,000 to Support Maine Shellfish Industry | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine Shellfish Developers, LLC, of Walpole received a total of $649,690 to increase the production of low-cost, sustainable oysters and bolster Maine's seafood economy. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. Small businesses are the backbone of Maine's economy, and helping them to reach their growth potential strengthensour communitiesand creates new employment opportunities, particularly inruralareas of our state,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome USDA's investment in Maine Shellfish Developers, which will foster cutting-edge research and help strengthen Maine's oyster industry. The SBIR Program encourages the growth of domestic small businesses by offering competitively awarded grants to support high-quality research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture. These small business ventures are recognized as having the potential for larger scale commercialization as well as benefits to the community at large. Senators Collins and King are steadfast supporters of Maine's marine economy. Earlier this year, they worked to secure funding through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the Seafood Economic Accelerator (SEAMaine), an economic strategic roadmap to diversify markets and strengthen Maine's seafood industry. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-covid-19-emergency-relief-framework | Collins, King Announce COVID-19 Emergency Relief Framework | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Click HERE to watch the full press conference. Click HERE for high-resolution video. Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks.Click HERE for high-resolutionvideo. Click HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. Click HERE for high-resolution video. Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Tom Reed (R-NY-23), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH-16), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Dean Phillips (D-MN-3), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7), and Fred Upton(R-MI-6) of the Problem Solvers Caucus announced a bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework that will help American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. This bipartisan, bicameral group worked night and day throughout the Thanksgiving recess because we recognize that families all across America are struggling, that businesses are closing, and that hospitals are overwhelmed, said Senator Collins.I am particularly pleased that this package includes funding for another round of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans, which has helped keep our small businesses afloat. In Maine alone, the PPP has helped sustain the jobs of 250,000 workers. After nearly nine months of the coronavirus pandemic and far too little federal support, millions of Americans are facing financial ruin. It's past time for Congress to put political arguments aside and step up for those in need, said Senator King. If enacted into law, today's bipartisan package would increase unemployment benefits to help families make ends meet, give essential assistance to small businesses on the verge of closing, provide funds to the state and local governments who've led the response to this crisis, and much more including support for schools, hospitals, and vaccine distribution. This plan isn't perfect, and will require future Congression… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/king-collins-introduce-legislation-designate-york-river-%E2%80%98wild-and-scenic%E2%80%99 | King, Collins Introduce Legislation to Designate York River as Wild and Scenic | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, and Susan Collins (R-Maine) will introduce legislation to officially designate the York River as part of the National Park Service's Wild and Scenic River System. Today's legislation comes after a National Park Service study proposed by Senator King determined the river is eligible and suitable for designation. In addition, a number of surrounding communities have expressed their support for this designation through public referendums and town council votes, as the change would open up new funding to maintain and protect the health of the river, while ensuring that land use management is regulated through existing local and state authorities, the same as before the designation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and is cosponsored by Representative Jared Golden (D-Maine). Generations of Southern Maine people have built their communities around the York River's important ecological benefits and the economic opportunities it creates, said Senators King and Collins. After an extensive process, including a study from the National Park Service, years of engagement with local communities and residents, and working with the state of Maine, we're proud to introduce legislation to designate this important waterway as a partnership Wild and Scenic River. This designation will allow new sources of funding to support both the health of the York River and the economic prospects of the communities that rely on it. Local voices expressing their support for the Senators' bill include the York Lobstermen's Association, local community leaders, and leading environmental groups: The York Lobstermen's Association strongly supports the designation of the York River into the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers program, said York Lobstermen's Association President Jeff White. "We are delighted to learn that this proposed legislation will be introd… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-manchin-introduce-resolution-dedicate-november-national-homeless-children-and-youth | Collins, Manchin Introduce Resolution to Dedicate November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month | 2020-11-25 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, DC. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 19 Senators in introducing their bipartisan resolution to recognize November 2020 as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. The Senators also urged their colleagues to support the Emergency Family Stabilization Act which was introduced in June. School is challenging enough without students having to worry about where they will sleep each night. Without the proper support, these young people are at risk of dropping out of school and are in greater danger of exploitation. We must make sure our nation's homeless youth have the same opportunity to succeed as their peers, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan resolution recognizes the hard work being done by businesses, organizations, schools, and volunteers to prevent youth homelessness. Across the United States, over 1.5 million children and youth are currently experiencing homelessness and there are over 10,000 homeless youth in West Virginia alone. It's simply unacceptable. Our children deserve to feel safe with a bed to sleep in night after night and food to fill their bellies. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to help raise awareness about this growing issue and the difficulties so many of our children face every day, said Senator Manchin. This issue isn't going away by itself and the COVID-19 pandemic is making it worse. I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan, bicameral Emergency Family Stabilization Act which will create new, dedicated funding to assist communities that are working with children and youth experiencing homelessness. We have to work together to implement solutions that help our homeless children and youth in need. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cantwell (D-WA), Murkowski (R-AK), Hirono (D-HI), Hassan (D-NH), Feinstein (D-CA), Coons (D-DE), Blumenthal (D-CT), Peters (D-MI), Reed (D-RI), Van Hollen (D-MD), Wyden (D-OR), Smith (D-MN), Merkley (D-OR), Klobuchar (D-MN), Sinema (D-AZ), Booker (D-NJ), and Brown (D-OH). T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-650000-maternal-and-child-health-services-maine | Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $650,000 for Maternal and Child Health Services in Maine | 2020-11-24 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has received $649,998 toimprovethe health of Maine's mothersand children. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Maternal and Child Health Services Programand will support efforts to lower maternal mortality, reduce infant mortality, and enhance the delivery of maternal care. Maine families deserve access to quality, regular care and a variety of specialized treatment options for mothers andchildren,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.We welcome this funding, which will support a range of programs that care for the evolving health needs of Maine women and children,providing familieswith every opportunity to succeed from the start. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services serves approximately one-third of the people of Maine, providing health care and social service support to children, families, the elderly, the disabled, people with mental illness or substance use disorders, and those living below the poverty level. Senator Collins is the lead cosponsor of theQuality Care for Moms and Babies Act, a bipartisan bill to provide funding for new community partnerships to address the high rate of maternal and infant mortality. Senator King has cosponsored theRural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (Rural MOMS) Act,a bipartisan bill that would improve data collection, expand services, and award funding to help ensure that new and expecting moms living in rural communities get the care they need.The United States has the worst rate of maternal deaths in the developed world and one of the highest rates of infant mortality. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-klobuchar-legislation-crack-down-fraud-targeting-seniors-passes-senate | Collins, Klobuchar Legislation to Crack Down on Fraud Targeting Seniors Passes the Senate | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chairman of the Aging Committee, and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that their legislation to crack down on fraud targeting seniors has passed the Senate.A related version passed theHouse last week. TheSeniors Fraud Prevention Actwould help fight scams designed to rob seniors of their assets by directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create an office to educate seniors about fraud schemes and improve the agency's monitoring and response to fraud complaints. Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Peter Welch (D-VT)led companion legislation in the House. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, protecting seniors from fraud and abuse is one of my top priorities,said Senator Collins. TheSeniors Fraud Prevention Actwill enhance fraud monitoring, increase consumer education, and strengthen the complaint tracking system. Raising awarenessparticularly among older Americans who are more likely to be targetedis key to protecting seniors' hard-earned savings. We must ensure all Americans have safety and dignity in their senior years,especially as we confront the coronavirus pandemic,said Senator Klobuchar. New schemes designed to defraud seniors appear almost daily. These aren't simply a nuisancethese scams can wipe out a person's entire life savings. Passing this bipartisan legislation is a critical step to combat fraud targeting seniors. TheSeniors Fraud Prevention Actwould help protect seniors from fraud schemes by creating an office at the Federal Trade Commission with themission of helping fight scams designed to strip seniors of their assets by educating seniors about fraud schemes and improving the Commission's response to fraud complaints. The bill would alsorequire the FTC, the agency responsible for handling consumer complaints, to coordinate with other agencies to monitor for fraud schemes targeting seniors. In addition, the bill would require the FTC to distribute information to seniors, their families, and their caregi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-116-million-puritan-produce-three-million-additional-covid-19 | Senator Collins Announces $11.6 Million for Puritan to Produce Three Million Additional COVID-19 Testing Swabs Per Month | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Bangor, MEU.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that Puritan Medical Products, a medical supplies manufacturer based in Guilford, has been awarded $11.6 million to expand its COVID-19 testing swab production. This award, which was funded through thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actenacted in April, will be used to increase production of swabs by three million per month. Increased testing is crucial to tracking and slowing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping our communities safe. Puritan Medical Products has risen to this challenge by exponentially increasing its production of testing swabs, creating hundreds of jobs in Guilford and Pittsfield in the process,said Senator Collins. I am very proud of the dedicated Mainers who have been involved in this manufacturing effort that is so critical to the health of our nation, and I will continue to advocate for the resources that they need to keep up the fight. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collinsworked to secure a $75.5 million investmentfor Puritan using Defense Production Act funds in April, which increased Puritan's production of testing swabs and helped to build a modern manufacturing facility in Pittsfield.In August, Senator Collinsannounced a $51.2 million grantthat allowed Puritan to retrofit an additional facility in Pittsfield. Together, these contracts brought Puritan's total production of flock tip swabs and foam swabs to at least 90 million per month as well as allowed the company to hire hundreds of additional employees. The new award will help modify the newest plant in Pittsfield to accommodate additional object flocking machines to make swabs for Cue Health. This funding will cover additional engineering work, changes in utilities, and overtime needed to keep the overall project on schedule. The complete project timeline has not changed, and Puritan will have intermediate operational capacity as a result of this additional funding. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-smith-resolution-honoring-contributions-school-principals-maine-and-across | Senators Collins, Smith Resolution Honoring Contributions of School Principals in Maine and Across the Country Passes Senate Unanimously | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) to honor principals and recognize the contributions they make to help students succeed in Maine and throughout the United States. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is a cosponsor of the resolution. Principals in Maine and across the country have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic, working to keep school communities safe as they continue to prepare students for the future,said Senator Collins. This resolution recognizes the countless contributions and tireless devotion of our nation's principals to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education. Principals work with educators to create school communities where students can learn and thrive,said Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee. I'm glad we can honor them in this way, and recognize how principals are so critical to the success of students and schools in Minnesota and across the country. The resolution is also cosponsored by SenatorsMazieHirono(D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Pat Roberts (R-KS), JohnBoozman(R-AR), and Chris VanHollen(D-MD). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-300000-boost-outdoor-recreation-and-tourism | Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $300,000 to Boost Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Industries in Western Maine | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the University of Maine has received $286,800 to deliver workforce training for the growing outdoor recreation and tourism industries in western Maine. This funding was awarded through a partnership betweentheNorthern Border Regional Commission(NBRC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Our state's natural resources are one of its biggest assets, and it's critical that we work to safeguard them for the enjoyment of generations to come,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this investment at the University of Maine, which will preserve and protect western Maine's rich history and beautiful landscapes by expanding workforce and professional development opportunities for Mainers. The NBRC is a federal-state partnership that was created by Congress in 2008 to help alleviate economic distress and encourage private sector job creation throughout the northern counties of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collinsworked to secure$25 million for theNBRCin the fiscal year 2020 appropriations package. In 2018, Senators Collins and Kingco-authoredlegislation reauthorizing this program. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-18-million-support-coastal-resilience-efforts-across | Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $1.8 Million to Support Coastal Resilience Efforts Across Maine | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine has received a total of $1,786,308 to restore, increase, and strengthen coastal communities, as well as enhance habitats for fish and wildlife. This funding was awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's(NFWF) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF). Maine is home tocountless coastal communities andpreciousocean ecosystems, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking Mainers in thefishing and maritimeindustries,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. These investments will help reduce land loss along our coast and restore wetland habitats, ensuring that Mainers can enjoythesenatural resources in our state for generations to come. The funding will be allocated as follows: The Southern Maine Planning and Development Commissionwill receive $130,000 to develop a coastal resilience plan in southern Maine. TheDowneastSalmon Federationwill receive $107,780 to restore more than 50 acres of salt marsh; provide sea-level rise and storm surge protection; and protect fish, wildlife, and plant species at theMachiasBay estuary in Washington County. The Maine Department of Marine Resourceswill receive $1,548,528 to increase the fish habitat inSabattusRiver, restore several miles of the Androscoggin River, and improve water quality. The NCRF grants will contribute to the restoration or enhancement of natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oysterreefs,forests, coastal rivers, and barrier islands. These natural buffers can help reduce the impacts of storms, rising sea levels, and other extreme events on nearby communities and habitats. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-nearly-750000-reduce-recidivism-maine | Collins, King Announce Nearly $750,000 to Reduce Recidivism in Maine | 2020-11-18 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $749,586 toVolunteers of America Northern New England to help adults and juveniles return to their communities and establish healthy routines and practices that keep them out ofthe criminal justice system. Specifically, the funding is awarded through the FY20 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program and will support individual programs in communities throughout the state of Maine. The Second Chance Act reauthorization was part of the bipartisan FIRST Step Act, signed into law in 2018 andsupported by both Senators Collins and King. WhenMaine peopleconvicted of a crime have paid their debt to society, theydeserve a second chance to lead healthy,happy, and productivelives,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.This funding will help these peopleestablish the routines and support systems they need to successfully re-enter society.We are proud to stand with the Volunteers of America Northern New England, and strongly support this mission to reunite former inmates with their loved ones and improve community safety throughout Maine. Volunteers of America was established in 1896 to support Americans as they weather difficult times and circumstances. Volunteers of America Northern New England specifically serves the people of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont with the promise to reach out and provide opportunity for individual and community involvement. Volunteers of America supports and empowers America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. They are also largest provider of affordable housing in the nation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-500000-support-maine%E2%80%99s-specialty-crops-industry | Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $500,000 to Support Maines Specialty Crops Industry | 2020-11-18 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $500,000 to Support Maine's Specialty Crops Industry Posted Wed, 11/18/2020 - 11:12 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine specialty crop growers and the University of Maine will receive a total of $534,303. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program and administered through the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF). Agriculture is an integral part of Maine's rural communities, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.These investments will strengthen Maine's agricultural sector by supporting the development of more resilient fruits and vegetables and boosting farmers' sales through increased marketing. The funding will be allocated as follows: Blue Barn LLCwill receive $62,800 to market, distribute, and produce a new Maine wild blueberry beverage. Daybreak Grower's Alliancewill receive $38,216 to expand its specialty crop sales. Maine Maple Producers Associationwill receive $22,500 to increase the sales of Maine pure maple syrup. Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Alliancewill receive $64,956 to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and increase farmer's compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act. University of Maine's School of Biology and Ecologywill receive $84,647 to improve wild blueberry production and resilience to warming and $79,994 to improve pest management practices in Maine wild blueberries. University of Maine's School of Food and Agriculturewill receive $52,402 to develop new peach varieties with improved cold hardiness. University of Maine's Maine Food and Agriculture Centerwill receive $14,595 to expand Maine's wint… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-300000-health-and-wellness-funding-wabanaki-community | Collins, King Announce $300,000 Health and Wellness Funding for Wabanaki Community | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Collins, King Announce $300,000 Health and Wellness Funding for Wabanaki Community Posted Tue, 11/17/2020 - 12:45 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $300,000 to Wabanaki Health and Wellness to bolster the organization's health services, including its work to address substance use disorders and support nutrition in tribal communities. As this pandemic continues to spread across the nation, it is critical that we invest in public health infrastructure to support communities throughout Maine, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Wabanaki Health and Wellness plays a vital role in supporting Maine's tribal communities, and we're grateful that this funding will help support this agency's efforts to support public health during this critical moment. Established in 1996, Wabanaki Health and Wellness is a not-for-profit organization for tribally-enrolled Native Americans in Penobscot, Washington, and Aroostook Counties. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-authored-collins-shaheen-expand-access-national-parks-disabled-veterans-heads | Legislation Authored by Collins, Shaheen to Expand Access to National Parks for Disabled Veterans Heads to Presidents Desk | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) that will give free lifetime National Parks passes to all American veterans who incurred or aggravated disabilities while serving in the U.S. military cleared the House of Representatives. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Actpreviously passed the Senateand now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The bill will amend the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) and make all veterans with a service-connected disability eligible for a free, lifetime pass allowing entry to National Parks and other recreational lands and waters held by the United States. Under the 2004 law, individuals must be permanently disabled in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, creating uncertainty on whether all wounded veterans have access to this program. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Actwill clarify the current statute to ensure that these heroes have access to America's outdoor recreational lands. The brave men and women who have served in our military and have been wounded defending our nation should always have free access to our national parks and recreational areas the American land they fought to protect,said Senator Collins. From Acadia to Denali, and everywhere in between, this legislation will ensure that disabled veterans can continue to access our country's national treasures for outdoor recreation, which can help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war. We owe our veterans every resource they need to build healthy and happy lives when they come home. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Actis a bipartisan, common-sense bill that will help make good on that effort by amending the law to expand access to our federal lands and parks, free of charge, to veterans living with service-related disabilities.said Senator Shaheen.This bill would help open the door for more of our veterans t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-shelton-nomination-federal-reserve-board | Senator Collins Statement on Shelton Nomination to the Federal Reserve Board | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senator Collins' Statement on Shelton Nomination to the Federal Reserve Board Posted Tue, 11/17/2020 - 13:46 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement ahead of today's vote to advance the nomination of Federal Reserve nominee Judy Shelton: I will vote against Judy Shelton's nomination to be a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.In her past statements, Ms. Shelton has called for the Federal Reserve to be less independent of the political branches and has even questioned the need for a central bank. This is not the right signal to send, particularly in the midst of the pandemic. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-146-million-contract-awarded-bath-iron-works | Senator Collins Announces $146 Million Contract Awarded to Bath Iron Works | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senator Collins Announces $146 Million Contract Awarded to Bath Iron Works Posted Tue, 11/17/2020 - 08:41 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that the U.S. Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works (BIW) a $146,118,867 contract modification to a previously awarded contract for DDG Planning Yard Services. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the workhorses of the Navy, defending our national security and protecting our interests around the globe, said Senator Collins. This funding will allow BIW's engineers, designers, and planners to continue providing technical expertise to the Navy and strengthen Maine's economy. The hardworking and highly skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works build the world's highest quality ships, and I will always fight to ensure they have the resources they need. This funding is a cost-plus-award-fee modification to a previously awarded contract for planning yard services. Under the contract BIW will provide expert design, planning and material support services for both maintenance and modernization of DDGs. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-urges-vote-bipartisan-bill-establish-smithsonian-american-women%E2%80%99s-history | Senator Collins Urges Vote on Bipartisan Bill to Establish Smithsonian American Womens History Museum | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Click HERE to read Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE and HERE to watch Senator Collins' testimony.Click HERE and HERE for high-resolutionvideo. Washington, D.C. At a Senate Rules Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins provided testimony in support of legislation she introduced with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to establish a Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall. Senators Collins and Feinstein introduced The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act last year. The House of Representatives passed companion legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support in February. The very first bill that I introduced to create such a museum was in 2003, and at that time, Senator Mikulski and Senator Feinstein were cosponsors of that bill, said Senator Collins. This year, as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage and the decades-long fight for women's equality at the ballot box, it is fitting that we at long last establish an institution in our nation's capital to honor American women. As our Women's Suffrage Centennial year draws to a close, I can think of no better way to honor those women and that momentous achievement than by passing The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act, continued Senator Collins. In Washington, we all enjoy the many museums along the National Mall that commemorate various aspects of our history and our culture. We even have a museum that celebrates buildings. Surely if we can have a museum that celebrates buildings, we ought to have one and are long overdue in establishing one that celebrates the many contributions of American women to our nation. In December 2014, Congress created a Congressional Commission to study the potential for an American museum of women's history in Washington, D.C. This bipartisan commission'sreportrecommended the creation of a new Smithsonian Museum dedicated to women's history. Incorporating the recommendations of the bipartisan Commission, this bill would establish a national museum to col… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-14-million-maine-housing-authorities | Senator Collins Announces More Than $1.4 Million for Maine Housing Authorities | 2020-11-16 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that five housing authorities in Maine will receive a total of $1,480,872 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Mainstream Voucher Program. Maine's housing authorities provide vital support to individuals and families with disabilities, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to providing the resources to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. The funding will be allocated as follows: Presque Isle Housing Authority will receive $205,325. Lewiston Housing Authority will receive $452,781. Brunswick Housing Authority will receive $132,348. The Housing Authority of the City of Westbrook will receive $407,218. Biddeford Housing Authority will receive $283,200. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. HUD provides Mainstream vouchers to Public Housing Authorities for the development, financing, and modernization of Public Housing properties and to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/supporting-maine%E2%80%99s-farmers-and-growing-our-agricultural-economy | Supporting Maines Farmers and Growing our Agricultural Economy | 2020-11-16 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Having been born and raised in Aroostook County, I know how essential agriculture is to our state's economy and our way of life. Supporting Maine's dairy, potato, and special crop industriessuch as our wild blueberry growershas always been one of my top priorities in the Senate. The Maine Farm Bureau is a strong advocate for our State's farmers, and has been an invaluable resource helping me to better understand the issues confronting our agriculture community today. I was honored to receive the organization's Friend of the Farm Bureau Award on Oct. 16 for my work to support this vital sector of our economy. More than 8,000 family farms throughout our State help sustain rural communities, protect the environment, and preserve the open space that is a vital part of our heritage. The award presentation took place at Misty Meadows Farm in Clinton, the town that is considered the dairy capital of Maine, with 13 percent of our State's milk production coming from seven farms. Misty Meadows Farm, which is owned and operated by John and Belinda Stoughton and Tom and Kimberly Wright, has been recognized for its high-quality milk and, in typical years, hosts Maine Farm Days. With the exception of three not-for-profit educational farms, Maine's 205 dairy farms are family owned and operated. Maine's dairy industry generates $570 million annually, contributes more than $25 million per year in state and local taxes, and provides more than 4,000 jobs. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Maine's families, farmers, and food systems have been serious and are certain to persist for months to come. That is why I have helped to lead bipartisan efforts in Congress to direct more support to farmers. With my support, Congress passed COVID relief bills establishing a $19 billion relief program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for our nation's farmers and producers, known as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP. Additionally, I urged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to prioritize assistance to Maine farmers, in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-casey-announce-senate-passage-bipartisan-rosie-riveter-congressional-gold | Senators Collins, Casey Announce Senate Passage of Bipartisan Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. On the heels of Veterans Day, theRosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Actunanimously passed the Senate. This bipartisan bill, authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), will award a Congressional Gold Medal to Rosie the Riveters, the brave women who answered our nation's call to action and learned new skills, many building the vehicles, weaponry,and ammunitions that were critical to the war effort. The legislation was cosponsored by 76 Senators, including every female Senator. This bipartisan legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 16 million Rosie the Riveters' will provide a long-overdue recognition of these incredible women who stepped up in a time of great need,said Senator Collins. During World War II, mothers, wives, and daughters answered our nation's call to action by working tirelessly in factories, farms, shipyards, airplane factories, and other institutions in support of our Armed Forces. Their hard work, dedication, and 'We Can Do It' spirit has inspired many future generations of women. These Rosie the Riveters' played an invaluable role in our Nation's efforts during the war. They rose to the challenge and set a powerful example not only for working women, but for all Americans. Millions of women helped support our troops during WWII, whether they worked on assembly lines, addressed the troops' medical needs or tended to ships and farms. Today, their example continues to inspire generations to embody the We Can Do It' spirit. The Rosies' are among our Nation's greatest living heroines, and they deserve this long-overdue recognition for their tremendous service to our country,said Senator Casey. The percentage of women in the workforce jumped from 27 percent to nearly 37 percent between 1940 and 1945. By the end of the war, nearly one out of every four married women worked outside the home. These Rosie the Riveters took positions across various industries, but the aviation industry saw the biggest increase of female workers with mor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/defense-funding-bill-includes-provisions-championed-senator-collins-strengthen-pnsy-support | Defense Funding Bill Includes Provisions Championed by Senator Collins to Strengthen PNSY & Support Employees | 2020-11-12 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the fiscal year (FY) 2021 defense and military construction funding bills, which include provisions U.S. Senator Susan Collins championed to support Maine industries that have an indispensable role in our defense, including Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). The Senate and House will now work to develop the final FY 2021 funding bills before the expiration of the current continuing resolution in December. The significant investments this legislation makes at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard are essential to protecting our nation from proliferating threats around the globe, said Senator Collins. I have long advocated for the Navy to address the modernization needs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and this legislation will help build on funding I have previously secured for critically needed upgrades. The funding bills include a number of priorities Senator Collins advocated for: Multi-Mission Dry Dock #1 Extension at PNSY (Navy): Includes $160 million for the first of three installments of the $715 million overall project. Shipyard Infrastructure OptimizationProgram:The explanatory language stresses the importance of the Navy's public shipyard dry dock capacity study and presses the Navy to adequately prioritize public shipyard infrastructure. Firefighter Alternative Work Schedule: The explanatory language supports efforts to set up Alternative Work Schedules to improve duty schedules for firefighters at PNSY. Naval Apprenticeships: The report language directs the Navy to induct a class of no fewer than 100 apprentices at each of the four public shipyards. Senator Collins champions this provision annually. Ship Depot Operations and Maintenance: Provides $7 billion for Ship Depot Maintenance and $2.18 billion for Ship Depot Operations support. These accounts fund PNSY's general operations. Facility Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (FSRM):Provides $3.46 billion for an account that helps PNSY and the other shipyards address the current backlo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-secures-funding-appropriations-bill-support-shipbuilders-biw | Senator Collins Secures Funding in Appropriations Bill to Support Shipbuilders at BIW | 2020-11-12 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the fiscal year (FY) 2021 defense funding bill, which includes provisions U.S. Senator Susan Collins championed to support Maine industries that have an indispensable role in our defense, including Bath Iron Works (BIW). The Senate and House will now work to develop the FY 2021 funding bill before the expiration of the current continuing resolution in December. The value and importance of our naval assets to security and stability have never been greater, which is why it is so critical that we grow the Navy's combat capabilities to be able to meet challenges around the world, said Senator Collins. Through my senior position on the Appropriations Committee, I secured funding for two DDG-51 Flight III ships. Funding included in this legislation will also help BIW make investments in the shipyard to ensure their hardworking employees have the cutting-edge tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. BIW is home to the best shipbuilders in the world, and this funding will help them stay competitive far into the future. The FY 2021 Department of Defense funding bill provides $696 billionan increase of $2.6 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level. Additionally, the bill includes a number of priorities Senator Collins advocated for: DDG-51 Shipbuilding: Includes funding fortwoDDG-51 Flight III ships. Additionally, the bill includes $130 million above the President's budget request of $29 million for DDG-51 advanced procurement specifically for a third DDG-51 in the next fiscal year. Surface Combatant Shipyard Infrastructure:Includes $215 million for surface combatant shipyard infrastructure. This funding can be tapped into for yard improvements similar to the $130 million awarded to BIW earlier in the year. DDG-51 Acquisition strategy report language:To ensure stability in the industrial base and shipyards, the bill includes explanatory language requiring the Navy to provide a fully funded strategy for the procurement of larg… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-14-million-york-county-head-start-program-amid-covid-19 | Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $1.4 Million for York County Head Start Program Amid COVID-19 | 2020-11-12 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $1.4 Million for York County Head Start Program Amid COVID-19 Posted Thu, 11/12/2020 - 10:43 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded York County Community Action Corporation a total of $1,453,544 for its Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. During this public health crisis, Head Start programs throughout our state have continued to provide children with key educational tools and resources, as well as access to nutritious meals and health screenings,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this important investment in York County, which will help to ensure that students continue to have the strong foundation they need to grow and succeed. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/significant-eu-trade-victory-maine-lobster-advances | Significant EU Trade Victory for Maine Lobster Advances | 2020-11-12 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins welcomed the news today that the European Parliament's trade committee voted 40-2 in support of an agreement to eliminate tariffs on live and frozen American lobster, which will help to substantially boost sales of Maine lobster to European markets. The deal now awaits a vote by the full European Union parliament. Senator Collins strongly advocated for this agreement and raised the concerns of Maine's lobster industry directly to the White House and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Several years ago, the European Union was a top destination for American lobster, accounting for approximately 15 to 20 percent of annual lobster exports. In 2017, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was implemented between Canada and the European Union, reducing tariffs to zero on live Canadian lobsters and eliminating tariffs over a period of several years on frozen and processed Canadian lobsters. This put American lobster exporters at a serious disadvantage because, unlike Canadians, American exporters were facing tariffs of between 8 and 30 percent to sell into the European Union. The agreement will reduce tariffs on live and frozen U.S. lobsters to 0%, retroactive to August 1st. The agreement is expected to last for five years, with the European Union taking steps to make it permanent. The overwhelming support this trade agreement has received is encouraging news for Maine's lobster industry, which has experienced a number of challenges in recent years ranging from the pandemic to the trade war, said Senator Collins. Once this significant victory is finalized, U.S. lobster will be placed on a level playing field with Canadian lobster, and this lucrative market will be reopened. I will continue to work closely with Maine's hardworking lobstermen and women, processors, and dealers to help ensure the needs of this vital fishery are addressed. This is a step in the right direction for US lobster businesses. They have been anxiously awaiting additional detail… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/housing-funding-bill-authored-sen-collins-key-wins-maine-advances | Housing Funding Bill Authored by Sen. Collins with Key Wins for Maine Advances | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill that was authored by Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee. The legislation includes Senator Collins' provisions to support vulnerable Mainers and strengthen communities. Senator Collins drafted the bill with broad, bipartisan input, and it now heads to a Conference Committee before it will be voted on by the full Senate and House. Increasing the supply of safe, affordable housing and strengthening our communities are among my top priorities as Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan bill will bolster housing for low-income families and seniors, reduce homelessness, and support revitalization projects across Maine. The FY 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill provides $74.8 billion in new funding, $561 million more than last year. Housing provisions secured by Senator Collins to benefit Maine include: Community Development Block Grants. The bill provides $3.425 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation. Housing during substance abuse recovery. The bill provides $30 million for assistance to States to provide temporary housing to those who are in recovery from a substance use disorder. Maine will receive $1 million. Funding for youth homelessness. The bill includes $80 million for grants and technical assistance to test comprehensive efforts to end youth homelessness in urban and rural areas. Section 8 Vouchers for youth aging out of foster care. The bill includes $20 million for new family unification vouchers to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless. Housing Vouchers for Homeless Veterans (HUD-VASH). The bill includes $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness.Since the program was fir… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/more-36-million-trade-relief-has-been-awarded-maine-lobstermen-women | More than $36 Million in Trade Relief has been Awarded to Maine Lobstermen & Women | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine lobstermen and women have been awarded a total of $36,284,110.12 to date to help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to China's retaliatory tariffs. The funding has been provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Seafood Trade Relief Program. Unfair retaliatory tariffs as well as the COVID-19 pandemic that has closed restaurants and reduced exports have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's hardworking lobstermen and women, said Senator Collins. These direct payments I worked to secure will help provide some relief. Maine's lobster industry has sustained coastal communities and families for generations, and I will continue to fight to keep this industry strong. The USDA will continue to accept applications for the Seafood Trade Relief Program until December 14, 2020. Click here for more information: https://www.farmers.gov/Seafood The Maine Delegation has consistently stood with the lobster industry, which faces a number of serious threats, including the ongoing trade war with China and potential federal regulations associated with the ongoing right whale issue. Following a letter the Maine Delegation sent to President Trump in June 2019, the Administration issued a Presidential Memorandum that called on USTR and USDA to provide the lobster industry with the same form of financial assistance that has already been extended to farmers suffering as a result of China's retaliatory tariffs. In November 2019, Senators Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingreeurged the USTRto pursue a trade deal with the European Union that would prioritize lobster; ina February 2019 letter, the Delegation asked the USTR to prioritize lobster in negotiations, noting that live lobster exports to China dropped by 64% in the first month after the retaliatory tariffs were imposed. The Maine Delegation has also pressed for the Administration to offer funding tohelp the lobster industry access new markets. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-honors-those-who-have-served-our-nation-uniform | Senator Collins Honors Those Who Have Served Our Nation in Uniform | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE for high-resolution video. Washington, D.C. In advance of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement: As the daughter of a World War II veteran who was wounded twice in the Battle of the Bulge where he earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, Veterans Day has always had a special meaning to me. The men and women we honor on Veterans Day have paid the price of our freedom in times of conflict, and they are our shield in times of peace. We honor those who paid the ultimate price. We honor those who lived beyond their years of military service but who have since passed on. And we honor those who are with us today. Today, nearly 20 million Americans wear the proud title of Veteran.' Maine is home to more than 114,000 veterans, the second-highest percentage in our entire country. We are proud of our State's commitment to protecting our nation. The patriots we honor on Veterans Day served our nation and all of humanity. Those who serve today carry on this great mission. They have earned our deepest thanks, not just on this Veterans Day, but for all the days to come. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/transportation-funding-bill-authored-sen-collins-key-wins-maine-advances | Transportation Funding Bill Authored by Sen. Collins with Key Wins for Maine Advances | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill that was authored by Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee. The legislation includes Senator Collins' provisions to make critical improvements to Maine's transportation infrastructure and promote economic development. Senator Collins drafted the bill with broad, bipartisan input, and it now heads to a Conference Committee before it will be voted on by the full Senate and House. Improving Maine infrastructure is essential to moving our economy forward, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have secured more than $747 million in competitive grants to enhance our transportation network. This legislation would build on those investments by funding projects that will enhance safety and create jobs in communities across the state. The FY 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill provides $74.8 billion in new funding, $561 million more than last year. Transportation provisions secured by Senator Collins to benefit Maine include: BUILD Grants: The bill includes $1 billion for BUILD grants, which provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Since the program's inception in 2009, Senator Collins has secured more than $250 million for key transportation investments throughout Maine, including bridges, seaports, and rail projects. This year Senator Collins secured $45 million in BUILD grants to rehabilitate and replace seven bridges in Maine. Maine grant applications through this highly competitive program have been successful in every funding round due to Senator Collins' advocacy. Highway and Bridge Funding Increase: The bill supports $46.4 billion for Federal-aid highways from the Highway Trust Fund, consistent with the recent extension of the FAST Act. In addition, $2.4 billion is provided from the general … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/nearly-50-million-covid-19-financial-relief-has-been-awarded-maine-farmers | Nearly $50 Million in COVID-19 Financial Relief has been Awarded to Maine Farmers | 2020-11-09 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | The USDA is accepting CFAP applications until December 11th: Farmers.gov/cfap Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine farmers have been awarded a total of$48,890,321 to dateto help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19. The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), created through the CARES Act, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America's farmers. The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation,said Senator Collins.These direct payments, which I worked to include in the CARES Act, will help provide some relief.During this difficult time, I will continue to advocate for Mainefarmers. In addition to facilitating the Farmers to Families Food Box program, CFAPis providing vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face significant additionalmarketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. The USDA is accepting applications until December 11th.More information aboutCFAP can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) resource page:Farmers.gov/cfap. To date, the funding has been allocated as follows: Dairy farmershave been awarded $12,617,080. Livestock farmershave been awarded $4,443,330. Non-Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $715,233. Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $15,044,095. Eggs/Broilershave been awarded $30,733. Sales Commoditieshave been awarded $14,914,020. Acreage-based crops have been awarded $1,125,830. CFAP payments are available for eligible producers of specialty crop commodities categorized as either sales c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-2020-presidential-election-results | Senator Collins Statement on 2020 Presidential Election Results | 2020-11-09 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senator Collins' Statement on 2020 Presidential Election Results Posted Mon, 11/09/2020 - 12:42 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement: First, I would offer my congratulations to President-elect Biden on his apparent victory he loves this country, and I wish him every success. Presidential transitions are important, and the President-elect and the Vice-President-elect should be given every opportunity to ensure that they are ready to govern on January 20th. I understand that the President and others have questions about the results in certain states. There is a process in place to challenge those results and, consistent with that process, the President should be afforded the opportunity to do so. I know that many are eager to have certainty right now. While we have a clear direction, we should continue to respect that process. I urge people to be patient. The process has not failed our country in more than 200 years, and it is not going to fail our country this year. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-maine-receive-363-million-heating-assistance-low-income-mainers | Collins, King Announce Maine to Receive $36.3 Million for Heating Assistance for Low-Income Mainers | 2020-11-06 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing a total of $36,318,970 in funding for Maine through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), including $1,328,011 specifically for tribes and tribal organizations. As the cold winter months approach, it is vital that we ensure low-income families and seniors in Maine have access to affordable home energy to protect their health and safety,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding is welcome news as these programs remain important lifelines that help prevent vulnerable individuals from having to choose between heating their home, paying their bills, or going without food or medicine. Senators Collins and King have long led bipartisan efforts to support federal funding for LIHEAP. In October, Senator Collinswrote a letterwith Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that was cosigned by 38 of their colleagues, including Senator King, urging HHS to release LIHEAP funds without delay and at as high a level as possible under the continuing resolution. HHS released a total of $3.36 billion to states, tribes, and territories. The following funding will be allocated to Maine tribes, which is a portion of the $36,318,970 in LIHEAP funds awarded to the State of Maine: Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians $158,053 Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians $158,053 Passamaquoddy Tribe--Indian Township $301,573 Passamaquoddy Tribe--Pleasant Point $420,749 Penobscot Tribe $289,583 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-vote-counting-process-2020-elections | Senator Collins Statement on Vote-Counting Process for the 2020 Elections | 2020-11-06 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Newsroom Senator Collins' Statement on Vote-Counting Process for the 2020 Elections Posted Fri, 11/06/2020 - 08:34 Bangor, MEU.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement on the vote-counting process for the 2020 elections: States have the authority to determine the specific rules of elections. Every valid vote under a state's law should be counted. Allegations of irregularities can be adjudicated by the courts. We must all respect the outcome of elections. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-colleagues-introduce-bill-expand-relief-measures-under-sba%E2%80%99s-7a-loan-program-0 | Collins, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Relief Measures under SBAs 7(a) Loan Program | 2020-11-05 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Small Business Task Force, joined Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), JimRisch(R-ID), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) in introducing theSmall Business Access to Recovery Capital Act. The legislation would provide expanded relief measures to the 7(a) loan program for one year to help small businesses cope with challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. TheSmall Business Access to Recovery Capital Actwould extend additional assistance to small businesses on top of assistance they may have received through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Senator Collinsco-authored, which supported millions of small businesses and jobs across the country. Qualifying small businesses would also be eligible for a second PPP forgivableloan under separate legislation authored by Senators Collins and Rubio. Small businesses are the engine of our economy, but the COVID-19 pandemic is tragically forcing many families to close the doors to their small businesses that they have spent years or even generations to build,said Senator Collins.As the co-author of the Paycheck Protection Program, I have worked to help small businesses stay afloat and continue paying their employees. This bill would complement the PPP by providingexpanded relief under SBA's 7(a) loan programto help small businesses weather this public health and economic crisis. TheSmall Business Access to Recovery Capital Actwould expand small businesses' access to the 7(a) Loan Guaranty program for one year by: Waiving borrower and lender fees; Increasing the government guarantee to 95%; Increasing the maximum loan value from $5 million to $10 million; and Waiving debt repayment of principal, interest, and fees for any new loans made under the 7(a) program for one year. Senator Collins is a longtime champion of small businesses, and she recentlyreceived the Guardian of Small Business Awardfrom the National Federation of Independent Business. TheSmall Business Access to Recovery Capital Actwould build on the actions Sen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-colleagues-introduce-bill-expand-relief-measures-under-sba%E2%80%99s-7a-loan-program | Collins, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Relief Measures under SBAs 7(a) Loan Program | 2020-11-04 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Small Business Task Force, joined Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) in introducing the Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act. The legislation would provide expanded relief measures to the 7(a) loan program for one year to help small businesses cope with challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act would extend additional assistance to small businesses on top of assistance they may have received through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Senator Collins co-authored, which supported millions of small businesses and jobs across the country. Qualifying small businesses would also be eligible for a second PPP forgivableloan under separate legislation authored by Senators Collins and Rubio. Small businesses are the engine of our economy, but the COVID-19 pandemic is tragically forcing many families to close the doors to their small businesses that they have spent years or even generations to build,said Senator Collins. As the co-author of the Paycheck Protection Program, I have worked to help small businesses stay afloat and continue paying their employees. This bill would complement the PPP by providingexpanded relief under SBA's 7(a) loan programto help small businesses weather this public health and economic crisis. The Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act would expand small businesses' access to the 7(a) Loan Guaranty program for one year by: Waiving borrower and lender fees; Increasing the government guarantee to 95%; Increasing the maximum loan value from $5 million to $10 million; and Waiving debt repayment of principal, interest, and fees for any new loans made under the 7(a) program for one year. Senator Collins is a longtime champion of small businesses, and she recently received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business. The Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act would build … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-250000-maine-nursing-homes-combat-covid-19 | Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $250,000 for Maine Nursing Homes to Combat COVID-19 | 2020-11-04 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that82 Maine nursing homes and nursing facilitieshave been awardedan additional$247,577to support increased testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. Thisfundingadds to the $10.4 million Senators Collins and Kingannouncedin August. This targeted distribution from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund is funded through $175 billion includedin the bipartisan CARES Act and thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. In the midst of this ongoing public health and economic crisis, it is crucial that the residents and staff of our nursing home communities remainsupported and protected,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Thisadditionalfunding willprovide nursing homes with resources and training to improve infection and support our health care providers on the front lines. Under this distribution, nursing homes that demonstrated a significant reduction in COVID-19 related infections and deaths between August and September will be eligible to apply for additional funding to improve quality and infection control in their facilities. This performance-based payment structure will reward nursing homes for keeping new COVID-19 infection and mortality rates among residents lower than the communities they serve. To further support nursing homes,HHS also announced todaythe Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) will be partnering with America's nursing homes to create the National Nursing Home COVID Action Network. Through the Network, AHRQ will offer trainingand mentorship to the approximately 15,400 nursing homes across the country to supplement efforts aimed at protecting residents and staff. In August, Senators Collins and King announced that 93 skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes in Maine had been awarded$10.4 millionto support increased testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. In May, following Senator Collins' a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-700000-support-affordable-housing-efforts-maine-amid-covid | Senator Collins Announces More Than $700,000 to Support Affordable Housing Efforts in Maine Amid COVID-19 | 2020-11-02 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a total of $729,161to the Portland and Brunswick publichousing agenciesto support affordable housing and bolster COVID-19 prevention and response efforts.Thisfunding was awarded througha provision of the CARES Act that Senator Collins authoredthat directed $48.5 billion to support housing and transportation programs. As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, additional resources are vital to help bolster Maine's housing programs that serve our seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked hard to secure these vital resources for Maine's communities, and I will continue to ensure they receive assistance during this difficult time. The funding will be allocated as follows: The Portland Housing Authority will receive 628,272. The Brunswick Housing Authority will receive $100,889. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins helped to securea total of$46.5million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communitiesthroughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-partnership-develop-affordable-energy-solutions-maine%E2%80%99s-island | Senator Collins Announces Partnership to Develop Affordable Energy Solutions for Maines Island Communities | 2020-11-02 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the Island Institute has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy to address high energy costs, reliability, and infrastructure challenges faced by island communities. The Island Institute is one of just five community-based partners from across the country participating in the Energy Transitions Initiative (ETI) Partnership Program.The partnership was made possible due to the $3 million that was included for the ETI in theFY20 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.Senator Collins authored this provision as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. Maine's islands are special places that have often been inhabited by members of the same families for generations,said Senator Collins.One of the persistent challenges these communities face, however, is maintaining affordable, reliable access to electricity.As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I strongly pushed for the funding to support islands with developing innovative energy solutions for residents.This partnership will harness the Island Institute's in-depth knowledge of Maine's coastal communities and the Department of Energy's expertise to help provide low-cost power. The ETI Program will assist the Island Institute with developing cost-effective, resilient energy infrastructure for island communities. In addition, it will allow ETI to pursue energy transition efforts that address energy challenges, build capacity, accelerate the sharing of best practices and innovation between regions, and leverage local expertise into commercial opportunity. Since 1983, the Island Institute has worked proactively and collaboratively to help 120 island and coastal communities in Maine to tackle the most pressing environmental and socio-economic issues they face. Senator Collins is a champion of Maine's island and coastal communities.Last month, sheannouncedthat the Isle au Haut received more than $200,000 to install a solar power array, enabling the island to receive 100 percent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-pushes-usda-again-fix-shortcomings-farmers-families-program-ensure-state | Maine Delegation Pushes USDA Again to Fix Shortcomings of Farmers to Families Program to Ensure In-State Contractors and Farmers Can Benefit From Fourth Round of Funding | 2020-10-29 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today requesting fixes to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program to ensure Maine-based contractors have a fair shot to be selected whenthefourth round contracts are awarded. No companies in Maine were chosen by USDA to be suppliers in the first or thirdtranche of funding for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. In the first round of the Farmers to Families program announced in April, no Maine-based contractors were selected and the coverage of the program was extremely limited within the state. Consequently, there was a significant missed opportunity for USDA to benefit Maine's farmers, food insecure families, and small businesses at a time when they were struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,the Maine lawmakers wrote in their letter to USDA. We appreciate that you worked to address the concerns raised in our letters dated May 29 and June 18 and ultimately included two Maine-based contractors in the second round of awards. However, we were disappointed that once again no companies in Maine were chosen to supply the third round announced in September.While non-profit partners have received a substantial supply of food boxes from an out-of-state distributor, helping to alleviate hunger among Maine families, the economic impact of the program for farmers and businesses in Maine has been more limited as significant federal support flows to other states,said the Maine delegation in their letter. Read the full delegation letterhere. In April, the Farmers to Families Food Box Program was established by USDA using funds from the Families First Coronavirus Response ActandCARES Act. Under the program, USDA purchases up to $4 billion offresh produce, dairy, and meat and distributes these products to food insecure Americans in Farmers to Families Food Boxes. Maine distributors were left out of the program to begin with, but following… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/nearly-41-million-covid-19-financial-relief-has-been-awarded-maine-farmers | Nearly $41 Million in COVID-19 Financial Relief has been Awarded to Maine Farmers | 2020-10-29 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | The USDA is accepting CFAP applications until December 11th:Farmers.gov/cfap Bangor, ME U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine farmers have been awarded a total of$40,588,764to dateto help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19. The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), created through the CARES Act, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America's farmers. The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation,said Senator Collins.These direct payments, which I worked to include in the CARES Act, will help provide some relief.During this difficult time, I will continue to advocate for Mainefarmers. In addition to facilitating the Farmers to Families Food Box program, CFAPis providing vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face significant additionalmarketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. The USDA is accepting applications until December 11th.More information aboutCFAP can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) resource page:Farmers.gov/cfap. To date, the funding has been allocated as follows: Dairy farmershave been awarded $11,725,845. Livestock farmershave been awarded $1,864,125. Non-Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $715,233. Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $15,044,095. Eggs/Broilershave been awarded $12,021. Sales Commoditieshave been awarded $11,227,445. CFAP payments are available for eligible producers of specialty crop commodities categorized as either sales commodities or flat-rate crops. Specifically: Sales commoditi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-participates-groundbreaking-ceremony-central-maine-healthcare-cancer-care | Senator Collins Participates in Groundbreaking Ceremony for Central Maine Healthcare Cancer Care Center in Lewiston | 2020-10-29 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | ClickHERE,HERE,HERE,HERE, andHEREfor high-resolution photos Lewiston, ME This morning, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, delivered remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) Cancer Care Center. The $38 million project brings together cutting-edge oncology services in a convenient location on the Central Maine Medical Center campus in Lewiston. The accessible, centralized location will benefit patients who will not have to make their way to different parts of the campus for their care. I doubt that there is anyone here today whose life has not been affected by cancer, either personally or in a loved one. Against this scourge that causes so much pain and suffering, so much fear and uncertainty, and so much heartbreak, CMH and the Central Maine Cancer Institute fight back with skill, technology, dedication, and compassion,said Senator Collins. By consolidating all oncology services in one new building with state-of-the-art equipment, patients will have convenient access to the highest quality care close to home. This centralized location will enhance the Cancer Institute's outstanding multispecialty, team-based care. With more than 8,000 new diagnoses each year, cancer incidence in Maine is above the national average. By consolidating all oncology services at CMH, the renovation will allow patients to receive care without having to travel to other care providers, saving the community nearly $1 million annually in travel costs and preventing patients from having to drive more than 35,000 hours each year. State regulators gave the final approval to the project in April. Construction is slated to begin Nov. 2 and to be completed in the first quarter of 2022. Senator Collins has been a longstanding champion for greater investments in biomedical research, oncology services, and telehealth infrastructure. Through the CARES Act, she has helped secure more than $490 million in COVID-19 relief for Maine health care providers, including $33 million fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/following-bipartisan-effort-led-senator-collins-medicare-proposes-coverage-expansion | Following Bipartisan Effort Led by Senator Collins, Medicare Proposes Coverage Expansion of Continuous Glucose Monitors | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed rule change that would expand Medicare Part B coverage and payment for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Theproposedchanges to Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotic Devices and Supplies (DMEPOS) coverageand payment policies would classify all CGMs (not just limited to therapeutic CGMs) as durable medical equipment (DME) and establish payment amounts for these items and related supplies and accessories. If finalized, the proposal would build on Medicare's decision in 2017 to provide coverage for certain CGMs following advocacy by Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). As the Chairman of the Aging Committee, I have heard from numerous seniors who, when transitioning from employer-provided insurance to Medicare, were shocked to learn that the technologies they have relied upon for years to manage their diabetes are no longercovered,said Senator Collins.Following a push Senator Shaheen and I led, Medicare provided coverage for certain continuous glucose monitors in 2017, which transformed the lives of the millions of Americans who rely on these devices to successfully manage diabetes. This proposed rule builds on that successful policy by providing better coverage for CGMs to help keep patients healthy and provide relief from high out-of-pocket costs. According to CMS, With one in every three Medicare beneficiaries having diabetes, this proposal would give Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians a wider range of technology and devices to choose from in managing diabetes. This proposal will improve access to these medical technologies and empower patients to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves. +++ As co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) haveworked togetherto increase awareness of the threats posed by diabetes, invest in research, and improve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/supporting-veteran-caregivers-america%E2%80%99s-hidden-heroes | Supporting Veteran Caregivers, Americas Hidden Heroes | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Supporting our veterans and those who serve today is among our greatest obligations. That obligation includes supporting America's hidden heroes the 5.5 million family caregivers who provide essential daily care to loved ones who bear the wounds of their service protecting our nation and our freedom. The effects of military service often do not end with a tour of duty. For many veterans and their families, the journey sometimes extends for a lifetime. For some veterans with both visible and invisible scars, the transition home is not easy. Recovery, too, can take decades. Along the way, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and other family members and friends step in to serve. Military family caregivers provide roughly $14 billion a year in voluntary, uncompensated care. They often sacrifice their own physical and emotional well being to do so.They may have to miss work, turn down promotions, or even leave the workforce, creating enormous financial strain for families. Addressing the challenges facing these devoted family caregivers has been one of my highest priorities. In 2017, I chaired a hearing that focused on military caregivers at which former Senator Elizabeth Dole testified.When theVA MISSION Actwas enacted in 2018, it included provisions I championed requiring a phased expansion of the VA Caregiver Support Program to include veterans of all generations, rather than only post 9/11 veterans. Veterans, regardless of when they served, should be eligible for caregiver assistance. For years, the VA Caregiver Support Program has made resources such as a stipend, counseling, and training available to loved ones who have taken on a caregiver role for a veteran with service-connected injuries or illnesses. This important resource can improve quality of life and can result in faster and improved rehabilitation and recovery for a veteran. However, only post-9/11 veteran caregivers have historically been eligible to receive these benefits. Now, due to the legislation I coauthored, the VA has officially launched … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-supreme-court-nomination | Senator Collins Statement on Supreme Court Nomination | 2020-10-25 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement today following the Senate's vote to advance the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett: When the Senate considers nominees to the United States Supreme Court, it is particularly important that we act fairly and consistently, using the same set of rules, no matter which political party is in power. When President Obama nominated Judge Garland eight months before the 2016 presidential election, I met with him and maintained that he was entitled to a hearing. Others argued that the winner of that year's presidential election should be allowed to choose the nominee, and that is what happened. My views did not prevail, and the standard was established that a nominee to the Court would not be voted on prior to the election in a presidential election year. This year, a vacancy has also occurred, notably much closer to the election. Prior to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, I stated that, should a vacancy on the Supreme Court arise, the Senate should follow the precedent set four years ago and not vote on a nominee prior to the presidential election. Since her passing, I have reiterated that in fairness to the American people -- who will either be re-electing the President or selecting a new one -- the decision on the nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy should be made by whoever is elected on November 3rd. Because this vote is occurring prior to the election, I will vote against the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. To be clear, my vote does not reflect any conclusion that I have reached about Judge Barrett's qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court. What I have concentrated on is being fair and consistent, and I do not think it is fair nor consistent to have a Senate confirmation vote prior to the election. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-cardin-introduce-bipartisan-bill-improve-access-home-health-care-furnished | Collins, Cardin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Home Health Care Furnished By Telehealth Amid Public Health Emergencies | 2020-10-23 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | ME | Susan Collins | C001035 | www.collins.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act, a bipartisan bill to provide Medicare reimbursement for audio and video telehealth services furnished by home health agencies during the COVID-19 emergency and future public health emergencies. U.S. Representatives Roger Marshall (R-KS), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), and Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Home health serves a vital role in helping our nation's seniors avoid more costly hospital visits and nursing home stays. The COVID-19 emergency has further underscored the critical importance of home health services and highlighted how these agencies are able to use telehealth to provide skilled care to their patients, said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee. This bipartisan bill would ensure that seniors in Maine and across the country retain access to remote home health services during the COVID-19 emergency and future public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged home health providers' ability to provide care to patients in their homes. Home health providers have been able to overcome these challenges by utilizing telehealth to deliver some services to Medicare beneficiaries, said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee. This legislation allows home health services to be provided via telehealth during a public health emergency in order to ensure patients receive needed care. The Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act would authorize Medicare reimbursement for home health services provided through telehealth during a public health emergency where telehealth can be used appropriately. The services would not be reimbursed unless the beneficiary consents to receiving the services via telehealth. To ensure that the Medicare home health benefit does not become a telehealth-only benefit, Medicare reimbursement would only b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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