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://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-covid-19-relief-legislation-becoming-law,Golden Statement on COVID-19 Relief Legislation Becoming Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement today after it was announced that legislation to provide COVID-19 relief and to fund the government through Fiscal Year 2021 had been signed into law by the president: I'm glad the president has signed the COVID-19 relief bill into law. Millions of families and thousands of small businesses are counting on the relief measures contained in this legislation to survive the next several months of this pandemic. Provisions in the COVID-19 relief bill will provide additional unemployment assistance for the tens of thousands of Mainers who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. The bill will also direct more support to struggling small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program. In addition, this legislation will prevent many evictions across the country, help hospitals and healthcare professionals to treat those infected by COVID-19, aid school systems, and provide federal assistance to deliver a vaccine as quickly and effectively as possible. Crucially for our state, the bill also includes first-of-its-kind legislation to provide direct relief to loggers and log haulers as the industry continues to be battered by the pandemic economy. This provision, authored by Senator Collins and me, could be of great importance to many logging businesses and workers. We will continue to work together to see that Maine benefits from this program. My staff and I remain committed to helping constituents and businesses in our district understand the resources available to them through this relief bill and to working with federal agencies to ensure Mainers receive all the relief for which they qualify. Please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance. - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3579,Pingree Statement on House Override of Trump’s Dangerous NDAA Veto,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Statement on House Override of Trump's Dangerous NDAA Veto Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today released the following statement after the House voted to override President Trump'svetoof the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act: In one of his last acts as president, Trump vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act, a bipartisan, bicameralbill to support our troops and protect our national security. This move is just another in a long line by the president to sow chaos and discord, leaving our servicemembers in the lurch as a result. His veto put at risk a pay raise for our troops, paid leave, child care, housing,aidfor Bath Iron Works, andbenefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orangeall because he cares more about his personal feuds with social mediaplatformsand racist Confederate monuments. This veto puts our country at risk.Particularly in the wake of a major cyberattack, this move is shortsighted and irresponsible, and so I voted to override his veto. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3580,Pingree Statement on House Vote to Increase Stimulus Checks,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Statement on House Vote to Increase Stimulus Checks Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a standalone bill to increase COVID-19 stimulus checks to $2,000 per person: ""I'm relieved the President signed the COVID relief bill yesterday. Though the bill is far from perfect, it includes much-needed support for struggling Mainers, like increased SNAP benefits and extended unemployment, which lapsed on Saturday. ""Today,I joined my House colleagues to pass a standalone bill that would increase economic paymentsin the billfrom $600 to $2,000 per person.These paymentsare a crucial lifeline for millions of Americans who need to pay rent and put food on their table during this time of uncertainty. This measure recognizes the hardship Maine's families are experiencing during this crisis and offersthefinancial support they need to survive the winter. President Trump must call on Senate Republicans to join him in supporting this measure so we can getmore meaningfuldirect economic relief in the hands of the American people."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3578,"Pingree Statement on Future of COVID Relief Bill, Stimulus Checks",2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today released the following statement in reaction to the news that the House GOP blocked a unanimous consent request to provide the American people with $2,000 stimulus checks: During months of coronavirus relief negotiations, GOP leaders refused to commit to stimulus checks higher than $600/person. Yesterday, President Trump publicly pushed for $2,000 checks to the American peoplethe same amount I have fought for since March. Today, House Democrats proposed a good-faith effort to quickly pass $2,000 checks, but the House GOP callously blocked it. Passing this proposal through unanimous consent would have meant the American people received survival checks as soon as possible. The COVID relief bill passed on Tuesday is far from perfect, and we have a lot more work to do come January. However, it includes critical support for the American people during this crisis. If the President vetoes this bill, countless Mainers will go hungry, will be served eviction notices, and will have no financial support. We cannot leave anyone out in the cold. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-bill-signed-into-law-curbing-plastic-marine-debris,"Collins, King Bill Signed Into Law, Curbing Plastic Marine Debris",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) are applauding the signing into law of theirSave Our Seas 2.0 Act. The bipartisan bill,introduced in June, seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018. Countless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters,said Senator Collins. I am pleased to see this legislation become law, which will help to accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come. Maine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people,said Senator King.By enacting this bipartisan legislation into law, we are building on our vital work to protect our oceans and allow future generations can access its widespread economic potential and its unparalleled beauty. Roughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean. TheSave Our Seas 2.0 Actis also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Earlier this year, Senator Collinswas honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Awardfrom ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiatives at the organization's annual dinner. To honor his lifelong environmental stewardship and advocacy, Senator King received theinaugural Hero Award last monthfrom the National Park Foundation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-voices-concern-after-president-trump-vetoes-ndaa,King Voices Concern After President Trump Vetoes NDAA,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, expressed his frustration after President Trump vetoed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021.The legislation previously passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives by overwhelmingly bipartisan, veto-proof majorities; the legislation will now return to Congress, which will hold a vote to override the President's veto. By vetoing the overwhelmingly-bipartisan NDAA, President Trump is denying a pay raise for our nation's servicemembers, undermining our national security, and threatening Maine jobs at facilities like Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, said Senator King. The President has cited a variety of different reasons to explain why he opposes this bill, but each excuse is either patently false, wholly unrelated to the military, or antithetical to America's values. What should raise grave concern in every American, regardless of political beliefs, is that this NDAA is the single-most comprehensive piece of cybersecurity legislation ever passed by Congress; as we work to determine the harm done by the recent cyber incursion, the provisions in this NDAA would be a shield against future tactics by our foes worldwide. In the days ahead, I hope that the large, veto-proof majorities which initially supported this legislation will come together once again to override the President's veto for the good of our servicemembers and our nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/collins-golden-announce-200-million-help-loggers-timber-haulers-facing-covid-19,"Collins, Golden Announce $200 Million to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that the COVID-19 relief package that passed Congress and was signed into law included $200 million for logging and log hauling businesses that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introduced and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Pingree (ME-01) co-sponsored logger relief legislation earlier this year, and Senator Collins championed the funding in the final agreement. Throughout Maine's history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and strengthened rural communities,said Senator Collins. This industry is built on the backs of our dedicated loggers, who sustainably harvest and haul one of Maine's most precious resources. Loggers were already facing significant headwinds due to a changing 21st century economy and unfair trade practices, as well as the explosion at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay and the shutdown of the paper machine at Sappi in Westbrook. COVID-19 has only compounded these challenges. Maine's family logging and log hauling businesses need our support. That's why I worked to secure $200 million in the COVID-19 emergency relief package to provide critical financial assistance to the skilled professionals who work in this industry to help them get through this difficult period. Between COVID-19 and the Jay Mill explosion, many loggers and truck drivers are seeing work slow down as markets for their products decline. Maine loggers don't want a handout, but they deserve the same support during tough times that we have already provided for farmers and fishermen,said Congressman Golden.Senator Collins and I have worked together to introduce new legislation to provide targeted relief for loggers and log haulers, and we've successfully included it in the COVID-19 package that passed Congress today. Once this bill is law, we'll keep working together to make sure these funds get to Maine loggers and truckers. For generations, Maine's forest products industry has supported jobs and communities, especially in our state's rural regions,said Senator King.Thanks to our state's abundant forests and our world-class workforce, Maine has been a global leader in this important industry. The sector has faced hard times, and weathered them but the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily curbed market demand for forest products, and have contributed to the immense challenges facing this industry. For the sake of our logging industry, and all the Maine people who rely on it, I am proud to have worked with my colleague Senator Collins on the inclusion of $200 million in this aid package. This industry is essential to communities across our state, and I will continue to stand behind its workers in the challenging days ahead. Maine's forests are a vital part of our way of life and our economy, supporting more than 34,000 jobs and serving as the backbone of our rural communities. That's why I've advocated for meaningful relief for the logging industry from the very beginning of this economic crisis. This funding will help to support the forest products industry as they weather this storm,said Congresswoman Pingree. I know this package doesn't solve all of the pressure this industry is facing, and while it certainly doesn't go far enough to support Maine families who are struggling during this crisis, I'm proud that this bill includes targeted funding for the forest products industry as they report historic reductions in their markets. The significance of this announcement for timber harvesters and haulers in the United States cannot be overstated,Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, said.At no prior time in our nation's history have loggers been offered formal support and relief from our nation's government, and we especially want to thank U.S. Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Representative Jared Golden for leading the effort to secure this aid on behalf of the hard-working small family businesses in the industry here in Maine, and Senator Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree for joining that effort. Loggers and truckers need the same help and recognition farmers and fishermen have received since the pandemic began, now at long last they are getting it. The logging industry has experienced a steep decline in demand for wood fiber since the coronavirus pandemic began, leading to an estimated 20 percent or more drop in the timber harvest this year. The $200 million in relief funding will go to timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have, because of the COVID19 pandemic, experienced a loss of 10 percent or more in gross revenue during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 1, 2020, compared to the same period last year. As a co-leader of the bipartisan, bicameral group that provided the framework for the COVID-19 relief negotiations, Senator Collins pushed for the inclusion of the funding in the final package. The program is modeled afterlegislation Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introducedand Senator King and Congresswoman co-sponsored earlier this year to establish a new program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide direct payments to timber harvesting and hauling businesses. It is similar tothe USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which has been providing direct relief to growers and producers experiencing dramatic drops in prices and overall business activity due to the pandemic. Maine's logging industry is a linchpin of the state's economy, generating an estimated $619 million in economic output, and providing $342 million in income to around 9,000 Mainers, most of whom live in rural communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-fitzpatrick-successfully-block-pay-raise-congress-government-funding,"Golden, Fitzpatrick Successfully Block Pay Raise for Congress in Government Funding Bill",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) announced today that they had defied party leaders and secured a provision to block a pay raise for members of Congress in the government funding bill that passed Congress last night. If representatives find it difficult to live on $174,000 a year, they should try supporting a family on a third of that or less, as many of my constituents do,said Congressman Golden.No one should be in Congress to make money; it's about public service, not a paycheck. I'm proud to work across the aisle with Congressman Fitzpatrick to block the scheduled pay raise for Congress. Rather than being outraged that we blocked this pay raise, I encourage party leaders to join me in calling out irrelevant and unnecessary provisions that benefit the wealthy like tax exemptions for corporations' three-martini lunches that were allowed to become part of this bill. Hardworking Americans across the country do not receive automatic raises every year, and neither should Congress. Congress needs a reality check, not a raise,said Congressman Fitzpatrick.For far too long, Congress delayed bipartisan relief during a pandemic to score political points. Gridlock on major issues must not, and will not, be rewarded. We need to be working to help our constituents and fix real issues, not give ourselves a pay raise. Earlier this year,Golden and Fitzpatrick formally requested the language be included in the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations bill. They alsojointly testified in favor of the provisionbefore the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Affairs, which writes the funding bill language that covers congressional pay. The exact language Golden and Fitzpatrick advocated for can be found inSection 7 of the final bill text.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3576,"Maine Delegation Announce $200 Million to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that the COVID-19 relief package that passed Congress and was signed into law included $200 million for logging and log hauling businesses that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introduced and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and CongresswomanPingree(ME-01) co-sponsored logger relief legislation earlier this year, and Senator Collins championed the funding in the final agreement. Throughout Maine's history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and strengthened rural communities,said Senator Collins. This industry is built on the backs of our dedicated loggers, who sustainably harvest and haul one of Maine's most precious resources. Loggers were already facing significant headwinds due to a changing 21st century economy and unfair trade practices, as well as the explosion at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay and the shutdown of the paper machine at Sappi in Westbrook. COVID-19 has only compounded these challenges. Maine's family logging and log hauling businesses need our support. That's why I worked to secure $200 million in the COVID-19 emergency relief package to provide critical financial assistance to the skilled professionals who work in this industry to help them get through this difficult period. Between COVID-19 and the Jay Mill explosion, many loggers and truck drivers are seeing workslow downas markets for their products decline. Maine loggers don't want a handout, but they deserve the same support during tough times that we have already provided for farmers and fishermen,said Congressman Golden.Senator Collins and I have worked together to introduce new legislation to provide targeted relief for loggers and log haulers, and we've successfully included it in the COVID-19 package that passed Congress today. Once this bill is law, we'll keep working together to make sure these funds get to Maine loggers and truckers. For generations, Maine's forest products industry has supported jobs and communities, especially in our state's rural regions,said Senator King.Thanks to our state's abundant forests and our world-class workforce, Maine has been a global leader in this important industry. The sector has faced hard times, and weathered them but the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily curbed market demand for forest products, and have contributed to the immense challenges facing this industry. For the sake of our logging industry, and all the Maine people who rely on it, I am proud to have worked with my colleague Senator Collins on the inclusion of $200 million in this aid package. This industry is essential to communities across our state, and I will continue to stand behind its workers in the challenging days ahead. Maine's forests are a vital part of our way of life and our economy, supporting more than 34,000 jobs and serving as the backbone of our rural communities. That's why I've advocated for meaningful relief for the logging industry from the very beginning of this economic crisis. This funding will help to support the forest products industry as they weather this storm,said CongresswomanPingree. I know this package doesn't solve all of the pressure this industry is facing, and while it certainly doesn't go far enough to support Maine families who are struggling during this crisis, I'm proud that this bill includes targeted funding for the forest products industry as they report historic reductions in their markets. The significance of this announcement for timber harvesters and haulers in the United States cannot be overstated,Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, said.At no prior time in our nation's history have loggers been offered formal support and relief from our nation's government, and we especially want to thank U.S. Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Representative Jared Golden for leading the effort to secure this aid on behalf of the hard-working small family businesses in the industry here in Maine, and Senator Angus King and U.S. Representatives ChelliePingreefor joining that effort. Loggers and truckers need the same help and recognition farmers and fishermen have received since the pandemic began, now at long last they are getting it. The logging industry has experienced a steep decline in demand for wood fiber since the coronavirus pandemic began, leading to an estimated 20 percent or more drop in the timber harvest this year. The $200 million in relief funding will go to timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have, because of the COVID19 pandemic, experienced a loss of 10 percent or more in gross revenue during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 1, 2020, compared to the same period last year. As a co-leader of the bipartisan, bicameral group that provided the framework for the COVID-19 relief negotiations, Senator Collins pushed for the inclusion of the funding in the final package. The program is modeled afterlegislation Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introducedand Senator King and Congresswoman co-sponsored earlier this year to establish a new program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide direct payments to timber harvesting and hauling businesses. It is similar tothe USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which has been providing direct relief to growers and producers experiencing dramatic drops in prices and overall business activity due to the pandemic. Maine's logging industry is a linchpin of the state's economy, generating an estimated $619 million in economic output, and providing $342 million in income to around 9,000 Mainers, most of whom live in rural communities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3577,Pingree Announces $1.2 Million for PPE in Maine,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Announces $1.2 Million for PPE in Maine Congresswoman ChelliePingree(D-Maine) today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the State ofMaine$1,191,258 to reimburse the State's purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front line responders are risking their lives daily to keep us safe and to help fight this virus. Since the start of the pandemic, I've advocated for federal funding to support the distribution of PPE in Mainethis substantial financial burden shouldn't be the sole responsibility of the State or our local hospitals,said Pingree.I'm glad this funding will help alleviate the cost burden of personal protective equipment. TheMaineDepartment of Administrative and Financial Services received this funding to purchase disposable masks for front line responders, importantPPEto protect essential workers against the spread of COVID-19. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/year-end-appropriations-bill-passes-senate-with-king-backed-initiatives-to-support-maine-jobs-bolster-national-defense,"Year-End Appropriations Bill Passes Senate with King-Backed Initiatives to Support Maine Jobs, Bolster National Defense",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of the 2021 omnibus appropriations bill, which funds government programs through next September and advances a number of Senator King's top priorities to support Maine jobs, increase affordability for working families, and invest in our national security. This year-end legislation includes a wide range of provisions that will improve life for Maine people, said Senator King. The bill includes provisions to support good, high-paying jobs for Maine people, whether it be at Bath Iron Works or one of our craft breweries. In addition, the legislation will help working Maine families afford essential needs, including housing and child care, while also encouraging employers to offer paid family leave. Finally, the legislation will take important steps to enhance our national security by funding shipbuilding priorities and reestablishing America's leadership in global public health. The coming year will continue to present challenges as our nation grapples with the impacts of the coronavirus, and this legislation will help our nation confront these difficulties. I'm grateful to see this bipartisan product pass the Senate, and I am eager to continue working across the aisle with my colleagues in the coming year. Provisions supported by Senator King included in the legislative package include: Funding shipbuilding priorities.The legislation appropriates $3.2 billion for the procurement of DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2021, which Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build. It also authorizes $159.3 million to fund future year DDG-51 procurements. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds $78.2 million for the completion of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, all of which are being built at BIW.Funding construction at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.The 2021 NDAA appropriates $160 million for construction of Dry Dock One at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard installation at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. Incentivizing employers to provide paid family leave. The package includes a five-year extension of the Paid Family Leave Tax Credit. Senator King sponsored the Paid Family Leave Tax Credit when it first became law in 2017. This long-term extension of the Credit will help Maine employers provide paid leave to more Maine workers.Supporting Maine's dynamic craft brewers and distillers. The legislation contains the King-cosponsored Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which provides permanent excise tax relief for Maine's hardworking small brewers and distillers.Promoting affordable housing construction. The legislation stabilizes the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which is a key provision of the King-cosponsored Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act. The revitalized credit will lead to the construction of more housing for the Maine people who need it most.Working to prevent future catastrophic pandemics. The legislation provides substantially increased funding for US global health security activities a key priority for Senator King, whose Global Health Security Act was the first Senate legislation to address the vital challenge of emerging infectious diseases. The bill provides a $193 million to support CDC's efforts to strengthen the capacities of developing countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and outbreaks; this figure represents an increase of $20 million. The bill also increases USAID global health security funding by $90 million, to a total of $190 million, to strengthen the ability of target countries to prevent, detect, and respond to future zoonotic viruses and other infectious diseases, and to identify unknown zoonotic viruses.Supporting research and development work.Senator King successfully pushed for the inclusion of additional funds for Department of Defense Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation programs, including funding for research and development on active protection systems, tungsten manufacturing, and additive manufacturing initiatives. Maine research institutions and companies will be eligible to compete for some of these projects.Providing military personnel with high-quality, Maine-made equipment. The legislation appropriates $1.1 billion in funding for CH-53K heavy lift helicopters, which include components produced at Hunting Dearborn in Fryeburg. The legislation also includes $201.2 million for advance procurement of these helicopters.Increasing military pay.The legislation authorizes a 3 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces.Expanding telehealth for veterans. The agreement provides $1.3 billion to sustain and increase telehealth capacity for veterans, including in rural and highly rural areas. This effort builds on work done during the coronavirus pandemic to improve access to care for veterans, and would help older veterans and those who live in rural areas stay connected to healthcare providers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-passage-covid-19-relief-package-government-funding-bill,"Golden Statement on Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package, Government Funding Bill",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement after the passage of bipartisan legislation to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans and to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year: Today's vote in Congress is encouraging news at the end of a challenging year. The unwillingness of so many members of Congress to accept compromise throughout the fall has been deeply frustrating for so many people who are facing economic uncertainty and concerns about their health and well-being. This legislation will provide much-needed aid to small businesses and hospitals, the unemployed, and families struggling to put food on the table. It will also provide funds to speed the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine. In the months ahead, my staff will be prepared to help connect constituents and businesses in our district with the assistance in this relief bill that they are eligible for and will need to make it through the winter and the current COVID-19 spike in our state. If you live in Maine and need help, please call our office. We shouldn't let the fact that Congress is finally taking action distract from its failure to act sooner. This relief legislation could have and should have happened months ago, and it's sad that congressional leaders let partisan interests get in the way of agreeing to an earlier deal. In 2021, Congress needs to step up and lead the country through this pandemic and get our economy back on track. Yet again, the process that political leaders have used these past few weeks has lacked transparency, and members of Congress are being asked to again vote on a massive COVID relief bill with only hours to review over 5,000 pages of legislation. Although I supported the bill today in order to get much needed support to my constituents, I will continue to review the details of this legislation and demand accountability for any wasteful or unrelated provisions. Just as we saw with the CARES Act, such a poor process with little transparency empowers Washington special interests and lends itself to the kind of backroom dealing that results in giveaways for the rich and well-connected at the expense of working, middle-class families and small business owners. That's the kind of soft corruption the people I represent hate, and I won't tolerate it. - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) Following passage of the CARES Act in March, Golden has consistently pressured congressional leaders to work together and come to a compromise deal to provide coronavirus relief to struggling Americans. In September,he led a group of 34 members of Congressto urge House leaders to take up a bipartisan proposal like the one proposed by the Problem Solvers Caucus. In May, Goldenvoted against the HEROES Act,because he believed the legislation deliberately abandons [a bipartisan, consensus] approach and makes more difficult the type of compromise that will be required to deliver the support our country needs. In August, heled a bipartisan group of 18 membersto urge House leaders to restart negotiations. He has repeatedly pressed for bipartisan solutions to address the effects of COVID, includingsmall business relief, aid forloggersandlobstermen,rural hospitals, andfunding for state and local governments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-and-senate-pass-maine-delegation-bill-prepare-next-generation-maine,House and Senate Pass Maine Delegation Bill to Prepare Next Generation of Maine Fishermen,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The House and Senate both passed a bipartisan bill this week to help prepare young Americans for careers in fishing. TheYoung Fishermen's Development Act, legislation Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Jared Golden (ME-02) helped introduce last year, would provide federal grant funding for training and education on seamanship, navigation, vessel and engine care, and other essential topics to give aspiring fishermen the tools they need to enter the fishing industry. There's no doubt we're going to need more young people ready to take the wheel to keepthe fishing industry strong in our state for years to come,said Collins, King, Pingree, and Golden.This legislation will help prepare young Mainers for jobs in the fishing and lobster industries, which will encourage them to stay in Maine to find work and sustain fishing communities and businesses throughout our state. We're proud to work together to pass this bill through Congress and we urge the president to sign it into law without delay. TheYoung Fishermen's Development Actwould authorize up to $200,000 in competitive grants through NOAA's Sea Grant Program to support new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for young fishermen. The grant program outlined in the bill is modeled on the Department of Agriculture's successful Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program. Maine's fishermen have been leaders in advocating for theYoung Fishermen's Development Actthrough the Fishing Community Coalition and the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association. After realizing the benefit that the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program had for farmers, it became clear that there was a very real need for a similar program for fishermen. If you expose Maine kids to the opportunities that exist in the fishing industry and provide them with some of the knowledge they need to be successful, you're going to get some fine fishermen. This work to get young folks interested in commercial fishing has never been more important and I applaud the Maine delegation for making this issue a priority. The resources made available in this bill will help organizations like ours give tomorrow's fishermen their start on the water.- Ben Martens, Executive Director, Maine Coast Fishermen's Alliance The successful Eastern Maine Skippers program, which has helped prepare high school students for fishing careers for the last nine years, is an example of a Maine-based program that would beeligible for a grant through the legislation. ""Through our Eastern Maine Skippers Program, we at the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries recognize that for young fishermen to succeed in their businesses, they need to know more than just how to catch fish, and this federal legislation will enable training for other important skills that will help the industry to be sustained and coastal fishing communities to thrive.""- Paul Anderson, Executive Director, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries The programs, workshops and services made available under theYoung Fishermen's Development Actinclude: seamanship, navigation, electronics, and safety; vessel and engine care, maintenance, and repair; innovative conservation fishing gear engineering and technology; entrepreneurship and good business practices; direct marketing, supply chain, and traceability; financial and risk management, including vessel, permit, and quota purchasing. You can read the original releasehere, and the updated billhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3574,PINGREE: COVID Relief Bill’s Increased Food Assistance & SNAP Benefits Will Help Families Survive into 2021,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today released the following statement on the food and agriculture provisions included in Congress' newest coronavirus relief package, which was passed by the House: Hunger has become an increasingly visible crisis as we've witnessed lengtheninglines at food pantriesaround the country. Nearly 1 in 4 households nationwide have experienced food insecurity this year, due in large part to theCOVID 19 pandemic.Since the earliest days of this crisis,I pushed for Congress and USDA totakemeaningfulactionto protect families from hunger. While the best course of action would have been to provide robust direct supportat the outset, I'm proud the legislation passed today includes a meaningful increase in SNAP, which is both an extremely effective anti-hunger program and acriticaltool for economic stimulus. No one should ever go hungry, especially during a global public health crisis. The coronavirus relief package passed today includes a 15 percent increase in maximum SNAP benefits until June 30, 2021, assistance to food banks, simplification of P-EBT, and a provision to make it easier for households to qualify for SNAP byexcludingpandemic unemployment benefitsfrom counting asincome. Pingree, an organic farmer whose work has centered around food system reform, has led her House colleagues in championing increased SNAP benefits and broad support for small, local farmers. She and several other House members introduced the Ensuring Emergency Food Security Act onMarch 11. Pingreewrote to Speaker Pelosion March 16, detailing the impact of COVID-19 on local and regional markets for farmers and urging the Speaker to provide emergency disaster payments to farmers selling fresh, local, and minimally processed foods in community markets.She led aletterin May pushing for direct assistance to small farmers and changes to SNAP to ensure beneficiaries have access to locally grown food, and hassupportedexpanding SNAP eligibility and increased minimum monthly benefits. Pingree also voted for both iterations of the Heroes Act, which included a second round of stimulus checks, a 15 percent increase in SNAP benefits, and excluded additional unemployment compensation in benefit calculation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3575,"Pingree Votes to Deliver Pandemic Relief, Fully Fund Federal Government Through September 2021",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding her vote forH.R. 133, an omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021appropriationsbills, coronavirus relief, andadditional authorizations: While thispackage is insufficient, I will vote yes because half a loaf is better than no loaf at all. Just days before Christmas, thousands of Mainers are in a state of crisisteetering on the brink of eviction, relying on food banks for their next meal, or terrified about how they will find a job after losing their employment or small business. Our neighbors desperately need help. It's incredibly disappointing that this bill caps stimulus checks at half the amount the House passed in May and it does not include comprehensive assistance to state local governments barely treading water. However, it would be irresponsible not to support overdue funding for testing and vaccine distribution, nutrition assistance,supports for students to learn safely, an extension of unemployment, and a new round of funding for Maine's struggling small businessesas well as support for Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and other integral parts of Maine's economy. Our nation needs this boost. This greatly needed support is nine months late and this crisis will likely continue for months more. I look forward to working with the Biden Administration to pass funding for state and local governments and more direct aid to Americans. Highlights of the COVID-19 relief package include: Stimulus checks:An additional round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child. Unemployment: An additional 11 weeks of eligibility for unemployment insurance, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, and a $300/week federal supplement through March 14th, 2021. Small Businesses: New and targeted assistance, including: A second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans targeted toward smaller and harder-hit businesses; Deductibility of business expenses paid for with forgiven PPP amounts; Additional PPP support for restaurants and hospitality businesses based on payroll; $15 billion in grants for independent live venue operators, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, and movie theaters. Public Health: $73 billion to support public health initiatives, including: $8.75 billion to support vaccine distribution and administration, including $4.5 billion for state and local health departments $19.695 billion to support manufacturing and procurement of vaccines, therapeutics, and ancillary supplies $22.4 billion for testing and contact tracing activities $4.25 billion for mental health and substance use services and support Nutrition: A 15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through June 30, 2021 and additional funding and flexibility in other anti-hunger programs. The package slso includes $175 million in emergency funding for Older Americans Act nutrition programs. Housing: $25 billion for emergency rental assistance and an extension of the CDC eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021. Agriculture and Forestry: $100 millionfortheLocal Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), which Pingree authored in the 2018 Farm Bill, to support local food infrastructure, farmers' markets, and value-added processing $200 million for timber harvesters and haulers in line with the Loggers Relief Act, of which Pingree is a cosponsor $60 million to support small meat and poultry processors and alleviate bottlenecks in the food supply chain in line with the RAMP-UP Act, of which Pingree is a cosponsor Education $10 billion for Child Care and Development Block Grants and $250 million for Head Start to provide immediate assistance to child care providers and families $82 billion for the Education Stabilization Fund, including flexible funding to support the educational needs of States, school districts, and institutions of higher education and the students they serve. Broadband:$7 billion in investments to increase access to broadband, including a new Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic, $300 million for rural broadband, and $250 million for telehealth. Transportation: $10 billion for state Departments of Transportation, $2 billion for motorcoach companies, school bus companies, and ferries, and $1 billion for Amtrak. Coronavirus Relief Fund: An extended deadline to for state and local governments to spend CRF allocations from the CARES Act through December 31, 2021. Highlights of the FY 2021omnibusinclude: $3.2 billion for two DDG-51 destroyers, one of which is to be built at BIW $160 million for dry dock modernization at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard $63.2 million for offshore wind, including $4 million for additive manufacturing work on large wind blades $53 million for EPA and partner agencies for scientific and regulatory work to develop drinking water and cleanup standards for PFAS chemicals $19.4 million for the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), a program championed by Pingree in the 2018 Farm Bill $15.5 million for NOAA's Ocean Acidification program $167.5 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-cosponsor-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-americas-small-food-processors,"Collins, King Cosponsor Bipartisan Legislation to Support America’s Small Food Processors",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide much-needed federal support to America's small meat and poultry processors and help strengthen and streamline their operations. The legislation would give small food processors more access to information that is critical to food safety planning, allow more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and funnel federal dollars toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. In addition to Senators Collins and King, this legislation's original sponsors are Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, including our small farms that raise livestock,said Senator Collins.This bipartisan bill would provide some relief by clearing unnecessary, bureaucratic hurdles, which would ensure that the livestock raised in Maine can also be processed right here in our state by local, family-owned food processors and butchers. Maine's small family farms and meat and poultry processors are key building blocks of communities across our state, providing healthy, locally raised meat for their neighbors and making important contributions to the local economy, said Senator King. I'm proud to work with Senators Thune and Merkley to empower small processors to do their jobs and grow their businesses. It's our hope that this legislation will act as a helping hand in these difficult times by directing resources and investments to where they can do much good and bolster local economies around the country. As both a farmer and as an owner operator of a small meat processing facility, I feel reform is greatly needed in the industry, said Jason Tessier of Tessiers Farm in Skowhegan. During a time of continued uncertainty and volatility in the industry, these small plants offer stability, and collectively cushion the supply chain shocks we have experienced due to COVID-19. I feel the proposed bill would offer much needed support to these small businesses, both in the way of financial assistance and also by increasing capacity through training, and streamlining process's, which would allow many of these owner operator facilities to focus more efforts toward food production. The Strengthening Local Processing Act would require the Food Safety Inspection Service to establish a searchable database of peer-reviewed, publicly available studies to establish and maintain Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans. This step would help small food processors develop their own HACCP plans and help expedite the HACCP approval process. To incentivize more states to establish meat and poultry inspection programswhich small food processors need to approve their productsthe legislation would increase the federal government's cost-share for the programs from 50 percent to 65 percent. The bill would also allow state-inspected meat facilities to operate as federal inspection facilities, allowing more small and local processors to ship their products to other states and countries. Lastly, the Strengthening Local Processing Act would create a grant program to support small plants by providing reimbursement grants to help cover costs associated with meeting state or federal inspection guidelines, expanding infrastructure to establish or increase harvest and processing capacity, and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and future market needs. To meet education and training needs in the processing industry, the bill would also establish training grants to support and train small plant operators, small plant employees, and the next generation of meat processors and butchers. In addition, $10 million would be authorized in discretionary funding for higher education training and processor career training.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-covid-relief-legislation-that-king-bipartisan-coalition-shaped,"Senate Passes COVID Relief Legislation that King, Bipartisan Coalition Shaped",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of a coronavirus relief package that will increase unemployment benefits, provide another round of support for small businesses, send another economic impact payment to working Americans, and deliver much-needed funds to strengthen our public health infrastructure as vaccines begin to deploy across the country. In addition, the legislation includes a number of other key priorities to bolster the nation's response to the ongoing public health and economic crises. This legislation is based on the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, which was negotiated by Senator King and a bipartisan group of his colleagues earlier this month. For months, the American people have been calling for a new coronavirus relief package. Today, after extensive bipartisan efforts and negotiation, we have reached an agreement to help our citizens in need weather the cold, dark winter ahead, said Senator King. This legislation includes critical unemployment funds to help Americans who've lost work through no fault of their own, along with an economic impact payment to help families make ends meet; an additional lifeline for small businesses who've been hit hard by the economic slowdown; and vital investments in the public health infrastructure that will be essential to controlling and defeating this pandemic. Beyond that, it increases funding to help families struggling to make rent catch up on overdue payments, supports emergency broadband service for low-income families, and increases SNAP benefits so families facing hard times can keep food on the table. This bill will do a lot of good, for a lot of people, but it is not enough for us to fully overcome the health and economic challenges our nation faces when this bill expires, continued Senator King. There is more work to do for families, for businesses, and for state and local governments who have led the response to this crisis at the local level. It is my hope that this legislation will provide a bridge to the spring, and in the months ahead my House and Senate colleagues will continue to negotiate in a bipartisan spirit to craft another package that will provide additional support to people in need. Over the last several months, Congressional inaction has left too many Americans in a stressful limbo; let us not repeat our mistakes. Specifically, the coronavirus relief aid legislation passed tonight includes: $600 economic impact payments. The legislation includes an additional round of Economic Impact Payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, and partial payments for individuals making up to $99,000 per year and couples making up to $198,000 per year, as well as a $600 payment for each child dependent. This means a family of four will receive as much as $2,400 in direct payments.Renewals for enhanced unemployment insurance. The package will provide an additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits through March 14, 2021. This bill also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, with expanded coverage to the self-employed, gig workers, and others in non-traditional employment, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks of federally-funded unemployment benefits to individuals who exhaust their regular state benefits. The extension will prevent as many as 14 million Americans from losing this economic lifeline at the end of the year.Urgent support for small businesses. The package includes a number of provisions to support America's small businesses, including $284 billion to provide first and second forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. The legislation also includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The bill extends principal and interest relief on SBA loans for at least three more months, ensures that EIDL Grants will not be subtracted from a business' PPP forgiveness, and provides additional PPP funds to seasonal businesses that were not able to receive the full PPP loan for which they were eligible.Investments in public health infrastructure. The bill provides $20 billion for procurement of vaccines and therapeutics, nearly $9 billion to aid the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state efforts to distribute the vaccine, and more than $3 billion to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile.Grants for coronavirus testing, tracing, and isolation. Based on several provisions from Senator King's bipartisan TRACE Act, the bill provides $22 billion and allows those funds as grants that may be distributed directly to states, localities, higher education institutions, schools, laboratories, community-based testing sites, and mobile testing units to support programs that provide coronavirus testing, conduct contact tracing, or offer assistance to individuals who quarantine after a positive test or contact with someone who has contracted the coronavirus. Support for public transportation. Included in today's legislation are provisions to support public transportation, including $1 billion for Amtrak and $2 billion for private motorcoach, school bus, and ferry industries. In addition, the package provides $10 billion in funding for state highways.Rental assistance and eviction moratorium. $25 billion will be used to establish a federal rental assistance program, distributed by state and local governments. The aid can be used to pay past due rent, future rent payments, or utility and energy bills. In addition, the legislation extends the existing CDC eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021.Funds to help provide broadband for low-income families. As the pandemic has underscored the importance of internet access, the legislation includes $3.2 billion in emergency broadband benefits to assist low-income families. In addition, the package offers $250 million to fund telehealth initiatives, and a new $300 million grant program to fund broadband in rural areas. Aid to provide increased support for mental health and substance use disorders. The legislation includes a total of $4.25 billion to support services for mental health and substance use disorders. Included in these funds are $1.65 billion for Substance Abuse and Prevention Treatment Block Grant, $1.65 billion for the Mental Health Services Block Grant, and $600 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Support for schools. The legislation provides $54.3 billion to support public education in primary and secondary schools, as well as $22.7 billion to provide relief to higher education institutions and financial aid grants for students. In addition, more than $4 billion will be sent to the Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund.Increased aid for nutrition and agriculture. The legislation will add an additional $13 billion to SNAP benefits, an increase of 15%, as well as increased support for food banks and senior nutrition programs. In addition, the bill includes $13 billion to aid farmers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic, and a $300 million fund to support fisheries and seafood producers impacted by the economic downturn. This section also establishes a $200 million program to aid timber harvesters, which was included after extensive advocacy from Senator King and his colleagues in the Maine delegation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cyberspace-solarium-commission-statement-on-dual-hat-considerations,"Cyberspace Solarium Commission Statement on ""Dual-hat"" Considerations",2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Congressmen Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Jim Langevin (D-RI), the four legislators serving on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, released the following statement regarding reports that the Department of Defense is considering ending the dual-hat arrangement that sees the Commander of United States Cyber Command jointly appointed to be the Director of the National Security Agency: Congress laid out clear criteria about when it would be appropriate to consider whether to split the dual-hat worn by the commander of USCYBERCOM and the Director of the NSA. To our knowledge, these criteria have not been met. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act requires the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to certify to Congress that splitting of the dual-hat will not pose unacceptable risks to the national security interests of the United States. This certification has not been made, and any attempt to split the dual-hat arrangement before this certification is made would clearly violate the law. Our government is currently responding to a cyber incident where a sophisticated adversary had access to thousands of U.S. networks. Regardless of whether it's better to keep or end the dual-hat arrangement between NSA and CYBERCOM, now is not the time to do it. We believe in continuing policy discussions about this arrangement, but it is unwise for any decisions to be made in the immediate future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-covid-19-emergency-relief-package-based-on-original-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation,"FINAL COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE BASED ON ORIGINAL BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION",2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) applauded the final COVID-19 emergency relief package. Following months of deadlock in Congress while millions of Americans were at risk of losing their lifelines, we put our heads down and worked around the clock for nearly a month to produce a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address the emergency needs of our country. We are relieved Congress has finally agreed on a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Our consensus bill was the foundation of this final package and we applaud Congressional leadership for finishing what we started. Workers, businesses, and families need help right now and we urge our colleagues to quickly pass this bill and President Trump to immediately sign the legislation to provide Americans with relief.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3573,"Responding to Congresswoman Pingree’s Request, GAO Releases Report on Nation’s Recycling Challenges Exacerbated by China’s National Sword Policy",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"In response to a request for informationmadeSeptember 2018by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), alongside Reps. McCollum, Stevens, and Takano, theU.S.Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued a report on how tobuild on existing federal efforts to addressthe nation's recycling challenges, which increased as a result of China's National Sword policy banning foreign waste imports. Thefull GAO report can be found here. The U.S. generates over268 million tons of household and commercial trash each year, but recycling rates for common recyclables remains low. And after China's banon recycling imports in 2018, Maine municipalities had to spend approximately $16 million todisposeof their recyclable waste,said Pingree.When China banned the import of certain recyclables, it meant that those items ended up in American landfills, worsening the climate crisis and leaving our cities and towns struggling to determine the future of their municipal recycling programs. This GAO report emphasizes the need for Congressional action to reform our recycling system and support municipalities as they confront this challenge. In Maine's residents, we are fortunate to have an engaged community, invested in the success of our recycling programs,said ecomaine CEO Kevin Roche.We know that recycling is the single-most effective waste diversion strategy over the last 30 years and strong, sound leadership in policymaking at the federal level is critical to moving these systems toward even greater success. The report reviewsthe challenges affecting recycling in the U.Sandfederal effortstoadvance recycling in the United States. GAO's report found that only about 25 percent of municipal waste is collected for recycling, leaving an estimated 201 tons (or 52 percent) of municipal waste sent to landfills,13 percent to be incinerated,and 10 percentto becomposted. The report recommends that Congress pass legislation to require the Secretary of Commerce to develop domestic markets for recyclablesto address reduced international demand for recyclables, and recommends that EPA work to developand implementa national recycling strategyto assist in making future resource and policy decisions related to recycling. Community recycling programs are facing challenges across the country. For decades, the U.S. recycling industry has relied on selling recyclables in international markets to manage municipal waste. However, in 2018, the Chinese government banned imports of various plastics and mixed papers, enacting barriers for U.S. recycled waste. Recycling programs haveincreasinglysuffered since then, causing some communities to limit or stop public recycling programs. While local governments have the primary role in operating recycling programs, the federal government is an important stakeholder and contributes to these efforts in a variety of ways. This report was requested to learn about efforts currently underway at federal agencies to encourage recycling, to what extent those efforts have changed in recent years, and what additional actions can be taken at the federal level to increase recycling in the U.S. ### -- Kiara Tringali Communications Coordinator, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) Kiara.Tringali@mail.house.gov | 207-509-5904 | she/hers",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-32-million-for-maine-head-start-programs,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.2 Million for Maine Head Start Programs",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded two organizations in Maine a total of $3,188,676 for their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this investment for families in Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Cumberland counties, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive and support Maine's working families during the current public health and economic crisis. The funding will be allocated as follows: Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care in Lewiston will receive $1,641,177. Midcoast Maine Community Action in Bath will receive $1,547,499. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/bill-expand-access-care-veterans-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans,"Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes to be Signed into Law",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, theState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill be sent to the President to be signed into law. The legislation was ultimately passed as part of a broad veteran benefits improvements package, theJohnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.The bipartisanlegislation, authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced companion legislation in the House. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actalso passed the Senate as stand-alone legislation on December 8. Maine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care. In Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide,said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients. Maine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available,said Senator King.For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services. Bureaucrats in Washington are trying to enforce a misguided rule on Maine Veterans Homes that would not only take away medical care from some veterans, but also the roof over their heads,said Congressman Golden. The consequences for many of these vets, some of whom have dementia, are really serious and unacceptable to myself and my colleagues. I'm proud to work with the Maine delegation to get this bill across the finish line. No one should be denied the care they need. I'm proud this bill will help Maine veterans who are living with early-stage dementia access care in state veterans' homes. The Maine State Veterans Homes are well-equipped to support veterans with dementia, and I'm glad we're taking steps to correct oversights that have previously prevented important care,said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. MVH provided early dementia care to more than 150 veterans daily for nearly 20 years when these veterans were suddenly deemed ineligible for domiciliary care. While the VA grandfathered existing veterans, nearly 40 veterans have been denied eligibility since January. This legislation will correct a decades old administrative oversight that has negatively impacted Maine veterans and their families. MVH thanks Senators Collins and King and Representatives Golden and Pingree for their advocacy on behalf of Maine veterans, and all of our nation's veterans, by advancing this important legislation through Congress,said Kelley Kash, CEO, Maine Veterans' Homes. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill allow the VA to waive certain eligibility requirements to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to be cared for in state veterans' homes when it is in the best interest of the veteran. Specifically, the legislation will require VA to implement a waiver authority, allowing the VA to grant domiciliary care per diem payments for veterans who meet at least half of the VA's current eligibility requirements or if such a waiver would be in the veteran's best interest. This will provide the flexibility to ensure this vulnerable group of veterans do not fall through the cracks and that VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3571,Pingree Statement on Rep. Deb Haaland’s Historic Nomination to be U.S. Interior Secretary,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Statement on Rep. Deb Haaland's Historic Nomination to be U.S. Interior Secretary Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statementfollowing reports that President-elect Joe Biden willnominate Congresswoman Deb Haaland to be U.S. Interior Secretary: I want to congratulate my friend and colleague Congresswoman Deb Haaland on her historic nomination. If confirmed by the Senate, Congresswoman Haaland will be the first Indigenous person to lead the Interior Department.Thismarks a turning point for Native American representationatthe agency that oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs and our public lands. Congresswoman Haaland'snominationis an opportunity to right many past wrongs, especially the badly mismanaged U.S. Treaty obligations to ournativetribes. As a senior member of the Interior AppropriationsSubcommittee, I look forward to working closely with Congresswoman Haaland. Having worked beside her these last two years, I know her commitment to our public lands and natural resources is deep and unshakeable. After four long years of unqualified, ethically compromised leaders at the Interior Department, Congresswoman Haaland will provide the thoughtful management this critical agency needs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-to-expand-access-to-care-for-veterans-with-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-to-be-signed-into-law,"Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes to be Signed into Law",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will be sent to the President to be signed into law. The legislation was ultimately passed as part of a broad veteran benefits improvements package, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. The bipartisan legislation, authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced companion legislation in the House. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act also passed the Senate as stand-alone legislation on December 8. Maine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care. In Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients. Maine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available,said Senator King.For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services. Bureaucrats in Washington are trying to enforce a misguided rule on Maine Veterans Homes that would not only take away medical care from some veterans, but also the roof over their heads, said Congressman Golden. The consequences for many of these vets, some of whom have dementia, are really serious and unacceptable to myself and my colleagues. I'm proud to work with the Maine delegation to get this bill across the finish line. No one should be denied the care they need. I'm proud this bill will help Maine veterans who are living with early-stage dementia access care in state veterans' homes. The Maine State Veterans Homes are well-equipped to support veterans with dementia, and I'm glad we're taking steps to correct oversights that have previously prevented important care,said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. MVH provided early dementia care to more than 150 veterans daily for nearly 20 years when these veterans were suddenly deemed ineligible for domiciliary care. While the VA grandfathered existing veterans, nearly 40 veterans have been denied eligibility since January. This legislation will correct a decades old administrative oversight that has negatively impacted Maine veterans and their families. MVH thanks Senators Collins and King and Representatives Golden and Pingree for their advocacy on behalf of Maine veterans, and all of our nation's veterans, by advancing this important legislation through Congress, said Kelley Kash, CEO, Maine Veterans' Homes. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will allow the VA to waive certain eligibility requirements to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to be cared for in state veterans' homes when it is in the best interest of the veteran. Specifically, the legislation will require VA to implement a waiver authority, allowing the VA to grant domiciliary care per diem payments for veterans who meet at least half of the VA's current eligibility requirements or if such a waiver would be in the veteran's best interest. This will provide the flexibility to ensure this vulnerable group of veterans do not fall through the cracks and that VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-bicameral-group-urges-leadership-to-continue-moving-forward-on-covid-19-emergency-relief-package,"Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward On COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) urged Senate and House Leadership to continue moving forward to finalize a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus shared two bills, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package. This pandemic has been devastating for millions of Americans and without Congressional action they will lose the lifelines that are keeping them afloat. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy to craft an emergency COVID-19 relief package that will help the American people weather the next few months of this pandemic. We know first-hand how hard it can be to find common ground on some of these issues. We encourage the leaders and their staff to continue this important work. By working together, we can and we will deliver immediate assistance to the workers, the families, and the businesses that need it most.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-raises-foster-youths-needs-to-hhs-amid-pandemic-challenges,King Raises Foster Youths Needs to HHS Amid Pandemic Challenges,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined 11 of his Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be sure to have young people in the foster care system in mind as they formulate policies to manage the government's response to the pandemic.In a letter to Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson, the Senators asked that HHS prioritize their engagement with states to extend relief to foster families and implement temporary and long-term changes to help foster youth weather this crisis and secure a better future. Almost all families in the United States have had to make significant adjustments in their daily lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for the children and young adults in our nation's foster care system, periods of change and adjustment are not new,the senators wrote.Foster youth have survived a lifetime of uncertainty before and after entering foster care. The serious health challenges and economic downturn brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have merely exacerbated existing challenges faced by the approximately 424,000 children in the foster care system and the more than 20,400 young adults whoage out'of foster care each year. As of December10, 2020,over 70million applications for unemployment benefits had been filed since March 21, 2020. Given this high unemployment ratethe highest we have seen in the U.S. in recent memorywe are increasingly concerned about the potentially dire consequences foster youth may face during the economic recession brought on by the pandemic,they continued.Even before the public health emergency, only about half of youth aging out of the foster care system each year were anticipated to have some form of gainful employment by the age of 24. We believe that if temporary changes are made to strengthen support and resources for foster youth, they will be better equipped to pursue their goals and become active members of our nation's workforce. In their letter, the senators expressed particular concern about the impact of the digital divide on foster youth, who often lack the proper equipment and internet services needed to participate in virtual learning. Specifically, the senators noted findings from a report indicating that only 21 percent of foster youth have regular access to a computer, with that number dipping as low as five percent for foster youth in rural settings. Specifically, the senators asked HHS to: Continue to encourage states that have not previously exercised the title IV-E program option to extend foster care programs and extend Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood Program (Chafee Program) services until age 23; Direct guidance to states regarding additional payments to foster care families and providers as part of states' response to COVID-19; Provide a temporary moratorium on work and study requirements for foster youth during the pandemic; Allow title IV-B funds to be used to provide internet and other technology to vulnerable foster youth and families; and Work with states to address the impact of the digital divide on foster youth. A copy of the letter is availableHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/me-delegation-urges-feds-reject-petition-undermines-regulatory-process,"ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England. Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales. This petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted,said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree.The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery. The petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen. The petitioners also fail to acknowledgedata collected by the National Marine Serviceindicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lobster gear entanglements have decreased 90 percent, compared to the thirteen years prior. In fact, there has beenno direct evidencethat a single right whale serious injury or mortality is attributable to the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank lobster fishery since 2004. Previous rulemaking processes have been successful in part because they follow a public process that allows for input from lobstermen and the fishing industry. An additional federal rulemaking process is currently underway and is set to conclude by May 2021. Read a copy of the letterhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3568,"ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England. Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales. This petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted,said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree.The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery. The petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen. The petitioners also fail to acknowledgedata collected by the National Marine Serviceindicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lobster gear entanglements have decreased 90 percent, compared to the thirteen years prior. In fact, there has beenno direct evidencethat a single right whale serious injury or mortality is attributable to the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank lobster fishery since 2004. Previous rulemaking processes have been successful in part because they follow a public process that allows for input from lobstermen and the fishing industry. An additional federal rulemaking process is currently underway and is set to conclude by May 2021. Read a copy of the letterhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/me-delegation-urges-feds-to-reject-petition-that-undermines-regulatory-process-threatens-maine-lobster-fishery,"ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England. Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales. This petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted, said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree. The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery. The petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen. The petitioners also fail to acknowledge data collected by the National Marine Service indicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lobster gear entanglements have decreased 90 percent, compared to the thirteen years prior. In fact, there has been no direct evidence that a single right whale serious injury or mortality is attributable to the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank lobster fishery since 2004. Previous rulemaking processes have been successful in part because they follow a public process that allows for input from lobstermen and the fishing industry. An additional federal rulemaking process is currently underway and is set to conclude by May 2021. Read a copy of the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-900000-to-support-drug-free-communities-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $900,000 to Support Drug-Free Communities in Maine",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine communities have been awarded a total of $914,156 to prevent youth substance misuse and foster drug-free communities. This funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)'s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. Last year, drug overdoses claimed the life of 380 Mainers, more than one person each day. We must take an all-hands-on-deck approach to stop the drug epidemic, as well as alcohol abuse and concerning increases in youth tobacco usage. said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Maine communities strengthen their efforts to prevent and reduce substance misuse through programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and community involvement. The work of Drug Free Aroostook over the past five years has shown tremendous progress in reducing alcohol abuse among adolescence in Aroostook County. We are absolutely thrilled to continue this work for the next five years as its importance has only escalated due to the pandemic. Helping young people find healthy ways to manage difficult situations is critical at this time, said Meg Hegemann, Prevention Services Program Manager, Aroostook County Action Program. This federal funding allows us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. The 15 organizations serving this countywide collation understand that it is not enough to just say no, but that this federal funding will allow us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. Working as a countywide collation we are making these healthier options available. The funding will be allocated as follows: Aroostook County Action Program will receive $36,223. Mid Coast Hospital will receive $70,845. Medical Care Development, Inc. will receive $57,138. Cumberland County will receive $29,115. Sebasticook Valley Hospital will receive $80,845 Windham will receive $169,990. Presque Isle will receive $125,000. Brunswick will receive $125,000. Augusta will receive $125,000. University of New England will receive $95,000. Created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, DFC spearheads efforts to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance abuse. The program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-shares-bipartisan-covid-relief-bill-details-with-maine-state-chamber-of-commerce,Senator King Shares Bipartisan COVID Relief Bill Details with Maine State Chamber of Commerce,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHIINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) reconnected with members of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in a virtual Q&A to discuss the challenges that Maine small businesses are facing during the coronavirus pandemic, and his work with fellow Senators to provide additional support and certainty for these community businesses. Today's Zoom comes one day after Senator King joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The legislation includes $300 billion to support small businesses across the nation; King originally briefed the Chamber on his efforts at the outset of the pandemic in March. Maine's small business community is essential to our state, and it is vital that we all work to support them amidst these ongoing challenges, said Senator King. Over the last nine months, our small businesses have been through the wringer, adjusting on the fly to keep customers and employees safe during this pandemic while also changing their business strategies to reflect shifting consumer demands. Their work has been impressive, but these community cornerstones need more help to survive through the long winter ahead. The bipartisan coronavirus package that we negotiated for weeks and unveiled yesterday will provide that assistance, by renewing the Paycheck Protection Program and casting another lifeline to businesses in need. I'm grateful for the time of these business leaders today, and for all they do to make our state so special and I urge Maine people to shop local this holiday season. Even as the pandemic changes the way we connect, Senator King has made it a priority to engage with Maine people from all walks of life and helpful organizations to address questions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and identify remaining work to be done. In May, he held atele-town hall, inviting all Maine people to call in toll-free, to listen and respond to questions about coronavirus response efforts. Since the Senate passed theCARES Act, he has participated in teleconferences and phone calls with: Maine healthcare providers and advocates, such as theMaine Dental AssociationandProtect our Care. Maine students and educators, including the 16Maine 2020 County Teachers of the Year,Maine Jump$tart Coalition's twoFinance Educators of the Year,school psychologists,MLTI Virtual Student Conference,University of Maine System Student Veterans, andcivics and history teachersfrom schools across Maine. Maine business and community leaders, including members of theHoulton Rotary Club, Maine Arts Commission,Maine Coast Fishermen's Association,Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, theNew England Council,120 of Portland's small business ownersand500 Maine employeesof Sun Life. Maine nonprofits including theMaine Association of Nonprofits (MANP),United WayandYMCA Youth Advocates from Maine. Maine seniorsin a call hosted by AARP Maine. Maine democracy-focused organizations, such as theMaine League of Women Voters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-share-details-of-two-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bills-along-with-bipartisan-bicameral-group,"Collins, King Share Details of Two Bipartisan Covid-19 Emergency Relief Bills Along with Bipartisan, Bicameral Group",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE to download. Click HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. Click HERE to download. Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The group is led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Collins along with Senators King, Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23). The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, Portman and Durbin, would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, Romney and Portman, would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House. We have had a Christmas miracle occur in Washington. We worked night and day for over a month to put together an emergency COVID relief package. My hope is that our hard work will spur our leadership on both sides of the aisle to take our products and use them as the basis for a COVID relief package that is urgently needed by our struggling families, hard-hit small businesses, health care providers, Postal Service, schools, and so many others, said Senator Collins. I'm particularly proud of the $300 billion small business provision that Senator Jeanne Shaheen and I led. It includes an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. Surely we can come together and provide this relief before Christmas. The American people deserve no less. After weeks of negotiations marked by good-faith efforts on both sides of the aisle to strike a compromise, today we have reached an agreement that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars for Americans who are struggling, said Senator King. This agreement extends unemployment benefits for workers who've lost their jobs due to the pandemic's economic impact; provides another crucial lifeline for the nation's small businesses, and strengthens our public health infrastructure as healthcare providers across the country prepare to deliver vaccine doses in the months ahead. Our agreement is far from perfect; I strongly would have preferred additional funding for unemployment, and would rather that the critical funds for state and local infrastructure were included in the overall package rather than broken out. However, we don't have time to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. When you look at our initial framework, this final agreement isn't a glass that's half full -- this glass is eighty percent full. I support this measure because the American people are in desperate need of relief, and they don't have time for months of Congressional haggling; they need action, now. This legislation should be viewed as a starting point, to get us through the worst of the long winter ahead and in the next several months, Congress should continue negotiating in an effort to prepare additional relief legislation this coming spring. The American people are hurting in ways we haven't seen in generations. The next several months are going to the most difficult stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, and we as Members of Congress have a responsibility to act. Food banks are overwhelmed with requests, small businesses are being forced to shut their doors again, we are on the verge of a devastating housing crisis and millions of Americans still find themselves unemployed. The two bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief bills shared today are a compromise that will carry the American people through April 1st of next year to ensure our healthcare crisis doesn't become an economic catastrophe. For Congress to do nothing in the face of a national crisis of this magnitude is unacceptable and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these bipartisan solutions. We're not going home for Christmas until this gets done, Senator Manchin said. I will be the first to admit that this deal is imperfect. But these challenges are simply too urgent to allow politics to interfere, and an imperfect deal is better than no deal. With unemployment and other benefits scheduled to run out just before Christmas, the American people cannot afford for us to wait. After several weeks of work, I hope that this bipartisan bill moves us closer to providing real relief to the American people without further delay, said Senator Warner. COVID infections are rising. Small businesses owners and their employees are afraid of going bankrupt and losing their jobs. Families are wondering how to afford food and rent. This bill reflects weeks of good-faith negotiations from both Republicans and Democrats to find a solution that delivers relief to struggling Americans. This is Congress' last chance to pass a relief bill before Christmas. We must deliver for the good of our country, said Dr. Cassidy. 300,000 Americans have been taken by COVID-19. As hospital beds fill up, small businesses close their doors and Americans struggle to put food on the table, the urgency to get financial relief to our communities cannot be overstated. The bipartisan legislation we've announced today written in good-faith and across party lines are the only relief bills that can clear Congress. Senate and House leaders must act swiftly, said Senator Shaheen. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been overwhelming and no person or industry has been spared. This legislation responds to those who have been hardest-hit, including our small businesses and child care providers, and it addresses pre-existing problems in our society that have been worsened by the pandemic, such as food insecurity and the substance use disorder epidemic. This legislation will help Americans get through the darkest months of this crisis, but our work is not over. We will need to build on this bipartisan effort in the weeks and months ahead to ensure New Hampshire families and all Americans have the assistance they need to recover. Across the nation, Americans continue to struggle with significant health and economic impacts due to COVID-19. In Alaska, I continue to hear from small businesses who are struggling to keep their doors open as well as many who are uncertain they will be able to pay rent or even feed their family. Congress must fulfill our obligation to the American people by providing emergency relief to those who have been hit the hardest by the impacts of this pandemic. People are looking to Congress for leadership in a time of serious need and these targeted measures will make an immediate difference,said Senator Murkowski. It is time to put partisan differences aside and provide Americans with the relief they so desperately need. I urge my colleagues to support this much needed legislation for the sake of all those who are struggling. After many weeks of good faith efforts, I'm pleased we were able to reach agreement on a two part relief package that includes emergency relief for small businesses, unemployment insurance, funding for vaccines and health care providers, as well as state and local assistance and a national liability shield for COVID-related lawsuits. This compromise represents the best path forward for Congress and the Administration to provide much-needed relief for the American people before the end of the year, said Senator Romney. People in New Hampshire, and across the country, urgently need additional COVID-19 relief, said Senator Hassan. We have come together, compromised, and found bipartisan agreement on a strong emergency relief package that will help protect lives and livelihoods and there is significant bipartisan, bicameral support for it. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line. The Senate should not adjourn until we have passed a new COVID-19 package to provide the relief Americans need, and I'm pleased to announce this bipartisan effort with my colleagues. Together, we have crafted two packages, one that will support our health care response to this pandemic and, just as important, provide a bridge of additional aid to bolster our economy until vaccines are widely available and Americans feel safe returning to normal life. The second package is focused on ensuring that state and local governments have the funding they need to provide essential services while protecting businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits. I hope all of our colleagues will support these bipartisan products, said Senator Portman. It is clear that we are at a critical moment. I'm hopeful that with the first shipment of a vaccine arriving today at hospitals across the country, we will be able to turn the corner on this pandemic. But we also know that it will take time and resources to vaccinate enough people, and the winter is going to be hard for many families and businesses. With this in mind, this group of Democrats and Republicans came together and worked on compromise, emergency relief legislation in the areas where we could agree totaling $748 billion. This package does not include everything I think we need. However, it is an honest compromise, Senator Durbin said. While the fight continues over state and local funding and corporate liability immunity, we must provide some emergency relief for the American people before we go home for the holidays. I support the $748 billion bipartisan package. I urge my colleagues to support this package, and I call on the Senate Majority Leader to bring it to the floor for a vote this week. This team effort is an example of how Congress should, can, and must work together, and a model for governing in a way that the country needs and deserves. This remarkable, bipartisan, bicameral effort from rank and file members has fulfilled our mission to develop an emergency relief down payment that can help our entire nation, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Now, the House and Senate must come together in the spirit of unity, in the spirit of humanity, and in the spirit of America and pass this emergency relief package before Christmas, so that our country can begin the new year in the spirit of hope and optimism and with much needed relief. By staying in the room and refusing to give up, we've crafted a comprehensive proposal that directly addresses the short-term economic needs of the nation and ensures millions of American families will go into the holidays with the federal support they deserve, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY). This effort proves working together is not dead, and it is possible to solve problems if by listening in good faith. Let's get emergency relief across the finish line and passed into law without delay. Background documents for the bills can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-55-million-for-costs-of-mitigating-spread-of-covid-19-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce $5.5 Million for Costs of Mitigating Spread of COVID-19 in Maine",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine has received an additional $5,570,755 to reimburse the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) including KN95 surgical masks for frontline responders, as well as disposable non-sterile isolation gowns and disposable isolation suits. This funding was awarded to the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that health care professionals across Maine are properly equipped to treat individuals who contract the virus and prevent further transmission, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. We welcome this continued critical support, which helped provide PPE to our frontline workers and ensure the safety of individuals, families, and communities throughout Maine. In the midst of the pandemic, Senators Collins and King have fought hard to secure federal funding for PPE for Maine. Last month, the Senators announced that Maine received nearly $2.3 million for such medical supplies. In April, the Senators urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor to help Maine more easily access PPE secured by the COVID-19 Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force. As of November 13, FEMA has obligated more than $163 million in federal support to Maine, and as of November 18, FEMA and the Strategic National Stockpile have provided Maine with more than 1,498,514 gloves, 43,525 face shields, 41,290 surgical gowns, 204,393 surgical masks, and 566,775 N95 respirators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-led-bill-improve-fishing-industry-safety-sent-president-s-desk,Golden-led Bill to Improve Fishing Industry Safety Sent to Presidents Desk,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Legislation introduced by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to bolster safety training programs for fishermen is on its way to the president's desk to be signed into law. Golden'sFunding Introduction for Safety, Health, and Security Avoids Fishing Emergencies Act(FISH SAFE) passed the House and Senate this week and would restore important federal funding that supports the work of local organizations to offer safety training to fishermen and research safety practices. According to the CDC, more than 725 fishermen have died on the job since 2000. Fishermen go to work every day with the knowledge that they have the most dangerous job in Maine,said Congressman Golden.They do it because they love the work and they want to provide for their families. However, we continue to lose Maine fishermen at sea. The FISH SAFE Act, which we sent to the president today, will help organizations in our state work to protect lives at sea by making more training available to fishermen and researching new approaches to safety. The bipartisan legislation restores important federal funding that supports the work of local organizations to offer safety training to commercial fishermen and research safety practices. The legislation was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report that passed the House and Senate this week. Golden introduced the bill in 2019 with Republican Don Young (AK-AL). In Maine, a number of organizations, including the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, the Maine Lobstering Union, and the Maine Lobstermen's Association, already provide limited safety training to commercial fishermen in the state. The FISH SAFE Act would allow the organizations to expand their programs to reach more fishermen with a broader array of trainings. Maine Coast Fishermen's Association developed our 'Safe at Sea' program to help keep our fishermen safe and healthy on the water and at home. Safety trainings and being prepared saves lives, but we don't have the resources to reach all the fishermen we need to in Maine. This year has been devastating as Maine has lost multiple boats and fishermen to the sea. We hope that the FISH SAFE Act will help us and the other organizations make sure that no other families have to go through what was experienced this year. Congressman Golden understands the risks that our fishermen face as they feed our nation and we're glad to work with him to make this bill law.- Ben Martens, Executive Director, Maine Coast Fishermen's Association",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-nominees-us-service-academies,Golden Announces Nominees for U.S. Service Academies,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"LEWISTON Today, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced his office's nominees to the United States Service Academiesthe U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. This group represents some of Maine's most talented, skilled and accomplished students. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic standards, and a selfless ambition to help others,said Golden.Whatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves.We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it's an honor to nominate them. The nominees were interviewed by a panel of four on their academic record, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and demonstrated commitment to serving their country. The full list of nominations is below.Contact information is available upon request. United States Naval Academy Annapolis Sawyer Carson, Belfast, Belfast Area High School Anna Drinkert, Orono, Orono High School Hope Duffy, Brownfield, Fryeburg Academy Rylee Eaton, Little Deer Isle, Deer Isle-Stonington High School Emelyn Hatch, Pittsfield, Maine Central Institute Isaac Worcester, Belgrade, Messalonskee High School United States Military Academy West Point Bryan Frost, Newburgh, Hampden Academy Isaiah Bowmaster, Turner, Foundation Faith Academy Garrett Engstrom, Alton, Old Town High School United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs Paxton Dionne, Bangor, Bangor High School Garrett Engstrom, Alton, Old Town High School Andrew Pappianne, Deer Isle, Deer Isle-Stonington High School Harrison Hartnett, Oxford, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-secures-priorities-nat-l-security-bath-shipbuilders-servicemembers-and,"Golden Secures Priorities for Natl Security, Bath Shipbuilders, Servicemembers and their Families in Annual Defense Spending Bill",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-house-leaders-renew-expiring-cares-act-provisions-now,Golden to House Leaders: Renew Expiring CARES Act Provisions Now,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today sent letters to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy decrying the lack of progress on a larger COVID-19 relief package and urging them to at least develop a plan to address expiring CARES Act provisions before the end of the year. ""Because we have failed to take action, we have now put ourselves in the position of confronting a new challenge on the horizon: the expiration of a range of programs and policies first authorized by the CARES Act,"" Golden wrote. ""Addressing these particular challenges would not all require new funding, but they do require leadership and congressional action. While we should not lose sight of the need for a new round of stimulus, we would be foolish not to prepare for a situation in which the best step we can take in the next several weeks is to ensure that these important programs and authorities do not expire on December 31st."" Golden's letter comes as talks for a larger coronavirus relief package continue to falter, leaving several CARES Act provisions set to expire at the end of the year. Because of expiration dates in the law, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been unable to accept new small business applications since August. On December 31st, several other critical programs will expire, including unemployment assistance, a moratorium on evictions for renters, and the ability of homeowners to defer mortgage payments. In addition, current CARES Act rules require that state and local governments must spend all Coronavirus Relief by December 31, 2020, a significant challenge for Maine schools who could better use that funding in the new year. Today's letters are just the latest in a series of actions Congressman Golden has taken to urge congressional leaders to take bipartisan action to address COVID-19 relief. In October, he voted against the second HEROES Act, a partisan bill that was not designed to gain support in both houses of Congress and argued that House leaders should stop the posturing and get a deal. In September, he led a bipartisan group of House members to urge House leadership to take action on a bipartisan relief package before the election. In August, he led a bipartisan group of 18 House members to urge House leaders to restart negotiations. And in May, he voted against the original HEROES Act, identifying it as just the first in a series of partisan efforts by House leadership. He has repeatedly pressed for bipartisan solutions to address the effects of COVID, including small business relief, aid for loggers and lobstermen, rural hospitals, and funding for state and local governments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-leads-renewed-push-preserve-health-coverage-tax-credit-maine-retirees,Golden Leads Renewed Push to Preserve Health Coverage Tax Credit for Maine Retirees,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) led a bipartisan group of members of Congress today to press the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee to extend the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) for five years. Dozens of retirees from the Twin Rivers Paper Company in Madawaska have used the tax credit to access affordable health care, and over 200 current workers at Twin Rivers could become eligible when they retire. In February, Golden advocated successfully to extend the tax credit through 2020, but the provision again expires in December. The tax credit helps retirees who have been affected by harmful trade practices or changes to their pensions afford health insurance costs, covering up to 72.5 percent of premiums in some cases. ""Our districts are home to working people who are facing threats to their families' financial stability through no fault of their own and who need continued access to affordable health care through this credit…"" Golden and his colleagues wrote. ""The addition of pandemic-related economic uncertainty, along with continued trade pressures and pension instability, mean that this is no time to let the HCTC lapse."" Reps. Michael Turner (OH-10), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) joined Golden to send the letter. In 2019, Golden was also the lead Democratic cosponsor of the bipartisan Health Coverage Tax Credit Authorization Act, standalone legislation to reauthorize the program for five years. You can read Golden's announcement of the February extension here. You can read the letter to leadership here, or below: Dear Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady: As the committee considers tax extenders legislation in the final months of 2020, we write to highlight the importance of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) (26 USC 35) to our constituents and urge that it be extended for five years as outlined in H.R.1939. Our districts are home to working people who are facing threats to their families' financial stability through no fault of their own and who need continued access to affordable health care through this credit. The addition of pandemic-related economic uncertainty, along with continued trade pressures and pension instability, mean that this is no time to let the HCTC lapse. The HCTC is targeted to people who have lost their jobs due to outsourcing and to those whose pensions have been taken over by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation as a result of their employer's financial instability. In these cases, our constituents face financial risks that threaten their ability to afford health insurance for themselves and their families. In many cases, people using the HCTC are near the Medicare eligibility age, when health insurance age rating means they face particularly expensive premiums in the years before they qualify for Medicare. This makes the HCTC particularly important for our constituents in these situations to be able to continue to protect their health and that of their families. For these reasons we urge the Committee to extend the HCTC for at least five additional years. Thank you for your consideration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-administration-s-planned-troop-drawdown-afghanistan,Golden Statement on Administrations Planned Troop Drawdown in Afghanistan,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-pingree-announce-over-146-million-contract-modification-biw,"Golden, Pingree Announce Over $146 Million Contract Modification for BIW",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representatives Jared Golden (ME-02) and Chellie Pingree (ME-01) announced today that the Navy has awarded a $146,118,867 contract modification to Bath Iron Works (BIW). These additional funds will be used to continue ongoing work maintaining and updating Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyers. ""The DDG 51 destroyer is the trusted workhorse of America's Navy, and Bath builds them best,"" said Golden and Pingree. ""The Navy's announcement is welcome news and will help to protect Maine jobs, keep our nation safe, and protect the sailors aboard these destroyers with critical maintenance and modernization updates."" The funds come as a modification to a previously-awarded contract with the U.S. Navy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3545,"Golden, Pingree Announce Over $146 Million Contract Modification for BIW",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Golden, Pingree Announce Over $146 Million Contract Modification for BIW Washington, November 18, 2020 Representatives Jared Golden (ME-02) and Chellie Pingree (ME-01) announced today that the Navy has awarded a $146,118,867 contract modification to Bath Iron Works (BIW). These additional funds will be used to continue ongoing work maintaining and updating Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyers. The DDG 51 destroyer is the trusted workhorse of America's Navy, and Bath builds them best,said Golden and Pingree.The Navy's announcement is welcome news and will help to protect Maine jobs, keep our nation safe, and protect the sailors aboard these destroyers with critical maintenance and modernization updates. The funds come as a modification to a previously-awarded contract with the U.S. Navy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-300000-health-and-wellness-funding-for-wabanaki-community,"Collins, King Announce $300,000 Health and Wellness Funding for Wabanaki Community",2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $300,000 to Wabanaki Health and Wellness to bolster the organization's health services, including its work to address substance use disorders and support nutrition in tribal communities. As this pandemic continues to spread across the nation, it is critical that we invest in public health infrastructure to support communities throughout Maine, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Wabanaki Health and Wellness plays a vital role in supporting Maine's tribal communities, and we're grateful that this funding will help support this agency's efforts to support public health during this critical moment. Established in 1996, Wabanaki Health and Wellness is a not-for-profit organization for tribally-enrolled Native Americans in Penobscot, Washington, and Aroostook Counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-against-fed-nominee,King Votes Against Fed Nominee,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted against Dr. Judy Shelton's nomination to serve on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors, which oversees the nation's central bank and works to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy and the general public interest. After the motion to file cloture on Dr. Shelton's nomination was defeated by a vote of 47 to 50, Senator King released the following statement: We are in the midst of a massive economic crisis, which has devastated working Americans, small businesses, and local governments alike -- which calls for sound, long-term, data-based economic thinking. To best navigate the choppy waters ahead, we need strong, stable, apolitical leadership from the Federal Reserve that examines the best path forward for the entire nation. Instead, President Trump put forward a nominee whose extreme views place her well outside of the mainstream and, leading economists say, would create new hazards to America's economic prospects. Dr. Shelton's fringe views, including her support for a return to the gold standard, are dangerous in the best of times; in the middle of this crisis, they could be downright catastrophic. Perhaps even more worrisome is Dr. Shelton's lack of respect for the Federal Reserve's longstanding independence. The Fed is supposed to put the long-term financial interest of the nation ahead of any short-term political pressures, but Dr. Shelton has repeatedly communicated and demonstrated limited interest in continuing this tradition. If the Senate had allowed President Trump to politicize the Fed by confirming Dr. Shelton to its Board of Governors, she likely would have undermined the Fed as an institution, and permanently compromised its unique position in our society. In the short-term and the long-term, Dr. Shelton was the wrong choice for a role this important. I'm grateful that her nomination was rejected on a bipartisan basis, and hope that the Senate can shift our consideration to the pressing matters at hand.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/solarium-co-chair-king-unjust-firing-of-cisa-director-krebs-makes-americans-less-safe,Solarium Co-Chair King: “Unjust” Firing of CISA Director Krebs Makes Americans Less Safe,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, released the following statement after it was announced that Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Chris Krebs was removed from his position: Earlier this year, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission issued a nonpartisan report including more than 75 recommendations outlining opportunities for America to improve its national cyber defense posture. Several of these recommendations are focused on expanding the resources and authorities of CISA because, throughout our year of work, we consistently saw that CISA was among our nation's most important cyber assets. This success doesn't happen without Chris Krebs. Chris Krebs is an incredibly bright, high-performing, and dedicated public servant, who has helped build up new cyber capabilities in the face of swiftly-evolving dangers. This year's robust election security and public awareness campaign exceeded our expectations, especially given the unique political and technological challenges. Equally important is the less publicized work CISA has done to protect our nation's other critical infrastructure assets. We should be empowering Chris and his team to do more, not punishing them for their doing their job. By firing Mr. Krebs for simply doing his job, President Trump is inflicting severe damage on all Americans who rely on CISA's defenses, even if they don't know it. If there's any silver lining in this unjust decision, it's this: I hope that President-elect Biden will recognize Chris's contributions, and consult with him as the Biden administration charts the future of this critically important agency. The Cyberspace Solarium Commission was established by statute in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), andofficially launched in April 2019. The Commissioners convened nearly every Monday that Congress was in session for a year, and its staff conducted more than 400 engagements, drawing upon the expertise of corporate leaders, federal, state and local officials, academics, and cybersecurity experts. The final report,issued on March 11, lays out more than 75 recommendations to improve the security of U.S. critical infrastructure and provides a strategic approach oflayered cyber deterrenceto defend the United States against cyberattacks of significant consequences. The Cyberspace Solarium Commission's final report can be read in fullHERE. ClickHEREto read or download the detailed executive summary.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3544,Pingree Touts Unanimous Passage of Job-Creating Sea Grant Program Reauthorization,2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today released the following statement celebrating the unanimous reauthorization of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program by the U.S. House of Representatives: The state of Maine has over 5,000 miles of coastlinethe longest inAmerica. Sea Grant's work to making coastal communities more resilient in the face of climate change is critically important to our state, which relies on our relationshipwiththe Atlantic Ocean for fishing and tourism. As a longtime supporter of the Sea Grant program and an advocate for it on the House Appropriations Committee, I'm proud to seeunanimoussupport for the extension of this program, which has already restored and protected more than 200,000 acres of coastal ecosystems across the country and generated over $624 million in economic development. For over 50 years, Sea Grant has supported coastal communities through research, extension, and education. Nationally,Sea Grant has helped create and sustainnearly8,000 jobs and has provided assistance to over 23,000 fishermen. The program has also generated an estimated $624 million in economic developmentnearly half of our nation's $1.2 billion aquaculture economy. Today's vote reauthorized the Sea Grant and Knauss Fellowship programs for 5 years, whichwillhelp provide stability for the Sea Grant program that has created orbolsteredjobs nationwide through its workbuildinga sustainable economy and environment. In Maine, Sea Grant has used funding to foster innovation and entrepreneurship to support Maine's working waterfront and coastal communities during the coronavirus pandemic. Sea Grant also facilitatesthe Alliance for Maine's Marine Economy, whichhas alreadysupported the development of 20 new commercial seafood products and four new laboratory analytical servicesin its early tenure. In March 2020, Pingree joined a bipartisan letter of more than 100 members of the U.S House of Representativesin support of robust funding for the program in theFiscal Year2021 appropriations package. In September, Pingree announced a$2 million grant awarded to Maine Sea Grant for American Lobster Initiative programs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-leads-national-forum-highlighting-rural-benefits-impacts-of-telehealth-in-maine,"Senator King Leads National Forum Highlighting Rural Benefits, Impacts of Telehealth in Maine",2020-11-13,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) convened and led a virtual roundtable with Maine healthcare providers and experts from the Bipartisan Policy Centeron the benefits and future of telehealth for Maine and across the nation's rural areas. The pandemic has resulted in a dramatic expansion of telehealth services, especially in Maine; these services have allowed for safe access to care for millions of Americans, though the vital policy changes that made this possible are not permanent. As a key member of the Bipartisan Policy Center's Rural Health Care Task Force, Senator King focused his conversation on how policymakers and healthcare providers can work together to consider the investments and permanent changes needed to sustain access to 21st-century quality healthcare through telehealth to meet the needs of Americans. One of the few silver linings of the coronavirus pandemic is the rise of telehealth as a widely-available tool to help millions of Americans efficiently and safely access healthcare, said Senator King. With the availability has come an increased awareness of the potential of this incredible innovation to improve the lives and health of rural Americans and older Americans, helping to cut down on long trips to doctors' offices without losing quality of care. Now that we've seen the value of this tool, it's up to us to ensure that the increase of telehealth are not only protected, but expanded by adjusting reimbursement rates, improving access to high-speed broadband, and more. Today's dialogue reminded us of the progress we've made, and all the work we still have to do; as the next Congress comes into session, I will draw on the insights of our panelists to best serve the people of Maine. The panel featured: Jennifer Lundblad, President & CEO, Stratis Health; Dena McDonough, Associate Director, Health Project, Bipartisan Policy Center; Dr. Lisa Miller, Family Medicine Physician, Western Maine Health; Walter Panzirer, Trustee, Helmsley Charitable Trust; and Scott Oxley, President, Northern Light Acadia Hospital. Since the pandemic struck, Senator King has pushed to improve telehealth services so more Americans can access care and, given the widespread success, he's worked to make these expansions permanent. In July, Senator King introduced the COVID19 Emergency Telehealth Impact Reporting Act of 2020, requiring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assess key healthcare data, including utilization rates and hospital readmission rates, for patients who received their healthcare through expanded telehealth programs during the pandemic in a push to make telehealth expansions permanent. Senator King also introduced theMental and Behavioral Health Connectivity Act, legislation to allow Medicare beneficiaries to continue to access mental and behavior health services through telehealth in the near term and after the coronavirus pandemic subsides. Senator King has introduced theImproving Telehealth for Underserved Communities Act, legislation to protect patients receiving care through telehealth services by shielding certain rural health clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in underserved communities from impending Medicare payments that could hinder their ability to care and treat patients. He has also urged the FCC toexpand access to telehealth services in rural communities, and joined a bipartisan group of Senatorscalling for telehealth expansions included in coronavirus relief legislation to be made permanent. The Bipartisan Policy Center is a think tank that actively fosters bipartisanship by combining ideas from both parties to promote health, security, and opportunity for all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-honoring-veterans-day2020,King Statement Honoring Veterans Day,2020-11-11,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: After observing American troops defend Baltimore Harbor from the British Navy during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key put pen to paper and created our national anthem. It is telling that he chose to write the last lines of the first stanza in the form of a question: O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? He did so, I believe, to illustrate that the United States can only be the land of the free if it is also the home of the brave. Without brave men and women committed to protecting our country, we cannot enjoy the many freedoms we hold dear. On this Veterans Day, may we commit ourselves to celebrating these men and women and honoring their service to our country. Veterans Day this year also comes in the midst of a pandemic. So as we reflect, with gratitude and remembrance, on the sacrifices of American servicemembers and their families, we must also endeavor to provide the care and services they are afforded. Here in Maine, as the days get shorter and colder, we must work harder than ever to care for our neighbors and friends across the state. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, unemployment, or lack of access to health care please know that there is an entire community of Maine people here to support you. Do not hesitate to reach outwhether it be to my office, the VA, a fellow veteran, or a family member. For my part, I will continue to push for expanded telehealth services at the VA and to ensure that the VA Maine Healthcare System has the testing kits and PPE necessary to manage the coronavirus and safely expand its in-person capabilities. During this unprecedented time, I am also deeply thankful for the dedicated service of veterans' advocates, Veterans Service Organizations, and VA Maine employees who have not faltered in their work on behalf of Maine veterans. More than two hundred years after Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner, the question he poses still rings true. Let us join together on this Veterans Day to give thanks to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have bravely served so we may be free. Senator King has worked to make sure veterans receive the highest quality of care during the coronavirus crisis. In September, Senator King called on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie to provide coverage of comprehensive telehealth services, including voice communication, for beneficiaries of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). In August, he cosponsored theTRICARE Prescription Relief Act, legislation that would authorize the Secretary of Defense to waive prescription cost-sharing requirements for military servicemembers, veterans, and their families during a declared national or public health emergency. He joined 16 of his colleagues in Mayto urge the VA to ramp up coronavirus testing at VA facilities nationwideand establish a framework for a large-scale strategy for national testing. He has also joined the Maine delegation tourge the VA to prioritize providing additional testing kits and PPE to the VA Maine Healthcare System, and pushed the VA toimprove telehealth services during the pandemic. In April, hesuccessfully urged the Treasury Departmentto ensure that recipients of benefits through the VA will receive theirCARES Actstimulus payment with no additional action required.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3543,"Pingree Statement on California V. Texas, Future of the Affordable Care Act",2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Statement on California V. Texas, Future of the Affordable Care Act Washington, November 10, 2020 As the Supreme Court hears arguments this morning in California v. Texas, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement: For over a decade, the Affordable Care Act has provided a foundation of health care access and protections to all Americans. As our nation battles a pandemic that has already taken more than 235,000 American lives, this law is more important than ever. With this lawsuit, Republicans are trying to strip away health care access for millions yet again-- just weeks after forcing the partisan confirmation of a radical Supreme Court justice and, as always, without a replacement plan. The Supreme Court has already upheld the ACA twice, and it must do so again. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-espers-dismissal-king-emphasizes-dangers-of-playing-politics-with-national-security-during-presidential-transition,"After Esper’s Dismissal, King Emphasizes Dangers of Playing Politics with National Security During Presidential Transition",2020-11-09,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced the dismissal of Secretary of Defense Mark Esper: Right now, America hangs in the balance of a precarious moment mere weeks before a presidential transition, with dangerous national security threats as foreign adversaries monitor our resolve and look for vulnerabilities. Now especially, it is vital that the Department of Defense's core mission remains stable and focused on the tasks at hand: protecting our citizens, defending our national security interests, and conducting a seamless transition to the Biden Administration. Unfortunately, President Trump appears to have placed a personal vendetta against his own Secretary of Defense ahead of the interest of the nation. Secretary Esper took an oath to the Constitution, not this President; the same is true for the newly-appointed Acting Secretary. This is no time for sour grapes; it's time for America's top civilian officials to put the good of the country first. While I have grave concerns that this announcement ignores the Department of Defense's established order of succession, I truly hope that Acting Secretary Miller will rise to this moment. Our nation's security during the next ten weeks and beyond depends on it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3542,Congresswoman Pingree Congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on Historic Victory,2020-11-07,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"PORTLAND, MAINE Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today released the following statement on the historic and decisive election of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris: I want to congratulate President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris. Winning the most votes of any candidates in US history, their victory is a triumph for democracy and decency. Their margin was decisive in our great state of Maine, too, as Mainers made clear their desire for empathy, dignity, and urgent solutions. I know that President-elect Biden cares deeply about the priorities that matter most to Americans. I look forward to working with his administration on a host of pressing issues, including bringing direct relief to our communities, jump-starting our economy, centering science in the fight against COVID-19 and the climate crisis, improving our health care system, and making our food system more sustainable. America has turned the page on the last four years. It's time for new leadership to face our greatest challenges and it's on us to deliver. I cannot wait to get started. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-maine-to-receive-363-million-for-heating-assistance-for-low-income-mainers,"Collins, King Announce Maine to Receive $36.3 Million for Heating Assistance for Low-Income Mainers",2020-11-06,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing a total of $36,318,970 in funding for Maine through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), including $1,328,011 specifically for tribes and tribal organizations. As the cold winter months approach, it is vital that we ensure low-income families and seniors in Maine have access to affordable home energy to protect their health and safety, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding is welcome news as these programs remain important lifelines that help prevent vulnerable individuals from having to choose between heating their home, paying their bills, or going without food or medicine. Senators Collins and King have long led bipartisan efforts to support federal funding for LIHEAP. In October, Senator Collins wrote a letter with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that was cosigned by 38 of their colleagues, including Senator King, urging HHS to release LIHEAP funds without delay and at as high a level as possible under the continuing resolution. HHS released a total of $3.36 billion to states, tribes, and territories. The following funding will be allocated to Maine tribes, which is a portion of the $36,318,970 in LIHEAP funds awarded to the State of Maine: Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians $158,053 Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians $158,053 Passamaquoddy Tribe--Indian Township $301,573 Passamaquoddy Tribe--Pleasant Point $420,749 Penobscot Tribe $289,583",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-250000-for-maine-nursing-homes-to-combat-covid-19,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $250,000 for Maine Nursing Homes to Combat COVID-19",2020-11-04,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that82 Maine nursing homes and nursing facilitieshave been awardedan additional$247,577to support increased testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. Thisfundingadds to the $10.4 million Senators Collins and Kingannouncedin August. This targeted distribution from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund is funded through $175 billion includedin the bipartisan CARES Act and thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. In the midst of this ongoing public health and economic crisis, it is crucial that the residents and staff of our nursing home communities remainsupported and protected,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Thisadditionalfunding willprovide nursing homes with resources and training to improve infection and support our health care providers on the front lines. Under this distribution, nursing homes that demonstrated a significant reduction in COVID-19 related infections and deaths between August and September will be eligible to apply for additional funding to improve quality and infection control in their facilities. This performance-based payment structure will reward nursing homes for keeping new COVID-19 infection and mortality rates among residents lower than the communities they serve. To further support nursing homes,HHS also announced todaythe Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) will be partnering with America's nursing homes to create the National Nursing Home COVID Action Network. Through the Network, AHRQ will offer trainingand mentorship to the approximately 15,400 nursing homes across the country to supplement efforts aimed at protecting residents and staff. In August, Senators Collins and King announced that 93 skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes in Maine had been awarded$10.4 millionto support increased testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. In May, following Senator Collins' advocacy, Maine nursing homes received nearly$18 millionthat helped protect the health of residents and staff and support nursing homes struggling with significant expenses or lost revenue due to COVID-19.To date, Maine health care providers have received more than $490 millionin relief from the HHS Provider Relief Fund.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3540,"Pingree, 100+ Members Introduce Resolution Affirming the Supreme Court’s Marriage Equality Precedent",2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a congressional LGBTQ+ Equality CaucusVice Chair, today joined more than 100 House members in introducing a resolution to affirm the Supreme Court's rulings on same-sex marriage. The resolution comes days after Justice Barrett's rushed Supreme Court confirmation and alarming statements by Justices Thomas and Alito questioning the Supreme Court's marriage equality precedent. On October 5, Justices Thomas and Alitoissued a statementaboutObergefell v. Hodgesimplying that this settled decision is one that could eventually befixed.'The justices wroteObergefell v. Hodges""enables courts and governments to brand religious adherents who believe that marriage is between one man and one woman as bigots, making their religious liberty concerns that much easier to dismiss. It sends an alarming message to the LGBTQ+ community that Justices Alito and Thomas signaled their hope to overturn marriage equality just days before another far-right justice was rushed on to the court,said Pingree.FromWindsor v. United StatestoObergefell v. HodgesandPavan V. Smith, the Supreme Court has rightly decided in multiple cases that same-sex couples were unconstitutionally denied their rights. We've introduced this resolution today to unequivocally affirm our support for marriage equality and the settled rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. Love is love, and there is no going back. The House resolution toReaffirm Support for Marriage Equalitystates that the Supreme Court has rightfully held, on several occasions, that same-sex couples have both the right to marry and to enjoy the benefits and protections provided by the government to married couples. Read the full resolutionhere. In 2015, Pingree, a long-time advocate of marriage equality, joined 166 of her House colleagues and 44 Senators in filing anamicus briefin support of marriage equality in theObergefell v.Hodgescase. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/responding-to-king-colleagues-hhs-expands-relief-for-rural-healthcare-providers,"Responding to King, Colleagues, HHS Expands Relief For Rural Healthcare Providers",2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Following U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine)'s letter earlier this month with 24 colleagues to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, the Administration has expanded relief funding eligibility for rural healthcare providers and updated requirements to preserve providers' access to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) created as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. Rural healthcare providers are on the frontlines of combatting this public health crisis and protecting our communities from coronavirus outbreaks, particularly now that the pandemic is spreading into less populated areas, said Senator King. With Maine as one of the most rural states in the nation, our state has a vast need for healthcare providers and cannot afford to lose a single one due to job cuts and a lack of funding. I'm glad that HHS has listened to my colleagues and I, who represent thousands of providers across the country; I'll keep pushing to ensure that these frontline workers have the resources they need to protect themselves, treat patients, and control outbreaks in our communities. In response to the Senators' October 9th letter, HHS will now allow more flexibility for providers in using PRF proceeds so that they can continue to respond to all of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, HHS will now stick by their June guidelines and require healthcare providers to calculate lost revenue by comparing actual 2020 revenue with budgeted 2020 revenue or with 2019 revenue, rather than directing providers to use net operating income to calculate lost revenue. This will help to protect patients' access to care and prevent providers especially rural hospitals and hospitals that serve high-numbers of low-income, elderly, and severely ill patients from being forced to return PRF funds that they have already received. HHS released initial reporting requirements in June for providers receiving PRF funds that directed these entities to define lost revenue as any revenue that you as a health care provider lost due to coronavirus, but HHS released updated reporting requirements on September 19 that directed providers to instead use changes in their net operating income to calculate lost revenue a substantial change from the initial June guidance that was expected to reduce the amount of lost revenues that providers are able to report. That shift in reporting requirements would have changed the terms of the relief as hospitals and health systems initially understood them and likely created further uncertainty for providers at a time when they are already facing serious financial challenges. A member of the Bipartisan Policy Center's Rural Health Care Task Force, Senator King has pushed to make sure America's medical professionals and healthcare infrastructure have the tools they need to treat coronavirus patients and protect themselves. In recent months, he joined video calls to hear directly from the Choose To Be Healthy Coalition at York Hospital, and Northern Light Health. Earlier this month, he cosponsored legislation that wouldadjust a CMS loan programin order to reduce interest rates for healthcare providers struggling to manage the financial pressures created by the pandemic. He has cosponsoredbipartisan legislation that would extend a lifeline torural hospitalsandprovidersand the 60 million Americans who depend on them for health care by providing immediate financial relief, stabilize hospitals, and encourage hospital coordination. Senator King joined the Maine delegationto take action to protect access to healthcareand preserve important economic drivers in rural Maine. He has also urged the FCC toexpand access to telehealth services in rural communities, and joined a bipartisan group of Senatorscalling for telehealth expansions included in coronavirus relief legislation to be made permanent. Full text of the Senator's October 9 letter can be found HERE and below. +++ Dear Secretary Azar: We write to express our concerns regarding the recent change in reporting requirements for health care providers that have received emergency relief through the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and to respectfully request that you reinstate the original reporting requirements for determining lost revenue that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) first released in June of this year. As you know, the CARES Act established the PRF to reimburse health care providers for health care-related expenses or lost revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. The PRF has been critical in helping hospitals and health care systems across the country navigate the serious financial challenges posed by this pandemic, preventing many providers from being forced to permanently close their doors. As a condition for receiving PRF funds, the CARES Act required these recipients to submit reports and maintain documentation to certify their compliance with program requirements. In June, HHS released initial guidance outlining some of these reporting requirements and directed providers to calculate lost revenue by comparing actual 2020 revenue with budgeted 2020 revenue or with 2019 revenue. On September 19, HHS released updated reporting requirements that directed providers to use net operating income to calculate lost revenuea substantial change from the directions issued in June. We have heard from hospitals and health systems in our states who are concerned that this change in the definition of lost revenue will force them to return funds to HHS that they have received from the PRF. In particular, rural hospitals and those that serve high numbers of low-income, elderly, and severely ill patientswhich already operate on thin financial marginsmay be especially impacted by this change. We are concerned that this change in reporting requirements changes the terms of the relief as providers initially understood them based on the initial June guidelinesfurther exacerbating the financial challenges and uncertainty that these systems continue to grapple with as a result of the pandemic. Therefore, we respectfully request that you reinstate the original June requirements for determining lost revenue in order to prevent unnecessary financial uncertainty for hospitals and health care providers and to prevent them from being forced to return PRF funds that they have already received. Thank you for your time and attention to this important measure. We look forward to working with you to continue supporting our hospitals and ensuring that this pandemic does not cause further, long-term disruptions to Americans' access to care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/dept-interior-adopts-golden-king-proposal-provide-free-national-park-access,"Dept. of Interior Adopts Golden, King Proposal to Provide Free National Park Access for Gold Star Families",2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Following the introduction of legislation earlier this year by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Senator Angus King (I-ME) to make admission to national parks free for Gold Star Familiesan idea proposed to Congressman Golden by a constituent the U.S. Department of the Interior announced earlier today it would implement the lawmakers' proposal nationwide. Starting November 11, 2020, entrance fees for Gold Star Families will be waived at all national parks and other federal public lands, including at Acadia National Park. Veterans will also have their fees waived. Golden first introduced the bipartisanGold Star Families Parks Pass Actwith Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)earlier this yearandpassed it through the Houseas part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)in July. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. Gold Star families deserve our deepest respect and unwavering support. Making our national parks and public lands open to these Americans free of charge is a small but meaningful way to express our gratitude for their sacrifices,said Congressman Golden.I'm pleased that the Department of the Interior will implement my proposal with Senator King nationwide and will build upon it to include all veterans. I'll continue to work across the aisle to pass our legislation this fall to permanently enshrine these privileges for Gold Star Families into law. America's Gold Star Families have made unimaginable sacrifices for the safety of our country, and we should do everything possible to help them heal,said Senator King, Ranking Member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks.America's public lands are among the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, and their importance to Americans has only grown during the ongoing pandemic. The families of those who've lost a loved one in defense of our nation should be able to have access to these treasures free of charge. I'm grateful that today's order will open these lands, and hopeful that my legislation with Congressman Golden will pass through Congress soon so this initiative will be enacted into law. This is not complicated it's simply the right thing to do. Sinceintroducing the bill in March, Golden has fought to have the legislationincluded in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and for the language to be included in the NDAA after both the House and Senate versions of the legislation arereconciledlater this fall. You can read the Department of the Interior announcementhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-pushes-usda-again-fix-shortcomings-farmers-families-program,Maine Delegation Pushes USDA Again to Fix Shortcomings of Farmers to Families Program to Ensure In-State Contractors and Farmers Can Benefit From Fourth Round of Funding,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today requesting fixes to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program to ensure Maine-based contractors have a fair shot to be selected whenthefourth round contracts are awarded. No companies in Maine were chosen by USDA to be suppliers in the first or thirdtranche of funding for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. In the first round of the Farmers to Families program announced in April, no Maine-based contractors were selected and the coverage of the program was extremely limited within the state. Consequently, there was a significant missed opportunity for USDA to benefit Maine's farmers, food insecure families, and small businesses at a time when they were struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,the Maine lawmakers wrote in their letter to USDA. We appreciate that you worked to address the concerns raised in our letters dated May 29 and June 18 and ultimately included two Maine-based contractors in the second round of awards. However, we were disappointed that once again no companies in Maine were chosen to supply the third round announced in September.While non-profit partners have received a substantial supply of food boxes from an out-of-state distributor, helping to alleviate hunger among Maine families, the economic impact of the program for farmers and businesses in Maine has been more limited as significant federal support flows to other states,said the Maine delegation in their letter. Read the full delegation letterhere. In April, the Farmers to Families Food Box Program was established by USDA using funds from the Families First Coronavirus Response ActandCARES Act. Under the program, USDA purchases up to $4 billion offresh produce, dairy, and meat and distributes these products to food insecure Americans in Farmers to Families Food Boxes. Maine distributors were left out of the program to begin with, but following advocacy from the Maine delegation,Maine Farmers Exchangein Presque Isle andNative Maine Produce & Specialty Foodsin Westbrook were awarded USDA contracts in the second round of funding for the program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3541,Maine Delegation Pushes USDA Again to Fix Shortcomings of Farmers to Families Program to Ensure In-State Contractors and Farmers Can Benefit From Fourth Round of Funding,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today requesting fixes to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program to ensure Maine-based contractors have a fair shot to be selected whenthefourth round contracts are awarded. No companies in Maine were chosen by USDA to be suppliers in the first or thirdtranche of funding for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. In the first round of the Farmers to Families program announced in April, no Maine-based contractors were selected and the coverage of the program was extremely limited within the state. Consequently, there was a significant missed opportunity for USDA to benefit Maine's farmers, food insecure families, and small businesses at a time when they were struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,the Maine lawmakers wrote in their letter to USDA. We appreciate that you worked to address the concerns raised in our letters dated May 29 and June 18 and ultimately included two Maine-based contractors in the second round of awards. However, we were disappointed that once again no companies in Maine were chosen to supply the third round announced in September.While non-profit partners have received a substantial supply of food boxes from an out-of-state distributor, helping to alleviate hunger among Maine families, the economic impact of the program for farmers and businesses in Maine has been more limited as significant federal support flows to other states,said the Maine delegation in their letter. Read the full delegation letterhere. In April, the Farmers to Families Food Box Program was established by USDA using funds from the Families First Coronavirus Response ActandCARES Act. Under the program, USDA purchases up to $4 billion offresh produce, dairy, and meat and distributes these products to food insecure Americans in Farmers to Families Food Boxes. Maine distributors were left out of the program to begin with, but following advocacy from the Maine delegation,Maine Farmers Exchangein Presque Isle andNative Maine Produce & Specialty Foodsin Westbrook were awarded USDA contracts in the second round of funding for the program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/dept-of-interior-adopts-golden-king-proposal-to-provide-free-national-park-access-for-gold-star-families,"Dept. of Interior Adopts Golden, King Proposal to Provide Free National Park Access for Gold Star Families",2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Following the introduction of legislation earlier this year by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Senator Angus King (I-ME) to make admission to national parks free for Gold Star Familiesan idea proposed to Congressman Golden by a constituent the U.S. Department of the Interior announced earlier today it would implement the lawmakers' proposal nationwide. Starting November 11, 2020, entrance fees for Gold Star Families will be waived at all national parks and other federal public lands, including at Acadia National Park. Veterans will also have their fees waived. Golden first introduced the bipartisanGold Star Families Parks Pass Actwith Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)earlier this yearandpassed it through the Houseas part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)in July. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. Gold Star families deserve our deepest respect and unwavering support. Making our national parks and public lands open to these Americans free of charge is a small but meaningful way to express our gratitude for their sacrifices,said Congressman Golden.I'm pleased that the Department of the Interior will implement my proposal with Senator King nationwide and will build upon it to include all veterans. I'll continue to work across the aisle to pass our legislation this fall to permanently enshrine these privileges for Gold Star Families into law. America's Gold Star Families have made unimaginable sacrifices for the safety of our country, and we should do everything possible to help them heal,said Senator King, Ranking Member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks.America's public lands are among the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, and their importance to Americans has only grown during the ongoing pandemic. The families of those who've lost a loved one in defense of our nation should be able to have access to these treasures free of charge. I'm grateful that today's order will open these lands, and hopeful that my legislation with Congressman Golden will pass through Congress soon so this initiative will be enacted into law. This is not complicated it's simply the right thing to do. Sinceintroducing the bill in March, Golden has fought to have the legislationincluded in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and for the language to be included in the NDAA after both the House and Senate versions of the legislation arereconciledlater this fall. You can read the Department of the Interior announcement here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-pushes-usda-again-to-fix-shortcomings-of-farmers-to-families-program-to-ensure-in-state-contractors-and-farmers-can-benefit-from-fourth-round-of-funding,Maine Delegation Pushes USDA Again to Fix Shortcomings of Farmers to Families Program to Ensure In-State Contractors and Farmers Can Benefit From Fourth Round of Funding,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today requesting fixes to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program to ensure Maine-based contractors have a fair shot to be selected whenthefourth round contracts are awarded. No companies in Maine were chosen by USDA to be suppliers in the first or thirdtranche of funding for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. In the first round of the Farmers to Families program announced in April, no Maine-based contractors were selected and the coverage of the program was extremely limited within the state. Consequently, there was a significant missed opportunity for USDA to benefit Maine's farmers, food insecure families, and small businesses at a time when they were struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,the Maine lawmakers wrote in their letter to USDA. We appreciate that you worked to address the concerns raised in our letters dated May 29 and June 18 and ultimately included two Maine-based contractors in the second round of awards. However, we were disappointed that once again no companies in Maine were chosen to supply the third round announced in September.While non-profit partners have received a substantial supply of food boxes from an out-of-state distributor, helping to alleviate hunger among Maine families, the economic impact of the program for farmers and businesses in Maine has been more limited as significant federal support flows to other states,said the Maine delegation in their letter. Read the full delegation letterhere. In April, the Farmers to Families Food Box Program was established by USDA using funds from the Families First Coronavirus Response ActandCARES Act. Under the program, USDA purchases up to $4 billion offresh produce, dairy, and meat and distributes these products to food insecure Americans in Farmers to Families Food Boxes. Maine distributors were left out of the program to begin with, but following advocacy from the Maine delegation,Maine Farmers Exchangein Presque Isle andNative Maine Produce & Specialty Foodsin Westbrook were awarded USDA contracts in the second round of funding for the program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3537,Pingree Announces $3.4 Million Federal Investment in Rural Maine,2020-10-28,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Announces $3.4 Million Federal Investment in Rural Maine Washington, October 28, 2020 Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced two Maine institutions have been awarded a total of $3,392,500 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Community Facilities Program. The funding, which was awarded to the Children's Discovery Museum in Waterville and Regional Transportation Program, Inc. in Cumberland County, will help improve critical community facilities in rural areas. As the most rural state in the nation, Mainers know how important it is to make our community institutions modern and accessible. I'm pleased to see these two large grants come to rural Maine, especially at a time when capital isn't necessarily readily available due to constraints from the coronavirus pandemic. Supporting rural Maine is a top priority for me, and I'll continue to advocate for rural fundingthrough my role onthe House Appropriations Committee,said Pingree. Details of theinvestmentsare as follows: Children's Discovery Museum, $692,500loan and $67,500 grant This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase the building and make renovations located at 7 Eustis Parkway in the city of Waterville, Maine. The museum will provide high-quality exhibits and programs that children and families can enjoy while promoting social, cognitive, problem solving, and other developmental skills for children ranging in age from 6 months to 8 years of age. The building will serve as the new location of the museum and will meet the current needs of the museum as well as the future needs of the museum and community. Regional Transportation Program Inc., $2,700,000loan This Rural Development investment will be used to construct an office building and garage on the property that Regional Transportation Program purchased in 2019. The new location will provide the space, efficiencies, and location necessary to meet the organization's and client's needs. Regional Transportation Program Inc. was established in 1976 as a small non-profit, paratransit agency designated by the state of Maine to provide specialized transportation services for the disabled, elderly, low income, and general public residents throughout Cumberland County. Regional Transportation Program provides the connectivity for individuals that enables independence, enhances quality of life, and empowers engagement of people and the communities in which they reside. For people who have no other way to get where they need to go, Regional Transportation Program plays a critical role in the chain of access to an individual's needs. With a fleet of 29 lift equipped busses and vans, 30 agency certified drivers, and 20+ volunteer drivers; Regional Transportation Program provides more than 600 rides/day to individuals who need reliable transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, work, and other places of importance. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3536,Pingree Urges FDA to Listen to Scientists During COVID-19 Vaccine Approval,2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today joined Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-Col.), Congressman Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), and 80 other members of the House of Representatives on a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar, which expressed concerns about the politicization around the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) COVID-19 vaccine approval process. The letter is available onlinehere. We are extremely concernedby the Administration's actions and communications that undermine FDA leadership and industry transparencysowing distrust among the American people,the lawmakers wrote.According to reports, FDA's [Emergency Use Authorization] guidance was delayed for weeks by the White House, which reportedly tried to block its release. This follows the patternof President Trump's repeated claimscontradicting his own scientists and industry executivesthat a COVID-19 vaccine will be available by Election Day, including falsely accusing FDA of being part of a deep state plot to delay a vaccine.' On October 6, FDA issued guidance on the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) process for COVID-19 vaccines. However, the Trump administration's actions and communications around the COVID-19 vaccine approval process undermine FDA leadership and industry transparencysowing distrust among the American people.According to reports, FDA's EUA guidance was delayed for weeks by the White House, which reportedly tried to block its release. The lawmakers continued:We all want a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible as another tool to help contain the pandemic and ease the nation's suffering, but any vaccine made available must be safe, effective, accessible, and trusted by the American people. Following science and public health expertise is the only way we will achieve this success. We urge you to allow the scientific experts at FDA to do their jobs, to adhere to the guidance they have developed prior to making any COVID-19 vaccine available for use, and to ensure all COVID-19 vaccine decisions are free from political interference. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-fights-for-federal-student-loan-borrowers-to-access-critical-relief-from-coronavirus-bills,King Fights for Federal Student Loan Borrowers to Access “Critical Relief” from Coronavirus Bills,2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and a group of 33 Senators sent aletterurging Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to ensure all struggling federal student borrowers can gain access to crucial federal relief. In their letter, the Senators pressed Secretary DeVos to immediately contact borrowers currently missing out on relief and help them consolidate their loans into qualifying loans. They also urged Secretary DeVos to use her administrative authority to improve the consolidation process for borrowers by waiving restrictions and penalties during the national emergency. The more than eight million student loan borrowers falling into donut holes of critical relief have missed out on needed benefits and suffered unnecessary complexity and confusion for more than six months,wrote the Senators.It is essential that the Department immediately begin the targeted outreach and take the actions we are requesting. Since March, theCoronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES)Acthas provided forbearance, waived interest, and halted collections for borrowers whose student loans were directly held by the U.S. Department of Education. But, according to new information from the Department, 8.2 million federal student loan borrowers currently are barred from taking advantage of this relief, because some or all of their loans do not qualify. Of those borrowers, 4.4 million people are not receiving any relief, and 3.8 million people have a mix of loans that qualify and those that do not. To ensure that these borrowers don't continue to face unnecessary financial struggles and confusion, in their letter, the SenatorsurgedSecretary DeVos to take immediate action to help them qualify for much-needed relief. Since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, and onset of related financial hardships, Senator King has advocated for student loan borrowers. In July, he urged the Administration to end the seizure of tax refunds from federal student loan borrowers in default and refund any payments seized in direct violation of federal law. This seizure of tax refunds, known as a tax offset, violates a provision in the CARES Act that suspended the collection of all federally held defaulted student loans until September 30, 2020 which was intended to provide relief to student loan borrowers experiencing financial strain during the coronavirus crisis and subsequent economic fallout. The full letter can be readHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/citing-disgraceful-process-and-danger-of-judicial-philosophy-king-opposes-barretts-nomination,"Citing Disgraceful Process and Danger of Judicial Philosophy, King Opposes Barrett’s Nomination",2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted against Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. In his full statement below, Senator King cites the rushed nature of the proceedings which he argued should take place after the upcoming election and the core flaws of Judge Barrett's judicial philosophy, which he discussed in a Senate floor speech and an op-ed for The Atlantic. Today's outcome was pre-determined from the moment Mitch McConnell skipped past his shameful Merrick Garland precedent and ignored Justice Ginsburg's dying wish but that doesn't make it any easier to stomach, said Senator King. With Americans already casting ballots across the nation, the Senate majority decided to rush a lifetime appointment before voters could be heard. Worse still, this happens as the nation needed actual leadership in the form of a coronavirus relief bill to restore stability to our economy and faith in our government. We're meant to be a body that represents the will of the people; instead, we worked overtime so we could ignore their voices. What a disgrace to our institution. This process was a mockery of our system of government but even these awful proceedings may pale in comparison to now-Justice Barrett's potential impact from the bench of our nation's highest court. The more I've studied her record and dug into her legal ideology, the more concerned I've grown about her deeply-held, radical commitment to originalism. In a world that is ever-changing, and with new threats that our forefathers never could have imagined, it is vital that we follow the guidance of the Constitution's Framers while taking generational changes into account.Jefferson said it best: With the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.' Based on her judicial record and her testimony, Justice Barrett seems content to dismiss Jefferson's argument which is a significant danger to the country. She would have us locked into the precise wording of the 18th century, leaving no room for moral or cultural growth.Under the guise of originalism, Justice Barrett will threaten environmental protections, civil rights, reproductive rights, and much more. Critically, and perhaps most urgently Justice Barrett is a significant threat to the future of the Affordable Care Act. Now my colleagues' power grab has succeeded in placing her on the court in time for Justice Barrett to become a potentially decisive vote on whether or not to strike down this law, and rip health care away from millions of Americans across the nation in the middle of a pandemic that this White House now admits they will not get under control. Today was a tough blow, but the fight's not over yet and I won't ever stop standing up for the health of our people at every possible opportunity. Nor will I stand down in working to restore public confidence in this institution, once we turn the page on this dark chapter for the U.S. Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-challenge-justice-departments-sudden-reversal-on-election-non-interference,"King, Colleagues Challenge Justice Department’s Sudden Reversal on Election Non-Interference",2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee with oversight over federal elections, and 12 members of the Rules and Judiciary Committees sent a letter to Corey R. Amundson, Chief of the Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section, requesting an immediate explanation of the Department's recent decision to weaken its longstanding policy of non-interference with elections. The Department has long recognized that public investigations of alleged election fraud can interject the investigation itself as an issue in an ongoing election, creating the obvious risk of chilling legitimate voting and campaign activities, but DOJ has recently changed these decades-old strictures with little notice or explanation. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud in the face of FBI denials of such allegations while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning that Russia is amplifying these claims to undermine trust in the electoral process. In addition, reports in recent days point to continued efforts by Russia and Iran to undermine the public's trust in the 2020 election. It is deeply troubling that the Department has chosen to weaken its non-interference policy weeks before Election Day and while millions of Americans have already voted, many of them by mail, the senators said. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Russia is amplifying these claims in an effort to undermine public trust in the electoral process. Senator King regularly sounds the alarm on interference issues as the 2020 general election is underway he believes it is fundamentally important to voters' faith in the democratic process and preserving American values. In August, he pressed nominees for top Defense Department intelligence and inspector general positions on the importance of independent assessments, serving the facts rather than the objectives of a political figure or party, during a nominations hearing of the Senate Armed Service Committee. Senator King also sought the nominees' thinking on how best to appropriately declassify material to inform the public on issues such as election security a topic he raised in a Time magazine national column in July. He quickly released a statement in late August on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) John Ratcliffe's announcement that it will no longer brief Congress on election security issues, and continued sounding the alarm on social media and national television. Full text of the letter can be found HERE and below. +++ October 20, 2020 Dear Mr. Amundson: We request an immediate explanation of the Department's recent decision to weaken its longstanding policy of non-interference with elections, which ensures that election fraud investigations do not affect an upcoming election. The Department has long recognized that public investigations of alleged election fraud can interject[] the investigation itself as an issue in an ongoing election, creating the obvious risk of chilling legitimate voting and campaign activities. Department policy thus prohibits overt investigative steps in such cases until the election in question has been concluded, its results certified, and all recounts and election contests concluded. [Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses, p. 84] The Department has reportedly announced an exception to this policy that would allow election fraud allegations to be publicly announced before the 2020 election if the integrity of any component of the federal government is implicated by election offenses. The exception appears to encompass allegations of mail voting fraud, which the Department could now publicly announce while voting is underway. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Russia is amplifying these claims in an effort to undermine public trust in the electoral process. It is deeply troubling that the Department has chosen to weaken its non-interference policy weeks before Election Day and while millions of Americans have already voted, many of them by mail. We therefore ask that you provide the following information no later than October 23: 1. What is the complete text of the new exception to the Department's non-interference with elections policy? 2. Why did the Department create this exception at this time? 3. Who participated in the creation of the exception, including the decision to create it and the drafting process? 4. How will the Department ensure that actions taken pursuant to the exception do not chill[] legitimate voting and campaign activities or jeopardize the Department's reputation for fairness, neutrality, and non-partisanship? 5. How will the Department ensure that actions taken pursuant to the exception will not interfere with or disturb the delivery and counting of mail-in ballots? Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-more-than-100-lawmakers-urge-congress-bold-and-comprehensive-action-needed-to-prevent-the-next-pandemic,"King, More than 100 Lawmakers Urge Congress: Bold and Comprehensive Action Needed to Prevent the Next Pandemic",2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined 136 Senate and House lawmakers in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to prioritize the development of thoughtful, forward-looking policy plans to prevent and mitigate the impact of future pandemics. In the letter, the lawmakers outline the steps necessary to prevent future pandemics while also noting that Congress must act to provide relief to Americans suffering from the current economic downturn and public health emergency. As the United States continues to weather the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic, we write to ask that Congress take action to learn from the mistakes of our nation's preparation and response and lay the groundwork to prevent and mitigate future pandemics. The current Administration's response has exposed serious flaws in the country's ability to combat large scale public health challenges, wrote the lawmakers. In addition to passing a robust package to address the current crisis, we must take bold and comprehensive steps now to ensure the nation is better prepared for the next pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on communities across the country and has devastated the nation's economy. Currently, the United States leads the world with more than eight million confirmed cases and over 220,000 dead, out of over one million worldwide deaths. Millions are out of work and struggling to make ends meet. It is clear that pandemics are already rapidly accelerating: animal-to-human outbreak prevalence grew six-fold from 1980 to 2010, and experts predict they will become even more common in the future. It is imperative Congress take bold and comprehensive steps now to prevent and mitigate future pandemics. Specifically: Congress must invest in domestic programs, systems, and supply chains that will help improve Americans' health outcomes, combat the spread of new disease, and ramp up public health capacity during global health emergencies. This includes robust investments in state, local, and tribal public health departments; improvements to the Strategic National Stockpile; and the development of support systems, such as affordable housing, that reduce chronic health conditions and boost health outcomes. Congress must support global public health efforts to identify and mitigate the spread of new diseases before they become global pandemics. This includes ensuring the Administration protects the public by fulfilling its international commitments to organizations such as the World Health Organization; investing in global surveillance programs, like USAID, to identify emerging disease threats; and combating antimicrobial resistance. Congress must create 250,000 permanent, high-paying public health jobs to rebuild our depleted public health workforce and ensure the rapid deployment of contact tracers and other support workers during future pandemics. A lack of public health workforce has directly contributed to the country's poor ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These workers should be trained in key public health initiatives, such as contact tracing and disease surveillance, and should be prepared to deploy to their communities in public health emergencies. Congress must address the systemic racism embedded in our health care system and pass legislation ensuring that health care treatments, pandemic countermeasures, vaccines, and primary disease prevention measures are accessible to all. This includes ensuring that everyone in America has access to high-quality health care, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and primary disease prevention measures; eliminating race and socioeconomic disparities in health care access; addressing the social determinants of health; and requiring companies that receive federal funding to produce pandemic countermeasures offer their products at reasonable prices. Congress must halt the environmental degradation increasing the likelihood of global pandemics. This includes combating climate change, protecting and restoring land and inland water areas to their natural state, and preventing dangerous practices contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential. Today's letter builds on Senator King's efforts to reassert American leadership in global public health, and preventing future public health crises. In November 2019 before the emergence of coronavirus Senator King questioned the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)decision to shutter the PREDICTprogram that tracks emerging potential pandemics. In February, he sponsoredlegislationthat would permanently create a Presidentially-appointed position to manage outbreak response efforts, develop a global health security strategy, and authorize annual funding towards that goal. Though a relevant position has existed through executive order since 2016, that position has been vacant for nearly two years. He is also an original cosponsor of the bipartisanPublic Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act, which would create a permanent reserve fund to enable quick and effective responses to future public health emergencies. Senator King made public health the focus of the May edition of his Inside Maine podcast, highlighting the impacts that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the lives of Maine people, and federal, state, and local efforts to respond to the virus and keep Maine people safe. In June, he urged the President to reestablish the National Security Council's (NSC) Global Health Security Directorate (GHSD) as a separate entity from the Counterproliferation and Biodefense Directorate (CBD). The full letter can be downloaded HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-maine-locations-for-2020-drug-take-back-day,"Senators Collins, King Announce Maine Locations for 2020 Drug Take-Back Day",2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Ahead of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, October 24th, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced the locations of the Maine collection sites. Unused prescription drugs that collect in our homes can fall into the wrong hands, creating unintended gateways to opioid addiction, particularly as we continue to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Maine is one of the top 10 states that have disposed the most prescriptions through the DEA's Drug Take-Back Program, and we are confident that our state will continue to lead efforts to stop the misuse of unused drugs that pose a serious threat to our children, our homes, and our environment. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. For the first time, collection sites will accept vaping devices and associated substances. At a previousTake-Back Event in October 2019, federal, state, and local government entities took back 882,919 pounds of unused, expired, or unwanted drugs at more than 6,100 locations across the United States. Over the course of the program, 12,699,456 pounds of prescription drugs have been safely collected across the country, including more than 412,117 pounds of medication in Maine alone. Federal regulations allow pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other authorized collectors to serve as collection points for unused prescription medication. In 2014, following a bipartisan effort led by Senators Collins and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the Department of Justice granted the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) the ability to participate in prescription drug take-back programs at DoD and VA facilities. This initiative has helped to address the role of prescription drug abuse in many military and veteran suicides. In 2018, a sweeping opioids package known as theSUPPORT for Patients and Communities Actwas signed into law. Senator Collins, a member of the Senate Health Committee,authored two provisionsincluded in the final legislation that will help to ensure that unused prescription drugs do not fall into the wrong hands and to bolster peer support networks for long-term recovery. The legislation also included provisions championed by Senator Collins and Senator Kingto expand opioid treatment capabilities, including a permanent authorization for nurse practitioners and physicians assistants to medication-assisted treatment and removing an arbitrary limit to allow residential treatment facilities to expand their efforts to save lives. Click HERE for the complete list of locations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-900000-for-harmful-algal-bloom-research-at-the-bigelow-laboratory-for-ocean-sciences,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $900,000 for Harmful Algal Bloom Research at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences",2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is set to receive a total of $878,514 to conduct research on a new simple, low-cost method of detecting harmful toxins in mussels. This funding, of which $164,078 is slated for fiscal year 2020, was awarded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Center for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). Maintaining the health of shellfish aquaculture is essential to Maine's working waterfront, as well as the global ecosystem, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This project will allow the skilled scientists at Bigelow Laboratory to research a three-in-one test for harmful toxins that are accumulating in mussels, helping to protect Maine's mussel-growing industry and ensure that people across the nation can continue to enjoy this ocean delicacy. Shellfish aquaculture is a large and growing industry, with national sales exceeding $260 million annually and expected to rise, given its economic and environmental benefits, as well as increased customer demand. Established in 1974, the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is a nonprofit oceanography research institute in East Boothbay. Using innovative approaches and cutting-edge technology, Bigelow scientists study the foundation of global ocean health and seek to improve the future of all life on the planet. A large portion of the institute's funding comes from federal and state grants and contracts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-launches-maine-voices-video-series-focusing-on-stories-of-acas-impact,King Launches “Maine Voices” Video Series Focusing on Stories of ACA’s Impact,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the first in a series of videos highlighting the benefits the Affordable Care Act has created for Maine people. Each of the videos will feature Senator King hearing directly from Maine people about their personal experiences with the law, which has helped thousands of Maine people access health coverage; each of the stories were submitted to Senator King's website earlier this month. Today's video features Dr. Garreth Debiegun, President of the Maine Chapter of the American College of Emergency Room Physicians, who shares his frontline perspective on the importance of affordable healthcare. The video series comes days before the Senate will vote on the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, and mere weeks before the Court hears oral arguments on the future of the ACA. For more than a decade, the Affordable Care Act has helped hundreds of thousands of Maine people access affordable, life-saving health insurance,said Senator King.Today, there are nearly 62,000 Maine people utilizing the Medicaid expansion, more than 75,000 people who secure coverage through the ACA's Marketplace, and a whopping 225,000 Mainers under the age of 65 living with pre-existing conditions who don't have to worry about being denied coverage. In the coming days, I'll be highlighting stories from Maine people who reached out to my office in order to share their personal experiences with the law. Each of these stories hammers home that this is truly a matter of life-and-death and hopefully puts a human face on the stories my colleagues are ignoring as they rush through this Supreme Court nomination and put health care at risks for millions. In this series, Senator King will hear from constituents Karen Wentworth, a cancer survivor; Francesca Basile, a young professional at a small firm and volunteer healthcare advocate; Wayne St. Peter, a self-employed tennis instructor; and Greg Rossel, a self-employed boat-builder. During the upcoming Supreme Court hearings, the Trump Administration will argue that the law should be entirely repealed based on provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. If the Trump Administration is successful, millions of Americans including several Maine people interviewed by Senator King for this series who rely on the ACA's Marketplace and protections for pre-existing conditions will have their insurance revoked in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, Senator King joined Maine parents and patients for a virtual conversation to discuss the harm that a repeal of the ACA could have on hundreds of thousands of Maine people. He also published an op-ed in thePortland Press Heraldand theBangor Daily News, emphasizing the harm that may be done to hundreds of thousands of Maine people if a Supreme Court Justice who may be the deciding vote on this case is rushed through before the election. Senator King has been a vocal proponent of protecting and improving the Affordable Care Act, which has helped millions of Americans access healthcare. In July 2018, Senator King joined a group of his colleagues to introduce a resolution that would haveauthorized the Senate Legal Counsel to interveneinTexas v. United States, and in December 2018 he joined a group of Senate colleagues to call on President Trump tocondemnthe resulting decision in the case. He has also fought the Administration'svarious attempts to sabotage the healthcare law,urged Maine people to sign up for health insuranceduring the shortened Open Enrollment period, and met with Maine people around the state todiscuss the ACA's importance to their lives. The full interview with Dr. Debiegun can be watched HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-300000-for-wabanaki-educational-program-at-the-university-of-maine-and-the-university-of-maine-at-machias,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $300,000 for Wabanaki Educational Program at the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias",2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a total of $283,164 for the New Beginning for Wabanaki Students, to increase Wabanaki student participation and success at the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias. The New Beginning for Wabanaki Students at the University of Maine program will serve as a critical resource for Native American college students, promoting developmental and educational growth, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This program will link Wabanaki students with the resources they need to achieve their academic and career goals. This award will be coordinated by the Wabanaki Youth in Science Program, a peer mentorship program that connects Native students to both community and university support systems. The program is aimed at bringing together indigenous cultural values and western education through on-campus activities including events, roundtables, and presentations. Senators Collins and King have long supported Maine's tribal communities, including by helping to secure nearly $4 million in federal funding for tribal health in Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic, including awards of $2.7 million in July to expand public health and wellness services and more than $1 million in August to build and expand public health infrastructure. Senators Collins and King also helped secure $1 million in August to combat tribal substance and opioid use disorders.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-against-latest-inadequate-pandemic-relief-proposal-from-mcconnell-calls-for-bipartisan-negotiation-to-produce-effective-package,"King Votes Against Latest Inadequate Pandemic Relief Proposal from McConnell, Calls for Bipartisan Negotiation to Produce Effective Package",2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after voting against another undersized coronavirus relief proposal from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that fails to adequately meet the range of threats facing the American people. In his statement, Senator King emphasizes that even President Trump has called for a much-stronger relief bill, and highlights the fact that previous moves to reject Senator McConnell's coronavirus relief proposals have resulted indrastically improved legislation, including additional funds for states and localities, increased unemployment insurance, and more money for healthcare providers working to battle the coronavirus pandemic. More than a month ago, the Senate rejected a Republican plan much like this one, because the bill doesn't do nearly enough to address the crisis facing our nation. Since then, the virus has continued to spread and Americans have continued to face serious economic struggles prompting everyone from working Americans to business leaders to cry out for a much larger bill. And it's not just Democrats even President Trump has repeatedly called for a bill more than triple the size of this proposal! But apparently, none of these factors have swayed Senator McConnell, who is still dead-set on a wholly inadequate package that will barely scratch the surface of this challenge. This bill doesn't provide the investment needed to help American families make ends meet, or bolster hard-hit industries during this pandemic, or enable state and local governments to provide vital services and protect public safety. Showing he still doesn't grasp how to confront the threat today and begin to get it under control, the Majority Leader's bill includes less than half of the House's proposed funding for coronavirus testing, tracing and treatment, which would allow this virus to linger even longer and inflict further damage on public health and on the economy. It is tempting to vote yes and do a little good, but I fear that my GOP colleagues would view this as a checking of a box, and argue that no further relief is required. Nothing would be further from the truth for the sake of millions of Americans across the nation, we need a better bill. When the Senate passed the CARES Act, bipartisan negotiations resulted in a better product for our constituents but for some reason, Senator McConnell has chosen to abandon that approach this time around. This outcome was clear from the start. Senator McConnell knew that this bill had nowhere near the support needed to become law; he pushed it anyway, when even the leader of his own party is calling for more. Now, he'll let the American people suffer so he can focus on jamming through a new Supreme Court Justice, just days before the American people will be able to make their voices heard and select their next leaders. The Majority Leader is inflicting blow after blow on both this institution and the American people; the ramifications of his political power grabs will echo in the days, weeks and years to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-65-million-loans-and-grants-gardiner-livermore-falls-and,"Golden Announces $6.5+ Million in Loans and Grants to Gardiner, Livermore Falls and MaineHealth",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced three new sets of loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), providing more than $6.5 million in additional support for projects in Maine. They include two sets of upgrades for water and wastewater systems in Gardiner and Livermore Falls, and new funding to enhance rural telehealth accessibility through MaineHealth. ""I'm glad to see that USDA is prioritizing key infrastructure and healthcare investments in Maine,"" said Congressman Golden. ""This announcement of more than $6.5 million in new grants and loans will ensure that more Mainers will have access to telemedicine services and improved water infrastructure. Investments like these are critical to the long-term health and safety of our communities, and I'm proud to announce them."" The USDA's loans and grants include: $3,532,000 to the City of Gardiner, to improve the Maine Ave Pump Station and Wastewater Treatment Facility; $2,200,000 to the Livermore Falls Water District, to support work on water infrastructure; $999,573 to MaineHealth, to support rural telehealth resources. You can learn more about the USDA's infrastructure grants here, and telehealth grants here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-governor-mills-welcome-critical-drought-assistance-maine,"Maine Delegation, Governor Mills Welcome Critical Drought Assistance for Maine Farmers",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Janet Mills welcomed the announcement today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made farmers throughout Maine eligible for disaster relief assistance due to the drought. Maine farmers have faced tremendous challenges this year, from supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 to the drought that severely impacted the growing season,said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden in a joint statement.Maine farms sustain our rural communities, whether they are newly founded operations or ones that have been passed down from generation to generation. We strongly supported COVID-19 relief funding to help Maine farmers get through this difficult period, and this designation will help provide additional assistance. The statewide drought conditions are severely impacting our agricultural sector and the rural communities they support,said Governor Mills. I welcome the USDA's declaration and the disaster relief it will bring to Maine's hardworking farmers. I will continue to work closely with Maine's Congressional Delegation to support our farmers throughout this challenging period. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and Washington counties as primary natural disaster areas. Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Kennebec, Lincoln, Oxford, Waldo, and York counties were named as contiguous disaster counties. Secretary Perdue previously designated Aroostook County as a primary natural disaster area in September. A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which includes FSA emergency loans. FSA emergency loans may be used to: Restore or replace essential property; Pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year; Pay essential family living expenses; Reorganize the farming operation; and Refinance certain debts. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3534,"Pingree Backs Bill to Help Maine’s Island Communities Use Renewable Power, Become Energy Independent",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today joined 23 of her House colleagues in introducing the Energy Resilient Communities Act, legislation to create a new program at the US Department of Energy to invest in clean energy microgrids. The legislation also prioritizes clean energy equity and resilience, helping to power the critical infrastructure that communities rely on in the aftermath of an extreme weather event or power disruption. Electricity is critical infrastructure but isn't always reliable for every Mainer. Many communities operate as standalone microgrids, separate from the larger energy supply, but too often these microgrids are powered at least in part by burning fossil fuels and are vulnerable to outages during intense winter storms,said Pingree.I'm an original cosponsor of the Energy Resilient Communities Act because increasing investments in our nation's clean energy microgrids will help make energy more reliable and will reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and high energy costsa win-win for our environment and our wallets. I'm always proud to support legislation that furthers the fight against climate change and builds the clean energy economy. In 2019, 546 microgrids were installed in the United States. Of these, 86% were powered in part by burning fossil fuels. The Energy Resilient Communities Act will accelerate the development of clean energy microgrids across the country in order supportourtransition to clean energy. The bill will help to launch the clean energy revolution in communities across the country while simultaneously bolstering the resilience of critical community infrastructure. It authorizes technical assistanceas well as grants to assist with project implementation and constructionfor clean energy microgrids to support hundreds of new projects a year and prioritizes these microgrids and their environmental and clean energy jobs benefits for environmental justice communities. Maine's island communitiescould especially benefit fromthe Energy Resilient Communities Act.These communities pay some of the highest energy costs in the nation, due to expensive infrastructure to connect to the mainland grid or the cost of importing fuels year round. Microgrids create the opportunity to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and high energy costs. In addition, microgrids could increase the resiliency of any community with vulnerable electricity supply, such as Maine's many peninsulas or islands connected by cable to the mainland. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-pandemic-lingers-king-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-small-businesses-and-improve-on-ppps-efforts,"As Pandemic Lingers, King, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support Small Businesses and Improve on PPP’s Efforts",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined his colleagues to introduce the HEROES Small Business Lifeline Act, a comprehensive legislative package that would provide over $370 billion of support to the hardest-hit, most vulnerable small businesses, including minority-owned businesses and small businesses that have been left behind by earlier relief efforts. The bill closely mirrors legislation passed by the House of Representatives on October 1. Today's introduction continues Senator King's effort to improve the Paycheck Protection Program's (PPP) work for Maine's small businesses in light of changing economic conditions; earlier this year, his legislation to improve the PPPpassed the Senate unanimously and was signed into law, providing businesses with additional flexibility as the pandemic continued to spread across the nation. In the face of a crisis this severe, Congress must always be ready to adapt our approach to best serve the American people, said Senator King. This legislation does exactly that taking the pandemic's lessons into account to create a bill that will help those who need it most. This bill will focus relief efforts on small, underserved businesses which missed out on the PPP's early rounds while major corporations received bailouts. Critically, the legislation will provide unique relief for industries that rely on large gatherings, including restaurants, concert venues, and theaters. Additionally, the legislation will expand non-profits' eligibility for relief funds, enabling these organizations to continue serving our vulnerable citizens during this time. This legislation's provisions already have passed the House of Representatives, and I hope that this bill will receive consideration on the Senate floor immediately so Congress can deliver much-needed aid as soon as possible. Through a number of conversations with Maine small businesses and their employees, Senator King has determined that our nation requires comprehensive small business relief such as that included in today's legislation and that the House of Representatives already has passed. In recognition of that reality, Senator King voted today not to pass a bill that would narrowly re-authorize the PPP. Instead, he strongly supports the solutions passed by the House and included in the HEROES Small Business Lifeline Act, including: Extending the Small Business Debt Relief program. Senator King backed the Small Business Debt Relief Extension Act, in which would provide continued coronavirus emergency debt relief distributed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) into 2021. This provision would extend debt relief through February 2021 for all borrowers, and includes language to provide an additional seven months of debt relief for highly vulnerable businesses. He initially cosponsored the Small Business Debt Relief Act, which was passed into law as a part of the CARES Act in March. Expanding nonprofit eligibility for the PPP. Charitable nonprofits have been essential partners in the fight against coronavirus and its economic effects, and Senator King has led bipartisan efforts for the inclusion of aid for charitable nonprofits in coronavirus relief legislation. Including support for concert, theatre, and preforming venues. The bill authorizes $15 billion for the SBA to make grants to eligible live venue operators, or promoters, theatrical producers, motion picture theatre operators, or talent representatives to address the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on certain live venues. These provisions are part of the Save Our Stages Act, which Senator King cosponsored in September.Supporting restaurants, bars, and food trucks. Senator King cosponsored the RESTAURANTS Act in early September, which would establish a $120 billion program administered by the Treasury Department to provide vital funding to restaurants and similar places of businesses such as food trucks and bars. These funds would go to payroll and other eligible expenses, and would need to be used by June 30, 2021.Expanding local news organization eligibility for the PPP. This bill expands PPP loan eligibility to small, local affiliate news broadcast entities and Internet-only news publishers to support the continued provision of local news, information, content, or emergency information. Senator King has pushed for this relief in April, hestressed that the pandemic could decimate regional and local news outlets even as communities have become increasingly reliant on their reporting amidst the public health crisis.Raising the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) cap back to $2 million from the administratively-imposed $150,000. This provision will allow for small businesses to apply for funding that better meets their growing needs as the pandemic continues. At the beginning of the pandemic, Senator King pressed the administration to quickly release funds from the EIDL Emergency Grant Program, which was established in the CARES Act to make sure small businesses facing immediate needs could access the direct financial support they need to survive. Senator King is a cosponsor of the Small Business Disaster Loan Enhancement Act, which would make improvements to the EIDL program including an increase of the cap back to $2 million. Senator King has been continuously working to revisit and improve the PPP to help Maine's small businesses weather the pandemic. In July, Senator King wrote an op-edto advocate for more federal support for small businesses. He alsosenta letter to Congressional leadership calling for additional funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA)'s programs in future coronavirus economic recovery legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-governor-mills-welcome-critical-drought-assistance-for-maine-farmers,"Maine Delegation, Governor Mills Welcome Critical Drought Assistance for Maine Farmers",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Janet Mills welcomed the announcement today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made farmers throughout Maine eligible for disaster relief assistance due to the drought. Maine farmers have faced tremendous challenges this year, from supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 to the drought that severely impacted the growing season, said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden in a joint statement. Maine farms sustain our rural communities, whether they are newly founded operations or ones that have been passed down from generation to generation. We strongly supported COVID-19 relief funding to help Maine farmers get through this difficult period, and this designation will help provide additional assistance. The statewide drought conditions are severely impacting our agricultural sector and the rural communities they support, said Governor Mills. I welcome the USDA's declaration and the disaster relief it will bring to Maine's hardworking farmers. I will continue to work closely with Maine's Congressional Delegation to support our farmers throughout this challenging period. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and Washington counties as primary natural disaster areas. Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Kennebec, Lincoln, Oxford, Waldo, and York counties were named as contiguous disaster counties. Secretary Perdue previously designated Aroostook County as a primary natural disaster area in September. A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which includes FSA emergency loans. FSA emergency loans may be used to: Restore or replace essential property; Pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year; Pay essential family living expenses; Reorganize the farming operation; and Refinance certain debts. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3533,Pingree Applauds Court’s Rejection of Trump Administration’s ‘Cruel’ Food Assistance Restriction,2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Following months of advocacy against the Trump administration's cruel food assistance restrictions, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today applauded a U.S. District Court's decision to block implementation of a rule that would have stripped Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits away frommillions: SNAP serves as our nation's largest and most effective line of defense against hunger, especially during a global pandemic when rates of food insecurity have risen dramatically. The Trump administration's cruel policies are intended to make it difficult for families to put food on their table. 4 million Americans would be directly affected by food assistance cuts proposed by this administration, including this misguided rule which was rightly rejected by the District Courtlast night. When an almost identical policy was enacted during the LePage administration, Maine's food insecurity rates skyrocketed and more than 9,000 Mainers lost access to SNAP as a result. I'm glad that the courts have stopped implementationof this cruel and misguided rule which does nothing to reduce poverty. We should be increasing and expanding SNAP as a proven method for poverty and hunger eradication. Hunger in Maine during the global coronavirus pandemiccould increase byabout 40%this year, according to the Good Shepherd Food Bank. SNAP is not only the most effective programs for reducing hunger; it is one of the most effective and immediate forms of economic stimulus, injecting $1.79 into the economy for every $1 in benefits and helping lower health carecosts by nearly $1,400 per person. Pingree has been a fierce defender of SNAP in the U.S. Congress. On multiple occasionsdating back as early as April of 2019, Pingree wrote to USDA, demanding a stop to this rule. She has also cosponsored legislation to protect SNAP from the Trump administration'srepeated attempts to undermine the food assistance program, including theProtect SNAP Act, which would prevent USDA fromrestricting states' ability to waive time limits during periods of higher unemployment,and theEnsuring Emergency Food Security Act, which protects SNAP from rules that would narrow eligibility for food assistance. USDA has two other proposed rules that would also undermine SNAP's efficacy. TheRevision of Categorical Eligibility in SNAPwould create a sharp benefit cliff by imposing stricter income and asset limits for SNAP recipients.USDA estimates that Maine is one of seven states that would see 15% or more of its SNAP population removed from the SNAP under this rule. TheStandardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowanceswould change the methodology states use to calculate standard utility allowances, which are used in benefit calculations. USDA estimates that half (49.84 percent) of Maine SNAP households would lose benefits under this proposal and only 0.51 would have their benefits increase. This press release is available onlinehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-critical-step-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-broadband-access-to-underserved-tribal-communities,King Cosponsors “Critical Step” Bipartisan Bill to Expand Broadband Access to Underserved Tribal Communities,2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, has cosponsored a bipartisan and bicameral bill to extend the time window given to Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organization are given during the pandemic to apply for spectrum licenses a critical step to expanding broadband access in their communities. Specifically, the Extending Broadband Tribal Priority Act of 2020 will require the FCC to open a new 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window that lasts at least 180 days, to commence no later than 30 days after the bill is enacted. ""As every Maine person knows, access to broadband is no longer an option but a necessity made all the more critical during this pandemic where connectivity is serving students, workers, businesses and families,"" said Senator King. ""But across the nation, tribal communities are among the least connected populations creating a digital divide that is only growing wider as coronavirus and distance protocols keep us responsibly apart from one another. Almost all of today's vital functions depend entirely on the strength of connectivity, and that's why I've joined my colleagues on this bill which will help tribal communities bridge the digital divide and work to ensure more residents can stay connected through these difficult times."" ""The Passamaquoddy Tribe supports the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2020, which will help the ability of Tribal Nations to expand telecommunications access in reliance on tribal infrastructure, said Chief William Nicholas, Sr. of Indian Township. One can travel for hours without cell phone service or spend entire days working in the woods on Passamaquoddy lands with no reliable signal to use for emergency phone calls in the event of an accident. This poses a particularly dangerous problem in rural areas that are heavily used for logging, sustenance activities, economic development and seasonal living. All of these activities come with risk, but that risk becomes far more dangerous when conducted in a relative telecommunications desert. The public interest would be well served by enhancing the ability of Tribal Nations, the original stewards of the land, to develop telecommunications networks in their territories."" The FCC created the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window last year to provide Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organizations an opportunity to apply for spectrum licenses over their land. However, the Window expired in September before many Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organizations were able to applyin some cases due to the COVID-19 pandemicand the FCC declined to extend the deadline any further, in opposition to multiple requests made by Tribal Nations, Native Hawaiian organizations, telecommunications groups, and bipartisan Senate and House lawmakers. Since the beginning of April, the FCC has received numerous requests to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window by no less than 180 days from the original deadline of August 3, 2020. The FCC refused to implement that sufficient extension, instead giving tribes a severely limited 30-day application period that expired on September 2, 2020, contrary to numerous requests by Tribes and bipartisan members of Congress. Today, the United States scores above the world average for connection rates to fixed broadband services for Americans living off Tribal lands at 92 percent, but only 65 percent of Native Americans living on Tribal lands have access to these wireless services. This leaves approximately 1.5 million people on reservations without access to basic wireless services. Because Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organizations cannot access spectrum rights to deploy broadband and telephone networks over their Tribal lands, in some of the most geographically isolated areas in the country, Native Americans continue to suffer from lack of access to life-saving digital services and broadband access further placing them behind in the digital divide. The Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2020 would do the following: Establish a new 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window that lasts at least 180 days; Require that the FCC open this new window no later than 30 days after the bill is enacted; and Create additional time for Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to apply for unassigned spectrum licenses over Tribal lands to deploy internet services This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Representatives Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Kendra Horn (D-Okla.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Tom Cole (R-Okla.). During his time in the Senate, Senator King has been a strong advocate for expanding broadband access as a way to increase connectivity in rural areas and has raised the issue consistently during the coronavirus pandemic. This bill follows up on an earlier push, where he urged the FCC to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window by 180 days in May, given the challenges and delays associated with the coronavirus. Last month, Senator King introduced the Broadband Reform and Investment to Drive Growth in the Economy (BRIDGE) Act to provide $30 billion in flexible funding to states and $1 billion to tribal governments to competitively award funding to connect unserved and underserved communities, with an emphasis on affordable, gigabit-level internet service to meet communities' needs for years to come. Hecalledon the seven largest internet service providers (ISPs) to help limit the economic and social disruption caused by COVID-19 and better ensure that learners of all ages are able to meaningfully participate in their education. In May, Senator King cosponsored the Emergency Educational Connections Act to help ensure all K-12 students have adequate home internet connectivity and devices during the coronavirus pandemic. Also that month, Senator King joined a bipartisan group of senators to urged Congressional leadership to include$2 billion in the next coronavirus relief packageto help healthcare providers expand telehealth services through improved access to broadband. In April, he joined 35 senators in a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)to increase reimbursements for telephone-based, or audio-only, telehealth servicesto equal other audio-visual telehealth and in-person visitation reimbursements.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-900000-to-improve-water-quality-in-searsport,"Senators Collins, King Announce More than $900,000 to Improve Water Quality in Searsport",2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Town of Searsport received a total of $911,190 to upgrade a wastewater treatment facility and improve water quality. This funding was awarded through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) in partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Safe water is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of Searsport residents and communities throughout Maine, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome NBRC and EDA's investment, which will help to improve water quality discharged into Penobscot Bay and ultimately decrease the negative environmental impacts to shellfishing and recreational industries. Since its creation in 2008, Senators Collins has been a champion for the NBRC. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins successfully secured $25 million the NBRC in the fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water funding bill, making this investment in Searsport possible. The NBRC provides grants for projects throughout northern and central Maine, as well as northern New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont, spurring economic and community development. In 2019, NBRC awarded more than $6 million to projects in Maine. Since fiscal year 2018, the NBRC has received specific funding for the State Capacity Building Grant Program, a new program included in the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act that was signed into law as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. This program, in partnership with the EDA, allows NBRC to support business retention and expansion, access to high-speed broadband, critical infrastructure development, and job creation throughout the region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3532,"Pingree, McGovern, Walorski Raise Awareness of Global Food Insecurity on World Food Day",2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Each year, the United States joins 150 nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in celebrating World Food Day to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from chronic hunger and all forms of malnutrition. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.)co-chairs of the House Food Recovery Caucusas well as Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.)co-chairs of the House Hunger Caucus today committed to ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food as the COVID-19 pandemic increases food insecurity. According tothe latest edition of FAO'sState of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 690 million people went hungry in 2019 - up by 10 million from 2018, and by nearly 60 million in five years. Across the planet, the report forecasts, the COVID-19 pandemic could tip over 130 million more people into chronic hunger by the end of 2020. As the world confronts a devastating global pandemic, we're also dealing with unprecedented levels of hunger. A recent Oxfam report suggests that more people may die from hunger than from the coronavirus by the end of 2020, due to a drastic increase of extreme poverty worldwide. I introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate October 16thas World Food Day because it is more important now than ever to recognize the work left to do to solvethehungercrisisboth here in the United States and across the globe,said Congresswoman ChelliePingree (D-Maine). Access to plentiful, nutritious food plays a key role in health and wellness and can help families and communities build stronger futures,saidCongresswoman Jackie Walorski(R-Ind.). I'm honored to support the designation of a World Food Day and renew my commitment to addressing hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition in the U.S. and across the globe. As co-chair of the bipartisan House Hunger Caucus, I'll continue working to make nutrition a priority in Congress. America has a moral obligation to lead from the heart and push for an end to world hunger. We live in a world of plenty, wherelocal knowledge coupled withmodern agriculture make it possible to feed everyone on this planet. There is just no good reasonwhyany family or child, senior or individualhas to wonder where their next meal will come from, said Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA). Yet the harsh reality is that close to a billion people around the world are impacted by hunger, and the coronavirus pandemic hasmade that number even worse.Here at home, our hunger crisis has become a hunger catastrophe as food lines stretch for blocks and more and more families fall behind. America has proven before that if we work together and build a broad coalition, we really can end hunger for so many. Programs like the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program,Feed the Future, Food for Peace, the Maternal and Child Nutrition Program,Food for Progress, and ourowndomestic hunger safety net make a real and lasting difference in the lives of millions of people. Now is the time for us to redouble our efforts and find new, innovative ways to end hunger and ensure that food is a human right for all people. World Food Day is a yearly celebration that calls for global solidarity to help all populations, and especially the most vulnerable, to recover from the crisis. Under the 2020 theme Grow, Nourish, Sustain, Together. Our actions are our future, this day encourages actions to make food systems more resilient and robust so they can withstand increasing volatility and climate shocks, deliver affordable and sustainable healthy diets for all, and decent livelihoods for food system workers. To learn more about what actions you can take to promote better resilient food systems and healthy diets for all, please visithttp://www.fao.org/world-food-day The full text of the resolution can be foundhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-pingree-rouzer-push-usda-aid-loggers,"Golden, Pingree, Rouzer Push USDA for Aid to Loggers",2020-10-15,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON To help protect Maine loggers and logging businesses, today Representative Jared Golden (ME-02), Representative Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Representative David Rouzer (NC-07) led a group of 15 bipartisan members of Congress to call on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to immediately amend the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and include loggers in coronavirus relief as agricultural producers. In the past, loggers have been considered eligible for certain USDA grants under the same designation. In light of the dire situation facing loggers and log haulers, we urge the Department to use its broad authority and funds already provided by Congress to immediately make financial assistance available to loggers and log haulers impacted by the pandemicthe lawmakers wrote.There is precedent for USDA to include loggers and log haulers in the definition of agricultural producer' under CFAP This precedent could be applied to CFAP, similar to what the Department has done for other fiber producers, to ensure these businesses that are the backbone of the forest products industry can emerge from this crisis. We also implore you to identify any and all USDA funding sources, programs, and authorities that could be used to help stabilize these sectors. Golden's work to help loggers received praise from the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine: Maine loggers are not seeking a handout, they are seeking a lifeline, and without it many will not be in business much longer,Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, said.Farmers and fishermen have been given that lifeline already, and all we are asking for is the same help for the hard-working loggers and log hauling businesses of Maine. We are very thankful to Congressman Golden and the Maine delegation for their recognition of loggers as equals to farmers and fisherman and we hope that USDA will do the same. Loggers are farmers of the forest and should be treated that way."" Golden, Pingree, and Rouzer also worked together tointroduce a bipartisan, bicameral bill this summer, theLoggers Relief Act.Their bill, which has 20 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and seven bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate, would provide loggers with individual relief to offset losses as a result of COVID-19. The Senate companion was introduced by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN). Last month, Goldenpassed an amendment through the House of Representativesto bolster the logging industry by clearing the market for more sales of biomass, including waste wood products from loggers, in Maine. Last year, Golden and Senator Angus King (I-ME) also introduced a bill toallow young Mainers to work for their family's logging businesses. You can read their letterhere, or read it down below: Dear Secretary Perdue: We are writing to request the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) assistance in helping to prevent American loggers and log haulers from falling through the gaps of the federal government's COVID-19 economic relief programs, which would threaten the livelihoods of countless hardworking forestry professionals. We believe that USDA is uniquely positioned to respond to the crisis facing so many loggers whose operations have been seriously harmed by the effects of the pandemic. Loggers and log haulers are critical to America's forest products industry which is a top-10 manufacturing industry in 45 U.S. states. Our nation's loggers and haulers harvest and transport the raw material that supports over $283 billion in value-added wood and paper products with a supply chain that includes nearly one million Americans earning over $54 billion in combined payroll. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security deemed the forest products industry as part of the essential critical infrastructure workforce during the COVID-19 response. Given how vital this workforce is our economy, it is alarming that loggers in some regions have reported 40-50 percent losses this year due to the pandemic. The negative impacts of the pandemic on the forest products industry began in late March and have steadily worsened. Initially, COVID-19 crashed lumber markets as housing starts ground to a halt. In the months since, paper mills across the country have shut down or drastically cut output. A recent analysis generated for the American Loggers Council shows that this year's decrease in raw wood material consumption has led to a $1.83 billion reduction (or 13 percent loss) in the value of logger/trucker-delivered wood. The report found that consumption of raw wood material between January and July 2020 was down 6.7 percent (or 21.4 million tons) compared to the same period in 2019. In Maine, mill closures and curtailments caused by the pandemic's ripple effects will lead to a 30 percent reduction in harvesting capacity and the layoff of nearly 1,000 people in harvesting and hauling. Over 11,000 truckloads of wood will not be delivered to a Maine mill in 2020. For an industry that is responsible for over $620 million of direct economic impact each year, these disruptions will result in a direct loss of over $186 million of economic activity. Similar impacts to loggers and haulers are being seen in Arkansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas. Unfortunately, the federal programs that have been administered to help businesses cope with the pandemic's impact do not work well for loggers and log haulers. Loggers and log haulers, for example, are not included in USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides price support for a limited list of commodities. Notably, producers of maple syrup, wool, cut flowers, aloe leaves, and upland cotton have all been granted CFAP eligibility. In light of the dire situation facing loggers and log haulers, we urge the Department to use its broad authority and funds already provided by Congress to immediately make financial assistance available to loggers and log haulers impacted by the pandemic. There is precedent for USDA to include loggers and log haulers in the definition of agricultural producer under CFAP. For example, USDA's Value-Added Producer Grants define agricultural producer as an individual or entity that produces an Agricultural Commodity [including timber and forestry products] through participation in the day-to-day labor, management, and field operations; or has the legal right to harvest an Agricultural Commodity. This precedent could be applied to CFAP, similar to what the Department has done for other fiber producers, to ensure these businesses that are the backbone of the forest products industry can emerge from this crisis. We also implore you to identify any and all USDA funding sources, programs, and authorities that could be used to help stabilize these sectors. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with you to provide targeted relief to loggers and log haulers impacted by COVID-19.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-12-million-for-climate-research-in-the-gulf-of-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $1.2 Million for Climate Research in the Gulf of Maine",2020-10-15,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has received a total of $1,274,908 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct research and modeling on climate, economic, ocean and ecosystem changes in the Gulf of Maine and inform fisheries of shifting weather patterns. The Gulf of Maine is currently warming faster than almost any other body of water on Earth,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Research has shown that waters of record high temperature are entering the Gulf, and these changes pose long-term threats to the balance of conditions that have fostered such a historically healthy, productive ocean ecosystem. To help the fishing industry better understand, prepare for, and adapt to these changes, we welcome NOAA's investment in prioritizing the Gulf of Maine as an area of study. GMRI is a nonprofit organization that researches the complex marine ecology in the Gulf of Maine and studies the many challenges of ocean stewardship and economic growth in the region. The institute provides students and teachers with science education resources and engages fishermen in collaborative research. This funding was awarded through NOAA's Climate Program Office, as part of NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-111-million-to-protect-victims-and-prevent-crime-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $11.1 Million to Protect Victims and Prevent Crime in Maine",2020-10-14,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that several organizations throughout Maine have been awarded a total of $11,192,423 toassist crime victims. The funding was awarded through the Office of Violence Against Women, an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we continue to support victims and survivors of domesticviolence, sexual assault, and others crimes to ensure that service providers and law enforcement personnel are equipped with the necessary tools to protect victims and to bring perpetrators to justice,said Senators Collins and Kingina joint statement. This investment will provide invaluable support to victims and their families across the State of Maine. The funding was allocated as follows: Wabanaki Women's Coalitionreceived $353,615 through the Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Grant Program to collaborate with five Wabanaki Tribes' Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Centers to provide training and technical assistance, as well as coordinate awareness activities. Maine Department of Health and Human Servicesreceived $7,147,730 through the FY 2020 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to provide direct services to crime victims. University of Southern Mainereceived $209,581 through the State Justice Statistics (SJS) Program to maintain and enhance Maine's capacity to address criminal justice issues through collection and analysis of data. Maine Office of Attorney Generalreceived $287,000 through the FY 2020 VOCA's Crime Victims Fund to enhance compensation payments to eligible crime victims. Maine Department of Correctionsreceived $433,759 through the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act's Formula Grants Program to support state and local delinquency prevention and intervention efforts, and juvenile justice system improvements. City of Bangorreceived $19,496 through the FY 20 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Program to prevent and control crime. Maine Department of Public Safetyreceived $888,615 through the JAG Program to prevent and control crime throughout the state and $1,082,160 through the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Indian Township Tribal Governmentreceived $770,467 to decrease the incidence of violent crime against Indian women and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins consistently advocates for funding forVAWA programs.Senator King is an original cosponsor of theViolence Against Women Act of 2019.With Senator Collins and King's support, Congress passed a funding package for FY 2020 that included $502.5 million for theVAWAprograms an increase of $5 million from FY 2019. Maine has received more than $110 million throughVAWAsince 2006.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3530,Pingree to US Senate Leadership: Prioritize COVID Relief Over Rubberstamping Another Anti-Women’s Health SCOTUS Justice,2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today joined 126 House colleagues in the Pro-Choice Caucus in urging Senate leadership to approve an urgently needed pandemic relief package over the approval of an extremist Supreme Court justice who has an anti-women's health record. In their letter, available onlinehere, Pingree and her colleagues outlined Judge Amy Coney Barrett's long history of undercutting reproductive rights and her established opposition to the Affordable Care Act. While the pandemic continues to ravage the lives and economic well-being of people living in the United States and disproportionately impacts communities of color, the Senate refuses to take any action to address this suffering,wrote the lawmakers in their letter.Instead of voting on a COVID-19 relief package, Senate Republicans are focused on cementing their control of the judiciary, riling up their base ahead of the election, and pushing through the confirmation of a lifetime appointment to our nation's highest court at a breakneck pace. The lawmakers continued:Judge Barrett'srecord shows she is a clear and present threat to Roe and reproductive freedom. She has publicly opposed abortion and ascribes to such extreme views that she could also call into question the legality of certain forms of birth control and fertility care. She has suggested that Roe is an erroneous decision, stated that life begins at conception, sided with states trying to restrict abortion access, and joined anti-choice groups in voicing opposition to the Affordable Care Act's coverage of contraceptionConfirming her nomination risks the most fundamental rights and freedoms of all Americans: reproductive rights, access to health care, equality for LGBTQ+ people, gender equality, voting rights, racial justice, immigrant rights, environmental justice, and so much more. There are currently 17 abortion-related cases that are only one step away from the Supreme Court. In November, just days after the presidential election, the Court will hear oral arguments in a case that challenges the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, putting the health coverage of 20 million Americans in the balance. Judge Barrett's confirmation to the Supreme Court would cement a conservative supermajority on the court and would tip the balance for generations to come. After news of Justice Ginsberg's passing, Pingreereleased a statementopposing theconfirmationof a new Supreme Court Justice, urging Majority Leader McConnell to wait until Inauguration Day in January. She alsoreleased a statementopposing Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court, citing her anti-women health's record and opposition to the Affordable Care Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3531,"Reps. Omar, Pingree Lead Letter Urging USDA to Extend School Meal Waivers Through the 2020-2021 School Year",2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to extend school meal waivers for the entirety of the 2020-2021 school year. [We] urge the Department of Agriculture (Department) to act swiftly to ensure children have access to nutritious meals through the current school year,the members wrote.As you know, the waiver authority provided by Congress and the resulting waivers issued by the Department have proven crucial for schools and non-profit partners to serve nutritious meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools adapting to completely virtual and hybrid plans, food service staff will undoubtedly need to rely on program flexibilities this year. Without the waivers, there will be lasting effects on the well-being and academic success of students. In March, Congress authorized the use of waivers inthe MEALS Act, authored by Rep. Omar, and theCOVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Actin order to continue to provide school meals for children during the pandemic. Schools and non-profit partners across the country have utilized these waivers to prevent child hunger. On August 31, following multiple requests from Members of Congress,the Departmentgranted an extension of these waivers through the end of the year, but claimed the Department may not have the funding to extend the waivers past December 31, 2020. Since then, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 8337) removed any ambiguity about the funding available to the Department in 2021, but the USDA still has not extended the waivers. A PDF of the letter can be foundhere,and the full text of the letter is below. Dear Secretary Perdue: The undersigned members of the House of Representatives urge the Department of Agriculture (Department) to act swiftly to ensure children have access to nutritious meals through the current school year. Specifically, we urge the Department to extend waivers enabling the implementation of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and the waiving of the Area Eligibility Requirement for the entirety of 2020-2021 School Year. As you know, the waiver authority provided by Congress and the resulting waivers issued by the Department have proven crucial for schools and non-profit partners to serve nutritious meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools adapting to completely virtual and hybrid plans, food service staff will undoubtedly need to rely on program flexibilities this year. Without the waivers, there will be lasting effects on the well-being and academic success of students. A U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey found that by mid-July 2020, as many as 17 million children were living in households in which they were not receiving enough to eat. The number of children going hungry across this country will undoubtedly increase if the Department fails to fully utilize its available authority. On August 31, the Department granted an extension of these waivers through December 31, 2020. While we appreciate this extension and the immediate flexibility it provides, this is only a temporary solution that leaves school officials and food service operators without the necessary flexibilities to serve meals to all students in need throughout the 2020-2021 School Year. Additionally, the Department's decision to extend the waivers until the end of the year came at the eleventh hour, resulting in unnecessary uncertainty and confusion for food service staff and the families they serve. On August 31, 2020, you claimed that the Department may not have the funding to extend the waivers past December 31, 2020. We believe that the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 8337) removes any possible ambiguity about the authority or funding available to the Department on this matter, and therefore urge your immediate action to extend these waivers in the school meal programs. Please contact Maria Martirosyan at Maria.Martirosyan@mail.house.gov with any questions. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter, and we look forward to your response. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-drive-less-act-to-cut-spending-on-government-vehicles-save-taxpayer-money,"Senator King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan ‘DRIVE LESS’ Act to Cut Spending on Government Vehicles, Save Taxpayer Money",2020-10-08,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The Office ofU.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that Senators King, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to save hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars by reducing the federal funding available for the acquisition and leasing of new federal vehicles. The Domestic Reduction In Vehicle Expenditure and Lowering Emissions from State Sources Act, or the DRIVE LESS Act, aims to significantly improve federal agencies' fleet management by establishing standards for vehicle utilization and enforcement guidelines to get agencies to comply with them. The federal budget is full of competing priorities, which can make for hard decisions, said Senator King. This is an easy one. The budget for federal vehicles is irresponsibly high, and by reducing the fleet we can save hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. This is a bipartisan proposal, dating back a decade so let's stop talking about it, and actually implement this change. The U.S. government maintains one of the largest fleets of automotive vehicles in the world. In 2019, U.S. agencies owned or leased a total of 645,047 vehicles, including 224,227 passenger vehicles and 412,488 trucks. Overall, the maintenance, leasing, depreciation and fuel for all of these cars and trucks comes at a cost to taxpayers of over $4.3 billion. Despite this huge inventory, many of these vehicles are underutilized, suggesting the federal government could substantially reduce its fleet size without harm to agencies' missions. On average, a vehicle in the government's fleet was driven just under 7,000 miles in 2019, while the average truck was driven fewer than 6,000 miles. Specifically, the DRIVE LESS Act would direct the General Services Administration and Office of Management and Budget to establish uniform methods for agencies to: Determine the appropriate size of an agency's fleet; Decide whether it is more cost-effective to lease or purchase a vehicle; Assess vehicle utilization at the agency level; and Document the decision whether to keep a vehicle that is being underutilized. The legislation would also: Establish a government-wide minimum utilization rates of 12,000 miles annually for passenger vehicles and 10,000 for light trucks to help ensure each agency's fleet is being used as effectively and efficiently as possible; Require each agency to make publicly available all relevant information used to determine the appropriate size of its fleet and a clear justification for deviation from these minimum utilization rates; and Require the Inspector General of each agency to conduct an audit every two years of the agency's fleet management practices and adherence to these standards, which would be submitted to Congress and made publicly available. Senator King named a Fiscal Hero by The Campaign to Fix the Debt in 2016 is a champion of working to reduce wasteful federal spending, and continually works in the Senate to streamline systems to save money for the taxpayers. He is a cosponsor of the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, a bipartisan bill that would help save taxpayer funds by directing federal agencies to make appropriate use of the death data in order to curb improper payments to deceased individuals. This May, he followed up on this push by joining a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in raising concerns that deceased individuals are receiving economic impact payments as part of the CARES Act. Senator King was a leading voice opposing the 2017 tax bill, which has drastically increased the national debt. As the legislation was considered, he introduced an amendment instructing members of the bicameral conference committee on tax reform to return a final conference report that does not increase the federal budget deficit; the amendment was defeated by a vote of 48-50. In a floor speech arguing for this amendment, King noted: What we're doing is simply borrowing money from our children to give ourselves tax cuts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-join-bipartisan-call-to-ensure-noaa-fisheries-surveys-proceed-in-2021,"Senators Collins, King Join Bipartisan Call to Ensure NOAA Fisheries Surveys Proceed in 2021",2020-10-08,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. In May 2020, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries started canceling research surveys to protect the health of its crews and personnel at sea on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. In support of coastal communities across the country who rely on these surveys as a basis for their livelihoods, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined their colleagues in calling on NOAA to identify and resolve any challenges created by COVID-19 that prevented surveys from occurring in 2020 in order to ensure surveys can be safely conducted in 2021. Fishery and ecosystem research surveys are essential to support the U.S. blue economy and provide valuable fishery-independent data needed to carry out provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Data collected from NOAA's research surveys are used to manage commercial and recreational fisheries that contributed 1.74 million jobs, over $240 billion in sales, and $111 billion in gross domestic product to the U.S. economy in 2017, the Senators wrote. The economic output of U.S. fisheries is maximized by setting accurate quotas and catch limits, which depend on the long-term, fishery-independent datasets collected by NOAA's research surveys. The Senators acknowledged NOAA's initial response and actions to compensate for lost survey data; however, they reiterated that the methods used are not sufficient replacements for the typical large-scale, long-term research surveys required to sustainably manage fisheries under the MSA. In closing, the Senators requested a clear, written plan for FY2021 surveys before December 15, 2020. In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Doug Jones (D-AL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Ed Markey (D-MA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jack Reed (D-RI), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Brian Schatz (D-HI). Click HERE to read the full letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-backs-bill-protect-social-security-funding-shortfall,Golden Backs Bill to Protect Social Security from Funding Shortfall,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today his cosponsorship of a resolution that would effectively halt an Executive Order that temporarily deferred the collection of payroll taxes. Since payroll taxes help fund Social Security, the order could also do lasting damage to the Social Security system. Rather than risk undermining the Social Security system that hundreds of thousands of Mainers rely on, we should be protecting and enhancing the program and working to deliver real COVID-19 relief through a bipartisan deal between the White House and Congress,said Congressman Golden.Congress should block these regulations and focus on working together to deliver practical solutions. Golden previously joined Representatives Spanberger (VA-07), Finkenauer (IA-01), Lamb (PA-17), Axne (IA-03) and Cooper (TN-05) to urge President Donald Trump to rescind the orderin a September letter. Congressman John Larson, Chairman of House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, praised Golden's work to protect Social Security: For more than 80 years, Social Security has been our nation's number one economic security program. I commend Rep. Golden for urging President Trump to reverse course on his harmful move to defer payroll taxes, which threatens the long-term viability of Social Security. Many businesses, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have said this executive action is unworkable. Rep. Golden knows how important Social Security is not only for seniors, but the thousands of Americans who receive disability or survivors' benefits. I'm proud he is joining with our colleagues to protect Social Security,said Larson. Golden has been a staunch defender of Social Security in Congress. In August,he sounded the alarm on a Senate proposalthat would have made it possible to fast-track cuts to Social Security and Medicare. He alsobacked a bill last Novemberthat would alter the Windfall Elimination Provision to allow thousands of teachers, firemen, and other public servants in Maine access to their full Social Security benefits. You can read the full text of the letterhere, or below: President Donald Trump 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington D.C., 20500 September 11, 2020 Dear President Trump, We write in strong opposition to your recent executive action allowing employers to defer their employees' payroll taxes that fund Social Security. While we share your concern about the security of American workers and families during the unprecedented economic downturn caused by this pandemic, we urge you to work with Congress to pass a relief bill that directly addresses the employment crisis at hand. Likewise, we strongly encourage you to work with Congress to strengthen Social Security and ensure its continued viability not cut it nor rob it of its dedicated revenue. Since 1935, Social Security has been the foundation of a dignified retirement after a lifetime of work for millions of Americans. It also provides the most important, and often only, disability insurance and life insurance that working families have. Social Security has low administration costs and participation is near universal: nearly every worker in America pays 6.2% out of their paychecks in exchange for guaranteed benefits when they are no longer able to work. These benefits are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In 2019, about 178 million Americans paid into Social Security and the program paid out benefits to around 64 million people, reaching about 97% of the total elderly population. Because of Social Security, senior citizens can live with dignity in their old age, workers can support themselves after suffering an injury, and widowed spouses and children can remain financially stable after a worker's sudden death. On August 8, 2020 you signed a memorandum instructing the Secretary of Treasury to defer the collection of the payroll tax beginning on September 1st. You also instructed the Secretary to explore legislative options to eliminate the tax completely. During the signing ceremony, you pledged to campaign to forgive these [deferred] taxes and make permanent cuts to the payroll tax. We are concerned that your memorandum is unworkable for employers and employees alike. It puts employers in our districts in the difficult position of either refusing to boost their workers' paychecks in the short term or exposing their workers to unexpected and significant tax liabilities when the deferral period ends. It is unworkable to implement a system where individual employees make the decision on whether to withhold the deferred taxes leaving employers to implement different tax systems for different employees and it is unfair to force employers to make such a decision on their employees' behalf. This is especially true for federal employees, who are required to participate in your deferral scheme. According to a notice from the Agriculture Department's National Finance Center, the deferral will go into effect for the federal workforce as soon as September 8th. Employees will temporarily see bigger checks but could face unexpected tax liabilities of more than $2,000 at the end of the deferral period. Even as it creates an administrative nightmare for employers and employees alike, the deferral of Social Security contributions does not help individuals who have lost their jobs and their paychecks during the public health emergency. More than 28 million people are drawing unemployment currently. According to the Department of Labor, for the week ending on August 15th, 1.1 million Americans filed unemployment claims. We urge you to work with Congress to find solutions that will help needy families struggling to get by on their much-reduced unemployment benefits instead of pursuing policies that fail to address the real crisis at hand. Finally, this policy threatens the long-term viability of Social Security. In 2019, the payroll tax accounted for 89% of revenue for the Federal Old-Age and Survivors and Disability Insurance Trust Funds (OASDI), which pays Social Security's benefits. The permanent cut envisioned in your memorandum and subsequent comments would require Social Security to draw on the OASDI's $2.9 trillion reserve fund to continue paying benefits on time, hastening the reserve's depletion and jeopardizing the earned benefits of millions of Americans. In short, we believe the August 8 memorandum is unworkable for employers and employees and does not help the millions of Americans in dire need of financial assistance. Perhaps worse, the unilateral, unprecedented authority you claimed in issuing that memorandum threatens the viability of the Social Security system. We urge you to reverse course and work with Congress to strengthen Social Security for future generations, assist those American suffering during the COVID-19 public health emergency, and prevent burdening workers with an unexpected tax bill early next year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-renovate-repair-and-modernize-rural-water-infrastructure,"King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Renovate, Repair, and Modernize Rural Water Infrastructure",2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation that would provide rural communities under significant financial strain due to the coronavirus pandemic emergency assistance to repair, modernize and renovate failing water infrastructure. TheEmergency Support for Rural Water Systems Actwould provide $1 billion in emergency grants, low- and zero-interest loans and loan forgiveness for struggling small and rural water and wastewater systems across the nation. Water and wastewater management systems are key to maintaining healthy communities, but many small systems in rural areas are currently facing severe financial hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic through no fault of their own, said Senator King. Maine is one of the most rural states in the nation, and that's why I'm cosponsoring this bill to help rural water and wastewater systems continue their work, upgrade their infrastructure, and ensure residents in rural areas can maintain the water quality they deserve. ""When the COVID-19 pandemic brought daily life to a screeching halt the water and wastewater utilities of Maine didn't miss a beat in providing critical service to their communities, said Kirsten Hebert, Executive Director of the Maine Rural Water Association. Many of these utilities' costs ballooned while utility payments fell due to the financial hardships our neighbors faced. This legislation would help make water and wastewater utilities whole again and better enable them to continue providing the excellent public health services on which our communities rely."" Small rural water and wastewater systems are facing expected losses of at least $3.6 billion this year. According the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), several of Maine's small systems in the RCAP network are struggling with maintaining their systems, working with compliance regulations, and facing improvement delays and limitations due to financial difficulties. As the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue, it is estimated 30 percent of systems on a national level and 13 percent of Maine systems in the RCAP network cannot last more than six months under current financial conditions. TheEmergency Support for Rural Water Systems Actwould allow rural communities to make necessary improvements and repairs to critical water infrastructure and ensure residents of these rural communities continue to have access to clean drinking water and wastewater treatment services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-breakdown-covid-19-negotiations,Golden Statement on Breakdown of COVID-19 Negotiations,2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"LEWISTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released a statement following the president's announcement that he is withdrawing the administration from COVID-19 relief negotiations, effectively halting progress towards a deal: As I've said for months now, the American people and the country can't wait for additional coronavirus-related federal aid not until after the election and certainly not until 2021. Negotiations on a COVID-19 package were progressing far too slowly but still progressing before the president announced today that he was pulling out of talks. Just last week the president's team proposed $250 billion in new state and local aid, as part of a $1.6 trillion package. This was an important development that should have gotten us closer to a deal and would have brought at least $1 billion in assistance to Maine's state budget at a critical time, along with support for small businesses and the unemployed. Democratic leadership should have taken that offer more seriously. The president's withdrawal from COVID-19 negotiations is a monumental failure in leadership, and it's a failure shared by the rest of our nation's political leaders in both parties and in both houses of Congress. If our leaders can't get the job done, then all three of them President Trump, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McConnell should step aside in favor of people who will commit to forging a workable compromise for the present. Discontinuing negotiations will only further delay action until far too long after the November 3rd election. - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3528,Pingree Announces $1.3 Million Grant to Help Navigate Maine’s Fisheries Through Climate Crisis,2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Announces $1.3 Million Grant to Help Navigate Maine's Fisheries Through Climate Crisis Pingree Announces $1.3 Million Grant to Help Navigate Maine's Fisheries Through Climate Crisis Washington, October 6, 2020 Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) will receive $1,274,908 from the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration(NOAA) to prepare Maine's fisheries for climate change. Climate change poses immense challenges for our fishing industries, which are the backbones for our coastal communities in Maine. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to prioritize funding for NOAA to continue their groundbreaking research on the effects of the climate crisis on the Gulf of Maine. With the help of NOAA, GMRI will be able to provide meaningful resilience for our coastal communities and help to mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis on our marine economy,said Pingree. This project will explore the development of an integrated framework to inform fisheries management decisions in the Northeast region of the United States. The framework will integrate climate, economic, ocean, and ecosystem modeling to explore future scenarios for key Northeast stocks and species that have demonstrated shifts in distribution and changes in productivity. GRMI's grant is one of 79 new projects to receive $48.7 million in competitive awards from NOAA's Climate Program Office (CPO), part of NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-expand-workforce-serving-aging-maine-people,King Cosponsors Bill to Expand Workforce Serving Aging Maine People,2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he has cosponsored theCareCorpsDemonstration Act to build and strengthen America'scaregiving workforce and help meet the growing demand forcaregivers working with seniors and people living with disabilities. The bill would address the country's growingcaregiving needs by placing volunteers in communities to provide vital assistance to help seniors and people with disabilities who need extra support to remain in their homes andlive independently. As the oldest state in the nation, Maine is all too aware of the importance of our nation's caregivers, said Senator King. From allowing our seniors to age in place to helping people with disabilities assert their independence, America's caregivers are vital parts of our communities. As our nation continues to grow grayer, we must to bolster this workforce with qualified, caring people who will treat our most vulnerable citizens with the dignity they deserve. TheCareCorpsDemonstration Act would: - Authorize grants for localCareCorpsprograms at $10 million per year over five years; - PlaceCorpsvolunteers in communities where they will provide services that help seniors and individuals with disabilities remain independent; - Provide volunteers with health insurance and other benefits during their time of service, along with an educational award that can be used to pay education costs or loans; - Help build thecaregiving and healthcareworkforce needed to meet the demand for services; and - Create opportunities to form intergenerational relationships. The nation's 65-and-older population is expected to almost double in size, from 49 million to 95 million Americans by 2060. By 2030, older Americans are expected to make up nearly 20 percent of the population and over the next ten years the United States is expected to require at least one million more directcareworkers. Under this legislation, volunteers could help organize transportation and home repairs, deliver groceries, or provide internet assistance, and would receive health insurance and other benefits throughout the length of their service, along with a robust educational award that can be used to pay future education costs or loans and will encourage volunteers to pursue degrees, certificates, and trainings for healthcareprofessions, includingcaregiving and social services. As the state with the oldest median age, seniors are a vital part of Maine's population, and Senator King has made senior issues one of his top priorities. Last March he introduced the Senior and Disability Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act, parts of which were included in the Older Americans Act Reauthorization which was signed into law earlier this year. The legislation would make it easier for older Americans and individuals with disabilities to access federal home modification programs and remain in their homes.He also introduced theDELIVER Act, which would promote volunteerism within meal delivery programs and help provide meals to more seniors across America. Senator King is also a strong proponent of strengthening telehealth, and earlier this yearannounced his support for theCONNECT for Health Act. He was a cosponsor of theECHO Act, which was enacted in 2016 and expands access to healthcare through telemedicine in rural and underserved areas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-votes-early-urges-maine-people-to-make-a-voting-plan,"Senator King Votes Early, Urges Maine People to Make a Voting Plan",2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME This morning, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) cast his ballot in-person at the Brunswick Town Hall, sharing the following statement afterwards: The coronavirus pandemic will change the way our elections are conducted this year meaning that Maine people should start thinking now about how they're going to cast their vote, said Senator King. Communities across the state have started early voting this week, giving Maine people the opportunity to cast a ballot in-person on their own schedule and with increased social distancing. Some Maine people have already requested mail-in ballots which can be tracked this year while others will choose to head to the polls on Election Day. No matter how you'd prefer to vote, it's vital that you make a plan now, to ensure that your voice will be heard in this fundamental democratic process. Senator King has repeatedly sought to defend America's elections from any interference and harm. In September, he wrote an op-ed in TIME emphasizing that in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Americans should be patient as election officials work to make sure every vote is counted. In that same column, he also called for candidates to put America's democratic institutions before personal political interests, and remain patient in the face of uncertainty.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-23-million-to-mitigate-spread-of-covid-19-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2.3 Million to Mitigate Spread of COVID-19 in Maine",2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine has received a total of $2,287,725 to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and equipment for essential workers to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This funding was awarded to the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that health care workers across Maine are properly equipped to treat individuals who contract the virus and prevent further spread, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. This important funding will provide necessary PPE to our frontline workers, helping to ensure the safety of communities throughout Maine. In the midst of the pandemic, Senators Collins and King have fought hard to secure federal funding for PPE for Maine. In April, the Senators urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Peter Gaynor to request assistance in helping Maine more easily access PPE secured by the COVID-19 Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force. As of October 1, FEMA and the Strategic National Stockpile have provided Maine with more than 1,498,514 gloves, 43,525 face shields, 41,290 surgical gowns, 204,393 surgical masks, and 566,775 N95 respirators. In addition, Senator Collins has urged her colleague to swiftly pass legislation she introduced with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) that would extend and increase flexibility for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) they co-authored. The PPP includes funding for borrowers to purchase personal protective equipment for employees and to pay for adaptive investments needed to reopen safely.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-cosponsorship-protect-and-serve-act,Golden Announces Cosponsorship of Protect and Serve Act,2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Maine Fraternal Order of Police: The Protect and Serve Act is exactly what's needed by today's law enforcement officers. WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today his cosponsorship of H.R. 1325, the Protect and Serve Act. The legislation would help address the dangerous trend of armed attacks on police officers by creating federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence. Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way to serve our communities every day, Golden said.We must protect those who work to protect us, and ensure that there are serious consequences for anyone who would choose to do them harm. I'm proud to support this bipartisan legislation. The Maine Fraternal Order of Police fully supports such strong legislation as outlined in H.R. 1325. The Protect and Serve Act cosponsored by Representative Golden is exactly what's needed by today's law enforcement officers. Acts like this motivate our police officers to persevere, improve, and strive to forge meaningful connections in our communities by showing us we are appreciated and valued. Matt Nadeau, President, Maine Fraternal Order of Police It has been my honor to lead caring & courageous men & women in the field of law enforcement for more than 25 years. No professional burden has ever weighed more heavily on me than ensuring their safety. I applaud the sponsors of this bill for recognizing that an attack on a peace officer is an attack on society itself; and by this bill, making available serious consequences that reflect that reality. Darrell Crandall, Retired Sheriff of Aroostook County Although theProtect and Serve Actpassed the House in 2018, it was never brought to the floor for consideration in the Senate. It has since been reintroduced and has 54 bipartisan cosponsors. Throughout his time in office, Golden has worked to support law enforcement and ensure they have the resources they need. In July, hehelped introduce a bill that would withhold federal funding from cities and municipalities that fully defund their police departments. He hascosponsored legislation to protect Social Security benefits for police officersand voted to pass the Justice in Policing Act, which wouldincrease the amount of funding available to police departments and provide additional training to law enforcement officers. In the Maine State House,Golden passed a lawto make it easier for law enforcement officers and first responders to qualify for workers' compensation due to PTSD.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-major-investment-in-maines-leadership-in-clean-energy,"Collins, King Announce Major Investment in Maine’s Leadership in Clean Energy",2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $2,166,719 to the Governor's Energy Office, to further advance a comprehensive economic roadmap for establishing Maine as a leader in the offshore wind power industry. This investment will build on Maine's national leadership on floating offshore wind and substantial work and research in the state and the Gulf of Maine. For generations, Maine has been one of the nation's energy leaders, and this project will bring in new opportunities to grow our state's clean energy economy, said Senator Collins and King in a joint statement. Thanks to our state's extensive coastline, coastal communities, and the work of brilliant innovators in our state, a Maine offshore wind industry has the potential to become a leading energy provider for our region. This strategic roadmap funding will open the door to a powerful new source of clean energy and help us create good-paying jobs. Maine is committed to the development of clean energy, the fight against climate change, and the pursuit of innovation to broaden and strengthen economic opportunities for our people, said Governor Janet Mills. This important award will give Maine a roadmap for growing our clean energy economy in collaboration with our heritage industries, especially fishing, in order to support our state's economic recovery from COVID-19 and sound the call that Maine intends to be a global competitor, innovator and leader in floating offshore wind. The strategic roadmap will work in partnership with other state agencies and stakeholders across all sectors including the University of Maine to develop a comprehensive offshore wind roadmap to create quality jobs and grow talent in the state, with a focus on floating technology. Based off of industry-led initiatives including the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/Maine) and the Marine Economy Initiative (SEAMaine), which Senators Collins and King have thoroughly expressed their support for, the offshore wind roadmap is the product of thorough analysis and extensive input from a variety of public-private leaders and committed partners in industry, academia, coastal communities, and fisheries. The EDA grant will be matched with $267,624 in state funds and $112,457 in local funds, including funding from Maine Technology Institute and in-kind contributions from the University of Maine. Senators Collins and King are longtime supporters of establishing Maine's leadership in the offshore wind industry. They have consistently applauded the success of one of UMaine's signature projects, the New England Aqua Ventus I, which will deploy deepwaterfloating turbines off of Maine's coast. In July 2019, Senators Collins and King welcomed Secretary Simmons to UMainefor a tour of the university's Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC). Discussions during the tour and meetings focused on the status of the Aqua Ventus project and steps to revitalize the state's forest economy through a new partnership developing advanced 3D printing materials.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-shares-stories-of-acas-benefits-for-maine-people-as-laws-repeal-will-be-considered-by-supreme-court,Senator King Shares Stories of ACA’s Benefits for Maine People as Law’s Repeal Will Be Considered by Supreme Court,2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined Protect Our Care and Maine parents and patients for a virtual conversation to discuss the harm that a repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could have on hundreds of thousands of Maine people. The conversation comes as the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments one week after the election in a case rooted in provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that could eliminate healthcare protections for families that rely on them. The Affordable Care Act has helped hundreds of thousands of Maine residents access affordable healthcare and secure protections for pre-existing health conditions but right now, the law is under attack, said Senator King. Just one week after the election, President Trump's Justice Department will ask the Supreme Court to completely eliminate this law and all its vital healthcare protections with no backup plan, in the middle of a global pandemic. On top of all that, President and his congressional allies are trying to jam through a new Supreme Court justice who may well be the deciding vote. The stakes are clear, and they couldn't be higher which is why I won't stop fighting to protect the ACA and the healthcare of the hundreds of thousands of Maine people that rely on it."" Last week, Senator King launched a portal on his website seeking feedback from Maine people on their experiences with the ACA, in an effort to inform his work in Congress to protect the law from legal threats. He also published an op-ed in thePortland Press Heraldand theBangor Daily News, emphasizing the harm that may be done to hundreds of thousands of Maine people if a Supreme Court Justice who may be the deciding vote on this case is rushed through before the election. The Affordable Care Act has been upheld as constitutional twice by the Supreme Court; this case,California v. Texas,hinges on a provision in the deeply misguided 2017 tax bill. Senator King has been a vocal proponent of protecting and improving the Affordable Care Act, which has helped millions of Americans access healthcare. In July 2018, Senator King joined a group of his colleagues to introduce a resolution that would haveauthorized the Senate Legal Counsel to interveneinTexas v. United States, and in December 2018 he joined a group of Senate colleagues to call on President Trump tocondemnthe resulting decision in the case. He has also fought the Administration'svarious attempts to sabotage the healthcare law,urged Maine people to sign up for health insuranceduring the shortened Open Enrollment period, and met with Maine people around the state todiscuss the ACA's importance to their lives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-updated-heroes-act-vote,Golden Statement on Updated HEROES Act Vote,2020-10-02,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released a statement today following his vote against the updated HEROES Act late last night. Mainers are sick and tired of the grandstanding and empty promises said Congressman Golden. I support many of the provisions in this legislation, but my constituents need real relief now, not another partisan package with no chance of becoming law. The White House has signaled a willingness to get a deal one that would deliver support to millions of struggling families, communities, and small businesses. Congressional leaders need to stop the posturing, meet this moment, and get a deal. Failure should not be an option. Congressman Golden voted against an earlier version of the partisan HEROES Act for similar reasons, and he has consistently called for party leaders to put the country's immediate need for relief above their political concerns. After supporting the bipartisan CARES Act in March, Golden raised concern about how significantly partisan politics had delayed the legislation while thousands of Americans died and millions lost their jobs. In May, as party leaders began to retreat from the bipartisan approach that had led to the CARES Act, Golden led a group of his colleagues to urge House leadership to abandon their partisan effort. The group made clear that a vote on such a bill would result in gridlock and an inability to provide for their communities. When Democratic leaders continued their partisan approach and brought the HEROES Act to the floor in late May, Golden voted against the bill. While he supported many of the provisions in the bill, he did not support passing a partisan bill that was not designed to become law. As the congressman anticipated, progress towards a bipartisan deal came to a halt after the HEROES Act passed the House. The summer saw months of inaction as the coronavirus continued to spread uncontrolled, small business support and unemployment assistance expired, and hospitals continued to experience financial strain. Golden again brought together a bipartisan group of legislators to demand that Congressional leaders do their duty and return to negotiations for a deal. Just last week, Golden continued to lead his colleagues to push for a bipartisan compromise. He organized a bipartisan group of 34 lawmakers to pressure the speaker and minority leader to find a deal. Golden suggested the bipartisan proposal put forward by the Problem Solvers Caucus as a starting point for negotiations, and proof that a deal between the two parties could be had. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3527,Pingree Votes to Approve Urgently Needed $2.2 Trillion COVID Relief Package to Support Mainers,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Votes to Approve Urgently Needed $2.2 Trillion COVID Relief Package to Support Mainers New Pandemic Response Bill Strengthens Support for Small Businesses, Renews Weekly Federal Unemployment Payments Through January 2021 WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today voted to approve anupdated version of The Heroes Act, thebipartisanCOVID-19 relief package passed by the US House in May. The compromise bill, which passed tonight by a vote of 214-to-207, provides desperately needed help to schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, and local governments. While the original Heroes Act stalled in the US Senate, thousands of people in Maine have grappled with job loss and food insecurity or faced eviction. Without federal relief, municipalities have had to make painful cuts to services and too many small businesses were forced to close their doors forever,said Congresswoman Pingree.It is my sincere hope that the McConnell Senate will vote on this updated version of the Heroes Act because any further delay will worsen the economic catastrophe facing communities throughout Maine. For the well-being of our constituents the Senate needs to finally meet the House halfway and agree to pass this compromise relief bill. Our updated Heroes Act will renew federal unemployment payments through next January and provide a second stimulus check. Our bill will also address rising hunger rates and provide rental and homeowner assistance to help Mainers meet their most basic needs during this economic crisis,Pingree continued. Every small business is unique, and Maine entrepreneurs have said a one-size-fits-all loan program alone won't save them.Consequently, our Heroes Act 2.0 is not just a single Paycheck Protection Plan redux. I am proud that this bill includes targeted assistance for our struggling restaurant industry and independent live venue operators. Maine's food and cultural sectors should not be left behind simply because they were following public health protocols,said Pingree, an original cosponsor of theRestaurants ActandSave our Stages Act. Highlights of the updated Heroes 2.0 Act include: $436 billion in state and local funding, including an estimated $820 million for the state of Maine and $779 million for Maine localities. $75 billion in funding to further national and state testing and contact tracing initiatives and $50 billion in funding for providers to keep their doors open New and targeted assistance for small businesses, including: a second round of PPP loans and EIDL grants for impacted businesses TheRESTAURANTS Act, including $120 billion in grants for restaurants and other food service businesses. Pingree is a co-sponsor of the standalone bill. The Save Our Stages Act, including $10 billion in grants for independent live venue operators. Pingree is a co-sponsor of the standalone bill. Extended Pandemic Unemployment benefitsthrough January 2021 A second round of stimulus checks ($1,200 per adult and $500 per dependent), includingexpanded eligibility for adult dependents and full-time students under age 24 as well as taxpayerswith Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) $225 billion in support for education, including for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and early childhood education providers A15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and additional funding and flexibility in other anti-hunger programs $3 billion for emergency broadband needs and $50/household broadband benefit for households with a laid-off or furloughed worker $50 billion for emergency rental assistance and provisions preventing utility shutoffs $250 million for Fishery Disaster Assistance to provide direct relief to tribal, subsistence, commercial, and charter fishery participants $350 millionfortheLocal Agriculture Market Program, known as LAMP, along withprovisions from the RAMP-UP Act, of which Pingree is a cosponsor, to support small meat and poultry processors and alleviate bottlenecks in the food supply chain. $15 billion to preserve the U.S. Postal Service $3.6 billion for administering elections that are safe, fair, and secure during the pandemic. On May 15, Pingree voted to approve theoriginal Heroes Act, a $3 trillion comprehensive, bipartisan COVID-19 recovery package. Even after pandemic unemployment insurance ran out and municipalities were forced to make difficult cuts, the US Senate refused to vote on the Heroes Act or negotiate a compromise package. TheUSSenate has not passed a comprehensive COVID-19 relief bill since March.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-and-new-hampshire-senators-call-on-president-to-ease-restrictions-on-us-canada-travel,Maine and New Hampshire Senators Call on President to Ease Restrictions on U.S.-Canada Travel,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) called on President Trump to reevaluate the ongoing restrictions currently placed on non-essential travel across the U.S.-Canada border. At this time, the risks of significant cross-border transmission of COVID-19 in numerous border jurisdictions appear to be low. The protracted closure of the world's longest international land border to all but essential travel has put immense strain on the communities that straddle the border, the Senators wrote. Many people that reside along our shared border with Canada are part of remote, rural communities which rely on one another for essential supplies and services, We appreciate the need to limit nonessential travel into the United States and Canada in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the populations of our respective nations, the Senators continued. However, just as individual states, provinces, and territories have taken actions to address their unique situations, we believe that border restrictions should reflect the actual, localized risk on both sides of the border. In March, the Senators called on the President to consider necessary exemptions to protect public health and safety for businesses and individuals affected by the closure of the U.S.-Canadian border to non-essential travel. Click HERE to read the full letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-cover-an-ounce-of-prevention-senator-king-introduces-legislation-to-cover-regular-health-evaluations,"To Cover an “Ounce of Prevention”, Senator King Introduces Legislation to Cover Regular Health Evaluations",2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. As the coronavirus pandemic demonstrates the need for increased healthcare vigilance, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) introduced the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act. Senator King's legislation would require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disorder treatment visits, without charging a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible-related fee. In doing so, this legislation also would catch smaller, or early health symptoms before they become larger threats requiring more extensive and expensive treatments. Right now, one in four Americans are skipping necessary medical care because they can't afford it, said Senator King. This is absurdly backwards. By pricing so many Americans out of preventive healthcare visits, we are worsening health outcomes in the long run and increasing overall healthcare spending. The cheapest medical procedure is the one that doesn't have to happen because the problem was caught early which is why we need to make routine healthcare visits to primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and substance use counselors more accessible for all Americans. Benjamin Franklin famously said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure', and this bill will take a sorely-needed step in that direction, helping Americans get ahead of their problems before they become more serious and expensive. Approximately one in four Americans skip necessary medical care because of costs. Out-of-pocket costs, which can be over $200 per visit, are a key barrier to seeking care. By reducing financial barriers for these visits, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act would help patients access the care they need to improve their health and well-being. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Senator King has pushed the federal government to act quickly and accurately act make sure Americans have access to the available science, systems, and care they need to stay healthy and stop the spread of the virus includingwith his April recommendationto launch a government-wide testing effort to control the pandemic's spread. Earlier this month, he joined eight of his Senate colleagues to raise concerns surfacing in reports that insured individuals are receiving unexpected bills for diagnostic coronavirus testing. In August, hewroteto Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar calling out the Administration for its ongoing political interference in the coronavirus response. Senator King has introducedtheCOVID-19 Testing, Reaching, And Contacting Everyone (TRACE) Actto establish grants that could be used to support programs that use mobile health units or work through community-based organizations, provide coronavirus testing, conduct contact tracing, or offer assistance to individuals who quarantine after a positive test or contact with someone who has contracted the coronavirus. He also sent aletterurging Senate Appropriations leadership to fund a comprehensive program of testing, tracing, and supported isolation (TTSI). Senator King has alsocalled for a bipartisan effort to increase the federal government's share of Medicaid dollarsas well as reduce premiums for individuals who are eligible for coverage in the ACA exchanges. Senator King is a champion for prevention policies across the board including advocating for the advantages and financial benefits of proactive and preventive healthcare. He has introduced thePreventive Home Visits Act,which would provide Medicare coverage for qualified care providers to assess the safety of seniors' homes, and theWellness and Education for Longer Lives (WELL) for Seniors Act,which would improve Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit to encourage seniors and their physicians to work together and confront health issues before they become more serious.In October 2019, he hosteda prevention-focused panel discussion in Bangorwith local healthcare providers and public wellness experts on the best ways to use prevention strategies to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.In November 2019, Senator King introduced thePrimary Care Patient Protection Actto allow consumers enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHP) to be covered for two yearly visits to primary care physicians. In May 2019, Senator Kingintroduced thePreventive Health Savings Act, which would direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to more accurately reflect the cost-savings of preventive healthcare, including health screenings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z