home / press

Menu
  • Search all tables

Press releases

One row per release. Full-text search runs over title + body text.

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

url
Link to the original release on the member's official site
text
Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

344 rows where state = "ME" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

party 2

  • Independent 239
  • Democrat 105

chamber 2

  • Senate 239
  • House 105

year 1

  • 2025 · 344 ✖

state 1

  • ME · 344 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-staff-up-irs-for-better-service-swifter-refunds King, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Staff Up IRS for Better Service, Swifter Refunds 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, alongside 23 of his Senate colleagues, wrote a letter urging the Trump Administration to help Americans get more responsive service and expedited refunds by restoring staff and resources at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), the independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps taxpayers resolve issues within the IRS. TAS has faced dramatic attrition since this administration began, and at its current staffing level, it faces significant challenges handling its current caseload and helping taxpayers in Maine and across the country. The Senators are urging Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent to stop hiring freezes, reduction-in-force efforts, and properly staff TAS. “TAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS […] We are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS and the ongoing hiring freeze will greatly hinder these advocates' ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help,” wrote the Senators. “Since January, the Trump Administration's deferred resignation programs and efforts to reduce the federal workforce have resulted in nearly one in four TAS advocates departing the IRS […] According to the National Taxpayer Advocates FY2026 Report to Congress, these losses of IRS customer service personnel have created "vulnerabilities in service delivery…and taxpayer assistance." We are concerned that the rapid decrease in staff will increase remaining advocate’s case load and taxpayers’ wait times for service,” the Senators continued. “According to the January 20, 2025, Presidential Memorandum, the IRS hiring freeze will remain in place until the Secretary of the Treasury determines that ending it is in the "national interest." […] We expect you agree with us that ensuring Americans can access their full tax benefits in a timely manner falls squarely within the “national interest,” the Senators concluded. In addition to Senator King, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Ba… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-biddeford-resident-former-air-force-bomber-pilot-in-new-episode-of-answering-the-call King Highlights Biddeford Resident, Former Air Force Bomber Pilot in New Episode of ‘Answering the Call’ 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices.” In the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with U.S. Air Force pilot Colonel Jen Fullmer of Biddeford, Maine. Fullmer served at various military posts around Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and flew 90 combat missions while serving on active duty. During the interview, King asked about Fullmer’s commitment to service and how she continues to provide for veterans in the community after her retirement from the service. “Jen Fullmer was one of the millions of Americans who has selflessly served our country, putting herself in harm’s way to protect Americans — and American interests — at home and abroad,” said Senator King. “However, her commitment to service and community extends far beyond the Air Force and her combat missions. Since moving to Maine, she has worked diligently to help Maine’s veterans transition to civilian life. Even more nobly, she spent countless hours helping to evacuate an Afghan national and his family, eventually resettling in Maine, who was at great risk after the United States pulled out of Afghanistan. Jen Fullmer is the very best of America and I am glad we can now preserve her story in the Library of Congress for posterity.” Jen Fullmer grew up in Wilton, Connecticut before enrolling at the University of Connecticut. While studying at UConn, Fullmer made friends with a Marine who served in Beirut. She was inspired by the camaraderie he had with his fellow Marines. This inspired her to apply — and being accepted — into a summer Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Vandenberg AFB in California. After completing the program and going back to Connecticut, she took a gap year and worked at the Connecticut State Capital. Following her year at the Connecticut State House, Fullmer enroll… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/crapo-king-introduce-bill-to-streamline-state-veterans-home-inspections Crapo, King Introduce Bill to Streamline State Veterans Home Inspections 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), both members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), have introduced bipartisan legislation to streamline redundant inspection requirements for State Veterans Homes (SVHs) nationwide. Under current law, all SVHs must undergo an annual inspection survey by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides a comprehensive assessment of safety protocols, facility condition, clinical care practices and other standards required for certification. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also conduct a nearly identical annual inspection of SVHs serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries—resulting in a roughly 75 percent overlap in the number of SVHs that face an audit from both agencies. The State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act would allow SVHs to forgo the CMS survey if they have met all the requirements of the annual VA survey. “Maine Veterans Homes and state veterans’ homes across the country are a lifeline to the brave men and women who served,” said Senator King. “However, redundant inspections hamper their ability to deliver critical services and support. The State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act is commonsense legislation that will ensure we continue to provide the highest quality of care to our veterans while streamlining administrative processes. Keeping our promise to veterans everywhere — from Maine to Idaho — should never be partisan and I’m grateful to partner with Senator Crapo on this issue.” “Overlapping survey requirements take time and resources away from the core mission of State Veterans Homes — providing care to our nation’s heroes,” said Crapo. “We must remove unnecessary administrative burdens and allow for a more streamlined certification process, all without compromising the quality of care veterans deserve.” The CMS survey has been found to be 90 percent identical to the clinical life and safety sections of the VA inspection survey. The VA survey is c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-s-bipartisan-permitting-reform-bill-passes-house Golden’s bipartisan permitting reform bill passes House 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today celebrated the House’s passage of his bipartisan Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. The bill, which he first introduced with Republican House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) in July, would modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to accelerate federal approval of energy development and other construction projects. The SPEED Act passed 221-196. It is endorsed by more than 300 local, state, and national organizations, including the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast. The City of Bangor previously submitted a letter of support to the House Natural Resources Committee to describe the bill’s benefits to airport operations at Bangor International Airport. “The simplest way to make energy, housing, and other essentials more affordable is to make it possible to actually produce enough of it at a reasonable cost. America’s broken permitting system is standing in the way,” Golden said. “The SPEED Act has united workers, businesses, and political forces who usually oppose each other because scarcity hurts everyone, and these reforms represent the lowest hanging fruit in a permitting reform debate that’s been happening for years. I’m grateful to Chairman Westerman for his good-faith partnership throughout this process, and today’s vote sends a clear message to the Senate: The window is finally open to fix our permitting process, so let’s meet the moment.” The legislation includes a Golden amendment that would block the executive branch from revoking energy permits after approval. Both Presidents Trump and Biden have embraced this tactic to block projects they disapprove of — even those in the final stages of completion. His amendment followed feedback from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, which helped boost the bill’s bipartisan support. Golden has previously spoken at length about the need to fix America’s broken permitting system, i… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kings-bipartisan-mapwaters-act-heads-to-presidents-desk King’s Bipartisan MAPWaters Act Heads to President’s Desk 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), and John Barrasso (R-WY) expressed their appreciation to their Senate colleagues for unanimously passing their bipartisan legislation that will increase public access to all available information about federal waterways. The MAPWaters Act will standardize, consolidate, and publish the digital data related to public recreation on America’s federal waterways. The MAPWaters Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year, and it now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “Maine people across the state, and Americans across the country, enjoy recreating on federal waterways like those in Acadia National Park,” said Senator King, Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. “The bipartisan MAPWaters Act would combine all the available information about federal waterways into a one-stop resource containing information about recreation and navigation that you can hold in the palm of your hand. This legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine’s federal waterways can do so safely and responsibly.” “Today is a great day for all Americans who enjoy recreating on our federal lands and public waterways,” said Senator Barrasso. “Wyoming is home to more than 108,000 miles of rivers, and countless more lakes, ponds, and streams that help create our state’s unique system of waterways. The bipartisan MAPWaters Act will ensure the most accurate information is available and easily accessible to everyone who visits our federal lands. Sportsmen and women who enjoy Wyoming’s waters will benefit from access to up-to-date data of this wonderful resource.” Information about access to federal waterways, including restrictions on boating, commercial and sport fishing, and seasonal or tidal depth changes, can be difficult or impossible to access in a timely and convenient fashion. The MAPWaters Act will synthesize this important data, allowing the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backed-legislation-strengthening-national-security-and-maine-economy-signed-into-law King-Backed Legislation Strengthening National Security and Maine Economy Signed into Law 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — The bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the Senate in a 77-20 vote and now heads to the White House to be signed into law. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI), Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), and cofounder of the Senate Arctic Caucus, has been working with his colleagues this entire year to secure strong investments in Maine’s economy and America’s national defense. This final legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs. Earlier this year, Senator King led the Senate Armed Services Committee in supporting bipartisan measures for the finalized legislation for the Senate version of the bill. The legislation includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, continued monitoring of brain health among servicemembers, aggressive policies to strengthen America’s cybersecurity, and provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence. “For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, the Senate is continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill for the Department of Defense (DoD) that will make our nation safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our country faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country. “There are many important provisions in this legislation – including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defense,” continued Senator King. “All told, t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-lashes-out-at-dishonest-va-staffing-cuts King Lashes Out at “Dishonest” VA Staffing Cuts 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) released the below statement following exclusive new reporting in the Washington Post claiming that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be eliminating as many as 35,000 mostly unfilled healthcare positions, including some in Maine: “After months of deflecting, dissembling, and doublespeak, there are now reports of damaging staffing cuts at the Veterans Administration (VA) – and as many as 35,000 health care positions could be eliminated in the upcoming weeks. “Abraham Lincoln outlined the mission of the VA in his second inaugural address when he said it is America’s responsibility ‘to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.’ And since its founding in 1930, the VA has worked to repay the debt we, as a country, owe to the servicemembers who defend our principles. “That is why the news that this administration is hollowing out this hallowed agency is a disservice to everyone who has worn the uniform. Cutting staff means more than cutting positions – it means cutting services and denying timely care to those who have earned these benefits. And it means asking the selfless medical professionals and support staff at the VA to do more with less. The VA has never enjoyed the budget it deserves or a smooth agency-wide, integrated process, but to be rewarded with crippling staffing cuts will cause serious physical and mental harm to our veterans. “Now that they are being questioned about these cuts, the administration is trying to claim these are merely vacant positions that are going to be done away with. But to anyone who has walked into any business with a ‘help wanted’ sign on the window and faced slow or shoddy service, we know that an unfilled job is not an unnecessary job – especially when the VA Inspector General’s office found a severe nationwide staff shortage earlier this year. So rather than stepping up for our veterans, this White House is cut… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-led-legislation-signed-into-law-will-help-military-life-insurance-keep-up-with-inflation King-led Legislation Signed into Law, Will Help Military Life Insurance Keep Up with Inflation 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) are celebrating the signing into law of their bipartisan bill, which to help adjust military life insurance for servicemembers and their families to account for cost-of-living increases and inflation. The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act will help ensure the maximum group insurance available to servicemembers and veterans account for increases in cost of living. From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for servicemembers and veterans remained static, lagging far behind inflation rates. This law will strengthen the financial safety net for veterans, servicemembers, and their families by requiring a report to the U.S. Veterans’ Affairs Department, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding cost-of-living increases and inflation rates every five years to ensure they don’t go years without assessing inflation rates. “Our servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service,” said Senator King. “With the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living — giving more peace of mind to military families as they increasingly face the difficulties of an unstable economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues, and the President for signing a bill into law that honors our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.” “We need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m grateful to President Trump for his unwavering support of our brave men and women in uniform and for signing this bill into law, which … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-s-bill-to-restore-federal-workers-collective-bargaining-rights-passes-house-in-bipartisan-231-195-vote Golden’s bill to restore federal workers’ collective bargaining rights passes House in bipartisan 231-195 vote 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives today voted 231-195 to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), legislation by Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) to repeal a presidential executive order that stripped union rights from roughly 1 million federal workers. Twenty Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the bill’s final passage. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate in September with bipartisan support. “Federal workers show up on the job every day to do the people’s work, and their limited collective bargaining rights are critical to protecting them from unfair treatment and political interference,” Golden said after the bill’s passage. “I’m proud of the strong, bipartisan coalition that came together to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act in the House, and I urge the Senate to quickly take up this bill and join us in standing up for workers.” (Click here for video of Golden’s remarks on the floor during initial debate on Wednesday) “Today, the House took an important bipartisan step on behalf of America’s workers. The right to be heard in one’s workplace may appear basic, but it carries great weight — it ensures that the people who serve our nation have a seat at the table when decisions shape their work and their mission,” Fitzpatrick said. “This bill moves us closer to restoring that fundamental protection for nearly one million federal employees, many of them veterans. I will always fight for our workers, and I call on the Senate to help ensure these protections are fully reinstated.” Golden and Fitzpatrick introduced PAWA in April. After months of inaction by House majority leadership, they shepherded the bill’s passage via discharge petition — a legislative maneuver that allows members to bring popular bills to the House floor when House leadership refuses to schedule a vote. In November, the discharge petition obtained its 218th signature, clearing the threshold to bring PAWA up for a vote over the Speaker’s objections. While su… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-on-senate-votes-to-extend-healthcare-tax-credits-for-americans King Releases Statement on Senate Votes to Extend Healthcare Tax Credits for Americans 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement after two votes both failed to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which will now result in increased healthcare costs for all Americans: “Americans of all regions and political views agree that health care costs are already too high. Yet, healthcare premiums will increase yet again in just 20 days. “Today’s votes represented a choice: a simple extension of the current health care insurance tax credits to stabilize costs or a complicated proposal that will not address the impending premium increases and threatens reproductive health. “As I have made clear, my priority is helping Maine people manage their healthcare costs and lower their cost of living. That is why one of the first bills I cosponsored this year was the Health Care Affordability Act to permanently extend the enhanced Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) — tax subsidies that lower monthly premiums for people buying their own health insurance, which will expire at the end of this year. “It is estimated that without an extension, nearly 20,000 Maine people could lose insurance, the uninsured rate would increase by 5%, and the average annual premium increase for Maine people relying on PTCs would be $3,100. “We must not let that happen. I will continue to seek a bipartisan solution.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-fitzpatrick-bill-to-restore-federal-workers-union-rights-clears-key-house-hurdle-teeing-up-final-votes-tomorrow Golden-Fitzpatrick bill to restore federal workers’ union rights clears key House hurdle, teeing up final votes tomorrow 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives voted 222-200 tonight to approve an effort by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to force Speaker Mike Johnson to hold a vote on the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), his bipartisan bill to repeal a presidential executive order that stripped union rights from roughly 1 million federal workers. The House began debate tonight following the vote on Golden’s Motion to Discharge the bill. A vote on the final passage of PAWA is expected to take place tomorrow. Tonight’s vote is the culmination of months of work with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), the bill’s lead GOP cosponsor. Together, they garnered 226 cosponsors for PAWA and assembled a majority of Members to sign a discharge petition forcing floor action. “President Trump said ending collective bargaining was about protecting our national defense. But in my District, many affected workers build our warships and care for our veterans. These workers make our country safer and stronger every day. America did not vote to silence these workers, but this bill gives all of us a chance to restore their voices,” Golden said. “... If the majority we built over the past few months sticks together, we can overturn this union-busting executive order, and we can show America that this body will protect workers' rights.” “Today’s vote is a reminder of what this House can accomplish when we honor its purpose and allow the people’s will to move forward. A bipartisan majority affirmed that protecting America’s security and respecting America’s workers are not competing priorities — they are inseparable,” Fitzpatrick said. “Federal workers, many of whom are veterans, are the backbone of our public service. When they have a voice in the decisions that shape their work, our government is more stable, more capable, and better prepared to serve the American people. I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Golden in leading this bipartisan effort. Tomorrow, let’s carry this unity across the finish line, and restore the rights that kee… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-to-support-servicemembers-shipbuilding-by-passing-national-defense-authorization-act-ndaa Golden votes to support servicemembers, shipbuilding by passing National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House in a 312-112 vote. In addition to providing authorization for funds necessary to protect America and provide for our troops, the bill increases troop pay and includes funding for the construction of destroyers built at Bath Iron Works. “It’s heartening to see Congress support not only our troops, but American shipbuilding and the critical role it plays in our national security,” Golden said. “Our service members deserve salaries that let them keep up with the cost of living. And when Maine shipbuilders are awarded work, they can ensure the Navy gets more of the best ships on the planet. Now that the House has passed this critical legislation, I hope the Senate moves quickly and sends it to the president.” The bill provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members and increases the additional pay they receive when separated from their families by deployment. It also includes a $1.4 billion increase for new construction of barracks and family housing, and increases access to specialty medical care by lowering the threshold for travel reimbursement from 100 miles to 75 miles. It also includes multiple wins for Maine that Golden secured in the waning hours of committee negotiations last month, such as funding for two DDG-51 destroyers that are typically built by Bath Iron Works (BIW). ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-led-effort-to-restore-transparency-in-public-health-passes-first-procedural-hurdle King-Led Effort to Restore Transparency in Public Health Passes First Procedural Hurdle 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke on the Senate floor to restore transparency in public health via a congressional disapproval resolution. Senator King led the effort to reverse the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) April 2025 decision to halt public comment in a Senate procedure under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Today’s bipartisan, procedural vote passed 50-49 and will lead to a final Senate vote on the motion. Before the vote, Senator King stood on the Senate floor and encouraged his colleagues to stand up for open government and against “radical obfuscation” of public health decisions. “Mr. President, this is a nonpartisan CRA, which doesn't happen around here all that often. This is basically just public participation and good government. “When the Administrative Procedure Act was passed in 1947, the Department of Health and Human Services didn't exist. And for about a dozen years, it didn't have much in the way of responsibility. And so, it was exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act that apply to public comment and public input on significant decisions, in agencies that apply throughout the federal government. “In the early 70's, Elliott Richardson who was the Secretary of Health and Human Services for President Nixon, issued a waiver for the exemption. Basically, what we found is that the Health and Human Services Department was vastly expanded after Medicare, Medicaid, and the other responsibilities that had been placed in that department, so, he said, in effect, we will we subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, and we'll notice the major activities that we're going to do to the public, and we'll allow public comment. It's not a veto, it's just a simple transparency of, here's what our activity is going to entail, and allow the public to comment. And that's been the law for 54 years. Through six Republican presidents, including Ronald Reagan and the first administration of Donald Trump. “In March of this year, Secretary Ken… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-to-the-united-states-military-service-academies Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination. “We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation’s distinguished service academies,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character.” The following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King: United States Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs Name Home Town High School Benjamin Abbott Winslow Winslow High School Thomas Carmack Veazie John Bapst Memorial High School Courtney Christoforo Saco Thornton Academy Adrian Dyer Easton Lee Academy Toby Foelix Camden Lexington High School, MA Connor Grant Houlton Houlton High School Nathan Hersom Rockland Oceanside High School Patrick Hopkins Winslow Winslow High School Jacob Lennon Albion Lawrence High School Jennifer Lorbeski Richmond Gardiner Area High School James Mannette Windham Windham High School Ryan Moore Bangor Phillips Exeter Academy, NH John Pepin Rumford Mountain Valley High School Ira Toracinta Kittery St. Thomas Aquinas High School United States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point Name Home Town High School Ethan Roger Boucher Rumford Mountain Valley High Andrew Cloutier Lyman Massabesic High School Keenan Collett Orono Orono High School Thomas Lawson Gorham Cheverus High School Jacob Lennon Albion Lawrence High School James Mannette Windham Windham High School Dylan Roberts Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Adam Sciretta Bath Annandale High School, VA… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-moves-to-force-vote-this-week-on-bill-to-restore-federal-workers-union-rights Golden moves to force vote this week on bill to restore federal workers’ union rights 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) took the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to provide notice to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson of his intent to force a vote on the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), his bipartisan bill to repeal a presidential executive order that stripped union rights from federal workers. “This bill’s cosponsors, Democrats and Republicans alike, know that collective bargaining brings fairness, dignity and respect to the workplace. They also know that without these rights, federal workers are more vulnerable to unfair treatment and political interference,” Golden said. “I’m calling on Speaker Johnson to hold a clean, up-or-down vote on the Protect America’s Workforce Act, so that Congress can show workers that we’ve got their backs.” Golden introduced PAWA in April, with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) as the lead GOP cosponsor. After months of inaction on the floor, in July Golden and Fitzpatrick initiated a discharge petition and set to work building support to force a vote in the House. In November, the discharge petition obtained its 218th signature, clearing the threshold to bring PAWA up for a vote over the Speaker’s objections. The Speaker now has two legislative days to hold a vote on the motion to discharge PAWA. If that motion is successful, the House will consider the bill. Signatories to the discharge petition included nearly the entire Democratic caucus and five Republicans who cosponsored the bill: Fitzpatrick, Don Bacon (NE-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Nick LaLota (NY-01) and Mike Lawler (NY-17). Four additional Republicans did not sign the discharge petition but are cosponsors of PAWA: Reps. Mike Turner (OH-10), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) and Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07). “The labor movement fought back against the largest act of union-busting in American history by doing what we do best: organizing," said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. "We commend Reps. Golden and Fitzpatrick for leading us to a vote on the Protect America’s Workfo… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blasts-national-park-services-aim-to-whitewash-our-history King Blasts National Park Service’s Aim to “Whitewash Our History” 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the National Parks Subcommittee, laid out his concerns over the rewriting and whitewashing of history within the National Park Service by the Trump Administration. During his opening remarks, he noted that while it is important to celebrate the triumphs of America, it is just as crucial to recognize — and learn from — our mistakes as a nation. Earlier this year, the Administration moved to scrub signs from national park and historic sites that could cast a “negative light” on American history. Additionally, the Administration announced this past week that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Juneteenth would be removed as free entry days and replaced with President Trump’s birthday. Senator King began, “I'm also worried and concerned about the effort to whitewash our history - to rewrite history within the National Park system. Our history is a country of 250 years. We have had triumphs. We have had great, prideful moments. We have had accomplishments, heroism, a lot to be proud of, relish, and learn about. But we also have some dark parts of our history. Like any history. We are not too excited about those, but they have to be addressed. Slavery, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, segregation, the treatment of Native Americans in our history. Those are things we can't avoid –we can't forget — and we don't want to forget. I recently finished a biography of the Roman statesman Cicero, and he had something that stuck with me. He said, “to not know your history, to not know history is to live your whole life as a child.” In other words, you are giving away a lot of human knowledge if you don't understand history. These chapters in our history, which we aren't proud of, we have to understand and learn from them and never repeat them. “A couple of years ago I was at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany. I met a young man, and we were chatting. He shared something that was … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-65-million-for-economic-development-projects-across-maine Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $6.5 Million for Economic Development Projects Across Maine 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins—Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee—and Angus King announced that 10 Maine organizations will receive a total of $6,541,337 to support important development projects. The funding comes from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Fiscal Year 2025 Catalyst Program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act (IIJA). Senator Collins was one of 10 senators who negotiated the IIJA. “The NBRC has long helped provide rural regions with the economic tools they need to prosper,” said Senators Collins and King. “This funding will help improve critical infrastructure in communities across our state while strengthening our workforce and creating economic opportunities for Mainers.” Specifically, the funding is allocated as follows: Bangor YMCA - $1,000,000 Caribou Utilities District - $1,000,000 Monmouth Water Association - $1,000,000 Outdoor Sports Institute - $1,000,000 Town of Jonesport - $799,615 Friends of Veterans Memorial Library - $606,691 Maine Development Foundation - $500,000 Center for Entrepreneurial Studies - $499,869 Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems - $100,000 Hancock County Planning Commission - $35,162 A detailed description of all funded projects can be read here. The NBRC was established by Congress in 2008, with Senator Collins’ and King’s support, to fund a broad range of development projects in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York aimed at alleviating economic distress and encouraging private sector job creation. In 2023, Senator Collins introduced and Senator King co-sponsored legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the NBRC. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-maine-fishermen-push-trade-commission-for-fair-fishing-rules-in-gray-zone Golden, Maine fishermen push trade commission for fair fishing rules in Gray Zone 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Ahead of two Maine fishermen’s testimonies to the International Trade Commission (ITC) today, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) submitted a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer calling for fairer fishing rules between Maine and Canadian fishermen in the Gray Zone — a 277 square-mile area of ocean near Machias Seal Island that is fished by both countries and remains one of America’s only contested maritime borders. The push comes as the ITC gathers stakeholder input from across industries to inform the White House and Congress on potential changes needed to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The trade deal, set to expire in 2036, requires the countries to explore a potential 16-year extension to preserve the arrangement until 2052. This review is mandated for July 2026. Golden voted against the USMCA in 2019, and is pushing for more parity between American and Canadian fishing regulations in the Gray Zone as a condition of any extension. “The United States government should do everything in its power to ensure that our fishermen are not at a competitive disadvantage and deprived of economic opportunity,” Golden wrote in his letter to Greer. “Maine’s seafood harvesters have been awaiting a resolution to the Gray Zone for too long and at great consequence to their safety, their businesses, and the natural resources they depend on.” Golden has previously written to President Trump about the steeper regulations Maine fishermen face compared to their Canadian competitors in the Gray Zone. Some of these rule disparities include the lack of a maximum size limit for catchable lobster for Canadians; Canada’s refusal to follow Mainers’ practice of marking egg-bearing females as off-limits; the American-only requirement to use expensive, weaker fishing gear to prevent right-whale entanglements; and a months-longer season for scallop harvesting for Canadians. Golden submitted his letter along with testimony from Virginia Olsen and Dustin Delano, two Maine harvesters who serve as t… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-slam-latest-efforts-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education King, Colleagues Slam Latest Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King joined a letter with a number of his colleagues to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon slamming the Department’s recent announcement that it has signed interagency agreements (IAAs) to illegally outsource core functions that students and their families rely on to four other federal agencies. In the letter, the senators called on the Secretary to reverse these latest steps that would further erode the Department of Education. Earlier this year, Senator King criticized an executive order from the Trump Administration to dismantle the Department of Education, saying “it could cost our children untold damage in their lives.” The senators began, “The actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on. Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department—including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding—will undermine public education.” “Let’s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families. We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students,” wrote the senators. “We expect you to work with Congress to pursue any ideas to streamline programs and improve public education, as the law and the Constitution require, and you have yourself stated you would do in your confirmation hearing. … Congress has unambiguously a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-introduces-bill-to-support-farmers-affected-by-pfas-0 Maine Delegation introduces bill to support farmers affected by PFAS 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — In a bipartisan, bicameral effort to provide vital assistance to farmers affected by toxic “forever chemicals,” also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) reintroduced the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act. The legislation would authorize grants for states to provide financial assistance to affected farmers, expand monitoring and testing, remediate PFAS, or even help farmers relocate. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and Congressman Jared Golden (D-Maine) are original cosponsors of the legislation. PFAS are man-made chemicals that are used in industry and consumer products and can lead to serious health effects, including cancer, reproductive and developmental harms, and weakened immune systems. In Maine, there have been more than 30,000 records of PFAS at close to 250 sites across the state. Maine farmers have had their livelihoods disrupted due to PFAS contamination, which originated in sludge that was spread as fertilizer by farmers who were told by the government that it was safe to use. “USDA must provide support to our nation’s farmers, who through no fault of their own are at risk of losing their livelihoods,” said Senator Collins. “In the past, the federal government’s response has failed to keep pace with this growing problem. Our bipartisan legislation would direct USDA to help by providing financial assistance and expanding PFAS monitoring and testing where it is needed most.” “The PFAS crisis isn’t some theoretical or distant problem. It’s here, it’s growing, and it’s putting real pressure on farmers in Maine and across the country,” said Pingree, a longtime farmer and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. “For farmers already navigating thin margins, discovering ‘forever chemicals’ on their land can mean lost income, unusable land, and questions about the safety of their crops and livestock. They deserve federal support that matches the scale of the crisis. Our Relief for Fa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-vas-electronic-records-are-a-debacle King: VA’s Electronic Records Are a “Debacle” 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), spoke with Alyssa Hundrup, Director of Health Care at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), about the importance of streamlining information-sharing between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and community care providers. During the exchange, Senator King pointed toward the difficulties associated with the current electronic medical records system used by the VA, calling it a “debacle,” asking why proven private sector methods aren’t being used, and raised the question of what role artificial intelligence (AI) could play in helping create a more cohesive information stream. Director Hundrup agreed with Senator King’s analysis that AI has the potential to create a more efficient system that would benefit veterans’ care. “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to emphasize what Sen. Sheehy just said. As I looked over my notes and questions, it comes back to decent electronic medical records. We talked about coordination with community care. Good electronic medical records. Coordination with veterans coming out of the defense department. Decent electronic medical records. And everything comes back to that. Overprescribing, or prescribing polypharmacy where there's conflicts and danger, that’s where you get — that won't happen if you have decent medical records. So, every practitioner that sees a veteran sees the same information about what they’re taking, what they’ve been prescribed, what their history is, all of that necessary background. The development of electronic medical records for the Department of Defense and the VA has been a national debacle. We are spending billions of dollars, it is still not working, it hasn’t been tested, people don't like it. I never understood frankly while we did not use the same system that is already on the shelf for thousands of hospitals across the country. Why are we inventing a new system for these patients? Sorry about the speech, but Senator Sheehy provoke… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-passing-of-world-war-ii-veteran-charles-shay King Statement on the Passing of World War II Veteran Charles Shay 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement following the passing of Charles Shay, a member of the Penobscot tribe who served as an Army medic during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery carrying critically wounded soldiers to safety during the D-Day invasion in 1944, and was a recipient of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award. Shay passed away at 101 at his home in Bretteville-L’Orgueilleuse in France’s Normandy region. “I was honored to meet and get to know Charles Shay both at his home on Indian Island and on the beaches of Normandy, at the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Charles Shay was a world-class individual who gave honor to his home state, to his tribe, to his family, and to the people of America. I know he's going to be missed by his many friends and admirers around the country, but especially on Indian Island. My warmest wishes go out to his many family and friends, and it was an honor for me to have an opportunity to meet and get to know one of Maine's most distinguished citizens.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-bipartisan-group-of-lawmakers-push-for-faster-release-of-liheap-funds Golden, bipartisan group of lawmakers push for faster release of LIHEAP funds 2025-11-25 2025 2025-11 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) led a bipartisan group of 44 lawmakers calling on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to distribute Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to states by November 30, 2025. States typically receive their LIHEAP allocations in early November following the beginning of the fiscal year in October. However, the recent government shutdown delayed disbursement of these critical funds that help roughly 6 million Americans — including 45,000 Mainers — heat their homes. “We appreciate the agency’s notification that LIHEAP funds should be received by LIHEAP recipients by the end of the month, especially as parts of the country begin to experience colder weather and temperatures below freezing,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is vital that LIHEAP funds are delivered as quickly as possible to the nearly six million households that rely on this assistance.” They continued, “Given that the heating season has already started in many parts of the country, we agree that there is no time to waste… The risk is especially great for households that rely on home heating oil or propane to warm their homes. While many states include moratoriums on utility shutoffs during winter months, they cannot require independent heating oil or propane suppliers to continue deliveries without payment before or upon delivery.” Golden has pushed back against Secretary Kennedy repeatedly this year for his management of LIHEAP, particularly regarding his decision to fire the program’s entire staff this spring. He helped lead a letter with more than 80 colleagues calling for the protection of LIHEAP and the rehiring of the staff who manage it. In light of concerns about LIHEAP’s ability to operate without dedicated staff, the lawmakers wrote, “If disbursement is expected to be delayed past November 30, 2025, as indicated by the agency, we request that HHS immediately distribute an ini… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-track-benefits-of-preventive-health-care-legislation King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Track Benefits of Preventive Health Care Legislation 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King — with a number of his bipartisan colleagues — has introduced bipartisan legislation to better measure the cost savings that come with improved investments in preventive health care for Maine people. The Preventive Health Savings Act would instruct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to fully study the costs and benefits that could be seen with proposed preventive health care legislation. CBO analyses are essential benchmarks that members of Congress use to determine the cost of legislation to the American taxpayer. By taking a longer-term view into consideration past the current 10-year window and incorporating prevention interventions into CBO scoring, Congress could make more informed decisions and better measure the return on investment of Americans getting ahead of health problems before they get more serious and costly. “I often say, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to keep Maine people healthy and save money for patients and taxpayers alike, and as we work to expand this care, we must first learn how we can best measure it,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Preventive Health Savings Act will allow Congress a more complete view of how preventative healthcare legislation can help patients stay healthy and cut costs. The cheapest surgery or treatment is the one that we avoid by getting ahead of the issue, and this bill is a simple step to reduce health care expenses, save taxpayer dollars and support Americans’ long-term health.” “It is important we have a clear, long-term picture of the return on investment from preventive health care measures,” said Senator Crapo. “Removing current CBO limitations benefits any future health care reform and helps pave the way for additional preventive measures that save lives and reduce costs.” “Preventive care and early detection can help patients live longer and healthier lives while also saving on long-term costs for everything from treatments to hospital … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-s-bipartisan-permitting-reform-bill-passes-house-natural-resources-committee Golden’s bipartisan permitting reform bill passes House Natural Resources Committee 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today celebrated the House Natural Resources Committee’s passage of his bipartisan Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, which he first introduced with Republican Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) in July. The bill, which would modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to accelerate federal approval of energy development and other construction projects, was approved with bipartisan support by a vote of 25-18. “America’s broken permitting system is delaying investments in the basics we need — energy, transportation and housing. These delays keep costs high and hold back America’s economy,” Golden said. “Both parties have agreed on this problem for years, and today’s support from the Committee gives me hope that Congress is finally ready to take the win. I’m grateful to Chairman Westerman for his commitment to earning bipartisan support for our bill, and I’m ready to get this passed on the House floor.” In an effort to create certainty for all forms of energy production, Golden also submitted an amendment that would block the executive branch from revoking energy permits after approval. Both Presidents Trump and Biden have embraced this tactic to block projects they disapprove of — even if the projects are in the final stages of completion. His amendment passed the Committee unanimously. Before the vote, the City of Bangor submitted a letter of support to the Committee, describing how many of the bill’s provisions would benefit airport operations around the country, including at Bangor International Airport (BGR): “These reforms would directly support airports such as BGR by enabling timely progress on projects ranging from traditional safety-and capacity-driven infrastructure to energy-resilience initiatives such as our planned on-airport solar farm,” wrote Airport Director Jose Saavedra, C.M. “Streamlining NEPA requirements, while preserving necessary environmental protections, will help ensure that airports can adv… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-collins-urgently-request-certainty-on-tariffs-for-maines-forest-products-industry King, Collins Urgently Request Certainty on Tariffs for Maine’s Forest Products Industry 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are urgently requesting tariff relief for Maine’s forest products industry. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the Maine Senators called for prompt support to Maine’s forest product manufacturers, many of whom are struggling with added costs because of the tariffs. The Maine forest products industry is deeply interconnected with Canada. Last year alone, Maine exported roughly 2 million tons of wood. Similarly, and within the same time frame, Maine imported 2.3 million tons of wood. “We are gravely concerned about the impact of the tariffs imposed on imports of timber and lumber on the forest products industry. This industry is part of Maine’s heritage, boosting our state’s economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in rural communities, and providing essential products to consumers across the United States. As such, we request that the Administration provide immediate and meaningful relief to this industry, which is already struggling to survive,” the Senators wrote. They continued, “We are aware that the Administration is considering measures to provide aid to agricultural industries that cannot weather the headwinds in global markets as a result of the tariffs. Accordingly, we believe that the forestry products industry should be eligible and included in any relief program. Maine’s mills require certainty and predictability to plan, and the added costs from the tariffs are raising prices that they cannot absorb in a competitive global marketplace. The potential of retaliatory tariffs also poses a devasting threat.” “In closing, we are supportive of the Administration’s goal to strengthen domestic manufacturing and the U.S. forestry industry. However, as trade negotiations continue, we ask that you provide prompt relief to our hardworking forestry product manufacturers so they can thrive now… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-effort-to-repeal-provision-allowing-lawmakers-to-sue-justice-department-for-phone-surveillance King Cosponsors Effort to Repeal Provision Allowing Lawmakers to Sue Justice Department for Phone Surveillance 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside 27 of his colleagues, has introduced legislation to prevent the special protection of lawmakers in federal investigations. The Anti-Cash Grab Act would repeal a provision — quietly added at the last minute into the Senate government funding bill — that would award $500,000 or more in damages to senators whose records were lawfully obtained by the Department of Justice (DOJ) if their cases are successful in a court of law. The bill comes after the Senate Judiciary Committee released FBI records related to “Arctic Frost,” a 2021 investigation into efforts to overthrow the 2020 election. During the investigation, former Special Counsel Jack Smith legally subpoenaed the phone records of eight Republican senators, as well as hundreds of Republican officials, activists and organizations. “The American people deserve transparency and accountability, and that’s what we ought to be delivering — not sneaking 11th hour provisions into a bill to end the longest running government shutdown in our nation’s history,” said Senator King. “The Anti-Cash Grab Act makes it crystal clear that lawmakers should not be granted special privileges when federal investigations legally look into their activities. Period. This was a bad faith provision that has created a bipartisan outcry, and I’m urging all my colleagues to support efforts to overturn it.” The Anti-Cash Grab Act is sponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI.), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT.), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brain Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-to-release-epstein-files Golden votes to release Epstein files 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted today for H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would require the Department of Justice to publicly release all unclassified materials from its investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. The bill passed the House by a vote of 427-1. Today’s vote was forced by a discharge petition signed by Golden and a majority of the House after months of resistance from President Trump and House Republican leaders. “These files should obviously be released. And it never should have been this hard,” Golden said. The Epstein Files Transparency Act mandates the Department of Justice to publish a searchable, downloadable compilation of all its files on Epstein within 30 days. Within 15 days, the Department must report to Congress on any information redacted to protect victims’ personal information and active federal investigations. Golden has long called for the release of the Epstein files as a means of transparency and accountability. He praised a subpoena against the Department of Justice by a House Oversight subcommittee this summer, and later reiterated the need for a public release while questioning the Trump Administration’s resistance to doing so. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-on-majority-leader-thune-to-immediately-bring-epstein-files-transparency-act-to-floor-for-vote King, Colleagues Call on Majority Leader Thune to Immediately Bring Epstein Files Transparency Act to Floor for Vote 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today joined dozens of his Senate colleagues in a letter urging Republican leadership to immediately vote on legislation aimed at releasing the Epstein files. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), the Caucus calls on the Majority Leader to bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which passed the House of Representatives earlier today 427-1, to the Senate floor as soon as possible for a vote. The bill would require the Department of Justice to release all documents and records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency with the American people and justice for the victims. “As you know, despite promises from then-candidate Donald Trump, the current Trump Administration DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), President Trump, and his subordinates have obfuscated, misdirected, and obstructed efforts in both the Senate and the House to secure release of the Epstein files. In 2024, President Trump stated on the campaign trail that he would “declassify” the Epstein files. Attorney General Bondi, once confirmed by the Senate, indicated that the Epstein client list was “sitting on my desk right now to review.” However, President Trump and his Administration have not kept their promises,” the senators wrote. “Newly released emails raise serious questions about President Trump’s knowledge of, and possible complicity in, Epstein’s crimes. In 2011, Epstein emailed Maxwell, ‘that dog that hasn’t barked is trump.. [victim] spent hours at my house with him ,, [sic] he has never once been mentioned.’ In 2019, Epstein again referenced President Trump, stating ‘of course he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.’ These revelations further demonstrate the urgent need for the Trump Administration to provide transparency and release the full Epstein files,” the senators continued. “Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has responsibly acted to provide transparency on this matter – we call on… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-s-bill-to-restore-federal-workers-union-rights-clears-threshold-to-force-house-action Golden’s bill to restore federal workers’ union rights clears threshold to force House action 2025-11-17 2025 2025-11 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — A bipartisan bill by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to repeal an executive order that stripped federal workers’ union rights is on track for a vote in the House after months of delay by Speaker Mike Johnson. The Protect America’s Workforce Act of 2025, which has enough cosponsors to indicate it would easily pass a floor vote, has languished since Golden introduced it with Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) in April. In June, Golden launched a discharge petition for the bill, which allows a majority of the House to force a vote on a piece of legislation if a majority of Congress signs it. Today, GOP Congressmen Nick LaLota (NY-01) and Mike Lawler (NY-17) signed the petition, bringing the total number of signatures to 218 — the number required to force House action. “America never voted to eliminate workers’ union rights, and the strong bipartisan support for my bill shows that Congress will not stand idly by while President Trump nullifies federal workers’ collective bargaining agreements and rolls back generations of labor law,” Golden said. “I’m grateful to Reps. LaLota and Lawler for bringing this discharge petition over the finish line, and I’m calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to schedule a clean, up-or-down vote on this bill.” The bill would nullify President Trump’s March 27th Executive Order ending collective bargaining rights for roughly 1 million unionized federal employees across several agencies. Since Golden introduced the bipartisan bill in April, it has garnered bipartisan support from 222 members of Congress, including seven Republicans. Five of those Republicans — Reps. Fitzpatrick, LaLota, Lawler, Don Bacon (NE-02) and Robert Bresnahan (PA-08) — crossed the aisle to join House Democrats in signing the discharge petition. “The labor movement fought back against the largest act of union busting in American history by doing what we do best: organizing. Working people built a bipartisan coalition to restore union rights to federal workers in the face of unprecedented attacks … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-lead-bipartisan-push-for-release-of-visas-to-support-small-businesses King, Rounds Lead Bipartisan Push for Release of Visas to Support Small Businesses 2025-11-14 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) are leading a bipartisan push for the release of supplemental H-2B seasonal employment visas to support small businesses across the United States. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer that Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) also joined in signing, King, Rounds and their colleagues call on the Administration to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for fiscal year (FY) 2026. H-2B visas fill workforce needs for American small businesses that are unable to hire enough American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions – and bipartisan research shows employing these workers boosts wages across the board. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions; when the local workforce is insufficient, the H-2B visa program is seen as a necessary tool to support local economies. With Maine continuing to experience a shortage of seasonal and temporary employees, these nonimmigrant visas provide a lifeline for the economy and ensure small businesses can meet the demand for their products and services. “These visas will allow employers to supplement their U.S. workforce to keep their businesses open, as well as provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months,” wrote the senators. “Chronic labor shortages—faced by seasonal U.S. employers throughout the nation’s history—have been exacerbated by the post-pandemic evolution of the American workforce. As this need grows, so does the pressure on U.S. workers, whose employers’ workforce needs cannot be met with American workers alone. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Gover… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-warn-of-dangerous-spike-in-street-homelessness-if-administration-makes-proposed-changes-to-homelessness-support-system King, Colleagues Warn of “Dangerous Spike in Street Homelessness” if Administration Makes Proposed Changes to Homelessness Support System 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined dozens of his Senate colleagues urging the Trump Administration to reconsider anticipated changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, federal assistance that provides a wide range of housing and services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, King his colleagues urged HUD to immediately halt these harmful – and potentially illegal – changes that could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced back onto the streets. “HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year [Notice of Funding Opportunity], and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously,” the senators wrote. “For months, we have heard from countless front-line workers, faith-based and non-profit service providers, mayors, and governors who have been frantically attempting to navigate HUD’s actions and anxiously waiting for HUD to provide details around the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes. For months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress’s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for fiscal year 2025 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time.,” the senators continued. “HUD’s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,00… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-to-reopen-government-continue-bipartisan-negotiations-on-renewing-aca-tax-credits Golden votes to reopen government, continue bipartisan negotiations on renewing ACA tax credits 2025-11-12 2025 2025-11 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted today for the bipartisan Continuing Resolution to reopen the federal government. The legislation passed in the House 222-209. Golden’s vote supported the reopening of the federal government, and once again gets critical food and heating assistance funds flowing to Mainers who rely on them. Now, with the shutdown ended, Golden called on Congress to take immediate action to extend expiring ACA premium tax credits that keep health insurance plans affordable for millions of Americans. “Congress still has a window to pass bipartisan legislation to extend the ACA premium tax credits,” Golden said. “In September, I joined a bipartisan coalition in the House to put forth legislation to extend the credits for one year and now, with the shutdown now over, I urge members of both parties who care about affordable health care to come back to the table so we can get the job done.” In addition to extending President Biden’s last budget through January 30, 2026, the legislation also passes three of the 12 Fiscal Year (FY26) appropriations bills for the full fiscal year: Agriculture, Legislative Branch; and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs. The spending package includes several of Golden’s priorities, including the funding of SNAP through the entirety of FY26, the reversal of the Trump administration’s mass firing of thousands of federal employees during the shutdown, and Golden’s Community Project Funding Requests for the towns of Holden and Surry. “The Town of Holden extends its sincere gratitude to our congressional and senatorial leadership for their dedication and bipartisan effort in moving the ball forward to reopen the federal government and ensure the wheels of progress continue to turn for communities across our nation. Their commitment to supporting local governments and investing in infrastructure directly benefits small towns like Holden. We are especially thankful for the funding directed toward constructing a new garage for the Holden Police Department … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-vote-toward-ending-shutdown-is-the-opening-of-an-opportunity King: Vote Toward Ending Shutdown is “The Opening of an Opportunity” 2025-11-09 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today voted to advance debate on a Senate spending bill that could eventually reopen the government in a 60-40 vote. The vote comes as the shutdown became the longest federal government shutdown in American history at 40 days. From federal furloughs to cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, the shutdown caused incredible harm to Maine families and people across the country. At a nationally-televised press conference toward the end of the vote joined by his colleagues Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Senator King shared the following remarks: “Those of us here, and those of us certainly are participating in the Democratic Caucus, are 100% committed to working on the issue of the ACA premium tax credits and preserving access to healthcare for millions of Americans. “So, the question before us, before those of us here, who decided to vote yes tonight, the question was, does the shutdown further the goal of achieving some needed support for the extension of the tax credits? “Our judgment was that it will not produce that result. And the evidence for that is almost seven weeks of fruitless attempts to make that happen. Would it change in a week or another week or after Thanksgiving or Christmas? And there's no evidence that it would. “What there is evidence of is the harm that the shutdown is doing to the country. What it's doing to millions of federal workers, but also what is doing to tens of millions of recipients of SNAP benefits. This is a true crisis for those individuals. Soup kitchens, kitchens can't fill the gap, food pantries can't fill the gap. SNAP is an essential part of the food, the food provision program in this country. So, we were faced with a series of steps that weren’t working to achieve the goal we wanted with regard to the ACA, but it was at the same time creating hardship and diff… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-experts-on-improving-veterans-shifting-to-civilian-life King Questions Experts on Improving Veterans Shifting to Civilian Life 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke with Jared Lyon, National President and Chief Executive Officer of Student Veterans of America, and retired Colonel Barbara Carson, the Managing Director of Programs and Services at Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) about the importance of ensuring a smooth transition from active duty to veteran status. During the exchange, Senator King offered simple fixes — such as having servicemembers’ contact information automatically shared with state department of veterans’ affairs so that new veterans can be connected to resources in their home communities — that would ensure veterans are properly equipped with the information and resources needed to successfully resume civilian life. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 200,000 servicemembers make the transition to civilian life each year. “Really what we are talking about is transition,” Senator King began. “I believe the Department of the Defense and the V.A. combined should spend as much time, money, and effort on transition as they do on recruiting. There was a lot of activity, and it has improved recently, but it still is not where it wants to be. There are two or three issues I have been involved with, and I would like your quick thoughts. One is pre-enrolling in V.A. healthcare before you leave active duty. You are nodding. Is that a good idea?” Caron replied, “Yes, senator.” “So, there is not that gap,” Senator King continued. “Secondly, Form 2648 has a box on it that says, ‘if you opt-in, [do you] want your contact information shared with a state veterans agency?’ We would like to change that to an opt-out because people often do not check boxes. [We want to] reverse the presumption so that people, unless they object to it, can have their contact [shared with state veterans agency]. My idea is if you get a state veterans organization structure in connection with VSOs, I… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-pressure-trump-administration-to-fully_not-partially--fund-snap-benefits King, Colleagues Pressure Trump Administration to Fully — Not Partially — Fund SNAP Benefits 2025-11-04 2025 2025-11 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — After benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for roughly 42 million Americans were stopped over the weekend due to the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside, 45 of his colleagues, introduced a resolution calling on the Trump Administration to immediately use all congressionally approved funding to keep families from going hungry. Though the Trump Administration relented to court rulings yesterday and announced plans to partially distribute the contingency funds available to them, Senator King and his colleagues reminded the White House of the billions available to them and that half-measures are not sufficient. In Maine, nearly 170,000 people — over 12 percent of the state — receive SNAP benefits. Several counties across the state are approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their population relying on these critical benefits. “Americans going hungry during a government shutdown is not inevitable — it’s a choice,” said Senator King. “In all our history, a government shutdown has never meant that Americans can’t put food on their tables because Congress has appropriated contingency funds for this exact purpose. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to demand that this Administration fully fund SNAP for the month of November by using the billions of dollars at its disposal. Maine families, children and seniors rely on these critical programs and it’s our responsibility to make sure they receive the help they deserve.” SNAP benefits lapsed on November 1 because the Administration initially refused to use a SNAP contingency fund of $6 billion previously appropriated by Congress. After two federal judges ruled that SNAP must continue to be funded, the Administration agreed to use the $4.65 billion left in the contingency fund to finance the program. However, the contingency fund will only cover half of SNAP benefits for the month of November, and the Administration is refusing to use additional available funds using an agreement establish… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backed-legislation-would-keep-maine-families-fed-during-government-shutdown King-Backed Legislation Would Keep Maine Families Fed During Government Shutdown 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today cosponsored new legislation that would prevent the Trump administration from illegally withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the government shutdown. The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act directs the USDA to immediately release billions of dollars in available funds to ensure SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted, as the nation faces “uncharted territory” that could put America’s most vulnerable at risk. The legislation also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown. “Maine families, children, veterans and seniors shouldn’t have to worry about losing access to food assistance because of political tactics,” said Senator King. “No one in this country should ever have to choose between paying the electric bill and putting dinner on the table. The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act is about decency and plain common sense, and it keeps faith with the Maine people who count on us most. In all our history, a shutdown has never meant Americans go hungry — and it shouldn’t start now.” By law, the administration is required to use billions in available funding to keep SNAP benefits flowing in November; guidance from the USDA confirms the authority to use available funding during a shutdown. Nearly 170,000 Maine people — more than 12 percent of the state’s population — receive SNAP benefits. Several counties across the state are approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their population relying on these critical benefits. Nationwide, approximately 42 million Americans rely on this critical program. In 2024, over 18,000 Maine people received WIC benefits. As it stands, if the current government shutdown extends into November, nutrition assistance would not be issued. Senator King has also cosponsored legislation from Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) that would disburse SNAP benefits after… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-strategic-command-nominee-on-presidents-missile-test-claims King Questions Strategic Command Nominee on President’s Missile Test Claims 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today questioned Vice Admiral Richard Correll, nominee for the rank of Navy Admiral and to serve as Commander of United States Strategic Command, on whether foreign adversaries Russia and China are in the process of testing nuclear weapons. The hearing comes the morning after President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing through a late night announcement on the social media platform Truth Social. During the exchange with Senator King, Vice Admiral Correll confirmed neither country is currently testing nuclear weapons. Senator King began, "We have been talking about this phrase the president used yesterday — I feel like we’re doing Talmudic analysis here of the words — ‘Because of other countries’ testing programs, I’ve instructed the Department of War — Department of Defense — to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis.’ Are any other countries doing explosive testing of nuclear warheads?” “Senator, I want to thank you for the time in your office. I really appreciated your time and the conversation. To my knowledge, the explosive testing, the last explosive nuclear testing was by North Korea, or DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), and that was in 2017 to be publicly confirmed,” replied Vice Admiral Correll. “But Russia and China have not done explosives that we know of, is that correct,” asked Senator King. “No, for China, the last publicly acknowledged test was in 1996,” replied Vice Admiral Correll. King continues, quoting the President, “‘We are testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis.’ It could be that what he is talking about is delivery systems. Is that not correct? Just recently we learned about the new Sky Fall Russian missile. Is that a reasonable interpretation of what he is saying, rather than explosive testing of weapons.” “I don't have insight into the president's intent. I agree that could be an interpretatio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-presses-usda-to-immediately-release-billions-in-snap-funds-to-help-feed-maine-families King Presses USDA to Immediately Release Billions in SNAP Funds to Help Feed Maine Families 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Angus King (I-ME) today joined 45 of his colleagues in writing a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to release billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November. Nearly 170,000 Maine people — over 12 percent of the state — receive SNAP benefits. Several counties across the state are approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their population relying on these critical benefits. Nationwide, approximately 42 million Americans rely on this critical program. As it stands, if the current government shutdown extends into November, nutrition assistance would not be issued. The senators began, “We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks.’ In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.” “First, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown,”wrote the senators. The senators continued, “In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA’s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-trump-administrations-unauthorized-demolition-of-the-historic-east-wing-of-the-white-house King Statement on Trump Administration’s Unauthorized Demolition of the Historic East Wing of the White House 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration carrying out unauthorized demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House in order to build a $200 million, 90,000 square-foot ballroom: “President Trump’s desecration of the White House is an insult to the American people and a betrayal of his obligation to safeguard our history and heritage. While each President has left some mark on the building, none has attempted to so drastically alter its fundamental structure and purpose. The proposed outsized ballroom will be twice as big as the entirety of the current White House and cover more than two acres. “The White House does not belong to President Trump; it belongs to the American people – he is but a temporary resident with no right to despoil this iconic landmark on his personal whim. The house was purposefully never intended to be a palace, but rather a residence befitting a democratically-elected leader, and an important symbol of our rejection of the trappings of royalty. “Echoing Ronald Reagan, my first thought is, ‘Mr. Trump, don’t tear down this house.’” Originally, the Trump Administration claimed the ballroom expansion would not interfere with the existing structure of the White House. Presidents have the authority to make minor changes such as redecorating the private residence and Oval Office, but major structural changes must be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). As of October 22, no plans have been filed with the NCPC to demolish the East Wing and build the new structure. Prior to the demolition, the East Wing housed the Office of the First Lady and served as the primary public entrance. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-out-va-secretary-for-lack-of-responsiveness-during-shutdown King, Colleagues Call Out VA Secretary for Lack of Responsiveness During Shutdown 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), joined members of the Committee to criticize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for unnecessarily ending critical services for veterans during the government shutdown. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, King and his colleagues also called out the VA for politicizing the lapse in appropriations to end communication with Congress and halt operations, even though the Department has already been funded in a multi-year appropriations bill that remains unaffected by the current government shutdown. “Congress has provided the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with multi-year funding, which ensures a government shutdown has minimal impact on veterans’ health care and benefits,” the lawmakers wrote. “That is why we are deeply concerned that your Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) refuses to initiate, dispatch, or respond to congressional inquiries on behalf of our veteran constituents. Every single day, veterans and their families come to our offices for help in getting their health care and benefits from VA. Often, they come to us as their last resort. We take those concerns or their specific cases directly to VA and advocate on their behalf. Thus, any delay in responding to this outreach or dispatching their cases will cause harm to the veterans we serve…The Department must revisit this prioritization scheme and dedicate sufficient staff and resources necessary to accomplish the task of responding in a timely manner to ALL constituent casework requests initiated by Congress.” The lawmakers continued, “…[W]e know that previous administrations planned to continue dispatching and responding to congressional inquiries during government shutdowns by utilizing non-furloughed employees. The fact that VA has chosen not to prioritize communication with Congress on policy matters is clearly a leadership decision and a direct affront to our constitutional duty to oversee the work of … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-backed-legislation-supporting-maine-economy-and-strengthening-national-security Senate Passes King-Backed Legislation Supporting Maine Economy and Strengthening National Security 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a 77-20 vote. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), had previously worked with his colleagues to secure strong investments in Maine’s economy and America’s national defense. This legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs. Earlier this year, Senator King led the Senate Armed Services Committee in supporting bipartisan measures for the finalized legislation that passed out of committee. The legislation includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for servicemembers an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), a comprehensive new approach to monitoring brain health, aggressive policies to strengthen America’s cybersecurity, provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. The bill will now be conferenced with the House of Representatives before heading to the President’s desk for signature. “For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, the Senate is continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill for the Department of Defense (DoD) that will make our nation safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our country faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country. “There are many important provisions in this legislation – including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defen… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-ukraines-defense-against-russia-proving-modern-value-of-drone-warfare King: Ukraine’s Defense Against Russia Proving Modern Value of Drone Warfare 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), questioned General Kenneth Wilsbach, nominee to serve as Chief of Staff of the Air Force, on the importance of prioritizing America’s drone warfare capabilities, as well as supporting technologies such as 3-D printing to drive down production costs. During the exchange, Senator King highlighted Ukraine’s extensive use of drones for aerial reconnaissance and attacks and noted that the United States military should be investing similarly in the unmanned warfighting technology. General Wilsbach agreed with Senator King’s assessment, calling it a useful military tactic. “A question about drones: to me it underlines the cumbersomeness of our military procurement system….Ukraine is now producing 200,000 drones a month at an average price of $500. We don't have remotely that capacity here. And I believe we are missing, I think, the major lesson of Ukraine, which is the importance of drone warfare. I would hope that this might be, again, a place of new emphasis. Not only defensive, which you have mentioned, but also offensive. I find it astounding what the Ukrainians have been able to do. Think of that, 200,000 drones produced a month, average cost $500. We've got to have a major initiative in this area, in my view. Do you agree,” asked Senator King. General Wilsbach replied, “I do, senator. And we have come to the same lessons learned that you have, that this is a tactic that would be useful for us, and it creates massive dilemmas for your adversary, because they have to honor those 200,000 a month. They don't know what they are up to. They might have a weapon on them, there might be a decoy, but they have to honor them, and you end up overwhelming their defenses, and then you eventually get one to the target and you achieve objectives. We’re learning that lesson, and by the way, 3D printing — you can 3-D print one-way attack drones at scale. So, we should invest in that, I believe.” As a member of th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-shares-updated-thoughts-on-the-ongoing-federal-government-shutdown King Shares Updated Thoughts on the Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown 2025-10-08 2025 2025-10 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement providing an update to the ongoing federal government shutdown: “The imminent expiration of the tax credits which make health insurance affordable for millions (including tens of thousands in Maine) is a totally avoidable crisis. They could and should have been extended earlier this year when the Republican-only tax bill was passed—which extended (and made permanent) tax breaks for billionaires. “But it didn’t happen and the dramatic increase in health insurance premiums will hit in the next several weeks. “That’s why I have been working intensely with Senators on both sides of the aisle to find a solution to this problem while at the same time trying get us out of the current increasingly dangerous government shutdown, so far without success. “I intend to continue that work and as long as there are Republican Senators willing to talk, I’ll be at the table “But as serious as the health insurance crisis is, I believe the shutdown itself and the additional powers it conveys to Donald Trump and his henchmen, is the greater risk. The greatest challenge our country faces right now is the accelerating slide toward authoritarianism. Troops in our cities, ignoring the law, defying the courts, trampling on the free press, weaponizing the legal system, and more examples everyday, have brought our country to the most dangerous moment in my lifetime. “And this shutdown has the potential to make all this worse by further empowering Donald Trump, Steven Miller, and Russell Vought. “That’s why I have decided to stick with my vote to reopen the government rather than continue the shutdown in the hopes of coming to a resolution on health insurance. This is not an easy decision—made more so by the Republicans’ refusal to even discuss the health insurance issue—but in the end, I have determined that preserving our democracy has to be the highest priority. “I hope I’m wrong about this risk, but the stakes are too high to take that chanc… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-government-shutdown Golden statement on government shutdown 2025-10-01 2025 2025-10 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement regarding the government shutdown, which began at 12:01 a.m. today because of Congress’ failure to enact legislation funding continued government operations: “This government shutdown is the result of hardball politics driven by the demands far-left groups are making for Democratic Party leaders to put on a show of their opposition to President Trump. The shutdown is hurting Americans and our economy, and the irony is it has only handed more power to the president. This fight is ostensibly about health care, so let me be clear: I opposed the GOP’s Medicaid cuts and I want to extend the ACA tax credits. But some of my colleagues in the majority party have reasonable concerns about tax credits going to high-income households. There’s room and time to negotiate. But normal policy disagreements are no reason to subject our constituents to the continued harm of this shutdown.” Congressman Golden has published an FAQ on his website with information regarding the effects of the government shutdown on Mainers. The FAQ will be updated as more information becomes available on how President Trump is implementing the lapse in government funding across federal agencies. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-block-trump-administration-attempt-to-gut-the-federal-government-and-essential-services King Votes to Block Trump Administration Attempt to Gut the Federal Government and Essential Services 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) voted to keep the government open because a shutdown will give President Trump the ability to do far greater damage – plans he shared in public comments earlier today. A full statement can be found below: “I just came from the Senate floor where I took one of the most difficult votes I've taken since I've been in the Senate. I voted to keep the government open for a continuing resolution. The irony of this vote is, many feel that this was an opportunity to stand up to Donald Trump, to vote no and to fight back. “The irony – the paradox is – by shutting the government, we're actually giving Donald Trump more power. And that was why I voted yes. I did not want to hand Donald Trump and Russell Vought and Stephen Miller additional power to decimate the federal government, to decimate the programs that are so important to so many people. “Here is what Donald Trump said just this afternoon: ‘We can do things during a shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them. He means the Democrats like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like. We can do things medically in other ways, including benefits we can cut numbers of people out.’ “Maya Angelou once said, ‘If someone tells you who they are, you should believe them.’ Donald Trump, in this quote, tells us what he plans to do if there's a shutdown and it will not be good for the American people. This was a difficult vote, but in the end, I could not, in good conscience, vote to shut the government down and hand even greater power to the trio of Donald Trump, Stephen Miller and Russell Vought. This was a vote of conscience on behalf of the State of Maine and the people of the United States.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-department-of-education-to-continue-funding-usm-umf-upward-bound-programs Maine Delegation Urges Department of Education to Continue Funding USM, UMF Upward Bound Programs 2025-09-26 2025 2025-09 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to Education Secretary Linda McMahon urging her to reverse the Department of Education’s decision to terminate funding for two federally funded TRIO Upward Bound programs in Maine: the Veterans Upward Bound Program at the University of Southern Maine (USM) and the River Valley Upward Bound Program at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). The TRIO Upward Bound program helps prepare low-income and first-generation students for success in higher education by providing academic support, mentoring, and other college readiness services. Both the USM and UMF programs were awarded five-year TRIO grants in 2022 and expected funding to continue through 2027, but the Department recently notified them that funding would end prematurely on September 30, 2025. Both programs have filed formal requests for reconsideration. “The Department’s decision to terminate funding for these Upward Bound programs is deeply upsetting, and the negative impact on the students enrolled in these two programs cannot be overstated,” the Delegation wrote. “Upward Bound has proven its effectiveness in the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students who often face barriers to accessing a college education,” they continued. “We have seen the lives of many young people changed by the TRIO program. In fact, some of our own staff members went through TRIO and tell us that they would not have pursued higher education but for the support and opportunities it provided.” “Rather than terminate funding after the third year of this five-year grant, we urge you to use all available authorities to work with these programs and allow them to operate with continued funding in full compliance with the current Administration’s priorities. Given the importance of these TRIO programs to the students they serve, we are hopeful you will work with them achieve this outcome,” the Delegation concluded. The Veterans Upward Bound P… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-department-of-education-to-continue-funding-usm-umf-upward-bound-programs Maine Delegation Urges Department of Education to Continue Funding USM, UMF Upward Bound Programs 2025-09-26 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to Education Secretary Linda McMahon urging her to reverse the Department of Education’s decision to terminate funding for two federally funded TRIO Upward Bound programs in Maine: the Veterans Upward Bound Program at the University of Southern Maine (USM) and the River Valley Upward Bound Program at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). The TRIO Upward Bound program helps prepare low-income and first-generation students for success in higher education by providing academic support, mentoring, and other college readiness services. Both the USM and UMF programs were awarded five-year TRIO grants in 2022 and expected funding to continue through 2027, but the Department recently notified them that funding would end prematurely on September 30, 2025. Both programs have filed formal requests for reconsideration. “The Department’s decision to terminate funding for these Upward Bound programs is deeply upsetting, and the negative impact on the students enrolled in these two programs cannot be overstated,” the Delegation wrote. “Upward Bound has proven its effectiveness in the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students who often face barriers to accessing a college education,” they continued. “We have seen the lives of many young people changed by the TRIO program. In fact, some of our own staff members went through TRIO and tell us that they would not have pursued higher education but for the support and opportunities it provided.” “Rather than terminate funding after the third year of this five-year grant, we urge you to use all available authorities to work with these programs and allow them to operate with continued funding in full compliance with the current Administration’s priorities. Given the importance of these TRIO programs to the students they serve, we are hopeful you will work with them achieve this outcome,” the Delegation concluded. The Veterans Upward B… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-king-collins-celebrate-national-lobster-day Senators King, Collins Celebrate National Lobster Day 2025-09-25 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins are celebrating Maine’s iconic lobster industry after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan resolution recognizing September 25, 2025 as “National Lobster Day.” The resolution recognizes the crustacean as a foundational part of Maine’s economy and culture, as well as highlights the environmental and economic impact of this important industry. “Lobsters are synonymous with Maine’s identity, history, and culture,” said Senator King and Collins. “Fueling the lobster’s iconic status are the hardworking men and women who wake up early every morning in towns across our coastline to carry on the proud lobstering tradition. Together, they work to ensure the long-term health, resiliency, and sustainability of our waters. Today is an opportunity to not only honor Maine’s favorite crustacean, but to also recognize the success of our lobstermen and women who contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy, bringing immeasurable pride to our great state.” “National Lobster Day is a chance to honor the tradition and impact of Maine Lobster — an industry that has sustained generations of families and coastal communities,” said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. “We’re grateful to Senator King and his office for recognizing the hardworking men and women who make this fishery possible and for helping ensure Maine Lobster remains a source of pride for Maine and a favorite on tables nationwide.” Lobster is a top economic driver for the state of Maine, and in 2024, the industry brought in over $709,000,000. Senators King and Collins have been top advocates for the Maine lobster industry, securing more than $1.9 million for lobster research in 2024 to address critical knowledge gaps and improve fisheries. In 2022, Senators Collins and King secured a provision in the annual appropriations spending bill which included a regulatory reprieve to protect Maine’s sustainable lobster industry from misguide… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-urges-regulators-to-drop-unnecessary-new-ropeless-lobster-gear-proposal Golden urges regulators to drop unnecessary new ropeless lobster gear proposal 2025-09-23 2025 2025-09 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is urging the New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC) to abandon a proposed regulatory framework that would push Maine lobstermen toward using costly, unproven ropeless or on-demand gear. The framework, independent of ongoing work authorized by Congress to study the necessity and viability of such gear, would greenlight its use in some or all federal waters off the coast of New England. The NEFMC will consider it at its upcoming meeting on September 25. In a Monday letter to NEFMC’s executive Director, Dr. Cate O’Keefe, Golden called the proposal “premature and unnecessary” and noted that it flies in the face of Congress’s clear intent in pausing these kinds of regulatory changes until 2028. “Maine’s lobstermen are facing tremendous uncertainty, with various agencies operating in parallel considering new regulations that would fundamentally alter what it looks like to haul traps off the coast of Maine,” Golden said. “Congress enacted a moratorium on requiring this kind of gear, and that moratorium is still in effect while more data is gathered and studied. This framework, if adopted, would muddy the waters about what is required of Maine’s harvesters, and there’s no need for it.” Congress’ 2023 budget included a provision championed by Golden and the rest of Maine’s federal delegation that paused the development of new gear requirements until 2028. The law also empowered the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (TRT) by giving it more time to determine what new regulations — if any — are needed. Work is already underway at the federal and state levels to compile and assess relevant data and craft solutions. “If adopted, the Joint Alternative Gear-Marking Framework would not only undermine the TRT process and confuse fishery stakeholders, but it would also defy the explicit will of Congress,” Golden wrote in his letter. Maine fishermen have consistently raised concerns about the viability of ropeless and on-demand gear, including a lack of reliable t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-combat-political-redistricting-abuse King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Combat Political Redistricting Abuse 2025-09-22 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), is introducing legislation to combat partisan efforts to gerrymander congressional districts ahead of the next census in 2030. The Redistricting Reform Act would prohibit states from mid-decade redistricting and would require every state to adopt a nonpartisan, independent redistricting commission (IRC), similar to the advisory commission that Maine currently uses. The legislation comes amid partisan efforts to redraw congressional districts ahead of the competitive 2026 midterm elections, particularly in Texas and California. “Abusing the redistricting process is one of the most serious threats to democracy and our Constitution,” said Senator King. “Not only does partisan and off-schedule redistricting damage and disenfranchise American citizens’ fundamental right to vote, but it also contributes to rising polarization in Congress and further diminishes public faith in our political process. I’m proud to cosponsor this critical piece of legislation that will ensure the American people are accurately represented by their elected officials and hope that we can begin to discourage hyper partisan politics. Voters should choose their officials, not the other way around.” Specifically, the Redistricting Reform Act would require IRCs to have 15 commissioners, evenly divided into three groups — majority party, the minority party and unaffiliated/minor party. The composition of each commission would be representative of the state’s demographic and geographic diversity, with enough members from racial, ethnic, and language minority communities to allow meaningful participation in the redistricting process. To comply with the legislation, each state redistricting plan must: Comply with the U.S. Constitution; Comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and all applicable federal laws; Ensure minorities receive equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect their p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-to-avoid-harmful-government-shutdown-pledges-continued-work-to-prevent-health-care-price-spikes Golden votes to avoid harmful government shutdown, pledges continued work to prevent health care price spikes 2025-09-19 2025 2025-09 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today voted in favor of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep government funded until November 21, preventing a government shutdown on October 1, when the current funding law expires. Unlike many previous stopgap funding bills, the CR contains no major changes to federal policies, programs or current spending levels. The bill passed the House 217-212. “There’s a lot of important work to be done in Congress, none of which will be any easier if Mainers are suffering the harms of a government shutdown,” Golden said. “At the top of my mind are critical conversations around the need to prevent health care price spikes and lost coverage for millions of Americans. “With the Republican trifecta, there's no path forward on health care without GOP support. That’s why I remain focused on my bipartisan effort to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits that make coverage affordable for Mainers,” Golden said. “This clean, short-term CR will keep the lights on and give us more time to set policies and funding levels for the future.” A federal government shutdown would have immediate effects on Mainers, particularly the more than 11,000 federal employees who would be either furloughed or forced to work without pay. Acadia National Park would likely be forced to close, jeopardizing the shoulder season for small businesses and workers, while federal food assistance, housing assistance, small business support and other programs could be paused. A shutdown also would give President Donald Trump and the executive branch extraordinary leeway in determining which aspects of government are “essential,” and which can be shuttered. Meanwhile, Mainers are facing massive health care cuts as a result of the partisan reconciliation bill enacted by Republicans this summer. The most immediate concern is spiking premiums on track to hit tens of thousands of Mainers who buy health insurance on the state’s individual marketplace, coverME.gov, when enhanced premium tax credits expire in January… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-administration-to-continue-issuing-paper-checks-for-americans King, Colleagues Urge Administration to Continue Issuing Paper Checks for Americans 2025-09-19 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is leading several of his Congressional colleagues in urging the leaders of the Treasury Department and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to delay the implementation of a federal executive order requiring the federal government to eliminate paper checks. President Trump issued an Executive Order requiring the Treasury Department to stop issuing paper checks by September 30 for all payments across the federal government – including Social Security benefits, vendor payments, tax refunds, and more. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and OMB Director Russell Vought written by Senator King and signed by the Maine Delegation as well as Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lawmakers share how cutting off access to paper checks will disproportionately affect older and rural Americans — as well as the domestic forest products industry — if not implemented in a strategic manner. Thousands of individuals rely on paper checks — many of whom live in rural areas, or may be elderly, disabled, or low-income. Although individuals can apply for a waiver to receive paper checks, the process is needlessly bureaucratic and there is little information if the Department of Treasury office has the workforce available to process waivers applications. It is also unclear as to whether those with existing waivers will need to re-apply to maintain the status quo and if people need to apply for multiple waivers across different agencies. “The domestic forest products industry manufactures over $435 million worth of products and directly employs more than 925,000 people across the country, many of whom live in rural areas,” the lawmakers wrote. “This industry produces essential items that Americans use every day, from paper to packaging. As you know, E.O. 14247, issued on March 25, 2025, requires the Treasury Department to stop issuing paper checks for all payments across the federal government, including benefits payments, vendor payments, and tax refunds, by September 30, 202… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bolster-civics-education King and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Civics Education 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster civics education resources for school children across the United States. Introduced to mark Constitution Day, the Constitution education Is Valuable In Community Schools (CIVICS) Act would require elementary and secondary education federal grant recipients to include U.S. Constitution education—through hands-on programming for teachers and students—to be eligible for continued funding. The bill recognizes the importance of teaching American history, government, geography, and the importance of the Constitution to basic civic literacy. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined King on the legislation. “Good civics education creates good citizens. The U.S. Constitution is the blueprint for democracy and freedom, and its survival relies on each generation understanding our history and the values Americans have held sacred since our founding,” said Senator King. “Our democratic system of governance is an anomaly in world history, and if we truly want a government of, by, and for the people, we must make sure people have the perspective and knowledge required to do their part in protecting it. I hope this bipartisan legislation allows young Americans to better understand and engage with America’s foundational principles.” “The Constitution isn’t just paper and ink. The soul of our nation rests in what our Constitution represents: the rule of law, personal responsibility without government coercion, protection of humanity, and a limited federal government,” Senator Lankford said. “We must continue to safeguard those values and defend the Constitution’s carefully crafted guarantees of our freedoms and rights. Our children will only live our American values if we intentionally commit to pass down our Constitutional values to the next generation.” “President Reagan said that freedom is 'never more than one generation away from extinction.' Through civics education, we teach A… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-military-nominees-on-legal-authority-for-caribbean-attacks King Questions Military Nominees on Legal Authority for Caribbean Attacks 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), pressed Derrick Anderson, nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict in the Department of Defense (DoD), about his views on the legality of the recent unprecedented lethal strikes on vessels in the Caribbean ordered by the Trump Administration. Earlier this month, a first strike on an alleged drug boat killed 11 people. A second strike was carried out just days ahead of the hearing and claimed three lives. The Administration has not publicly disclosed evidence of drugs or weapons onboard the ships, nor provided a full legal or military justification for why this deadly strike was the preferred option. “Mr. Anderson, what is the authority for the lethal strikes on the ships in the Caribbean that have recently been carried out by the administration, that I believe would fall under your jurisdiction and the new position you are being nominated for,” asked Senator King. “Senator, I appreciate the question. I was not involved in the operation, nor do I know any of the details but what I have seen on the news in small clips, Senator, and what I can tell you is that in my capacity as a green beret, I understand the complexities of operations, planning operations, and all the different factors, but again Senator I was not involved in it,” replied Mr. Anderson. “But don't you think that one of the early things that you should assess — you listed all those things — and the first is, ‘Is this a legal action of the United States government?’ Wouldn’t that be part of your calculation,” questioned Senator King. “Senator, again, I was not involved in that operation,” stated Mr. Anderson. “I understand that, but I am talking in the future. You might be in this job in three weeks and be ordered to strike another ship in the Caribbean. Are you going to ask a question about what is the legal authority for that strike,” asked Senator King. “Senator, certainly, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-on-armed-services-chairman-to-hold-hearing-on-urban-militarization-plans King Calls on Armed Services Chairman to Hold Hearing on Urban Militarization Plans 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is calling on SASC Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) to hold a hearing on President Trump’s deployment of American troops into American cities. More specifically, the letter he sent with several SASC colleagues encourages Wicker to work with Department of Defense (DoD) leadership to evaluate these ongoing military deployments to American cities and their impact to military readiness, American civil liberties, and public trust in our military. “We request that you convene an Armed Services Committee hearing with Department of Defense (DoD) leadership regarding the deployment of members of the Armed Forces to American cities and efforts to increasingly dedicate DoD forces, assets, resources and personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Concerningly, DoD has deployed members of the Armed Forces to Los Angeles and the District of Columbia and the President has openly stated that an expansion to other cities, including Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans and Memphis is imminent. In response, state and local leaders are actively protesting the Administration’s actions and attempting to remove these military personnel from their streets. These deployments could have devastating effects on our military readiness and trusted relationship between the public and the servicemembers who are meant to protect them from external threats.” “The American people deserve clarity on the chosen priorities and missions of the Department of Defense and the short- and long-term implications for national security and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars of this new focus on a mission usually reserved for law enforcement professionals,” the Senators concluded. “…We believe it is critical that we conduct public oversight to ensure that the use of military power remains lawful, constitutional, strategically justified and responsible and transparent to the American… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-aim-to-designate-september-as-national-literacy-month King, Colleagues Aim to Designate September as National Literacy Month 2025-09-16 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside a bipartisan group of his colleagues, is cosponsoring a resolution recognizing the importance of literacy, as well as encouraging more Maine people and Americans of all ages to pick up a good book. The resolution establishes September 2025 as “National Literacy Month.” “Reading will open your eyes to new worlds and ideas,” said Senator King. “For people of all ages, literacy not only expands economic opportunities and growth, but also encourages us to think more and be more skeptical consumers of information. When we invest in literacy, we invest in our families, communities and our society. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to cosponsor this resolution highlighting the importance of literacy, and I remain committed to advocating for literacy awareness for all Maine people, and people across our nation.” Reading is a cornerstone for personal growth, economic opportunity, and a strong society. Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the most important predictors of whether a student will graduate high school and succeed in a career, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to a 2020 study by Gallup in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, it is estimated that low levels of adult literacy could be costing America as much as $2.2 trillion a year. In recognition of National Literacy Month, throughout the month of September, schools, libraries, non-profits, and other organizations will host a variety of activities, events, and free workshops highlighting the importance of building and strengthening literacy skills and the benefits of reading on healthy development. The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Katie Britt (R-AL), James Lankford (R-OK), Jack Reed (D-RI)… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-led-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-ocean-navigation-and-safety Senate Passes King-led Bipartisan Bill to Improve Ocean Navigation and Safety 2025-09-12 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. —The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation to improve ocean navigation and safety in federal waters. The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (MAPOceans) led by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and Ted Cruz (R-TX), would modernize mapping information on public oceans to improve public safety and provide navigation guidance through a user-friendly smartphone app. If passed into law, the MAPOceans Act would create a one-stop shop that would help to ensure sportsmen and women can recreate in a safe and responsible manner. “Maine’s Atlantic coastline is an incredible natural treasure that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the country,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan, and now Senate-passed, MAPOceans Act combines all the available information about ocean recreation and navigation into a one-stop resource — a phone app — containing information about ocean recreation and navigation. From deep-sea anglers to sailors and lobstermen, this legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine can do so safely and responsibly.” “Recreational fishing and boating are a favorite pastime of many families who cherish the outdoors. But far too often, a relaxing day on the water can turn into a frustrating time when you can’t navigate waterways and restricted areas,” said Senator Cruz. “That is why I introduced MAPOceans Act, alongside Sen. King, to ensure fishery information is easily and centrally accessible. This is commonsense legislation, and I urge my House colleagues to take up this legislation so anglers and boaters can spend more time enjoying America’s beautiful waterways instead of deciphering confusing data sources.” Senator King is among the Senate’s leading voices for conservation of our nation’s outdoor treasures. In 2022, his bipartisan MAPLand bill to modernize park and public land mapping was signed into law. He also helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-24th-anniversary-of-the-september-11tth-attacks King Statement on the 24th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks 2025-09-11 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in recognition of the 24th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks: “Twenty-four years ago, nearly 3000 innocent lives were taken by terrorists who sought to shake the foundations and values of our nation. Across our country, we watched in shock and horror as everyday Americans going about their daily business became victims in one of the darkest days — and deadliest attacks — in American history. The tragic events of that day are seared into the memory of so many of us, as well as the heroic response from our first responders. “Today, we honor and remember those we lost on September 11th, 2001. From the everyday New Yorkers, firemen, policemen, Pentagon workers, and the brave passengers of Flight 93 who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We are forever in debt to those who ran towards danger that day, and in the days, weeks and years afterwards. Those men and women embody the very best of the American spirit, and they deserve our full respect and gratitude. “We must never forget the attacks and the lives lost that day, as well as how our nation united around our shared values. Today is a solemn opportunity to remind ourselves of the words on our currency and buildings: E Pluribus Unum — from many, one — and how we are always stronger when we stand together. The values of democracy and freedom we defended twenty-four years ago continue to bond us together and the years since have proven that no enemy — foreign or domestic — will be able to destroy the defining principles of our country.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-you-just-lost-my-vote-after-he-grills-va-nominee-over-cuts King: “You Just Lost My Vote,” After He Grills VA Nominee Over Cuts 2025-09-11 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), questioned a Trump Administration nominee about the reckless approach the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has taken with regard to contract reductions. In a tense exchange with Dr. Karen Brazell, the nominee to serve as the VA Under Secretary for Benefits, Senator King directly asked if she had been involved with the contract cancellation process. Throughout the line of questioning, Dr. Brazell refused to provide a straightforward answer, even after several attempts from Senator King, to find out whether she could be credited with helping create the framework for the murky contract cancellation process. Senator King began, “Asking you a pretty straightforward question. Did you have anything to do whatsoever with the review of the contract of your former employer? That is a pretty straightforward yes or no question: I did, or I didn't.” “Senator, I have not reviewed the contracts with my former employer” said Dr. Brazell. “That is not what I asked. I asked, did you have anything to do whatsoever with that review,” Senator King repeated “Senator, I have not reviewed any contracts of my former employer. Again, I am not a contracting authority,” replied Dr. Brazell. Senator King asked again, “That’s the third time you’ve given me that answer and for the third I’m going to say, ‘that’s not what I’m asking.’ I’m asking were you involved anyway whatsoever with the review with the contract of your former employer.” “Senator King, I have answered that. I am not a contracting official or contracting authority. I have not reviewed the contracts of my former employer,” responded Dr. Brazell. “Your failure to answer that question — you just lost my vote on this nomination,” said Senator King. Failing to receive an adequate answer to his initial line of questioning, Senator King moved on by asking Dr. Brazell about what she meant in an earlier statement about “taking risks” regarding how the VA handles … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-s-permitting-reform-bill-gets-first-hearing-before-house-natural-resources-committee Golden’s permitting reform bill gets first hearing before House Natural Resources Committee 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — The House Natural Resources Committee (HNRC) today held an initial hearing on the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, bipartisan legislation spearheaded by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and HNRC Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) that would reduce red tape and put the United States back in the business of building. The SPEED Act would modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to streamline the permitting process and return the law to its intended purpose as a procedural statute for assessing the environmental impact of federal actions. “Our country needs modern infrastructure to keep our people and our economy moving. We need robust power production and transmission to achieve energy dominance and lower costs. We need housing for families. But NEPA has been warped over time to become a law that allows endless lawsuits and bureaucracy that make it harder to build the things we need at the pace we need them,” Golden said. “By reforming NEPA while standing firm in our commitments through the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, we can be good stewards of our environment while ending a permitting status quo that is onerous, overly complex and ripe for litigation abuse.” During the hearing, Golden spoke about the ways the bill would retain the ability of any interested party to weigh in on proposed projects, and about the delays NEPA has allowed for the development of all types of energy production — including clean energy. “The problems with the NEPA process are energy-neutral,” Golden said. “They can be detrimental to both fossil fuel and renewable energy projects. … These problems with NEPA can cut both ways and so too should the solutions. This is a pro-energy bill that takes an all-of-the-above, technology-neutral approach.” In response to questions from Golden, Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath — a nonprofit working to reduce global energy emissions — said America’s broken permitting system is “the single largest barrier to deploying new clean energ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-white-house-about-legal-authority-for-strike-in-the-caribbean King Questions White House About Legal Authority for Strike in the Caribbean 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is pressing the White House for additional information on a strike against what it claimed was a “narcoterrorist” threat to America in the Caribbean. In a letter to President Donald Trump, King and several of his SASC colleagues point out that the Constitution gives the Congress the authority to declare war – and no declaration has been made for the use of lethal force against this potential target in the Caribbean. In the letter, they pose ten questions about the strike and why traditional interdiction tactics used effectively for decades were not deployed. The strike on an alleged drug boat killed 11 people. Despite its claims in press and social media, the Administration has not substantiated them with evidence of drugs or weapons onboard the ship, nor provided a full legal or military justification for why this deadly strike was necessary. “On September 2, 2025, the U.S. military at your direction struck a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, hundreds of miles from the United States and reportedly killing all 11 individuals onboard. Your Administration has asserted, without evidence, that the individuals on the vessel and the vessel’s cargo posed a threat to the United States,” the Senators wrote. “This strike followed press reports in early August that your Administration had secretly signed a directive for the use of U.S. military force across Latin America – despite the lack of any legal basis for such use of military force. Your September 4th War Powers Report to Congress following the strike noted ‘the potential for future such actions,’ but provided no legitimate legal justification and was scant in details regarding the legal or substantive basis for this or any future strikes.” The Senators continued, “On issues of national security, our top priorities are protecting Americans, American interests, and our servicemembers who put their lives on the line every day.” “In the interest of ensuring th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-warren-call-for-end-of-trickery-by-large-corporations-avoiding-paying-taxes King, Warren Call For End of “Trickery” by Large Corporations Avoiding Paying Taxes 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are leading a bicameral group of their colleagues in a letter urging Treasury Secretary and Acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Scott Bessent to strongly implement a tax law passed by Congress that requires the largest American corporations to pay their fair share in taxes. The corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) requires that companies reporting over $1 billion in profits to their shareholders must pay at least 15 percent of those profits in taxes, applying to approximately 150 of America’s wealthiest corporations. From 2018 to 2020, 39 Fortune 500 companies generating $122 billion in profit paid $0 in federal income tax. One of the most profitable companies in the United States secured a 4.3 percent effective tax rate on its $43.4 billion income during the same period, less than one-third of the rate paid by the average American taxpayer. The CAMT, which was included as a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), imposed a 15 percent minimum tax based on financial income reported to investors and creditors for corporations earing over $1 billion beginning in tax year 2023. However, as of recent under the Trump Administration, Treasury and the IRS have started to loosen certain requirements to help fewer corporations become subject to the tax, further eroding the Congressional intent of the law. “We write to express our concern about the Trump Administration's recent publication of multiple interim guidance notices that create new loopholes in the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) for the largest and wealthiest corporations. These notices will allow major corporations to circumvent the law by using accounting trickery to pay zero taxes on their massive profits,” the lawmakers began. “Prior to CAMT’s enactment, corporations worth billions of dollars would routinely pay little or no federal income tax. From 2018 to 2020, 39 Fortune 500 companies generating $122 billion in profit and paid $0 in federal… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/during-suicide-prevention-month-king-and-colleagues-urge-secretary-of-va-to-reinstate-funding-for-suicide-prevention-efforts During Suicide Prevention Month, King and Colleagues Urge Secretary of VA to Reinstate Funding for Suicide Prevention Efforts 2025-09-09 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), led his colleagues in urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reinstate funding for suicide prevention efforts that has been terminated for the upcoming fiscal year and protect remaining, unspent funds from being clawed back. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, King and his colleagues argue that the VA should be using every tool available to prevent the unnecessary deaths of veterans who risked their lives in service to the nation. At present, Maine is one of only 10 states (and 2 territories) that received this funding. However, the VA has haphazardly determined that these suicide prevention efforts are not a “good return on investment” and are therefore terminating the funding. The Senators began the letter, “We write regarding the recent notification that funding to our states to plan and develop Suicide Mortality Review (SMR) Committees will not be renewed for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and regarding the potential that any unused FY2025 funds may be clawed back. You have repeatedly stated that veteran suicide and suicide prevention is a top priority for you personally and for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), and we are concerned that cutting funding for the SMR projects in our states will make it harder to address veteran suicide.” “Our states know the severe impacts of veteran suicide all too well,” they continued. “That is why they were awarded cooperative agreements to plan and develop SMR Committees to help address veteran suicide through a public health lens. SMR is grounded in evidence-based methods that are championed by the VA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This initiative prioritizes a review of veteran suicide deaths to identify systematic gaps and implement strategies to address suicide prevention for veterans in their communities.” “We encourage the VA to continue with year two of fun… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-help-the-american-horticulture-industry-bloomlegislation-would-plant-the-seeds-to-encourage-government-entities-to-exclusively-buy-flowers-cut-greens-from-american-growers King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help the American Horticulture Industry Bloom 2025-09-08 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), has introduced bipartisan legislation to prioritize domestic horticulturists and farmers, and strengthen the American floral industry. The American Grown Act would require the Executive Office of the President, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of State to only purchase flowers and cut greens grown in the United States. “When the federal government spends taxpayer dollars on American-made products, those funds help small businesses, including many Maine people, succeed right here at home,” said Senator King. “Under the current system, the vast majority of flowers and cut greens purchased by the U.S. government are foreign grown, meaning the economic benefits are flowing to foreign markets. The American Grown Act is an opportunity to prioritize American-grown flowers, a simple fix that will boost both our flower industry and economy at large.” “If there’s one cause that can bring members of Congress together, it’s the commitment to Buy American,” Senator Sullivan said. “Every year, our federal agencies purchase millions of dollars’ worth of flowers and greenery for official events and ceremonies using taxpayer dollars. This money should benefit our American farmers and growers. By making this straightforward, patriotic principle the law of the land, we can support the men and women who power this industry — including the hundreds of hardworking growers right here in Alaska.” “Alaska’s floriculture industry has rightfully garnered global recognition, as we grow the largest, most vibrant peonies in the world. It is well past time that our domestic federal agencies — particularly the White House, State Department, and Department of Defense — support American cut-flower growers and strengthen local economies that benefit from this industry,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation once again, and sincerely hope my colleagues join us in s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-leads-effort-to-extend-aca-marketplace-tax-credits Golden leads effort to extend ACA marketplace tax credits 2025-09-05 2025 2025-09 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is leading a bipartisan effort to protect Maine families, seniors and small business owners from massive health care premium price spikes by extending tax credits that help individuals afford health insurance plans on the state’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, CoverME.gov. “Letting the ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits expire would raise costs on Maine families. That’s simply not an option,” Golden said. “Mainers who buy private insurance on the ACA marketplace are staring down an average $180 monthly premium increase in January if Congress doesn’t extend these credits, with rural Mainers aged 60-64 facing the steepest increase. Many are likely to lose coverage in the face of this price spike.” Golden is an original cosponsor of the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act, introduced last night by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02). Under current law, the enhanced Premium Tax Credit — established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expanded during COVID under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and later extended through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) — is set to expire at the end of this year. The bill would extend the credit through 2026. “I’ve always said I’ll work with anyone — Democrat or Republican — to serve my constituents. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Kiggans and this bipartisan coalition to protect Mainers from increased health care costs,” Golden said. Because of this income-based premium tax credit, a record 24.2 million people signed up for coverage during open enrollment in 2025. In fact, middle-income enrollees increased from 140,000 in 2021 to 900,000 in 2024. Without this extension, millions of self-employed workers and small business owners will see their premiums increase by more than $11,000 a year. According to CoverME.gov, 85 percent of people purchasing plans through Maine’s ACA marketplace receive financial savings through the ACA Premium Tax Credits, and “nearly all CoverME.gov consumers will likely see higher monthly premiums if … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-bill-signed-into-law-veteran-customer-service-office-becomes-permanent King Bill Signed into Law, Veteran Customer Service Office Becomes Permanent 2025-09-05 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), today applauded the signing into law of his bipartisan Improving Veteran Experience Act by President Donald Trump. Under the new law, the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) will become a permanent part of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), ensuring it can continue to provide consistent and quality care for the veteran community. Established in 2015 the VEO collects veterans’ feedback through surveys and uses that data to continuously improve the VA’s website and other resources used by veterans interacting with the VA. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was an original cosponsor of the legislation. “Veterans across Maine and our nation consistently and courageously answer the call of duty when serving, and we owe it to them to deliver the very best care,” said Senator King. “Supporting our veterans should never be partisan, and customer service should not be reserved just for the private sector. The signing into law of the Improving Veteran Experience Act is a perfect example of government providing a necessary public service. I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to Senator John Cornyn for his work helping get this important legislation over the finish line. Today, we celebrate codifying a long-awaited and much-needed office that is laser focused on improving veterans’ ability to access their hard-earned benefits.” Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-patient-access-to-drug-information Golden, bipartisan colleagues introduce bill to protect patient access to drug information 2025-09-04 2025 2025-09 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02) and Cliff Bentz (OR-02) today introduced the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act — legislation designed to block recent efforts by the pharmaceutical industry to stop including hard copies of medical information with prescription drugs. Detailed labels of a drug’s appropriate dosage, possible side-effects, and other necessary details are commonly included when a patient receives their prescription from a pharmacist. However, this printed information is not legally required, and the pharmaceutical industry has pushed to replace hard copies with digital landing pages to reduce expenses and boost profits — despite barriers it would create for patients, including those with limited internet access. “Mainers shouldn’t have to go out of their way to get the information they need about how their medicine works,” Golden said. “Requiring hard copies of instructions to be included with medicine is a no-brainer to make prescription drugs safer, make treatment easier for families and their pharmacists, and prevent large pharmaceutical corporations from cutting corners at the expense of quality health care.” “In rural Oregon, access to reliable internet or to a pharmacist is not always guaranteed. But what should be guaranteed are clear, printed instructions on how to take your medication safely,” Bentz said. “If enacted, this bill will provide patients with accurate, FDA-approved information. This would ensure fewer mistakes, fewer expensive hospital trips, and less strain on families and our small, local pharmacies. Additionally, this is at no cost to the government or to the rural pharmacies. It is a practical improvement that will help rural communities.” The Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act would mandate drug manufacturers to provide printed, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved information about medicine to all patients picking up a prescription. These hard copies would be limited to a one-page standardized format, and required to be updated a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-science-not-ideology-should-drive-national-energy-policy King: Science, not “Ideology” Should Drive National Energy Policy 2025-09-04 2025 2025-09 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), today questioned Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) nominees on their commitment to cost effective, renewable energy technologies. In the hearing with FERC nominees Laura Swett and David LaCerte, King pressed for support to wind and solar energies as they are significantly cheaper energy options than fossil fuels, and swifter to develop. King also asked the nominees about the importance of batteries in the longevity and success of stabilizing the electric grid. Senator King began his questioning by asking the nominees about the cheapest forms of electricity generation. Senator King began, “Ms. Swett, what is the cheapest form of electricity generation today in the country? “Thank you for the question, Senator. I have not looked into that issue, but I am happy to look into it and answer any questions you may have,” Swett replied. Senator King followed up on his question, “Well, I’ll help you. It is wind and solar by a mile, by a factor of two. The fellow who left here under difficult circumstances was correct. The cheapest form of energy today is wind and solar by a long shot. Let's take a case study in Iowa. Any idea how much wind power supplies to the electricity supply of Iowa?” “I don't know the specific number,” Swett answered. “Sixty percent,” Senator King responded. “Iowa is the fifteenth lowest electricity cost in the country and in the past year we have already learned average electricity prices across the country have gone up between six percent and ten percent. In Iowa, it has actually gone down a half a percent. The point is: you both have talked about being agnostic. I hope you will hold to that because we cannot ignore the reality around us that this administration is extremely hostile – and that is a mild term – to renewable energy. And the second point – I talked about price – is speed. There is no question that wind and solar are the quickest to deploy. Senat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-of-congressman-golden-to-hold-constituent-services-office-hours-in-winthrop Office of Congressman Golden to hold Constituent Services Office Hours in Winthrop 2025-08-26 2025 2025-08 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Staff from the Office of Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) will host Constituent Services Office Hours from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, September 18, at Winthrop Town Hall. Appointments are required to meet with a constituent services caseworker. To register for an appointment, click here. The congressional staffers are available to help answer questions, provide resources, and help constituents resolve issues or challenges with federal agencies and programs, such as Medicare, Social Security payments and SSI/SSDI issues, tax filing, veterans benefits and more. They are also able to provide information to small-business owners about government grants and programs. WHAT: Constituent Services Office Hours WHO: Caseworkers from the Office of Congressman Jared Golden WHERE: Winthrop Town Hall, 17 Highland Ave., Winthrop, ME 04364 WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2025 No paperwork or other materials are required to speak with a caseworker. This is a nonpolitical Congressional outreach event, not affiliated with any campaign. Congressman Golden will not be present. For more information or to speak with one of Congressman Golden’s caseworkers, please visit golden.house.gov. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-led-effort-secures-delay-of-removal-of-navigational-buoys-in-gulf-of-maine King-led Effort Secures Delay of Removal of Navigational Buoys in Gulf of Maine 2025-08-18 2025 2025-08 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Weeks after he led a bipartisan group of New England Senators in urging the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to delay its plans to remove navigational buoys in the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Ocean, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) received confirmation that the USCG will accept their recommendation. In a letter addressed to the Senators, USCG Director of Marine Transportation Systems, Michael D. Emerson, agreed with the Senators and outlined the Coast Guard’s plan to modify and extend the stakeholder engagement process to better understand the impacts of the proposal. The USCG launched the Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative in April 2025, a component of its broader Short-Range Aids-to-Navigation Modernization effort. This initiative proposed the discontinuation of 351 coastal buoys across New England (Maine accounts for the largest share at 145 buoys). At the same time, an additional 2,349 buoys and beacons are under review for future removal as part of the Harbor Buoy Modernization Initiative and the Shallow Water Level of Service Study (SWLOSS), scheduled for phased implementation from 2026 through 2029. In total, some 2700 buoys are up for consideration for removal along the New England coast. “I appreciate your concern that the Coast Guard slow down the effort to ensure that the needs of communities and mariners in your states are understood. Accordingly, the Coast Guard will modify and extend the process. The Northeast District will review first round comments, assess feedback., and re-advertise with any changes to the current proposal. This notice will include changes to aids in the vicinity of proposed discontinuations (such as relocations, lighting, or increased nominal range); which will provide users a more complete change picture,” Emerson wrote in response to the Senators. The Coast Guard’s response is in line with the Senators’ prior request in June: “We urge the agency to slow down this effort to ensure that the agency understands the needs of the communities and mariners in … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-steube-introduce-bipartisan-secure-trade-act Golden, Steube introduce bipartisan Secure Trade Act 2025-08-15 2025 2025-08 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced the Secure Trade Act, legislation that would assert Congress’ role in crafting trade policy and target countries of concern to improve the United States’ economic security. “It’s long past time that Congress got some skin in the game in setting our nation’s trade and tariff policies,” Golden said. “The free trade status quo has cost Americans jobs and left us reliant on other nations for strategic goods critical for our nation’s safety and prosperity. The Secure Trade Act incentivizes the production and purchase of domestic goods, increases our economic security and makes clear that U.S. trade policy will be used to advance our interests, not those of our competitors.” The bipartisan legislation is co-led by Republican Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tariff and trade policy. “American workers have the right to compete on a level playing field," Steube said.“If foreign governments insist on tariffing our exports, then American industries deserve the same protections to remain competitive. This bill holds serial trade manipulators like China accountable, reduces the offshoring of manufacturing jobs and secures America's long-term economic and national security for generations to come.” The Secure Trade Act includes several provisions, including: Baseline tariff rate: The Act codifies the 10 percent tariff baseline on all imported goods. New treatment of Chinese imports: The Act revises the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to create a separate category of tariffs for the People’s Republic of China, including a 35 percent tariff on nonstrategic goods and a 100 percent tariff on strategic goods, both phased in over five years. Strategic goods include items such as jet engine parts, microdrones used for agricultural and military purposes, and freeze dryers used to preserve sensitive medications. The Act would allow the president to modify these rates by certifying to Congress that … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-cosponsors-bill-to-reduce-financial-burden-on-eastport-port-authority-maintain-border-security Golden cosponsors bill to reduce financial burden on Eastport Port Authority, maintain border security 2025-08-04 2025 2025-08 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is supporting the Securing Ports and America’s Commerce and Economy (CBP SPACE) Act, which would prevent Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from offloading additional costs and responsibilities onto local ports while threatening closure for noncompliance. Eastport Port Authority, which is already shouldering many costs offloaded by CBP, is one of many ports across the country being strained by the agency’s moves. CBP recently indicated that it may halt operations at local ports unless seaports cover the costs of screening equipment — expensive technology that has historically been the responsibility of the federal government to fund. Shifting the burden onto local budgets would squeeze already-strained local budgets. Moreover, limiting CBP operations at local ports could jeopardize national security. “Ports such as Eastport’s are critical infrastructure for rural economies and dumping the federal government’s financial burden on their laps is a recipe for disaster,” Golden said. “I’m proud to join the bipartisan group of lawmakers cosponsoring legislation to ensure local budgets and national security aren’t caught in the crossfire of administrative spats — especially with the increased funding CBP has received in recent years.” The CBP Space Act also seeks to improve the relationship between CBP and local ports. Currently, CBP officers at many seaports face challenges operating in temporary or makeshift facilities due to outdated legal constraints that prevent the agency from securing long-term leases. The CBP SPACE Act resolves this issue by granting CBP the authority to directly lease necessary space from port authorities or private entities. This would allow officers to be properly stationed at vital locations and ensure consistent enforcement of customs and immigration laws.The legislation also improves coordination with port authorities to strengthen U.S. supply chain security. The bipartisan bill, originally introduced by Congresswomen Laurel Lee (FL-15) a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-introduce-new-policy-proposal-offering-tax-credits-to-working-waterfronts-at-risk-of-natural-disaster-damage King, Pingree Introduce New Policy Proposal Offering Tax Credits to Working Waterfronts at Risk of Natural Disaster Damage 2025-08-01 2025 2025-08 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — As America enters hurricane and storm season, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) — along with Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Greg Murphy (R-NC) — are introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to offer a disaster mitigation tax credit to working waterfronts located on the coasts and on navigable waterways. The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million when they invest in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually. Senator King has been at the forefront of supporting working waterfronts as they face the effects of sea level rise and storm damage. This new legislation would ensure that working waterfronts have the financial resources to shore up their infrastructure and prevent the oftentimes devastating consequences of natural disasters. “Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine is facing challenges that will define our state’s success for generations to come,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts up and down the coast of Maine with the necessary financial resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. Thanks to Senator Cassidy for working with me to ensure our waterfront businesses have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.” “Let’s empower coastal businesses to invest in flood and disaster prevention before a storm hits,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Doing so protects our way of life, fishing and coastal industries, and the livelihoods of Louisiana families.” “From lobstering to boatbuilding, working waterfronts are the economic backbone of many coastal communities — but they’re vanishing under pressure from development and intensifying climate impacts,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “In Maine, we've seen firsthand how vulnerable ou… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/how-in-the-world-senator-king-confronts-pentagon-nominee-on-impact-to-cybersecurity-priorities-amid-massive-cuts “How in the World?” Senator King Confronts Pentagon Nominee on Impact to Cybersecurity Priorities Amid Massive Cuts 2025-07-31 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today questioned a Department of Defense nominee on the harmful impact of staffing cuts to the Defense Department that tests weapons systems including testing for cybersecurity. In an exchange with Dr. Amy Henninger, nominee to be Director of Operational Test and Evaluation at the Department of Defense (DoD) during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), King questioned whether she was in support of the existing staffing cuts and whether, if confirmed, she believed she would have enough resources to keep Americans safe. Senator King began, “70% of the staff in the office you are designated to lead has been cut, yet at the same time, the challenges of investing in a new technology, particularly the challenges of cyber and ensuring cybersecurity of the whole supply chain, have multiplied in recent years. How in the world are you going to do your job when you've only got 30% of the people who were there a year ago? “Thank you for the opportunity to expand on that, Senator King. I have not been briefed on the details, the Secretary of Defense, his memorandum and decisions after the memorandum,” Dr. Henninger replied. “I understand that there is a 60-day period, where there will be a reconsideration of any resources that might be necessary. I don't know where that stands right now. The operational test and evaluation community spreads out responsibility, across a number of entities, including the service OTAs who actually do the cyber testing. At DOT&E, the office that you were talking about in your question, specifically provides oversight and analysis for a certain number of programs that were on the oversight list. And when I get into the office, I will do an independent analysis.” Senator King concluded, “I think this office is very important, particularly at this moment in time.” As former Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) and current member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Select Intelligence Committ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-legislation-to-streamline-green-card-status-for-at-risk-immigrant-youth King Cosponsors Legislation to Streamline Green Card Status for At-Risk Immigrant Youth 2025-07-31 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to help provide an expedited pathway to green card status for young immigrants under 21 whose case of abandonment, abuse or neglect by their legal guardian has been evaluated and affirmed by a U.S. state court. The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act, S. 1965, aims to exempt Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) children from annual employment-based visa caps. This would end years-long backlogs and allow these children to move forward with their lives as lawful, productive, permanent residents of the United States. “For generations, our country has been a beacon of hope for immigrants seeking a better life,” said Senator King. “However, navigating the immigration system and pathway to legal citizenship is often a lengthy, cumbersome process — especially for younger immigrants trying to escape abuse or neglect. The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act would gently ease some of the barriers to obtaining a green card for vulnerable minors and help keep these children safe and out of harm’s way. We owe it to the young people seeking refuge in our country to provide them with the tools and support to achieve their American dream.” The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) was established in 1990 to create a pathway to lawful permanent residence (a “green card”) for immigrant children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected by their parents or guardians. Children who receive SIJS have faced horrific conditions in their home countries, leaving them unable to return and often with few resources here in the U.S. Despite being a humanitarian visa, the pathway to a green card for SIJS children runs through the employment-based immigration visa system — subjecting SIJS recipients to annual worldwide and country-specific visa limits. This has resulted in thousands of children stuck in a backlog, unable to move forward with their lives. The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act is cosponsored by Senators Cortez Masto (D-NV), Alex … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-senate-resolution-affirming-importance-of-prevention-task-force-that-guides-medical-best-practices King Leads Senate Resolution Affirming Importance of Prevention Task Force that Guides Medical Best Practices 2025-07-30 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are introducing a Senate Resolution affirming support for the forty-year-old federal task force charged with guiding medical best practices across the United States. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), recently reported to be in the early stages of being disbanded, is responsible for making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications. These prevention measures guide patients and providers in their treatment options to keep Americans healthy with the secondary order effect of keeping treatment costs down. Created in 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is a scientifically independent, volunteer panel of national experts that works to improve the health of people nationwide. Task Force members come from the fields of preventive medicine and primary care, including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, obstetrics and gynecology, and nursing. Their recommendations are based on a rigorous review of existing peer-reviewed evidence and are intended to help primary care clinicians and patients decide together whether a preventive service is right for a patient's needs. As required by the Affordable Care Act, public and private insurers also use the USPSTF recommendations to determine what preventive interventions should be covered without cost-sharing by patients. “Every Maine person deserves access to affordable, evidence-based medicine,” said Senator King. “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, historically, has been that guiding light: a group of independent experts that came together to offer science-backed treatment options for everything from heart disease to HIV prevention and routine cancer screenings. I have always said that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ but the ongoing threats from the Trump Administration to disband the task force are the latest example that the cheap… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-streamline-information-sharing-between-community-care-providers-and-va-medical-centers King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Information-Sharing Between Community Care Providers and VA Medical Centers 2025-07-29 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) have introduced legislation to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implement guidelines to streamline information-sharing between community care providers and VA medical centers. The Coordinating and Aligning Records to Improve and Normalize Governance (CARING) for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 would enable the Office of Integrated Veteran Care to better track medical documentation after a veteran receives care from a community provider. It would also require the VA to measure the performance of timeliness and efficiency in obtaining community care records. Nearly 75% of veterans return to VA medical centers for continued care after receiving services from community providers, increasing the risk of medical documentation between providers falling through the cracks. The Office of Integrated Veteran Care of the Veterans Health Administration currently lacks systemwide visibility into whether medical documentation from community providers is being received, jeopardizing oversight and clinical coordination for Maine’s veterans. “Veterans in Maine and across the country have sacrificed greatly in service to the nation and it is our job to now return the favor,” said Senator King. “The CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 would ensure that veterans have access to the best care by improving information-sharing between community care providers and VA medical centers to reduce the chances of important details falling through the cracks. I am grateful to my colleague, Senator Ricketts, for working with me on this important legislation putting veterans first.” “Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Senator Ricketts. “In order to ensure our veterans receive the best standard of care, it is important that their medical history is shared and available for VA medical centers following care in the community. This bill will help establish guidelines and procedures for VA medical facilities to obtain medical do… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-amid-growing-nutrition-crisis-in-gaza King Releases Statement Amid Growing Nutrition Crisis in Gaza 2025-07-28 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amid the growing nutrition and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement severing his support for the current Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “I cannot defend the indefensible. Israel’s actions in the conduct of the war in Gaza, especially its failure to address the unimaginable humanitarian crisis now unfolding, is an affront to human decency. What appears to be a deliberately-induced famine among a civilian population—including tens of thousands of starving children—can never be an acceptable military strategy. “While clearly justified in responding to the horrific attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli citizens, that tragic event cannot in turn justify the enormous toll on Palestinian civilians caused by Israel’s relentless bombing campaign and its indifference to the current plight of those trapped in what’s left of Gaza. “I in no way accept or condone the actions of Hamas, but recent events have placed a moral burden on Israel to ameliorate the current crisis, a burden it has thus far totally failed to meet. “For these reasons, I am through supporting the actions of the current Israeli government and will advocate—and vote—for an end to any United States support whatsoever until there is a demonstrable change in the direction of Israeli policy. My litmus test will be simple: no aid of any kind as long as there are starving children in Gaza due to the action or inaction of the Israeli government.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-help-farmers-and-cut-meat-costs-king-paul-introduce-bill-to-reduce-red-tape-for-maine-farmers To Help Farmers and Cut Meat Costs, King, Paul Introduce Bill to Reduce Red Tape for Maine Farmers 2025-07-28 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY) have introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for small farms and ranches to provide locally produced meats to consumers. As beef prices in the United States hit record highs, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act would give individual states the freedom to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, goat or lamb to consumers, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses and grocery stores. Custom-slaughter facilities are annually inspected facilities — Maine’s state standards are “at least equal to” federal government standards — that process safe, and clean meat from small farms for private consumption, but are not currently allowed to make public sales. “Maine farmers should not face redundant barriers when it comes to meeting increased demand for fresh, locally produced meats,” said Senator King. “The PRIME Act would put a stop to unnecessary federal regulations by empowering states to regulate the processing and local sale of meat. This bipartisan legislation is a solid step toward restoring a measure of commonsense to the process, supporting Maine’s farmers and bolstering the local foods movement, all while protecting consumer safety. If Maine or Kentucky wants to let a farm sell fresh, tested, safe meat in their communities using a custom slaughterhouse and proven methods, the federal government doesn’t need to get involved.” Under current law, farmers and ranchers must have their animals processed at a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified facility to sell their product commercially. However, many states such as Maine have a limited amount of USDA-approved processing facilities, which are often at capacity. This makes it expensive and time-consuming for farmers to transport their animals, sometimes across the state or even out of state when they intend to sell the meat to their neighbors. The PRIME Act would give states the authority to allow meat from custom-… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-permitting-reform-bill-with-natural-resources-committee-chairman-westerman Golden introduces permitting reform bill with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman 2025-07-25 2025 2025-07 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, a bill to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to streamline the permitting process and return the law to its intended purpose as a procedural statute for assessing the environmental impact of federal actions. Golden is the lead Democratic sponsor of the bill, which was submitted today by the House Natural Resources Committee Chairman, Republican Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “Being a good steward of our environment doesn’t mean we must tolerate a yearslong permitting process that is onerous, overly complex and ripe for litigation abuse,” Golden said. “America must get back into the business of building. We need modern infrastructure. We need robust power production that does not discriminate between energy sources. These investments will create jobs, support our economy, keep prices down and help us maintain energy independence.” “A country as advanced as the United States must be nimble enough to build what we need, when we need it. I'm proud to partner with Chairman Westerman on reforms that protect our environment while delivering the investments Americans need today, not years from now,” Golden said. “America's model of successful environmental stewardship alongside strong economic growth is being hobbled by a more than half-century old permitting process that is overdue for a tune-up. Although well-intentioned, the National Environmental Policy Act has not kept up with the times, which is bad for both our environment and our economy,” Westerman said. “With commonsense upgrades, we can cut red tape and enable the United States to build once again while setting the standard for environmental stewardship. The SPEED Act will help launch America into a future where we can effectively innovate and implement to revitalize our infrastructure, meet skyrocketing energy demands, lead the world in the AI race and work in harmony with our natural environment. Ameri… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-crack-down-on-trespassing-on-sensitive-government-property King, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Trespassing on Sensitive Government Property 2025-07-25 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), have introduced legislation to better ensure access to U.S. Intelligence Community property is only available to authorized personnel. The bipartisan Intelligence Community Property Security Act would strengthen the penalty for trespassing on sensitive property under the jurisdiction of the Intelligence Community. Currently, Title 18 of United States Code — which outlines laws pertaining to crimes and criminal procedures — does not express address criminal incursions onto U.S. intelligence sites. The bill would revise criminal penalties to address the severity of the crime, and the pointed threat repeat offenders pose to U.S. national security interests. “The 21st century threat landscape is complicated, but there are some simple and straightforward steps we can take to protect our security and operations — like make sure that our Intelligence Community facilities are not compromised by unauthorized trespassers,” said King. “The bipartisan Intelligence Community Property Security Act would take action to strengthen the penalties for bad actors and offenders attempting to intrude on intelligence sites. It’s commonsense legislation that will help better protect American people and interests.” “Having unauthorized personnel trespassing onto some of our nation’s most sensitive sites presents a grave national security risk. We can’t take these offenses lightly,” said Rounds. “Our legislation would strengthen the punishment for repeated offenses and, in turn, better deter those bad actors who may try to infringe on these properties. Now more than ever, it’s critical to protect our intelligence sites from foreign adversaries.” A member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues. In addition to his committee work, Senator King se… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-cline-introduces-bipartisan-fiscal-contingency-preparedness-act Golden, Cline introduces bipartisan Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act 2025-07-24 2025 2025-07 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — With the national debt topping $36 trillion and interest payments now exceeding spending on Medicare and national defense, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) has signed on as the lead Democratic cosponsor of the Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act, introduced today by Congressmen Ben Cline (VA-06). This bipartisan bill would require the federal government to assess and report its ability to respond to major national emergencies like economic downturns, energy crises and national security threats. The bill was also sponsored by Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03). The legislation directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to produce an annual report measuring the government’s fiscal strength and readiness. After this report is released, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) would conduct its own independent review and publish its findings to ensure accuracy and transparency. “One of the many lessons the Marine Corps taught me was to have a plan for the worst-case scenario,” Golden said. “This bipartisan bill would force Washington to be clear-eyed about our fiscal outlook in potential national emergencies, which is the necessary first step for responsible planning to keep America stable and secure.” “With our debt piling up and interest payments skyrocketing, we cannot afford to be caught flat-footed when the next emergency hits," Cline said. "Just like households plan ahead for tough times, the federal government must do the same. Americans deserve a clear picture of how much room we actually have to respond to future crises. Congress must face the facts and make responsible decisions now, before an emergency strikes.” “We know that when a crisis hits, preparation makes all the difference," Bergman said. "The Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act is a commonsense step to ensure we’re ready to respond to whatever comes our way - whether it’s an economic downturn, a natural disaster, or a natio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-criticizes-va-nominee-for-harmful-ready-fire-aim-contract-terminations King Criticizes VA Nominee for Harmful “Ready, Fire, Aim” Contract Terminations 2025-07-24 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), questioned a Trump Administration nominee about the reckless approach it’s taking to contract and staff reductions at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). In his exchange with John Bartrum, Nominee to be Under Secretary for Health, King reasoned that it is virtually impossible to make dramatic, across-the-board reductions with thought, care and precision while protecting care for veterans because of the speed in which the reductions are happening. Senator King began, “I’ve done a little examination, this is full of contracts for nursing services, nursing home services you mentioned prosthetics, probably a dozen prosthetics contracts being canceled. It is hard for me to believe that all of these are unnecessary contracts. $13 billion worth of contracts. It worries me is that there seems to be a pattern of ready, fire, aim at Veterans’ Affairs. You started with hiring freeze applying to everybody, then, oh no, it doesn't apply to medical people. That was a good decision, but it should not have been, it shouldn't have been made in the first place. Then it was 83,000 people are going to be fired by the end of the year, now it is 30,000, not fired, but we are going to downsize by 30,000. And I just wonder if upon review, I can't believe all 16,000 of these contracts, and then the email, of course, lists three or four ones that we would all say, okay, those probably aren’t necessary but prosthetics contracts, nursing contracts, nursing home contracts, it really bothers me. Mr. Bartrum, you mentioned we don't have a good staffing model. That may well be true, but I think you should start with the staffing model and then decide what the right size of the staff is. Not start with 30,000 or a month ago, it was 83,000 and work backwards. Do you see what I'm saying? Analyze the staff, do the staffing model, determine what you need and then make those decisions instead of starting with what amounts to a quot… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-presses-navy-nominee-for-certainty-on-shipbuilding-defense-contracts King Presses Navy Nominee for Certainty on Shipbuilding, Defense Contracts 2025-07-24 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today pressed the U.S. Navy for a firmer commitment to long-term shipbuilding plans at shipyards like Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard – plans that would give Maine communities and defense contractors greater predictability. In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), King pressed Admiral Daryl Caudle, the nominee for Chief of Naval Operations, about his desire to maintain these long-term plans to allow the shipyards hire and maintain their workforces. Senator King began, “We talked about industrial base. It was touched upon. One of the things that has been missing, isn’t on your watch, is a 30-year shipbuilding plan. We always talk about the industrial base. One of the things the industrial base needs is a consistent demand signal. Part of that is a 30-year ship building plan that says to the private sector, here are the ships we are planning to build, here’s the schedule, here's is what we are looking for in terms of the modern Navy. I hope that can be one of the things you attend to on your watch, producing that overdue 30-year shipbuilding plan. “Well Senator, I often joke at my office that you cannot change a 30-year ship building plan every year. That is called a one-year ship building plan,” Admiral Caudle jokingly replied. Senator King promptly responded, “And that’s what we have had.” “Yes sir. Changing year 31 is okay, but not year 1. You have my commitment on that, and I am a big fan of multiyear procurement, incremental funding, multi-ship buy, anything that can stabilize our precious private and public workforce with clear planning demand signal I am an advocate for,” Admiral Caudle said. “That is absolutely a very important observation. As you say, the consistent demand signal allows the ship building community to hire and maintain their workforce. We cannot have troughs in terms of the demand,” Senator King concluded. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King has championed funding for … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-collins-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-create-disaster-relief-fund-for-loggers Golden, Collins introduce bipartisan legislation to create disaster relief fund for loggers 2025-07-23 2025 2025-07 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, which would establish a new program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support loggers who have lost income due to natural disasters. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) are original cosponsors of the legislation, while Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) is the lead cosponsor in the House. Current law excludes loggers from the kinds of disaster relief and assistance available to other industries, including fishermen and farmers, when natural disasters strike. Under the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, a disaster declaration from the president or governor would unlock federal assistance eligibility for logging businesses with at least a 10 percent loss in revenue or volume compared to the prior year. Covered damage would include high winds, fire, flooding, insect infestation and drought. “You can’t write the story of Maine without loggers. Our forest products industry has provided for generations of Mainers and continues to be the economic bedrock of many rural communities. There must be a safety net to ensure one particularly bad season cannot uproot logging families and communities” Golden said. “I’m proud of our loggers, and I’m proud of the rock-solid coalition we’re building to support them. ” “Maine’s forest products industry has long supported good‑paying jobs and helped grow local economies across our state. Loggers are at the heart of that industry, but devastating storms in recent years have severely impacted the ability of logging businesses to operate at full capacity,” Senator Collins said. “This bipartisan bill would provide targeted financial assistance to help loggers recover from federally declared disasters, so that they can continue their important work, sustain rural communities, and contribute to our state’s economy.” “In Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District, ou… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-calling-on-us-senate-to-ratify-global-ocean-governing-agreement King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling on U.S. Senate to Ratify Global Ocean Governing Agreement 2025-07-23 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, has introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the U.S. Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS, which has been ratified by 170 parties, defines the rights and responsibilities of nations regarding the world’s oceans — including guidelines for businesses and the management of marine natural resources — and provides a legal framework to protect those rights while avoiding conflict. “America is an Arctic Nation, but as we fail to assert our rights on the global stage, we allow rival countries to seize opportunities in our maritime territory that should rightfully be ours,” said U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator Angus King (I-ME). “Signing on to the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea would give us our rightful seat at the table for international conversations about territorial rights, navigation, environmental protections and economic opportunities — especially in the race for critical minerals that will unlock our technological future. Every military official and diplomatic appointee I have met with has said that America joining the Law of the Sea Treaty would assist in advancing America’s interests, increase our supply chain resilience, and strengthen our national security. The High North offers historical possibilities for America’s future, but we are holding ourselves back by standing still.” UNCLOS — sometimes referred to as the “constitution of the oceans” — is a comprehensive legal framework governing all uses of the world’s oceans and seas, and their resources. It also allows for further development of specific areas of the law of the sea. It is the globally recognized framework for dealing with all matters relating to the law of the sea, governing areas including, but not limited to, environmental control, marine scientific research, economic and commercial activities, and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters. Without American agreement … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-witness-electric-bills-in-maine-are-rising-storage-and-transmission-solutions-should-be-pursued King to Witness: Electric Bills in Maine are Rising, Storage and Transmission Solutions Should Be Pursued 2025-07-23 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke about the rising costs of electric bills in Maine and the path forward to address these rising costs via transmission upgrades and battery storage for renewable energy sources. In his exchange with Rob Gramlich, the President of Grid Strategies LLC, King highlighted that while battery storage capabilities exist today, the demand is only growing greater. King also shared that by simply upgrading existing transmission lines, the United States can lower the cost of home energy in places like Maine. Senator King began, “The word transmission has come up numerous times a day and how important it is and what an important part it is of this discussion. Unfortunately, this morning, the Department of Energy terminated a loan program for a major interregional transmission system in the Midwest. So, here we are talking about how important transmission is, and here is the Department of Energy – and it was not a grant, it was a loan guarantee program. I just think the timing is somewhat ironic. “We all know that solar and wind are intermittent. We understand that [and] everybody knows that. I was in the hydro business, that is also intermittent. It doesn't always rain. As well as wind, biomass and large-scale conservation. What is really happening is really dramatic in terms of energy storage,” Senator King continued. “If you have adequate energy storage, solar and wind are baseload, because you have something to make up the difference. I used AI … to check on where we are on batteries. As of five minutes ago, the U.S. added a record 10.4 gigawatts of utility scale battery storage in 2024, marking a 66% increase from the prior year. In 2025, the EIA anticipates a record-setting year with another 18 gigawatts of utility scale battery storage on the grid. Looking ahead, the EIA forecast the U.S. battery storage will nearly double, reaching 65 gigawatts by the end of 2026. Senator King continued, “In oth… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-205-million-for-economic-development-projects-across-maine Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $20.5 Million for Economic Development Projects Across Maine 2025-07-23 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King announced that 29 Maine organizations will receive a total of $20,588,173 to support important development projects. The funding comes from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Fiscal Year 2025 Catalyst Program and Timber for Transit Program and will support projects aimed at strengthening economic opportunity in communities across 13 Maine counties. “The NBRC has long helped provide rural regions with the economic tools they need to prosper,” said Senators Collins and King. “This funding will help improve water infrastructure and roadways in communities across our state while strengthening our workforce and creating economic opportunities for Mainers.” The recipients of the Catalyst Program funding are as follows: Boothbay Region Water District - $1,000,000 City of Gardiner - $1,000,000 Mount Desert Island Hospital - $1,000,000 Presque Isle Utilities District - $1,000,000 Town of Waldoboro - $1,000,000 Regional Medical Center at Lubec - $800,000 Cherryfield Town Square - $500,000 Eastern Maine Development Corporation - $500,000 Friends of the Mountain - $500,000 Main Street Skowhegan - $500,000 Maine Department of Labor - $500,000 Maine Outdoor Brands - $500,000 Paris Utility District - $500,000 The Harry E. Davis Partnership for Children's Oral Health - $499,613 Associated General Contractors of Maine - $497,961 Town of Thomaston - $497,640 Maine Community College System - $497,537 Town of Beals - $482,236 Arnold Trail Snowmobile Network - $403,409 GrowSmart Maine - $388,700 Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce - $303,150 Midcoast Council of Governments - $300,000 Bangor Children's Home d.b.a. Hilltop School - $227,735 Island Institute - $181,712 Town of North Haven - $100,000 The recipients of the Timber for Transit Program funding are as follows: Town of Island Falls - $2,808,000 City of Presque Isle - $2,500,000 University of Maine, Orono Campus - $1,000,000 I… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-pushes-for-extension-of-moratorium-on-right-whale-lobster-regulations-until-2035 Golden pushes for extension of moratorium on right whale, lobster regulations until 2035 2025-07-22 2025 2025-07 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is urging the House Natural Resources Committee (HNRC) to protect Maine’s lobstermen from new regulations related to the protection of the North Atlantic right whale until 2035. Golden worked with the Maine delegation and Governor Janet Mills to enact a moratorium on such regulations starting in 2023, but it is scheduled to expire in 2028. The HNRC Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries met today to discuss a draft amendment to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which would extend the moratorium for seven more years. “It was only three years ago that Maine’s lobster industry was on the verge of shutting down because of a regulatory process that was based on flawed interpretation of the MMPA and biased modeling that relied heavily on hypothetical threats that fisheries posed to the right whale,” Golden said. “[This amendment] would give the government the time it needs to craft regulations based on real science, reliable data and input from Mainers. And it would give lobstermen the time they need to prepare for whatever additional costs and changes to their harvesting practices may be required by new regulations.” Golden also introduced into the record a letter in support of the amendment from Maine stakeholders, including the Maine Lobstering Union, Maine Lobster Association, New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association and Downeast Lobstermen’s Association. (See here) The Congressman’s full remarks, as drafted, are included below: “Thank you, Madam Chair. “The Marine Mammal Protection Act has a tremendous impact on the lives and livelihoods of the thousands of Maine lobstermen and fishermen I have the privilege to represent. So, I am grateful to you and the Ranking Member for having this hearing to discuss potential changes to the law. “I have serious concerns with the MMPA and I believe that changes need to be made to the law to ensure that it cannot be used to shut down entire fisheries and the communities they support. Simply put, the feder… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-prohibit-sharing-of-personal-data-of-daca-program-applicants-with-immigration-officials King Cosponsors Bill to Prohibit Sharing of Personal Data of DACA Program Applicants with Immigration Officials 2025-07-22 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has joined legislation to prohibit the sharing of sensitive personal data, like taxpayer and health information, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act would provide a statutory guarantee to current and prospective Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program applicants, also known as Dreamers, that the private information they provide in their applications will not be used against them. This comes as the Trump Administration increases information sharing to advance its mass deportation agenda. The Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act will prohibit the DHS Secretary from disclosing information included in an individual’s application for the DACA program to law enforcement agencies, including ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for any purpose other than the implementation of the DACA program, with limited exceptions. “Dreamers are productive, established members of our community woven into the fabric of our lives; neighbors and friends that go to school, work at the local store, and contribute honestly to American society no matter the passport they hold,” Senator King said. “The Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act would allow thousands of law-abiding Dreamers to continue living their lives and making contributions to society without fear of their personal information being misused by those enforcing the administration’s misguided deportation agenda.” Since 2012, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, contributing an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and paying $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes. In 2021, a federal district court judge paused the DACA program and prevented USCIS from approving any new DACA applications. In March 2025, however, a Fifth Circuit decision giving United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states othe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-africa-command-nominee-were-taking-our-eye-off-the-terrorism-ball King to Africa Command Nominee: “We’re Taking Our Eye off the Terrorism Ball” 2025-07-22 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) questioned a Trump Administration nominee about his thoughts on the current role of ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups within the African region. In his exchange with Air Force Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, nominee to be general and Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), King asked if America’s focus on Asian nations in the Pacific is undercutting its ability to root out and counter terrorism in Africa and the Middle East. “General Anderson, one of the things that concerns me, and it relates somewhat to the aid question, but more generally is the rise of terrorism. And you mentioned September 11th. That was 19 people, and my concern is with our so-called pivot to the Indo-Pacific we're taking our eye off the terrorism ball. Could you share with us the thoughts about the status of Al Qaeda and ISIS in Africa, and what we should be watching out for and being concerned of?” Senator King asked. “Yes, Senator, I appreciate that concern, and if confirmed, I will definitely make this a priority to assess as it's been four years since I was at SOCAFRICA [Special Operations Command Africa],” General Anderson responded. “With that said though, we have seen the terrorist groups move much of their operations into the ungoverned spaces of Africa, both ISIS and Al-Qaeda. We're seeing ISIS active in Somalia as well as in West Africa – ISIS West Africa. AQIM [Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb] and their affiliate, JNIM [Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin], are also very active in the Sahel, both with intent to attack US interests.” General Anderson continued, “Whether or not they have that capability is not clear. And so, to your point, one of the greatest concerns we have is having enough resources and enough relationships to be able to understand how these threats are progressing. So, we have an adequate amount of indicators and warnings and we know what the threat to the United … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/protecting-veterans-from-claim-sharks-senator-king-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-fight-unaccredited-claims-representatives Protecting Veterans from “Claim Sharks,” Senator King and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Fight Unaccredited Claims Representatives 2025-07-21 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), has introduced legislation to protect veterans from unaccredited claims representatives seeking to defraud them of their benefits. The VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to warn veterans more effectively about unaccredited VA claims representatives, or “claim sharks.” Claim sharks are unaccredited agents or companies that charge veterans fees, usually between $5,000 and $20,000, to help them file their initial VA benefits claims—a service that is supposed to be free to veterans. Unfortunately, because these actors operate outside the bounds of VA regulations, the VA has little authority to go after them. The VA is currently required to warn veterans about unaccredited claims representatives on its websites, but only after veterans log in to their VA benefits accounts. This approach limits the reach and efficacy of the notice requirement, increasing the risk that some veterans may not see the warning until after they have already begun working with unaccredited claims agents. “Veterans in Maine and across the country rely every day on accredited veteran claims representatives for assistance with filing disability claims,” said King. “However, there are bad actors who proactively prey on veterans, offering assistance while illegally charging them high costs for services that Veterans Service Organizations perform for free. The VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would require the VA to more aggressively warn veterans about unaccredited agents who are scamming our men and women who served. This commonsense legislation is a simple way to help protect veterans from predatory companies and ensure they receive their earned benefits.” The VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would address this shortcoming by requiring the VA to post warnings on its public-facing websites, without requiring veterans to first create or log in to an account. The l… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-wins-funding-in-defense-bills-to-support-jobs-in-maine-shipbuilding-manufacturing Golden wins funding in defense bills to support jobs in Maine shipbuilding, manufacturing 2025-07-18 2025 2025-07 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), successfully secured several provisions in the House’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act that would steer billions of federal dollars to support Maine manufacturing. Major wins for Maine secured in these bills — including funding for two of the DDG-51 destroyers, ships typically built by Bath Iron Works (BIW) and a requirement that military footwear be sourced from domestic producers, such as the New Balance factory in Skowhegan — were last-minute inclusions following weeks of advocacy by Golden. Without Golden’s amendments specifically addressing shipbuilding, the House was set to break years of precedent by not ordering new destroyers in the NDAA. Golden grilled the Secretary of the Navy about the omission during a hearing last month. “The NDAA is one of Congress’ most powerful tools to jumpstart America’s production economy, and in today’s uncertain world, the wins included in this bill are as important as ever,” Golden said. “These amendments represent years of job opportunities for Mainers that will make the country more safe — something I’ll continue pressing my colleagues on in the months ahead.” The NDAA was passed out of the Armed Services Committee with near unanimous bipartisan support and must now pass the full House and Senate before becoming law. “This important investment in America’s defense recognizes the critical role Arleigh Burke-class destroyers play in safeguarding our families, our country and our national interests,” said Charles F. Krugh, president of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. “We appreciate Congressman Golden’s continuing leadership regarding the shipbuilding industrial base. As the budget process moves forward, this commitment offers clear support to shipbuilders as we work to get more Flight III capability to the fleet.” “The IAM Union applauds Congressman Jared Golden for his steadfast wor… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-increase-access-to-affordable-childcare-in-maine King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Increase Access to Affordable Childcare in Maine 2025-07-18 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining legislation to lower childcare costs and address the nationwide shortage of affordable childcare. The Child Care for Working Families Act is comprehensive legislation that would put a cap on childcare costs for working families, address childcare deserts by providing grants to open new facilities, support higher wages for childcare workers, provide comprehensive funding for Head Start to provide full-day, full-year programming, and expand access to pre-K programs. Included in the legislation is a provision that would enable the typical family in America to pay less than $15 a day for childcare—with many families paying nothing at all—and no eligible family paying more than 7% of their income on childcare. “Affordable and accessible childcare is one of the most pressing needs for working families in Maine and across the nation, and it presents a huge hurdle to mothers and fathers who want to enter the workforce,” said Senator King. “The Child Care for Working Families Act would provide ample resources for communities across the country to support childcare options that are open for the full day and don’t break the bank. When families have access to care, they can succeed as parents and professionals.” The average cost of childcare is now $13,128—a 29% increase since 2020 that outpaces inflation. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, the average annual costs of child care for two children exceeds median rent—and in 41 states and the District of Columbia, the cost of care for one infant exceeds in-state university tuition. The crisis costs the U.S. economy over $100 billion each year. An estimated 18,000 people in Maine are currently out of the labor force due to a lack of child care, while the child care crisis costs Maine nearly $403 million in annual costs. More specifically, the Child Care for Working Families Act will: Make childcare affordable for working families. The typical family earning the state median income will pay less than $15 a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-jeffries-join-federal-unions-in-urging-congress-to-force-vote-to-overturn-trump-s-anti-union-executive-order Golden, Jeffries join federal unions in urging Congress to force vote to overturn Trump’s anti-union executive order 2025-07-17 2025 2025-07 Democrat House ME Jared F. Golden G000592 golden.house.gov golden https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today was joined by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and other federal union leaders and Members of Congress to push for a vote on H.R. 2550, the Protect America’s Workforce Act of 2025. (VIDEO: Watch the press conference) The bill, sponsored by Golden, would nullify President Trump’s March 27 Executive Order ending collective bargaining rights for roughly 1 million unionized federal employees across several agencies. Golden is spearheading a discharge petition for the bill, which allows a majority of the House to force an up-or-down vote on a piece of legislation if a majority of members of Congress sign on. Since Golden introduced the bipartisan bill in April, it has garnered bipartisan support from 222 members of Congress — including seven Republicans — exceeding the threshold necessary to pass the bill if it were brought to the floor for a vote. To date, the GOP majority has made no effort to call the vote. “I know that everyone who cosponsored this legislation, no matter their party, did so because they know workers' rights are worth defending,” Golden said. “They know that when workers collectively bargain, the result is a fairer workplace with dignity and respect. They know the president’s executive order undermines core American values and leaves workers open to unfair treatment and political interference. I’m standing with my colleagues and union leaders representing hundreds of thousands of workers to deliver a simple message: It's time to let us vote.” “In this country, when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to have a good-paying job, good housing, good healthcare, a good education for your children and a good retirement. That's the American dream. No one has done more to deliver that American dream than organized labor. But organized labor is facing an unprecedented assault right now as a result of Donald Trump and his administration targeting unions and federal government employees. T… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-king-collins-smith-introduce-bill-to-combat-lyme-and-other-tick-borne-diseases Senators King, Collins, Smith Introduce Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases 2025-07-16 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) today introduced legislation to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, their landmark legislation to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases, which became law in 2019. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joins them as an original co-sponsor. The Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Confirmed cases of Lyme disease reached a record number in Maine – 3,035 – last year. Senators Collins and Smith named their bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus. “Our state has been battling diseases like Lyme for decades, so it is critical we continue to invest in our research and understanding of these vector-borne diseases to better protect Maine residents and visitors,” said Senator King. “The Kay Hagan Tick Act will further the prevention efforts that keep us safe by funding research, testing and diagnostics along with resources for improved data collection. I am proud to work on this critical bipartisan legislation that will help mitigate this long-term public health threat for the future safety and health of all Maine people.” “Last year, Maine reported over 3,000 cases of Lyme disease—a record in our state. The reauthorization of our Tick Act is urgently needed to continue to support those who struggle with Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses and keep improving research, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention for these terrible diseases,” said Senator Collins. “Resources from the Tick Act have led to exciting developments such as the first-ever clinical trial for a Lyme disease vaccine for people, which is underway right now at the MaineHealth Institute for Research.” “My home state of Minnesota is proud to have more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers for us to enjoy, and we’re always especia… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bad-policy-to-downright-dangerous-king-says-on-floor-in-preparation-for-vote-on-recissions-legislation ‘Bad Policy to Downright Dangerous,’ King says on Floor in Preparation for Vote on Recissions Legislation 2025-07-15 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today spoke on the Senate floor against the ‘Recissions Package’ currently being considered by the governing body. This legislation aims to remove Congressionally-approved funding from critical public services including, but not limited to, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) which helps to fund Maine Public broadcasting and public interest newsgathering nationwide, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) which leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage and directs and coordinates the world’s response to health emergencies before they can pose a threat to American lives. More specifically, King made the point that this bill is a further abdication of congressional authority to fund national priorities, also known in the Constitution as “the power of the purse.” Early in the speech, King highlighted the importance of public broadcasting and its impact on the American people. King began, “Public broadcasting has a unique place in the United States and our media environment in that it is the only media form not driven by advertising and advertising dollars. It cannot be driven by ratings. It therefore is able to provide programming to the American people that they probably almost certainly would not have access to otherwise. It wouldn't simply find a home on commercial broadcasting because the ratings wouldn't be there, but that doesn't mean the programming isn't important. King then spoke about international interests that have wide-ranging effects on the health and safety of people here at home. “Vaccination campaigns, food security, nutrition programs, disaster response, refugee support. This aligns with our American values. As I say, it's a relatively small part of the budget. It helps to stabilize fragile states. It cuts the risk of extremism and terrorism and conflict. And James Mattis put it best. General James Mattis, one of the most distinguished military officers of our time, said, ‘If you don't fund the state department … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-press-for-answers-on-striking-inconsistency-of-immigration-policies-for-afghans-living-in-the-us King, Colleagues Press for Answers on “Striking Inconsistency” of Immigration Policies for Afghans Living in the U.S. 2025-07-15 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Angus King and a number of his Senate colleagues are pressing the White House for clarity on their shifting immigration policies for Afghans living in the United States. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King and his colleagues point out that the justifications for the decisions to implement a large-scale travel ban, which applies to Afghanistan, and terminate Temporary Protected Status, conflict with one another. Many of these Afghan nationals played essential, life-saving roles in supporting American servicemembers during the war in Afghanistan over two decades. Afghanistan remains gripped by violence and instability; the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, many risk being caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP, threatening their human rights and freedoms. These risks are on top of retribution risks for Afghan nationals that supported American armed forces. “We write to you with deep concern over President Donald Trump’s recently announced so-called travel ban and its striking inconsistency with the Department of Homeland Security’s justification for termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. We respectfully request that you provide detailed information regarding the State Department’s assessment of the conditions in Afghanistan to clarify the Trump Administration’s position,” the lawmakers wrote. “As you know, the U.S. visa vetting system is a multi-layered process involving extensive background checks, biometric data collection, interagency information sharing, and screening against a range of national security databases that works to keep residents of our country safe,” the lawmakers continued. “According to the Brennan Center for Justice, “[m]ore than 40 national security experts from acros… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-on-potential-recissions-legislation-checks-and-balances-essentially-have-melted-away King on Potential Recissions Legislation: ‘Checks and Balances Essentially have Melted Away’ 2025-07-15 2025 2025-07 Independent Senate ME Angus S. King, Jr. K000383 www.king.senate.gov angusking https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today spoke on the Senate floor to speak on the Senate floor against the ‘Recissions Package’ currently being considered. This legislation aims to remove Congressionally-approved funding from critical public services including, but not limited to, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) which helps to fund Maine Public broadcasting and public interest newsgathering nationwide, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) which leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage and directs and coordinates the world’s response to health emergencies before they can pose a threat to American lives. More specifically, King made the point that this bill is a further abdication of congressional authority to fund national priorities, also known in the Constitution as “the power of the purse.” The full transcript of Senator King’s floor speech from this morning is below. +++ “Mr. President, I'd like to talk today about the rescission bill that will be coming before us in the next couple of days, and I want to really cover two points – what is being done in this bill, and how it's being done. I think they are equally important. In fact, I think perhaps how it is being done is more significant in the long run. The rescission bill talks about essentially two areas, public broadcasting, and USAID. In my view, the rescission, the total rescission of those two agencies, by the way –it is a total rescission— it's not selective cutting of certain programs or partially, it's the whole thing, both in the corporation for public broadcasting and USAID, go from bad policy to downright dangerous, and I want to talk about that for a minute. “Public broadcasting has a unique place in the United States and our media environment in that it is the only media form not driven by advertising and advertising dollars. It cannot be driven by ratings. It therefore is able to provide programming to the American people that they probably almost certainly would not have access to oth… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:40:33Z

Next page

Advanced export

JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object

CSV options:

CREATE TABLE [releases] (
   [url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
   [title] TEXT,
   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
Powered by Datasette · Queries took 228.285ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press