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1,389 rows where state = "ME" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending

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  • 2020 · 1,389 ✖

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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://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-covid-19-relief-legislation-becoming-law Golden Statement on COVID-19 Relief Legislation Becoming Law 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement today after it was announced that legislation to provide COVID-19 relief and to fund the government through Fiscal Year 2021 had been signed into law by the president: I'm glad the president has signed the COVID-19 relief bill into law. Millions of families and thousands of small businesses are counting on the relief measures contained in this legislation to survive the next several months of this pandemic. Provisions in the COVID-19 relief bill will provide additional unemployment assistance for the tens of thousands of Mainers who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. The bill will also direct more support to struggling small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program. In addition, this legislation will prevent many evictions across the country, help hospitals and healthcare professionals to treat those infected by COVID-19, aid school systems, and provide federal assistance to deliver a vaccine as quickly and effectively as possible. Crucially for our state, the bill also includes first-of-its-kind legislation to provide direct relief to loggers and log haulers as the industry continues to be battered by the pandemic economy. This provision, authored by Senator Collins and me, could be of great importance to many logging businesses and workers. We will continue to work together to see that Maine benefits from this program. My staff and I remain committed to helping constituents and businesses in our district understand the resources available to them through this relief bill and to working with federal agencies to ensure Mainers receive all the relief for which they qualify. Please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance. - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3579 Pingree Statement on House Override of Trump’s Dangerous NDAA Veto 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy Pingree Statement on House Override of Trump's Dangerous NDAA Veto Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today released the following statement after the House voted to override President Trump'svetoof the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act: In one of his last acts as president, Trump vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act, a bipartisan, bicameralbill to support our troops and protect our national security. This move is just another in a long line by the president to sow chaos and discord, leaving our servicemembers in the lurch as a result. His veto put at risk a pay raise for our troops, paid leave, child care, housing,aidfor Bath Iron Works, andbenefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orangeall because he cares more about his personal feuds with social mediaplatformsand racist Confederate monuments. This veto puts our country at risk.Particularly in the wake of a major cyberattack, this move is shortsighted and irresponsible, and so I voted to override his veto. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3580 Pingree Statement on House Vote to Increase Stimulus Checks 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy Pingree Statement on House Vote to Increase Stimulus Checks Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a standalone bill to increase COVID-19 stimulus checks to $2,000 per person: "I'm relieved the President signed the COVID relief bill yesterday. Though the bill is far from perfect, it includes much-needed support for struggling Mainers, like increased SNAP benefits and extended unemployment, which lapsed on Saturday. "Today,I joined my House colleagues to pass a standalone bill that would increase economic paymentsin the billfrom $600 to $2,000 per person.These paymentsare a crucial lifeline for millions of Americans who need to pay rent and put food on their table during this time of uncertainty. This measure recognizes the hardship Maine's families are experiencing during this crisis and offersthefinancial support they need to survive the winter. President Trump must call on Senate Republicans to join him in supporting this measure so we can getmore meaningfuldirect economic relief in the hands of the American people." ### 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://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3578 Pingree Statement on Future of COVID Relief Bill, Stimulus Checks 2020-12-24 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today released the following statement in reaction to the news that the House GOP blocked a unanimous consent request to provide the American people with $2,000 stimulus checks: During months of coronavirus relief negotiations, GOP leaders refused to commit to stimulus checks higher than $600/person. Yesterday, President Trump publicly pushed for $2,000 checks to the American peoplethe same amount I have fought for since March. Today, House Democrats proposed a good-faith effort to quickly pass $2,000 checks, but the House GOP callously blocked it. Passing this proposal through unanimous consent would have meant the American people received survival checks as soon as possible. The COVID relief bill passed on Tuesday is far from perfect, and we have a lot more work to do come January. However, it includes critical support for the American people during this crisis. If the President vetoes this bill, countless Mainers will go hungry, will be served eviction notices, and will have no financial support. We cannot leave anyone out in the cold. ### 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-bill-signed-into-law-curbing-plastic-marine-debris Collins, King Bill Signed Into Law, Curbing Plastic Marine Debris 2020-12-23 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) 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 (D… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-voices-concern-after-president-trump-vetoes-ndaa King Voices Concern After President Trump Vetoes NDAA 2020-12-23 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, expressed his frustration after President Trump vetoed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021.The legislation previously passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives by overwhelmingly bipartisan, veto-proof majorities; the legislation will now return to Congress, which will hold a vote to override the President's veto. By vetoing the overwhelmingly-bipartisan NDAA, President Trump is denying a pay raise for our nation's servicemembers, undermining our national security, and threatening Maine jobs at facilities like Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, said Senator King. The President has cited a variety of different reasons to explain why he opposes this bill, but each excuse is either patently false, wholly unrelated to the military, or antithetical to America's values. What should raise grave concern in every American, regardless of political beliefs, is that this NDAA is the single-most comprehensive piece of cybersecurity legislation ever passed by Congress; as we work to determine the harm done by the recent cyber incursion, the provisions in this NDAA would be a shield against future tactics by our foes worldwide. In the days ahead, I hope that the large, veto-proof majorities which initially supported this legislation will come together once again to override the President's veto for the good of our servicemembers and our nation. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/collins-golden-announce-200-million-help-loggers-timber-haulers-facing-covid-19 Collins, Golden Announce $200 Million to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.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 Congresswoman Pingree (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 work slow down as 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… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-fitzpatrick-successfully-block-pay-raise-congress-government-funding Golden, Fitzpatrick Successfully Block Pay Raise for Congress in Government Funding Bill 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) announced today that they had defied party leaders and secured a provision to block a pay raise for members of Congress in the government funding bill that passed Congress last night. If representatives find it difficult to live on $174,000 a year, they should try supporting a family on a third of that or less, as many of my constituents do,said Congressman Golden.No one should be in Congress to make money; it's about public service, not a paycheck. I'm proud to work across the aisle with Congressman Fitzpatrick to block the scheduled pay raise for Congress. Rather than being outraged that we blocked this pay raise, I encourage party leaders to join me in calling out irrelevant and unnecessary provisions that benefit the wealthy like tax exemptions for corporations' three-martini lunches that were allowed to become part of this bill. Hardworking Americans across the country do not receive automatic raises every year, and neither should Congress. Congress needs a reality check, not a raise,said Congressman Fitzpatrick.For far too long, Congress delayed bipartisan relief during a pandemic to score political points. Gridlock on major issues must not, and will not, be rewarded. We need to be working to help our constituents and fix real issues, not give ourselves a pay raise. Earlier this year,Golden and Fitzpatrick formally requested the language be included in the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations bill. They alsojointly testified in favor of the provisionbefore the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Affairs, which writes the funding bill language that covers congressional pay. The exact language Golden and Fitzpatrick advocated for can be found inSection 7 of the final bill text. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3576 Maine Delegation Announce $200 Million to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy 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 to Maine loggers a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3577 Pingree Announces $1.2 Million for PPE in Maine 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy Pingree Announces $1.2 Million for PPE in Maine Congresswoman ChelliePingree(D-Maine) today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the State ofMaine$1,191,258 to reimburse the State's purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front line responders are risking their lives daily to keep us safe and to help fight this virus. Since the start of the pandemic, I've advocated for federal funding to support the distribution of PPE in Mainethis substantial financial burden shouldn't be the sole responsibility of the State or our local hospitals,said Pingree.I'm glad this funding will help alleviate the cost burden of personal protective equipment. TheMaineDepartment of Administrative and Financial Services received this funding to purchase disposable masks for front line responders, importantPPEto protect essential workers against the spread of COVID-19. ### 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/year-end-appropriations-bill-passes-senate-with-king-backed-initiatives-to-support-maine-jobs-bolster-national-defense Year-End Appropriations Bill Passes Senate with King-Backed Initiatives to Support Maine Jobs, Bolster National Defense 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of the 2021 omnibus appropriations bill, which funds government programs through next September and advances a number of Senator King's top priorities to support Maine jobs, increase affordability for working families, and invest in our national security. This year-end legislation includes a wide range of provisions that will improve life for Maine people, said Senator King. The bill includes provisions to support good, high-paying jobs for Maine people, whether it be at Bath Iron Works or one of our craft breweries. In addition, the legislation will help working Maine families afford essential needs, including housing and child care, while also encouraging employers to offer paid family leave. Finally, the legislation will take important steps to enhance our national security by funding shipbuilding priorities and reestablishing America's leadership in global public health. The coming year will continue to present challenges as our nation grapples with the impacts of the coronavirus, and this legislation will help our nation confront these difficulties. I'm grateful to see this bipartisan product pass the Senate, and I am eager to continue working across the aisle with my colleagues in the coming year. Provisions supported by Senator King included in the legislative package include: Funding shipbuilding priorities.The legislation appropriates $3.2 billion for the procurement of DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2021, which Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build. It also authorizes $159.3 million to fund future year DDG-51 procurements. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds $78.2 million for the completion of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, all of which are being built at BIW.Funding construction at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.The 2021 NDAA appropriates $160 million for construction of Dry Dock One at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard installation at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. Incentivizing employ… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-passage-covid-19-relief-package-government-funding-bill Golden Statement on Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package, Government Funding Bill 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement after the passage of bipartisan legislation to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans and to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year: Today's vote in Congress is encouraging news at the end of a challenging year. The unwillingness of so many members of Congress to accept compromise throughout the fall has been deeply frustrating for so many people who are facing economic uncertainty and concerns about their health and well-being. This legislation will provide much-needed aid to small businesses and hospitals, the unemployed, and families struggling to put food on the table. It will also provide funds to speed the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine. In the months ahead, my staff will be prepared to help connect constituents and businesses in our district with the assistance in this relief bill that they are eligible for and will need to make it through the winter and the current COVID-19 spike in our state. If you live in Maine and need help, please call our office. We shouldn't let the fact that Congress is finally taking action distract from its failure to act sooner. This relief legislation could have and should have happened months ago, and it's sad that congressional leaders let partisan interests get in the way of agreeing to an earlier deal. In 2021, Congress needs to step up and lead the country through this pandemic and get our economy back on track. Yet again, the process that political leaders have used these past few weeks has lacked transparency, and members of Congress are being asked to again vote on a massive COVID relief bill with only hours to review over 5,000 pages of legislation. Although I supported the bill today in order to get much needed support to my constituents, I will continue to review the details of this legislation and demand accountability for any wasteful or unrelated provisions. Just as we saw with the CARES Act, such a poor process with little transparency empowers Washingto… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-and-senate-pass-maine-delegation-bill-prepare-next-generation-maine House and Senate Pass Maine Delegation Bill to Prepare Next Generation of Maine Fishermen 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The House and Senate both passed a bipartisan bill this week to help prepare young Americans for careers in fishing. TheYoung Fishermen's Development Act, legislation Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Jared Golden (ME-02) helped introduce last year, would provide federal grant funding for training and education on seamanship, navigation, vessel and engine care, and other essential topics to give aspiring fishermen the tools they need to enter the fishing industry. There's no doubt we're going to need more young people ready to take the wheel to keepthe fishing industry strong in our state for years to come,said Collins, King, Pingree, and Golden.This legislation will help prepare young Mainers for jobs in the fishing and lobster industries, which will encourage them to stay in Maine to find work and sustain fishing communities and businesses throughout our state. We're proud to work together to pass this bill through Congress and we urge the president to sign it into law without delay. TheYoung Fishermen's Development Actwould authorize up to $200,000 in competitive grants through NOAA's Sea Grant Program to support new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for young fishermen. The grant program outlined in the bill is modeled on the Department of Agriculture's successful Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program. Maine's fishermen have been leaders in advocating for theYoung Fishermen's Development Actthrough the Fishing Community Coalition and the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association. After realizing the benefit that the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program had for farmers, it became clear that there was a very real need for a similar program for fishermen. If you expose Maine kids to the opportunities that exist in the fishing industry and provide them with some of the knowledge they need to be successful, you're going to get some fine fishermen. T… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3574 PINGREE: COVID Relief Bill’s Increased Food Assistance & SNAP Benefits Will Help Families Survive into 2021 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today released the following statement on the food and agriculture provisions included in Congress' newest coronavirus relief package, which was passed by the House: Hunger has become an increasingly visible crisis as we've witnessed lengtheninglines at food pantriesaround the country. Nearly 1 in 4 households nationwide have experienced food insecurity this year, due in large part to theCOVID 19 pandemic.Since the earliest days of this crisis,I pushed for Congress and USDA totakemeaningfulactionto protect families from hunger. While the best course of action would have been to provide robust direct supportat the outset, I'm proud the legislation passed today includes a meaningful increase in SNAP, which is both an extremely effective anti-hunger program and acriticaltool for economic stimulus. No one should ever go hungry, especially during a global public health crisis. The coronavirus relief package passed today includes a 15 percent increase in maximum SNAP benefits until June 30, 2021, assistance to food banks, simplification of P-EBT, and a provision to make it easier for households to qualify for SNAP byexcludingpandemic unemployment benefitsfrom counting asincome. Pingree, an organic farmer whose work has centered around food system reform, has led her House colleagues in championing increased SNAP benefits and broad support for small, local farmers. She and several other House members introduced the Ensuring Emergency Food Security Act onMarch 11. Pingreewrote to Speaker Pelosion March 16, detailing the impact of COVID-19 on local and regional markets for farmers and urging the Speaker to provide emergency disaster payments to farmers selling fresh, local, and minimally processed foods in community markets.She led aletterin May pushing for direct assistance to small farmers and changes to SNAP to ensure beneficiaries have access to locally grown food, and hassupportedexpanding SNAP eligibility and increased minimum monthly benefits. Pingree also voted for both … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3575 Pingree Votes to Deliver Pandemic Relief, Fully Fund Federal Government Through September 2021 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding her vote forH.R. 133, an omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021appropriationsbills, coronavirus relief, andadditional authorizations: While thispackage is insufficient, I will vote yes because half a loaf is better than no loaf at all. Just days before Christmas, thousands of Mainers are in a state of crisisteetering on the brink of eviction, relying on food banks for their next meal, or terrified about how they will find a job after losing their employment or small business. Our neighbors desperately need help. It's incredibly disappointing that this bill caps stimulus checks at half the amount the House passed in May and it does not include comprehensive assistance to state local governments barely treading water. However, it would be irresponsible not to support overdue funding for testing and vaccine distribution, nutrition assistance,supports for students to learn safely, an extension of unemployment, and a new round of funding for Maine's struggling small businessesas well as support for Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and other integral parts of Maine's economy. Our nation needs this boost. This greatly needed support is nine months late and this crisis will likely continue for months more. I look forward to working with the Biden Administration to pass funding for state and local governments and more direct aid to Americans. Highlights of the COVID-19 relief package include: Stimulus checks:An additional round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child. Unemployment: An additional 11 weeks of eligibility for unemployment insurance, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, and a $300/week federal supplement through March 14th, 2021. Small Businesses: New and targeted assistance, including: A second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans targeted toward smaller and harder-hit businesses; Deductibility of business expenses paid for with forgive… 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-cosponsor-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-americas-small-food-processors Collins, King Cosponsor Bipartisan Legislation to Support America’s Small Food Processors 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced the Strengthening 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 pl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-covid-relief-legislation-that-king-bipartisan-coalition-shaped Senate Passes COVID Relief Legislation that King, Bipartisan Coalition Shaped 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of a coronavirus relief package that will increase unemployment benefits, provide another round of support for small businesses, send another economic impact payment to working Americans, and deliver much-needed funds to strengthen our public health infrastructure as vaccines begin to deploy across the country. In addition, the legislation includes a number of other key priorities to bolster the nation's response to the ongoing public health and economic crises. This legislation is based on the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, which was negotiated by Senator King and a bipartisan group of his colleagues earlier this month. For months, the American people have been calling for a new coronavirus relief package. Today, after extensive bipartisan efforts and negotiation, we have reached an agreement to help our citizens in need weather the cold, dark winter ahead, said Senator King. This legislation includes critical unemployment funds to help Americans who've lost work through no fault of their own, along with an economic impact payment to help families make ends meet; an additional lifeline for small businesses who've been hit hard by the economic slowdown; and vital investments in the public health infrastructure that will be essential to controlling and defeating this pandemic. Beyond that, it increases funding to help families struggling to make rent catch up on overdue payments, supports emergency broadband service for low-income families, and increases SNAP benefits so families facing hard times can keep food on the table. This bill will do a lot of good, for a lot of people, but it is not enough for us to fully overcome the health and economic challenges our nation faces when this bill expires, continued Senator King. There is more work to do for families, for businesses, and for state and local governments who have led the response to this crisis at the local level. It is my hope that this legislation will provide a b… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cyberspace-solarium-commission-statement-on-dual-hat-considerations Cyberspace Solarium Commission Statement on "Dual-hat" Considerations 2020-12-20 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Congressmen Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Jim Langevin (D-RI), the four legislators serving on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, released the following statement regarding reports that the Department of Defense is considering ending the dual-hat arrangement that sees the Commander of United States Cyber Command jointly appointed to be the Director of the National Security Agency: Congress laid out clear criteria about when it would be appropriate to consider whether to split the dual-hat worn by the commander of USCYBERCOM and the Director of the NSA. To our knowledge, these criteria have not been met. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act requires the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to certify to Congress that splitting of the dual-hat will not pose unacceptable risks to the national security interests of the United States. This certification has not been made, and any attempt to split the dual-hat arrangement before this certification is made would clearly violate the law. Our government is currently responding to a cyber incident where a sophisticated adversary had access to thousands of U.S. networks. Regardless of whether it's better to keep or end the dual-hat arrangement between NSA and CYBERCOM, now is not the time to do it. We believe in continuing policy discussions about this arrangement, but it is unwise for any decisions to be made in the immediate future. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-covid-19-emergency-relief-package-based-on-original-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation FINAL COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE BASED ON ORIGINAL BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION 2020-12-20 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.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) applauded the final COVID-19 emergency relief package. Following months of deadlock in Congress while millions of Americans were at risk of losing their lifelines, we put our heads down and worked around the clock for nearly a month to produce a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address the emergency needs of our country. We are relieved Congress has finally agreed on a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Our consensus bill was the foundation of this final package and we applaud Congressional leadership for finishing what we started. Workers, businesses, and families need help right now and we urge our colleagues to quickly pass this bill and President Trump to immediately sign the legislation to provide Americans with relief. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3573 Responding to Congresswoman Pingree’s Request, GAO Releases Report on Nation’s Recycling Challenges Exacerbated by China’s National Sword Policy 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy In response to a request for informationmadeSeptember 2018by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), alongside Reps. McCollum, Stevens, and Takano, theU.S.Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued a report on how tobuild on existing federal efforts to addressthe nation's recycling challenges, which increased as a result of China's National Sword policy banning foreign waste imports. Thefull GAO report can be found here. The U.S. generates over268 million tons of household and commercial trash each year, but recycling rates for common recyclables remains low. And after China's banon recycling imports in 2018, Maine municipalities had to spend approximately $16 million todisposeof their recyclable waste,said Pingree.When China banned the import of certain recyclables, it meant that those items ended up in American landfills, worsening the climate crisis and leaving our cities and towns struggling to determine the future of their municipal recycling programs. This GAO report emphasizes the need for Congressional action to reform our recycling system and support municipalities as they confront this challenge. In Maine's residents, we are fortunate to have an engaged community, invested in the success of our recycling programs,said ecomaine CEO Kevin Roche.We know that recycling is the single-most effective waste diversion strategy over the last 30 years and strong, sound leadership in policymaking at the federal level is critical to moving these systems toward even greater success. The report reviewsthe challenges affecting recycling in the U.Sandfederal effortstoadvance recycling in the United States. GAO's report found that only about 25 percent of municipal waste is collected for recycling, leaving an estimated 201 tons (or 52 percent) of municipal waste sent to landfills,13 percent to be incinerated,and 10 percentto becomposted. The report recommends that Congress pass legislation to require the Secretary of Commerce to develop domestic markets for recyclablesto address reduced international demand… 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-32-million-for-maine-head-start-programs Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.2 Million for Maine Head Start Programs 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the 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://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/bill-expand-access-care-veterans-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans 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 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, theState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill be sent to the President to be signed into law. The legislation was ultimately passed as part of a broad veteran benefits improvements package, theJohnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.The bipartisanlegislation, 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. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actalso 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 gratitude and th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3571 Pingree Statement on Rep. Deb Haaland’s Historic Nomination to be U.S. Interior Secretary 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy Pingree Statement on Rep. Deb Haaland's Historic Nomination to be U.S. Interior Secretary Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statementfollowing reports that President-elect Joe Biden willnominate Congresswoman Deb Haaland to be U.S. Interior Secretary: I want to congratulate my friend and colleague Congresswoman Deb Haaland on her historic nomination. If confirmed by the Senate, Congresswoman Haaland will be the first Indigenous person to lead the Interior Department.Thismarks a turning point for Native American representationatthe agency that oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs and our public lands. Congresswoman Haaland'snominationis an opportunity to right many past wrongs, especially the badly mismanaged U.S. Treaty obligations to ournativetribes. As a senior member of the Interior AppropriationsSubcommittee, I look forward to working closely with Congresswoman Haaland. Having worked beside her these last two years, I know her commitment to our public lands and natural resources is deep and unshakeable. After four long years of unqualified, ethically compromised leaders at the Interior Department, Congresswoman Haaland will provide the thoughtful management this critical agency needs. ### 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-to-expand-access-to-care-for-veterans-with-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-to-be-signed-into-law 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 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.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 gratitu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-bicameral-group-urges-leadership-to-continue-moving-forward-on-covid-19-emergency-relief-package Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward On COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.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 Senate and House Leadership to continue moving forward to finalize a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus 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. This pandemic has been devastating for millions of Americans and without Congressional action they will lose the lifelines that are keeping them afloat. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy to craft an emergency COVID-19 relief package that will help the American people weather the next few months of this pandemic. We know first-hand how hard it can be to find common ground on some of these issues. We encourage the leaders and their staff to continue this important work. By working together, we can and we will deliver immediate assistance to the workers, the families, and the businesses that need it most. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-raises-foster-youths-needs-to-hhs-amid-pandemic-challenges King Raises Foster Youths Needs to HHS Amid Pandemic Challenges 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined 11 of his Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be sure to have young people in the foster care system in mind as they formulate policies to manage the government's response to the pandemic.In a letter to Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson, the Senators asked that HHS prioritize their engagement with states to extend relief to foster families and implement temporary and long-term changes to help foster youth weather this crisis and secure a better future. Almost all families in the United States have had to make significant adjustments in their daily lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for the children and young adults in our nation's foster care system, periods of change and adjustment are not new,the senators wrote.Foster youth have survived a lifetime of uncertainty before and after entering foster care. The serious health challenges and economic downturn brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have merely exacerbated existing challenges faced by the approximately 424,000 children in the foster care system and the more than 20,400 young adults whoage out'of foster care each year. As of December10, 2020,over 70million applications for unemployment benefits had been filed since March 21, 2020. Given this high unemployment ratethe highest we have seen in the U.S. in recent memorywe are increasingly concerned about the potentially dire consequences foster youth may face during the economic recession brought on by the pandemic,they continued.Even before the public health emergency, only about half of youth aging out of the foster care system each year were anticipated to have some form of gainful employment by the age of 24. We believe that if temporary changes are made to strengthen support and resources for foster youth, they will be better equipped to pursue their goals and become active members of our nation's workforce. In their letter, the senators expressed particular concern about the impact of the digi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/me-delegation-urges-feds-reject-petition-undermines-regulatory-process ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.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 acknowledgedata collected by the National Marine Serviceindicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3568 ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Chellie Pingree P000597 pingree.house.gov     legacy 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 acknowledgedata collected by the National Marine Serviceindicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lob… 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/me-delegation-urges-feds-to-reject-petition-that-undermines-regulatory-process-threatens-maine-lobster-fishery ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.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, confir… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-900000-to-support-drug-free-communities-in-maine Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $900,000 to Support Drug-Free Communities in Maine 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.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 $125,000. … 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-shares-bipartisan-covid-relief-bill-details-with-maine-state-chamber-of-commerce Senator King Shares Bipartisan COVID Relief Bill Details with Maine State Chamber of Commerce 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.senate.gov     legacy WASHIINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) reconnected with members of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in a virtual Q&A to discuss the challenges that Maine small businesses are facing during the coronavirus pandemic, and his work with fellow Senators to provide additional support and certainty for these community businesses. Today's Zoom comes one day after Senator King joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The legislation includes $300 billion to support small businesses across the nation; King originally briefed the Chamber on his efforts at the outset of the pandemic in March. Maine's small business community is essential to our state, and it is vital that we all work to support them amidst these ongoing challenges, said Senator King. Over the last nine months, our small businesses have been through the wringer, adjusting on the fly to keep customers and employees safe during this pandemic while also changing their business strategies to reflect shifting consumer demands. Their work has been impressive, but these community cornerstones need more help to survive through the long winter ahead. The bipartisan coronavirus package that we negotiated for weeks and unveiled yesterday will provide that assistance, by renewing the Paycheck Protection Program and casting another lifeline to businesses in need. I'm grateful for the time of these business leaders today, and for all they do to make our state so special and I urge Maine people to shop local this holiday season. Even as the pandemic changes the way we connect, Senator King has made it a priority to engage with Maine people from all walks of life and helpful organizations to address questions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and identify remaining work to be done. In May, he held atele-town hall, inviting all Maine people to call in toll-free, to listen and respond to questions about coronavirus response efforts. Since the Senate passed theCARES Act, he … 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.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-share-details-of-two-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bills-along-with-bipartisan-bicameral-group Collins, King Share Details of Two Bipartisan Covid-19 Emergency Relief Bills Along with Bipartisan, Bicameral Group 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.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 t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-55-million-for-costs-of-mitigating-spread-of-covid-19-in-maine Senators Collins, King Announce $5.5 Million for Costs of Mitigating Spread of COVID-19 in Maine 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Independent House ME Angus King K000383 www.king.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://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-led-bill-improve-fishing-industry-safety-sent-president-s-desk Golden-led Bill to Improve Fishing Industry Safety Sent to Presidents Desk 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Legislation introduced by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to bolster safety training programs for fishermen is on its way to the president's desk to be signed into law. Golden'sFunding Introduction for Safety, Health, and Security Avoids Fishing Emergencies Act(FISH SAFE) passed the House and Senate this week and would restore important federal funding that supports the work of local organizations to offer safety training to fishermen and research safety practices. According to the CDC, more than 725 fishermen have died on the job since 2000. Fishermen go to work every day with the knowledge that they have the most dangerous job in Maine,said Congressman Golden.They do it because they love the work and they want to provide for their families. However, we continue to lose Maine fishermen at sea. The FISH SAFE Act, which we sent to the president today, will help organizations in our state work to protect lives at sea by making more training available to fishermen and researching new approaches to safety. The bipartisan legislation restores important federal funding that supports the work of local organizations to offer safety training to commercial fishermen and research safety practices. The legislation was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report that passed the House and Senate this week. Golden introduced the bill in 2019 with Republican Don Young (AK-AL). In Maine, a number of organizations, including the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, the Maine Lobstering Union, and the Maine Lobstermen's Association, already provide limited safety training to commercial fishermen in the state. The FISH SAFE Act would allow the organizations to expand their programs to reach more fishermen with a broader array of trainings. Maine Coast Fishermen's Association developed our 'Safe at Sea' program to help keep our fishermen safe and healthy on the water and at home. Safety trainings and being prepared saves lives, but we don't have the resources to reach all the fishermen we n… 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://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-nominees-us-service-academies Golden Announces Nominees for U.S. Service Academies 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.gov     legacy LEWISTON Today, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced his office's nominees to the United States Service Academiesthe U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. This group represents some of Maine's most talented, skilled and accomplished students. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic standards, and a selfless ambition to help others,said Golden.Whatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves.We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it's an honor to nominate them. The nominees were interviewed by a panel of four on their academic record, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and demonstrated commitment to serving their country. The full list of nominations is below.Contact information is available upon request. United States Naval Academy Annapolis Sawyer Carson, Belfast, Belfast Area High School Anna Drinkert, Orono, Orono High School Hope Duffy, Brownfield, Fryeburg Academy Rylee Eaton, Little Deer Isle, Deer Isle-Stonington High School Emelyn Hatch, Pittsfield, Maine Central Institute Isaac Worcester, Belgrade, Messalonskee High School United States Military Academy West Point Bryan Frost, Newburgh, Hampden Academy Isaiah Bowmaster, Turner, Foundation Faith Academy Garrett Engstrom, Alton, Old Town High School United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs Paxton Dionne, Bangor, Bangor High School Garrett Engstrom, Alton, Old Town High School Andrew Pappianne, Deer Isle, Deer Isle-Stonington High School Harrison Hartnett, Oxford, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-secures-priorities-nat-l-security-bath-shipbuilders-servicemembers-and Golden Secures Priorities for Natl Security, Bath Shipbuilders, Servicemembers and their Families in Annual Defense Spending Bill 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.gov     legacy   0 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://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-house-leaders-renew-expiring-cares-act-provisions-now Golden to House Leaders: Renew Expiring CARES Act Provisions Now 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Democrat House ME Jared Golden G000592 golden.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today sent letters to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy decrying the lack of progress on a larger COVID-19 relief package and urging them to at least develop a plan to address expiring CARES Act provisions before the end of the year. "Because we have failed to take action, we have now put ourselves in the position of confronting a new challenge on the horizon: the expiration of a range of programs and policies first authorized by the CARES Act," Golden wrote. "Addressing these particular challenges would not all require new funding, but they do require leadership and congressional action. While we should not lose sight of the need for a new round of stimulus, we would be foolish not to prepare for a situation in which the best step we can take in the next several weeks is to ensure that these important programs and authorities do not expire on December 31st." Golden's letter comes as talks for a larger coronavirus relief package continue to falter, leaving several CARES Act provisions set to expire at the end of the year. Because of expiration dates in the law, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been unable to accept new small business applications since August. On December 31st, several other critical programs will expire, including unemployment assistance, a moratorium on evictions for renters, and the ability of homeowners to defer mortgage payments. In addition, current CARES Act rules require that state and local governments must spend all Coronavirus Relief by December 31, 2020, a significant challenge for Maine schools who could better use that funding in the new year. Today's letters are just the latest in a series of actions Congressman Golden has taken to urge congressional leaders to take bipartisan action to address COVID-19 relief. In October, he voted against the second HEROES Act, a partisan bill that was not designed to gain support in both houses of Congress and argued that House leaders should stop the posturing… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
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

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