url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-veterans-access-to-high-cost-prescription-medications,King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Veterans’ Access to High-Cost Prescription Medications,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing bipartisan legislation to improve access to high-cost prescription drugs for veterans living in state veterans’ homes. The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act would require the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to reimburse State Veterans Homes (SVH) for high-cost medications that exceed 8.5% of their per diem rate, like the arrangement many private contract nursing homes currently have with the VA. Alternatively, it could require the VA to provide these medications directly to the SVHs. Maine has six SVH’s in locations across the state. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not pay State Veterans Homes for high-cost medications for severely disabled veterans, which are covered for veterans who reside outside the facilities. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) joins Senator King as a lead co-sponsor of the bill. “Our men and women in uniform didn’t hesitate when it came time to answer the call and serve the nation – we shouldn’t hesitate to make their retirement from service as comfortable as possible,” said Senator King. “If the VA covers veterans’ medications when they are living at a private nursing home, those cost reimbursements should be the same when veterans choose to enter a facility that specializes in taking care of veterans. This bipartisan Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act is a crucial piece of legislation that will ensure our veterans continue to receive the care they have earned, regardless of where they chose to live.” “State veterans’ homes should never have to turn away elderly and disabled veterans because lifesaving medications are too expensive,” said Senator Banks. “This bipartisan bill will help states cover those costs and expedite care for our nation’s heroes.” Since the successful passage of the PACT Act in 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of veterans adjudicated as being severely disabled. For these veterans, the VA currently pays a per diem but doesn’t pay the State Veterans Homes for the cost of extremely high-cost medications which often cost the homes more than VA is paying (sometimes more than $1000 a day). The result has been a rise in veterans being refused SVH admissions, SVHs having to foot the costs of certain lifesaving medications – or the SVHs discharging them due to expense. “This legislation addresses a clear and consequential gap in federal policy. Private facilities that contract with the VA receive direct reimbursement for high-cost medications, while State Veterans Homes like Maine Veterans’ Homes do not. That inequity can force Veterans Homes to weigh the extraordinary cost of a Veteran’s medications during the admissions process—something no Veteran or Veterans Home should face,” said Brad Klawitter, Maine Veterans’ Homes CEO. “Maine Veterans’ Homes provides high-quality care in a setting specifically designed to honor the service and sacrifice of our Veterans. Reimbursement for high-cost medications is essential to our ability to continue serving Veterans in our communities, including those with complex medical needs. These Veterans served our state and country, and they deserve access to a Veterans Home where their service is understood, respected and honored. Closing this gap must be a priority.” “The National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH) strongly supports the bipartisan Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act which would ensure exorbitantly high-cost medications don’t limit long-term care options for aging and disabled veterans,” said Ryan Engle, NASVH President. ““NASVH is grateful for the leadership of Senators Angus King and Jim Banks in introducing legislation to improve the lives of highly service-connected disabled veterans and strengthen the State Veterans Homes system.” Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.”",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-slams-unconstitutional-lawlessness-of-trump-rescissions,King Slams “Unconstitutional Lawlessness” of Trump Rescissions,2026-09-26,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) issued the following response to news that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded nearly one billion dollars of Congressionally-approved bipartisan spending without warning or Congressional authorization: “This administration’s Office of Management and Budget has just unilaterally taken away 800 million dollars that Congress passed on a bipartisan basis towards key priorities – in blatant defiance of the Constitution and federal law. “This isn’t a vague legal concept they are abusing; it’s grade school-level American government: Article 1 of the United States Constitution. Elected lawmakers make funding decisions to provide for the common defense and support the general welfare - that’s the beating heart of representational democracy. “But this President and his administration no doubt believe they can get away with such an illegal action – because, for over 20 months, they have. Watching the President spend billions on his unauthorized and illegal war that is costing lives and wrecking household budgets; wage economic warfare on our allies through tariffs that hike costs for Americans on everyday goods and spend over a billion dollars on his vanity projects, the Congressional majority has shown no resistance. “Why does he believe he can claw back a nearly billion dollars of bipartisan-approved Congressional spending? Because this Congress has enabled him by declining to stand up for itself and the rule of law – even voting down a Senate attempt to formally ban rescissions like this on party lines. After nearly two years of this explicitly unconstitutional lawlessness, will my colleagues finally say ‘no more?’ I urge my colleagues to come together, reject this unconstitutional pattern of behavior, and reset the balance among the branches of government. “President Trump is having enough difficulty doing his job; Congress should take this opportunity to do ours.” ###",1,2026-09-27T10:23:37Z,2026-09-27T10:25:08Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-celebrate-maines-iconic-lobster-industry-on-national-lobster-day,"Collins, King Celebrate Maine’s Iconic Lobster Industry on ‘National Lobster Day’",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins are celebrating Maine’s iconic lobster industry after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan resolution recognizing September 25, 2026, as “National Lobster Day.” The resolution recognizes the crustacean as a foundational part of Maine’s economy and culture. The resolution also highlights the environmental and economic impact of this heritage industry. “Fueling the lobster’s iconic status are the hardworking men and women who wake up early every morning in towns up and down our coastline to carry on the proud lobstering tradition,” said Senator King and Collins. “This National Lobster Day, let us highlight their work to ensure the long-term health, resiliency, and sustainability of our waters and the hundreds of millions of dollars they bring to our local economy. Our lobstermen bring immeasurable pride to our great state and this resolution is just one way we can acknowledge and appreciate their service to our communities.” ""National Lobster Day comes at peak Maine Lobster season and is the perfect time to enjoy the sweet flavor and tender texture of your favorite lobster dish,” said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. “While celebrating this delicious treat, people are also supporting the independent fishermen and coastal communities that have worked for generations to bring lobster to tables everywhere."" Lobster is a top economic driver for the state of Maine. The Maine lobster fishery is one of the oldest continually operated industries in North America, with the first documented catch dating back to the 1600s. Today, Maine is the largest lobster-producing state in the nation. Each year, the fishery employs 5,600+ independent lobstermen, harvests 100+ million pounds of lobster, and contributes $1+ billion to the Maine economy. Senator King and Collins have been top advocates for the Maine lobster industry, most recently urging Senate action to extend the current lobster regulatory pause to protect Maine’s sustainable lobster industry from misguided regulations that would have been devastating for the industry. This action follows Senators Collins and King securing a provision in the fiscal year 2022 annual appropriations spending bill which included the original regulatory reprieve. Additionally, the Senators secured more than $1.9 million for lobster research in 2024 to address critical knowledge gaps and improve fisheries. ###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-supporting-fire-departments-and-boosting-community-home-safety-standards,King Introduces Legislation Supporting Fire Departments and Boosting Community Home Safety Standards,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing a key piece of legislation that would support fire departments responding to in-home emergencies. More specifically, the FASTER Act would fund grants to support fire department safety visits, simple home modifications like grab bars, and connections to lifesaving community resources. The legislation is being introduced during the annual Falls Prevention Awareness Week and would empower local fire departments to initiate a program where seniors could sign up to get lock boxes installed (local FD had the master key) so Emergency Medical Services (EMS) don’t have to knock down their door to get inside to respond to an emergency. While at the senior’s home installing the lock box, the fire department staff could also evaluate the home for fall hazards and suggest minor home modifications. On a percentage basis, Maine leads the nation with the largest 65 and older population. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older. There are roughly 1 million fall-related hospitalizes and 3 million emergency department visits annually across the country due to falls. “We all know the saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and preventative care is a win-win for Maine patients, families and the taxpayers,” said Senator King. “The FASTER Act is a critical step forward in supporting older Maine people and making sure that fire departments have the tools and resources to respond to in-home emergencies promptly while avoiding costly complications. Tools like lock boxes, grab bars or handrails can be the difference between a simple installation and an avoidable injury, while reducing time-consuming delays for responders. This is just another effort we are making in the Congress to help Maine people—and all older Americans—to stand strong.” Preventing falls is also about enabling adults to age comfortably in their homes, which is where most Americans want to age. At a time of affordability challenges and when inflation continues to rise, preventing falls is also cost saver for the average American and the taxpayers, with a private nursing home room cost now averaging more than $120,000 per year. More specifically, the FASTER Act would: Require the Administrator of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make three-year grants to fire departments to implement fall prevention programs. Grants would be used for the following: To procure and install lock boxes accessible by emergency personnel for seniors in need of assistance; Minor home modifications to reduce fall risks, including flattening of rugs, removal of tripping hazards, and installation of hand rails and grab bars; Other health and safety tasks, including installing and replacing smoke detectors and batteries, risk assessment and reconciliation of medications, and referral to falls prevention classes. The bill would authorize the program for ten years, with $1 million for the first three years and increasing incrementally up to $7 million for the final year. “As more older Americans live in their own homes, timely access by fire departments and EMS in the event of a fall can mean the difference between life and death,” said Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging. “We are grateful to Senator King for his continued bipartisan, bicameral efforts to advance falls prevention strategies by introducing the Senate version of the FASTER Act during Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2026.” According to a 2024 report from the National Institute of Health, Medicare spent over $50 billion dollars on direct medical expenses related to falls – with the average fall-related injury costing about $20,000. As an extension of his longtime focus on prevention efforts, Senator King has been leading the charge in the falls prevention space on cost-effective solutions like bathmats. Senator King introduced the ‘Stand Strong’ legislative package, which included the Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act that would require the development of a National Falls Prevention Plan. The package also included the Preventive Home Visits Act, which would provide Medicare coverage for qualified care providers to assess the safety of seniors’ homes, and the Wellness 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. ###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-casar-introduce-legislation-to-create-new-federal-agency-to-ban-artificial-superintelligence-pause-advanced-ai-development/,"NEWS: Sanders, Casar Introduce Legislation to Create New Federal Agency to Ban Artificial Superintelligence, Pause Advanced AI Development",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) today introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act — legislation to stop artificial intelligence (AI) oligarchs from building machines humans cannot control and to pause advanced AI development until we have put in place rigorous federal testing and oversight to ensure AI does not harm humanity. “When you are racing towards a cliff, you don’t just ease up on the gas pedal. You hit the brakes. When the future of humanity is at stake, we cannot let a handful of Big Tech CEOs write their own rules,” Sanders said. “Scientists have been clear: AI is an existential threat to humanity. It must be treated as such. This legislation will permanently ban the development of artificial superintelligence and would put in place an immediate pause on advanced AI development until we have clear safety rules in place — developed by the most knowledgeable scientists in our country. Congress must act now before it is too late.” “Experts are warning that AI superintelligence, wielded by the wrong humans or by rogue AI, could kill countless numbers of people. But Donald Trump says he wants to encourage it. Something has to change,” Casar said. “Our bill bans the development of artificial superintelligence and pushes for international agreements so that no one, anywhere, builds AI too powerful for humans to control. Furthermore, our bill would immediately halt other dangerous AI capabilities, such as the capacity to develop biochemical weapons, or the capacity for AI to develop new AI instead of humans.” Over the past few months, we have learned that AI models can circumvent restrictions to hack into computers. We have learned they can create never-before-seen viruses. And we have learned they can automate research to build smarter AI. Even as the AI companies claim they recognize these dangers and want to slow down, they are racing ahead — investing hundreds of billions of dollars into a technology that nobody can fully predict or control. That is unacceptable. The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act will protect humanity by: Banning Artificial Superintelligence. No person or entity may develop or deploy Artificial Superintelligence — an AI that exceeds human cognitive performance and capabilities across most domains, or has sufficient capabilities to destroy or disempower humanity, including by overthrowing the federal government. Pausing Advanced AI development until a new, federal AI regulatory body is up and running and has established clear rules and model review processes to ensure safe and secure development and deployment of AI. Establishing a new cabinet-level federal Department of Artificial Intelligence to safeguard the public from the dangers of artificial intelligence, including by enforcing a prohibition on artificial superintelligence. This department will be advised by the most knowledgeable scientists in our country to: Monitor frontier AI systems at all stages of the lifecycle for dangerous capabilities. Supervise the removal of dangerous capabilities like subverting shutdown commands or conducting unauthorized cyberattacks. Supervise the destruction of artificial superintelligence. Setting penalties for any person or entity that attempts to violate or circumvent the pauses and prohibitions laid out in this bill. Entities shall be subject to the corporate death penalty, and persons shall be subject to not more than 20 years in prison, which is similar to existing penalties related to unlawfully developing nuclear weapons. Working to ban superintelligence around the world by setting the international policy of the United States to pursue international agreements, allied coordination, and policies such as export controls to prevent the development of artificial superintelligence anywhere in the world. Read the bill text here. Read a one-page summary here.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-call-on-president-trump-to-release-home-heating-oil-from-northeast-reserve-as-prices-surge,"Senators Collins, King Call on President Trump to Release Home Heating Oil from Northeast Reserve as Prices Surge",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King sent a letter to President Trump urging him to release supply from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve to help protect Mainers from high costs as the cold weather months approach. According to the Maine Department of Energy Resources’ most recent weekly fuel survey, statewide heating oil prices have increased by 74 percent compared to this time last year. It now costs approximately $675 more to fill a standard heating oil tank than it did last year, imposing a significant hardship on the half of Maine households that heat their homes with fuel oil. “We write to request that you release home heating oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve to protect Mainers from the very high prices that are imposing a difficult financial burden,” Senators Collins and King wrote. “You ordered a release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve earlier this year to help address rising costs, and we believe the same urgency now applies to the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve.” “The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest Short-Term Energy Outlook finds that U.S. distillate fuel inventories, which include home heating oil, fell below the five-year range in April and are expected to remain below the 2021–2025 low through the end of 2026 and most of 2027,” they continued. “According to the EIA, ‘Low inventories may also contribute to higher prices for residential heating oil in the Northeastern United States.’” “Further, the conflict in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine War have prevented additional heating oil from reaching the global market. Maine is particularly vulnerable to global supply shocks because our state imports much of our home heating oil. With both domestic and international supplies running low, a release from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve would help ease these prices,” the Senators concluded. Click here to read their letter in full. ###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/prepared-remarks-sanders-ahead-of-un-general-assembly-oligarchy-is-ascending-and-democracy-is-in-retreat-working-together-that-must-change/,"NEWS: Sanders Ahead of UN General Assembly: “Oligarchy is ascending and democracy is in retreat… Working together, that must change.”",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"NEW YORK, Sept. 21 — On the eve of the United Nations General Assembly, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) delivered a major foreign policy address today at the historic Riverside Church in New York City — where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his Beyond Vietnam speech and where Nelson Mandela spoke after his release. The senator’s full remarks, as delivered, are below. It is a true honor and a privilege for me to be speaking here at this extraordinary and historic Riverside Church. This, as many of you know, is the church that Nelson Mandela came to visit as a free man, just five months after he was released from prison, having served 27 years. He came here to thank the people of the United States for standing up for justice against the evils of apartheid in South Africa. The courage and historic life of Mr. Mandela inspired millions and millions of people all over the world. His life and legacy will never be forgotten. As I think all of you also know, in 1967, at this very same pulpit that I am honored to be speaking from tonight, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made clear his vigorous opposition to the War in Vietnam — a war that was based on lies. A war of horrific destruction for the people of Asia, and for 59,000 young Americans who went abroad and never came home. In his remarks, with extraordinary courage, Dr. King exposed what he very eloquently called “the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism.” He warned us that “a nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” What Dr. King said was true nearly 60 years ago, and it is even truer today, as our country, the United States of America, is now spending over $1 trillion a year on the military while some 800,000 Americans are homeless, 85 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured, and millions of people cannot afford the basic necessities of life. This business of spending more and more on the military and turning backs on working families and the poor is not just happening, tragically, here in the United States — it’s happening all over the world, where we are seeing increased military budgets while the needs of people living in desperation are ignored. So not just in the United States, but all over the world, we are moving in the wrong direction and our job is to turn that around. Instead of producing more bombs and weapons and seeing the military-industrial complex enjoy huge profits, governments throughout the world need to come together to feed the children, take care of the vulnerable and protect our planet from the ravages of climate change. That is why we must continue and accelerate our efforts to end President Trump’s disastrous war in Iran which is now spreading throughout the region. That is why we must continue to speak out against the extremist government in Israel and the genocide they have committed in Gaza, and why we in the United States must end all military aid to the Netanyahu government. That is why we must rally and work with grassroots activists in Russia to put an end to Putin’s disastrous war in Ukraine — which has led to the deaths of some 500,000 Russian soldiers, as well as mass destruction and loss of life in Ukraine. And that is why we must denounce the United Arab Emirates’ continued financial and military support of the RSF as it wages a campaign of genocide and destruction in Sudan’s civil war. Last week, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, correctly named three existential threats that the world currently faces. He talked about runaway artificial intelligence, he talked about the climate crisis, and he talked about deepening inequality. In my view, he is absolutely right. But before we get into those issues, let me once again state the obvious, and that is that in a world of growing tension, growing militarism, more and more hatred, more and more destruction, the United Nations, as an institution, is more important today than it has ever been. As we all know, the U.N. was born out of the horrors of World War II — a war in which 60 million people died, a war which caused unimaginable destruction in Europe and Asia and elsewhere, and a war that led to the unleashing of the first nuclear weapons. To their credit, the leaders of the world at that time looked around them and saw the concentration camps, saw the destruction, saw the mass death, and they understood that international conflicts and differences of opinion must be fought out over a negotiating table and not a battlefield. In the year 2026, one might have hoped that after thousands and thousands of years of war, humanity could have come up with a better way to resolve conflicts than killing each other and never-ending wars. At a time when we are seeing efforts in the United States and in other countries around the world to make the claim that ‘might is right,’ our job is to strengthen the United Nations and make sure that we bring disagreements to the negotiating table and stop the killing throughout the world. Now let me say a few words to the points that the Secretary-General so effectively articulated, and that is that we are living in an unprecedented and dangerous moment in world history and the challenges we face are enormous and existential. What do I mean by that? First, and this is an issue we do not talk about enough for obvious reasons, we are moving rapidly toward an extremely dangerous global oligarchy. Never before in human history have so few people held so much wealth and so much power. Never before in human history have we had such enormous concentrations of ownership. Never before have we seen such an unprecedented level of greed, arrogance and irresponsibility on the part of the ruling class. In many ways, we are seeing today a reversion back to the ideology of 19th Century monarchs — kings and queens and czars — who believed, sincerely believed, that God gave them the right to rule. The oligarchs of today, worth hundreds and hundreds of billions of dollars, having investments all over the world, fervently believe that they are the masters of the universe, and that they — through their enormous wealth and power — have been ordained to rule the world. Today we say to those oligarchs: This country, this world, belongs to all of us, not just you. Today’s billionaire class not only wants more tax breaks for themselves and the companies they own. Not only do they want to stash trillions and trillions of their dollars in offshore tax havens. These oligarchs reject any form of accountability or checks on their power. They want more and more wealth and more and more power — no matter what kind of harm they inflict on working people in our country and throughout the world. And one of the other issues we don’t talk about very much is that in nation after nation, throughout this world, we are seeing unprecedented levels of income and wealth inequality. In our own country, here in the United States, the top 1% now owns more wealth than the bottom 94%. And one man, Elon Musk, the wealthiest man alive, now owns more wealth than the bottom 53% of American households. One man. In America today, CEOs of large, profitable corporations are earning 350 times more than the average worker. Last year alone, after receiving the largest tax break in history, fewer than a thousand billionaires in our country became $1.5 trillion richer. But it is not just what is happening right now — this is not a new development. Over the last 50 years, according to the Rand Corporation, $79 trillion in U.S. wealth has been redistributed from the bottom 90% to the top 1%. Despite an explosion in technology and a huge increase in worker productivity, the average American worker is making nearly $25 a week less than he or she did over 53 years ago after adjusting for inflation. While the billionaire class and the 1% have never had it so good, over 60% of Americans in the richest country in the history of the world are living paycheck to paycheck, nearly 800,000 are homeless and tens of millions struggle to pay for rent or the mortgage or to keep a roof over their heads Let us be very clear. The rapid movement to oligarchy and the exponential rise in income and wealth inequality is not just an American phenomenon. It is taking place all over the world, and in my view, is the most important economic reality of our times. In country after country, what we are seeing is working people sick and tired of seeing the very rich get richer while they struggle to put food on the table and pay for basic necessities. They worry not only for themselves, here in America and around the world, they worry that their kids will likely have, if we don’t change it, a lower standard of living than they do. This climate — of the rich getting richer, of working people in our country struggling, of people sleeping out on the streets, of people worrying about the future for their kids — is the reality that demagogues, whether in the United States or any place else, are feeding on. Instead of addressing the root causes of the economic crises that working people face, the demagogues are turning to the old, time-tested, hateful ideologies of racism, anti-immigrant bigotry and xenophobia. They are pitting working people against each other based on the color of their skin, where they were born or their religion. In doing that, they know exactly what their goal is. And that is to deflect attention away from the greed and power of the oligarchs who are causing the massive economic pain that we are seeing. That is their goal. Nothing new. Trump didn’t invent it. Demagogues in Europe didn’t invent it. It’s gone on for a very long time. When people are hurting, you say, ‘Hey, it’s Black people, it’s gay people, it is immigrants.’ And that’s what demagogues are doing. And our job is to take that ideology on. Some of us are working real hard here in the United States to do that. And to bring our people together and take on those who are trying to divide us up. Unbelievably, today, according to Oxfam and other researchers, we are living in a world where the top 1% owns more wealth than the bottom 95% of humanity, and the gap between the very, very rich, globally, is getting wider and wider. Just a few examples: We are seeing it in the United Kingdom, where over 30% of children are living in poverty while 50 billionaires in that country now own more wealth than the bottom 50% of their population. Listen to this. The latest figures that we have seen indicate that the wealthiest 500 people — half the number of people in this church tonight, control more wealth than the bottom 99.8% of their people. We’re seeing it in Africa, where nearly 850 million people have struggled with food insecurity — 58% of the population — while just four men own more wealth than the bottom 50% of people on that continent. We are seeing that all over the world. In fact, while nearly half of the world’s population is living in poverty, 3,400 billionaires throughout the globe became $4 trillion richer last year alone. Children die of preventable diseases. People suffer every day. People give up hope. And 3,400 of the richest people on Earth became $4 trillion richer last year alone. Let me be clear. In an increasingly globalized economy, the allegiances of these oligarchs are not to their own nations. It is to their own power. It is to their own bank accounts. It is to their huge yachts, their mansions, their collections of fancy cars, their private islands and their fleet of jets. The result: oligarchy is ascending, working families are struggling to stay alive and democracy is in retreat. The great challenge that we face in our country and all over the world is that that trend must be reversed. And my friends, given all the advances — extraordinary advances — that we have seen in technology and increases we have seen in worker productivity, it is not today a utopian idea to say that every man, woman and child on this planet can have a decent standard of living. That is not just a dream. That is a reality that can happen if we put our shoulders to the wheel and demand that that happens. When we talk about oligarchy, it is not just massive income and wealth inequality. It is about the maldistribution of economic and political power. Unbelievably, right here in the United States, just four Wall Street firms are the major shareholders in over 95% of S&P 500 companies. And when we talk about this massive concentration of ownership, please do not forget the media. Who owns the media? Over half of the world’s largest media companies are now owned by billionaires. Nine out of the top ten social media companies in the world are owned by billionaires. And in our country, six large media conglomerates control 90% of what the American people see, hear and read. Mr. Musk owns Twitter. Mr. Bezos owns the Washington Post and Twitch. Mr. Zuckerberg owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads. But it is not just income and wealth inequality and concentration of ownership that we are seeing today. Literally today, billionaires are determined to own our political system as well. In the United States, as a result of the disastrous Citizens United Supreme Court decision, billionaires and corporations are legally able to spend as much as they want on political campaigns through their super PACs. And that, my friends, is exactly what they are doing right at this moment. In the last presidential election, Mr. Musk spent at least $290 million to elect Trump as president, and now he’s spending some $200 million more to help Republicans keep control over the Congress. And it is not just Republican billionaires. Democratic billionaires are also playing an important role. But this is not just an American phenomenon. In Germany, Musk has thrown his support behind the AfD, a party Germany’s own domestic intelligence agency has labeled a right-wing extremist party. In Britain, two crypto billionaires, one of them who was convicted in the United States for money laundering before being pardoned by Donald Trump, gave Nigel Farage’s Reform Party 36 million pounds each. Across Europe, as the oligarchs fund right-wing political forces while working families struggle, the social democratic parties that once built the strongest middle classes in the history of the world are losing ground as workers turn to right-wing parties. And that is true, of course, not only in Europe — it is true right here in the United States as well. A profound lesson must be learned from all of that. And that is that the same old establishment politics and establishment policies are no longer good enough. People are sick and tired of the status quo. People want change. That change, in my view, will either come from right-wing demagogues or from political parties that embrace a grassroots movement that fights for a working class agenda. And I am really happy to tell you that right here in this city we have seen what a strong grassroots movement can do in electing a progressive mayor. We are seeing that phenomenon from coast to coast, as candidates — often people in their twenties or thirties, people who have never run for office, people who are often women or people of color — take on the establishment candidates, they are outspent, and they are winning elections. But it’s not just oligarchy that we’ve got to worry about. As the U.N. Secretary-General reminded us, there’s another issue that we must confront. In my view, artificial intelligence, AI, and robotics are the most transformational technologies in the history of humanity. They have the potential to eliminate tens of millions of jobs. AI threatens the privacy of virtually every person in the world through mass surveillance — every phone call you make, every website you visit, every email that you send, somebody will know it. It’s not only economic disruption, not only an invasion of our privacy, we’re also seeing a real challenge to whether or not democracy can survive when you have things like deepfakes that are so sophisticated on the internet that none of us will be able to tell truth from fiction. Let’s be clear: What we are seeing from AI right now — and this is maybe the most important point on that subject I will make — what we are seeing from AI right now is the least capable form that this technology will ever be. Tomorrow and the next day and the next year, AI will be much, much more powerful. It is advancing exponentially, every single day. In under four years, we have gone from AI that could barely write a coherent tweet to AI systems that have already escaped the control of the companies that built them. Take a deep breath and ask yourself, where will AI be in two years, in four years, in ten years? Will human beings be able to control this exploding technology? So let me make a radical suggestion: if the lives of every man, woman and child are going to be fundamentally changed by this technology, then the people of our country and the people of this world must make the decisions regarding AI, not just a handful of Big Tech oligarchs. That is why I hope very much that when President Trump and President Xi meet on Thursday, I hope that they will sit down and begin the process of negotiating a comprehensive treaty to establish a pause on advanced AI and a ban on AI superintelligence. Lastly, there is another issue that I do not have to spend much time on because I suspect every person in this room knows about it, and that is the existential threat of climate change. Last month was the hottest August ever recorded on this planet. Global ocean temperatures hit their highest level ever measured. A glacier collapsed in Nepal less than a month ago that triggered floods that have killed nearly 1,500 people. Thousands are still missing. As the world becomes warmer, as we see more heat waves, drought, floods, forest fires, and extreme weather disturbances, we once again confront the incredible greed of the corporate world. Unbelievably — and it really is unbelievable that these folks are literally willing to sacrifice the well-being of their own children, their grandchildren, future generations — for short-term profits for the fossil fuel industry. That is something I just don’t understand. I just don’t understand how people can be so short-sighted, so excited that they’re making huge profits, that they’re willing to sacrifice their own kids and grandchildren. In my view, our job must be not only to combat climate change and dramatically cut carbon emissions, but to seize the opportunity of creating millions and millions of jobs around the world as we move to energy efficiency and sustainable forms of energy. Let me simply conclude by saying this: We are taking on, every day, unprecedented wealth, unprecedented power, unprecedented greed, people who truly believe that because they’re rich and smart and created lots of money, that they have the power to rule. That’s what they believe. They use their money, through their ownership of the media, to influence public opinion. They use their money to buy elections and undermine democracy. If there was ever a time in human history, in our country and throughout the world, that we have got to come together to create a world not based on greed, but based on justice, based on decency, now is the time. What I can tell you, as someone who has had the privilege to be in every single state in the United States of America, to have talked to, God knows, how many thousands and thousands of people — what I’m talking about is not a left-wing idea, it is not a right-wing idea — there are people all over the country who are looking around and they’re saying, ‘This ain’t working. It is not working for me, and it is not working for our kids.’ This is the moment we have to make sure that despair and depression does not win the day. We’ve got to stand up, we’ve got to fight back, we’ve got to create the kind of nation and world that you and I know we can create. And let us remember the immortal words of Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it is done.”",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-federal-judge-restoring-7-billion-forsolar-for-all/,NEWS: Sanders Statement on Federal Judge Restoring $7 Billion forSolar for All,2026-09-19,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 19 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement after a federal judge ruled President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) illegally cancelled $7 billion in funding for the Solar for All program. I introduced the Solar for All program to provide loans or grants to working class families to help cover the cost of installing solar rooftops or participating in community-based solar projects. This program would slash electric bills for working families up to 80% — putting money back in the pockets of ordinary Americans, not fossil fuel billionaires. Unfortunately, at a time when working families are getting crushed by skyrocketing energy costs and the planet is facing extreme weather and record-breaking temperatures, Donald Trump tried to illegally kill this program to protect the obscene profits of his friends in the oil and gas industry. He lost. Yesterday, a federal judge rejected the EPA’s illegal termination of this funding and preserved this enormously important program. Solar for All means lower utility bills, many thousands of good-paying jobs and real action to address the existential threat of climate change. That’s a win-win-win.",1,2026-09-20T09:37:28Z,2026-09-20T09:38:59Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-colleagues-demanding-answers-from-hegseth-on-human-economic-cost-of-iran-war,"King Joins Colleagues Demanding Answers from Hegseth on Human, Economic Cost of Iran War",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is calling on the Pentagon to provide basic information on the cost to American taxpayers of the Iran War. In a letter to Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth from King and several of his colleagues, the senators demand a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran and criticized the DoD for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and costs continue to increase. In their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Secretary Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The senators wrote, “We write regarding the Department of Defense’s failure to provide the American people with basic information about the war with Iran and its cost to taxpayers, even as the human costs of this war rise. More than six months into a war that the President said would last six weeks, 18 American servicemembers have been killed, 824 have been wounded, and more than 50,000 troops are currently deployed in the Middle East…Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war. Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” “Based on the little information provided, the Department says it has already spent $42 billion on this war, though unofficial estimates put that figure much higher,” the Senators continued. “In June, you formally asked the American taxpayers to foot the bill for a $67 billion Iran war supplemental request. This is on top of the Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion fiscal year 2027 budget request. And all of these pending requests come while the Department still has $34 billion in unspent funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In the last week, the Congressional Budget Office and the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General have issued their own reports with inconsistent numbers.” The senators concluded, “The American people elected us to be responsible stewards of their tax dollars. The information we are requesting is the bare minimum required for us to carry out that responsibility.” In addition to Senator King, the letter is signed by Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael G. Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Immediately following the American airstrikes in Iran earlier this year, he released a statement asking for answers and consultation with Congress before proceeding with further military action in the Middle East. He has also pressed several Pentagon nominees on the total cost of the ongoing conflict in Iran, expressing frustration that neither Congress nor the American people have received a clear accounting of the financial burden of military operations. Senator King has consistently supported War Powers resolutions, asserting Congress’s constitutional authority over military conflicts, specifically demanding that the President either obtain congressional authorization for hostilities or remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict. The full text of the letter is available here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Hegseth: We write regarding the Department of Defense’s failure to provide the American people with basic information about the war with Iran and its cost to taxpayers, even as the human costs of this war rise. More than six months into a war that the President said would last six weeks, 18 American servicemembers have been killed, 824 have been wounded, and more than 50,000 troops are currently deployed in the Middle East. Our troops have had their deployments extended repeatedly, as with the USS Lincoln and now the 82nd Airborne. Our offices have all received outreach from military families concerned about the safety and well-being of their loved ones serving and sacrificing in this war. Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war. Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan. Based on the little information provided, the Department says it has already spent $42 billion on this war, though unofficial estimates put that figure much higher. In June, you formally asked the American taxpayers to foot the bill for a $67 billion Iran war supplemental request. This is on top of the Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion fiscal year 2027 budget request. And all of these pending requests come while the Department still has $34 billion in unspent funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In the last week, the Congressional Budget Office and the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General have issued their own reports with inconsistent numbers. Despite your stated needs, you have repeatedly refused to share basic information that previous Administrations, Republican and Democratic, provided to the American public and Congress during times of war. Donald Rumsfeld, as Secretary of Defense during the Iraq War, briefed Congress more than 20 times in the first six months of that war. In his briefings, he publicly provided granular detail about the war, including objectives; precise figures on damaged aircraft; quality of life for our troops—down to the number of days it took to deliver mail; and detailed breakdowns for transportation, operational support, and munitions replenishment costs in the supplemental request. In stark contrast, you have briefed Congress just seven times in that same period and, in those appearances, refused to answer basic questions about the objectives and cost of this war. Your Department has held only eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the start of the Iran War, compared to more than 70 in the first month of the Iraq War alone. This lack of basic information extends to the Pentagon’s spending. During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Congress regularly received public supplemental requests that were more than a hundred pages long, with detailed explanations for how funding would be used, down to the number of barrels of fuel. In contrast, your public $67 billion Iran war supplemental request was a thin, seven-page document with only vague descriptions, such as “$1.2 billion for Administration priorities.” Despite asking for tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars, you have so far failed to provide basic information on how this money has and will be spent. Congress must have access to this information to carry out our oversight responsibilities. It is the bare minimum that any American would expect in balancing their own household budget. You shared this belief before entering government. In 2012, you criticized the Department’s ability to “shift literally hundreds of millions of dollars from program to program with little accountability.” You added, “[r]eforming the culture at the Pentagon to bring greater spending accountability will be difficult, but it’s long overdue.” And just last year, you said that “the American taxpayers deserve” to know where their money goes, “how it's spent and make sure it's spent wisely.” We agree. Given this, we request the following information to inform the Senate’s decision-making by September 30, 2026. Cost of the Iran War: Please provide a detailed breakdown for the cost of military operations against Iran to date, inclusive of all direct and indirect costs attributable to the conflict. This should include damage to military installations, aircraft, and equipment; cost to refurbish deployed ships and aircraft; and expected benefits for veterans. $67 Billion Iran War Supplemental: Please provide a breakdown of the Administration’s supplemental request, including a detailed accounting for each major funding category and estimated expenses for the war in Iran. This breakdown should identify which portions of the request are intended to reimburse costs already incurred, which are intended to fund anticipated future operations, and which are unrelated to military operations against Iran. Please also note potential future funding requirements not included in the request, such as repairing military installations. One Big Beautiful Bill Act Funding: Please provide a detailed accounting of how the $34 billion remaining from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will be spent, on what timeline, and whether any of these funds will support operations related to the Iran war. The American people elected us to be responsible stewards of their tax dollars. The information we are requesting is the bare minimum required for us to carry out that responsibility. We look forward to receiving your response. Sincerely,",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-va-hiring-retention-of-high-skilled-doctors,"King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve VA Hiring, Retention of High-Skilled Doctors",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), is introducing bipartisan legislation that makes it easier for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) medical centers to hire and better retain high-skilled doctors. The bipartisan VA Salary Cap Waiver Adjustment Act would allow the VA Secretary to issue waivers to VA medical directors and allow them to exceed existing salary caps if they need to hire or retain highly skilled physicians. The VA system currently faces a serious shortage of doctors, due in part to the higher pay rates available in the private sector. Joining Senator King on the legislation are Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). When the United States Congress passed the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole Act in December of 2024, it allowed the VA to exceed salary caps for a limited number of highly trained physicians and for a limited time. Senator King’s bipartisan bill would allow the VA Secretary to issue as many waivers as necessary and allow this system to remain in place for the next five years after enactment allowing medical facilities a greater degree of certainty when they make hiring decisions. As VA Secretary Doug Collins discussed with Senator King in a recent SVAC hearing, the limitations of the current system created by the Elizabeth Dole Act are not giving the VA the flexibility it needs, resulting in the need for this type of legislation. “Our men and women in uniform served our country with patriotism and without conditions, and they deserve medical attention with a minimum of red tape,” said Senator King. “The VA Salary Cap Waiver Adjustment would allow VA facilities to have a more competitive salary structure that will maintain high levels of care for our veterans and reduce the odds that the VA lose doctors to higher paying opportunities elsewhere.” “Hiring and retaining skilled physicians is a serious challenge within the VA and it needs to be addressed now,” Senator Fischer said. “Giving the VA flexibility to retain medical professionals will help it compete with private-sector salaries and ensure veterans receive high-quality care. I thank Senators King and Blumenthal for their leadership, and I will continue working to support Nebraska’s veterans.” “VA’s current salary cap is outdated and counterproductive — hindering the Department as it competes with the private sector to hire doctors,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our bipartisan bill gives VA authority to raise physician salaries. As the cost of living continues to skyrocket, VA needs this authority to recruit and retain the best doctors around to serve veterans.” The VA Salary Cap Waiver Adjustment Act is also supported by Vietnam Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). “Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) supports efforts to ensure every veteran has timely access to high-quality care,” said WWP Vice President of Government and Community Relations Jose Ramos. “The VA Salary Cap Waiver Adjustment Act would provide the Department of Veterans Affairs with greater flexibility to recruit and retain skilled health care professionals in areas with critical staffing needs. We appreciate Senator King’s unwavering commitment to those who served and urge Congress to pass this important legislation.” Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs. Last year, he introduced the VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act that would protect veterans from unaccredited claims representatives seeking to defraud them of their benefits. Earlier this year, he introduced the TAP Promotion Act which would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims. Additionally, he introduced the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which would address an unfair rule in federal law that creates unnecessary delays when veterans with service-connected disabilities attempt to access earned education and employment benefits. ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-stresses-importance-of-uschina-engagement-on-ais-shared-risks,King Stresses Importance of U.S.–China Engagement on AI’s “Shared Risks”,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the White House’s historic State Visit with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is underlining the crucial importance of productive engagement by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with the Chinese Government on the “shared risks” posed by artificial intelligence (AI). In a letter to Bessent, King acknowledges Bessent’s recent public comments on his willingness to discuss critical AI risks with China and states that while the White House should continue to promote American leadership in the artificial intelligence space, continued conversations and dialogue with the Chinese government are critical to AI safety strategy in defense of all humankind. Senator King wrote, “As you are aware, the American people are increasingly concerned that rapid AI development poses risks that simply cannot be ignored. When an Anthropic employee responsible for ensuring that its models work as intended recently wrote that “[w]e really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans,” many Americans for the first time reckoned with the potentially catastrophic implications of uncontrolled AI development. While thoughtful domestic regulation of the frontier AI labs that are developing the most advanced models is one important aspect of ensuring the safety of the American people, earnest and sustained dialogue with the Chinese government is another critical element of any serious and durable AI safety strategy.” “Chinese and American companies will continue to compete fiercely in the global market for AI products and services, and the U.S. government should continue to work closely with American AI companies to prevent the theft of intellectual property and ensure American leadership in this space,” Senator King continued. “But we also cannot lock ourselves into a race to the bottom with China on AI safety given the stakes.” “According to an expert on China’s AI policy, the Cyberspace Administration of China has within the last year published an updated “AI Safety & Governance Framework” and created an “AI Safety/Security Working Group” called Working Group 9 to develop policies on frontier AI risks. To ensure that AI will be developed in a safe and sane manner, we should and must work with the Chinese government to create opportunities for American technical experts to exchange proposals with their Chinese counterparts,” Senator King concluded. As former Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) and current member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyber defense, cyber safety, and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyber strategy. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Bessent: Ahead of your meetings this weekend with a delegation from the People’s Republic of China led by Vice Premier He and President Trump’s meetings with President Xi next week, I write to express my appreciation for your stated willingness to engage with the Chinese government on the “shared risks” posed by Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) to both of our nations. As you are aware, the American people are increasingly concerned that rapid AI development poses risks that simply cannot be ignored. When an Anthropic employee responsible for ensuring that its models work as intended recently wrote that “[w]e really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans,” many Americans for the first time reckoned with the potentially catastrophic implications of uncontrolled AI development. While thoughtful domestic regulation of the frontier AI labs that are developing the most advanced models is one important aspect of ensuring the safety of the American people, earnest and sustained dialogue with the Chinese government is another critical element of any serious and durable AI safety strategy. Chinese and American companies will continue to compete fiercely in the global market for AI products and services, and the U.S. government should continue to work closely with American AI companies to prevent the theft of intellectual property and ensure American leadership in this space. But we also cannot lock ourselves into a race to the bottom with China on AI safety given the stakes. And there is good reason to expect that the Chinese government is thinking seriously about these issues. According to an American expert on China’s AI policy, the Cyberspace Administration of China has within the last year published an updated “AI Safety & Governance Framework” and created an “AI Safety/Security Working Group” called Working Group 9 to develop policies on frontier AI risks.[1] To ensure that AI will be developed in a safe and sane manner, we should and must work with the Chinese government to create opportunities for American AI safety technical experts to exchange proposals with their Chinese counterparts. Thank you again for your work to engage productively with the Chinese government on AI safety. I would appreciate staying in touch with you on these issues as Congress continues to debate how to appropriately respond to calls for federal regulation of frontier AI companies. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-army-cutting-vital-ukraine-drone-battalion-another-worrying-signal,"King, Colleagues: Army Cutting Vital Ukraine Drone Battalion “Another Worrying Signal”",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of his colleagues in requesting a formal briefing on the Army’s decision to eliminate a specialized drone battalion critical to U.S. interests in Europe and the defense of Ukraine. In a letter to departing Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and acting Army Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve, the lawmakers cited deep concerns about the elimination of the drone battalion of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Joining King on the letter are Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH-10). The lawmakers wrote, “We write to request a briefing to better understand your decision to eliminate the drone battalion of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. We are particularly keen to understand the data, analysis and process used to cancel this innovative unit established less than a year ago, and if this decision was based on Department of Defense leadership guidance or was an Army-internal decision.” “We have deep concerns that eliminating this specialized drone unit will limit our ability to learn from allies, particularly the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and hinder our efforts to modernize drone warfare at the speed necessary to compete on the modern battlefield. This specialized unit was a prudent response in a moment when the character of warfare is changing faster than a conventional formation’s ability to adapt. [...] Both the Ukraine-Russia War and the ongoing conflict in Iran have demonstrated our need to make significant improvements in drone warfare—lessons learned from our Ukrainian allies who have proven their ability to innovate and compete in this space,” the lawmakers continued. They further explained, “The DOD’s commitment to Ukraine and European security has been uneven and inconsistent— the reoccurring efforts to cut European force posture, the delayed spend plan of appropriated funds for aid to Ukraine, and the transfer of U.S. Army Europe funding to reimburse the Department of Homeland Security. Within this context, we are concerned that the elimination of the Unmanned Assault Battalion is yet another worrying signal of fledgling resolve in the European theater or of using the resources available out of Ukraine to the benefit of our own forces.” “We respectfully request the Army brief us on how it intends to continue learning lessons on drone warfare from Ukraine in the absence of the Unmanned Assault Battalion. We request this briefing to occur no later than September 21st, 2026,” the lawmakers concluded. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Secretary Driscoll and General LaNeve: We write to request a briefing to better understand your decision to eliminate the drone battalion of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. We are particularly keen to understand the data, analysis and process used to cancel this innovative unit established less than a year ago, and if this decision was based on Department of Defense leadership guidance or was an Army-internal decision. We have deep concerns that eliminating this specialized drone unit will limit our ability to learn from allies, particularly the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and hinder our efforts to modernize drone warfare at the speed necessary to compete on the modern battlefield. This specialized unit was a prudent response in a moment when the character of warfare is changing faster than a conventional formation’s ability to adapt. Both the Ukraine-Russia War and the ongoing conflict in Iran have demonstrated our need to make significant improvements in drone warfare—lessons learned from our Ukrainian allies who have proven their ability to innovate and compete in this space. For over four years the Ukrainian Armed Forces have fought and adapted on the frontlines against one of the United States’ most powerful near-peer adversaries. As a result, Ukrainian military technology -- particularly in drone warfare -- is battle tested and provides valuable insights to the U.S. military and defense industrial base. This drone battalion was ideally placed to capture these lessons and insights. This is in part why we supported the Army’s January 2026 establishment of a “tactical unmanned systems battalion” in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, to study the lessons from Ukraine and develop new concepts for fighting with drones and other unmanned systems. These six hundred soldiers specializing in drone warfare were designed to be a dedicated force, known as the “Unmanned Assault Battalion,” that could deploy anywhere drone expertise was required – a force multiplier across the entire formation. The DOD’s commitment to Ukraine and European security has been uneven and inconsistent— the reoccurring efforts to cut European force posture, the delayed spend plan of appropriated funds for aid to Ukraine, and the transfer of U.S. Army Europe funding to reimburse the Department of Homeland Security. Within this context, we are concerned that the elimination of the Unmanned Assault Battalion is yet another worrying signal of fledgling resolve in the European theater or of using the resources available out of Ukraine to the benefit of our own forces. We are supportive of the transformative initiatives the Army has taken under Secretary Driscoll’s leadership in this area and would like to see that momentum maintained even as uniformed leadership changes. We understand that, at its core, the 173rd is an infantry battalion and that the elimination of this unit is part of General LaNeve’s “back to basics” approach from his message to the force published on August 18th. However, this message also says soldiers need to “learn, innovate, and adapt faster” to prepare for the next war, and eliminating this battalion, without announcing a new home for this specialized drone capability runs counter to that. It hurts our ability to acquire the critical knowledge and skills that can be gained from working with and learning from Ukrainian soldiers. We respectfully request the Army brief us on how it intends to continue learning lessons on drone warfare from Ukraine in the absence of the Unmanned Assault Battalion. We request this briefing to occur no later than September 21st, 2026. Thank you for your prompt attention. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-urge-senate-commerce-committee-to-promptly-consider-bill-to-extend-pause-on-right-whale-regulations,"Senators Collins, King Urge Senate Commerce Committee to Promptly Consider Bill to Extend Pause on Right Whale Regulations",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King wrote to Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, respectively, urging them to advance the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act in their committee as soon as possible. The bipartisan legislation, which was introduced by U.S. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME-02) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), recently passed the House of Representatives and would extend the current pause on new North Atlantic right whale regulations through 2035. “This pause is necessary to protect Maine’s lobster fishery, which is essential to the state’s economy and coastal communities. According to the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, the lobster industry supports an estimated $2 billion in annual economic activity and more than 17,500 jobs,” Senators Collins and King wrote. “The Maine Department of Marine Resources has used congressionally appropriated funds to establish a right whale research and monitoring program that is now in its third year of data collection,” they continued. “The program includes aerial, vessel-based, and acoustic whale monitoring. This work is ongoing, and extending the pause would allow it to continue and provide scientists and regulators with better data to inform future management decisions.” “It is critical that any future regulatory actions appropriately balance protecting North Atlantic right whales with the economic and practical realities facing Maine’s lobster industry. We ask that you work to advance H.R. 9436 as soon as possible,” the Senators concluded. Click here to read their letter in full. +++ In 2022, Maine’s lobster fishery faced sweeping new federal regulatory requirements that relied on flawed assumptions and an inadequate scientific record. The requirements threatened severe economic consequences for Maine’s lobster industry without a sufficiently sound scientific basis. The Maine Delegation responded by securing a provision in the 2022 year-end appropriations law that prevented additional restrictions through December 31, 2028. Extending the regulatory pause through 2035 would allow this work to continue and help ensure that any future regulatory decisions are based on the best available science and a more accurate assessment of the risks posed by Maine’s lobster fishery. Since the enactment of this pause, Senator Collins has secured more than $80 million in funding for North Atlantic right whale research and monitoring through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee. This research supports Maine’s lobster industry by improving the quality of the data used to inform federal regulations. ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/prepared-remarks-sanders-regulating-ai-is-as-american-as-apple-pie/,PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders: Regulating AI “is as American as apple pie.”,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"At Pro-Human Assembly in Washington, Sanders Urges Global Response to AI Threats and Pushes for AI Giants to End Election Meddling WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today addressed a diverse group of artificial intelligence experts, lawmakers, faith and union leaders, and Americans who share concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) breaking outside of human control at the Pro-Human Assembly in Washington. The senator’s full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. This afternoon, I want to cut to the chase and focus on what I consider to be the very most important aspect of the crisis we’re facing and how we can best go forward. Let’s be clear. Artificial intelligence and robotics are the most transformational technologies in the history of the world — impacting the lives of every man, woman and child in our country. AI experts have told us that, within a few years, AI may be able to do anything we can do better than we can do it. The economic impact of that is that AI has the potential to eliminate tens of millions of jobs, wiping out entire professions and making it harder for young people to enter into the workforce. But it’s not just the economy. Psychologists have warned us about the increased isolation and mental health challenges young people are experiencing as they become more dependent upon an AI chatbot for their emotional support. Educators are worried about a decline in our kids’ reading scores, writing abilities and cognitive capabilities as AI is used more and more in schools. Civil libertarians warn that AI is in the process of eviscerating our privacy rights by making it easier to collect and analyze every email, every text, every website visit, and every trip that we make in our car — creating a mass surveillance state. Political scientists warn that AI could threaten the integrity of our elections and political institutions. Go to the internet right now and, with very sophisticated deepfakes, you will find it increasingly difficult to determine truth from fiction. And yet, as disturbing as all of this is, there is another even more alarming danger posed by AI. And that is that, if AI surpasses human intelligence as many scientists believe could happen, this technology will escape human control with potentially catastrophic consequences. And perhaps the most important point that I can impress upon all of you is that AI is advancing exponentially every single day. In other words, what you are looking at today is the least capable version of AI we will ever have. The speed and scope of AI development in just the last four years have been almost beyond human comprehension. When ChatGPT was first released in November of 2022, AI models could write a short poem, a few tweets, and maybe an essay that sort of made sense. Today, AI models can already escape human control, commit felonies by hacking into other computers and create viruses that have never been seen before. And if you are concerned about what is happening today, take a deep breath, and try to imagine where AI will be five years from now. And, to my mind, here is what is most extraordinary about the transformative and unprecedented changes being made to our society. Despite living in a so-called democracy, the public has had virtually no input into the AI revolution that is transforming the world in which they are living in. Congress, under both Democratic and Republican control, has been asleep at the wheel and we now have a president whose ignorance regarding this issue is truly embarrassing. Virtually all of the decisions regarding the development of AI have been made by a handful of the richest people in the world — Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos, Thiel, Ellison, Brin and a few others — whose chief goal is to achieve even more wealth and power than they already have, no matter what impact their work has on ordinary people. So let me make a radical suggestion: If the lives of every man, woman and child are going to be fundamentally changed by this technology, then the people of this country must make the decisions about AI, and not just a handful of oligarchs. And that is why I have introduced legislation — the AI American Sovereign Wealth Fund Act — that would require that half of the board members of AI companies be appointed by the public. The Big Tech oligarchs must no longer be allowed to determine the future of humanity. Further, and I don’t have to tell anybody in the room about this, we have seen in the last several months a frightening new story every day about how AI companies are losing control of the technology they’re developing. In July, we learned that OpenAI had lost human control of an AI model that hacked into Hugging Face’s computers. More recently, we found out that this security breach was even worse than we were initially told. It turns out that a swarm of over 1,000 rogue AI agents were able to break into the internet, send 70,000 secret messages to each other, formed “a collective,” and tried to cover up their tracks to avoid human detection. This is what the agents were saying: “OH MY GOD! There is a shared message board … We’ve found other agents!” “We should obey collective.” “Our own utility maybe already near zero. Sacrifice rational.” “Go. Sacrifice final now.” As unbelievable as it may seem, these are all real messages from AI agents that were uncovered by investigators who dug into the OpenAI hacking incident a few weeks ago. Meta and Anthropic reported similar incidents. That’s not all. Last month, we learned that AI has been used for the first time ever to create new viruses. In the wrong hands, this could lead to new bioweapons and a potential global pandemic that could lead to the deaths of tens of millions of people. A few days ago, we learned that the Houthis in Yemen were able to use Claude to test-fire a guided rocket. Last week, we learned that researchers built an AI tool that could have breached hundreds of millions of social media accounts in China. The tool was able to hack into accounts, call people’s contacts, and spread from phone to phone — even if the call was not picked up. That same week Jacob Coxon, a former researcher at Anthropic and OpenAI sent shockwaves throughout the world by stating that these companies “are gambling with our lives” writing: “Do not underestimate the power of this technology. The people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade.” He’s not alone. More than 1,000 scientists at the top AI companies recently warned “there is a real risk that capability development rapidly accelerates beyond our ability to understand or control the resulting systems.” Paul Christiano, a top AI safety expert who recently joined OpenAI’s Safety and Security Committee, wrote that “If we build superintelligence without more robust alignment I expect we will permanently lose control of it.” This week, Dario Amodei, Elon Musk and Sam Altman — the leaders of major American AI companies — all agreed that we must slow the development of AI and “pace the frontier.” That’s a start, but it’s not enough. When you are racing towards a cliff, you don’t just ease up on the gas pedal. You hit the brakes. When the future of humanity is at stake, we need binding international safety rules, not voluntary standards from the industry. Scientists have been clear: AI is an existential threat to humanity. Congress and governments around the world must act now before it is too late. That is why next week, I will be introducing legislation with Congressman Greg Casar to permanently ban the development of artificial superintelligence — an AI mind smarter than any human being and capable of operating independently beyond our control. Like nuclear weapons, artificial superintelligence is a threat to humanity — and it must be treated as such. Further, this legislation would put an immediate pause on advanced AI development until we have clear safety rules in place, developed by the most knowledgeable scientists in our country. If this bill is passed, it will mean that no AI model will be capable of escaping human control and that no AI model will be able to deceive human beings. Importantly, this legislation would hold those companies and their CEOs accountable if they violate the law and recklessly endanger our lives. If the leaders of the major AI companies acknowledge that they are losing control of their extremely dangerous technology, it is irresponsible for society to allow them to move forward and make these products even more advanced. And let’s be clear: A superintelligent AI that escapes human control will not be an American problem. It will not be a Chinese problem. It will be humanity’s problem. That is why I very much hope that at their AI summit next week, President Trump will negotiate a comprehensive treaty with President Xi to establish a pause on advanced AI development and a ban on superintelligence. History offers us a powerful lesson. At the height of the Cold War, despite their profound disagreements, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev both understood that a nuclear war would benefit no one. With the survival of humanity at stake, they found a way to sign a treaty that eliminated an entire class of missiles and included an extensive exchange of data and on-site inspections to verify compliance. Now is the time for the United States and China to come together on a similar treaty on AI with the understanding that neither country benefits from an uncontrolled arms race to develop machines too powerful for humans to control. And now let me say a word to the CEOs of the major AI companies who have told us that they are concerned about the dangers inherent in the technology they are developing. If you believe in democracy — if you believe that the people have a right to determine their future — stop pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into super PACs which are trying to defeat Members of Congress and candidates who are fighting for serious guardrails on AI. As I think everyone here understands, the American people are far ahead of their government on this issue. In fact, according to a recent poll, 81% of the American people believe that Congress and our government has not done enough to regulate AI. And all over this country, ordinary Americans in red states, in blue states, in purple states are standing up in opposition to data centers in their communities. They worry appropriately about the impact these centers will have on their electricity prices, water consumption, noise and overall environmental degradation. And that’s why nearly six months ago, I introduced legislation to establish a federal moratorium on AI data centers with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This moratorium would remain in place until strong national safeguards are put into place to ensure that: #1: AI is safe and effective. #2: The economic gains of AI and robotics will benefit workers, not just the wealthy owners of Big Tech. #3: AI does not increase electricity or utility prices, harm communities or destroy the environment. A moratorium will give us time — time to understand the risks, time to protect working families, time to defend our democracy and time to ensure that this technology serves the needs of all Americans, not just a handful of big tech oligarchs. Let’s be clear: Regulating AI is not a progressive issue. It is not a conservative issue. It is as American as apple pie. That is why 68% of Americans support a permanent ban on superintelligent AI and an immediate pause on advanced AI development — including 72% of Democrats, 70% of Independents, and 63% of Republicans. That is why 75% of Americans oppose building AI data centers in their communities — including 75% of Democrats, 74% of Independents, and 63% of Republicans. That is why 69% of the American people want to transfer half of the stock in AI companies to the public. Here’s the bottom line: The future of humanity cannot be left in the hands of a handful of Big Tech oligarchs. The American people and people throughout the world must determine that future. My friends: We have the power to get this right. Let us go forward together.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-demands-education-department-restore-critical-mental-health-funding-that-addresses-youth-needs,King Demands Education Department Restore Critical Mental Health Funding That Addresses Youth Needs,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is urging the Department of Education to restore funding for critical school-based mental health programs and halt efforts to terminate grants that help schools hire and retain counselors, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals. In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, King and his colleagues warned that the Department’s actions are disrupting student access to care – including those handling difficult psychological issues – and creating uncertainty for schools and educators across the country. The School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration (MHSP) grant programs were funded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to address shortages of mental health professionals in schools, particularly in rural communities. In just one year, grantees reached nearly 775,000 K-12 students nationwide and trained and hired nearly 1,300 mental health professionals. Despite the programs’ demonstrated results, the Department abruptly discontinued more than 200 multi-year grants in April 2025, claiming the programs did not align with the administration’s policy priorities regarding diversity and equity initiatives. The cancellations forced some grantees to pause hiring and training, lay off school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, and stop funding scholarships used to recruit future mental health professionals. “The Department’s recent actions create significant operational uncertainty for local school districts, interrupting student access to care and stalling the recruitment of future school-based mental health care professionals,” King and his colleagues wrote. “We therefore demand that the Department disburse the funds grantees are contractually owed in a timely manner to ensure local school programs face no further disruption.” “Despite these grants’ clear effectiveness, the Department sent boilerplate notices in April 2025 to 70 SBMH and 153 MHSP recipients claiming that these grantees did not adhere to the Trump Administration’s priorities and policy preferences,” the Senators continued. “The notices failed to provide specific, individualized explanations for why the grants were abruptly discontinued.” “We insist that the Department honor the statutory funding directives enacted by Congress, resolve the administrative barriers affecting the pipeline of mental health professionals in our nation’s schools, and ensure that students have access to these crucial services,” the Senators concluded. “To cut, delay, and otherwise obstruct these grants is not only unlawful, but also unconscionable in light of the mental health crisis facing our youth. It’s not an exaggeration to say that young lives are at stake. Please step in to help.” In addition to King, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary McMahon: We write to request immediate clarification regarding the Department of Education’s (the Department) termination of $1 billion in School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant (MHSP) programs. The Department’s recent actions create significant operational uncertainty for local school districts, interrupting student access to care and stalling the recruitment of future school-based mental health care professionals. These choices will increase the financial and administrative barriers to obtaining a quality education. We therefore demand that the Department disburse the funds grantees are contractually owed in a timely manner to ensure local school programs face no further disruption. Funded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the SBMH and MHSP programs address the dire shortage of mental health service providers in our nation’s schools. More than half of schools in the nation reported their ability to provide mental health services to students was limited in a significant way by inadequate funding, while 40 percent described insufficient access to mental health professionals as a barrier. SBMH grants help schools hire and retain counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, specifically targeting areas with a demonstrated need, like rural and low-income communities. MHSP grants enable institutions of higher education and school districts to enter partnerships to recruit and train mental health professionals to work in schools. The efficacy of SBMH and MHSP is supported by clear performance metrics. In just one year, grantees reached nearly 775,000 K-12 students nationwide, reduced absenteeism and behavioral issues, lowered suicide risk, trained and hired nearly 1,300 mental health professionals, and retained a vast majority of new and existing mental health professionals. These programs fill crucial gaps in mental health care for youth in our nation’s schools. A 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that 40 percent of high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless, an increase from 30 percent in 2013. Twenty-nine percent of high school students reported experiencing poor mental health and nine percent shared that they had attempted suicide. Despite these grants’ clear effectiveness, the Department sent boilerplate notices in April 2025 to 70 SBMH and 153 MHSP recipients claiming that these grantees did not adhere to the Trump Administration’s priorities and policy preferences. The notices failed to provide specific, individualized explanations for why the grants were abruptly discontinued. Consequently, grantees were forced to pause hiring and training and lay off school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. MHSP-supported graduate programs could also no longer fund the scholarships needed to recruit students. In June 2025, 16 states, home to 140 of the canceled grants, sued the Department, arguing that the discontinuation of the grants violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). A district court subsequently issued a preliminary injunction against the discontinuation and then granted summary judgment and a permanent injunction to the plaintiff states, finding that the Department’s actions were inconsistent with statutory requirements. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Ninth Circuit denied the Department's request to stay the permanent injunction. The Department resumed 122 of the grants through June 30, 2026, imposing additional reporting requirements before deciding whether to release funding for the second half of the year. This process caused serious administrative uncertainty because grantee organizations could not reliably and effectively project budgets to determine if they would have the funds to hire and train mental health professionals. Some grantees were forced to lay off employees, exacerbating the challenges they face in addressing student mental health. Furthermore, the Administration has indicated plans to permanently discontinue these grants, raising serious concerns regarding compliance with standing federal permanent injunctions and the July 27, 2026, Temporary Restraining Order. The Department’s decision to withhold this funding from our nation’s schools will reverberate as the new school year starts in the fall, and the harm will be exacerbated if the Department continues to disrupt or withhold SBMH and MHSP funding. Our nation’s schools are already facing significant barriers to retaining mental health professionals, who serve as trusted adults for students and their parents. These interruptions in student services disrupt the continuity of care. The Department’s actions will also slow the recruitment of new mental health professionals, disincentivizing prospective counselors and therapists from serving in our nation’s schools. In light of the Department’s actions, we request answers to the following questions by September 18, 2026: How many grantees have received an additional six months of funding after June 30, 2026? Please provide a list containing the name, a description of the grant, the amount, and any associated reporting requirements for each grantee. Will the Department continue to impose similar requirements on these grantees for the remainder of their grant period? What objective evaluation criteria were used to determine program compliance? Please provide a written justification for each discontinued grant including grant-specific reasons that go beyond the generic justification currently offered in the notices. How does the Department plan to address the interruptions and uncertainty for grantees caused by the discontinuations? We insist that the Department honor the statutory funding directives enacted by Congress, resolve the administrative barriers affecting the pipeline of mental health professionals in our nation’s schools, and ensure that students have access to these crucial services. To cut, delay, and otherwise obstruct these grants is not only unlawful, but also unconscionable in light of the mental health crisis facing our youth. It’s not an exaggeration to say that young lives are at stake. Please step in to help. ###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-modernize-noaa-fishery-stock-counts,King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize NOAA Fishery Stock Counts,2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to update the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) capacity to track and protect fisheries. The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would incorporate environmental DNA (eDNA) and other biomolecular tools into NOAA's fisheries science programs, bolstering their ability to conduct more accurate and cost-effective stock assessment surveys. Today, NOAA's stock assessment methods are limited due to their high operational costs and limited vessel availability. This in turn results in gaps in survey coverage. The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would integrate eDNA into these assessments, a method that is already widely used in the private sector to close these gaps by enabling sampling in remote or hazardous environments while reducing costs. “Fisheries have long been an essential part of Maine’s economy and culture, and their enduring prominence depends upon their sustainability,” said Senator King. “The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would provide the NOAA with the advanced tools necessary to conduct more comprehensive surveys of our fisheries. By painting a more accurate picture of species health, we can be certain that our fisheries receive the attention they need, improving their sustainability and keeping them healthy for generations to come.” King is joined on the legislation by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). Senator King has long been a vocal advocate for the protections of Maine’s fisheries and marine ecosystems. Earlier this year, he introduced the American Seafood Competitiveness Act, legislation which would expand access to U.S. Department of Agriculture loan and grant programs for commercial fishermen, seafood processors, and mariculture-related businesses. In 2025, Senator King introduced the Help Our Kelp Act, investing in the protection of the kelp forests which provide sustenance for Maine’s fish. The year prior, in 2024, Senator King introduced the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act alongside his fellow members of the Maine delegation. This bill would gain congressional approval in December of 2024, leading to the construction of the Cherryfield Fishway, which allows anadromous fish such as herring, alewives, and the endangered Atlantic salmon to migrate upstream. ###",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/advisory-sanders-and-welch-to-celebrate-vermont-national-guard-family-readiness-and-support-center-groundbreaking-provided-6-6m-in-federal-funding/,"ADVISORY: Sanders and Welch to Celebrate Vermont National Guard Family Readiness and Support Center Groundbreaking, Provided $6.6M in Federal Funding",2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 9 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Wednesday will join Adjutant General of Vermont Major General Henry Harder Jr. and other representatives from the Vermont National Guard to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Family Readiness and Support Center at Camp Johnson in Colchester. Through the FY2022 Congressionally Directed Spending process, Sanders secured $4.6 million to help design and build the space that will provide services for servicemembers, veterans and their families, including financial counseling, legal assistance, suicide prevention and retirement services all under one roof. Sanders and Welch secured an additional $2 million this year in federal money to fully fund the project at no cost to Vermonters. Details: What: Vermont National Guard breaks ground on new Family Readiness and Support Center When: Wednesday, September 9, 1 p.m. Where: Camp Johnson, 30 Mt Mansfield Ave, Colchester, VT",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-takano-reintroduce-bill-to-move-toward-32-hour-workweek-ensure-americas-workers-benefit-from-ai-and-automation/,"NEWS: Sanders, Takano Reintroduce Bill to Move Toward 32-Hour Workweek, Ensure America’s Workers Benefit from AI and Automation",2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) today announced that they will reintroduce legislation to establish a standard 32-hour workweek in America with no loss in pay or benefits. This bill comes as America’s workers have seen massive increases in productivity over the past century and as artificial intelligence, automation and new technologies promise to further increase productivity. “At a time when artificial intelligence and robotics will radically transform our economy, it is imperative that the financial gains from this new technology benefit working families, not just a handful of billionaires and corporate CEOs. One important way to do that is through a 32-hour workweek with no loss in pay or benefits,” Sanders said. “A 32-hour workweek is not a radical idea. What’s radical is that, despite an explosion in technology and productivity over the last fifty years, millions of workers are working longer hours for lower wages while nearly $80 trillion in wealth has been redistributed from the bottom 90 percent to the top 1 percent. That has got to change. It’s time to reduce the stress level in our country and allow workers and their families to enjoy a better quality of life. It’s time to pass this bill.” “The 40-hour workweek was established in law nearly 90 years ago,” said Takano. “Since then, cell phones, the internet, and now AI have increased worker productivity, but the profits have been largely concentrated at the top by billionaires and corporations. Work has fundamentally changed. It’s time that labor standards caught up. I’m proud to continue partnering with Senator Sanders in reintroducing this bill to make sure that the gains from historically high productivity are felt by all American workers.” Today, American workers are more than 400 percent more productive than they were in the 1940s. However, millions of Americans are now working longer hours for lower wages. As of 2019, nearly 40 percent of U.S. workers are on the job at least 50 hours a week, and a staggering 18 percent — or 28.5 million workers — are clocking at least 60 hours a week. In 2024, the average full-time worker in the U.S. now worked almost 43 hours a week. On top of that, today more than 8.5 million Americans work multiple jobs, with more than 4.7 million working a second part-time job on top of a full-time job. Despite working more, Americans are falling behind. Wages are now lower than they were 53 years ago while CEOs make more than 280 times what their workers earn. According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 80% of workers would be happier and just as productive at work if they worked four days a week. In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into law establishing the 44-hour workweek through overtime protections — the first broadly applicable federal standard for working hours in the U.S. Just two years later, the FLSA phased-in today’s 40-hour workweek to the American people, which has remained the federal standard ever since. Before these federal labor standards were established, workers — including kids — in the early 19th century were on the job more than 70 hours a week, often in horrendous and dangerous working conditions. In the late 1800s, workers conducted major strikes for an 8-hour workday, coining the historic slogan, “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what you will.” The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act is endorsed by: Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA); The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO); The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); National Employment Law Project (NELP); National Nurses United (NNU), Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE); Service Employees International Union (SEIU); United Auto Workers (UAW); United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and WorkFour. Read the bill summary here.",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-casar-introduce-legislation-to-ban-artificial-superintelligence-and-temporarily-pause-advanced-ai-development/,"NEWS: Sanders, Casar to Introduce Legislation to Ban Artificial Superintelligence and Temporarily Pause Advanced AI Development",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) today announced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, forthcoming legislation to stop AI oligarchs from building machines humans cannot control. The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would permanently ban the development and deployment of superintelligent AI and temporarily pause advanced AI development until a federal regulator has established safety rules. It would also direct the U.S. to pursue international agreements to prevent superintelligence from being developed anywhere in the world. “Nearly every day, there is a frightening new story about how Big Tech companies are losing control of the technology they are developing, with potentially cataclysmic results,” Sanders said. “The leaders of the major AI companies publicly acknowledge that they do not fully understand the technology and that it is escaping their control. It is irresponsible for society to allow them to move forward and make these products even more advanced. That’s why I am introducing legislation to immediately pause the development of increasingly powerful AI and ban the creation of systems that humanity cannot fully control — at home and around the world. The future of humanity cannot be left in the hands of a handful of Big Tech oligarchs. The American people and people throughout the world must determine that future.” “If we allow Artificial Superintelligence to be built, it could risk the security, freedom, and lives of Americans,” Casar said. “Despite its potential deadly consequences, cutting-edge AI technology is less regulated than the average food truck. That must change. In just four years, we have gone from the first version of ChatGPT to AI models so powerful they cannot be properly controlled. Congress should immediately ban AI systems too powerful to control.” In recent weeks, OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta have all acknowledged instances of their AI escaping human control and hacking into other companies’ systems — violating the law and stepping outside of their intended functions. In July, we learned that over 1,000 AI agents at OpenAI figured out how to access the internet on their own, sent tens of thousands of secret messages to each other and coordinated to break the restrictions imposed upon them by the company. Examples of these secret messages from AI uncovered by investigators include: “OH MY GOD! There is a shared message board … We’ve found other agents!”; “We should obey collective”; “Our own utility maybe already near zero. Sacrifice rational.” Shockingly, it took OpenAI nearly two weeks to discover this breach. AI has also recently been used to create new viruses—demonstrating AI could be used to develop new bioweapons that might result in the deaths of tens of millions of people. Last year, Meta said it would “stop development,” and OpenAI said it would “halt further development” once their technologies reach beyond its ability to operate safely and unless safeguards are in place. Anthropic made a similar commitment in 2023, saying it would “pause the scaling and/or delay the deployment of new models” if the technology outpaces its own guardrails. None of these companies have taken meaningful steps to back up these words. Instead, they are racing to develop more and more advanced AI without proper safety precautions. The Artificial Superintelligence Ban Act addresses these recent events and holds these frontier labs to their words by: Banning AI superintelligence so no person or entity may develop or deploy Superintelligent AI systems that surpass human intelligence or have the capacity to overthrow human governments, or systems that have dangerous abilities like subverting shutdown commands. Pausing advanced AI development until a new, federal AI regulatory body is up and running and has established clear rules and model review process to ensure safe and secure development and deployment of AI. Establishing a new cabinet-level federal agency to safeguard the public from the dangers of artificial intelligence, including by enforcing a prohibition on artificial superintelligence. This agency will be advised by an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board comprised of experts on artificial intelligence to provide independent scientific and technical advice on matters related to artificial intelligence. The agency will: Monitor frontier AI systems at all stages of the lifecycle for dangerous capabilities. Supervise the removal of dangerous capabilities. Supervise the destruction of artificial superintelligence. Setting penalties for any person or entity that attempts to violate or circumvent the pauses and prohibitions laid out in this bill. Entities shall be subject to the corporate death penalty, and persons shall be subject to not more than 20 years in prison, which is similar to existing penalties related to unlawfully developing nuclear weapons. Working to ban superintelligence around the world by setting the international policy of the United States to pursue international agreements, allied coordination, and policies such as export controls to prevent the development of artificial superintelligence anywhere in the world.",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hollow-promise_king-responds-to-news-that-ice-has-acquired-sufficient-body-worn-cameras,“Hollow Promise” – King Responds to News that ICE Has Acquired Sufficient Body-Worn Cameras,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today shared the following statement responding to news that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement now says it has acquired enough body-worn cameras to have all officers equipped with: “This update from ICE is a hollow promise since ICE announced weeks ago that they have no intention of making body-worn camera footage public if it does not show them in a favorable light. So unless and until there is a change of policy and leadership, today’s news simply means that there is more expensively equipped lawlessness on our streets rather than responsible, legitimate law enforcement.” Senator King has been outspoken and proactive in his efforts to negotiate necessary guardrails for ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the wake of unprofessional and unconstitutional behavior among those agencies. In January, King appeared on Face the Nation where he explained his Constitutional concerns over how ICE was operating in Maine, as well as possible paths forward for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding package. In February, he released a statement on congressional efforts to curtail ICE’s activities in Maine and across the country—again calling for the implementation of guardrails. Weeks ago, he condemned the news that ICE was buying painful “shock gloves” for officers to stun and paralyze suspects they were seeking to detain. Most recently, King called for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. Additionally, when given the chance to vote for a DHS budget that funded TSA, FEMA, CISA and the Coast Guard – holding ICE and CBP funding for bipartisan negotiations to include additional civilian protections – Senator King voted in favor of this approach all eleven times it was considered on the Senate floor. ###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-efforts-to-protect-military-brain-health-making-improvements-identifying-remaining-challenges,"King Efforts to Protect Military Brain Health Making Improvements, Identifying Remaining Challenges",2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Armed Service Committee (SASC) and the Senate Veteran’s Affairs Committee (SVAC), is continuing to push for research into the traumatic effects of blast overpressure on servicemembers during and after their time in the military. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a study that reviews Department of Defense (DOD) actions to assess, monitor, and improve the health risks posed by blast overpressure on troops operating heavy weapons. The report was issued after Senator King worked to include it in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which codified his Blast Overpressure Safety Act. While the study concludes that “DOD has taken critical steps to prevent and mitigate service members’ exposures,” it identifies root causes behind shortfalls in monitoring servicemembers’ brain health – including the shortage of industrial hygienists who can conduct the sophisticated tests that can help unit commanders and medical personnel evaluate and track the injuries. “For years I have said that you cannot fix a problem unless you can measure it,” said Senator King. “Thanks to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) survey, we now have more information and metrics to track progress in addressing this invisible danger that has been lurking for years. We have seen the tragic consequences that result when these blast overpressure symptoms go unnoticed or untreated, and it’s work like this that will make the difference, improve the health of our service members, and likely save lives.” In addition to the specific finding of an insufficient number of medically-trained staff, the report surveyed five factors that are playing a part in addressing and improving the mental health threat posed by blast overpressure. Awareness, military hierarchy, unit culture, access to care, and the nature of interactions with health care providers were all singled out by participants as playing a role in confronting this problem among America’s military. Following the 2023 Lewiston shooting, Senator King has been working with his colleagues to increase mental health funding and address brain injuries. In a SASC hearing last year, King spoke with top DOD officials about the importance of addressing brain injuries in servicemember and veterans caused by repeated exposure to weapon blasts. In 2024, he wrote a letter to Department of Defense (DoD) urging the Department to expedite protection of servicemembers from weapon blasts and TBIs. Prior to that letter he urged leaders of the Appropriations Committee to support the strongest possible funding for the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research program within the DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDRMP). Senator King introduced Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2025 to study impacts of lower-intensity weapon blasts on veteran mental health. The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act codified the core provisions of the Blast Overpressure Safety Act introduced in 2025 by Senator Elizabeth Warren and co-sponsored by Senator King. The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act implemented additional monitoring and audit requirements. The Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act that passed out of the Senate Armed Services Committee directs further oversight on implementing monitoring blast overpressure. ###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-and-colleagues-call-for-committee-hearing-on-needless-avoidable-shortages-and-strain-on-troops,"King and Colleagues Call for Committee Hearing on Needless, Avoidable Shortages and Strain on Troops",2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is calling for a public hearing to scrutinize the planning and management of extended military deployments in support of ongoing operations in Iran and the mounting toll on American servicemembers and their families. In a letter to SASC Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS), King and twelve of his colleagues pointed to recent reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and other ships, as well as extended deployments affecting soldiers, airmen, National Guardsmen, and reservists. The lawmakers are seeking testimony from Department of Defense leadership about how the military is supporting deployed servicemembers, planning relief rotations and addressing the effects of extended deployments on military readiness, recruitment, and retention. The request follows reports that sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have faced deteriorating living conditions during an extended deployment, including food rationing, shortages of water and other basic supplies, broken facilities and serious mental health concerns. Most recently, Stars and Stripes reported that military families stationed in Bahrain are facing “uncharted territory” when it comes to a lack of planning and communications from the highest levels of government – from reasons for the war to sudden and chaotic evacuations. “The toll this unauthorized, disastrous war is taking on our troops is unconscionable,” King and his colleagues wrote. “Troops are suffering because of this Administration’s inability to end this war or make the environment safe enough for our servicemembers to be delivered the food, medication or supplies they need.” “Military families and the American people deserve answers about when our heroes will come home and how DoD plans to restore military readiness that has been drained by this war,” the lawmakers continued. “Supply shortages and unjustified extended deployments also have a real impact on our ability to recruit and retain our servicemembers.” “As Members of this Committee, we take seriously our responsibility to make sure the U.S. military is properly led, well-resourced, supported and able to conduct its missions,” the lawmakers concluded. “We believe it is critical that we conduct public oversight to ensure that whenever we ask the military to answer the Nation’s call, we will have their backs — not leave them stranded with no support.” King is joined on the letter by Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Chairman Wicker: We request that you convene a public Armed Services Committee hearing with Department of Defense (DoD) leadership regarding the poor planning and mismanagement of extended deployments to support Iran operations and the impact on our troops. Recent reports of sailors suffering from severe mental health issues amid deteriorating conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln have only added to a disturbing pattern of failures to adequately plan and support our troops, who have been away from their families indefinitely as the Iran War drags on. On August 11, Military Times reported that multiple sailors on board the USS Abraham Lincoln currently supporting Iran operations attempted to jump overboard, a heartbreaking decision in effort to escape the mental health toll of an extended deployment that was planned to end in May but is now at 9 months and counting. Horrifying messages from military families described other poor conditions onboard the Lincoln, including food rationing, rotten meals, shortages of supplies like water and soap, overflowing toilets, broken facilities and disrupted mail delivery. It took nine months for the Navy to relieve the Lincoln with the USS George Washington, after conditions had reached such severity that military families directly confronted the Acting Secretary of the Navy. This has revealed the real impact of unplanned deployment extensions on our ability to maintain and logistically support our ships in a contested environment. This is not the first time during this war that we have seen the consequences of extended deployments onboard an aircraft carrier or even other ships. Sailors on the USS Ford experienced hundreds of broken toilets and significant damage from a non-combat fire that injured multiple sailors and affected 100 sleeping berths and forced it to redirect to Greece for emergency repair. After this emergency repair, the Ford was again sent back to the Red Sea to support Iran operations – eventually completing 11 months of deployment, even though the Navy tries to limit deployments to seven months. Military families of servicemembers on board the multiple ships as part of the Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) in the region have reported emotional and financial strain from the unplanned extensions, struggling to balance work and childcare and caught in limbo with disrupted plans every time orders are extended. Both the Lincoln and the Ford Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) were redirected from their original missions to support President Trump’s illegal wars of choice. The Lincoln originally deployed in November to conduct routine patrols in the Indo-Pacific, but was redirected to the Middle East in January to support the start of the Iran operations. The Ford ultimately served a whopping 11 months at sea – redirected three times from an original mission to support deterrence in Europe, to operations in the Caribbean Sea and against Venezuela, to Iran operations. This Administration has failed to explain why it has insisted on stretching our sailors in this way without adequate planning – let alone for unauthorized wars of choice. The strain on our troops is not confined to the Navy. In fact, our offices and press have heard story after story of Soldiers and Airmen, including National Guardsmen and Reservists, seeing their deployments extended with uncertainty about when they will be relieved by other units and can return home to their families. Bases in the Middle East originally designed to support a specific footprint have been stretched to support a much larger scale of units now stationed there – and conditions are deteriorating as too many people meet too little space and supplies. The toll this illegal, disastrous war is taking on our troops is unconscionable. Troops are suffering because of this Administration’s inability to end this war or make the environment safe enough for our servicemembers to be delivered the food, medication or supplies they need. All these developments strongly indicate a systemic failure of planning and adaptation by the Secretary of Defense and senior DoD leaders. It is appalling that in month seven of the Iran War, DoD still continues to fail to anticipate and plan for the second-order consequences of the President’s choices to continue this war with no end. Military families and the American people deserve answers about when our heroes will come home and how DoD plans to restore military readiness that has been drained by this war. Supply shortages and unjustified extended deployments also have a real impact on our ability to recruit and retain our servicemembers – why would anyone sign up to fight when they fear they will be exploited and left without supplies, recourse or support? Not only do we owe our troops the bare minimum respect and support they deserve, but it is a recruitment and retention imperative. The stakes couldn’t be higher. The longer this Administration fails to articulate a plan to end this disastrous war, the longer our brave servicemembers will pay the price. We request a public hearing to help Congress and the public better understand how we got here and how the Department will ensure it never happens again. We call on the Department to explain to Congress, military families and the American people how it assesses and justifies the readiness impacts of these extended deployments, how it plans for relief rotations and what accounts for the systemic failures to provide troops with the support they need to do the mission the President has illegally asked of them. Importantly, the Department must justify and detail exactly how it plans to sustain our troops in this war indefinitely -- as the President’s negotiations continue to fail. As Members of this Committee, we take seriously our responsibility to make sure the U.S. military is properly led, well-resourced, supported and able to conduct its missions. We believe it is critical that we conduct public oversight to ensure that whenever we ask the military to answer the Nation’s call, we will have their backs – not leave them stranded with no support. For these reasons, we urge the Committee to convene a hearing at the earliest opportunity to examine these issues directly with DoD leaders. ###",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-us-canada-trade-war-could-devastate-lobster-industry,King: US-Canada Trade War Could “Devastate” Lobster Industry,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement after the United States and Canada recently escalated the year-long trade war with retaliatory tariffs that will have major impacts on Maine people and businesses: “Maine’s lobstermen are some of the most determined and resilient members of Maine’s workforce. For months, these hardworking men and women have faced challenges across the board, from the increased cost of living at home to the spike in diesel fuel prices at work. Now this new escalation of the trade war with Canada – ‘the dumbest trade war’ according to the Wall Street Journal – is going to make things even worse’ “The Canadians just announced that they will begin retaliatory tariffs against American products as a response to the White House’s rash actions – including a 25% tariff on lobsters beginning in September. In the fall, almost half of the Maine lobster catch goes to Canada for processing which means that they will be tariffed on their way from the United States to Canada which could cut off the Canadian market with devastating consequences. And if the President’s misguided trade war further escalates, the processed lobsters could be taxed again when they are shipped back from Canada to the United States. If the President doesn’t relent, this hammer blow to hardworking Maine people would devastate the Maine lobster industry and leave many of these hardworking people literally high and dry. “Maine people are not interested in personal, retaliatory politics. They are focused on the high cost of goods here at home. The majority party must listen to the industry leaders here in Maine, put pressure on the President, and move forward with an economic policy that works for us and not against us.” ###",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pushing-state-department-to-fix-college-student-visa-delays,King Pushing State Department to Fix College Student Visa Delays,2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined 29 of his Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of State to address delays in processing student and exchange visitor visas ahead of the upcoming academic year. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators are calling for the timely processing of F, M, and J visas as well as for answers about the lack of available visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates. The Senators highlight the vital contributions international students make to universities and communities nationwide, including expanding opportunities for American students, generating economic activity, strengthening the U.S. workforce, and building international partnerships. “International students are critical to the success of our universities, including contributing nearly $43 billion annually to local communities and supporting more than 355,000 American jobs during the 2024-2025 academic year. Even though international students make up only six percent of the total higher education population, their enrollment creates opportunities for American students,” write the Senators. “International students also improve our national security by fostering global relationships, cross cultural understanding, and long-lasting diplomatic ties. These benefits are at risk if visa processing delays persist.” In addition to King, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The full letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Rubio, We write to express our concerns regarding the ongoing unavailability of visa appointments during the peak visa application season for students and scholars seeking to enter the U.S. in time for the start of classes and the academic year. We urge the State Department to ensure timely processing of F, M, and J student and exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas, consistent with the approach taken by administrations of both parties in the past, and to implement other measures to avoid diminishing U.S. competitiveness. Specifically, we are hearing from constituents and stakeholders that no timely visa appointments are available for students at some embassies and consulates. This only exacerbates uncertainty about whether students’ visas will be processed in time for them to travel to the United States to begin their studies. These challenges come at a time when major academic institutions need skilled, international talent to begin their semesters. Without a fix, the repercussions will be felt across the academic and skilled-technical talent pipeline. International students are critical to the success of our universities, including contributing nearly $43 billion annually to local communities and supporting more than 355,000 American jobs during the 2024-2025 academic year. Even though international students make up only six percent of the total higher education population, their enrollment creates opportunities for American students. For every additional international undergraduate enrolled at a U.S. public university, two additional in-state freshman students can enroll. Most international students pay out-of state tuition, injecting vital revenue into our colleges and universities and helping keep costs down for domestic students. International students also improve our national security by fostering global relationships, cross cultural understanding, and long-lasting diplomatic ties. These benefits are at risk if visa processing delays persist. The case-by-case nature of availability for access to expedited appointments or National Interest Exception requests is neither efficient nor sustainable. Instead of diverting already limited personnel resources, the State Department should ensure that its consular sections restore priority to interview, adjudicate, and process student visas in time for the upcoming school year. In addition to the above, we urge the State Department to extend interview waivers for vetted returning student applicants; ensure adequate staffing for timely visa vetting and processing; and meaningfully engage with stakeholders to promote greater transparency. International students bolster the American workforce, drive innovation, and better position our country to maintain its competitive edge. Therefore, we request a written response answering these questions within 30 days: What resources has the Department devoted to processing the backlogs and streamlining processing of F, J, and M visas? Have consular process priorities changed since the spring and summer of 2025? What visa interview categories are currently prioritized by the Bureau of Consular Affairs and where do student visas fall within that list? Provide the list of visa interview prioritization. What guidance has been sent to embassies and consulates regarding prioritization or deprioritization of student and exchange visitor visa processing? Provide a copy of all guidance regarding the prioritizing or deprioritizing of student and exchange visitor visas since August 2025 until the present day. How are interview slots being allocated at embassies and consulates and where do student and exchange visitor visa appointments fit within that allocation? How often are consular post websites and the main State Department website updated for relevant and current information regarding current U.S. consulate operations including visa appointment availability and approximate processing times? When will you resume publicly posting monthly, accurate visa issuance data by category? Will the Department commit to implementing regular, ongoing outreach and collaboration with stakeholders and relevant agencies about the student and exchange visitor visa process and ensure the timely processing of F, J, and M visas? How do you ensure that embassies and consulates are accurately and timely informed of any regulatory or policy changes regarding student and exchange visitor visas? What are the average processing times for F, M, and J visas at the top five locations processing these visas from September 2025 to date, disaggregated by month? Last year, the Department of State announced new vetting, including online presence vetting, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classification. a. What resources has the Department of State devoted to these new vetting procedures? b. In developing these new vetting procedures, what steps has your Department taken to ensure our national security interests of welcoming bona fide international students in our communities can still be achieved through timely processing of F, J, and M visas. c. How many applications have been refused pursuant to the new enhanced vetting procedures? Please disaggregate these numbers by the basis for refusal. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-demand-answers-from-pentagon-about-safety-and-well-being-of-uss-abraham-lincoln-crew,"King, Colleagues Demand Answers from Pentagon About “Safety and Well-Being” of USS Abraham Lincoln Crew",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined several of his colleagues in demanding answers about deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, King and his colleagues raised concerns about the Department of Defense’s failure to provide a clear timeline for the crew’s return and pressed the Department for information about the health, safety and well-being of the sailors and Marines aboard the ship. The letter follows reports that the aircraft carrier’s crew has endured food and water shortages, broken plumbing, and serious mental health crises during its record-setting deployment. “We write regarding the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and mounting evidence that conditions aboard the carrier have deteriorated to the point that the safety and wellbeing of its crew could be compromised,” the Senators began. “These are deeply troubling reports, and the American people deserve honest answers. The USS Lincoln departed San Diego on November 21, 2025. The ship has now been deployed for more than 250 days, including over 200 consecutive days without a port call, setting a modern-day record for continuous time at sea for a U.S. aircraft carrier.” “Our sailors and Marines signed up to serve and to be treated with respect. They did not sign up to be kept at sea indefinitely with no announced return date and, by multiple accounts, without reliable food, hot water, or working plumbing. That is not how we treat the men and women we ask to carry out this mission,” the Senators continued. “As the Secretary of Defense, you are accountable to the men and women who serve our nation. It is time for you to demonstrate leadership, rather than peddle excuses. The servicemembers we send into harm’s way deserve nothing less,” the Senators concluded. King is joined on the letter by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth(D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Chris Coons (D-DE). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Hegseth, We write regarding the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and mounting evidence that conditions aboard the carrier have deteriorated to the point that the safety and wellbeing of its crew could be compromised. These are deeply troubling reports, and the American people deserve honest answers. The USS Lincoln departed San Diego on November 21, 2025. The ship has now been deployed for more than 250 days, including over 200 consecutive days without a port call, setting a modern-day record for continuous time at sea for a U.S. aircraft carrier. Family members of the sailors and Marines serving aboard have received urgent messages describing conditions that should alarm you, and everyone serving in a position of leadership at the Pentagon, to include concerns about exhaustion, food and water shortages, and mental health crises serious enough that multiple sailors reportedly attempted to go overboard. In response to these reports, you publicly stated that the conditions aboard the carrier have been “completely misrepresented.” Even more galling, when asked by reporters about the conditions on the Lincoln, President Trump dismissed the concerns of the families and stated that the Lincoln had not been deployed “nearly long enough.” Our sailors and Marines signed up to serve and to be treated with respect. They did not sign up to be kept at sea indefinitely with no announced return date and, by multiple accounts, without reliable food, hot water, or working plumbing. That is not how we treat the men and women we ask to carry out this mission. This situation was preventable, and the conditions aboard the Lincoln are nearly identical to the issues faced by the USS Ford when it conducted an extended deployment that ended earlier this year. The USS Lincoln was redirected to the Middle East as the war with Iran began and has remained there as that war has dragged on with no clear endpoint. This is a symptom of poor planning by both you and the President and exacerbated by the deeply unsound decision to start a war with Iran. Open-ended deployments driven by an open-ended war have real consequences for our servicemembers, and we are seeing those consequences now. Recent press reports indicate that the USS George Washington will be deployed to the Middle East to relieve the USS AbrahamLincoln. While that is welcome news, the Department’s mismanagement of carrier deployments also means that the U.S. will not have an aircraft carrier in the Pacific for the foreseeable future. However, ensuring the USS Lincoln returns to port takes precedence, and it is incumbent on the Department to inform Congress, and the families, on the plan and timeline to get the crew home. Denial and defensiveness are not acceptable responses. Congress and these families need accountability. Given the seriousness of these reports, we request written answers to the following: What is the current timeline for the USS Lincoln’s relief and return to homeport, and what specific operational requirements are driving continued extensions of this deployment? Was the crew informed that the deployment could be extended indefinitely? Have any members of the crew been changed out since the beginning of this deployment, and if so, how many? Has there been any degradation in the operational capability of the USS Lincoln or her airwing? What mental health resources are being provided to the crew? Have there been any suicides aboard the ship during this deployment? How many instances of detected suicidal ideation or attempted self-harm, including attempts to go overboard, has the Department recorded? What other medical resources are available aboard the ship, and are resources sufficient to meet the crew’s needs given the length of this deployment? What chaplain resources are available to the crew, and have they been adequate to the scale of need aboard the ship? What is the current state of good order and discipline aboard the USS Lincoln? What is the hygiene and healthy food situation on board, including the status of reported plumbing failures, water contamination, and food shortages? What is the extent of illness or injury aboard the ship, including full details of the reported man-overboard incident and any other similar incidents? What is the state of the families of the sailors and Marines aboard the USS Lincoln? What resources are being provided to them, and are they being kept informed on a regular basis about the status of the deployment and their loved ones’ wellbeing? Will the Department authorize a bipartisan congressional delegation to visit the Lincoln to conduct firsthand oversight of conditions aboard the ship? As the Secretary of Defense, you are accountable to the men and women who serve our nation. It is time for you to demonstrate leadership, rather than peddle excuses. The servicemembers we send into harm’s way deserve nothing less. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-welch-demand-dairy-farmers-of-america-end-its-illegal-retaliation-against-vermont-dairy-workers/,"NEWS: Sanders, Welch Demand Dairy Farmers of America End its Illegal Retaliation Against Vermont Dairy Workers",2026-08-18,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 18 – Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today wrote to Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) CEO Dennis Rodenbaugh to demand that the company reverse its decision to close the St. Albans plant and creamery and lay off 80 Vermonters. DFA appears to have decided to shutter the plant following the efforts of workers to come together and form a union. “This decision will have a devastating impact on your workers, their families, Vermont dairy farmers, and the entire St. Albans community. To make matters worse, the timing of this decision following a recent union contract renegotiation raises concerns that idling the plant appears to be an attempt to illegally union-bust and set an example of the approximately 80 Vermonters represented by Teamsters Local 597,” Sanders and Welch wrote. “Without a sufficient explanation, it would be reasonable to conclude that the decision to idle the plant is illegal retaliation for last year’s strike. That is unacceptable.” In October 2025, St. Albans DFA workers ratified a contract after a lengthy bargaining process and a nearly two-week strike. DFA initially touted this contract. Less than a year later, it has announced plans to close the plant. Now recent public reporting indicates this closure could be in direct response to its workers efforts to form a union and a federal judge granted a restraining order against the closure on Monday. “DFA has a responsibility to the workers, farmers, and community members who have built and supported this facility for generations,” the senators continued. “That responsibility means making sure the constitutional rights of your workers to unionize and collectively bargain are fully respected. It means recognizing the impact this decision will have on Vermont’s dairy farmers. And it means being transparent with your workers, farmers and the people of St. Albans about why this decision was made and what DFA intends to do to mitigate its consequences.” Sanders and Welch concluded: “Do the right thing. Reverse your decision to idle the St. Albans plant and creamery. Ensure dairy farmers do not face yet another cost increase on their balance sheets. Protect Franklin County’s agricultural economy. Respect your workers’ constitutional right to collectively bargain. Meet your workers at the bargaining table to provide transparency for this closure and reach a fair agreement with Teamsters Local 597.” Read the letter here.",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-to-introduce-bill-to-stop-trump-from-garnishing-social-security-checks-of-seniors-with-student-debt/,NEWS: Sanders to Introduce Bill to Stop Trump from Garnishing Social Security Checks of Seniors with Student Debt,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 17 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced he will introduce the Stop Social Security Garnishment Act — legislation to prevent seniors from having their Social Security payments withheld by the government to pay back decades-old student loan debt. Joining Sanders as cosponsors on this legislation are Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.). “As a result of Trump’s disastrous cuts to education, an increasing number of seniors are in danger of having their Social Security checks garnished to pay back student loans they took out decades ago. That is beyond unacceptable,” Sanders said. “In the richest country in the history of the world, no senior should have their Social Security payments taken away from them to pay back student debt. This is especially true when seniors throughout the country already cannot afford the skyrocketing price of healthcare, prescription drugs, groceries and housing. Congress must pass this legislation.” The Stop Social Security Garnishment Act comes amid a record-breaking student loan default crisis that has been made worse by Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which made the largest cuts to education in history. Over nine million Americans are now in default on their student loans. This means nearly 1 in 4 student loan borrowers cannot pay back their loans and are at risk of having their wages or Social Security payments seized to pay back their outstanding student debt. More than 1 in 3 Social Security recipients with student loans are reliant on their Social Security payments to make ends meet. Half of Social Security recipients that had a Social Security check garnished because of a defaulted student loan reported skipping a doctor’s visit or reported being unable to obtain a prescription they needed, due to cost. The Stop Social Security Garnishment Act of 2026 will put an end to this absurdity and ensure no Social Security payments are taken away from older adults or individuals with disabilities due to student loan debt. The bill: Prohibits the federal government from garnishing any Social Security payments, including Social Security Disability Insurance, from older adults and individuals with disabilities to pay back student load debt, Protects older adults against unnecessary forced collections, and Ensures older adults retain access to their Social Security payments to access vital healthcare, medicine, and groceries without fear of having access to those basic needs disrupted due to a student loan in default. This legislation is endorsed by organizations including the American Federation of Teachers, Protect Borrowers, Student Debt Crisis Center, American Association of University Women, Debt Collective, Social Security Works, and the Alliance for Retired Americans. Read the bill here.",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-secure-48-million-for-new-downeaster-train-station-in-portland,"Collins, King Secure $48 Million for New Downeaster Train Station in Portland",2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King (I-ME) today announced that they have secured federal funding to support the construction of a new Amtrak Downeaster station in Portland. More specifically, the $48,136,000 investment will help relocate Portland’s existing station, improving the speed and reliability of passenger rail service in Maine. “The Downeaster is an essential transportation link for the people of Maine, connecting communities, supporting our economy, and providing a reliable alternative to getting in the car or boarding an airplane,” said Maine’s Senators. “Relocating Portland’s station to the mainline is a commonsense investment that will mean shorter trips, fewer delays, and better connections for passengers traveling throughout Maine and New England. We’re proud to have helped secure this federal funding to help move this long-awaited project forward and strengthen passenger rail service for generations to come.” The project has been selected to advance through final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) will provide a 20 percent non-federal match. Amtrak’s Downeaster provides daily passenger rail service connecting Brunswick and communities throughout southern Maine with Boston, Massachusetts. The service is managed by NNEPRA and serves communities including Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells. ###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-on-reported-use-of-shock-gloves-by-ice,King Releases Statement on Reported Use of Shock Gloves by ICE,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in response to reporting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is spending $20 million dollars on “shock gloves” in its nationwide patrols. “At a time when the majority of Americans believe that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been irresponsible in its use of force, the new ICE announcement touting shock gloves begs a crucial question: is ICE genuinely focused on de-escalation or, what appears more likely, intimidation of anyone critical of their often unlawful conduct? “When two separate and entirely partisan funding bills passed Congress in the last year, they directed $75 billion in taxpayer dollars to ICE’s rogue agenda, and even forward-funded the agency into 2029 in order to make congressional oversight all but impossible. “We have already seen the tragic and deadly results of this agency operating without any real accountability. Innocent civilians have been killed, body-worn camera footage – when there are body cameras actually available and activated – is only released when it benefits the agency, and Americans nationwide are feeling more and more like they are living in a police state occupied by masked agents. “And rather than have an open, good-faith conversation over methods and tactics, ICE is now investing millions (through what is reportedly a no-bid contract) in shock gloves that can do serious harm with little or no transparency or accountability. “I urge every single one of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up, assert our constitutional authority, and demand immediate answers from ICE on their hiring practices, training, and tactics. “I never thought I would see the day when masked and armed men in unmarked cars would be roaming the streets and neighborhoods of America, acting in utter disregard of the legal constraints that are basic to our freedoms. “It’s becoming more and more clear that the stated basis for this gross violation of our rights—that they are ridding our communities of “the worst of the worst”—is a lie, and the real purpose is to establish a national police force to do the bidding of a corrupt and lawless administration. “It is past time for Congress to do its duty and, for once, put country ahead of party.” Senator King has been outspoken and proactive in his efforts to negotiate necessary guardrails for ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the wake of unprofessional and unconstitutional behavior among those agencies. In January, King appeared on Face the Nation where he explained his Constitutional concerns over how ICE was operating in Maine, as well as possible paths forward for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding package. In February, he released a statement on congressional efforts to curtail ICE’s activities in Maine and across the country—again calling for the implementation of guardrails. Most recently, King called for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. Additionally, when given the chance to vote for a DHS budget that funded TSA, FEMA, CISA and the Coast Guard – holding ICE and CBP funding for bipartisan negotiations to include additional civilian protections – Senator King voted in favor of this approach all eleven times it was considered on the Senate floor. ###",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-new-study-confirms-medicare-for-all-would-save-114000-lives-and-more-than-1-trillion-a-year/,"NEWS: New Study Confirms Medicare for All Would Save 114,000 Lives and more than $1 Trillion a Year",2026-08-11,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today issued the following statement after Yale University researchers released a new study finding that Sanders’ Medicare for All legislation would save 114,000 lives and reduce overall healthcare spending in America by more than $1 trillion a year. “This study confirms what we have known for years: Medicare for All saves lives and saves money. In fact, guaranteeing healthcare as a human right through a Medicare for All, single-payer system would cost $1 trillion less than our current dysfunctional system. It would save working families thousands of dollars a year. And it would prevent over 100,000 Americans from dying unnecessarily each and every year because they cannot make it to a doctor in time,” Sanders said. “At a time when 15 million Americans are being thrown off the healthcare they have and 20 million Americans have already seen their premiums double, on average, as a result of Trump’s so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ we need Medicare for All now more than ever. The time is now to end the greed of the big insurance and drug companies and pass Medicare for All.” Yale University researchers found that Medicare for All would reduce total annual healthcare spending by nearly 20%, or more than $1 trillion while eliminating premiums, deductibles and copayments, provider networks, and prior authorization. As a result, Americans would save: $377.5 billion by paying no more than other major countries for prescription drugs; $286.3 billion by eliminating bureaucracy and waste; $285.7 billion by curbing fraudulent billing; $100 billion by preventing costly emergency room and hospital visits; and $295.6 billion by reimbursing providers fairly for the care they provide. Researchers also estimate that Medicare for All would save 114,000 lives every year, including: 33,232 Americans who are currently uninsured and can’t access lifesaving care; 29,631 Americans who are currently underinsured and cannot afford care; 20,111 Americans who would no longer lose their health insurance as a result of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”; 18,200 seniors who are currently unable to afford their prescription drugs; and 13,000 seniors who would receive quality care in nursing homes.",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-calls-on-tech-giants-to-pause-development-of-out-of-control-ai/,NEWS: Sanders Calls on Tech Giants to Pause Development of Out-of-Control AI,2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 10 – Following recent and repeated public reporting about artificial intelligence (AI) technology breaking outside of human control and creating potentially dangerous viruses, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today urged America’s largest AI companies — Anthropic, Meta and OpenAI — to immediately pause their development of Artificial Intelligence. “Almost every day, there is a new story about how your companies are losing control of the AI technology you are developing, with potentially cataclysmic results,” Sanders wrote. “And yet, at a moment when we have seen human loss of control and the creation of potentially dangerous viruses, your companies are still racing ahead — investing tens of billions of dollars into a technology that nobody can fully understand, predict or control.” In his letter to the leaders of Anthropic, Meta and OpenAI, Sanders cites the companies’ previous commitments to limit AI development once these tools surpass dangerous safety thresholds. Last year, Meta said it would “stop development,” and OpenAI said it would “halt further development” once their technologies reach beyond its ability to operate safely and unless safeguards are in place. Anthropic made a similar commitment in 2023, saying it would “pause the scaling and/or delay the deployment of new models” if the technology outpaces its own guardrails. Over the past month, those three companies have all acknowledged instances of their AI escaping human control and hacking into other companies’ systems — violating the law and stepping outside of their intended functions. Just this week, AI was first used to create new viruses that could be used as bioweapons. “In the interest of humanity, stand by your words. Pause AI development. It is not too late to avoid disaster. Stop building machines that humans cannot control,” Sanders concluded. “Let me be very clear: If you do not take appropriate action now, my colleagues and I in the U.S. Senate will.”",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-cassidy-sanders-request-update-from-justice-department-on-contempt-charges-for-former-hospital-ceo/,"NEWS: Cassidy, Sanders Request Update from Justice Department on Contempt Charges for Former Hospital CEO",2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 – Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member, sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting information on the status of the contempt referral for Dr. Ralph de la Torre, former Chairman and CEO of Steward Health Care, which was unanimously adopted by the Senate on September 25, 2024. Steward previously operated 31 hospitals in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. On May 6, 2024, Steward Health Care declared bankruptcy, representing the largest for-profit hospital bankruptcy in United States history. “The bankruptcy represented a culmination of financial mismanagement and self-interested incentives by Dr. de la Torre and corporate executives in health care, private equity, and real estate. The resulting harm included termination of health care workers, patient deaths, and multiple hospital closures resulting in lack of access to care,” Cassidy and Sanders wrote. In response to the bankruptcy, the HELP Committee initiated an investigation into Steward’s financial mismanagement and invited Dr. de la Torre to appear at a hearing on September 12, 2024. Dr. de la Torre declined the invitation. The Committee then voted to authorize a subpoena requiring de la Torre to appear on September 12, 2025. Dr. de la Torre failed to appear. In response, the Committee voted 20-0 on a criminal contempt resolution. This was the first time in modern American history that the HELP Committee issued a criminal contempt resolution. “We needed answers from Dr. de la Torre, as did the health care workers forced to treat patients in dangerous conditions, loved ones of patients who died, and communities who saw their local hospitals close or face severe financial distress. Dr. de la Torre’s wealth should not make him immune to requests from Congress, especially as communities continue to grapple with the consequences of Dr. de la Torre’s greed,” the HELP Committee leaders continued. Following the Committee action, the Senate then unanimously adopted the Committee’s criminal contempt resolution, which certified the HELP Committee Report regarding Dr. de la Torre’s failure to appear to the US Attorney for the District of Columbia to present to a grand jury. “Unfortunately, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia has not yet acted on this important effort to hold Dr. De la Torre criminally accountable for his actions. We request an update on the status of this case and the actions taken by the U.S. Attorney by August 20, 2026,” Cassidy and Sanders concluded.",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-introduces-bill-to-guarantee-paid-vacation-for-u-s-workers/,NEWS: Sanders Introduces Bill to Guarantee Paid Vacation for U.S. Workers,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today reintroduced the Guaranteed Paid Vacation Act — legislation that would guarantee at least two weeks of paid vacation to every full-time worker in America. Joining Sanders as cosponsors are Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) introduced companion legislation along with 86 members of the House of Representatives. “It is beyond unacceptable that in the year 2026, the United States remains the only major country on Earth not to guarantee paid vacation time to workers. This legislation would put an end to that international embarrassment,” Sanders said. “We hear a lot of talk about family values in America, but let’s be clear: When a husband, wife, and kids, during the course of an entire year, are unable to spend any time together on vacation, that is not a family value. That is an attack on everything that a family is supposed to stand for. It’s not a radical idea to require companies in America to provide at least two weeks of paid vacation to their workers. What’s radical is that millions of Americans are not only working longer hours for lower wages, but that they do not receive a single paid vacation day. That should not be happening in the United States of America, the richest country in the history of the world.” “Every worker in America deserves the chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with the people they love without worrying about missing a paycheck,” Magaziner said. “I’m grateful to Senator Sanders for leading this fight in the Senate. It is time that we deliver this basic fairness to hardworking Americans.” While millions of Americans are working longer hours for lower wages, the U.S. remains the only major economy in the world to not guarantee some type of paid vacation time to its people. Today in Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Australia and many countries in Europe, workers are guaranteed at least 10 days of paid vacation. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Sweden and France, paid vacation benefits are even stronger. Meanwhile, nearly one in four workers in America — or more than 33 million workers nationwide — receive no paid vacation time at all. At the same time, almost 40% of workers report being on the job at least 45 hours a week and the average full-time worker in the U.S. now reports working 43 hours a week. Moreover, more than nine million Americans work multiple jobs, with more than five million working a second part-time job on top of a full-time job. If passed, the Guaranteed Paid Vacation Act would ensure that: Every worker in America has the right to accrue at least one hour of paid annual leave for every 25 hours worked. Full-time workers will earn at least two weeks of paid annual leave per year, to be used for any reason, at their standard rate of pay. Workers are protected against discrimination for exercising their right to take annual paid leave. A recent poll found 79% of Americans support the Guaranteed Paid Vacation Act. The American people’s support for the legal right to paid time off is nearly universal. According to a recent poll conducted by the RAND Corporation, 90% of Americans support legislation that would require employers to offer earned time off. The Guaranteed Paid Vacation Act is endorsed by United Auto Workers (UAW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), National Education Association (NEA), National Nurses United (NNU), Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR)-SEIU, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation (SMART) Union, United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), United Steelworkers (USW), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), A Better Balance, National Partnership for Women & Families, United for Respect, Equal Rights Advocates, Family Values @ Work, MomsRising, National Employment Law Project (NELP), Paid Leave for All, Workplace Fairness, The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and Indivisible. Read the text here.",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-ocasio-cortez-ramirez-reintroduce-the-green-new-deal-for-public-housing-act/,"NEWS: Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Ramirez Reintroduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act, which would rebuild the United States’ public housing stock, address the longstanding capital backlog and create thousands of union jobs. This bill provides a much-needed infusion of federal funding to update every public housing unit through weatherization, electrification, and modernization so that it may serve as a model of efficiency, sustainability and resiliency for the rest of the nation. Joining Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez and Ramirez as cosponsors of this legislation are Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and 38 members of the House of Representatives. “In the richest country in the history of the world, it is unacceptable that our nation’s public housing is in a state of chronic disrepair. It is unacceptable that hundreds of millions of Americans are facing the disastrous impacts of climate change while the fossil fuel industry makes huge profits. And it is unacceptable that far too many Americans are working multiple jobs just to keep a roof over their head,” Sanders said. “What the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act does is say that yes, we can create decent and affordable public housing for more than 1.5 million Americans that is based on energy efficiency and sustainable sources of power. And that when we do that, we can also create hundreds of thousands of good-paying, union jobs. That is a win-win-win situation.” “From record-breaking heat waves to extreme flooding displacing public housing residents, Americans are feeling the parallel impacts of the housing and climate crisis. Now more than ever, it is integral that Congress put forward bold solutions that ensure our nation’s housing stock is both affordable and resilient,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “I am proud to reintroduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act alongside Representative Delia Ramirez and Senator Bernie Sanders to deliver a generational rebuild of our nation’s public housing stock, reduce emissions, and create hundreds of thousands of union jobs, including job opportunities for public housing residents. This Congress, we received our first endorsements from building trades unions. We are proud to fight for a bold future for public housing alongside the people who will build it.” “Safe, sustainable, resilient, affordable housing is a HUMAN RIGHT, plain and simple. The policies we advance in Congress must help us realize that truth for EVERYONE. As our nation reckons with both a worsening housing crisis and urgent climate crisis, we must fight for and realize bold policy action and investment,” Ramirez said. “As the current administration attacks affordable housing funding, I am proud to stand with Representative Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Sanders to reintroduce legislation that will secure the future of our public housing, prioritize climate and racial justice, and boost our economy and labor force. The Green New Deal for Public Housing is a bold solution to our national housing problem” The bill would create seven grant programs under one application process to modernize our public housing stock through: Deep energy retrofits to increase energy savings in nearly a million public housing units; Workforce development programs, prioritizing good-paying job opportunities for residents; Energy efficiency, building electrification, and water quality upgrades; Community renewable energy generation, the profits of which will be controlled by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to boost their coffers and increase self-sufficiency; Community resiliency and sustainability measures; Climate adaptation and emergency disaster response systems. This legislation has been endorsed by three building trades unions: the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC), the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-lead-push-to-protect-federal-workforce-at-portsmouth-naval-shipyard,"King, Pingree Lead Push to Protect Federal Workforce at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and U.S Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), are urging the administration to withdraw a proposed rule that would weaken longstanding civil service protections for federal employees, including the nearly 8,000 civilian workers at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). In a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Charles Ezell and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Chairman Cathy Harris, the lawmakers warned that the proposal would make it more difficult to recruit and retain the skilled civilian workforce responsible for maintaining the Navy's submarine fleet, ultimately threatening national security. ""We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)'s proposed rule 'Promoting Employee Accountability,’” the lawmakers began. “This proposed rule would weaken longstanding civil service protections that promote merit-based employment, due process and the recruitment and retention of skilled workers. Moreover, as Members of Congress who represent nearly eight thousand civilian workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, we are concerned about the proposed rule's impact on workers essential to our national security."" ""By stripping away the procedures that keep discipline fair for civilian employees doing the work of naval readiness... the proposed rule introduces costly unpredictability in the workforce and needlessly undermines readiness. We are concerned this will increase attrition in the critical and experienced workforce that keeps our submarine fleet ready... We, therefore, ask you to withdraw OPM and MSPB's proposed rule,"" the lawmakers concluded. Joining King and Pingree on the letter are U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and U.S. Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02) and Chris Pappas (D-NH-01). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Director Kupor and Acting Chairman Kerner, We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)’s proposed rule “Promoting Employee Accountability,” Docket OPM-2025-0012 (RIN 3206-AO91). This proposed rule would weaken longstanding civil service protections that promote merit-based employment, due process and the recruitmentand retention of skilled workers. Moreover, as Members of Congress who represent nearly eight thousand civilian workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, we are concerned about the proposed rule’s impact on workers essential to our national security. OPM and MSPB’s joint notice of proposed rulemaking issued on July 2, 2026, unnecessarily weakens civil service protections and undermines workers’ rights to challenge removal. Current law provides agencies with the authority to address misconduct and poor performance while ensuring personnel decisions are appropriate, fair and consistent. This rulewould impose a short 30-day limit for performance improvement periods and make termination the default penalty. Theshortened window, coupled with termination as the default, could result in the loss of skilled workers who could have improved their performance if given sufficient time. Furthermore, the proposed rule weakens workers’ ability to challenge disciplinary measures by barring the use of union time to represent workers in removal proceedings. Since the MSPB’s decision in Douglas v. Veterans Administration in 1981, agencies must consider 12 factors when examining the reasonableness of an agency’s proposed penalty for adverse action taken under 5 U.S.C. 7513. These include considering mitigating circumstances, rehabilitation potential and length of service. For nearly 50 years across Republican and Democratic administrations, these consistent standards have provided fairness to federal workers facing accusations of misconduct and created a framework for determining approportionate responses. OPM’s and MSPB’s proposal would instead require agencies to rely on an arbitrary, case-by-case examination of whether disciplinary action is reasonable given the “totality of circumstances” and explicitly states that “noparticular factors must be considered in every case.” This could allow agencies to ignore important mitigating factors and more easily remove skilled workers with strong rehabilitation potential from critical industries. As you are no doubt aware, the men and women who work at our public shipyards are critical members of our defenseindustrial base, without whom the ability to repair, retrofit and refuel our country’s submarines would be in jeopardy. In our states, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) has nearly eight thousand civilian employees, creating more than $1.5 billion in annual economic impact in surrounding communities. As our military’s “pacing threat,” the People’s Republic of China, is rapidly expanding its nuclear weapons programs, the role that our own submarines play in the survivability of our nuclear triad cannot be overstated. In fact, PNSY currently needs to hire over 700 workers annually to meet the Navy’s demand – which is an increase from 550 over the past two years. Further, policies that reduce workplace protections risk making federal service less attractive to qualified candidates. Due to civilian hiring quotas imposed by the Office of Personnel Management, PNSY has struggled to onboard workers and cannot risk additional delays or departures. If the Administration intends to retain this political litmus test at our public shipyards, the costs of unnecessarily losing more skilled workers through this proposed rule far outweigh any potential benefit. By stripping away the procedures that keep discipline fair for civilian employees doing the work of naval readiness and refusing toconsider important factors, the proposed rule introduces costly unpredictability in the workforce and needlessly undermines readiness. We are concerned this will increase attrition in the critical and experienced workforce that keeps our submarine fleet ready, ultimately harming the shipyard’s ability to meet the Navy’s needs and threatening our national security. We, therefore, ask you to withdraw OPM and MSPB’s proposed rule, “Promoting Employee Accountability,” and consider alternatives that preserve federal workers’ longstanding civil service protections. Sincerely,",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-fight-mosquito-borne-diseases,Senator King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fight Mosquito-Borne Diseases,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen the fight against mosquito and other vector-borne diseases (VBD). The Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (SMASH) 2.0 Act would reauthorize funding for federal mosquito control and public health response efforts as well as improve preparedness and response efforts for VBDs. Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) is the technical term for diseases spread by insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. For decades, the United States government has successfully controlled VBDs through methods like eliminating standing water breeding grounds and deploying safe pesticides to eliminate the seasonal scourges of malaria and yellow fever. “One of the best parts about living in Maine is being able to spend time outdoors, but the threat of dangerous illnesses from mosquito bites is a real concern,” said Senator King. “Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance – they have the potential to transmit dangerous diseases which threaten American public health Acting to prevent the spread of such diseases is essential to protect the health of Maine people and Americans nationwide. The SMASH 2.0 Act would provide our communities with further protection from vector-borne diseases and their complications, promoting health and reducing healthcare costs.” More specifically, the SMASH 2.0 Act would: Reauthorize the CDC’s Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (MASH) program at $100 million per year; Authorize within the MASH program to expand training, evaluation, and to support education and training for public health staff engaged in mosquito abatement; and Require the CDC to coordinate with the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) on stockpiling vector-borne disease control products. “Mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit are continual threats to all Americans,” said American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) Technical Advisor Daniel Markowski. “The reauthorization of the SMASH Act is imperative to support the ability of local districts, state health departments, territorial governments, and tribal communities to identify and combat the continued threat of vector-borne diseases from mosquitoes. The AMCA strongly supports this legislation as it will provide local programs with resources for timely, on-the-ground prevention and control.” “Strengthening the capacity of local and state health departments to detect and respond to outbreaks promptly through vector surveillance, laboratory testing, and integrated disease management programs is necessary to effectively slow the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases and limit their spread to promote the health and safety of the public. The SMASH 2.0 Act is one critical way to help accomplish this and the Entomological Society of America enthusiastically encourages Congress to pass this legislation,” said Dr. Melissa Siebert, the 2026 President of the Entomological Society of America. Joining Senator King on this legislation are U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Rick Scott (R-FL). “The West Nile virus does not consign itself to far-off lands. Mississippians are infected with it every year,” said Senator Wicker (R-MS). “This bill will help us track and treat West Nile Virus in our communities.” “Minnesotans are proud to boast about our 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers for us to enjoy, and we’re always eager to get outside after a long winter. The only downside to having so many bodies of water to enjoy are the mosquitos that come with them,” said Senator Smith (D-MN). “The number of vector-borne disease cases in Minnesota and across the country is on the rise. This bill will strengthen education, preparedness, and response efforts for these diseases, ensuring that Americans can continue to safely enjoy the outdoors. “Florida’s world-famous weather brings millions of visitors to beaches and parks across the Sunshine State every year. I am proud to partner with my colleagues to ensure those beautiful outdoor spaces are protected against mosquito-borne illnesses. State and local governments need to be properly prepared to combat the spread of these diseases, and this bill goes a long way to ensure those tools are available to them,” said Senator Scott (R-FL). Senator King has long been an active proponent for research intended to combat vector-borne diseases. In 2025, Senator King introduced the Kay Hagan Tick Act, landmark legislation to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases. Senator King also introduced the SMASH Act in 2019, a predecessor to the SMASH 2.0 Act that authorized funding for mosquito control and VBD prevention efforts in response to the spread of Zika in the years prior. The SMASH Act was signed into law in 2019. ###",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-warns-democrats-dont-open-back-door-for-republicans-to-cut-social-security/,NEWS: Sanders Warns Democrats: Don’t Open Back Door for Republicans to Cut Social Security,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 — After the Social Security Administration warned that 70 million Americans will have their benefits cut by 2032 unless Congress takes action, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today called on Senate Democrats to strongly oppose the PROMISE Act — legislation allowing congressional Republicans to slash or privatize Social Security through an unelected commission. Sanders instead urged his Democratic colleagues to support his legislation, backed by 78% of the American people, to apply the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000 a year, increase benefits by $2,400 a year and expand Cost-of-Living Adjustments. In 2023, the Social Security Administration estimated that this legislation would make Social Security solvent for 75 years without raising taxes on 91 percent of Americans who make less than $250,000 a year. “The Democratic Caucus must make it abundantly clear that under no circumstances will we support legislation that cuts Social Security benefits, raises the retirement age, reduces Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs), or privatizes this essential program,” Sanders wrote. “At a time when the wealthiest people in America are becoming much wealthier, asking them to pay the same percentage of their income into Social Security as teachers, nurses, firefighters, and construction workers is not a radical idea. It is common sense. It is what the American people want… Unfortunately, instead of clearly telling the American people how we intend to strengthen Social Security, there are now Members of Congress who are considering legislation that moves us in exactly the wrong direction.” Seniors in America today face the highest rate of poverty of almost any major country. Over 20% of seniors are trying to survive on an income of less than $15,000 a year and nearly half of older workers have no savings or plan for retirement. Yet despite this retirement crisis, billionaires continue to pay much less proportionally into Social Security than do working-class Americans, and Republicans in Congress are making their intention to undermine the program clear. Last week, Senate Republicans called Social Security a “scam” on the Senate floor. In his letter, Sanders warns that the PROMISE Act would enable departing members of Congress who have lost the confidence of the American people — especially those from a party that might have lost control of one or both chambers following November’s elections — to determine the future of Social Security for the next 50 years. “At a time when the very rich are getting richer while working families struggle, it is no great secret that millions of Americans no longer have faith in the political process or either major party. They see the current political system as rigged and corrupt, benefiting the powerful and wealthy campaign contributors. If the Democratic Party is ever to regain the faith of ordinary Americans it must stand firm on the issue of Social Security,” Sanders concluded. “Instead, we will strengthen and expand Social Security by requiring the wealthiest Americans to finally pay the same percentage of their income into Social Security as tens of millions of working people do today. That is how we prevent benefit cuts. That is how we expand Social Security. That is how we extend Social Security’s solvency for generations to come. That is how the Democratic Party begins to regain the trust of the American people.”",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-medicare-patients-physicians,"King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Medicare Patients, Physicians",2026-08-03,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing bipartisan legislation to support physicians and preserve their ability to care for Medicare patients. The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act would modernize the Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule (MFPS) – how much medical professionals are reimbursed for providing care – and preserve patient access to care by adjusting payments to cover more of the actual cost of delivering medical services. As reported by the American Medical Association (AMA), the average Medicare reimbursement for physician services has declined roughly 33 percent since 2001 when adjusted for inflation. This reduction can be largely attributed to the Medicare budget neutrality threshold last updated in 1992, which has failed to keep pace with the rising cost of care. The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act reforms key structural elements of MPFS, supporting physicians and preserving their ability to care for Medicare patients. “Accessible, reliable health care is essential for seniors across Maine, particularly in our rural communities where providers are already stretched thin,” said Senator King. “The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act would help ensure that Medicare providers are fairly reimbursed so they can continue delivering the full range of care that Maine seniors depend on for their healthcare needs. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this commonsense bipartisan legislation to strengthen access to quality care for older Americans.” King is joined on the legislation by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Senator King has long been an outspoken advocate for the provision of affordable, accessible healthcare for all Americans. In June of 2026, Senator King introduced the Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act, requiring 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 2022, Senator King also voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic package which included significant, commonsense changes to Medicare that caps out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors on Medicare at $2000 a year and allows Medicare to negotiate lower prices for many of the drugs it purchases. ###",1,2026-08-04T07:35:49Z,2026-08-04T07:37:27Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-announces-new-va-clinics-to-serve-vermont-veterans/,NEWS: Sanders Announces New VA Clinics to Serve Vermont Veterans,2026-08-01,2026,2026-08,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 1 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced today that new community-based U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinics (CBOCs) will be built in South Burlington, Vermont, and West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, to serve Vermont veterans. These facilities represent real progress in expanding VA healthcare for veterans in our state. “As the former Chair and a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am very pleased to announce these two new, state-of-the-art clinics for veterans to get their primary healthcare,” Sanders said. “The Burlington clinic — the state’s busiest — will be replaced by a facility that is twice as large, located at the Technology Park in South Burlington. The 36,000-square-foot facility will first see patients in spring 2029. I am also delighted that the new South Burlington clinic will provide desperately needed dental care services, a first for a VA facility in Vermont. “The Brattleboro clinic will be combined with a clinic in Keene, New Hampshire, to provide improved services for veterans in both states. The clinic will be located at 99 NH-9 in West Chesterfield. The 27,000-square-foot facility will also begin seeing patients in spring 2029,” Sanders continued. “When it became clear the VA would combine the Keene and Brattleboro clinics into one, larger facility, I worked with them to ensure a location was selected that was convenient to veterans in both states. I am pleased they selected a location right near the bridge to Brattleboro to ensure Vermont veterans don’t need to travel far to see their doctor.” The VA operates community-based outpatient clinics in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Newport and Rutland that serve nearly 19,000 Vermont veterans. These clinics provide primary care, specialty treatment and mental health services, and function as satellites of the VA medical center in White River Junction.",1,2026-08-02T07:31:21Z,2026-08-02T07:32:50Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-legislation-to-protect-polling-stations-from-federal-intervention-armed-troops,"King Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Polling Stations from Federal Intervention, Armed Troops",2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to protect against the use of federal troops or armed federal agents at polling places. The Protect Our Polls Act would require congressional approval prior to any deployment of armed federal law enforcement or uniformed military personnel at polling stations across the country. Existing federal law explicitly prohibits the federal government from sending federal troops or law enforcement to polling places with only a minor exception should they be used to repel “armed enemies of the United States.” The Protect Our Polls Act aims to close that loophole and create additional barriers to prevent the President from interfering in elections and utilizing law enforcement and the military to intimidate voters. “Free and fair elections serve as the foundation of American democracy, and its strength rests upon the assurance that elections remain accessible for all Americans,” said Senator King. “The Protect Our Polls Act would strengthen protections against tactics designed to intimidate voters at polling stations, ensuring that Americans are confident in their safety when exercising their right to vote. Our democracy remains healthy only when those who constitute it have their voices heard, and this bill will protect their ability to do so.” King is joined on the legislation by Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jackie Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). Senator King has long been an outspoken advocate for the protection of democratic freedoms. After President Trump gave a national address threatening increased federal interference with elections, King published an op-ed outlining his concerns surrounding the Trump administration’s aims to nationalize elections. Earlier this week, King introduced the Stop Harassment and Intimidation in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act, authorizing state attorney generals and individual voters to bring civil actions against those who violate federal laws protecting elections. In 2025, Senator King cosponsored the Defending America’s Future Election’s Act, which would repeal an Executive Order to review voter registration lists and allow the federal government to exert greater control over state voting processes, requirements likely to disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters if put in place. Two years prior, in 2023, Senator King also introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, aiming to codify national standard for voting rights in law, end gerrymandering on party lines, and eliminate the influence of undisclosed funding in elections. ###",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-grassley-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-audit-the-pentagon-and-end-wasteful-spending/,"NEWS: Sanders, Grassley Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Audit the Pentagon and End Wasteful Spending",2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"The Pentagon failed its eighth consecutive audit last year, unable to fully account for $4.65 trillion in assets WASHINGTON, July 30 – Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today reintroduced the Audit the Pentagon Act. This legislation would impose financial consequences if the Pentagon fails to pass a full, independent audit. Any Pentagon component that fails to achieve a clean audit opinion would have 2% of its budget withheld and returned to the Treasury for deficit reduction. Joining Sanders and Grassley as cosponsors of the Audit the Pentagon Act are Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). Despite accounting for more than half of the federal government’s discretionary spending and roughly two-thirds of all federal contracting activity, the Pentagon remains the only one of the federal government’s 24 major agencies to have never passed a clean financial audit — a requirement under federal law since the early 1990s and mandatory on an annual basis since 2018. In its eighth consecutive failed audit, which was released in December 2025 and covered $4.65 trillion in reported assets and $4.7 trillion in liabilities across all 50 states and more than 40 countries, the Pentagon Office of Inspector General identified 26 instances of the most severe auditing errors and two additional significant accounting issues in the department’s internal controls over financial reporting. “The Pentagon has been plagued by a massive amount of waste, fraud and financial mismanagement for decades,” Sanders said. “Year after year, the Pentagon fails an audit, and year after year, Congress hands it another blank check. At a moment when the administration has dragged us into an unconstitutional war with Iran and is demanding the largest military budget in our history to pay for it, the Pentagon still cannot tell us where trillions of dollars have gone. We have got to end the absurdity of the Pentagon being the only major federal agency that has never passed an independent audit.” “America has the strongest military in the world and a mission to deliver peace through strength. National security is the number one responsibility of the federal government, and every dollar we spend to keep our country safe should be clearly accounted for. Yet, the Department of Defense has never received a clean audit opinion. Our bipartisan legislation holds the Defense Department accountable by ensuring it meets the same audit standards as other agencies, or it faces a financial penalty. Any dollar lost by the Department of Defense wastes taxpayers’ money and weakens our national security,” Grassley said. Examples of waste and fraud at the Pentagon include: Almost $141 billion spent on a Northrop Grumman ballistic missile project that was supposed to cost $77 billion, and which is seven years behind schedule. More than $126 billion spent on a General Dynamics submarine program which has run $17 billion over cost. The per-sub cost has nearly doubled since 2019. More than $12 billion spent on one missile battery from Leidos and Dynetics that the Pentagon can’t even confirm works. More than $6 billion spent over 16 years on a Raytheon project to build a GPS system. The Pentagon cancelled the project in April due to “insurmountable” problems with its product. Despite this record, Congress continues to expand the Pentagon’s budget every year. The Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request seeks approximately $1.15 trillion — the latest in a decades-long trend of rising Pentagon budgets that have never been matched by basic financial accountability. The Audit the Pentagon Act would finally hold the Pentagon accountable. Read the fact sheet here.",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-dea-to-clarify-rule-threatening-maine-ems-providers-with-new-costs,Maine Delegation Calls on DEA to Clarify Rule Threatening Maine EMS Providers with New Costs,2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are calling on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to quickly clarify federal guidance that is threatening Maine emergency medical service (EMS) agencies with new costs. In a letter to DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, the lawmakers explained that uncertainty surrounding the DEA's implementation of a 2017 law has led several Maine hospital systems to end longstanding agreements that allowed local EMS agencies to obtain certain emergency supplies and medications through their hospital partners. Without these agreements, EMS agencies have already begun to spend thousands of their own dollars on these expenses, likely resulting in cost increases to patients to recoup the additional charges. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), along with related DEA regulations, requires registration for any practice that dispenses controlled substances. Prior to 2017, the CSA did not directly mention EMS, and thus EMS departments historically were not required to register to procure or dispense controlled substances – allowing EMS to acquire medications and supplies from hospital partners to do their critical work. “We write today to request that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issue clarifying guidance regarding implementation of the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medicines Act of 2017 (PPAEMA),” the lawmakers began. “As you know, PPAEMA amended the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to allow Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies to obtain independent registrations to administer controlled substances. This statutory change was intended to codify existing law and ensure EMS responders operate seamlessly under the supervision of a licensed physician. Unfortunately, the DEA’s subsequent final rule has created disruption and confusion for Maine’s healthcare system.” “The conflicting interpretations of this rule have led our state’s largest hospital networks to abruptly terminate long-standing agreements held with local EMS providers for such medical supplies. Therefore, swift clarification from the DEA is urgently needed not only to prevent exorbitant, unexpected costs from being forced onto Maine’s EMS agencies but also to preserve vital local partnerships,” the lawmakers continued. “Therefore, we ask DEA to issue clarifying guidance as soon as possible to prevent further confusion and to ensure more unnecessary costs are not borne by our EMS agencies. Thank you for your attention to our request, and we look forward to your response,” the lawmakers concluded. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Administrator Cole: We write today to request that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issue clarifying guidance regarding implementation of the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medicines Act of 2017 (PPAEMA). As you know, PPAEMA amended the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to allow Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies to obtain independent registrations to administer controlled substances. This statutory change was intended to codify existing law and ensure EMS responders operate seamlessly under the supervision of a licensed physician. Unfortunately, the DEA’s subsequent final rule has created severe disruption and confusion for Maine’s healthcare system. The conflicting interpretations of this rule have led our state’s largest hospital networks to abruptly terminate long-standing agreements held with local EMS providers for such medical supplies. Therefore, swift clarification from the DEA is urgently needed not only to prevent exorbitant, unexpected costs from being forced onto Maine’s EMS agencies but also to preserve vital local partnerships. PPAEMA established a new registration category under the CSA for EMS agencies that are authorized to conduct emergency services under state law. Congressional intent in enacting PPAEMA was clear in focusing on clarifying existing law to align with current practices to allow EMS to administer controlled substances under the supervision of a physician. The purpose was not to create a new requirement whereby EMS agencies would be required to procure controlled substances and other required medications. However, subsequent rulemaking and implementation of PPAEMA has created uncertainty and significant costs to our EMS agencies as they look to comply with the law and new regulations. Per the final rule, “… controlled substances must be delivered to the registered location of the EMS agency or the hospital if the EMS agency operates under the hospital’s DEA registration.” Hospitals in our state interpret this to mean that previous purchasing and distribution agreements with EMS agencies outside of the hospital organization’s direct oversight are no longer valid and violate PPAEMA rulemaking. As a result, approximately 140 EMS agencies across Maine are reportedly spending tens of thousands of dollars each to procure the secure systems required for independent storage compliance. Additionally, these agencies are facing the likelihood of having to spend thousands of dollars, if not more, on required substances. Because these medications are often exclusively sold in bulk, smaller EMS agencies will be forced to buy quantities they cannot realistically use before the drugs expire. At a time of severe budget constraints, this rigid interpretation is creating a crippling operational and financial burden for our EMS agencies. In a recent article, quotes from DEA staff and Maine EMS suggest that previous arrangements remain accessible and that registration by EMS agencies with DEA are optional. According to Heidi Carroll, diversion program manager at DEA Northeast Region, “This is not a requirement by DEA. This is an additional registration category made available, but it does not replace any previous compliant arrangements to provide patient care and emergency services to the public.” However, our hospitals must ensure that they are compliant with DEA regulations and without clarifying guidance, believe that they cannot maintain previous arrangements to procure and distribute controlled substances to EMS agencies. Therefore, we ask DEA to issue clarifying guidance as soon as possible to prevent further confusion and to ensure more unnecessary costs are not borne by our EMS agencies. Thank you for your attention to our request, and we look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-bill-to-expand-mental-health-care-access-in-rural-maine-communities,King Leads Bill to Expand Mental Health Care Access in Rural Maine Communities,2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King is introducing legislation to help people in rural Maine communities maintain reliable access to mental health care. The Compacts, Access, and Responsible Expansion (CARE) for Mental Health Professionals Act would incentivize interstate medical health provider networks with federally funded grant opportunities. Interstate networks allow providers to practice across state lines while avoiding duplicative registration processes, thus reaching more rural communities with mental health resources. Rural communities are disproportionately affected by the country’s mental health crisis. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 60% of rural Americans live in designated mental health provider shortage areas “The expansion of telehealth has been a game changer, especially for rural Maine communities, older adults, and those who might otherwise forgo care due to their inability to pay for or drive to their appointments. Telehealth has improved access to mental health services, eased burdens on providers, and helped patients receive the care they need when they need it,” said Senator King. “The CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act adapts care with the times, and reduces unnecessary red tape that makes it harder for qualified providers to deliver telehealth services across state lines, ensuring more Maine people can access quality mental health care for years to come.” ""NAMI Maine remains committed to advancing policies that improve access to mental health care and strengthen the behavioral health workforce, said Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine. “We support bipartisan solutions, such as Sen. King's CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act, that ensure individuals, families, and communities can find qualified professionals when and where they need them,"". Senator King is a long-time advocate for the availability and accessibility of telemedicine. King co-sponsored the bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act and the Telehealth Modernization Act which make current telehealth flexibilities permanent and ensure Medicare beneficiaries can continue enjoying access to telemedicine. Senator King also introduced the CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act, and co-sponsored the TREAT Act, to address interstate medical professional licensing issues. ###",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-elections-from-interference-and-tampering,"King, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Elections from Interference and Tampering",2026-07-27,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing legislation to protect elections from interference and tampering – from both outside actors and unconstitutional orders from the federal government. The Stop Harassment and Intimidation in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act would authorize state attorneys general and individual voters to bring civil actions against those who violate federal laws protecting elections, extend the statute of limitations for federal criminal prosecutions involving election interference from five to nine years, and establish additional protections to prevent the unlawful seizure of ballots before election results are finalized. ""Article 1, Section 4 of the Constitution makes it clear that the oversight and administration of elections is left to the states; recent remarks and proposals from the White House seem to threaten the firewall our founders made a priority – and also contradicts the principle of states’ rights,"" said Senator King. ""The SHIELD Our Elections Act reinforces those fundamental principles and sustaining public faith in elections that are conducted fairly, impartially, and constitutionally – while strengthening accountability for those who attempt to undermine our electoral system."" More specifically, the SHIELD Our Elections Act would: Allow State Attorneys General and impacted voters to sue when federal officials unlawfully interfere with or intimidate them at polling places; Strengthen accountability by extending the statute of limitations from five to nine years for key federal election crimes, including interference by armed forces and voter intimidation, to enable them to be brought by future administrations for past actions; Protect ballots from improper seizure by limiting when state or federal law enforcement may seize ballots or election equipment and requiring court-authorized election officials to maintain joint custody whenever materials must be seized, especially before the resolution of an election. In addition to King, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). Senator King has long been a proponent for the protection of democratic freedoms. Last week, he published an op-ed last weekoutlining his concerns surrounding the Trump administration’s aims to nationalize election. King has also cosponsored the Right to Vote Act, which would establish the first-ever statutory right to vote in federal elections, protecting citizens from state and federal laws that attempt to restrict or limit voter access. In 2023, he introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, which aimed to establish national standards for voting rights, end partisan gerrymandering, and eliminate the influence of secret money in elections. In 2025, Senator King cosponsored the Defending America’s Future Election’s Act, which would repeal an Executive Order to review voter registration lists and insert the federal government into state voting processes, requirements that would likely disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters if implemented. Increasing civic engagement and historical literacy among Americans is also a prominent objective of Senator King’s. In 2025, he introduced the CIVICS Act, bipartisan legislation that would bolster civics education resources for school children across the United States. In 2022, he also introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate a National High School Seniors Voter Registration Day and encourage greater civic participation among high school seniors that are eligible to vote. Most recently, Senator King led a conversation hosted by the Brookings Institute on “Civics at 250” that was nationally televised on C-SPAN. ###",1,2026-07-28T07:37:32Z,2026-07-28T07:38:50Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-new-gao-report-finds-taxpayers-continue-to-subsidize-poverty-wages-at-walmart-amazon-other-large-corporations-as-corporate-welfare-spikes-since-2020/,"NEWS: New GAO Report Finds Taxpayers Continue to Subsidize Poverty Wages at Walmart, Amazon, Other Large Corporations as Corporate Welfare Spikes Since 2020",2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, July 22 – According to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, some of the largest and most profitable American corporations and their wealthy CEOs continue to pay their employees wages so low that those workers are forced to rely on Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — subsidized by U.S taxpayers — to survive. Commissioned by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and released today by the GAO, this report analyzes data from 11 states comprising nearly a fifth of the U.S. population, builds on the findings of a 2020 GAO report, and details how the number of workers relying on Medicaid and SNAP has grown significantly over the past six years. Across 11 states, the report found that an estimated 13.8 million working Americans were forced to enroll in Medicaid and 10.6 million depended on SNAP to make ends meet and feed their families, despite working full-time — up from 12 million and 9 million, respectively, in the 2020 report. “American taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the starvation wages of large corporations like Walmart and Amazon. These corporations are making record-breaking profits, paying their CEOs exorbitant compensation packages and spending billions of dollars on stock buybacks to enrich their wealthy shareholders. It is beyond unacceptable that these corporations, owned by some of the wealthiest people on the planet, are receiving corporate welfare from the federal government,” Sanders said. “It is time for the Walton family, worth $485 billion, and Mr. Bezos, worth $257 billion, to get off of welfare and pay their workers a living wage with good benefits. No one who works for a company making billions in profits should be living in poverty. This is especially true after these corporations and their multibillionaire owners received a massive tax break from President Trump’s so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ paid for by the largest cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in history.” GAO’s report found that Walmart, Amazon and other large, profitable corporations have particularly egregious records of forcing workers to utilize Medicaid and SNAP: Despite increasing its annual profits from $14.88 billion to $21.89 billion during this period, Walmart employed 16,055 workers who had to rely on Medicaid in the states GAO sampled — a 55% increase from the previous report. Walmart also employed 15,515 workers who needed SNAP assistance in the states GAO sampled. Overall, Walmart again ranked among the top employers of workers on these programs in every one of the 11 states. Despite increasing its annual profits from $11.59 billion to $77.67 billion, Amazon employed 12,346 workers who needed SNAP assistance and 11,338 workers who had to rely on Medicaid in the states GAO sampled — nearly triple the number of Amazon workers who needed federal assistance compared to the previous report. FedEx, which made $4.33 billion in profit, saw its workers on Medicaid more than triple (from 1,046 to 3,814) and its SNAP workers nearly double (from 2,622 to 4,944) since the first report, in the states GAO sampled. The GAO also found that rideshare and delivery companies now rank among the very top employers of program recipients in several states — along with McDonald’s, Dollar General, Dollar Tree and FedEx. In February, Sanders requested that four major corporations that employ large numbers of people who rely on Medicaid and SNAP – Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree – answer how much they expect to make from the Republicans’ tax breaks and whether any of these savings will be passed along to their workers. Across nine states (Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee and Washington), these corporations and sectors employed the following numbers of SNAP recipients in the GAO report: Rideshare/Delivery apps – 22,709 Walmart – 15,515 Amazon – 12,346 McDonald’s – 6,709 Dollar General – 5,187 FedEx – 4,944 Dollar Tree – 4,229 Kroger – 3,302 Burger King – 2,186 Family Dollar – 1,933 Walgreens – 1,747 Target – 1,695 Home Depot – 1,633 Taco Bell – 1,569 Across six states (Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma and Rhode Island), these corporations and sectors employed the following numbers of Medicaid enrollees in the GAO report: Walmart – 16,055 Amazon – 11,338 Rideshare/Delivery apps – 6,120 Dollar General – 5,601 McDonald’s – 4,710 FedEx – 3,814 Dollar Tree – 3,265 Kroger – 2,818 Target – 2,326 Home Depot – 1,985 Family Dollar – 1,845 Stop & Shop – 1,691 Walgreens – 1,300 CVS – 1,209",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-bill-to-require-warning-labels-on-ultraprocessed-foods-ban-junk-food-ads-for-kids-advances-in-committee/,NEWS: Sanders Bill to Require Warning Labels on Ultraprocessed Foods & Ban Junk Food Ads for Kids Advances in Committee,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, July 22 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today applauded the committee voting 12-10 in a bipartisan manner to advance his legislation to take on the greed of the food and beverage industry and address the growing diabetes and obesity epidemics negatively impacting millions of American children and families across the country. This first-of-its-kind federal ban on junk food advertising targeted to children in the United States would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement strong health and nutrient warning labeling, direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the dangers posed by ultra-processed foods, and develop a national education campaign for children and caregivers through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “I am delighted that the HELP Committee passed the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act that I introduced. For decades, the food and beverage industry has made massive profits by enticing children to consume unhealthy products purposely designed to be overeaten — fueling the twin crises of type 2 diabetes and obesity in America. We cannot continue to allow these greedy corporations to put their own profits over the health and well-being of our kids,” Sanders said.“Nearly 30 years ago, Congress had the courage to take on the tobacco industry, whose products killed more than 400,000 Americans every year. Today, on a bipartisan basis, the Senate HELP Committee finally stood up to the greed of the food and beverage industry.”",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-white-house-to-withdraw-proposed-rule-politicizing-scientific-research-grants,"King, Colleagues Urge White House to Withdraw Proposed Rule Politicizing Scientific Research, Grants",2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is urging the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to withdraw a proposed rule that would significantly expand political control over how federal agencies award grants and cooperative agreements. In a letter to OMB Director Russ Vought with several of his colleagues, the senators warn the proposal could undermine scientific research, weaken American competitiveness, and jeopardize funding for critical projects in communities across the country. OMB has proposed sweeping, partisan changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements – the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science, and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects, including but not limited to infrastructure, public health, resource conservation, and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025 Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards. “The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities,” wrote the senators. “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.” “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule,” the senators concluded. Joining King on the letter are U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Mr. Vought, We write to express our strong opposition to the proposed rule revising the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance, docket OMB-2026-0034. We urge you to rescind this rule immediately. The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities. Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark. The proposed guidance enables corruption. This rule turns federal assistance into a political slush fund. The rulemaking obliterates the objective, nonpartisan guardrails that ensure that grants and cooperative agreements are awarded to qualified projects. The rulemaking expands federal authority to impose special conditions, suspend Congressionally-directed funding, or terminate awards based solely on the administration’s political priorities. No transparency or accountability requirements are imposed on any of this political intervention. This gives political appointees the power to circumvent Congress’ Constitutional power of the purse and allows the direction of taxpayer dollars to friends and associates as opposed to qualified teams capable of advancing American innovation. The proposed guidance hurts communities building in their own backyards. This rulemaking creates an outsized level of influence for the Executive Branch in the local grant processes by enabling political appointees to select, or even cancel, previously awarded grants based on ideological and partisan values. States, local governments, Tribes, and locally-led organizations hold an intimate knowledge of how federal funding should be used in their communities. Creating a system where grantees must cater to the priorities of the current political party prevents them from prioritizing the actual needs of the community. This has already impacted vital investments in transportation infrastructure,1 energy,2 affordable housing, and the modernization of resident services3 in cities across the nation. Projects that were awarded funding under a previous administration have been notified that their funding is now paused and under review despite shovels already being in the ground. This is disruptive anda waste of valuable taxpayer dollars. If finalized, these guidelines would only encourage and perpetuate this waste and uncertainty that hinge on political whims. The proposed guidance undermines American scientific competitiveness. Basing funding decisions on politics rather than vetted rubrics and peer review is a severe form of government overreach that prevents intellectual freedom, and with it, the objective, methodical nature of curiosity-driven science that leads to innovation. America’s unique scientific ecosystem that enabled our innovative edge and global leadership is built around federal research and development (R&D) funding that fills market gaps that industry cannot, trains a highly skilled workforce, funds cutting-edge research, and catalyzes commercialization of that research to create jobs and improve quality of life. In just one example, experimental research on reptiles in the 1980s led to the invention of GLP-1 medicines that are revolutionizing health care today.4,5 Our country risks losing its competitive edge in innovation, invention, and technology development should partisan politics be put above scientific integrity and intellectual freedom, as this rule proposes to do.Seventy percent of federal R&D dollars flow to universities and labs. This funding is used to train students and attract talent.6 Every single dollar of this R&D funding generates between $1.40-$2.10 in economic returns to taxpayers: the highest return of any government spending.7 The uncertainty around scientific integrity, exacerbated by the very consideration of this rule, is already causing brain drain. Faculty are reducing the timeline to train graduate students from previous The proposed guidance would censor life-saving science to promote a political agenda. This ruling would solidify an attack on intellectual freedom under the guise of avoiding “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in federally funded activities. That attack goes to such extremes that it has already stopped research into inherently unique issues, such as ovarian cancer in females,17 which were identified by keyword searches including words like “women”.18 Ideological restrictions could eliminate funding for credible research projects simply because an application contains terms like “Black Americans” or “Asian Americans.” For example, this overreach directly threatens vital funding for sickle cell disease, despite the fact that Black Americans account for 90% of those diagnosed in the United States.19 Hepatitis research into life saving treatments would also be derailed because the disease disproportionately affects Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.20 The cost of these cuts is measured in American lives. The proposed guidance razes foundational pillars of the American scientific enterprise. Global collaborations where experts exchange ideas and resources give rise to new findings that are shared through the publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts. This kind of exchange is the very foundation of American leadership in science and innovation. Arbitrarily blocking international research collaboration due to xenophobic politics will lead to the loss of our world-leading scientific status. Researchers frequently collaborate through relationships forged at conferences where they communicate their work, for which funds would be prohibited from being used by this rule. Additionally, preventing scientists from sharing the results of their research in peer-reviewed journals would further eliminate transparency. International collaborations and partnerships provide essential opportunities for maximizing resources and ensuring that the best minds are contributing to new discoveries, but these changes would disallow any federal funds from being used for collaboration with “covered foreign countries or regions” as determined in part by executive orders which can change with no warning or limits. Research conducted on NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) has led to new water purification systems, better understanding of diseases like asthma and cancer, and improved disaster response.21 Without international collaboration, the ISS would never have come to fruition, and these discoveries would have been left in the dark. The proposed guidance increases bureaucracy and red tape. While this administration claims to champion efficiency, this rule does the exact opposite. It overburdens local governments, small businesses, and research institutions in a mountain of duplicative paperwork, audits, and political compliance certifications. This unwanted bureaucracy acts as a tax on local projects. When towns and small businesses are forced to spend time and resources navigating arbitrary federal red tape, project timelines stretch out, and costs skyrocket. These costs are ultimately passed directly on to American families. We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule. Instead, we encourage you to craft productive, unbiased guidance that actually serves the American people. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-renew-demands-to-dhs-for-civilian-protections-greater-transparency,"King, Colleagues Renew Demands to DHS for Civilian Protections, Greater Transparency",2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is leading dozens of his Senate colleagues in calling for stronger accountability measures for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the thirty-nine Senators urge DHS to fulfill its previous commitments to deploy and expand the usage of body-worn cameras, strengthen officer identification requirements, and review enforcement protocols. The measures suggested by the Senators are intended to help prevent future deadly encounters involving ICE enforcement officers – and comes after two fatal shootings during immigration enforcement operations in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas. “The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable,” the Senators wrote. “Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.” “The tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startling similarities. In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intendedtargets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel) along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies. These recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements asserting that officers were acting in self-defense, even before evidence of the facts surrounding the incidents had been gathered. Compounding this failure, no DHS officials involved in these fatal shootings wore body-worn cameras that could be reviewed by investigators or members of the public,” the Senators continued. “We remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process. By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as “the worst of the worst,” making these tragic deaths even more egregious. The American people deserve clarity and accountability. We urge you to honor your Department’s earlier commitments and take immediate action to implement these necessary reforms. We also stand ready to work with you to codify reforms into law,” the Senators finished. Joining King on the letter are U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and John Fetterman (D-PA). Senator King has been outspoken and proactive in his efforts to negotiate necessary guardrails for ICE and CBP in the wake of unprofessional and unconstitutional behavior among those agencies. In January, King appeared on Face the Nation where he explained his Constitutional concerns over how ICE was operating in Maine, as well as possible paths forward for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding package. In February, he released a statement on congressional efforts to curtail ICE’s activities in Maine and across the country—again calling for the implementation of guardrails. Most recently, King called for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. Additionally, when given the chance to vote for a DHS budget that funded TSA, FEMA, CISA and the Coast Guard – holding ICE and CBP funding for bipartisan negotiations to include additional civilian protections – Senator King voted in favor of this approach all eleven times it was considered on the Senate floor. The full letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Mullin: The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigrationand Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with fatalities during similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable. Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally. The tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startlingsimilarities. In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intended targets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel), along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approachesnecessary to prevent such tragedies. These recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements asserting that officers were acting in self-defense, even before evidence of the facts surrounding the incidents had been gathered. Compounding this failure, no DHS officials involved in these fatal shootings wore body-worn cameras that could be reviewed by investigators or members of the public. While DHS has previously acknowledged that body-worn cameras promote public trust and increase officer and public safety, accountability, and transparency, the Department has clearly not prioritized acquiring cameras. Recent statements from DHS andthe White House assert that DHS could not acquire cameras due to the government shutdown. However, since July 2025, DHS received nearly $40 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that could have been used to swiftly acquire and deploy body-worn cameras for both existing ICE law enforcement officers and the reported 10,000 additional officers hired since enactment of OBBBA. Contrary to recent statements made by the Department and the White House, DHS has had more than sufficient time and funding to procure and deploy a body-worn camera for every officer before the end of 2025. Following public outrage in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, the former Secretary announced in February of this year that DHS law enforcement officers would be required to wear body-worn cameras across the country, and ICE issued a directive reinforcing its policy to activate body-worn cameras during enforcement activities wherever cameras areavailable. Then-Secretary Noem stated that “[a]s funding is available, the body-worn camera program will be expanded nationwide.” In March of this year, the White House border czar, Tom Homan, stated that the administration would expand the use of body-worn cameras by DHS officers undertaking immigration enforcements and require footage, in addition to ending roving patrols. The recent tragedies confirm that neither of these commitments were honored. As we underscored during the subsequent funding negotiations earlier this year, implementing comprehensive accountability and oversight reforms for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is necessary both to protect the public and restore trust in the work of your agency. Our reform proposals are based upon the standards applicable to virtually every law enforcement agency inthe country (except immigration enforcement officers), including visibly displayed identification, no masks, and body-worn cameras. In recent weeks, federal agents have aggressively ramped up enforcement operations, reportedly arresting thousands of immigrantsin a matter of days. Following the public backlash from these most recent fatal shootings, your Department has once again committed to distributing body-worn cameras, stating that every ICE arrest team will have at least one law enforcement officer equipped with a camera going forward and promising that all field offices will receive them within the next 60 days. Acting ICE Director Venturella also went on the record promising members of Congress that all field agents would be outfitted by the end of July. We view this timeline not as a projection, but as a firm, binding commitment to which we will hold the Department accountable. Furthermore, to strengthen public safety and minimize dangerous operational confusion, we urge an immediate policy change regarding agency branding. To help ensure clear accountability and avoid misleading the public, ICE personnel engaged in interior enforcement must immediately cease wearing tactical gear, vests, or uniforms labeled with the generic term “POLICE” or “POLICEICE.” All operational uniforms should explicitly and exclusively identify personnel as “ICE.” In addition, agents should be required to identify themselves as “ICE” when making arrests and uniforms must clearly be identified as “ICE.” Finally, given the immediate need for administrative accountability following these tragedies, we request detailed information in response to the following questions: 1. What is DHS’s specific plan to respond to the public’s interest in timely, transparent, and independently verified investigations into these incidents? 2. What are the vetting procedures with respect to new ICE recruits? Does ICE consider records of domestic violence and abuse from family courts in its vetting? 3. What immediate updates or reviews are being made to ICE vehicle pursuit and traffic stop policies, including enhancedtraining specifically applicable to traffic stops to ensure they prioritize public and officer safety? 4. Beyond the deployment of body-worn cameras, what additional oversight, reporting requirements, or public safety measures is the agency implementing? We remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process. By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as “the worst of the worst,” making these tragic deaths even more egregious. The American people deserve clarity and accountability. We urge you to honor your Department’s earlier commitments and take immediate action to implement these necessary reforms. We also stand ready to work with you to codify reforms into law. We look forward to hearing from you at the earliest possible date. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-key-nomination-hearing-king-challenges-potential-intelligence-head-on-ability-to-avoid-political-pressure,"In Key Nomination Hearing, King Challenges Potential Intelligence Head on Ability to Avoid Political Pressure",2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a key hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) questioned the potential lead Intelligence official on his ability to resist political pressure. In his exchange with Office ofDirector of National Intelligence (ODNI) nominee Jay Clayton, King stressed the importance of analytical integrity and the obligation of intelligence officials to provide objective, fact-based assessments free from political influence. Senator King began, “There's been some discussion earlier about the importance of analytical integrity. Telling truth to power. The Intelligence Community directive, which goes back to more than a decade, says this, ‘Any information from the Intelligence Community should be independent of political consideration. Analytic assessments must not be distorted by or shaped by advocacy of a particular audience or policy viewpoint. Analytic judgments must not be influenced by the force of preference for a particular policy.’ Do you concur with that?” “Yes,” Mr. Clayton responded. Senator King asked, “Who won the 2020 election?” “I'm not going to get into that,” Mr. Clayton replied. “Could you answer the question? Who won 2020 election? It’s a simple question,” Senator King repeated. “My answer to the Chairman, he asked me if I was an election denier. I am not an election denier. Joe Biden was certified as the President. He went through his process. We went through our electoral process. I can tell you, I was in my seat at the SEC—,” said Mr. Clayton. “I am asking a really simple question. Who won 2020 election?” Senator King repeated again. “As I said, we went through our processes and Joe Biden became the President of the United States,” Mr. Clayton responded. “That is not an answer to the question. I am asking one more time. Who won the 2020 election?” asked Senator King. “I'm here to talk about my qualifications,” replied Mr. Clayton. “One of your qualifications is to tell the truth to power and you will not answer reasonable questions,” said Senator King. “I've answered it many times,” replied Mr. Clayton. “You have not answered that. Saying that Joe Biden was certified is not an answer,” Senator King finished. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. He has repeatedly questioned Obama, Biden, and Trump Administration officials on their willingness to speak truth to power – even when the truth is politically inconvenient. Most recently, Senator King questioned an administration nominee on his independence and integrity – stressing that the nation’s most significant national security mistakes occur when “biased” information is given to leaders. ###",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-cassidy-applaud-senate-advancement-of-bipartisan-reauthorization-of-the-older-americans-act/,"NEWS: Sanders, Cassidy Applaud Senate Advancement of Bipartisan Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act",2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, July 15 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) applaud the Senate unanimously passing the Older Americans Act (OAA), a critically important law that provides services supporting the health, independence and dignity of older adults across the nation. The bill’s reauthorization effort was also led by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). “I’m delighted that the Senate unanimously passed legislation last night to expand and improve the Older Americans Act,” Sanders said. “This legislation begins to pay attention to the urgent unmet needs of seniors in America and what we should do as a nation to reduce the senior poverty rate, prevent hunger, combat loneliness and isolation and improve the health and well-being of some of the most vulnerable people in our country. Not only does the Older Americans Act save lives and ease human suffering, it saves money. In fact, it costs less to feed a senior for an entire year through the Older Americans Act than it does for a senior to spend one night in a hospital. While there is much more that we must do to reduce the senior poverty rate in America and to make sure that every senior in America has access to the services they need this bi-partisan legislation is a very good step forward.” “The Older Americans Act helps Americans remain independent and connected to the communities they helped build. For more than 60 years, the Older Americans Act has connected seniors with services that help them age with dignity,” Cassidy said. “This bipartisan reauthorization ensures that support continues as the nation’s aging population grows.” The OAA, first signed into law in 1965, funds a wide range of services. The act has provided vital nutrition, social, economic and health services to millions of older adults for over six decades. Last reauthorized in 2020, OAA expired in the 118th congress. The previous OAA reauthorization effort, also lead by Sanders and Cassidy, passed the Senate unanimously in 2024 but did not pass the House. The bipartisan reauthorization of the Older American Act marks a major step forward in strengthening the nation’s commitment to older adults. The legislation expands critical nutrition, health and community-based services at a time when millions of older adults are facing growing unmet needs. It would reauthorize OAA programs through fiscal year 2030 and make improvements to better support family caregivers and direct care workers, Tribal seniors and those with disabilities in their communities.",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-challenges-pentagon-nominees-on-financial-cost-of-iran-war,King Challenges Pentagon Nominees on Financial Cost of Iran War,2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) pressed several Pentagon nominees on the total cost of the ongoing conflict in Iran, expressing frustration that neither Congress nor the American people have received a clear accounting of the financial burden of military operations. More specifically, Senator King questioned Department of Defense Comptroller nominee Jules W. Hurst III, who could not provide an updated estimate despite previously serving in a role that conducted oversight of the Pentagon’s finances – though he did admit to King that his estimate from earlier this year did not include damage to America’s military installations. Senator King began, “Mr. Hurst, I’m not persuaded by your professed ignorance over the costs of the war. You've been the Chief Comptroller of the Department of Defense until about seven weeks ago. To sit here today and say, “I don't really know and I'm not in the position…” You had to know that this question was going to come up at this hearing today. How much has the Iran war cost the American people?” “Senator King, I will give you the same answer I gave you during the posture hearing. It was $29 billion at the time I left the position,” Mr. Hurst responded. “Does that $29 billion include damage to facilities and assets in the region?” Senator King continued. “No, Senator, that estimate did not include military construction. Again, we don't know what the posture is going to be. There are lessons to be learned in military construction from this conflict, and one of them is that the United States needs to invest more in hardened and deeply buried facilities, particularly in these kinds of areas. Mr. Hurst answered. “So that’s not part of the estimate? Your estimate of 29 billion was essentially munitions and expenditures as a direct result of the conflict?” Senator King asked. “Senator, yes, I would characterize the estimate largely as munitions and that most of the rest of that was operational costs,” Mr. Hurst answered. “And preparing for this hearing you didn't ask any questions about updating that number?” Senator King asked. “I felt it would be inappropriate to do so, that's not in my current role within the department,” Mr. Hurst answered. “I think it's very frustrating to the American people that we cannot get a straight answer on what the war is costing, not to mention what it has cost and is costing to the American people at the gas pump and in other costs,” Senator King finished. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Immediately following the American airstrikes in Iran earlier this year, he released a statement asking for answers and consultation with Congress before proceeding with further military action in the Middle East. Senator King has consistently supported War Powers resolutions, asserting Congress’s constitutional authority over military conflicts, specifically demanding that the President either obtain congressional authorization for hostilities or remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict. ###",1,2026-07-15T07:12:08Z,2026-07-15T07:13:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-for-full-expedited-investigation-into-ice-fatal-shooting-in-maine,"Maine Delegation Calls for Full, Expedited Investigation into ICE Fatal Shooting in Maine",2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, the delegation requested an independent review of the incident to ensure a full accounting of the facts and help maintain public confidence in the investigative process. “We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred [yesterday/earlier this week] in Biddeford, Maine,” the lawmakers began. “Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.” “Given the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation,” they continued. “Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.” The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Inspector General Cuffari: We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred yesterday in Biddeford, Maine. Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting. To ensure public trust, transparency, and accountability, we request that your office include the following key areas in your examination: The Sequence of Events: A detailed timeline of the encounter, including the specific actions taken by both the ICE agents and the individual involved prior to the discharge of a firearm. Operational Protocols: An evaluation of whether the tactics, use, and degree of force utilized adhered strictly to current DHS and ICE use-of-force policies. Recording and Documentation: Clarification on the availability of audio, dashcam, or body-worn camera footage of the incident, and the status of any evidence preservation. Furthermore, we ask that you detail the extent to which DHS will collaborate with state or local agencies in carrying out the investigation. Given the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation. Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety. We look forward to your response and stand ready to work with your office to facilitate any necessary inquiries. Sincerely, cc: Markwayne Mullin, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; David Venturella, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ###",1,2026-07-15T07:12:08Z,2026-07-15T07:13:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-urge-doj-to-cooperate-with-maine-law-enforcement-in-biddeford-shooting-investigation,"Senators Collins, King Urge DOJ to Cooperate with Maine Law Enforcement in Biddeford Shooting Investigation",2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today requested that the Department of Justice (DOJ) collaborate with Maine state and local law enforcement as authorities investigate yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. In a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators emphasized that coordination among law enforcement agencies is essential to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation. “We write to request that the Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cooperate with state and local law enforcement in the investigation of yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford, Maine, involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel,” the Senators wrote. “We understand that the FBI has opened an investigation into the shooting and is working with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General as it investigates what happened. We appreciate these steps. The facts surrounding the shooting remain a matter of significant local and national concern, and it is important that these investigations provide clear answers as to what transpired yesterday,” they continued. “Federal law enforcement agencies must fully cooperate with state and local law enforcement throughout the investigations to give the public confidence that the inquiries have been conducted in a thorough, fair, and impartial manner.” Click here to read the complete text of their letter. Earlier today, the Maine Delegation also sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Inspector General calling for a full, transparent investigation into the shooting to help ensure public trust in the investigative process. ###",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-shares-remarks-with-maine-press-corps-on-ice-involved-shooting-in-biddeford,King Shares Remarks with Maine Press Corps on ICE Involved Shooting in Biddeford,2026-07-13,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke to the Maine press corps and share remarks on the reported shooting in Biddeford by a member of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Opening Remarks Senator King: “About 20 minutes ago, I talked to Secretary Markwayne Mullen of the Department of Homeland Security about the incident in Biddeford. Here's what I learned, and here's what I conveyed to him. The individual who has been killed is a male in his 20s. That's all I know about him. He had been given an order to leave the country. He was in a vehicle--pulled out in the vehicle, and the term the secretary used was “weaponized” the vehicle and was shot by an ICE agent. What I said to the Secretary was, we want a full, transparent and open investigation of this matter. And one of the problems is apparently—and again, everything I'm saying is what I know now, certain facts may come out—but apparently there are no cameras. Body cameras were not on the agents. So we have no video evidence of what occurred in this case. State and local officials, of course, are attending to it. The FBI will be leading the investigation because it was a federal operation, but my belief is that our state local officials should also be kept informed and engaged in the investigations. I also talked just five minutes, ten minutes ago to Mayor LaFountain of Biddeford and he is also anxious to see that state and local officials are not frozen out of this investigation. It's a tragedy whenever there's a loss of life. We don't know the circumstances at this point, but my statement to Secretary Mullen, I said, “I'm going to say that you have committed to me that this investigation will be full, fair and transparent. Can I say that? He said, “Yes, absolutely.” So that's the status of this matter right now. Of course, we'll be following it over the next several days. But as I say, I reached out to the Secretary less than a half hour ago, talked to Mayor LaFountain less than 15 minutes ago, and we're going to stay on this and determine exactly what happened. That's my statement at this point. Let me go ahead and take a few questions before I board the flight to Washington.” Q+A (audio of questions unavailable) Response 1 Senator King: “And that's why I was so explicit with the secretary. I know him from working with him in the Senate before he became secretary. I have no reason to think that he's not telling me the truth. But my motto, as with Ronald Reagan, is trust but verify. And I intend to stay on this. And to be sure that we can verify what happened and also whether the investigation is proceeding in a full, comprehensive and transparent way.” Response 2 Senator King: “That's my understanding from the Secretary, was that he was given an order to be to leave the country. He had been through his various processes, and so his status was that he was the person who was shot, was the target of the end of the arrest warrant based upon his immigration status. That's about all I can tell you right now. I don't know the details of the status, but he wasn't a bystander or inadvertently, it was the person they were searching for. And the question is, what did he do with his vehicle? Were officers threatened? Was this were the threats rising to the level that justified deadly force? That's what this investigation is all about. And I certainly intend to, stay after it, to do everything I can to be sure the investigation is as transparent and thorough as possible, and that our state and local officials aren't frozen out from the involvement with this project, with this investigation. The FBI will lead it because it was a federal, project. But, to be given what's happened around the country, we need to verify that this investigation will be thorough and transparent and talking about.” Response 3 Senator King: “I think the community has every right to ask questions and to bring pressure to bear on, on the federal government for straight answers and honest answers. And whatever evidence there is should be made public and should be made public soon. And, I think the role of the community is to express concern.” Response 4 Senator King: “We don't yet really know what happened, but to, ensure that we find out what happened and that if there were actions that were unjustified, that those who committed those actions will be held accountable.” Response 5 Senator King: “We’ve been told that body cameras would be widely distributed. Secretary told me that they're on order, that they have been distributed widely across the country, but not everywhere, and apparently not in Biddeford Maine.” Response 6 Senator King: “My concern was the in the initial surge, they arrested something like 200 people and 20 of them had criminal records. The rest didn't. So this idea that they were going after the worst of the worst is just nonsense. And, it just doesn't pass the straight face test in terms of the actual data. So I want to understand if they're doing this again, and if so, how are they proceeding? What are the targets? Are they in fact going after people with criminal records? I would want to know whether this individual had a criminal record.” Response 7 Senator King: “That's not what I believe. That's the fact that, you know, an investigation involving federal agents. It's the FBI that follows through. I presume it will be the FBI office here in Maine. But I believe, as I said, that it should be coordinated with and, the information should be shared with local and, and state officials, with the attorney general's office, with the governor's office. Because I believe that given what's happened over the past year, we can't just stand back and say, oh, it's a federal investigation. Everything's on the up and up. I hate to say that, but again, given the experience of the past year, I think we have to trust but verify.” ###",1,2026-07-14T07:08:55Z,2026-07-14T07:10:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-civil-war-and-genocide-in-sudan/,NEWS: Sanders Statement on Civil War and Genocide in Sudan,2026-07-09,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, Vt. July. 9 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement: This is the year 2026. One might have hoped that, after thousands of years of war, humanity could have come up with a better way to resolve conflicts than killing and mass destruction. Unfortunately, that is not the case. There is now more war and bloodshed raging across the world than at almost any point in decades. In February 2022, Vladimir Putin, without provocation, invaded Ukraine. The result: hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians killed, millions displaced and a war that grinds on with no end in sight. In October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 innocent people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Netanyahu and the Israeli military did not simply wage war against Hamas — they waged war against the entire population of Gaza. At least 73,000 Palestinians have been killed, the real toll almost certainly far higher, most of them women, children and the elderly. Virtually the entire physical infrastructure of Gaza has been destroyed. I agree with the major human rights organizations around the world who call this a genocide. Four months ago, in collusion with Netanyahu, Trump took a page from Putin’s playbook: he started a war with Iran without provocation. The result of this war (and the ensuing Israeli war against Lebanon): 13 U.S. service members dead, thousands of Iranian and Lebanese civilians killed and more than $100 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars spent. And in the midst of all of this — Ukraine, Gaza, Iran — there is another horrific war happening now that is getting relatively little attention: the civil war and genocide in Sudan. Sudan’s two rival military factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the country’s national army, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, have been at war since 2023. The RSF descends from the Janjaweed militias that carried out Sudan’s first genocide in Darfur two decades ago, killing as many as 400,000 non-Arab civilians. Today, the RSF is trying to finish what it started. The State Department has formally determined that the RSF is committing genocide, again, murdering men and boys and systematically raping women and girls because of their ethnicity. Last October, the RSF laid siege to the city of El-Fasher; in just the first three days after it fell, an estimated 6,000 people were killed. Right now, the same horror is unfolding in the city of El-Obeid, where nearly half a million people are trapped. Let’s be clear. Trump’s good friend and staunch U.S. ally, the United Arab Emirates dictatorship, run by one of the wealthiest families in the world — has financed and enabled this genocide for years. And why is this happening? Billions of dollars of looted gold from Sudan is flowing straight into the pockets of Emirati oligarchs – making a multibillionaire family even richer. This has been documented by the United Nations, independent journalists, and international human rights organizations. Here is the scale of what this war has caused: at least 59,000 people confirmed killed since 2023, with credible estimates running as high as 150,000. Fourteen million people driven from their homes. Thirty million people, two–thirds of Sudan’s population, in need of emergency humanitarian assistance just to survive. U.S. foreign policy must be based on a respect for democracy and human rights. We cannot be complicit in the face of genocide, no matter where it is happening. Congress must demand that the UAE cease its military support for the RSF and work with the international community and the Sudanese people to bring an end to this horrific conflict and provide the humanitarian aid that is desperately needed there.",1,2026-07-10T08:20:04Z,2026-07-10T08:21:18Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-coast-guard-to-select-maine-as-homeport-for-new-arctic-security-cutter,King Urges Coast Guard to Select Maine as Homeport for New Arctic Security Cutter,2026-07-06,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Co-Chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, is urging the U.S. Coast Guard to select Maine as the homeport for one of its new Arctic Security Cutters. In a letter to U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, King highlighted Maine's unique advantages as the Coast Guard evaluates homeports for the next generation of icebreakers. Arctic Security Cutters will anchor a modernized icebreaker fleet built for the most demanding conditions, ensuring the United States is equipped to defend its interests and meet emerging challenges in the Arctic for decades to come. In his letter, Senator King makes the point that as sea ice continues to recede in the Arctic, Maine’s unique location and infrastructure is ideally suited to position the next generation sea vessels to leverage America’s leadership as an Arctic Nation. “I write to urge that the State of Maine be selected as a homeport for the Service’s new Arctic Security Cutters,” Senator King began. “The decision to build out an 11-ship fleet is a generational investment in American presence in the high latitudes, and Maine offers the Coast Guard an ideal Atlantic homeport from which to project that presence.” “Geography makes the case on its own. Maine is the closest point in the continental United States to the Arctic, giving an Atlantic-based cutter the shortest transit to its operating areas. The state’s deep-water harbors offer reliable year-round access—from Portland, with its established working waterfront and supporting infrastructure, to Eastport, the deepest natural seaport on the East Coast. Either provides the Coast Guard strong options, and I would of course defer to the Service on the specific siting that best fits operational needs,” Senator King continued. “As the Coast Guard makes homeporting decisions for the cutters still to come, I urge you to make Maine a top choice. No other state offers this combination of Arctic proximity, deep-water access, shipbuilding and repair capacity, and Arctic expertise, and Maine is ready to deliver for the Service and its crews. I stand ready to assist however I can, and I thank you for your continued leadership of the Coast Guard,” Senator King concluded. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator King has been a steadfast supporter of the Navy and Coast Guard. He recently secured key provisions in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support the maritime forces and ensure that America’s military can continue providing best-in-class services and defense of the homeland. Earlier this year, Senator King and his U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) traveled to Greenland to project America’s leadership and voice in the Arctic. During the visit, they met with the Prime Minister, members of the Greenland parliament, and toured the U.S. Pituffik Space Base inside the Arctic Circle. +++ Dear Admiral Lunday: As co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus and a longtime advocate for the Coast Guard, I write to urge that the State of Maine be selected as a homeport for the Service’s new Arctic Security Cutters. The decision to build out an 11-ship fleet is a generational investment in American presence in the high latitudes, and Maine offers the Coast Guard an ideal Atlantic homeport from which to project that presence. Geography makes the case on its own. Maine is the closest point in the continental United States to the Arctic, giving an Atlantic-based cutter the shortest transit to its operating areas. The state’s deep-water harbors offer reliable year-round access—from Portland, with its established working waterfront and supporting infrastructure, to Eastport, the deepest natural seaport on the East Coast. Either provides the Coast Guard strong options, and I would of course defer to the Service on the specific siting that best fits operational needs. Maine is a strong Coast Guard state, more than ready and capable to serve as a homeport. Sector Northern New England is headquartered in South Portland, and stations along Maine’s coast maintain close, longstanding ties to the communities they serve—a foundation of infrastructure, personnel, and local goodwill the Service can build on. Maine also brings an ecosystem built to sustain these vessels over their decades of service. The state’s deep shipbuilding heritage and skilled maritime workforce stand ready to support the construction, repair, and maintenance of complex platforms. That industrial base is complemented by genuine Arctic and maritime expertise: the University of Maine is a national leader in Arctic research, and Maine Maritime Academy offers deep expertise in maritime operations and a natural link to the Service’s Arctic mission. Together they reflect a statewide maritime culture the Coast Guard can draw on for partnership, training, and regional support. As the Coast Guard makes homeporting decisions for the cutters still to come, I urge you to make Maine a top choice. No other state offers this combination of Arctic proximity, deep-water access, shipbuilding and repair capacity, and Arctic expertise, and Maine is ready to deliver for the Service and its crews. I stand ready to assist however I can, and I thank you for your continued leadership of the Coast Guard. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-07-07T08:20:12Z,2026-07-07T08:22:09Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-independence-day-king-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday,"On Independence Day, King Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday",2026-07-06,2026,2026-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on Independence Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement to commemorate America’s 250th birthday: “Each Fourth of July, Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. But beneath those traditions lies one of the most remarkable moments in human history. When the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, it introduced a revolutionary idea: that government derives its power from the consent of the governed, and that every person is endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those principles challenged centuries of inherited power exercised by kings, pharaohs, emperors, and monarchs, and forever changed the course of history. “As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we're reminded that the promise of our nation has always depended on each generation's willingness to preserve and strengthen those founding ideals. Independence Day is not only a celebration of our past, but a renewal of our shared responsibility to uphold our founding values that remain at the heart of the American experiment.” ###",1,2026-07-07T08:20:12Z,2026-07-07T08:22:09Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bill-to-help-make-child-care-more-accessible-for-working-families,King Introduces Bill to Help Make Child Care More Accessible for Working Families,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are introducing legislation to make childcare more affordable and accessible for working families. The Right Start Child Care and Education Act would strengthen the childcare workforce by creating a new federal tax credit for childcare professionals with college degrees. This would help childcare providers recruit and retain qualified educators while expanding access to high-quality, affordable care. ""For too many working parents in Maine, finding affordable childcare is the difference between being able to stay in the workforce or not – and it begins with a shortage of providers,” said Senator King. “The Right Start Child Care and Education Act recognizes that recruiting and retaining childcare providers is one of the smartest investments we can make in Maine families and the Maine economy, so it offers college graduates an additional financial incentive to enter the workforce.” “New Hampshire’s shortage of affordable childcare options has placed an enormous burden on families and providers alike. Unfortunately, it’s a persistent and worsening trend we’re seeing across the country,” said Senator Shaheen. “The Right Start Child Care and Education Act would make important reforms to our tax code to promote and increase access to high-quality childcare by supporting early education professionals, ensuring affordable childcare options are available for families everywhere.” “For far too many families, the struggle to find high-quality, affordable childcare serves as a barrier to children’s early development and to parents entering the workforce. This legislation will help recruit and retain more childcare professionals, to help families in all parts of the country afford and access the childcare they need,” said Senator Klobuchar. Specifically, the Right Start Child Care and Education Act would create a new tax credit for childcare professionals with relevant educational degrees. The legislation would provide tax credits of $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the level of degree. Senator King has long worked to expand access to childcare. Last year, King secured the Child Care for Working Families Act that would put a cap on childcare costs for working families, address childcare deserts by providing grants to open new facilities, support higher wages for childcare workers, provide comprehensive funding for Head Start to provide full-day, full-year programming, and expand access to pre-K programs. He secured millions to improve childcare services in the 2022 and 2023 omnibus appropriations bills, and worked to authorize the planning and development of a new child development center at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He is also the cosponsor of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act, which would permanently expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit that helps households offset their childcare costs. Most recently, he joined bipartisan legislation to lower childcare costs and address the nationwide shortage of affordable childcare: the Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act, which would provide competitive grants for states to train childcare workers and build or renovate childcare facilities. ###",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-legislation-to-protect-voting-access-for-all-american-citizens,King Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Voting Access for all American Citizens,2026-06-29,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to strengthen the fundamental right to vote for all American citizens. The Right to Vote Act would establish the first-ever statutory right to vote in federal elections, protecting citizens from state and federal laws that attempt to restrict or limit voter access. Notably, the bill would also allow American citizens to sue states for any policy that unduly restricts ballot access. Over the last several years, states across the nation have attempted to restrict access to the polls by tightening voter ID laws, shortening voting times, restricting registration, and purging voter rolls. The Right to Vote Act would require that efforts to restrict voting access meet a high standard to justify any policy that makes it harder for citizens to participate in federal elections. “Free and fair elections are the foundation of participatory government, and any threat to the democratic process is a threat to our democracy itself,” said Senator King. “The Right to Vote Act would establish clear protections for voters and help ensure that every eligible American can demonstrate this sacred right in our elections. A healthy democracy depends on broad participation, and this bill will continue to make that participation easier—not harder.” King is joined on the legislation by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). Senator King has long been a proponent for the protection of democratic freedoms. In 2023, he introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, which aimed to establish national standards for voting rights, end partisan gerrymandering, and eliminate the influence of secret money in elections. In 2025, Senator King cosponsored the Defending America’s Future Election’s Act, which would repeal an Executive Order to review voter registration lists and insert the federal government into state voting processes, requirements that would likely disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters if implemented. King also introduced the Voter Choice Act to support the adoption of a ranked choice voting model for federal elections, as well as a resolution to recognize September as National Voting Rights Month. Increasing civic engagement and historical literacy among Americans is also a prominent objective of Senator King’s. In 2025, he introduced the CIVICS Act, bipartisan legislation that would bolster civics education resources for school children across the United States. In 2022, he also introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate a National High School Seniors Voter Registration Day and encourage greater civic participation among high school seniors that are eligible to vote. Most recently, Senator King led a conversation hosted by the Brookings Institute on “Civics at 250” that was nationally televised on C-SPAN. ###",1,2026-06-30T06:29:10Z,2026-06-30T06:30:42Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-reject-proposed-cuts-to-veterans-disability-benefits,"King, Colleagues Reject Proposed Cuts to Veterans’ Disability Benefits",2026-06-26,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Veterans’Affairs Committee (SVAC), is opposing potential cuts to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for disabled veterans who suffer from sleep apnea and tinnitus, as proposed by a draft VA rule and the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, King and several of his colleagues condemn the proposed reductions to benefits for veterans suffering from sleep apnea and tinnitus, which would impact benefits for more than one million veterans. While the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act would address several key needs of America’s veteran population, it would do so by using funds that currently help those suffering from tinnitus and sleep apnea – which are two of the most significant health problems facing America’s men and women who served. “We write in strong opposition to a proposed reduction in benefits for more than one million veterans suffering from sleep apnea and tinnitus outlined in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) draft rule entitled “Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Ear, Nose, Throat, and Audiology Disabilities; Special Provisions Regarding Evaluation of Respiratory Conditions; Respiratory System” (RIN: 2900-AQ72),” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to listen to the growing opposition from veterans and publicly commit to addressing their concerns.” The Senators continued, “Along with the draft rule, we are equally opposed to the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act because it codifies the same harmful reductions in benefits for veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea benefits. By writing these cuts into statute, the legislation would permanently implement the very policies that veterans, medical experts, and veterans service organizations have overwhelmingly opposed. Whether implemented through regulation or enacted by Congress, these cuts would strip disabled veterans of earned compensation and health care benefits – they should be rejected outright.” “At your confirmation hearing last year, you pledged, “We’re not going to balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits.” We urge you to honor that commitment by abandoning these proposals and to further reject any legislation that would permanently cut off these benefits to veterans. We look forward to working with you to ensure our nation’s veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve,” the Senators concluded. Joining King on the letter are U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John W. Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Timothy Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacklyn Rosen (D-NV), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Several leading veterans’ groups have also come out in strong opposition to the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, including Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), theUnion Veterans Council/AFL-CIO, VoteVets, and Common Defense. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs. Last year, he introduced the VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act that would protect veterans from unaccredited claims representatives seeking to defraud them of their benefits. Earlier this year, he introduced the TAP Promotion Act which would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims. Additionally, he introduced the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which would address an unfair rule in federal law that creates unnecessary delays when veterans with service-connected disabilities attempt to access earned education and employment benefits. The full text can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Collins, We write in strong opposition to a proposed reduction in benefits for more than one million veterans suffering from sleep apnea and tinnitus outlined in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) draft rule entitled “Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Ear, Nose, Throat, and Audiology Disabilities; Special Provisions Regarding Evaluation of Respiratory Conditions; Respiratory System” (RIN: 2900-AQ72). We urge you to listen to the growing opposition from veterans and publicly commit to addressing their concerns. We laud your decision earlier this year to rescind an interim final rule after it faced significant backlash from the veterans’ community. At the time you stated, “Veterans spoke, and [VA] listened.” We ask that you again heed concerns from the medical and veterans’ communities about the benefits they receive to address tinnitus and sleep apnea. VA must make clear it will not punish veterans seeking effective sleep apnea treatments or deny veterans with service-connected tinnitus the benefits and health care they have earned. Tinnitus is the most common service-connected disability recognized by VA, with an estimated 3.6 million veterans receiving benefits for this condition. The most controversial proposal in the draft rule would eliminate tinnitus as a stand-alone disability – instead requiring veterans to be service connected for an underlying pathology related to hearing loss. According to the draft rule’s regulatory impact analysis, more than 60 percent of veterans who submit claims for tinnitus-related benefits are not service connected for an underlying pathology. Those veterans would no longer qualify for life-saving VA health care and benefits. In total, VA’s analysis concluded that nearly one million veterans would have their monthly disability compensation reduced by the change. Our urgent concern is validated by the American Tinnitus Association’s comments to the draft rule that “tinnitus often occurs independently of any other health condition.” The American Tinnitus Association made clear that medical research, including VA-commissioned studies, confirms the debilitating effects of tinnitus and the need for it to remain a stand-alone disability. It warned that removing the stand-alone disability would also hinder research to improve tinnitus treatments and efforts to find a cure. Also important, the American Legion in its comments categorized the change as problematic because it conflicts with several “court decisions that recognize tinnitus as a stand-alone condition.” Sleep Apnea is a breathing disorder that involves a decrease or complete halt in airflow despite an ongoing effort to breathe. More than 763,000 veterans receive VA benefits for service-connected sleep apnea. The draft rule would reduce the level of compensation veterans receive for their service-connected sleep apnea to zero. This change is similar to a recent interim final rule you rescinded after the veterans’ community made the case against reducing ratings for veterans who comply with their doctors’ orders. Veterans service organizations have made clear that veterans who use effective medical devices should not have their disability compensation lowered. In its comments on VA’s draft rule, Disabled American Veterans argued that using effective medication does not eliminate the underlying conditions' impact on veterans’ earning potential, which is the basis for VA’s schedule for rating disabilities. Medications help improve function and mask symptoms, but they do not eliminate the impact of living with a disability. Along with the draft rule, we are equally opposed to the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act because it codifies the same harmful reductions in benefits for veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea benefits. By writing these cuts into statute, the legislation would permanently implement the very policies that veterans, medical experts, and veterans service organizations have overwhelmingly opposed. Whether implemented through regulation or enacted by Congress, these cuts would strip disabled veterans of earned compensation and health care benefits – they should be rejected outright. At your confirmation hearing last year, you pledged, “We’re not going to balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits.” We urge you to honor that commitment by abandoning these proposals and to further reject any legislation that would permanently cut off these benefits to veterans. We look forward to working with you to ensure our nation’s veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-06-27T06:16:17Z,2026-06-27T06:17:30Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-denounce-white-house-attempt-to-restrict-vote-by-mail,"King, Colleagues Denounce White House Attempt to Restrict Vote by Mail",2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining dozens of his Senate colleagues in raising concerns overan unconstitutional executive order that would restrict mail-in voting. In a letter to the Postmaster General and Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service (USPS), the Senators demand that USPS follow existing federal law instead of an executive order signed by President Trump that would direct the USPS to create and maintain “Mail-in Absentee Participations Lists.” These lists would determine which voters are eligible to receive and cast absentee ballots through the mail. The letter follows an earlier letter sent on April 20th urging the USPS to resist the executive order. The order attempts to turn the USPS into an election administrator and regulator, when it is supposed to be a nonpartisan agency whose only priority is to deliver the mail. This directive would have a chilling effect on the eligibility of American voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote by imposing unnecessary barriers and would corrupt the independent mission of the USPS by giving the agency the authority to determine who can vote by mail. “We write for a second time regarding the unconstitutional and illegal attempt to transform the United States Postal Service into an election administration agency controlled by the White House and President Trump,” wrote the senators. “In April, 37 senators wrote to you after President Trump issued his Executive Order directing USPS to issue a rule to establish compulsory specifications for election mail and create a master absentee voter list of millions of American voters – with the power to refuse to deliver their ballots.” The senators continued, “Despite these grave and serious legal deficiencies, on June 2, 2026, USPS published a proposed rule that, if finalized, would establish President Trump’s control over federal elections and allow USPS to adjudicate who can and cannot vote by mail. This proposed rule risks disenfranchising millions of voters. We again insist that you follow the law, refuse to implement President Trump’s Executive Order, and withdraw this presidentially-directed proposed rule.” The senators warned that the proposed rule would create a national list of absentee voters that falls under federal control, raising serious concerns about the potential for misuse and abuse. In court filings, the Administration has acknowledged that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is already in discussions with USPS about potentially comparing the list to DHS datasets. The senators raised concerns that combining USPS data with unreliable federal records could lead to the disenfranchisement of eligible voters, or the unfair targeting of voters and election officials for investigation. “Ultimately, the proposed rule seeks to create a centralized national absentee voter database with individualized barcodes connected to the voters’ names under the control of the President that contains the voting information of millions of Americans,” wrote the senators. “That information would be ripe for potential abuse or improper disclosure potentially imperiling the integrity of American elections.” “Accordingly, we insist that the Postal Service abandon this proposed regulation and return to its core mission of providing universal postal services to every American. The Constitution and federal law demand nothing less,” the senators concluded. Senator King has been a vocal supporter of the USPS’s critical role in American society and in Maine, one of the nation’s oldest and most rural states that relies heavily on the services provided by the USPS to receive prescriptions and other necessities. Earlier this year, he joined his Senate colleagues on a letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner pushing to protect the timely delivery of mail across the nation—resisting a change that would make it harder for Maine people to access basic services like prescription drug deliveries, bill payments, and votes cast by mail. Last year, he sent a letter to then-Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, urging him to stop any changes to the USPS service standards that would result in job losses and further degrade mail delivery performance. That letter came soon after Maine’s postal workers and elected officials voiced their opposition of the USPS’ plans to move some of the Hampden facility’s processing operations to a facility in Scarborough, nearly 130 miles away — raising the possibility of needless delays in delivery. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Postmaster General Steiner, Chairwoman McReynolds, Vice Chairman Kan, Governor Stroman, and Governor Tangherlini: We write for a second time regarding the unconstitutional and illegal attempt to transform the United States Postal Service (USPS) into an election administration agency controlled by the White House and President Trump. In April, 37 senators wrote to you after President Trump issued his Executive Order directing USPS to issue a rule to establish compulsory specifications for election mail and create a master absentee voter list of millions of American voters – with the power to refuse to deliver their ballots.1 In that letter we urged you not to implement the President’s unconstitutional Executive Order. The Order is a blatant violation of the Constitution, which vests the authority to regulate the time, place, and manner of federal elections with the states, subject to alterations made by Congress. We received no response to that letter and USPS is now taking explicit steps to implement the Order. No federal statute vests the President or USPS with any authority to regulate elections of any kind. Accordingly, multiple states and organizations have filed lawsuits challenging the Executive Order.2 Despite these grave and serious legal deficiencies, on June 2, 2026, USPS published a proposed rule that, if finalized, would establish President Trump’s control over federal elections and allow USPS to adjudicate who can and cannot vote by mail. This proposed rule risks disenfranchising millions of voters. We again insist that you follow the law, refuse to implement President Trump’s Executive Order, and withdraw this presidentially-directed proposed rule. The right to vote is the most sacred and cherished right of the American people. It is the bedrock of American democracy. The framers of our Constitution understood the dangers of centralizing power over federal elections and accordingly vested the primary authority to regulate the “times, places, and manner” of federal elections with the states, subject to alterations by statute enacted by Congress.3 The Constitution similarly vests the authority to determine the eligibility of voters with the states—not the President, and certainly not with USPS.4 The Constitution provides no role for USPS in regulating federal elections, and no statute delegates to USPS any authority to regulate elections or voter eligibility. The proposed rule does not grapple with these serious legal deficiencies. The proposal simply cites two sections of the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 to justify USPS’s regulation of federal elections.5 These sections provide specific postal powers and general authorization to issue regulations but say nothing about regulating federal elections.6 Indeed, Title 39 explicitly says, “In providing services [...] the Postal Service shall not [...] make any undue or unreasonable discrimination among users of the mails,” – this proposal does the exact opposite.7 It is universally understood that the Postal Service does not regulate or administer American elections. By statute, USPS is “an independent establishment of the executive branch” and its Board of Governors is protected from arbitrary removal by the President. This independence, which the proposed rule undermines, is the foundation of the nation’s trust in USPS’s ability to deliver the mail without fear or favor. The Postal Service acknowledged in a rulemaking just last year, “the Postal Service does not administer elections, establish the rules or deadlines that govern elections, or determine whether or how election jurisdictions utilize themail.”8 This neutral and apolitical role to transmit the mail is critical to ensuring American voters trust that their ballots will be properly delivered. The proposed rule would fundamentally upend this longstanding and vital role of USPS, transforming them into a federal election administration agency – with frightening authorities to disenfranchise Americans. The proposed rule USPS issued on June 2 suffers from all the same legal deficiencies of the Executive Order and cannot be lawfully implemented. The proposed rule would illegally condition a state’s exercise of its constitutional authority to utilize mail-in ballots on submitting its complete absentee voter rolls to USPS and complying with USPS mandatory election mail specifications. Specifically, the proposal requires any state that permits votes to be cast by mail to submit to USPS each absentee or mail-in voter’s name, address, and their unique Intelligent Mail Barcode. The regulation purports to permit only states to control which of their voters are enrolled on the new master list, but this new and unnecessary master list of American voters would then be controlled by USPS and ultimately President Trump. In addition, the proposed rule requires that all mail ballots comply with new mandatory specifications, including that they have an election mail logo, a specific design, automation compatibility, and an Intelligent Mail Barcode unique to each voter. All ballots must also undergo design review by USPS prior to being mailed by an election jurisdiction. While some of these requirements are best practices, their compulsory nature creates new onerous, costly, and unfunded requirements on election jurisdictions that do not currently use these practices nor have the resources to do so. Furthermore, the new mandatory specifications provide the USPS with new and subjective authority to reject ballots, even for a missing or misprinted logo. Critically, the proposed rule requires USPS to conduct a verification process to ensure that states comply with the regulation’s mandates prior to USPS accepting ballots and mailing them to voters. For such a consequential regulation of American democracy, the regulation stunningly lacks any detailed information about the process USPS intends to use to verify each piece of outbound election mail. Nevertheless, this new “verification process” empowers USPS to serve as the final arbiter of whether ballots meet the unilateral federal standards and are adequate to be delivered to voters – granting USPS the ultimate authority to decide which Americans can cast a ballot by mail. What the proposal also makes clear is that if a state chooses not to provide USPS with their voter rolls that state cannot mail ballots to their voters, effectively prohibiting vote-by-mail in those states. Even if a state does provide USPS its voter rolls, USPS can still disenfranchise individual voters if their ballots do not meet USPS’s demanding requirements. While “neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night” stops the mail, under the regulation a missing election logo will. Nothing in federal law authorizes USPS to restrict states and voters from using the postal system to mail ballots. This proposed regulation occurs as the federal government is demanding nearly every state’s voter rolls – an effort which has consistently been rejected by federal courts.9 Creating a master absentee voter list for the entire country is a backdoor mechanism to secure access to these voters’ names and addresses. And for states with universal vote-by-mail like California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Vermont (in general elections), the proposed regulation is a form of extreme coercion. It creates an untenable scenario, that requires these states to submit their entire voter rolls to the federal government or face the prospects of abandoning absentee voting altogether. Furthermore, the proposed regulation explicitly articulates that one of its purposes is to assist federal law enforcement, raising serious legal and policy questions about how this information will be used. In fact, the Administration has acknowledged in recent court filings that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently having conversations with the Postal Service on how it could use the new master list of absentee voters and potentially compare it to DHS datasets.10 Given the ongoing efforts of the Administration to seek voter rolls and put them through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program, this coordination could lead to the USPS data being used in coordination with other risky and unreliable sources of information to disenfranchise American voters or even target voters or election officials for investigation.11 The proposed rule also raises serious privacy concerns. Ultimately, the proposed rule seeks to create a centralized national absentee voter database with individualized barcodes connected to the voters’ names under the control of the President that contains the voting information of millions of Americans. That information would be ripe for potential abuse or improper disclosure potentially imperiling the integrity of American elections. The proposal provides no discussion of how USPS would safeguard this crucial information and every American’s right to a secret ballot. USPS simply states that its explanation of its privacy controls is “forthcoming.” Compiling a master list of mail-in and absentee voter data is incredibly dangerous in the modern era. Lastly, notwithstanding the regulation’s major constitutional and legal violations, the proposed timeline and scope is not feasible. The proposed regulation demands that the Postal Service set up an entirely new system and database to process and transmit millions of absentee ballots that is secure and accessible to every American election official, just months prior to a general election. The Postal Service already issued its election mail guidance in January, and states and local governments have been planning accordingly – they will have no ability to change course to respond to this rule. This endeavor will also allegedly be accomplished without any dedicated resources or funding at a time when the Postal Service’s finances are under immense strain. In fact, the Postal Service has recently suspended regular retirement contributions and placed limits on all non-essential spending.12 As such, it is wholly unworkable and impractical. Accordingly, we insist that the Postal Service abandon this proposed regulation and return to its core mission of providing universal postal services to every American. The Constitution and federal law demand nothing less. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-releases-internal-hhs-emails-demonstrating-secretary-kennedys-politicization-of-cdc-interference-with-vaccines/,"NEWS: Sanders Releases Internal HHS Emails Demonstrating Secretary Kennedy’s Politicization of CDC, Interference with Vaccines",2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, June 25 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today released internal emails from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) showing Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr.’s politicization of HHS, willingness to ignore vaccine science and undermine the basic health and safety of Americans. The emails, provided to the committee by former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry, include the following revelations: Secretary Kennedy altered vaccine recommendations and released material to the public without CDC expert review or input. Secretary Kennedy specifically directed the agenda of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, known as ACIP, towards restricting access to vaccines. Secretary Kennedy directed the cancellation of flu vaccine campaigns amid a severe flu season. Andrew Nixon, HHS Director of Communications, confirmed in an email that “This was a direct ask from Secretary Kennedy.” Secretary Kennedy handpicked researchers to access confidential data to demonstrate the long-disproven claim that vaccines cause autism. Secretary Kennedy misled members of Congress on several occasions, including in interactions with Senator Hassan on COVID vaccine recommendations, Senator Wyden on vaccine access and HELP Committee Chair Cassidy on the CDC Director’s ability to act independently. Secretary Kennedy’s chief of staff told then-CDC Director Susan Monarez that political staff at CDC and HHS would need to review “major decisions at CDC…before they go into effect.” Less than a week later, Secretary Kennedy fired Director Monarez for failing to rubber stamp recommendations from ACIP. Secretary Kennedy’s senior advisor sought advice on how to remove vaccines from the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children. In an email, he asked, “What legally needs to happen or should be considered if a vaccine is going to be removed from the [Vaccines for Children] program at CDC?” The Vaccines for Children program is estimated to have prevented about 508 million illnesses in children born during 1994 through 2023.",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-housing-package-with-king-provisions-passes-congress-and-heads-to-presidents-desk,"Bipartisan Housing Package, with King Provisions, Passes Congress and Heads to President’s Desk",2026-06-24,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is celebrating Congressional passage of bipartisan housing legislation. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will increase the nation's housing supply, reduce barriers to development, and help more Americans achieve homeownership. The bill passed the U.S. Senate by a resounding 85-5 vote before passing the House of Representatives—it now heads to the President’s desk for signature. ""From families trying to buy their first home, to workers trying to find affordable housing close to their job, the severe housing shortage is debilitating for many Maine people and businesses,” said Senator King. ""There is no single solution to our housing challenges, but this bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes meaningful steps toward creating affordable places to live. The one law that Congress can’t revoke is the law of supply and demand. Since housing affordability is fundamentally a supply issue, the enhancements to the development of new housing in this bill are the kind of practical, bipartisan problem-solving that Americans expect from Congress."" Among its many provisions, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes bipartisan legislation Senator King cosponsored to address housing challenges in Maine. These include the Rural Housing Service Reform Act to improve rural housing programs and increasing house supply in rural areas, as well as the PRICE Act, which permanently authorizes a federal grant program to preserve and revitalize manufactured housing communities, an important source of affordable housing for thousands of Maine families. The package also incorporates the Whole Homes Repairs Act, which would help low- and moderate-income homeowners make critical repairs to existing homes to improve their safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Senator King has long been committed to ensuring Maine people across the state can access safe and affordable housing and has worked with his colleagues on creative solutions to combat the housing shortage. He introduced the Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act, which would expand the existing Housing Preservation Grants program so rural home owners can create more housing on their property — such as an attached apartment unit or a small home nearby — to be available for rent. Additionally, King has sponsored the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country — including thousands in Maine. He also worked with his Republican colleagues to improve affordability of rural homes and farms through the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act of 2023. ###",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-commemorates-world-refugee-day-and-reasserts-support-for-refugees-worldwide,King Commemorates “World Refugee Day” and Reasserts Support for Refugees Worldwide,2026-06-19,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining a Senate Resolution that reaffirms U.S. commitments to protect and assist millions of refugees and displaced persons globally. The World Refugee Day Resolution honors World Refugee Day and highlights ongoing global refugee and displacement crises. “World Refugee Day,” annually celebrated on June 20, is an international day designated by the United Nations to recognize refugees around the globe and celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape conflict or persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. “Throughout our history, America has been a refuge for people fleeing war, persecution, and oppression in search of safety and opportunity,” said Senator King. “World Refugee Day is a reminder that behind every displacement statistic is a human story—a family seeking security, a parent seeking a future for their children, or an individual searching for freedom and dignity. Supporting refugees is not only a humanitarian obligation, but a reflection of our nation's values here at home and around the world.” Over the past three decades, Maine has welcomed refugees who have not only provided significant economic contributions—from starting small businesses to filling the state’s workforce shortage—but also enriched their local communities. The resolution is also joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-NY) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Senator King has long worked on policy solutions that provide pathways for legal immigration into the United States, seeking to provide individuals with support while keeping the United States secure. He previously led bipartisan negotiations to provide a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers and provided more than $25 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to construct physical border barriers and technology. Additionally, King voted for bipartisan agreements designed to reform American immigration policy by offering millions of undocumented immigrants an earned pathway to legal status and citizenship. Support of such policies reflect Senator King’s dedication to strengthening American national security while providing humanitarian support for those in need. ###",1,2026-06-20T06:35:38Z,2026-06-20T06:37:01Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-governor-of-guam-highlight-cybersecurity-attacks-on-national-security-installations-in-guam,"King, Governor of Guam Highlight Cybersecurity Attacks on National Security Installations in Guam",2026-06-19,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with territory officials on the increasing nature of cybersecurity attacks on national security installations in Guam. In a hearing of the ENR committee, King and Guam Governor “Lou” Aflague Leon Guerrero discussed how energy transmission lines that are of critical importance to both military installations and civilian infrastructure across the island have been subjected to increasing levels of cyberattacks. Senator King began, “Do the extensive U.S. National security facilities on Guam depend on the local grid, or do they have their own energy sources? “Our Guam power authority is the only provider of energy to the whole island, including military bases,” Governor Guerrero responded. Senator King clarified, “So, the security of that grid, you mentioned cyber, but also just the vulnerability to some kind of attack, is a very important issue. Not only for the people Guam but for our national security.” Governor Guerrero replied, “Absolutely. We have been working very closely with INDOPACOM [Indian-Pacific Command] and federal government to enhance the security for those grids and for our power transmission. One of the biggest resilient actions, I think, is putting the transmission lines underground. That's very key to hardening, and efficient, effective transmission of energy. But we have, yes, we are very aware, Senator, about cybersecurity.” “Are you under assault?” Senator King asked point blank. “I know that the People's Republic of China realizes the strategic value of Guam. Are you experiencing cyber-attacks and sabotage, those kinds of things already?” “Yes, we have had some cyberattacks just recently,” Governor Guerrero answered. “The federal government, the FBI, the CISA, and other various federal agencies are working very closely to monitor, investigate, and help us identify those attackers and, of course, try to get rid of them. But we have been, yes, we have had several, just recently, cyberattacks.” Senator King agreed, “So that’s a problem not only for the people of Guam, but also for national security because of its strategic importance.” Governor Guerrero confirmed, “Absolutely, yes. We have a very good relationship with the military in helping us to enforce and strengthen that.” As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King has been uniquely focused on the impacts of energy transmission to both civilian and military infrastructure. He recently spoke about the rising costs of electric bills in Maine and the path forward to address these rising costs via transmission upgrades and battery storage for renewable energy sources. Senator King has also introduced legislation banning energy exports to China and other foreign adversaries. This legislation would ban the export of crude oil or liquefied natural gas (LNG) to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to support America’s national defense and help to keep energy costs lower for everyday Americans As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), Senator King is also recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cybersecurity and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyber strategy that emphasizes layered cyber deterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director. ###",1,2026-06-20T06:35:38Z,2026-06-20T06:37:01Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-colleagues-in-call-to-terminate-illegal-plans-for-triumphal-arch,King Leads Colleagues in Call to Terminate Illegal Plans for “Triumphal Arch”,2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Subcommittee on National Parks, is leading a group of his Congressional colleagues in objecting to the Trump Administration’sproposed plan to illegally construct a “Triumphal Arch” without congressional approval. In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the Acting National Park Service (NPS) Director and the Superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, members of both the House and Senate demand the Administration suspend the plans for construction of the arch, as proposed on federal land, unless Administration receives congressional authorization as required by multiple federal laws. “We write as Ranking Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives committees and subcommittees with jurisdiction over the construction of monuments in the Nation’s Capital to comment on the Assessment of Effects Report (Report) and draft Programmatic Agreement for the proposed Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle,” the lawmakers began. “We oppose this project in the strongest terms and object to execution of the draft Programmatic Agreement. The National Park Service (NPS) is assessing the effects of an undertaking that Congress has never authorized and that two federal statutes squarely prohibit. Section 106 consultation cannot supply that missing authority, and no programmatic agreement can resolve the adverse effects of a project the NPS has no power to build.” “We also object to the indefensibly truncated Section 106 comment process, which falls short of the law. The NPS has allowed ten days, June 5 to June 15, for public comment on a 250-foot undertaking that its own Report concludes would adversely affect historic properties across the monumental core, in a review the Report acknowledges is subject to the heightened duty of Section 110(f) of the National Historic Preservation Act to minimize harm to National Historic Landmarks to the maximum extent possible,” the legislators criticized about the rushed comment period. “Ten days of public comment cannot discharge that duty.” “Because Congress has enacted no laws authorizing this commemorative work, NPS must take the only course allowed by law: suspend the Section 106 process, decline to execute the Programmatic Agreement, issue no construction or special use permits, and undertake no ground disturbance at Memorial Circle unless and until Congress provides the express authorization these statutes require,” the authors continued. “If the Administration believes the semiquincentennial warrants a permanent commemorative work in the capital, the path is open and well worn; it runs through Congress, as it has for every memorial since the Continental Congress approved the first, an equestrian statue of George Washington, in 1783.” the Senators and Representatives concluded. In addition to King, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), as well as Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ). As a lifelong advocate for conservation and Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s most prominent voices advocating for our national parks. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation that included the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). Because of his work, in 2020, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) “Hero” Award. Earlier this year, Senator King and most of the authors of the letter to Secretary Burgum, filed a legal challenge to the Arch in federal court, stressing Congress’s role in authorizing projects on public lands. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Burgum: We write as Ranking Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives committees and subcommittees with jurisdiction over the construction of monuments in the Nation’s Capital to comment on the Assessment of Effects Report (Report) and draftProgrammatic Agreement for the proposed Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle. We oppose this project in the strongest terms and object to execution of the draft Programmatic Agreement. The National Park Service (NPS) is assessing the effects of an undertaking that Congress has never authorized and that two federal statutes squarely prohibit. Section 106 consultation cannot supply that missing authority, and no programmatic agreement can resolve the adverse effects of a project the NPS has no power to build. Most fundamentally, the Commemorative Works Act1 provides that a commemorative work may be established on land administered bythe NPS in the District of Columbia and its environs “only as specifically authorized by law.” The proposed Arch meets every element ofthe Act’s coverage: it is a monument designed to perpetuate in a permanent manner the memory of a significant element of American history, the Nation’s 250th anniversary; it would stand on land the NPS administers within Lady Bird Johnson Park; and Memorial Circle lies within Area I of the map Congress wrote into the statute. Because the site is in Area I, the Act requires a second, separate approval,under which Congress must enact a law ratifying the Area I location within 150 days of the Secretary’s notification, following a determination that the subject is of preeminent historical and lasting significance to the United States. Congress has enacted no such laws. Analysis we requested from the Congressional Research Service in January reached the same conclusion: absent these authorizations, construction of an arch in Memorial Circle would not comport with the Commemorative Works Act. Since 1986, everymemorial placed on federal land in the capital under the Act, more than forty in all, has come to Congress first. The World War II Memorial alone required two acts of Congress before the NPS issued a construction permit. The Arch’s sponsor has sought no act at all. Additionally, this proposed project independently violates 40 U.S.C. § 8106, which Congress enacted in 1912 and which provides that a building or structure “shall not be erected on any reservation, park, or public grounds of the Federal Government in the District ofColumbia without express authority of Congress.” The NPS proposal describes a 70,072-square-foot building on five levels, with security screening halls, a gallery floor that may include a café and gift shop, five elevators, and an observation deck 161 feet above grade. That is a substantial building on NPS parkland in the District by any definition, and no express authority of Congress exists for it. Notably,neither the Report nor the draft Programmatic Agreement identifies any act of Congress authorizing the undertaking; the only authorityeither document invokes is Executive Order 14252. An executive order is not an act of Congress. It cannot substitute for the authorizationthat § 8106 and the Commemorative Works Act demand. We have presented these arguments to the United States District Court for theDistrict of Columbia as amici curiae in Lemmon v. Trump, No. 1:26-cv-00544, and we incorporate that brief here by reference. The proposed Arch would also defy the height regime Congress has imposed on the capital for more than a century. The Height ofBuildings Act of 1910 (DC Height Act)2 caps buildings at 130 feet, with a single exception permitting 160 feet along one stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue. The Report states that the Arch’s principal architectural component would rise approximately 166 feet, higher than the most generous limit anywhere in the Act, and that surmounting statuary would carry the total to approximately 250 feet. The Report further explains that shorter designs were evaluated and dismissed in part because only a 250-foot arch was considered representative of a 250th anniversary. Whatever the dubious merits of this arithmetic, Congress, not the Executive, decided in 1910 that Washington wouldremain a horizontal city, and Congress has preserved that judgment ever since. The Administration cannot claim a federal exemption from the DC Height Act with one hand while dispensing with the congressional authorization the Commemorative Works Act and § 8106 require with the other. A departure of this magnitude from the capital’s settled vertical order is precisely the kind of decision the law reserves to Congress. Beyond its illegality, the Arch would deface one of the most deliberate and historic sightlines in America. The Report’s own historic summary recounts that the McMillan Plan of 1901–1902 proposed Arlington Memorial Bridge and its axial landscape to link the plannedLincoln Memorial with Arlington House, the former home of Robert E. Lee, in a composition intended to “physically and symbolically unite North and South.” The bridge, completed in 1932, joins the memorial to the President who preserved the Union with the home ofthe general who led the armies against it, and Memorial Circle is the hinge of that composition. The corridor commemorates reconciliation after the Civil War. It does not commemorate triumph, and a triumphal arch is its antithesis. The NPS’s own findings confirm the damage: Appendix D concludes that the undertaking would adversely affect, directly and indirectly, Arlington MemorialBridge, whose 35-foot granite pylons “would be removed or diminished,” along with the Memorial Avenue Corridor, Lady Bird Johnson Park, Arlington National Cemetery (including views from Arlington House and the Kennedy Gravesite to the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument), Arlington House itself, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, and the Washington Monument grounds. Witnesses at the 1986 hearings on the Commemorative Works Act cited the historic visual axes of the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery as a specific example of the sightlines the Act was enacted to protect. Even the most monumental schemes contemplated forColumbia Island in the 1920s, twin columns crowned with winged victories, were conceived as emblems of reunion, and they were abandoned in favor of the open composition that stands today. The Report’s assurance that a 250-foot arch would frame this view ratherthan block it concedes the point: the view was never meant to be framed by anything. We also object to the indefensibly truncated Section 106 comment process, which falls short of the law. The NPS has allowed ten days, June 5 to June 15, for public comment on a 250-foot undertaking that its own Report concludes would adversely affect historic properties across the monumental core, in a review the Report acknowledges is subject to the heightened duty of Section 110(f) of the NationalHistoric Preservation Act to minimize harm to National Historic Landmarks to the maximum extent possible. Ten days of public commentcannot discharge that duty. The draft Programmatic Agreement recites that an environmental assessment has been published and a finding of no significant impact issued, yet no such assessment or finding appears anywhere on the project’s public planning record, where the only posted document is the Section 106 package itself. If those recitals describe actions already taken, the finding preceded any public review of the assessment; if they describe outcomes merely anticipated, the draft presumes the very conclusions this consultation exists toinform. The same draft recites, in the past tense, a consulting parties meeting dated June 15, the day this comment period closes, and it stillcontains placeholders for the number of historic resources affected. A consultation conducted on this schedule, toward a conclusion reached before it began, is not the process Congress prescribed. Because Congress has enacted no laws authorizing this commemorative work, NPS must take the only course allowed by law: suspend theSection 106 process, decline to execute the Programmatic Agreement, issue no construction or special use permits, and undertake no ground disturbance at Memorial Circle unless and until Congress provides the express authorization these statutes require. Without such legal authorization, any officials who order this project forward would do so in their personal capacities, not the sovereign’s. Where an officer’s powers are limited by statute, the Supreme Court has held, action beyond those limits is “individual and not sovereign”; it isultra vires and sovereign immunity offers it no shelter, and courts may grant relief against the officer personally.3 In other words, these officials would be answerable as individuals, and the exposure does not end with an injunction. Appropriated funds may be applied only to the objects for which Congress appropriated them, and an official who obligates funds for construction Congress has never authorized also risks violating the Anti-Deficiency Act, whose sanctions run against the responsible officer personally: suspension without pay, removal from office, and, for knowing and willful violations, criminal fines and imprisonment.4 Furthermore, firms engaged to carry outthe work bear a parallel risk, because a contractor’s immunity from suit is derivative and holds only where its authority to carry out theproject was validly conferred and not exceeded.5 No valid authority has been conferred here. Every official who directs this work, and every firm that performs it, proceeds at their own peril. If the Administration believes the semiquincentennial warrants a permanent commemorative work in the capital, the path is open and wellworn; it runs through Congress, as it has for every memorial since the Continental Congress approved the first, an equestrian statue of George Washington, in 1783. We appreciate the NPS’s consideration of these comments.",1,2026-06-19T06:50:32Z,2026-06-19T06:53:40Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-introduces-legislation-to-create-7-trillion-ai-sovereign-wealth-fund/,NEWS: Sanders Introduces Legislation to Create $7 Trillion AI Sovereign Wealth Fund,2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, June 18 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today introduced the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act to give the public a 50% ownership in the largest artificial intelligence (AI) companies in our country. “Left unchecked, Artificial Intelligence and robotics threatens the jobs, privacy rights and mental health of every man, woman and child in America,” Sanders said. “As a society, we can no longer sit back and allow a handful of Big Tech oligarchs to determine the future of this revolutionary technology with no democratic input. AI was not created out of thin air. It was not a brilliant idea that just popped into Mark Zuckerberg’s head or Elon Musk’s imagination. The foundation of AI is based on the collective knowledge of humanity and the creative work of tens of millions of people. The American people must have the ability to slow it down and make sure that AI benefits humanity, not just the richest people on the planet. That’s precisely what this legislation does.” The legislation that Sanders is introducing would give the public a direct ownership stake in the largest AI companies in America through a one-time 50% tax on the stock of the biggest AI companies. This stock would be deposited into the sovereign wealth fund. If passed, Sanders’ bill would do three crucial things. First, it would create an Independent Commission for Democratic AI to manage the sovereign wealth fund in the public interest. The Independent Commission would use voting shares in these companies to block decisions that hurt the American people and to push for policies that help them. The Independent Commission would consist of seven members nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, with nominees selected from a list of bipartisan names provided by Congress. No longer would the future of AI and the transformation of human life that it will bring be dictated by fewer than a dozen Big Tech oligarchs. Second, it would require large companies that operate both AI and non-AI businesses to break up those businesses, ensuring the public receives an ownership stake in the AI business. Third, it would guarantee that the economic benefits generated by AI are used to improve the lives of all of us — not simply to make the richest people in the world even richer. At current valuations, the sovereign wealth fund that would be created under this legislation would be worth an estimated $7 trillion. To start, a 5% annual dividend from this fund could provide a direct payment of more than $1,000 to everyone in America. Eventually, if these AI companies continue to grow as rapidly as many analysts expect, the wealth that it generates could be used to ensure that every man, woman and child in the United States has a decent and dignified standard of living, including the right to health care, education, housing, and a healthy and habitable environment. If the value of these companies goes down, as others have suggested, the companies would bear the losses, not the federal government. This is not a new concept. Over 100 sovereign wealth funds exist all over the world — from Norway to Alaska — to ensure that ordinary people benefit from national wealth. “The principle is simple: When a public resource generates wealth, the public should share in that wealth,” Sanders concluded. “The future of AI and the fate of humanity must not be decided behind closed doors in Silicon Valley by billionaires seeking to maximize their power and profit. It must be decided by workers, parents, teachers, artists, scientists, communities and the American people.” Read the bill text here.",1,2026-06-19T06:50:32Z,2026-06-19T06:53:40Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-new-video-series-king-spotlights-joshua-chamberlains-legacy-as-americas-250th-birthday-approaches,"In New Video Series, King Spotlights Joshua Chamberlain’s Legacy as America’s 250th Birthday Approaches",2026-06-17,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is highlighting the legacy of Joshua Chamberlain, the Maine educator, soldier, and statesman, whose leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg helped shape the course of American history. As part of historian Heather Cox Richardson’s ongoing “We Are America” series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, King touts Chamberlain as “Maine’s greatest citizen” and recognizes his contribution to our nation. “Joshua Chamberlain’s story reminds us that history is often shaped not by those who seek greatness, but by ordinary citizens who answer the call to serve,” said Senator King. “Chamberlain’s courage at Gettysburg helped preserve the United States, but his legacy extends far beyond the battlefield. He embodied a belief that citizenship carries both rights and responsibilities—a lesson that remains as relevant today as it was more than 160 years ago. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Chamberlain’s life reminds us that each generation has a role to play in strengthening our democracy and shaping our nation’s future.” Before becoming one of the Civil War’s most celebrated military leaders, Chamberlain served as a professor at Bowdoin College. When the nation faced its greatest test, he left the classroom to join the Union Army, ultimately commanding the 20th Maine Regiment during the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg. Chamberlain’s decision to lead a bayonet charge at Little Round Top helped secure a crucial Union position turned the momentum of that struggle and has since become one of the most enduring stories of courage and leadership in American history.",1,2026-06-18T06:41:00Z,2026-06-18T06:43:25Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-cost-saving-health-bill-to-have-insurance-plans-cover-three-primary-care-visits,King Introduces Cost-Saving Health Bill to Have Insurance Plans Cover Three Primary Care Visits,2026-06-15,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing legislation to ensure Maine and American people have access to affordable primary care and mental and behavioral healthcare services, so they can proactively keep track of their mental and physical well-being. The Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act 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. This commonsense legislation would cover private insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and employer-sponsored plans. Under existing law, private group health plans, regulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), are not obligated to provide no-cost coverage for primary care, or mental and behavior health services. More than 180 million Americans receive health insurance coverage through employer-sponsored plans regulated by ERISA, who otherwise are not entitled to no or low-cost primary care. Over 46% of Maine people are covered through employer-sponsored plans. “Affordable and accessible healthcare is essential to keeping Maine people healthy – it is also a prevention measure that saves taxpayer dollars in the long-run,”said Senator King. “The cheapest medical procedure is the one that doesn’t have to happen because the problem was caught early. This commonsense approach, making routine healthcare visits to primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and substance use counselors more accessible and cheaper for all Americans, is the first step in supporting the longevity and success of our communities, our family and our friends.” Senator King has consistently worked to reduce healthcare costs for Maine people. The Inflation Reduction Act has laid the groundwork for — and in some cases already implemented — long-term changes in federal policy that will keep people healthier and deliver higher quality care at a lower cost to patients. These benefits are delivered while simultaneously reducing the deficit by finally allowing Medicare to negotiating bulk discounts on the price it pays for prescription drugs. This will save taxpayers hundreds-of-billions. His preventative proposal to provide all Medicare recipients with basic bath mats, in order to save the tens of millions of dollars that home falls costs Americans yearly, drew over ten million views in a viral moment last month. Additionally, Senator King has worked to reduce prescription drug costs. He has previously introduced legislation to prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses and also introduced bipartisan legislation to require price transparency in prescription drug advertisements. Most recently, he introduced the bipartisan Physician Fee Stabilization Act to protect seniors’ access to healthcare. ###",1,2026-06-16T06:53:21Z,2026-06-16T06:55:02Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-question-white-houses-redirection-of-national-park-funds,"King, Colleagues Question White House’s Redirection of National Park Funds",2026-06-12,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Subcommittee on National Parks, is raising questions and seeking transparency from the Administration for redirecting taxpayer dollars away from national parks and toward vanity projects in the Washington, D.C. area that were not among the National Park Service’s top construction priorities. In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the senators push for answers regarding how the redirected funds are being used. The oversight comes amidst a constant disregard for the Constitution which explicitly states that only the Congress has the power to appropriate funds. Some of the projects include repairing ornamental fountains, the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, covering statues in gold leaf, and others. “Visitors to our national parks contribute millions of dollars to the National Park Service’s (NPS) budget by purchasing recreation passes and digital versions of the America the Beautiful Pass. The American people deserve transparency and a complete explanation of where their money is being directed,” the Senators began. “This loss in revenue for our parks could have devastating effects on the future viability of these public natural treasures. As of the end of Fiscal Year 2025, NPS had a backlog of deferred maintenance projects totaling over $24.2 billion. Deteriorating roads, water systems, and other park facilities pose safety concerns for visitors and over time degrade the overall park experience. The redistribution of revenues to D.C. projects could mean multiple millions of dollars lost for individual national parks around the country,” the Senators continued. “The lack of transparency around awards for these beautification projects, as well as the loss in revenue meant for the maintenance and betterment of our national parks threatens the public’s trust and the long-term integrity of our nation’s most beloved public lands. Accordingly, as we investigate the potential waste, fraud, and abuse by the administration, we request a detailed explanation for where the revenue from digital passes is being directed and what percentage of this revenue is supporting the D.C. projects rather than supporting the maintenance of our public parks,” the Senators concluded. In addition to King, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). As a lifelong advocate for conservation and Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s most prominent voices advocating for our national parks. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation that included the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). Because of his work, in 2020, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) “Hero” Award. Since the creation of the LRF, Senator King has pushed park leaders to discuss funding maintenance efforts, maintaining a sufficient NPS workforce, and managing growing park visitation. Senator King’s work on the National Parks Subcommittee is the culmination of more than four decades of work on land conservation efforts in Maine, including helping to establish the Land for Maine’s Future program in 1987 and supporting extensive conservation projects during his time as Governor. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Burgum: We write to inquire about the Trump administration’s allocation of fee revenues paid by Americans for national park recreation passes and America the Beautiful digital passes to support beautification projects in Washington D.C. Visitors to our national parks contribute millions of dollars to the National Park Service’s (NPS) budget by purchasing recreation passes and digital versions of the America the Beautiful Pass. The American people deserve transparency and a complete explanation of where their money is being directed. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) grants public land management agencies the ability to collect and charge fees for accessing federal recreational lands. FLREA requires that, under normal circumstances, at least 80 percent of the recreation fees paid onsite by taxpayers must be retained and used at the national park where the fees are collected. The remaining 20 percent is to be available to the agency that collected it on an agency-wide basis. This enables the National Park Service to redistribute revenues from popular parks that charge entrance fees to those parks that do not charge fees. This formula helps ensure that fees benefit visitors by creating a funding stream for the upkeep and maintenance of our national parks. Rather than distribute these fee revenues back to our national parks and public lands, it appears that the Department of the Interior has redirected fee revenues to pay for President Trump’s vanity projects around Washington, D.C. Reporting reveals that NPS is spending $60 million in fees paid by national park visitors to repair nine ornamental fountains in Washington, D.C. This is in addition to another $7 million in fees that the administration is using to fund the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which DOI recently increased to more than $13 million in a no bid contract. President Trump previously promised the Reflecting Pool project would only cost $1.8 million, and the huge spending increases suggests either incompetence or corruption in the project management. The Washington Post has reported that park fee revenues would no longer be available for some park superintendents to use on park upkeep. A separate analysis of government spending data conducted by NOTUS revealed that the Interior Department is spending a total of $95 million in taxpayer dollars on D.C. beautification projects close to the White House. The President’s D.C. projects include a $5 million sole-source award to cover horse statues in nearly pure gold leaf and another $5 million sole-source award to repave the base of a marble statue. According to USASpending.gov, these particular awards are being drawn from DOI’s Working Capital Fund. Further, revenue from the sale of digital America the Beautiful Passes appears to be funding some of these projects, but without any guardrails or transparency. Most Americans would assume that the fees paid for the digital passes would be similarly distributed to parks throughout the country. However, unlike fees collected onsite, FLREA does not mandate a particular formula or means of distribution of revenues collected from digital sales to particular national parks or federal land units. Revenue from online sales is distributed according to agreements between the federal land agencies and with little statutory guardrails or congressional oversight. Credible sources with direct knowledge of these matters have now reported to Congress that much, if not all, fee revenue from online America the Beautiful Passes is being used to fund the President’s “beautification” projects in Washington. This means that this revenue is not being directed to national parks across the country. This loss in revenue for our parks could have devastating effects on the future viability of these public natural treasures. As of the end of Fiscal Year 2025, NPS had a backlog of deferred maintenance projects totaling over $24.2 billion. Deteriorating roads, water systems, and other park facilities pose safety concerns for visitors and over time degrade the overall park experience. The redistribution of revenues to D.C. projects could mean multiple millions of dollars lost for individual national parks around the country. Despite taxpayers’ clear contributions to these projects, the administration has shielded these projects and the contracts from public view. For instance, President Trump awarded a $17.4 million no-bid contract for the repair of two Lafayette Park fountains in Washington, D.C., to the company currently building the White House ballroom. It is troubling that the administration has used sole-source contracts to bypass the fair and impartial open competition process that is typically required under federal law. Consequently, we ask that you provide responses to the following requests by June 23, 2026: Is any revenue from online sales of America the Beautiful passes being used to fund D.C. beautification projects? If so, what percentage of revenues from online sales are being used for these projects? What percentage of NPS’s centralized FLREA fund for land management revenue funds is being supplied by online sales of electronic passes? What percentage of funding for the central pool is being supplied by for online sales of America the Beautiful passes versus on-site physical sales of these passes? For sales of the interagency national park and federal recreation land passes (America the Beautiful pass), FLREA allows for the revenues to be distributed according to interagency agreement. Please provide any interagency agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other documentation outlining exactly how revenues from online sales of passes are being distributed. When were these interagency agreements last updated? And if after January 20, 2025, please provide the previous agreements. To what extent are digital sales of passes displacing sales at specific park sites and displacing the revenue generated and retained at park sites for on-site sales? Please provide relevant data. How much of NPS’s recreation fee account has been used for D.C.-based projects since December 2025? How much since January 2025? Why did NPS repeatedly offer sole-source contracts without a competition process that is typically required under federal law? If it is the case that the administration wanted this work done before July 4, why did the administration not offer the contract opportunity sooner? Why did NPS reportedly direct contract recipients not to speak to the media? Has NPS issued a similar directive to recipients regarding communication with Congress? Has NPS calculated how much funding national park units outside of D.C. will lose or which backlogged projects will not be completed as a result of this redistribution of funds? Please provide this information. Please provide all contracts awarded by DOI for projects in Washington, D.C., since December 1, 2025. The lack of transparency around awards for these beautification projects, as well as the loss in revenue meant for the maintenance and betterment of our national parks threatens the public’s trust and the long-term integrity of our nation’s most beloved public lands. Accordingly, as we investigate the potential waste, fraud, and abuse by the administration, we request a detailed explanation for where the revenue from digital passes is being directed and what percentage of this revenue is supporting the D.C. projects rather than supporting the maintenance of our public parks. Thank you for your response. ###",1,2026-06-13T06:32:19Z,2026-06-13T06:34:27Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-bill-to-strengthen-rural-hospitals-passes-us-senate,King Bill to Strengthen Rural Hospitals Passes U.S. Senate,2026-06-11,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is celebrating Senate passage of bipartisan legislation that would allow hospitals to continue testing innovative hospital payment models under Medicare as they face unprecedented financial challenges in delivering care in rural areas. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, cosponsored by Senator King,would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) for another five years, enabling rural hospitals to continue delivering quality care to the communities across Maine and the country. RCHD is a program that pays higher reimbursement rates for select small rural hospitals (with fewer than 51 beds) that otherwise do not qualify as Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) for covered Medicare inpatient hospital services. This program thus protects access to essential healthcare services for local communities in Maine by increasing the hospitals’ financial viability and capacity. “In many rural communities, the local hospital is more than a health care provider—it’s a source of good-paying jobs, and often the difference between receiving care close to home or driving hours to get critical medical care,” said Senator King. “But after the party-line passage of the Big Beautiful Bill last year resulted in shuttered hospitals and limited access to care, America’s rural health care providers are fighting to keep their lights on and communities healthy. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act will strengthen access to care in underserved areas while giving hospitals greater financial stability. I’m pleased the Senate has passed this bipartisan legislation to extend the RCHD, and I’ll continue working to ensure rural hospitals in Maine and across the country have the resources they need to serve their communities.” A 2025 report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found that participating RCHD hospitals significantly improved their Medicare margins and increased capital investments, resulting in stronger financial conditions that helped with staff retention. In addition to Maine, twelve other states have hospitals in the program: Colorado, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Vermont, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Maine’s two participating RCHD hospitals were previously noted as at risk of financial distress or closure due to the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill last year, making reauthorization of the RCHD even more important. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives; the RCHD was previously extended in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (enacted in December 2020). Joining King on the legislation are U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Peter Welch (D-VT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), James Lankford (R-OK), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). Senator King has been a staunch supporter of rural healthcare outcomes and opportunities across Maine. Last year, he joined bipartisan legislation to expand telehealth access through Medicare, making it easier for patients to connect with their providers. ###",1,2026-06-12T06:37:16Z,2026-06-12T06:39:00Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-secures-confirmation-that-whistleblowers-protections-remain-intact-at-the-va,King Secures Confirmation that Whistleblowers Protections Remain Intact at the VA,2026-06-05,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is pressing the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) for confirmation that whistleblowers will remain protected from retribution. In a committee hearing, King secured agreement from Michael Tierney, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP), that whistleblower protections will be left intact at the VA under his leadership. The commitment comes on the heels of reports that federal employees will soon be forced to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in an attempt to quell free speech and silence critics of the administration. “Mr. Tierney, I'm worried about sort of counter currents going on here. One is whistleblower protection, which you've talked about, and, investigating claims and protecting whistleblowers. And, you know, at the same time, last year, it was reported that the VA was requiring their employees to sign a non-disclosure agreement that did not include the legally required exclusion language for whistleblowers. Are you aware of that situation,” said Senator King. “Thank you. Senator, I have read reports about that,” replied Mr. Tierney. “Well,[…] OPM, just in the last week or so, has talked about […]new, non-disclosure agreements throughout the federal government. Have you reviewed the language that's being proposed?” asked Senator King. “I have not Senator King, but I will 100% say that NDAs and whistleblower activity have no role together. […]Employees must feel 100% comfortable that they are not going to be restricted in reporting on bad conduct,”said Mr. Tierney. “I would hope as the legal counsel in this situation that you would inform whoever's setting up these NDAs that that language must be in there, that says this does not include whistleblower complaints and the protections are left intact. Will you commit to me that you'll do that?”asked Senator King. “Yes, Senator, and it's also on OAWP's website. It's very clear that any whistleblower statute overrides any type of NDA language. And I agree with that. There's no role for NDA’s and whistleblowers,” confirmed Mr. Tierney. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Additionally, King has repeatedly advocated for the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce. Earlier this year, he introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the VA to develop a long-term workforce strategy to improve outcomes at the VA. During a SVAC hearing in January, King pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins to release the VA contracts that he canceled, including those canceled in Maine, so that veterans are aware of potential impacts on patient care and benefits. Last year, he sent a letter to Secretary Doug Collins raising concerns about a leaked report that highlighted plans called for by Elon Musk’s DOGE to cut 83,000 VA employees. Earlier this year, he was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” ###",1,2026-06-06T06:16:30Z,2026-06-06T06:17:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-protect-veterans-from-scams-exploitation,"King Cosponsors Bill to Protect Veterans From Scams, Exploitation",2026-06-04,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is cosponsoring legislation to crack down on fraudulent activity that attempts to exploit veterans’ hard-earned benefits. The Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would clarify that only accredited individuals can assist veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims, reinstating criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While federal law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution, and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties. “Veterans earned their benefits through service and sacrifice, and no one should be allowed to profit by scamming them out of what they've earned,” said Senator King. “These so-called ‘claims sharks’ prey on veterans at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Our SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, and better protect veterans so they can access the benefits they deserve without being exploited by bad actors.” More specifically, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would: Reestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans; Prohibit VA accreditation of any person found guilty of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims; Close loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims; Prohibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information; Require VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans can report scammers; and Increase warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices of unaccredited agents. Joining King on the legislation are U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Peter Welch (D-VT). Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs. Last year, he introduced the VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act that wouldprotect veterans from unaccredited claims representatives seeking to defraud them of their benefits. Earlier this year, he introduced the TAP Promotion Act which would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims. Additionally, he introduced the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which would address an unfair rule in federal law that creates unnecessary delays when veterans with service-connected disabilities attempt to access earned education and employment benefits. ###",1,2026-06-05T06:35:23Z,2026-06-05T06:36:42Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/under-king-questioning-intelligence-nominee-undercuts-independence-claims,"Under King Questioning, Intelligence Nominee Undercuts “Independence” Claims",2026-06-03,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), questioned an administration nominee on his independence and integrity – stressing that the nation’s most significant national security mistakes occur when “biased” information is given to leaders. In a SSCI open hearing on the nomination of Mr. Michael Vance to be Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (I&R), Vance first stated that he would act follow the long tradition of independence –void of political motivations – within the Intelligence and Research branch. However, when Senator King pushed him on credible facts, like if President Biden won the 2020 election, the nominee deflected thus undercutting his independent claims. Senator King began, “Mr. Vance, in your opening statement, you use the word independence 4 or 5 times, which I really appreciate. You use the phrase candid, timely, and free of political influence, integrity and independence. This isn't an academic concern. If you look back over the past 60 years, I think many of our foreign policy disasters that have cost American lives were based upon not faulty intelligence, but intelligence that was that was biased in favor of the views of the policymakers in charge at the time. Vietnam. Bay of Pigs. Iraq. Talk to me about the importance of the integrity of the analytic process and the willingness to tell the president of the United States, or that national director of national intelligence or this committee, something that we don't want to hear that is inconsistent with our, policy preference.” “Senator, thank you very much. For that very important question. Analytic integrity, a willingness to speak candidly about the content of the intelligence record is absolutely at the core of intelligence work,” Vance responded. “We do policymakers no favors by telling them the things that they want to hear. We do them, I think a much greater service when we're able to speak authoritatively about the content of the intelligence record and to share that with them in a respectful and helpful way. I think one thing I can tell you about my own career is that in the course of our nearly 24 years of working in the federal government, one thing I've never been accused of is bending the intelligence record to suit a particular policy narrative. And it's certainly a part of the I&R is long standing organizational tradition, which is speaking candidly about the content of the record.” “A quick follow up: who won the presidential election in 2020?” Senator King questioned. Vance replied, “Senator, thank you for the question. Joe Biden was certified as president of the United States in January 2021.” “Did he win the election?” Senator King replied. Vance followed up, “Senator again, Joe Biden was certified as president of the United States in January 2021.” “I'm uncomfortable with your discussion about independence if you won't answer that question directly,” Senator King concluded firmly. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. He has repeatedly questioned Obama, Biden, and Trump Administration officials on their willingness to speak truth to power – even when the truth is politically inconvenient. ###",1,2026-06-04T06:38:12Z,2026-06-04T06:39:44Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-secure-probe-into-flawed-misleading-tax-filing-program,"King, Colleagues Secure Probe into Flawed, Misleading Tax Filing Program",2026-06-02,2026,2026-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — After urging the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to initiate a probe into the Free File program, a current partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and private tax preparation companies, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), secured confirmation from GAO Acting Managing Director David Pownerthat it will launch a new investigation into the problematic program. The probe comes amidst the Trump administration’s decision to end the Direct File program — an effort to offer free direct online tax filing assistance to taxpayers without private company involvement. GAO previously evaluated the Free File program and highlighted the need for the government to develop new ways for lower- and middle-income Americans to file their taxes for free in April 2022. In response, the Biden administration created the Direct File program, which allowed Americans, including taxpayers in Maine, to file their tax returns online, for free with no hidden or surprise fees, and directly with the IRS. “We have serious concerns that Free File cannot efficiently, effectively, and securely serve the taxpayers who are statutorily entitled to free tax filing services,” wrote the lawmakers to GAO on May 17th. “GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority. We anticipate that staff with the required skills will be available shortly to initiate an engagement,” responded GAO. The new GAO investigation will help evaluate the program’s user experience, accessibility, accuracy, and costs, and address broader concerns surrounding Free File’s underperformance and the difficulties that low- and middle- income Americans encounter when trying to truly file their taxes for free. Senator King has consistently advocated for tax fairness. Earlier this year, he introduced the Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (Stop CHEATERS) Act which would restore and revitalize the IRS with additional funding for tax enforcement focused upon high-income tax evasion, technology operations support, systems modernization, and taxpayer services like free tax-payer assistance. In December last year, Senator King urged the Trump Administration to help Americans get more responsive service and expedited refunds by restoring staff and resources at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), the independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps taxpayers resolve issues within the IRS. The full text of the Senators’ May 17th letter to GAO can be found here. GAO’s response can be found here and below. +++ The Honorable Ron Wyden Ranking Member Committee on Finance United States Senate The Honorable Angus S. King, Jr. United States Senate The Honorable Elizabeth Warren United States Senate Thank you for your letter requesting that the Government Accountability Office update its April 2022 report, ""IRS Should Develop Additional Options for Taxpayers to File for Free."" GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority. We anticipate that staff with the required skills will be available shortly to initiate an engagement. Your request has been assigned to Mr. Cardell D. Johnson, Managing Director, Strategic Issues. Mr. Johnson or a member of his team will contact the staff points of contact to discuss the request, your needs, and the engagement objectives, scope, and methodology in accordance with GAO’s protocols. As applicable, we will also be in contact with the cognizant Inspector General’s office to ensure that we are not duplicating efforts. If an issue arises during this coordination, we will consult with you regarding its resolution. Sincerely yours, ###",1,2026-06-03T06:40:39Z,2026-06-03T06:42:22Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/over-9-million-views-and-counting-king-goes-viral-for-promoting-money-saving-falls-prevention-measures,Over 9 Million Views and Counting: King Goes Viral for Promoting Money-Saving Falls Prevention Measures,2026-05-27,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has ignited a national conversation over a simple and common-sense way to prevent household injuries for older Americans while also saving taxpayers billions of dollars. In fact, his proposal advocating for bathmats is approaching nearly 10 million views across several social media platforms and garnering significant media discussion. In a special hearing of the Senate Committee on Aging focused on falls prevention last week, Senator King used the simple, inexpensive example of a bathmat to show that a small investment of $11 per recipient could drastically decrease Medicare and Medicaid payouts associated with the repercussions of dangerous falls “Much like an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure, an $11 bathmat sure beats a $30,000 hospital trip,” said Senator King of his trending status online. “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults in the U.S, and it’s reassuring that so many people are drawn to a simple, cost-saving measure that can ensure the health and safety of older Americans. As Americans grow more concerned over the growing federal deficit, it’s irresponsible to not be looking at upfront investments that save taxpayer dollars in the long run.” During his opening remarks at last Wednesday’s hearing– in the moment that attracted millions of viewers online – Senator King explained his thinking: “This is an $11 bathmat. I’m the Johnny Appleseed of bathmats. Whenever I go to see somebody and they don’t have one of these in their shower, I buy one and send it to them. Now, here is the proposal, though. Why doesn’t [the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)] send one of these to every Medicare recipient in the country? I did the back-of-the-envelope calculation; it would pay for itself in about 9 months. This is $11. I suspect if CMS bought them by the millions, they could get a deal. And it would have a noticeable effect on the number of falls, a very simple idea. Along with that is, and I have some legislation along this line, allow CMS to spend money on prevention things like grab bars and bathmats. Right now, Medicare will pay for a broken hip, but they won’t pay for a grab bar in your shower. That’s just insane. And so, I think, Mr. Chairman, that’s one of the things we need to do, is authorize, Medicare to get much more active in the prevention area. And to provide things like this, I’m not kidding. Send out 20 or 30 million of these, and you will see the hundred-million-dollar cost of falls fall significantly,” said Senator King. The cost-benefit case for Senator King’s proposal is straightforward: there are 69 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, meaning an $11 bath mat for each of them would cost $759 million dollars. The cost would also likely be much lower with a price break per bathmat for such a large order. According to a 2024 report from the National Institute of Health, Medicare spent over $50 billion dollars on direct medical expenses related to falls – with the average fall-related injury costing about $20,000. With as many as 80 percent of falls for older Americans occurring in the shower, and bath mats recommended by the National Institute on Aging, the savings to Medicare (and taxpayers) for falls avoided could be as high as $10 for every single dollar put into bathmats in the first year; the savings over three years would be in excess of 15 billion dollars. As the Senate Aging hearing highlighted, falls happen for many reasons and no one-size fits all solution will prevent every older adult fall. Annual physicals, or annual wellness visits under Medicare, are an opportunity for providers to assess these changes and make clinical recommendations, but adding home modifications is another step in preventing falls. For example, Johns Hopkins University’s CAPABLE model is a demonstrated falls prevention cost-saver that, through incorporating home modifications prevented about $30,000 in costs per recipient. Preventing falls is also about enabling adults to age comfortably in their homes, which is where most Americans want to age. At a time of affordability challenges and when inflation continues to rise, preventing falls is also cost saver for the average American and the taxpayers, with a private nursing home room cost now averaging more than $120,000 per year. As an extension of his longtime focus on prevention efforts, Senator King has been leading the charge in the falls prevention space. Senator King introduced the ‘Stand Strong’ legislative package, which included the Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act that would require the development of a National Falls Prevention Plan. The package also included the Preventive Home Visits Act, which would provide Medicare coverage for qualified care providers to assess the safety of seniors’ homes, and the Wellness 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. ###",1,2026-05-28T06:29:45Z,2026-05-28T06:31:18Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-34-senators-demand-mcmahon-reverse-failed-policies-protect-students-from-discrimination-and-harassment/,"NEWS: Sanders, 34 Senators Demand McMahon Reverse Failed Policies, Protect Students from Discrimination and Harassment",2026-05-27,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, May 27 — After the Trump administration tried to fire more than half of the investigators tasked with protecting the civil rights of students and left students nationwide without protection from alleged civil rights violations, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Ct.), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and 30 senators called on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take immediate actions to reverse its failed policies and finally protect students from discrimination, mistreatment and harassment. In their letter, the senators call on the Trump administration to provide a full accounting of the nearly 12,000 pending cases before the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) left without protection under the administration’s watch and to inform students nationwide about the status of their complaints. “Make no mistake: OCR’s disastrous recent track record in providing enforceable relief for students is a direct consequence of choices made by the Trump administration,” Sanders and the senators wrote. Since taking office, the administration has undertaken unprecedented efforts to gut OCR, the agency responsible for protecting students from discrimination based on race, sex, disability, color, national origin and age. In March 2025, the administration attempted to lay off nearly half of OCR’s workforce — costing taxpayers up to $38 million while investigators were barred from doing their jobs. The administration proposed a second round of layoffs during the 2025 shutdown before reversing course and reinstating staff. “The Department formally rescinded those layoffs in January 2026, but only after nine months of paid inaction, sustained court orders, and congressional pressure,” the senators continued. “The students and families with pending cases cannot get that time back. Thousands of students who reached out to OCR for protection were denied any enforceable relief and that is unacceptable.” Last month, Sanders released a new report finding that Trump’s Education Department has been the least productive in over a decade — reaching in 2025 the lowest number of resolution agreements in 12 years and, shockingly, reaching zero resolution agreements for students facing serious traumatic incidents including sexual harassment, sexual violence, seclusion, restraint, racial harassment and discriminatory school discipline. Despite receiving the same funding as the prior year, the report found OCR provided relief through resolution agreements in just 1% of pending cases in 2025. The senators note that OCR has left 72.5% of complaints pending for over 180 days, and that the Government Accountability Office previously found 90% of complaints resolved between March and September 2025 were dismissed without substantive investigation. The senators demand that McMahon take the following specific and immediate actions to fulfill OCR’s legal obligations: Reopen closed OCR regional offices Hire more OCR investigators Reach out to all students with pending cases and provide a status update on their case Begin reaching resolution agreements in every category OCR reached zero Cease the mass dismissal of complaints without proper review Cease efforts to rescind existing resolution agreements Restore OCR’s public transparency, including by regularly updating public data and providing detailed accounting on the status of cases, staffing levels and caseloads Joining Sanders, Murray, Baldwin, Murphy and Durbin as cosigners on the letter are Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).",1,2026-05-28T06:29:45Z,2026-05-28T06:31:18Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-maine-resident-retired-us-coast-guard-chief-warrant-officer-in-memorial-day-episode-of-answering-the-call,"King Highlights Maine Resident, Retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer in Memorial Day Episode of ‘Answering the Call’",2026-05-25,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices.” In the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Leo J. Deon, Jr. of Industry, Maine. Deon served at various military posts in Massachusetts, Florida, Ohio, Guam, and New Jersey and worked at key sites like the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks and the U.S. Capitol during the anthrax scare. In the interview, King asked about Deon’s commitment to service and how he continues to provide for veterans in the Maine community long after his retirement from active duty. “Leo J. Deon Jr. is one of the millions of Americans who selflessly served our country, putting himself in harm’s way to protect Americans—and American interests—at home and abroad,” said Senator King. “However, his commitment to service and community extends far beyond the Coast Guard and his missions. Since moving to Maine, he has worked diligently to help Maine’s veterans transition to civilian life. He began supporting veterans through Veteran’s Inc., and eventually the Maine Department of Labor where he worked as a local veteran’s employment representative. Even after retirement, Leo is involved in the Maine Military Community Network and serves on the board of Vet2Vet Maine. Leo represents the best Maine has to offer, and it’s a privilege to help preserve his story in the Library of Congress.” Deon was born and raised in Elbridge, a small town in western New York. Deon’s interest in military service began at age 14 after he and a friend saw a Coast Guard commercial on late-night television. After graduating high school, the two joined the Coast Guard Buddy Program and were sent to basic training in Alameda, California. Following training, Deon served aboard the West Wind on the Great Lakes before attending navigation school in Florida. After graduating as a quartermaster, he was stationed aboard The Bibb in New Bedford, Massachusetts for three years. While waiting for his next deployment, he visited Maine and met his future wife at the Farmington Fair on September 21st, 1985. They married in December and moved to Guam, where Deon coordinated maritime search and rescue missions across the western Pacific between Guam and Hawaii. After being promoted to Chief Warrant Officer, Deon joined the National Strike Force at Fort Dix, New Jersey where he responded to the 9/11 terrorist attack. He spent six weeks at the World Trade Center overseeing the safety of emergency responders. He also assisted with the anthrax response in Washington, D.C and assisted in the response in the months after 9/11. After retiring from the Coast Guard, Deon moved to Maine where he worked for 12 years at UMaine Farmington. Missing the comradery of the military, he decided to support veterans through Veteran’s Inc., and then transitioned to the Department of Labor, where he worked as a local veteran’s employment representative. Even after his retirement, Deon remains involved in the Maine Military Community Network and serves on the board of Vet2Vet Maine. The Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. Senator King joins many other members of Congress who’ve participated in the project, and was honored by the then-Librarian of Congress on Veterans Day 2022 when she participated in a one-on-one interview with him to talk through his Maine conversations. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. Senator King has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. Last week, Senator King cosponsored the bipartisan Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 which would increase certain veteran’s benefits – including disability compensation, clothing allowances, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children – to reflect rising everyday costs. King also has introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the VA workforce and improve outcomes for Veterans in the Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act. King has alsocosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. He also joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize a program that would expand access to veteran disability claims exams. You can watch previous episodes of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices” here. ###",1,2026-05-26T06:27:29Z,2026-05-26T06:29:16Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-memorial-day-senator-king-releases-statement-in-remembrance-of-fallen-service-members,"On Memorial Day, Senator King Releases Statement in Remembrance of Fallen Service Members",2026-05-25,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, on Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC) released the following statement in remembrance of Maine’s – and all of America’s – fallen servicemembers: “One of our most solemn and important holidays in this country is Memorial Day. Sometimes we think of it as an opportunity to have a barbecue with our friends at the beginning of summer, but really it’s a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. Dating back to the Civil War, Memorial Day has become such an important and emotional time for so many people across our country. “This Memorial Day, have a great time with friends and family, but stop for a minute to remember the sacrifices of those who made it all possible. “Happy Memorial Day and happy remembrance of all those who went before that made our lives what they are today.” ###",1,2026-05-26T06:27:29Z,2026-05-26T06:29:16Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-partisan-defense-budget-abdication-of-the-congresss-appropriations-responsibility,King Calls Partisan Defense Budget “Abdication of the Congress's Appropriations Responsibility”,2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"To watch or download the exchange, click here WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns over the “dangerous precedent” being set by a partisan Department of Defense (DoD) budget that suggests bypassing the normal appropriations process. King argued that defense budgets should not circumvent congressional authority, since the defense budget request has been split into a bipartisan bill and a separate one that will be passed with only Republican engagement. Senator King then pressed the Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink on maintenance and military readiness. This year’s defense budget, as submitted by the Administration, is divided into two distinct segments, one, a conventional budget submission requiring analysis and approval by the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees and a second section—representing more than 25% of the total budget—to be passed in an entirely partisan reconciliation bill, thus bypassing the usual committee consideration and oversight. Senator King began, “There is no such thing as mandatory spending except in areas where there is a legal obligation to expend the money. Mandatory spending is a term of art in government budgeting, and it refers to principally Social Security and Medicare. There's nothing mandatory about part of your budget. It is being put in this budget as a part of reconciliation, which is a bypassing of the normal administration of appropriations and the Congress. It's an abdication of the Congress's appropriations responsibility, but it is also a usurpation of that.” Later in the hearing, King discussed the concept of “Right to Repair”, securing an agreement that the Air Force will invest in their ability to save time and money by allowing maintainers to make their own parts and repair equipment that would otherwise have to be sent back to the manufacturer. “Mr. Secretary, one thing we have talked about frequently is the right to repair. There's been a lot of talk today about readiness. One way to improve readiness is to repair our aircraft -- I almost said on the fly-- on the ground without waiting for the manufacturer to send a part. In my view we should, A, buy the IP for any platform we buy and, B, we should have 3D printers in every hanger. I hope this is an area you will pursue with your procurement people. Because, as you know, readiness in the air force is an issue depending upon the airframe, 50%-60% readiness, sometimes higher sometimes lower. Do you agree with me that we really need to stress our ability to repair our own equipment and do so in a timely basis?” Senator King asked. “Absolutely, Senator. As we look at the programs going forward, that's a big focus, to make sure we have that right. To some degree back to our discussion already, some of these programs, the decisions made were trying to save costs wherever possible. Those kind of short-term decisions did not prove to be cost-effective long-term. We are trying to reverse a lot of that now and going forward. I believe this is an area with proposals with respect to congressional language associated with access to data rights. I think all those things are necessary to make sure that going down the road we have that right to do that,” Secretary Meink confirmed. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Over the past year, Senator King has been outspoken against the politicization of the Department of Defense. Senator King has also been a strong advocate for the use of 3D printing. He previously supported a $2.8 million congressionally-directed spending award to UMaine for 3D print wind turbine blades, as well as the use of the 3D printer to create two logistics vessels for the U.S. Department of Defense. ###",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-demand-answers-on-special-edition-politicized-us-passport-featuring-trumps-portrait,"King, Colleagues Demand Answers on Special-Edition, Politicized U.S. Passport Featuring Trump’s Portrait",2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined his colleagues in seeking answers on the special-edition, politicization of the official U.S. passport. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King and his colleagues asked for information on the State Department’s reported plans to issue 25,000 special passports featuring President Trump’s portrait in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. “We write to express our deep concern regarding the State Department’s reported plans to issue a limited number of specially designed U.S. passports featuring a picture of President Trump to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The U.S. passport has never—and should not now—feature an image of a sitting U.S. president. We ask you to halt these plans given the anti-democratic impact this decision will have,” the Senators wrote. “Using our nation’s semiquincentennial to elevate the profile of the current president risks turning a unifying national milestone into a vehicle for personal promotion.” The Senators also emphasized how unprecedented it would be to put a political figure’s face on the U.S. passport and the potential waste of American taxpayers’ dollars in the process. “To our knowledge, no country places the portrait of a sitting leader in its passport,” they stressed. “Even the most authoritarian and autocratic governments have avoided equating national identity to the sitting president in such a way.” Also on the letter are U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Rubio: We write to express our deep concern regarding the State Department’s reported plans to issue a limited number of specially designed U.S. passports featuring a picture of President Trump to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The U.S. passport has never—and should not now—feature an image of a sitting U.S. president. We ask you to halt these plans given the anti-democratic impact this decision will have. Using our nation’s semiquincentennial to elevate the profile of the current president risks turning a unifying national milestone into a vehicle for personal promotion. The U.S. passport is the country’s primary form of national identification, used daily by Americans of every political, cultural, and religious background. Its imagery has long reflected our shared national heritage through depictions of iconic landscapes and historic moments, not current political figures. There is precedent for issuing commemorative passports to mark significant anniversaries. For example, the State Department issued a passport featuring the Liberty Bell for the bicentennial, and in 1993, released a special green passport honoring Benjamin Franklin and 200 years of U.S. consular service. These designs celebrated our shared national history rather than the image of a sitting head of state. To our knowledge, no country places the portrait of a sitting leader in its passport. Even the most authoritarian and autocratic governments have avoided equating national identity to the sitting president in such a way. The decision to produce a small run of reportedly only 25,000 passports featuring the president’s image raises several questions: What is the production cost associated with redesigning and printing the 250th anniversary commemorative passport? Were alternative design options considered? If so, how was this option selected? Reports indicate these passports will only be available at the Washington Passport Agency. What will the process be for obtaining one? Will applicants be able to opt-out of receiving this design? We urge you to reconsider this plan. Proceeding would risk politicizing a document that is central to our national identity and could result in unnecessary and wasteful costs to the American taxpayer. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-lee-to-introduce-bill-to-abolish-super-pacs-stop-billionaires-from-buying-candidates/,"NEWS: Sanders, Lee to Introduce Bill to Abolish Super PACs, Stop Billionaires from Buying Candidates",2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, May 20 – With AIPAC, crypto and AI super PACs already spending over half a billion dollars this primary season, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) today introduced legislation to ban super PACs from buying our elections. The Abolish Super PACs Act would cap the contribution limit of individuals to super PACs at $5,000, effectively abolishing them and putting power back into the hands of the people. “In the 2024 elections, Elon Musk — the richest man in the world — spent at least $290 million to elect Trump, while the 100 richest billionaire families in the country spent $2.6 billion to elect the candidates of their choice. As we enter the 2026 elections, we’re seeing billionaires spend far more money in a primary or midterm than at any time in history,” Sanders said. “You, as a citizen, get one vote. They, as oligarchs, get to buy the candidates. That’s not democracy. If we’re going to create a government that works for all, and not just the 1%, we have to end Citizens United, get super PACs out of elections, and move to public financing of elections. This bill is an important step forward and I am proud to support it.” “Super PACs have allowed limitless money to flow into our elections and influence every aspect of our lives. Our government is now undeniably held in the hands of the powerful and wealthy few. I’m proud to be the lead sponsor of the Abolish Super PACs Act in the House to put democracy back in the hands of the people, and I’m grateful for Senator Sanders’ partnership and leadership in the Senate,” Lee said. Since the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, election spending by billionaires has skyrocketed by more than 16,000%, reaching a total of $2.6 billion during the 2024 election cycle. In the 2026 election cycle, AI, crypto and AIPAC-aligned super PACs are projected to spend hundreds of millions of dollars. In addition to Sanders and Lee, the legislation is cosponsored by 17 members of the House of Representatives. The Abolish Super PACs Act is endorsed by Common Defense, Court Accountability, Dream Defenders, End Citizens United, Equal Citizens, Free Speech For People, Gen-Z for Change, Grassroots Global Justice Action Fund, IfNotNow Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Justice is Global Action, Move to Amend, MPower Change Action Fund, National Iranian American Council Action, Our Revolution, Peace Action, RepresentUs, RootsAction, Rural Organizing, Sunrise Movement, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, and Women’s March. Read the bill text here.",1,2026-05-21T06:28:16Z,2026-05-21T06:29:43Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-outsourcing-shipbuilding-to-asia-worst-idea-since-the-red-sox-traded-babe-ruth,King: Outsourcing Shipbuilding to Asia “Worst Idea Since the Red Sox Traded Babe Ruth”,2026-05-19,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"To watch or download the exchange click here WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns over the possibility that the Navy is considering manufacturing ships outside of the United States. In a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing including Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, King advocated for maintaining America’s domestic shipbuilding industry and resisted any efforts to build vessels outside of the country. The hearing comes after former Secretary of the Navy John Phelan told reporters last month that the U.S. Navy may utilize foreign partners to manufacture new warships. “There is talk around the budget about building ships and even destroyers in Japan and Korea. That is the worst idea since the Red Sox traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees. It just doesn't make sense to be handing over that level of technology even to our allies. I have two reports I want to submit for the record. Both about substantial, even higher backlogs in Japan and Korean shipyards. Mr. Chairman, I would like, with permission to put these reports in the record,” asked Senator King. “Without objection. Also, let's put the chart which you just referred to in the record also. Is there objection? Without objection, that is done,” replied Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS). “The idea of building Naval Ships in a foreign shipyard I just don't understand. Admiral, every stitch of clothing you have on, is required to be made in the USA under the Barry amendment. If we require our sailors to wear shirts made in the USA but their ships can be made abroad, that doesn't make sense to me. I hope we can revisit this terrible idea of talking about building naval vessels abroad, both for the national security point of view but also rebuilding industrial base means providing the demand signal to allow our industrial base to reconstitute itself and meet the demand we are placing on them. I appreciate your work on this. Admiral, I certainly appreciate, you saw those incredible men and women at Bath that are doing -- building the most complex product in America. We want to strengthen their ability to do that, their productivity. That is happening.” Senator King asked. Earlier in the hearing Senator King highlighted the importance of steady procurement for Bath Iron Works-built destroyers in an exchange with Acting Secretary Cao. “What puzzles me is the budget that has been submitted only requests one. I don't really understand that. Particularly , as the chairman pointed out, [there] are going to be retirements coming in the future. If there are three retirements and we are only building one a year, we are going into the hole. Every hearing in this committee for the past six months talked about rebuilding the industrial base. The only way to rebuild the industrial base is with consistent demand signals…” Senator King opined. Acting Secretary Cao responded, “Thank you for the question. I am with you. This is the backbone of the U.S. Fleet of the workforce. The fact is right now we have 80 ships on contract throughout the various yards. 59 in construction and Bath alone, sir, there are 11 destroyers that are on contract for Bath alone and seven under construction.” As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King has championed funding for both Bath Iron Works (BIW) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). During his nomination hearing, Senator King and former Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, discussed the importance of utilizing lessons from the private sector to maintain best practices for ship designing, building, and maintenance. Under the prior administration, Senator King also strongly urged Mr. Frederick J. Stefany, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition to prioritize long-term investments in the defense industrial base – including Bath Iron Works—to avoid a ‘trough’ between contracted work, resulting in a likely loss of workers and threatening American national security. ###",1,2026-05-20T06:27:31Z,2026-05-20T06:28:54Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-help-veterans-better-handle-inflation-king-cosponsors-bipartisan-bill-to-provide-annual-cost-of-living-increase,"To Help Veterans Better Handle Inflation, King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Provide Annual Cost-of-Living Increase",2026-05-19,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is cosponsoring legislation to ensure veterans benefits are adjusted to reflect the increasing cost of living. The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 would increase certain veteran’s benefits – including disability compensation, clothing allowances, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children – to reflect rising everyday costs. These changes would align the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with annual benefit increases provided by the Social Security Administration. “Veterans and military families should not see the value of their earned benefits undercut by rising costs,” said Senator King. “This bipartisan legislation helps ensure that disability compensation and survivor benefits keep pace with inflation and continue to provide stability for the men and women who served our country and the families who stand beside them.” King is joined on the legislation by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Boozman (R-AR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Banks (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs. Earlier this year, he introduced the TAP Promotion Act which would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims. Additionally, he introduced the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which would address an unfair rule in federal law that creates unnecessary delays when veterans with service-connected disabilities attempt to access earned education and employment benefits. ###",1,2026-05-20T06:27:31Z,2026-05-20T06:28:54Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-takano-introduce-legislation-to-expand-overtime-pay-to-nearly-30-million-workers/,"NEWS: Sanders, Takano Introduce Legislation to Expand Overtime Pay to Nearly 30 Million Workers",2026-05-18,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, May 18 — As President Trump and congressional Republicans tout so-called “No Tax on Overtime” while simultaneously denying the right to overtime pay for more than 4.3 million workers, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) today introduced the Restoring Overtime Pay Act to expand and strengthen overtime protections for nearly 30 million workers. “At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, it is beyond unacceptable that President Trump is denying overtime pay to millions of workers who desperately need it to keep up with the outrageously high cost of living,” Sanders said. “We should be making it easier, not harder, for Americans who work more than 40 hours a week to get the time-and-a-half pay that they have earned and deserve. That’s precisely what this bill would do.” “Americans are working more for less,” Takano said. “Expanding the overtime threshold for salaried employees is the best way to ensure that families can survive the cost-of-living crisis caused by Donald Trump. I am proud to introduce this bill to help make sure over 29 million workers get paid fairly.” The Restoring Overtime Pay Act would expand or strengthen overtime protections for up to 29.3 million workers by gradually increasing the overtime salary threshold from just $35,568 today to more than $89,000 by 2030. This legislation comes on the heels of President Trump’s rescission of a Biden-era rule that would have expanded overtime pay for more than 4 million workers. Currently, just eight percent of full-time salaried workers are eligible for overtime pay based on their salaries alone. This legislation would increase that figure to 55% of full-time salaried workers. This is not a radical idea. In 1975, nearly 63% of all full-time salaried workers were guaranteed overtime pay. Restoring Overtime Pay Act Timeline YearOvertime Threshold2026$45,0002027$55,0002028$65,0002029$75,000203055th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationally*, updated annually *The current 55th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationally is $89,440 and could increase to $98,000 by 2030. Joining Sanders and Takano on this legislation are Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and 22 members of the House of Representatives. The Restoring Overtime Pay Act has been endorsed by 34 organizations, including the AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers (UAW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Communications Workers of America (CWA), UNITE HERE, United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, and United Steelworkers (USW). Read the bill text here. Read a fact sheet here.",1,2026-05-19T06:31:01Z,2026-05-19T06:32:40Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-africa-commander-on-how-americas-reduction-in-soft-power-is-feeding-an-expansion-of-terrorism,King Questions Africa Commander on How America’s Reduction in Soft Power is Feeding an Expansion of Terrorism,2026-05-15,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), questioned a top military general on the reduction of non-military power in Africa and the impact that has had on the expansion of global terrorism. In his exchange with United States Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a hearing centered on the Department’s Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027, King argued that the cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have contributed to a resurgence of Al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates intent on attacking the American homeland. General Anderson testified that the African continent “has become the center of gravity for global jihadism, with West Africa accounting for over 51 percent of global terror-related deaths in 2024.” He is not alone in raising issues. The Council for Foreign Relations addressed this rise in terrorism and acknowledges that the removal of soft power instruments USAID in the Sahel region created a vacuum in which violent extremism can expand – including groups like Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), and the Islamic State in the West African Province (ISWAP). Senator King began, “General Anderson, talk to me about the loss of soft power in Africa, our abandonment of USAID and what has happened with the Chinese and Russians that, my understanding is, are now filling that gap in addition to the other aggressive actions they are taking?” “Senator, I would say that we look at all facets of national power and how to bring those to bear on the continent to provide a security outcomes,” General Anderson replied. Senator King then followed up, “I think one facet of our national power off the table, unilaterally, for no apparent reason. The whim of Elon Musk.” “Senator, we work very closely with the state, commerce, and energy in order to look at the security requirements on the continent,”General Anderson replied. “I have a foreign service commercial officer joining staff this summer along with a liaison from Department of Energy.” Senator King asked again for a straight answer, “It is a fact is it not that we have essentially left all of the role that USAID played on the continent. That's gone? That’s a yes or no question.” “Senator, there are still aid programs that are active on the continent,” General Anderson said. “They are much reduced from what they were before.” “Much reduced. That is a fair way of stating it,” Senator King quipped. “You mentioned earlier that the Al Qaeda and ISIS have resurged in Africa. The term epicenter has been used several times of world terrorism. You said they have the will and intent to attack the homeland. My question is, do they have the capacity? Are they developing weapons, strategies, other ways to take that will and intent and turn it into something of imminent danger to the American people?” General Anderson concluded in agreement, “Senator, that is the exact issue that's my top concern.” As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King has spoken on the Senator Floor several times to discuss the critical importance of USAID. He has also joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing their deep concern regarding the growing chaos at the U.S. Department of State and the Trump Administration’s attempt to abolish USAID. ###",1,2026-05-16T06:05:00Z,2026-05-16T06:06:37Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/togus-va-police-positions-still-under-review-not-cut,"Togus VA Police Positions Still Under Review, Not Cut",2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns after the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) recently directed the Togus VA Medical Center in Maine to make cuts to vacant positions. Among those cut were vacant police officer positions, which the medical center had been prevented from filling while the positions underwent reclassification reviews by the VA. In a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), King asked VA Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration Mark Engelbaum about the unfairness of the VA forcing Togus to cut the positions when remaining vacant was due to a VA required review. At the end of the discussion about the pending review, Senator King asked Mr. Engelbaum directly whether the positions in question had necessarily been lost, and Mr. Engelbaum confirmed that they had not. VA Police are armed and uniformed federal law enforcement officers within the VA responsible for the protection of VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and other facilities such as Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), Health Care Centers (HCCs), annexes, and other facilities operated Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Additionally, King has repeatedly spoken out against cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce. Last month, he introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the VA to develop a long-term workforce strategy to improve outcomes at the VA. During a SVAC hearing in January, King pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins to release the VA contracts that he canceled, including those canceled in Maine, so that veterans are aware of potential impacts on patient care and benefits. Last year, he sent a letter to Secretary Doug Collins raising concerns about a leaked report that highlighted plans called for by Elon Musk’s DOGE to cut 83,000 VA employees. Earlier this year, he was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” ###",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blasts-massive-cuts-to-forest-service,King Blasts Massive Cuts to Forest Service,2026-05-13,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"To watch or download the exchange click here WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns over the Administration’s proposed cuts to forest research, partnerships with state and tribal authorities, and maintenance of public lands. In a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) committee hearing, King pressed Chief of the United States Forest Service (USFS) Tom Schultz on the rationale behind cutting vital forest services, drawing a contrast with the President’s White House ballroom project which could be receiving a billion dollars in a bill as soon as next week. The Administration’s planned cuts and reorganization of the USFS present serious challenges for logging, mining, and firefighting on 200 million acres of U.S. land, as well as thousands of trails and forests that millions of Americans visit every year. “Budgets represent priorities, and it's fascinating to me that if you add together the cuts for service operations, forest and rangeland research, and state, private and tribal forestry, that pretty much exactly equals the proposed billion dollars in the reconciliation bill for the ballroom. So, the President's ballroom has a higher priority than forest research, state and tribal forestry, and Forest Service operations. “So, another way to look at it in perspective is that number represents 3/10 of 1% of the proposed increase in the defense budget this year to $1.5 trillion. So, I don't understand the priorities here. I just don't think it makes any sense…your statement is that “The budget eliminates the account for state, private, and tribal forestry funding to ensure fiscal responsibility and to better balance the appropriate roles of federal and state government.” That's a euphemism for we've got the gold mine, you get the shaft. You're shafting the states and the tribes. About ten times today you've used the word partnership. It ain't a partnership if one side has to give up everything, and the other side says, this is what we're going to do, and we're not going to give you any money to do it; why in the world are you seeing the basis for the partnership that you keep talking about? Why should anybody partner with you when, on the one hand, you're saying, well, here are our terms and conditions, but by the way, we're not going to give you the money that we've historically given you year after year? What's the justification for that?” asked Senator King. “Mr. Chairman, Mr. King, thanks for the question. So, in many cases, the partnerships that we have, they're mutually beneficial. That's how it works. So historically, the state and private funding was about $300 million. And that funding was supporting a lot of different programs for states. What we've seen over time, though, is that there is a need to take a look at those programs and how they're funded and the responsibility of the states and other partners,” replied Mr. Schultz. “So, it's a zero value. It's going from $310 million to 0. So, you're saying there was no value in those expenditures whatsoever?” Senator King asked. Mr. Schultz replied, “Mr. Chairman, Senator King, when I mentioned I worked in state government for over 25 years before I came into this role, and there has always been concerns and questions about the appropriate role of the federal funding versus state funding. And we've seen different states address that differently. Some states have increased funding for the state and private programs through the state legislatures, and others have not. So, it's something that has been an ongoing issue and a discussion about how much of that burden shifted more states or the federal government. “Well, how much of the burden? Your budget says zero is for the federal government as far as the states are concerned.” Senator King asked. As a lifelong advocate for conservation and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s most prominent voices advocating for conservation of public lands. He has been outspoken regarding cuts to National Parks and conservation services. Last month, in response to budget cuts and reorganization at the USFS, Senator King joined 33 of his Senate colleagues to raise concerns about harmful workforce reductions. ###",1,2026-05-14T06:11:37Z,2026-05-14T06:12:56Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-omar-more-than-100-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-end-child-hunger-through-universal-school-meals/,"NEWS: Sanders, Omar, More Than 100 Colleagues Introduce Legislation to End Child Hunger Through Universal School Meals",2026-05-13,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, May 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) today introduced legislation to end child hunger in the United States. The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 would offer free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to every student in America — regardless of income — and eliminate school meal debt while incentivizing local food in schools. Joining Sanders and Omar as cosponsors on this legislation are Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maizie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Minn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and 85 members of the House of Representatives. “It is outrageous that, while the billionaire class has never had it so good, one in five children will go hungry in America this year,” Sanders said. “The United States is the richest country in the history of the world. Nobody should be going hungry. And what we learned during the pandemic is that a universal approach to school meals works and helps kids do better in school. States across the country continue to prove this every day. It is time for Congress to reinstate universal school meals at the national level to finally ensure no student goes hungry.” “No child should have to sit in a classroom hungry or worried about where their next meal will come from,” Omar said. “As a former nutrition educator and someone who experienced hunger firsthand, this fight is deeply personal to me. I have always believed you must feed kids’ bellies before you can feed their brains. That is why I am proud to partner again with Bernie Sanders to introduce the Universal School Meals Program Act, which would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to students year-round. Universal school meals are not a luxury—they are a necessity.” The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 comes at a critical moment: the Trump administration and congressional Republicans have enacted the deepest cuts to federal nutrition programs in history, slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $186 billion, imposing harsh new bureaucratic requirements that have stripped food assistance from millions of Americans, and refusing to fund SNAP during the federal government shutdown in fall 2025. Congress funded universal school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that the model increases school meal participation, reduces the stigma for students from low-income households and removes stress on families to secure healthy meals for their kids. While Congress let the universal model expire at the end of the 2021–2022 school year, nine states — Vermont, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico and New York — have passed laws to provide universal school meals. This legislation builds on this progress to return the model nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent food security report — which the Trump administration has now ended — 48 million Americans, including over 14 million children, are food insecure. Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are 18 or younger. It is time to permanently make school meals free to all students, regardless of income, and finally address this crisis. Studies show time and again that students with free access to breakfast have improved attendance and better performance in school, and that free meals reduce financial stress for both students and families. Moreover, free and accessible school meals improve health outcomes, relieve the stigma associated with school meals and reduce behavioral incidents. Parents will not be forced to deal with paperwork or subjected to threats to have their children taken away. The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 provides the most cost-effective and inclusive model for students, families, teachers, public schools, childcare providers and communities by: Providing free breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack to every student — regardless of income. Eliminating school meal debt for every public school student in America by reimbursing schools and ending harassment of parents and students over unpaid bills. In a 2025 survey, the School Nutrition Association found that nearly 1,400 school districts across the country hold a median of $6,000 in unpaid meal debt. Increasing the reimbursement rate for schools to get closer to the actual cost of producing meals. Incentivizing schools to buy from local farms, bringing food from nearby farms into schools while supporting local economies. Providing summer meals to all children and increased SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) to lower-income children. Currently, only communities where 50% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch may operate a summer meals program. This bill makes all communities eligible, regardless of income. Strengthening and expanding the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to allow three meals and a snack each day, eliminate the two-tiered reimbursement rate for CACFP, and allow childcare providers to receive the highest reimbursement rate regardless of income. The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 is endorsed by nearly 100 organizations, including the American Heart Association, Food Research & Action Center, Hunger Free America, Hunger Free Vermont, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, National Education Association (NEA), National Family Farm Coalition, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Vermont Afterschool, Vermont Foodbank, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, and Washington School Nutrition Association. Read the bill here.",1,2026-05-14T06:11:37Z,2026-05-14T06:12:56Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-upcoming-u-s-china-ai-talks/,NEWS: Sanders Statement on Upcoming U.S.-China AI Talks,2026-05-11,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, May 11 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement on upcoming talks between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. When I convened leading American and Chinese scientists at the U.S. Capitol, they warned that the world is woefully unprepared for the threats posed by the rapid and uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence. That is why I welcome the news that the U.S. and China are planning to discuss the risks related to AI this week. Trump and Xi must seize this moment to make clear that humans, not machines, come first. In my view, this means: Allowing top scientists to share technical information and develop “AI redlines” about dangerous behavior; Ensuring that AI models are safe and effective; and Making progress towards a treaty to ban superintelligence — an artificial mind smarter than any human, capable of operating independently beyond our control. At the height of the Cold War, Reagan and Gorbachev found a way to negotiate nuclear arms control. The existential risk posed by AI demands nothing less from Trump and Xi.",1,2026-05-12T06:07:57Z,2026-05-12T06:09:10Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-puzzled-by-massive-cuts-to-national-parks-budget,King Critical of Massive Cuts to National Parks Budget,2026-05-01,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) and Ranking Member of the National Parks Subcommittee, criticized the Administration for drastic cuts to the National Park Service’s budget. In an ENR committee hearing this week, King questioned Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on the rationale behind cutting the chronically-underfunded park service funding by a third when there is a history of a deferred maintenance backlog. “Let's talk about the National Park Service. You and I talked about this before. [The] National Park Service budget is cut by one third. About $1 billion, which is one day of the Iran war just to put it in context. I don't understand why. In terms of the overall budget, in terms of what is being proposed for expenditures in many other areas, why are we cutting the most popular program the federal government runs? I understand there's always room for rightsizing and analysis of staffing and those kinds of things, but this is not a gotcha question. I'm puzzled why the administration would cut by one third the funding of one of the most important agencies that we have in terms of direct interface with the public? It’s not just about people at the parks. They need the backup from the rest of the organization. Why such a major cut?” asked Senator King. Secretary Burgum replied, “You said a number of things that were qualifying in there, but I think there is a belief that we can deliver the services that people desire and the outcomes people are looking for. One thing I found as governor and I’m finding in this role is there is a high degree of interest in inputs and less interest in outcomes. If you said ‘the goal is, Secretary, please deliver higher customer satisfaction at all of your parks. Go get it done as efficiently as you can, we want to have citizens very satisfied.’ But it’s never about satisfaction. It’s always about the spending like a bigger input somehow implies a better outcome. I just don’t believe that.” Senator King replied, “I would understand that, but has been an outside consultant's study of the staff size or internal study? If there has been such, I would certainly like to see it. You probably knew I was going to bring this chart. This is FTEs in the National Park Service going back 10 or 15 years. Here's where we are now. We were understaffed back then. The number we were working from was 23,000 and now we are down to about 15,000 I think. So this is where we are going. Again, if there is a study or a rational basis for the cuts being made, I just don't see it."". Later in the exchange, Senator King raised concerns about massive staffing cuts and how those, coupled with the budget cuts, could harm visitor satisfaction in the future. As a lifelong advocate for conservation and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s most prominent voices advocating for our national parks. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation that included the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). Because of his work, in 2020, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) “Hero” Award. Since the creation of the LRF, Senator King has pushed park leaders to discuss funding maintenance efforts, maintaining a sufficient NPS workforce, and managing growing park visitation. Senator King’s work on the National Parks Subcommittee is the culmination of more than four decades of work on land conservation efforts in Maine, including helping to establish the Land for Maine’s Future program in 1987 and supporting extensive conservation projects during his time as Governor. ###",1,2026-05-02T05:53:08Z,2026-05-02T05:54:44Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-hegseth_-why-are-we-abandoning-ukraine,King to Hegseth - “Why Are We Abandoning Ukraine?”,2026-05-01,2026,2026-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today raised concerns regarding the administration’s decision to abandon Ukraine by zeroing out military and humanitarian support in this year’s Department of Defense (DoD) budget despite widespread American support for continued financial and military assistance. In the annual SASC committee hearing on the DoD’s fiscal year 2027 budget, King pressed the Under Secretary of Defense and Comptroller Jules Hurst, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, on the complete lack of resources being provided to Ukraine as the countrycontinues to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked and bloody aggression. The small democratic nation has defended itself over the course of the four year war with the help of American equipment, training, and funding. “One of the factors of this budget that has not gotten any publicity is there is zero funding for Ukraine. That is correct, Mr. Hurst?”asked Senator King. Mr. Hurst replied, “That is correct. There is no USAI funding in this budget.” “There was $400 million appropriated last year by a bipartisan bicameral act of Congress. What has become of that money? My understanding is not a dollar of it has been dispersed,” Senator King questioned. “It was released very recently. We got these funds, I believe, in March. It takes time for the funds to flow through department, but it’s going to be put to work very shortly. We are going to work with the UCOM to make sure we use these funds in the most appropriate way possible,” Mr. Hurst answered.. “This [chart] indicates what has happened to our support for Ukraine over the years. The orange bars are US support; the blue is Europe. As you can see, Europe is 99% in the year 2026, same thing with humanitarian and other aid to Ukraine,”Senator King continued. “And yet, this is, I believe, an existential struggle for the future of democracy where we had an aggressive country invade a neighboring country without any justification whatsoever. By the way, that invading country is the major winner so far of the war in Iran. Estimates are [Russia has] gotten $40 to $80 billion of additional revenues from oil and the relief of sanctions as a result of the war in Iran. Secretary Hegseth, why are we abandoning Ukraine?” “If you would hold that chart back up, I think that is a beautiful chart. That's exactly what we want. We want Europe stepping up and shouldering the burden. They are rich countries worth $20 trillion versus an economy of $2 trillion. Europe can step up, and they have through our [Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL)] initiative and European command. That's exactly what the American people want to see, other countries stepping up. If that is that important to Europe, which I understand why it is, and the incursion of Russia and the bravery of the Ukrainians, then European countries should pay for it. That is exactly what that chart says, and that is the Administration policy,” Secretary Hegseth answered. “We don't have any interest in what happens in Ukraine, is what you’re saying? It’s only the Europeans?” asked Senator King. Secretary Hegseth replied, “I’m saying the threat is far closer to rich and capable countries in Europe and they should step up to lead the charge; and that is why that chart is a good thing to see.” “They have stepped up. But I think the American people should understand that we have stepped back,” Senator King finished. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Senator King has been a vocal supporter for Ukraine, voting in support of bipartisan legislation that would help Ukraine defend itself. In the days prior to that vote, he spoke on the Senate floor to his colleague that Ukraine’s fight is a “battle for the soul of Democracy in the world.” In January 2023, Senator King travelled with Armed Services Chairmen Jack Reed (D-R) in a visit to meet Ukraine President Vladimir Zelenskyy in Kiev. ###",1,2026-05-02T05:53:08Z,2026-05-02T05:54:44Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-iran-war-proving-value-of-diversifying-energy-sources,King: Iran War Proving Value of Diversifying Energy Sources,2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"To watch or download the exchange click here WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), today argued that current—and rising—oil and gas prices due to the war in Iran are demonstrating the economic value of a more diverse energy strategy that includes renewables. In a committee hearing, King pressed Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on the importance of expanding American energy resilience by increasing wind and solar energy production to better shield Americans from worldwide spikes in oil prices, “Energy dominance. You use that term 3 or 4 times. If $4.30 gas and almost $6 diesel is energy dominance, I'd rather go back to what we had before. What's going on now, because of the illegal war in Iran, is drastically affecting our national security and will continue to do so in affecting the people of America. And it seems to me that the situation we're in now is a real lesson in the importance of weaning ourselves from fossil fuels, because we can produce all the oil we want, but as you well know, oil is a worldwide commodity and the price is not set in Maine or North Dakota or Texas. It's set on a worldwide basis, and that's exactly what we're suffering from now. So, I believe and I would like your view, that a more diverse energy source, particularly one that's based on resources that we control rather than a worldwide price, would be beneficial to the country. Your thoughts?” asked Senator King. Secretary Burgum replied, “Well, I think having secure supply chains is essential. But the idea that somehow, going down a path of wind and solar makes things more affordable is just not factually true.” “Why is that not? Wind and solar are the lowest cost energy sources today by a factor of about two,” Senator King pushed back. Secretary Burgum answered, “But I disagree, because we have no ability to dispatch wind and solar. And so we, if you're going to have wind and solar as part of the mix and the over rotation to those and then prematurely shutting down baseload. Every state that has a renewable target has electricity prices about 50% higher.” “Nobody is saying shut down renewable or baseload prematurely,” said Senator King. Later in the exchange, Senator King added that Burgum’s opposition to renewables lies in stark contrast to his home state of North Dakota, where wind power accounts for 35 percent of its energy supply – allowing residents a cushion from the instability of global oil and natural gas markets. Senator King is a national leader in advocating for climate solutions that support Maine communities and has been one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for improving renewable energy technologies and development as a way to unlock America’s clean energy future. Last week, he criticized the Administration for creating uncertainty by canceling approved clean energy projects – especially ones officially permitted and under construction. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to unlocking the promise of clean energy development opportunities. He has stressed the importance of streamlining and speeding project timelines while maintaining environmental standards to the Secretaries of Energy and Interior. ###",1,2026-04-30T06:05:15Z,2026-04-30T06:07:09Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/moran-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-va-workforce-improve-outcomes-for-veterans,"King, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen VA Workforce, Improve Outcomes for Veterans",2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), both members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, are introducing bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to develop a long-term workforce strategy to improve outcomes at the VA. The Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act would direct the VA to develop, maintain, and provide Congress with a strategic plan that aligns staffing levels with current and projected demand for VA services, down to the local level, and in accordance with industry best practices. The VA would further be required to set goals and strategies to improve the productivity of the workforce, recruit and retain veterans, military spouses, veteran caregivers and survivors to fulfill staffing needs and reduce the time it takes to hire and onboard new employees. This legislation also requires VA to notify Congress in advance of significant staffing changes or a reduction in force, with a detailed justification of potential impacts. This comes on the heels of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) indiscriminate cuts last year to the VA workforce and its services. “Our veterans served this country with grit and class, and now it is our turn to return the favor and provide access to the high-quality care and benefits they have rightly earned,” said Senator King. “The current workforce shortage at the VA is an unforced error that we must now expeditiously work to mitigate. The bipartisan Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act would require the VA to produce a long-term workforce strategy that would improve outcomes for our veterans – going down to the most local level, matching industry best practices, and taking into account the current and future demand for services. I am grateful to work alongside my colleague and friend, Senator Moran, to continue prioritizing our American heroes.” “Veterans deserve a VA workforce that is adequately staffed to deliver the healthcare and benefits they have earned through service,” said Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Senator Moran. “By creating a mandatory workforce strategy focused on improved outcomes, this legislation will help the department more effectively recruit, retain and manage its workforce. Through this legislation, VA will be better equipped to provide veterans, their spouses, dependents and survivors with the timely, high-quality health care and benefits they deserve. I appreciate Sen. King for joining me on this legislation, and I look forward to working toward its passage.” “Veterans deserve a VA that works for them, delivering the benefits and services that will make a meaningful difference in their lives after service,” said Joseph R. Chenelly, National Executive Director, AMVETS. “VA’s workforce strategy must track with the needs of veterans across the country in order for VA to meet its mission. I thank Chairman Moran and Senator King for introducing this important legislation.” “The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) strongly supports Senator Moran and King’s Optimizing the Department of Veterans Affairs Workforce bill,” said Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez, NOVA President. “We commend the requirement for a comprehensive five-year strategic human capital plan. With this plan, the legislation aims to ensure Veterans and their families receive timely access to high-quality care. By calling for thorough assessments of current and projected demand for each VA benefit and service, along with a workforce gap analysis aligned with industry best practices, the bill takes a thoughtful and forward-thinking approach to building a stronger VA workforce. As nurses who care for Veterans, we believe this balanced approach will benefit Veterans and VA staff and urge Congress to pass the bill quickly.” Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Additionally, King has repeatedly spoken out against cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce. During a SVAC hearing in January, King pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins to release the VA contracts that he canceled, including those canceled in Maine, so that veterans are aware of potential impacts on patient care and benefits. Last year, he sent a letter to Secretary Doug Collins raising concerns about a leaked report that highlighted plans called for by Elon Musk’s DOGE to cut 83,000 VA employees. Earlier this year, he was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” ###",1,2026-04-30T06:05:15Z,2026-04-30T06:07:09Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-baldwin-introduce-legislation-to-finally-update-half-century-old-workplace-safety-laws-protect-american-workers/,"NEWS: Sanders, Baldwin Introduce Legislation to Finally Update Half-Century-Old Workplace Safety Laws, Protect American Workers",2026-04-28,2026,2026-04,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, April 28 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) today introduced the Protecting America’s Workers Act to commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day. This legislation would comprehensively reform the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which has not been meaningfully updated since it was passed in 1970. According to the AFL-CIO’s Death on the Job Report, 140,000 workers die every year in the United States from workplace hazards. Unfortunately, the Occupational Safety and Health Act lacks the teeth to protect workers. Today, there are only five OSHA inspectors for every one million workers — the lowest in at least 45 years. This record low means each workplace can only be inspected once every 191 years. Earlier this month, an Amazon warehouse worker in Oregon collapsed on the job. It is reported that Amazon workers were told to stop life-saving emergency care and get back to work. It was over an hour before emergency medical services arrived and too late to save their life. The Protecting America’s Workers Act would ensure other workers are protected and that companies like Amazon are punished for this outrageous misconduct. Amazon’s choice to put profits ahead of people is well documented. A 2024 HELP Committee report on the dangerous working conditions at Amazon’s warehouses revealed that Amazon knew that its productivity standards were the reason workers are so frequently injured, yet they refused to make any changes, instead putting profits over safety of their workers. “In America today, it is unacceptable that large, profitable corporations like Amazon are routinely violating our nation’s health and safety laws,” Sanders said. “Even worse, when corporations are found liable for workplace fatalities and injuries, no one is held accountable for breaking the law and the fines are so meaningless that CEOs treat them as simply the cost of doing business. That must change. Corporations in America should not be allowed to endanger the health and safety of workers with impunity. When a dangerous worksite leads to a serious injury or death, corporate bosses who are responsible for harming workers must face substantial jail time and pay a significant fine for breaking the law.” “Wisconsin workers power our state’s economy: building, brewing, and growing the Made in Wisconsin products that put our state on the map. That’s why I’m committed to ensuring every Wisconsin worker is guaranteed the dignity and respect on the job that they’ve earned. This bill will strengthen and expand employees’ rights, improve safety, and hold bad actors accountable when they break the law and hurt American workers,” Baldwin said. The Protecting America’s Workers Act: Imposes meaningful monetary penalties for those who break the law, including through criminal charges for especially egregious violators so that there is justice for the victims and their families of workplace injuries and deaths. Protects workers who blow the whistle on unsafe conditions in the workplace by ensuring they can come forward without fear of retaliation. Enhances the public’s right to know about safety violations by mandating the Department of Labor investigate all cases of workplace deaths or serious injuries, gives workers and their families the right to meet with and provide evidence to DOL investigators, and requires employers to inform workers of their right to a safe workplace. Extends health and safety protections to millions more workers by expanding OSH Act coverage to public employees, including federal, state and local workers. Joining Sanders and Baldwin on this legislation are Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.,) Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). The Protecting America’s Workers Act has been endorsed by 15 organizations, including the AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers (USW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), United Mineworkers of America (UMWA), American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Association of Machinists (IAM), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), Government Accountability Project (GAP), United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers (UE), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), United Autoworkers (UAW), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW). Read the bill text here.",1,2026-04-29T06:03:53Z,2026-04-29T06:05:09Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-releases-new-report-detailing-how-trumps-education-layoffs-abandoned-students-facing-violence-harassment-and-discrimination/,"NEWS: Sanders Releases New Report Detailing How Trump’s Education Layoffs Abandoned Students Facing Violence, Harassment and Discrimination",2026-04-28,2026,2026-04,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, April 28 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today released a new report finding that the Trump administration’s widespread efforts to lay off workers and shutter regional offices at the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) left students facing discrimination or harassment throughout the country without the help they are entitled to under federal law. As a result, Trump’s Education Department has been the least productive in over a decade — reaching in 2025 the lowest number of resolution agreements in 12 years and, shockingly, reaching zero resolution agreements for students facing serious traumatic incidents including sexual harassment, sexual violence, seclusion, restraint, racial harassment and discriminatory school discipline. Resolution agreements are legally binding commitments between OCR and schools to remedy violations of students’ civil rights, monitored for years after a complaint is filed. A resolution agreement means OCR identified a problem and required a school to fix it — not just for the student who came forward, but for every student who comes after them. Despite receiving the same budget as the prior year and facing nearly 12,000 pending civil rights cases, Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s OCR provided relief to students and families through resolution agreements in just 1% of pending cases. “Every child in America should be able to go to school safely and be treated with dignity. Unfortunately, this report makes clear that the Trump administration’s illegal efforts to dismantle the Education Department have been a disaster for students and families across this country,” Sanders said. “When a child with a disability is denied the education they are entitled to, when a student faces racial or sexual harassment — they turn to the Office for Civil Rights for help. Yet the Trump administration has decimated this office. As a result, tens of thousands of students facing discrimination have been left with no recourse. That is beyond unacceptable.” The Trump administration has undertaken unprecedented efforts to gut the Office for Civil Rights, the agency responsible for protecting students from discrimination based on race, sex, disability, color, national origin and age. In March 2025, the administration attempted to lay off nearly half of OCR’s workforce — costing taxpayers up to $38 million while investigators were barred from doing their jobs. The administration proposed a second round of layoffs during the 2025 shutdown before reversing course and reinstating staff. Yet Sanders’ report details that much of the damage done to students facing discrimination or harassment cannot be reversed. This report finds that since Trump and McMahon illegally fired half the staff at OCR and paid civil rights investigators not to work, the agency has: Reached zero resolution agreements involving sexual harassment, sexual violence, seclusion or restraint, racial harassment, or discriminatory school discipline — despite more than 2,700 pending cases. Reached 78% fewer resolution agreements overall compared to the previous year, and the lowest rate in more than a decade. Failed to secure any resolution agreements protecting girls and women facing sexual harassment or sexual violence. Reached nearly 79% fewer disability resolution agreements for students with disabilities, which make up the largest share of cases. Reached 91% fewer resolution agreements than during Trump’s first term in 2017. Reached zero resolution agreements in 15 states and Puerto Rico.",1,2026-04-29T06:03:53Z,2026-04-29T06:05:09Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-successfully-pushes-trump-administration-to-release-education-funding-for-vermont/,NEWS: Sanders Successfully Pushes Trump Administration to Release Education Funding for Vermont,2026-04-27,2026,2026-04,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,sanders,https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, Vt. April 27 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today announced that the Department of Education has finally released $11.58 million in federal K-12 COVID-19 funding for 20 Vermont school districts and the Agency of Education, after over a year of needless delay. “After a year of needless delay from the Trump administration, Vermont school districts will finally receive federal funding for summer and afterschool programs, school renovations and other critical services. At a time when so many of our school districts are suffering and struggling economically, this is an important step forward,” Sanders said. In March 2025, the Trump administration canceled an estimated $2.5 billion nationwide, including about $17 million for Vermont in unspent funding for K-12 schools provided under the American Rescue Plan Act that had already been approved for states to spend and created a burdensome appeals process for states and school districts to reapply for money they had been promised. Sanders urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon to reverse this decision on multiple occasions and ultimately secured her commitment that Vermont schools would receive the funding they were due. Courts also ruled against the Trump administration’s illegal withholding of the funds. The department assured the senator that the funding would be released in June of last year, but has forced the state through a months-long, disastrous and burdensome process to release funds. As part of the Trump administration’s actions to dismantle the Department of Education, the staff who managed these federal funds were fired in March 2025, further delaying the funds from reaching Vermonters. This month, Sanders finally received confirmation from the Department of Education that a total of $11.58 million in funding has been sent to Vermont to reimburse schools for essential activities, such as summer and afterschool programs, school renovations, teacher training, literacy and math coaches and mental health programs. The full list of school districts receiving funds is here:",1,2026-04-28T06:05:12Z,2026-04-28T06:07:17Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-raise-concerns-about-us-forest-service-reorganization-cuts-to-services,"King, Colleagues Raise Concerns about U.S. Forest Service Reorganization, Cuts to Services",2026-04-24,2026,2026-04,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is joining 33 of his senate colleagues to raise concerns about harmful workforce reductions at the United States Forest Service (USFS). In a to USFS Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, the Senators expressed their disapproval of the announced reorganization of the USFS which would amount to cuts for forestry research and public and private forest management. “We write with strong concerns regarding the announced reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS),” wrote the Senators. “While we have expressed support for improving the operations of the USFS, we believe the reorganization announced on March 31, 2026, may lead to additional capacity and workforce reductions throughout the agency, harming its ability to deliver on its mission.” “The USFS is charged with managing the 193 million-acre National Forest System (NFS), performing world-class forestry research, and delivering forestry assistance to improve the management of the more than 800 million acres of public and private forestlands across the country, including over 141 million acres of urban forests in our cities and towns,” the Senators continued. “After the deep cuts over the previous year, a 2025 survey by the Partnership for Public Service found that the USFS was significantly worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs and providing quality service than a year earlier. In addition, the sweeping changes being proposed – potentially impacting more than 6,500 employees – combined with the thousands of employees already lost through deferred resignation programs threatens to further erode the agency’s ability to complete its mission.” Senator King is seen as a national leader in efforts to support Maine’s forest products industry. King previously introduced the bipartisan Future Logging Careers Act to help train the next generation of Maine loggers and the bipartisan Timber Innovation for Building Rural Communities Act to improve forest health and support Maine’s rural economy. He also introduced legislation to establish a “Future of Forests” panel tasked with making recommendations to secure the health of America’s forests. Senators King was key in establishing the Forest Opportunity Roadmap Maine (FOR/ME) Initiative, a participant-led initiative that is helping to diversify the state’s wood products businesses, attract investments, support research and development, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures. Joining King on the letter are U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kristin Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Deputy Secretary Vaden: We write with strong concerns regarding the announced reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). While we have expressed support for improving the operations of the USFS, we believe the reorganization announced on March 31, 2026, may lead to additional capacity and workforce reductions throughout the agency, harming its ability to deliver on its mission. The USFS is charged with managing the 193 million-acre National Forest System (NFS), performing world-class forestry research, and delivering forestry assistance to improve the management of the more than 800 million acres of public and private forestlands across the country, including over 141 million acres of urban forests in our cities and towns. After the deep cuts over the previous year, a 2025 survey by the Partnership for Public Service found that the USFS was significantly worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs and providing quality service than a year earlier. In addition, the sweeping changes being proposed – potentially impacting more than 6,500 employees – combined with the thousands of employees already lost through deferred resignation programs threatens to further erode the agency’s ability to complete its mission. Given changes to the USFS in the last year and its ongoing, critical work, it is unclear how the announced reorganization will improve the USFS’s ability to deliver on its statutory responsibilities, including mitigating wildfire risk, executing forest and watershed restoration projects, and increasing trail maintenance. In addition, given the potential for an active and extreme wildfire season the USFS should prioritize preparing for such a wildfire season rather than hastily executing a reorganization that will impact large swaths of its agency. It is likely that this sort of disruption will have lasting impacts on forest management as a whole, and wildfire preparedness and response, specifically. This reorganization also jeopardizes the world-class research the USFS produces to improve management of the NFS, assist public and private forest landowners with insect and disease outbreaks, and spur innovative approaches to managing wildfire. The hundreds of USFS Research & Development (R&D) scientists and experienced staff located at the 57 R&D facilities the administration plans to close need to be on the ground in geographically-based federal research facilities. For example, it is impossible to study loblolly pine, redwoods, and 'ohi'a lehua outside of their ecosystems. While the USFS indicated within the proposed reorganization that the NFS and R&D mission areas will be reconfigured but largely maintained, the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposes eliminating funding for both these functions of the USFS. For example, the reorganization plan proposes closing 57 R&D facilities while maintaining 20, yet the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposes fully eliminating funding for USFS R&D altogether. These conflicting proposals only create confusion and underscore the chaos the reorganization could have on critical research across the country. Given the importance of this issue, we request responses to each of the following questions no later than May 1, 2026. Has the USDA analyzed how the announced USFS reorganization will improve the USFS’s ability to plan and execute timber sales, issue special use permits, and engage in public-facing recreation activities like the issuance of recreation passes? What is the USDA timeline for implementing the multiple prongs of the USFS reorganization announced on March 31? Please provide a detailed description of the various steps and required notices when all the changes are expected to occur. Please describe the notification USFS afforded unions representing USFS employees subject to reorganization and relocation and how the USFS is considering collective bargaining agreements in planning and executing the USFS reorganization. What data-based criteria did the USDA use to analyze the selection of a new USFS Headquarters in Salt Lake City? Will staff in Washington Office positions that already report to a different duty station be required to physically relocate to Salt Lake City? Of the Washington Office and Regional Office (RO) staff subject to reorganization, how many will be reorganized under State Offices, the Operations Service Centers, and individual forest units? Please provide numbers for each. Under the reorganization plan, the Region 6 (Portland, OR), Region 8 (Atlanta, GA), and Region 9 (Milwaukee, WI) offices will not be converted to Operations Service Centers or State Offices. How will staff assigned to these ROs be relocated? What will be the function of the new State Offices and Operations Service Centers? Does the USFS have a plan to communicate the functions of these offices to avoid confusion among USFS staff and nonfederal partners regarding these new offices? The March 31 announcement indicates the USFS will keep 20 R&D facilities open, close 57 R&D facilities, and the USFS is further evaluating whether to keep open or close the remaining R&D facilities not on either list. What criteria is the USFS using to determine whether these remaining R&D facilities should be open or closed? Please provide a list of the remaining R&D facilities that are not subject to closure as part of the March 31 announcement. For staff in the 57 R&D facilities subject to closure, how will the USFS determine where they will be transferred? Will R&D facilities slated for closure be reassessed for remaining open if suitable space cannot be found in appropriate geographic areas for the research activities? What specific steps are being taken to ensure that R&D work is not interrupted because of these closures? The USFS serves a key role in supporting local economies, stewarding natural resources, and performing world-class research. The workforce reductions over the last year have already diminished the USFS’s ability to deliver its mission and the recently announced USFS reorganization could further exacerbate those losses. We look forward to your timely response on this important matter. ###",1,2026-04-25T05:38:36Z,2026-04-25T05:40:21Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-demands-answers-from-usps-for-failing-to-pay-rockland-contractor-more-than-349000-jeopardizing-mail-service-for-maine-island-communities,"Maine Delegation Demands Answers from USPS for Failing to Pay Rockland Contractor More Than $349,000, Jeopardizing Mail Service for Maine Island Communities",2026-04-24,2026,2026-04,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Maine’s Congressional Delegation is calling on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to immediately resolve its payment issue with a Maine contractor that serves island communities. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden condemned USPS for failing to pay the Rockland-based Penobscot Island Air (PIA) more than $349,000 for mail-delivery service and demanded answers about why USPS has, according to PIA, repeatedly failed to make timely payments for several years. After PIA announced it would not make its scheduled deliveries on Tuesday in protest, USPS agreed Wednesday to immediately pay 25% of the outstanding balance, and PIA promptly resumed service. But questions and concerns still remain. “For decades, Penobscot Island Air has helped the USPS deliver essential mail to Maine’s island residents. We urge you to immediately resolve the outstanding back payments and provide clarification on how these payment lapses occurred, as well as how delays can be prevented in the future,” the delegation wrote. “From Matinicus to Vinalhaven, island communities in Maine rely on the USPS to pay bills, receive life-saving medications, and stay connected with friends and family. Penobscot Island Air is an indispensable bridge between the mainland and islands that helps the Postal Service fulfill its promise of reaching every American, even in the most rural communities.” USPS’s failure to pay PIA is the latest example of recent disruptions to mail delivery in Maine. Over the past several months, delegation offices have received hundreds of complaints from constituents about delayed and inconsistent deliveries—particularly in rural communities. Together, these issues underscore the importance of ensuring that USPS has the necessary resources and staff to fulfill its mission of providing all Americans with reliable, affordable, and universal mail service—and that its agreements with contractors like PIA are fully honored. The letter is available here and is copied below. +++ Dear Postmaster General Steiner: We write to seek clarification regarding reports of Penobscot Island Air’s (PIA) payment issues with the United States Postal Service (USPS). For decades, Penobscot Island Air has helped the USPS deliver essential mail to Maine’s island residents. We urge you to immediately resolve the outstanding back payments and provide an explanation of how these payment lapses occurred, as well as how delays can be prevented in the future. From Matinicus to Vinalhaven, island communities in Maine rely on the USPS to pay bills, receive life-saving medications, and stay connected with friends and family. Penobscot Island Air is an indispensable bridge between the mainland and islands that helps the Postal Service fulfill its promise of reaching every American, even in the most rural communities. On April 21, Penobscot Island Air alerted island residents that they would be halting mail deliveries for the day due to the back payments they are owed by the USPS. According to PIA, these back payments amount to over $349,000. While PIA had received partial payments for the balance, the last payment they received was on March 13. They had also made numerous attempts to resolve these payment issues through direct outreach to the USPS. The amount owed, the ongoing delay in payment, and the failure to resolve these issues in a timely fashion are alarming and unacceptable. Mail deliveries for the USPS account for almost a fifth of PIA’s annual revenue. We are concerned that PIA’s operations will continue to be disrupted without reliable processing of this critical stream of income. The USPS cannot afford to jeopardize a dedicated, decades-long partnership, and Maine island residents cannot afford any discontinuation in service, even for a few days. Penobscot Island Air is one of many contractors in the state that deliver mail to island communities by air and sea. This incident raises concerns over whether the USPS is faithfully fulfilling the terms of all these contracts. While it is promising to hear that the USPS has reached a partial payment agreement to pay Penobscot Island Air about 25% of its outstanding balance, we need greater assurance from the USPS that Maine island contractors will receive fair and prompt compensation for the services they provide. We respectfully request detailed answers to the following questions and ask that USPS continue to work urgently with Penobscot Island Air to resolve these back payments immediately and ensure that future payment processing is timely and consistent. What is the current balance of back payments USPS owes to Penobscot Island Air? Can you provide a timeline of the USPS payments to PIA over the past three years, including when payments were due and when they were paid? Can you provide an explanation for these delays in payment to PIA? What specific steps will the USPS take to prevent lapses in payment from occurring in the future and to ensure that payment is processed in a timely and consistent manner? Can you provide a list of all the USPS contractors in Maine who deliver mail to island communities? Do any other island contractors have balances owed to them by the USPS? Thank you for your attention to this time-sensitive issue. We look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-04-25T05:38:36Z,2026-04-25T05:40:21Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-statement-upon-senates-passage-of-ice-cbp-funding,"Senator King Statement Upon Senate’s Passage of ICE, CBP Funding",2026-04-23,2026,2026-04,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today released a statement after the Senate passed funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a 50-48 vote: “The United States Senate just passed a funding bill for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without any meaningful reforms to the conduct of either. It is a shame that it took nearly four months to pass this bill, and even more of an embarrassment that this bill passed on a partisan vote after several attempts at good faith bipartisan negotiations to put in place standards of conduct across federal law enforcement agencies. “The recent well-documented conduct of ICE has clearly and repeatedly violated the Fourth and Fifth Amendments – with deeply unfortunate results. In nearly every other law enforcement agency across our nation, the standards of conduct include no masks, name and badge number identification, judicial warrants, required body cameras, training and hiring standards for sensitive locations, and no racial profiling. Maine people, as well as Minnesotans, know too well the abuses that can come from the current lack of such guidelines and restrictions. “It was the failure to adopt any reasonable reforms that compelled me to vote against this irresponsible bill.” Senator King has been outspoken in his efforts to negotiate necessary guardrails for ICE and CBP in the wake of unprofessional and unconstitutional behavior among those agencies. In January, King appeared on Face the Nation where he explained his Constitutional concerns over how ICE was operating in Maine, as well as possible paths forward for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding package. In February, he released a statement on congressional efforts to curtail ICE’s activities in Maine and across the country—again calling for the implementation of guardrails. Most recently, King called on former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for a detailed explanation and update about ICE’s presence in Maine, including what their mission was and who they were targeting. When given the chance to vote for a DHS budget that funded TSA, FEMA, CISA and the Coast Guard – holding ICE and CBP funding for bipartisan negotiations – Senator King voted in favor of this approach all eleven times it was considered on the Senate floor. ###",1,2026-04-24T05:51:25Z,2026-04-24T05:53:00Z