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-supports-government-funding-bill-with-important-provisions-for-maine-,King Supports Government Funding Bill with Important Provisions for Maine,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Supports Government Funding Bill with Important Provisions for Maine Legislation averts shutdown, avoids fiscal uncertainty of years past Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted for an omnibus appropriations bill that will fund the government through September 2016, extend tax policies that support American families and businesses, and contains a host of other provisions important to Maine. Though Senator King had concerns about how the costs of the tax deal will add to the national debt, he was not willing to vote to shut down the government or sacrifice the numerous provisions that will benefit the people of Maine. By passing this bill, weve avoided another government shutdown, managed to extend or enhance several tax provisions important to Maine families and businesses, and given our economy some semblance of calm and predictability for the coming fiscal year. But unfortunately, the tax provisions in this bill are a short-term solution to a long-term problem, said Senator King. We cannot continue to mortgage our childrens future with these massive, last minute agreements even though this negotiating process was more deliberate and inclusive than it has been in the past. I hope that in the coming years, we can find a way to pay for expiring tax provisions and return to a more thoughtful, regular appropriations process that allows us to responsibly invest in our future, grow the economy, and leave our kids and grandkids with an opportunity to succeed rather than a mountain of debt. An omnibus appropriations bill is legislation that combines various smaller government funding bills into one large package that can be passed all together at once, usually to avoid a pending fiscal deadline. The omnibus legislation passed today was negotiated by Congressional leaders and the Obama Administration in order to avoid a government shutdown by funding federal departments, agencies, and programs over the next fiscal year. As part of the agreement reached by negotiators, a broad tax deal was attached to the omnibus that provides a longer-term extension of more than fifty tax provisions that support working families and businesses. Senator King and several of his colleagues raised concerns about the cost of the tax deal, and voted to separate that deal from the omnibus spending bill on the Senate floor, but that vote ultimately failed. Many provisions in this omnibus-tax extenders package have particular importance to Maine: Shipbuilding: The legislation authorizes over $4.6 billion for Navy destroyer programs, including $433 million for the construction of DDG-1000 Zumwalt destroyers all of which are being built at Bath Iron Works $3.1 billion for the for the procurement of two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in Fiscal Year 2016 one of which will be built at Bath and $1 billion towards the construction of an additional DDG-51 destroyer, which would likely be built at Bath. Senator Susan Collins played a major role in securing the additional $1 billion DDG-51 appropriation as senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator King has continually worked to authorize and prioritize shipbuilding funding like this as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Intelligence and Cyber-Security: The omnibus includes the FY2016 Intelligence Authorization and Cybersecurity Information Sharing bills, which Senator King helped to shape as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Intelligence Authorization bill includes several King-authored provisions, including an amendment to ensure that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) remains impartial in its intelligence analyses as the agency undergoes reorganization and a separate amendment requiring the Director of National Intelligence to notify Congress if phone companies change their metadata retention policies. Bolstering cyber-security has also been a top priority for Senator King, particularly after a string of cyber-breaches that have affected people in Maine including those at Anthem and MaineGeneral and after hearing from many Maine businesses who are concerned about the threat of cyber-attacks. Veterans: The bill includes $163 billion in total funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Fiscal Year 2016, and veterans in Maine and across the country will benefit from investments made in various medical support programs. A total of $4.7 billion will go towards healthcare for the more than 268,000 female veterans using the VA health system with $446 million going towards gender specific healthcare. In addition, the VAs programs for homeless veterans will be fully funded at $1.4 billion and VA mental health services will receive $7.5 billion for a variety of treatments including those for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse treatment, and suicide prevention. Senator King asked appropriators for strong funding for each of these areas in a March letter. Importantly, the VAs Rural Health Initiative which is used to fund the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program that helps deliver health services to veterans in northern Maine will receive $270 million. Senator King requested that the initiative be fully funded, and this level is $20 million above the Presidents request for Fiscal Year 2015. The omnibus also includes $258 million in funding for readjustment counseling at Vet Centers like the five centers in Maine. In addition, $1.24 billion will go towards major VA construction projects, part of which could go towards several projects in Maine: construction of a new community living center at Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, construction of a specialty care addition at Togus, and the lease of a new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Portland. 9/11 first responders: The James Zadroga 9/11 Health Compensation Reauthorization Act, which permanently reauthorizes health benefits for 9/11 first responders, was passed as part of the omnibus today. Senator King is a cosponsor of the Zadgroga Act. Opioid Abuse: The bill includes $47 million directed to addressing prescription drug and heroin overdose through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Of that funding, $25 million an increase of $13 million will go towards medication assisted treatment in high-risk states. The bill also includes $70 million for state-based efforts to address prescription opioid abuse through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is a $50 million increase over last year, and provides $7 million to fund anti-heroin task forces within the COPS program. Senator King has been working to address the opioid epidemic in Maine, holding several roundtables in the state and cosponsoring federal legislation including the TREAT Act, which would expand access to medication-assisted treatment, as well as the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act to promote best practices for pain management and prescribing pain medication. Education: Several of Senator Kings education priorities were addressed in the bill, with Preschool Development Grants program receiving $250 million in funding and college savings accounts (529 plans) being adjusted to allow for the purchase of computers, internet access, and other related technology. Senator King wrote several letters in support of the Preschool Development Grant program, which recently awarded Maine with a multi-year, $14.8 million grant to expand pre-K services. He is also a cosponsor of legislation that would have made these same changes to college savings accounts in order to give students more flexibility as they try to afford their education. Tax Policies: Though Senator King has concerns about the cost of the tax extender package, he does support many of the individual tax policies themselves that support Maine families and businesses. The permanent extension of current or recently-expired enhancements to the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit will support some of Maines most vulnerable people, and Senator King has cosponsored separate bills that also would have made these tax credits permanent. The legislation also permanently extends several essential business tax policies, including the $500,000 threshold for Section 179 small business expensing and the Research and Development tax credit. Senator King also supports the extension of many of the energy and environment tax credits, including a host of renewable energy credits for solar, wind, and residential energy efficiency that will provide financial incentives for individuals and businesses in the state to move towards more environmentally-friendly energy sources. Another important tax credit permanently extended in the bill provides a charitable deduction for contributions of land for conservation purposes, which Senator King has supported through separate legislation. Land and Water Conservation Fund: Senator King has repeatedly called for a permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Though this bill only reauthorizes the successful program for 3 years, it takes an important step towards ensuring its strength and sustainability moving forward, and also provides $450 million in funding for LWCF which is the highest level since 2010. Senator King remains committed to protecting the LWCF, which has helped increase access to outdoor recreation for the last 50 years and supports local programs in Maine that get kids involved in the outdoors. Medical Research: As a member of the Senate National Institutes of Health (NIH) Caucus, Senator King is a vocal advocate for medical research that can help combat disease and improve health in Maine, across the country, and around the world. The omnibus includes an overall funding increase for the NIH, and specific areas of research that affect Maine people like Alzheimers research will also see an increase. Senator King was a cosponsor of the Alzheimers Accountability Act which passed last year, requiring the NIH to submit an annual Alzheimers research budget to Congress. NIH released their first Alzheimers budget in July, calling for an addition $323.4 million in Fiscal Year 17. The omnibus includes a $350 million increase for Fiscal Year 16. Along with promoting increased funding for Alzheimers research, Senator King is also a cosponsor of the HOPE for Alzheimers Act, which would provide patients and their families with more comprehensive information about how to deal with this terrible disease. Together with Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Senator King has also introduced the EUREKA Act to encourage more public-private collaboration in the fight against Alzheimers and other causes of dementia. Visa Waiver Program: The bill includes a provision aimed at strengthening the Visa Waiver Program. Senator King has similarly called for changes to the program in response to concerns that it could be exploited by terrorists wanting to travel to America. Transportation: Funding for the Department of Transportations TIGER program will be maintained at $500 million. This program continues to aid state and local governments in funding vital transportation projects. Housing: The bill includes $950 million in funding for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program $50 million more than fiscal year 2015 in order to support the development of affordable housing units across the country, including Maine. After this critical source of federal funding for affordable home construction and rehabilitation was threatened in congressional budget proposals, Senator King wrote to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Related Agencies to urge appropriators to reject any efforts to reduce, divert, or eliminate funding from the program. The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), which has helped local government in Maine with housing, infrastructure, and revitalization projects, will receive $3 billion, the same that it did in the last fiscal year. Fisheries: Maines fishing industry is a critical component of our economy, and by investing in several fishery management and conservation programs through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the omnibus will support efforts in Maine to rebuild and sustain our fisheries. In the bill, NOAAs Fisheries Data Collection, Surveys and Assessments program will receive $163 million slightly exceeding a request from Senator King to support fishery monitoring initiatives including the critical Maine-New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey and other projects that provide key inputs for the lobster and groundfish fisheries. Bill language directs NOAA Fisheries to improve a recent report related to the roll-out of electronic monitoring technology and requires FWS to report to the Senate and House Appropriations committees on the Services inspection of certain seafood products for export, including sea urchins. The omnibus also allocates more than $29 million to FWS fish and aquatic conservation efforts, which have aided a habitat restoration project on the Penobscot River. Menu labeling: Language in the omnibus cements a promise from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it will delay menu-labeling requirements for grocery stores and food retailers for one year. Senator King has written several letters to the agency in order to delay the rule and give Maine businesses time to understand the requirements and comply. He has also introduced legislation to codify a less burdensome approach to menu-labeling by allowing covered establishments greater flexibility in providing calorie information. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-letter-to-president-king-calls-for-increased-funding-to-address-opioid-epidemic,"In Letter to President, King Calls for Increased Funding to Address Opioid Epidemic",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In Letter to President, King Calls for Increased Funding to Address Opioid Epidemic Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) wrote a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to increase funding in the 2017 Fiscal Year budget to address the prescription drug and heroin epidemic in Maine and across the country. In the letter, Senator King underscored his call for a comprehensive approach to combat drug addiction and support the communities dealing with this public health and safety crisis. As you are well aware, addiction to opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin is tearing at the fabric of our communities and families and devastating peoples lives across the country, Senator King wrote in the letter. Addressing this epidemic will require a multi-faceted approach, including a strong commitment to prevention, treatment, enforcement and various measures to support communities feeling its acute effects. []Ultimately, the opioid and heroin crisis we face demands an aggressive approach at the federal level to create lasting solutions on behalf of families and communities in Maine and across the United States. Senator Kings letter also discussed how increased funding for programs and initiatives like Maine Healthy Communities, Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) will be balanced by significant savings in the long run through decreases in emergency care and long-term treatment, as well as a reduction in crime associated with heroin use and distribution. The most significant savings however, is that of saving valuable young lives and saving families and communities the pain of watching people struggle with opioid dependence and so often dying. Senator Kings letter also outlines the tragic story of Michael Fielders, of Eliot, Maine, who died of a suspected heroin overdose in November while waiting for treatment. Michaels parents have been vocal about addressing the opioid crisis in Maine. Mike was trying very hard to get sober and was hopeful after his 72 hours detox that he had finally secured a bed, only to hear that he was now fifth on the waiting list, said Cynthia Fielders, Michaels mother. How do you tell someone who has made the decision to get clean, hold on and wait? Making the decision to try heroin for the first time was the only time it was a choice, after that heroin takes you. said Michael Fielders, Michaels father. In November, Senator King convened a roundtable discussion in Portland that focused on how the federal government can help mitigate the use of prescription painkillers as a gateway to addiction. At the roundtable, Senator King introduced a new federal proposal that would help people across the country more safely and quickly dispose of excess prescription drugs and announced his support for bipartisan legislation that would expand specialized treatment for prescription drug and heroin addiction. The Portland roundtable followed an initial roundtable discussion in Brewer this August with National Drug Control Policy Director Michael Botticelli. The letter can be read HERE and the complete text is below and. +++ Dear President Obama, As you well know, budgets are the manifestation of policy priorities, not just the allocation of federal dollars. Therefore I urge you to build upon the important work you have already done by increasing funding to address the prescription drug and heroin epidemic in the United States in your budget for the 2017 Fiscal Year. As you are well aware, addiction to opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin is tearing at the fabric of our communities and families and devastating peoples lives across the country. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths from prescription painkillers rose to 16,000 in 2013, four times higher than the rate in 1999. Each day, there are 44 overdose deaths in the United States. In the State of Maine, the number of people seeking treatment for opiate abuse has risen from 1,115 in 2010 to 3,463 in 2014, and the number of babies born addicted to drugs or alcohol went from 572 to 961, an increase of 68 percent. Thats an appalling 961 addicted babies out of 12,000 live births in our state. I appreciate your efforts in addressing this issue, including convening a panel discussion in West Virginia, as well as the inclusion of $133 million in funding for the departments of Justice and Health and Human Services in your FY 2016 budget, but I believe that the scope and acceleration of this crisis demands even more. Addressing this epidemic will require a multi-faceted approach, including a strong commitment to prevention, treatment, enforcement and various measures to support communities feeling its acute effects. Our first line of defense against opioid and heroin abuse is ensuring that we have strong prevention programs. An effective prevention strategy must start with educating children and young adults on the risks associated with using opioids through programs such as Maines Healthy Communities programs and other initiatives that lower the risk of drug use and support young people, empowering them to make good decisions. We must also support physicians and other prescribers in making treatment decisions. One of the critical resources for prescribers is Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). There are currently 51 PDMPs. These programs, according to a recently released report by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, allow physicians and other prescribers to have comprehensive controlled substances prescription records for an individual regardless of whether the patient paid cash or filled prescriptions through multiple insurers or pharmacies. By expanding Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, prescribers can monitor addiction trends and help mitigate the risk of opioid abuse, misuse and diversion by making informed decisions based on a given patients prescription history. We must also increase prevention funding for plans tailored to certain areas, such as those detailed in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit, which gives material to communities and local governments to develop policies and practices to prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths. I also urge you to devote significant resources to treatment programs. There is no example that better illustrates this need than that of Michael Fielders, of Eliot, Maine, who died of a suspected heroin overdose in November while awaiting treatment. Michaels tragic story underscores the need to increase access to a wide range of options and to take an approach that recognizes the unique treatment needs of each person. The window for treatment is narrow, and when a person is ready to begin the process of addressing their dependence on opioids, programs must be available for them. I hope that the 2017 FY budget can also prioritize comprehensive treatment options, such as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs, which combine the use of proper medications with behavioral therapy and counseling. Funding for programs that provide increased access to buprenorphine and methadone in communities with high rates of addiction and limited treatment options are important as well. As the epidemic continues to grow nationwide, the budget must emphasize the importance of treatment and mobilize resources to help meet the unique needs of so many people. In addition to both prevention and treatment efforts, we must also ensure that our enforcement strategies meet the unique challenges of drug abuse in our communities and the influx of drugs arriving from abroad. During a Senate Armed Services hearing last week, I raised the importance of clamping down on heroin trafficking with Vice Admiral Kurt Tidd, who you have nominated to be the Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). If confirmed, Admiral Tidd will lead our military efforts in Central and South America to mitigate this growing threat. With demand for heroin more than doubling since 2007, it is clear that part of our enforcement strategy must be increasing resources to reduce the flow of heroin from Latin America. Ultimately, the FY 2017 budget should focus upon keeping our communities safe from any crime and violence associated with illicit trade and distribution while also ensuring that we treat non-violent people who need care. A final aspect to address as you consider the 2017 FY budget is family and community support, whether it be through grants or other means, for those affected by addiction and research on the efficacy of current treatment policies and ways to improve and develop new ones. By increasing funding for both of these objectives, we can help families splintered by the effects of addiction receive support and through research evaluating current federal policies and potential alternative treatment models, we help assure that we are best adapting to this dynamic and complex public health and safety crisis. By requesting that you build upon the $133 million devoted to prescription drug and heroin abuse in last years budget, I recognize that this would require significant resources. However, I am confident that increased funding for the programs I have listed will lead to significant savings in the long run. This will be seen through decreases in emergency care and long-term treatment, as well as a reduction in crime associated with heroin use and distribution. Ultimately, the opioid and heroin crisis we face demands an aggressive approach at the federal level to create lasting solutions on behalf of families and communities in Maine and across the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to working with the Administration on this important issue. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-warns-tax-extender-deal-will-shift-costs-to-future-generations-,King Warns Tax Extender Deal Will Shift Costs to Future Generations,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Warns Tax Extender Deal Will Shift Costs to Future Generations Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined with his colleagues Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) to express concern about the cost of the tax extenders package set to come before the Senate tomorrow. Despite his support for many of the tax policies in the legislation, such as permanent enhancements to tax credits for working families and investment incentives for businesses, Senator King worries that the $680 billion package negotiated by Congressional leadership will saddle future generations with debt because it is not offset by other spending reductions or revenue increases. This bill should be called the Tax Your Grandchildren Act, because were cutting our own taxes, but were borrowing the money that otherwise would be collected, and the kids are going to have to pay it back, at some point, with interest, said Senator King. Ultimately for me, this is an issue of ethical stewardship. [] Our generation is not keeping our infrastructure up, is not adequately providing for the common defense, and is shifting the costs from us to our children. Thats not stewardship, that is inter-generational theft. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, a $680 billion agreement reached by Congressional leaders, would extend many expired tax provisions for families and businesses and carries an enormous cost without containing any offsets in spending or revenue increases. Despite Senator Kings support for many of the bills individual policies such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Research and Development tax credit, and tax provisions that support renewable energy he is concerned that using this year-end, unpaid tax extenders package to advance these policies is fiscally irresponsible and only shift taxes to future generations. Senator King has long believed that Congress needs to stop making short-sighted decisions that pass along long-term costs along to future generations. Earlier this month, he joined with several of his colleges in sending a letter to leaders of the Senate Finance Committee suggesting potential ways to pay for a tax extenders package so that it could support middle class families and businesses while also ensuring that costs are not passed on to future generations. Those possible cost offsets included closing certain loopholes in the tax code such as the carried interest loophole that allows many of the highest earners to pay a lower effective tax rate than middle class workers. Despite Senator Kings concerns, he plans to vote for the combined tax extenders-omnibus package tomorrow as part of the larger budget agreement because a vote against the bill would mean a vote to shut down the government and create economic uncertainty in Maine and around the country. I dont have policy problems with many of those tax extenders, said Senator King. I do have a fundamental problem that theyre not paid for, and I just dont think its honest for us to go home and say, we cut your taxes, when our grandchildren are going to have to pay those bills with interest. A clip of Senator Kings remarks on the Senate floor about the tax extenders deal is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-congratulate-alba-technic-for-winning-head-health-challenge-,"Collins, King Congratulate Alba-Technic for Winning Head Health Challenge",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Congratulate Alba-Technic for Winning Head Health Challenge Winthrop-based company is one of five winners nationwide to receive award from National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Football League, Under Armour, and General Electric Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today congratulated Alba-Technic, LLC, one of five companies nationwide to win the Head Health Challenge III. The challenge is an open innovation competition held by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Football League, Under Armour, and General Electric (GE) to support the discovery, design and development of advanced materials that better absorb and dissipate impact. Alba-Technic has been doing innovative and exciting things in Winthrop to advance head health and safety, and were thrilled that this Maine company is being recognized so prominently at the national level, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. As we learn more and more about brain injuries and brain trauma, the need for new protective technologies becomes that much clearer and Alba Technic has an important role to play. We commend the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the NFL, Under Armour, and GE for organizing this competition, and look forward to following Alba Technic as it continues to compete for additional prize money and, more importantly, develop this potentially life-saving material. Winthrop-based Alba-Technic has developed a patented, shock-absorbent honeycomb material with an outer layer that diverts the energy from a fall or hit. The material is normally soft and compliant, but upon impact, the outer layer changes into a hard shell to spread the energy and protect the user from injury. As one of the competition winners, the company will receive $250,000 to advance their work in developing its state-of-the-art material. A panel of leading experts in the field of materials science selected these five winners from 125 entries because they met the challenges technical criteria to maximize energy absorption and minimize momentum transfer. One overall Head Health Challenge III winner will be selected from the five awardees to receive an additional $500,000 grand prize by the end of 2016. Head Health Challenge III is part of the larger Head Health Initiative, a four-year, $60 million collaboration between GE and the NFL and aims to invest resources to accelerate the development of materials that can protect against concussions. It is one of three open innovation challenges to invest up to $20 million in research and technology development to better understand, identify and protect against brain injury. Challenge I focused on discovering imaging and methods for diagnosis and prognosis of mild traumatic brain injuries, and in July 2015, six grand prize winners were awarded $500,000 to further their revolutionary research. Challenge II focused on new technologies to monitor, identify and protect against mild traumatic brain injury, and in December 2015, three grand prize winners were announced. The winners could receive up to $1 million over the next year to continue to advance their innovations. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-announce-that-usda-is-now-accepting-applications-for-the-rural-energy-for-america-program-funding,Senators Collins and King Announce that USDA is Now Accepting Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Funding,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins and King Announce that USDA is Now Accepting Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Funding Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and small rural businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. REAP funding will make it possible to rehabilitate housing, encourage energy efficiency, and help improve facilities throughout Maine, said Senators King and Collins in a joint statement. We encourage Maine farmers and rural small business owners to apply for these loans, which provide vital opportunities to install energy efficiency measures that save money, better protect the environment, and boost economic growth. Funding available through the REAP guaranteed loan program includes financing for renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements, such as efficient lighting conversions, motor upgrades, building envelope improvements, HVAC upgrades, and more. Loan amounts can range from $5,000 to $25 million and can cover up to 75 percent of the total eligible project cost. For more information, you may contact Brian Wilson at 990-9168 or brian.wilson@me.usda.gov, or you may visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency/me. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-approval-of-1-billion-toward-additional-destroyer-likely-to-be-built-at-biw-,"Senators Collins, King Announce Approval of $1 billion Toward Additional Destroyer Likely to be built at BIW",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins, King Announce Approval of $1 billion Toward Additional Destroyer Likely to be built at BIW Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Committee, and Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today that the final omnibus bill includes $1 billion toward the construction of an additional DDG-51 destroyer. This destroyer would likely be built at Bath Iron Works. This destroyer would be in addition to those already included in the current multi-year procurement contract. The omnibus bill will be considered by Congress later this week. As a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins requested the funding toward the additional DDG-51 to help meet combatant commander requirements for destroyers across the globe. Senator Collins successfully advocated for the inclusion of the $1 billion in funding in the Senate Defense Appropriations Bill. The House Defense Appropriations Bill, however, allocated no funding for this additional destroyer. Following weeks of negotiations between the House and Senate regarding the bill, the omnibus bill appropriates the full $1 billion in funding toward this additional ship, affirming the strategic importance of our Navy and shipbuilding programs. Our destroyers are the workhorses of the Navy, and I am proud of the highly skilled, hardworking men and women at Bath Iron Works who continue to deliver the highest quality ships for our nations sailors, said Senator Collins. The power of presence cannot be taken for granted or ignored, which is why the investments for this new destroyer funded by this bill are so necessary. In a time of serious budget constraints for our Defense Department, this important investment underscores the value and importance of our naval assets to the security and stability of our country. The equation is simple: fewer ships means less presence, less security at home, and less security around the world. I am so pleased that after many long hours of negotiations, this $1 billion in funding was included in the final omnibus bill. Senator Collins is a relentless advocate for the hardworking men and women at Bath Iron Works, and I am thankful that she was able to secure additional funding for shipbuilding through her position on the Appropriations Committee, said Senator King. The funding for this additional ship is a major achievement for Maine and she deserves all the credit. There is no one Id rather be working with on behalf of BIW, the State of Maine, and the men and women of our armed forces than Susan. Senators Collins and King work together in support of Bath Iron Works from their respective positions on the Appropriations and Armed Services Committees. As a member of Armed Services, Senator King works to ensure that critical shipbuilding funding is authorized through the National Defense Authorization Act, a yearly bill that authorizes funding and directs policy for the Department of Defense. And as a senior member of Appropriations, Senator Collins works to make sure the authorized funds are then actually appropriated to shipbuilding priorities. Through this joint effort, the Senators are able to prioritize shipbuilding throughout the funding process. As of January 2015, the Navy had 279 ships, well short of the goal set by the Navys 30-year shipbuilding plan which calls for the United States to have 304 ships by 2020. This investment will help to grow the Navys shipbuilding capabilities at a time when the Navy fleet is in high demand to protect national security interests worldwide. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-send-letter-to-homeland-security-urging-more-rigorous-screening-of-visa-applicants-on-social-media-,"King, Colleagues Send Letter to Homeland Security Urging More Rigorous Screening of Visa Applicants on Social Media",2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Colleagues Send Letter to Homeland Security Urging More Rigorous Screening of Visa Applicants on Social Media Tuesday, December 15, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined with 24 Senators in sending a letter a to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Jeh Johnson, expressing concern about the reported lack of consistency in how the agency monitors the social media activity of people applying for U.S. Visas. The letter comes after reports that the female assailant involved in the San Bernardino terrorist attack earlier this month, who entered the country on a K-1 fianc visa, may have expressed radical jihadist sentiments on social media. We write to express our deep concern regarding reports that critical background information of individuals participating in American visa programs has been largely omitted from the visa security screening process, wrote the Senators in their letter. Ensuring that the screening processes for our nations visa programs are rigorous and comprehensive must be a top priority, as these programs are critical to our security, our economy, and for our bilateral relationships with nations around the world. We look forward to working with you to establish a more robust social media background check process for all visitors and immigrants to the United States. In the letter, which was led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the Senators asked DHS for more information on how social media background checks are used in the Visa review process now, and how that process can be improved. They also expressed their commitment to making sure Americas Visa programs have rigorous and comprehensive screening processes. Also signing the letter were Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Christopher Murphey (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Joe Manchin (D-W.V), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Robert Casey (D-Penn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I), and Jack Reed (D-R.I). The letter is available HERE, and the full text is below: +++ December 15, 2015 The Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary Department of Homeland Security 3801 Nebraska Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 Dear Secretary Johnson: We write to express our deep concern regarding reports that critical background information of individuals participating in American visa programs has been largely omitted from the visa security screening process. According to recent reports, the female assailant involved in the San Bernardino terrorist attackmay have expressed radical jihadist sentiments on social media platforms before her U.S. citizen fianc, the male attacker, applied for a K-1 fianc visa on her behalf. Media reports have also indicated that Department of Homeland Security officials are able to conduct social media background checks as a part of certain immigration programs, but are doing so inconsistently. We believe these checks, focused on possible connections to terrorist activity, should be incorporated into DHSs vetting process for visa determinations, and that this policy should be implemented as soon as possible. Therefore, we request that you provide the following information as soon as possible so that we may work with you to implement a more rigorous screening process: Do you plan to integrate social media background checks into the screening process for all visas? Do you faceresource and/or technical barriers to implementing these background checks? If so, please describe them. Does the Administration conduct social media background checks in any of the existing screening processes for visa programs? If so, please describe how they are conducted. Ensuring that the screening processes for our nations visa programs are rigorous and comprehensive must be a top priority, as these programs are critical to our security, our economy, and for our bilateral relationships with nations around the world. We look forward to working with you to establish a more robust social media background check process for all visitors and immigrants to the United States. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-statement-in-response-to-bath-iron-works-labor-contract-approval,"Collins, King Statement In Response to Bath Iron Works Labor Contract Approval",2015-12-13,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Statement In Response to Bath Iron Works Labor Contract Approval Sunday, December 13, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King issued the following statement today following approval of the new labor contract between Bath Iron Works and the Local S6 Machinists Union: The ratification of the labor contract required collaboration, hard work, and compromise by all parties. This represents a significant achievement and will put BIW on a viable track moving forward as they work as a team to fulfill critical Navy requirements. Bath Iron Works and its highly-skilled workers are national strategic assets essential to our countrys defense and to our states economy. Simply put, there is no workforce better able to build the Zumwalt and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers than the men and women of BIW. We have secured funding for the construction of the DDG-1000s and the DDG-51s, and we remain strong advocates for BIWs opportunity to compete for the construction of the Coast Guards new Offshore Patrol Cutters, which would diversify BIWs workload, and make the yard more competitive for future Arleigh Burke destroyer contracts. Senator Collins is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-video-king-applauds-students-and-event-organizers-at-maine-robotics-expo-,"In Video, King Applauds Students and Event Organizers at Maine Robotics EXPO",2015-12-12,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In Video, King Applauds Students and Event Organizers at Maine Robotics EXPO Recorded remarks played at Augusta Civic Center highlight importance of STEM education Saturday, December 12, 2015 ARLINGTON, VA In a pre-recorded video message played today at the Maine Robotics EXPO in Augusta, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) congratulated the student participants and event organizers for their interest in and commitment to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. In his remarks, Senator King highlighted the importance of STEM education and told the students that they can change the world through ingenuity and innovation. What a great day for Maine at the Augusta Civic Center. This is an amazing gathering of some of the best and the brightest from across Maine, said Senator King. I want you to know how important what youre doing is not only to have some fun but also to see what you can do with science, technology, engineering, and math, and how you can literally move the world. Im hoping that in this room today is the next Bill Gates or the next Steve Jobs, because the world is yours. The 3rd annual Maine Robotics EXPO welcomed more than 800 students and 2,000 guests from all over the state to the Augusta Civic Center. This full-day event is meant to inspire Maines future workforce and foster an early interest in the STEM fields. The EXPO was organized by Maine Robotics and several other groups and companies including the Robotics Institute of Maine, the Maine App Challenge, Tyler Technologies, Project>Login, and Educate Maine. Senator Kings video message is available here, and the full transcript is below: +++ What a great day for Maine at the Augusta Civic Center. What a great day for robotics for computers for programming. This is an amazing gathering of some of the best and the brightest from across Maine. I want to thank Maine Robotics, The First Lego League, Central Maine Vex, Educate Maine, Maine First Robotics Competition, the Maine App Challenge, and Tom Bickford who put it all together. Thank you for what youre doing, and this is going to be a fun day. Im sorry I cant be with you in person. I was scheduled to be there, then the Senate said we were going to be in session all weekend, and then they said we werent, and because of the uncertainty, Im stuck here in Washington. But I want you to know how important what youre doing is not only to have some fun but but also to see what you can do with science, technology, engineering, and math, and how you can literally move the world. Thats what youre learning today, from the robotic Legos, to the bigger robots, to the Rube Goldberg machine, to all the things that you have going in the Civic Center today. This is really good stuff, and its important for our state and for your communities and for yourself. This is how we learn and how we take advantage of the technology thats available. It used to be you had to live in a big city to have access to technology and of course now in Maine we know that all students can have that access. Im hoping that in this room today is the next Bill Gates or the next Steve Jobs, because the world is yours. You need to stick to that education get all the knowledge that you can, but also, what youre doing today is so important because its teaching you some other skills like problems solving how to work together in groups, how to put the knowledge that you have and the education that youve gained to work in solving real world problems. So, Im excited to be with you, if only virtually, but if there is a meeting I can visit virtually, this ought to be it, because so much of what youre doing involves technology and science. Have a wonderful day, have some fun, get to know each other, and remember the lessons that youre learning about solving problems and working together and about making Maine an even better place. Congratulations, have a great day. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-national-wreaths-across-america-day-king-honors-americas-fallen-heroes-at-arlington-national-cemetery-,"On National Wreaths Across America Day, King Honors America’s Fallen Heroes at Arlington National Cemetery",2015-12-12,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On National Wreaths Across America Day, King Honors Americas Fallen Heroes at Arlington National Cemetery Lays wreath on Maine Senator Hathaways grave and attends ceremony at USS Maine memorial Saturday, December 12, 2015 ARLINGTON, VA This morning, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined with thousands of volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery to place wreaths on the graves of Americas fallen heroes as part of the Maine-based initiative Wreaths Across America. During this powerful tribute to Americas veterans and their families, Senator King delivered remarks during a ceremony at the USS Maine Mast Memorial and placed a wreath on the grave of Maines former U.S. Senator William Hathaway, who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Senator King worked for former Senator Hathaway during part of his tenure in the U.S. Senate in the 1970s. Wreaths Across America is an amazing tribute to our heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice, to our heroic veterans still with us today, and to their families who stand by their side through it all, said Senator King. I was honored to participate in todays tribute and see firsthand the energy and spirit of community that make this event so special. We can and should be proud that this Maine-led effort has such a powerful impact across the country. Senator King welcomed the Wreaths Across America convoy of volunteers who arrived at Arlington National Cemetery today to lay the Maine-made balsam wreaths at the grave site of American veterans interred there. The procession down the East Coast began on December 6th in Harrington, where Patriot Guard Riders continued their tradition of escorting trucks filled with wreaths. In addition to placing an estimated 230,000 wreaths today at Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place wreaths at over 1,000 locations in all 50 states and in numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. Wreaths Across America was started 24 years ago by Morrill and Karen Worcester, owners of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, and their generosity continues to fuel this nationwide tribute. Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution authored by Senator King and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) declaring December 12, 2015 as Wreaths Across America Day. The Senators also participated in a wreath laying held at the U.S. Capitol. The USS Maine Memorial Mast stands among the graves in Arlington in remembrance of the hundreds of Sailors and Marines who went down with the ship in 1898 in Havana, Cuba following an explosion. Senator Hathaway was awarded several medals for his service during World War II, including the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross, and spent two months as a Prisoner of War in Romania. Senator King worked as a staffer for Senator Hathaway in the 1970s, serving as Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Alcoholism and Narcotics. Senator King lays a wreath at the grave of former Maine U.S. Senator William Hathaway Senator King thanks Morrill Worcester for his leadership in Wreaths Across America Senator King with Maine State Troopers ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-and-king-statement-in-response-to-department-of-commerces-final-countervailing-duty-order-on-supercalendered-paper-from-canada,Collins and King Statement in Response to Department of Commerce’s Final Countervailing Duty Order on Supercalendered Paper from Canada,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins and King Statement in Response to Department of Commerces Final Countervailing Duty Order on Supercalendered Paper from Canada Friday, December 11, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement today in response to the Department of Commerces countervailing duty order on supercalendered paper from Canada that was published today: The Department of Commerces order is welcome news for the hardworking men and women of Madison Paper Industries who have for far too long fought an uphill battle against illegal and unfair provincial subsidies like the ones provided to the Port Hawkesbury Mill. The duties levied on companies that have been found to receive illegal and unfair trade advantages will help even the playing field in this important segment of the paper market. However, we remain extremely concerned with how the Department of Commerce conducted its investigation of the Canadian producers. The Department should have, as we strongly advocated, reviewed all four Canadian producers of supercalendered paper to ensure a fair and fact-based process. Rather than conduct a careful assessment of the actual subsidies received by each company, the Department relied on Port Hawkesburys and Resolutes subsidies to determine an arbitrary and unfair duty rate for Irving and Catalyst. This ill-advised decision could affect more than 1,000 Maine workers employed at J.D. Irving and the Catalyst-owned mill in Rumford. On behalf of these Maine workers, we urge the Department of Commerce to prioritize individual examinations of Irving and Catalyst through the expedited review process. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-statement-on-bath-iron-works-tentative-labor-contract-proposal,"Collins, King Statement on Bath Iron Works Tentative Labor Contract Proposal",2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Statement on Bath Iron Works Tentative Labor Contract Proposal Thursday, December 10, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King issued the following statement today on the tentative labor contract proposal reached between Bath Iron Works andtheMachinists Union Local S6: Bath Iron Works and its highly-skilled workers are national strategic assets essential to our countrys defense and to our states economy. Simply put, there is no workforce better positioned to build the Zumwalt- and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers than the men and women of BIW. We have secured funding for the construction of the DDG-1000s and the DDG-51s, and we remain strong advocates for BIWs opportunity to compete for the construction of the Coast Guards new Offshore Patrol Cutters, which would diversify BIWs workload,and forfutureArleigh Burke destroyers. We are very pleased that BIW management and labor union leadership have worked cooperatively to reach a tentative proposal for a labor contract. Conversations with senior Navy and Coast Guard officials convince us that cost is a key consideration in nearly every shipbuilding competition. That fact underscores the importance of BIWs ongoing work to increase operational efficiency at the shipyard because it must offer cost-effective bids in order to win these contracts. Senator Collins is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-passes-king-backed-bill-to-revitalize-waterfront-communities,Senate Committee Passes King-Backed Bill to Revitalize Waterfront Communities,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Committee Passes King-Backed Bill to Revitalize Waterfront Communities Supports local efforts to strengthen Maine waterfronts and promote economic development Thursday, December 10, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King announced today the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has passed the Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act, legislation he cosponsored that would boost efforts to revitalize waterfront communities. The bill now moves to the full Senate. Maines waterfront communities are not only a central part of our states heritage, but theyre also a crucial part of our states economy, generating hundreds of millions of dollars every year, Senator King said. These communities are also undergoing significant changes from modernizing outdated infrastructure to developing strategies to deal with climate change. This legislation would help streamline government resources for these communities so they can have the tools and resources needed to grow, adapt, and sustain themselves in the future. The Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act will support community efforts to make the most of water resources by attracting water-dependent industries and investments that leverage water-proximity to sustainably revitalize neighborhoods and enhance recreation and tourism. In addition, the bill will support communities to plan for their future and help them attract private and non-profit investment. Many waterfront communities were built around their water resources years ago, and they are now working to reposition and overcome issues such as limited public access and poor alignment with modern development. In addition to adapting to economic shifts, waterfront communities are facing pressures to meet increasing demands on water resources; make resilient investments that can withstand weather extremes like storms, floods, and fluctuating water levels; and adapt to changing ecosystem conditions that range from shoreline erosion to stresses on fisheries. Waterfront planning and implementation requires communities to navigate intergovernmental hurdles, work across constituent groups and agencies, and secure financing. But many communities lack the tools to make it from vision to reality despite the economic returns from revitalization and the payoff that resiliency preparation can provide in the long term. The Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act aims to solve these problems by: Creating a voluntary Resilient Waterfront Community designationwithin the Department of Commerce. The designation recognizes communities that adopt a waterfront revitalization and resiliency plan integrating economic, ecosystem, and infrastructure challenges and opportunities. Establishing a Resilient Waterfront Communities networkto support sharing of best practices, highlight Resilient Waterfront Communities, and help attract new investment. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20160225201139/http://www.king.senate.gov/news/video-and-audio/view/king-urges-military-leader-to-cut-off-flow-of-heroin-at-southern-border,King Urges Military Leader to Cut Off Flow of Heroin At Southern Border,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Your Neighborhood We know the value of people-to-people connections, and my state staff is committed to serving the people of Maine by getting out of the office and into your community. Click here to see where we will be this month.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-military-leader-to-cut-off-flow-of-heroin-at-southern-border,King Urges Military Leader to Cut Off Flow of Heroin At Southern Border,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Urges Military Leader to Cut Off Flow of Heroin At Southern Border Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. During a confirmation hearing today before the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today urged the nominee for Commander of United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees all military operations in Central and South America, to work to reduce the flow of heroin from those countries into the United States. We are, at this moment in time, suffering literally from a heroin epidemic all over the country, including, tragically, in my state of Maine. What is it that you need to interdict more of those ships [carrying heroin]? Senator King asked. Were spending a lot of time here talking about the threat of ISIS and in the meantime weve got this other threat that is killing, in my state, two or three hundred people a year. Assuming that you are approved at SOUTHCOM, youre going to be at the point of this, and to the extent that you can tell us what you need not necessarily in terms of military assets, but comprehensively because this is a true crisis in this country today and supply is part of the problem, Senator King continued. Obviously we need to talk about treatment and prevention and all of those issues, but supply is part of it and my understanding is a great deal of this heroin is coming up through south of our borders. In March 2015, General John Kelly, the current Commander of SOUTHCOM, testified before the Armed Services Committee that one hundred percent of the heroin entering the United States is produced in Latin America, with approximately half of it being produced in Mexico, which is a part of United States Northern Commands area of responsibility. In his testimony today, nominee Vice Admiral Kurt W. Tidd, USN said that demand for heroin has more than doubled since 2007, and that in response, criminal organizations have increased heroin production in Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala. In fact, according to Vice Admiral Tidd, Mexican transnational criminal organizations that control drug trafficking across the Southwest Border and are moving to expand their share of U.S. illicit drug markets, particularly heroin markets. Senator Kings exchange with Vice Admiral Tidd today represents another part of his comprehensive approach to combating the heroin epidemic in Maine. In addition to addressing the supply of heroin, Senator King has focused on improving addiction prevention and treatment, hosting two roundtables in Maine, cosponsoring legislation would expand specialized treatment for prescription drug and heroin addiction, and proposing a national prescription drug mail-back program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-major-education-reform-bill,Senate Passes Major Education Reform Bill,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Major Education Reform Bill Legislation includes King-backed measures to close the Homework Gap and provide greater testing flexibility for states Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON D.C. With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate today overwhelmingly passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, a major bipartisan education reform bill that curtails the burdensome requirements of No Child Left Behind, reduces reliance on high-stakes testing, and ensures access to a quality education for all students. Senator King released the following statement: Today is a victory for students, parents, and educators in Maine and across the country who have struggled for too long with unpredictable, top-down federal education policy that focused more on punishing schools than on promoting student achievement, Senator King said. This bipartisan bill will replace the broken No Child Left Behind law and finally turn the federal government into a partner in education rather than the obstacle it has been by empowering those who know our students best with the ability to make the decisions that will improve their futures. I commend Maines congressional delegation for their terrific work in reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, said Duke Albanese, former Maine Commissioner of Education and Senior Policy Advisor at the Great Schools Partnership. Educators and policymakers across Maine have been waiting for nearly eight years for Congress to act to ensure that the authority to set education policy is returned to the states and to school districts. This legislation will ensure that the needs and goals of Maine students can be adequately met by those closest to them. This is an important day for students, parents, and educators across the country, and I am pleased that Congress has finally completed the important task of reauthorizing this important law. The legislation also includes provisions authored by Senator King that will grant states greater opportunity to pursue innovative testing systems, provide students across the country with increased access to the Internet outside of the classroom, and promote local stakeholder input in setting education policy. By easing testing requirements and supporting the development of innovative, locally-designed assessments, this bill allows our teachers to focus classroom time on the things that truly improve student learning, Senator King continued. And by promoting increased home Internet access for students, this bill takes a step forward in closing the homework gap and ensuring that the next-generation of learners particularly those in rural America arent left behind. Senator King has been a steadfast champion to ensure that the ESEA reauthorization recognizes the importance of learning through technology vital to all of us in every corner of the nation, said James Ritter, Maine State Librarian. The Maine State Library supports all aspects of the education technology grant included in ESEA, and of particular interest is support for education agencies to increase access to high-quality digital learning experiences in rural areas. Students in our most rural areas must be equipped with the technological resources such as broadband access to succeed in school and life. This provision speaks directly to combating the homework gap, and any effort we can do to diminish that gap is an effort we must take. The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes programs and funding for elementary and secondary education while making significant reforms to the long overdue reauthorization that expired in 2007 known as No Child Left Behind. Senator King helped secure the following provisions in the bill: A pilot program that would allow states like Maine greater flexibility to develop and test out proficiency-based assessment systems in lieu of federally-mandated statewide tests. Earlier this year, Senator King successfully advocated for the reauthorization to include a pilot program to grant states greater flexibility related to federal testing requirements and advanced improvements to the pilot through an amendment to the Senates consideration of the bill in July. As Senator King has seen first-hand while touring schools in the state, Maine is a leader in advancing proficiency-based learning and this pilot will provide states like Maine the opportunity to innovate and advance more robust assessment systems in the years to come. A flexible-funding grant that would allow school districts to fund education technology initiatives, including devices, services, and educator professional development. This grant draws upon the Digital Learning Equity Act of 2015, introduced by Senator King and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), to ensure that school districts will be able to use the grant to fund activities, services, and devices that support out-of-school Internet access. A study, also drawn from the Digital Learning Equity Act, that would direct the U.S. Department of Educations Institute of Education Sciences to conduct a national study of the data associated with the barriers to students having Internet access at home, how educators are adjusting classroom instruction to cope with this challenge, and how a lack of home Internet access impacts student participation and engagement. A provision, cosponsored with Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), that would promote greater local control in the classroom by encouraging the Secretary of Education to receive greater input from local stakeholders like school boards before developing any new regulations or guidance. Local control is very important to the people of Maine, and we applaud Sen. King for his success in getting a local governance clause in ESSA. It respects the local school boards authority to make decisions that are in the best interest of their students, staff, parents and taxpayers, said Maine School Boards Association Executive Director Dr. Connie Brown. The conference agreement, which passed the Senate by a vote of 85-12, is the first time in thirteen years that Congress has acted to pass a bipartisan K-12 education bill. The bill now heads to the Presidents desk for his signature to become law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-trade-adjustment-assistance-for-displaced-expera-mill-workers,"Collins, King Announce Trade Adjustment Assistance for Displaced Expera Mill Workers",2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Announce Trade Adjustment Assistance for Displaced Expera Mill Workers Tuesday, December 8, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the 195 workers displaced by the closure of the Expera Specialty Solutions pulp mill in Old Town has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. It is our hope that this announcement brings relief to the many hard-working men and women at the Old Town mill who, through no fault of their own, lost their jobs as a result of increased foreign competition, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. TAA assistance will help these workers get back on their feet by providing them with the opportunity to acquire the new skills and new training necessary to prepare for jobs in other industries. It is a crucial lifeline for workers in Maine and across the nation. In October, Senators Collins and King sent a letter to Labor Secretary Thomas Perez urging him to quickly approve this assistance. This June, the Senate passed a bipartisan reauthorization of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which was based upon The Trade Adjustment Assistance Enhancement Act of 2015 that Senator Collins co-authored with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). TAA is a program of the Department of Labor that helps workers who have lost their jobs as a result of increased imports or a shift of production outside of the United States. TAA provides these trade-affected workers with a variety of reemployment services and benefits to help them find new jobs and get back to work. In the 2013 fiscal year alone, more than 700 Mainers used TAA programs, and more than 70 percent of those participants found employment within three months of completing their retraining programs. In addition, of the participants who found employment, more than 90 percent were still employed in their new jobs six months later. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-fischer-introduce-bipartisan-paid-leave-bill,"King, Fischer Introduce Bipartisan Paid Leave Bill",2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Fischer Introduce Bipartisan Paid Leave Bill Strong Families Act Would Provide Tax Incentives to Employers Who Provide Paid Family or Medical Leave Tuesday, December 8, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced this morning they have reintroduced legislation that would offer employers incentives to voluntarily provide paid family or medical leave to their employees. The bill, known as S. 2354 The Strong Families Act, offers new options for working families. Senator King released the following statement: Because of our countrys outdated family leave policies, working parents too often have to struggle to balance the needs of their families and the needs of their job. Thats not how it should be in America today and thats why this legislation aims to provide them with the flexibility they need to succeed in both. By bringing family leave policies into the 21st century, we can make it easier for working Americans to make a living and take care of their families at the same time all of which will only help strengthen our workforce and allow us to better compete in todays global economy. Im pleased to join with Senator Deb Fischer to reintroduce this common sense and much-needed bill. Senator Fischer released the following statement: Im proud to join my friend Senator Angus King to reintroduce a bill to provide needed flexibility for working families. Employees face the increasingly complicated demands of caring for aging parents and young children while balancing careers and workplace schedules. Our bipartisan legislation is an important step forward to offer more workers, particularly low-wage, hourly workers, peace of mind and the opportunity to earn pay while meeting needs at home. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 requires employers of 50 or more employees to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. This time can be used for events like the birth or adoption of children, serious medical issues, or providing care to close family members. The challenge for many working families, particularly hourly workers living paycheck-to-paycheck, is that current law does not address paid time off. The Strong Families Act would enable working families to have continued access to pay while they are meeting necessary family obligations. The King-Fischer plan would create a tax credit to encourage employers of any size to voluntarily offer paid leave for workers. It does not include any new mandates. Details of the proposal, which is paid-for by budgetary off-sets, include the following: To be eligible for the tax credit, the employer must, at a minimum, offer two weeks of paid leave; they may offer more. Paid leave would be available on an hourly basis and would be separate from other vacation or sick leave; part-time employees qualify for paid leave. For each hour of paid leave provided, the employer would receive a 25 percent non-refundable tax credit. The more paid FMLA time the employer offers, the greater the tax credit. This tax credit would be available to any employer with qualified employees, regardless of size. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who participate in the program. Click here to view text of The Strong Families Act. Click here to read the joint King-Fischer CNN op-ed on paid leave from 2014. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-mainegeneral-health-cyber-breach,King Statement on MaineGeneral Health Cyber Breach,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Statement on MaineGeneral Health Cyber Breach Tuesday, December 8, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement today following an announcement by MaineGeneral Health that its computer network had been breached: Numerous Maine businesses, including those in the health care sector, have told me that they are confronting thousands of attempts to hack their systems and steal sensitive data. Unfortunately, thats the sad reality of todays world where the click of a mouse can have seriously damaging consequences, Senator King said. I have contacted the FBI to inquire about the extent and severity of the data breach and will work with the both the Bureau and MaineGeneral to remedy the situation and to safeguard personal information. I will also continue to work to connect Maine businesses with cyber experts in the federal government so that they know where to turn to rapidly respond and prevent further losses. Everyone in Maine, in one form or another, shares personal information with businesses. Its just commonplace today. But its also why Maine people deserve the enhanced protection that would come as a result of Congress passing long-overdue cyber-security information sharing legislation. Todays breach further underscores how we need to push this bill across the finish-line to give Maine businesses, both large and small, improved tools to better protect themselves against cyber-attacks. Over the past few years, Senator Kings office has been in frequent contact with a variety of Maine businesses in the health, defense, financial, education, and consumer products sectors to understand how cyber-attacks and data breaches impact them. According to the Maine Credit Union League, data breaches over the past year in have cost Maine credit unions approximately $2 million to replace debit and credit cards and an additional $500,000 to cover fraud. Furthermore, one Maine healthcare provider explained how it experiences thousands of attempts every day to steal confidential data. Those threats led Senator King on August 18th to co-host a cyber-security briefing with the Department of Homeland Security and Maine State Chamber of Commerce in Portland to inform local businesses about best practices to protect them from cyber-attacks. MaineGeneral has also established a dedicated assistance line for those seeking additional information regarding this incident and steps that can be taken to better protect against identity theft. The call center can be reached at 1-877-441-2645, Monday-Saturday between the hours of 9 a.m.9 p.m. ET. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-12-2015-as-wreaths-across-america-day,"Senate Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 12, 2015 as “Wreaths Across America Day”",2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 12, 2015 as Wreaths Across America Day Tuesday, December 8, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating Saturday, December 12, 2015 as Wreaths Across America Day. On December 12th, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay approximately 230,000 Maine-made balsam wreaths at the grave site of each American veteran interred there. This is the 24th consecutive year that Morrill and Karen Worcester, owners of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine will make this generous donation. The procession to Arlington began on December 6th in Harrington where Patriot Guard Riders continued their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks down the East Coast. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place wreaths at over 1,000 locations in all 50 states and in numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. Wreaths Across America is a powerful demonstration of respect and appreciation for our veterans both those that weve lost and those still with us that reminds them and their families that we are eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. And this proud tradition, still going strong after the Worcesters started it 24 years ago, is built on the same spirit of generosity that helps make the holiday season so special. We are honored to join with the countless volunteers and supporters who come together to make Wreaths Across America possible and share in honoring and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The resolution is available HERE and the full text is below: +++ Whereas, 24 years before the date of adoption of this resolution, the Wreaths Across America project began with an annual tradition that occurs in December, of donating, transporting, and placing 5,000 Maine balsam fir remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery; Whereas, in the 24 years preceding the date of adoption of this resolution, more than 2,416,000 wreaths have been sent to locations, including national cemeteries and veterans memorials, in every State and overseas; Whereas the mission of the Wreaths Across America project, to Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 States and overseas, including at (1) Arlington National Cemetery; (2) veterans cemeteries; and (3) other locations; Whereas the Wreaths Across America project carries out a week-long veterans parade between Maine and Virginia, stopping along the way to spread a message about the importance of (1) remembering the fallen heroes of the United States; (2) honoring those who serve; and (3) reminding the people of the United States about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve freedoms in the United States; Whereas, in 2014, approximately 716,000 remembrance wreaths were sent to more than 1,000 locations across the United States and overseas, an increase of more than 100 locations compared to the previous year; Whereas, in December 2015, the tradition of escorting tractor- trailers filled with donated wreaths from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery will be continued by (1) the Patriot Guard Riders; and (2) other patriotic escort units, including (A) motorcycle units; (B) law enforcement units; and (C) first responder units; Whereas hundreds of thousands of individuals volunteer each December to help lay remembrance wreaths; Whereas the trucking industry in the United States continues to support the Wreaths Across America project by providing drivers, equipment, and related services to assist in the transportation of wreaths across the United States to over 1,000 locations; Whereas the Senate designated December 13, 2014, as Wreaths Across America Day; and Whereas, on December 12, 2015, the Wreaths Across America project will continue the proud legacy of bringing remembrance wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate (1) designates December 12, 2015, as Wreaths Across America Day; (2) honors (A) the Wreaths Across America project; (B) patriotic escort units, including (i) motorcycle units; (ii) law enforcement units; and (iii) first responder units; (C) the trucking industry in the United States; and (D) the volunteers and donors involved in this worthy tradition; and (3) recognizes (A) the service of veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and (B) the sacrifices that veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families have made, and continue to make, for the United States, a great Nation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-two-portland-high-school-students-as-interns-in-scarborough-office,King Announces Two Portland High School Students as Interns in Scarborough Office,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Announces Two Portland High School Students as Interns in Scarborough Office Monday, December 7, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King announced today that Oona Mackinnon Hoban and Eamonn Dundon of Portland High School will serve as part-time interns in his Scarborough office. The internship, which will provide both students with school credit, is the result of a collaborative effort with the nonprofit Jobs for Maines Graduates (JMG) and Portland High School aimed at giving local students an opportunity to learn more about the work of a U.S. Senators office through observation, assistance, and mentoring. Im delighted to welcome Oona and Eamonn to my Scarborough office. Both of them are outstanding students and hard workers, and I look forward to having them involved in the legislative process on behalf of the people of Maine, Senator King said. I also want to thank everyone at Jobs for Maines Graduates for working with my office to make this internship possible and applaud them for all of their meaningful work to help students across the state. We are extremely pleased with the continued development of the relationship being forged between Portland High School and Senator Kings office, said Eric Moynihan, JMG Expanded Learning Opportunities Coordinator at Portland High School. This tremendous opportunity is the second internship offered to PHS students by the Senators office in three years. Expanded Learning Opportunities like these internships provide relevant, real-world experiences, are invaluable to the student and are an integral piece of the Portland High School model of education. A junior at Portland High School, Oona Mackinnon-Hoban is involved in student government, the drama program, and numerous other clubs, including the Womens Rights Club and the Shakespeare Club. Outside of school, she is a member of the girl choir Musica de Filia, and also enjoys writing in her spare time. She was a national semifinalist at the American Legion Oratorical Contest, and has served in the U.S. Senate as a page sponsored by Senator Susan Collins. She hopes to attend a larger university in New York, Washington D.C. or Montreal, and wishes to pursue a degree in political science and journalism. She lives with her parents in Portland, Maine. A senior at Portland High School, Eamonn Dundon is a longtime volunteer on a myriad of local, state and national political campaigns, most recently serving as the Deputy Campaign Manager on a city council campaign in Portland. Eamonn served as a U.S. Senate Page in the fall of 2014 sponsored by Senator Susan Collins. He also serves as a judge and board member on the Maine Youth Court, is a member of Portland High School's Key Club, is a participant in Model United Nations, and is a member of the Boy Singers of Maine. In his free time, he enjoys skiing and playing tennis. Eamonn is then son of Sean Dundon and Victoria Dalzell, both of Portland. Jobs for Maines Graduates (JMG) is a statewide nonprofit that works within Maines public schools to help students reach their fullest potential. JMG serves more than 5,500 students from grades 6-12 in 79 programs across the state. Students in the traditional JMG classroom are full of potential, but face barriers to education, and it is JMGs goal to provide these students with the skills and resources they need to overcome those challenges and to graduate from high school prepared to succeed in postsecondary education and the workforce. The internships awarded by Senator Kings office reflect the success of the expansion of the JMG model to a larger population of students, and the commitment of Portland High School (PHS) staff and administration in providing important Expanded Learning Opportunities to all PHS students. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-attend-wreaths-across-america-ceremony-at-us-capitol,Senators Collins and King Attend Wreaths Across America Ceremony at U.S. Capitol,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins and King Attend Wreaths Across America Ceremony at U.S. Capitol Monday, December 7, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King took part in the Wreaths Across America Capitol wreath laying ceremony this morning in Washington. Beginning in 2007, and each December since, Wreaths Across America, based out of Columbia Falls, Maine, has placed a Remembrance Wreath at the U.S. Capitol Building. The wreath laid at the U.S. Capitol is adorned with flags representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and POWs/MIAs, and decorated with a red bow. During the ceremony, which coincided with similar ceremonies at all 50 state capitols across our country, Senators Collins and King delivered remarks and joined in a moment of silence to reflect on the holiday season and to honor and remember our nations veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices. Wreaths Across America is a powerful demonstration of respect and appreciation for our veterans both those that weve lost and those still with us, said Senators Collins and King. The mission of Wreaths Across America is: Remember. Honor. Teach. Thanks to the spirit of this Maine-made tradition, we will remember and honor Americas veterans this holiday season, while also teaching generations to come of the sacrifices that have been made to secure our freedoms and to defend our liberty. A convoy of volunteers and approximately 248,000 Maine-made balsam wreaths departed from Maine this past Sunday, December 6th, and is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery on December 12th. Between 30,000 and 40,000 volunteers are expected to lay the wreaths at the graves of each American veteran. This is the 24th consecutive year that Morrill and Karen Worcester, owners of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine will make this generous donation. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place more than 900,000 wreaths at over 1,000 locations in all 50 states and numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cotton-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-counterterrorism-tools-in-wake-of-paris-san-bernardino-attacks,"King, Cotton Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Counterterrorism Tools in Wake of Paris, San Bernardino Attacks",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Cotton Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Counterterrorism Tools in Wake of Paris, San Bernardino Attacks Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. In the wake of the brutal terrorist attacks in Paris last month, as well as initial reports that this weeks attack in San Bernardino may be tied to terrorism, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) today introduced legislation that would ensure that U.S. counterterrorism officials have the necessary tools to track suspected terrorists and prevent terrorist attacks in the United States. The first line of defense against terrorism is intelligence, and today, our government is reliant on telecommunication companies to retain records that we use to connect the dots that can help us prevent attacks, Senator King said. Our legislation would simply require that U.S. officials are provided with adequate warning if a company decides it no longer will hold these vital records, allowing time to ensure that we dont lose a potentially valuable tool in the battle against terrorism. Our Intelligence Community and Law Enforcement professionals are skilled at connecting the dots to thwart and respond to terrorist attacks. But if there are no dots to connect, those skills wont do us any good, Senator Cotton said. The King-Cotton legislation will help preserve metadata currently stored by phone carriers by forcing them to notify the federal government if they change the amount of time they retain billing records to less than 18 months. This will give Congress and the Executive Branch an opportunity to respond before those dots are lost forever. Signed into law on June 2, 2015, the USA Freedom Act requires the government to apply to the FISA Court for an order to retrieve call detail records, which include telephone numbers and not the content of calls from telecommunications carriers. As of that date, the Act gave the government 180 days to end its bulk collection of call detail records, which expired on November 29, 2015. However, Senators King and Cotton are concerned that the new law does not require the carriers to provide adequate notice if they decide to no longer retain these call records, potentially putting the entire viability of the new program at risk. Thus, the legislation introduced by Senators King and Cotton today, entitled the Private Sector Call Record Retention Act, would require such companies to notify the Attorney General if they decide to retain the call records for less than 18 months, which is the minimum amount of time that U.S. officials have indicated is needed to conduct most international terrorism investigations. The bill requires companies to provide notice 180 days in advance of such changes. Doing so will give national security officials and Congress time to address any changes that could prevent the government from quickly connecting the dots and tracking terrorist operatives. In June 2015, Senator King spoke on the floor of the Senate regarding the USA Freedom Act. His remarks can be seen HERE. In May, Senator Cotton also spoke on the Senate floor. His remarks can be seen HERE. The text of the legislation can be viewed HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-opposes-effort-to-repeal-affordable-care-act,King Opposes Effort to Repeal Affordable Care Act,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Opposes Effort to Repeal Affordable Care Act Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted against legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act and deny federal funding to Planned Parenthood facilities across the country: The Affordable Care Act has provided thousands of people in Maine and millions more across the country with affordable, high-quality health insurance, Senator King said. Rather than try to take that away, Congress should focus on how we can improve and strengthen the law so that we can extend health insurance to even more people in this country who need it. Thats how we best serve the people who sent us here and, frankly, they deserve nothing less. Today, the Senate voted and, regrettably, passed legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The President has said he will veto the bill. Todays vote represents the 16th time that the Senate has voted to repeal all or part of the ACA. The House of Representatives has voted more than 50 times to do the same. The Affordable Care Act provides more than 70,000 people in Maine with health insurance. In addition to lowering health care costs, the landmark health care law, which has been upheld by the Supreme Court multiple times, prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to people due to pre-existing conditions, eliminates lifetime caps on insurance, and allows children to remain on their parents insurance until the age of 26. The law has also contributed millions of dollars in funding to community health centers across the state of Maine, which serve the health care needs of hundreds of thousands of people. The legislation would also eliminate all federal funding to Planned Parenthood facilities across the country, including the four that operate in Maine, which provide important family planning, cancer screenings, and basic preventive health care services. Senator King voted in favor of an amendment offered by Senator Susan Collins that would have preserved the funding for Planned Parenthood. However, that amendment failed. To strip Planned Parenthood of federal funding is to deny millions of women and men basic health care services, many of whom are low-income and rely on the organization as their sole health care provider, Senator King said. Congresss unfounded yet relentless assault on Planned Parenthood is simply another example of misguided outrage that would only hurt those who need help the most. Planned Parenthood operates four health care clinics in Maine. In fact, 97 percent of Planned Parenthoods services have nothing to do with abortion and currently federal law already prohibits federal funds dedicated to the organization from being used in support of abortion-related activities. This is the third time this year that Senator King has opposed defunding Planned Parenthood, and in August, he delivered remarks on the Senate floor in defense of the organization. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/transportation-bill-with-king-backed-measures-passes-senate,Transportation Bill with King-Backed Measures Passes Senate,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Transportation Bill with King-Backed Measures Passes Senate Bill also renews Export-Import Bank, streamlines federal permitting process, and delivers regulatory relief to small banks Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate tonight overwhelmingly approved a long-term transportation bill that authorizes $305 billion in funding over the next five years for vital transportation infrastructure projects across the country. The bill will result in increased highway and transit funding for Maine and also includes several provisions either authored or strongly supported by Senator King. Our countrys aging transportation infrastructure has been crumbling under our feet as Congress passed one short-term fix after the other. With this bill, Congress has crafted a long-term solution that provides stable and predictablefunding to improve our transportation network, bolster commerce, and put people to work doing it, Senator King said. The bill is by no means perfect, but at the end of the day, its a step forward for the American people and our country. The legislation passed this evening, titled the FAST Act, would provide an increased and stable source of funding for highway, transit, and other infrastructure projects, and is the product of extensive bipartisan negotiations between leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives. If signed into law, the legislation will provide Maine with a five percent increase in highway funding and an eight percent increase in transit funding in the first year of the bill and result in a 15 percent increase in highway funding and an 18 percent increase in transit by the last year. For more information on how the bill will impact infrastructure projects in Maine, clickHERE. Senator King has repeatedly called for a long-term highway solution and has been critical of Congress for passing 36 short-term highway extensions over the past several years, which has only created uncertainty for state governments and threatened the safety of the traveling public. The legislation also includes provisions that would boost jobs by streamlining the permitting process for major infrastructure projects and boost jobs as well as several other measures supported by Senator King that would deliver regulatory relief to small banks. Importantly, the bill also reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank of the United States, which Senator King has repeatedly called for because the Bank serves as a critical source of export financing for Maine companies looking to sell their products overseas. A drawn-out and cumbersome permitting process has delayed critical infrastructure projects, slowed economic growth, and is costing us jobs around the country, said Senator King. We need to be in the business of helping to create new jobs, not stifle them, which is why its important that this bill streamlines the process to clear unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and keep projects moving forward that will create jobs and build out a world-class infrastructure without compromising environmental standards. I am pleased this legislation also finally reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank, ending months of uncertainty for Maine businesses who didnt know if they would still be able to turn to the bank for much-needed assistance as they work to sell their products overseas, added Senator King. Additionally, with a number of provisions that relieve the small banks and credit unions that help power our local economies of unnecessary regulatory burdens, the bill will support small financial institutions and their customers alike. More specifically, the legislation contains provisions ofthe Federal Permitting Improvement Act introduced by Senator King, Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), and Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) earlier this year, which would streamline and improve the federal permitting process for the largest and most complex capital projects. Businesses looking to undertake large infrastructure projects are currently subject to a massive bureaucratic process involving up to a dozen agencies and approvals, and even after approval, litigation can stall projects for years. These provisions improve the timeliness and predictability of the review process without compromising environmental standards or sacrificing critical regulatory protections. The legislation includes language that would reauthorize for four years the Export-Import Bank, a critical tool that since 2007 has supported more than $264 million in exports from 13 companies in 12 communities in Maine. Senator King hasrepeatedly calledfor the Ex-Im Banks reauthorization and, in July, he supported an amendment to the highway funding bill that would have done so. The amendment passed by an overwhelming margin, but the House of Representatives failed to take up the legislation at the time. The FAST Act also includes more than a dozen financial regulatory relief measures, including several of which are supported by Senator King and which will benefit Maines community banks and credit unions. Provisions supported by Senator King include language that would allow highly-rated small financial institutions to qualify for longer on-site examination cycles so that well-run, lower-risk banks spend less time with banking regulators and more time with their customers; as well as language that reduces the costly burden of unnecessary annual privacy notices to customers so long as privacy policies at financial institutions have not changed. The House of Representatives passed the FAST Act earlier today, and the President is expected to sign it into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-application-period-for-assistance-to-firefighters-grants,"Collins, King Announce Application Period for Assistance to Firefighters Grants",2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Announce Application Period for Assistance to Firefighters Grants Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and Angus King, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin accepting applications for grant funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program on Monday, December 7th at 8:00 a.m. The application period will close on January 15, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. The AFG Program funding assists fire departments and nonaffiliated ambulance and emergency medical service organizations in meeting their firefighting and emergency response needs. The program provides federal funding that enables these organizations to purchase equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to better protect the public and emergency personnel. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides invaluable support to protect the firefighters and emergency health professionals who risk their lives protecting us every day, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We encourage Maine fire departments and emergency organizations to utilize this program for help obtaining the vital resources they need to do their jobs. Grant guidance for fire departments and other organizations interested in applying for AFG grants is available at www.grants.gov and at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/afggrants/index.shtm. Applicants that require assistance should go to www.fema.gov/grants, or contact the AFG Help Desk at firegrants@fema.gov or by calling 1-866-274-0960. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-applaud-196-million-for-maine-water-infrastructure-projects,"Collins, King Applaud $19.6 Million for Maine Water Infrastructure Projects",2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Applaud $19.6 Million for Maine Water Infrastructure Projects Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today applauded an announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the State of Maine will receive $19.6 million to support water infrastructure projects. The funds will be used to upgrade sewage plants and drinking water systems, replace aging infrastructure, and bolster water projects essential to environmental protection and public health safety across the state. Maintaining strong water infrastructure is critical to ensuring the health of Maine people, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. We welcome this funding from the EPA, which will help upgrade water treatment systems that will result in improved water quality and public health. The $19.6 million is distributed as follows: The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program, administrated by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Maine Municipal Bond Bank (MMBB), received $10.8 million. EPAs funding provides low-interest loans for water quality protection projects to make improvements to wastewater treatment systems, control pollution from stormwater runoff, and protect sensitive water bodies and estuaries. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program, administrated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and MMBB, received $8.8 million. EPAs funding provides low-interest loans to finance improvements to drinking water systems, with a particular focus on providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water. According to the EPA, since the beginning of this program, approximately $497 million has been awarded to Maine for the construction, expansion and upgrading of clean water infrastructure resulting in decreased pollutant loadings to waterbodies throughout the state. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-wake-of-paris-attacks-collins-king-cosponsor-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-visa-waiver-program,"In Wake of Paris Attacks, Collins, King Cosponsor Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Visa Waiver Program",2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In Wake of Paris Attacks, Collins, King Cosponsor Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Visa Waiver Program Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, have joined with Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) to introduce bipartisan legislation that would strengthen the security of the Visa Waiver Program to help prevent terrorists from entering the United States. Protecting the safety and security of the people of Maine and across our country remains our most important consideration as we seek to combat ISIS, said Senator Collins. While most of the refugees are fleeing the same terrorists in their home countries that concern us as Americans, we must assume that ISIS will exploit any opportunity to attack the American people, our allies in Europe, or Muslims who do not share their extremist ideology. This bipartisan legislation tightens the Visa Waiver Program to help prevent Islamic terrorists and other radical extremists from hijacking the program to enter the United States from trusted countries without a visa and the scrutiny it entails. The Visa Waiver Program is an important tool that has increased the ease of travel between member countries and improved security measures associated with that travel, Senator King said. But with an increasing number of citizens from visa waiver countries traveling to the Middle East and North Africa to train and fight in support of terrorism, its critical that we ensure the program cant be exploited as a potential gateway to the United States. Thats why Congress should immediately strengthen the Visa Waiver program to reflect the realities of todays world. Doing so will help deny terrorists an opportunity to do us harm and take a substantial step towards better protecting the American people. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries, including most of those in Europe, to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, after having met certain security requirements. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the program was used nearly 20 million times last year to gain access to the United States. Thousands of European citizens have traveled to Syria and Iraq to fight, and an estimated 45 million lost or stolen passports are on the black market. Its critical that Congress take up legislation to strengthen the program. The Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act would improve the security of the Visa Waiver Program by: Requiring individuals who have traveled to Syria or Iraq in the past five years to acquire a traditional tourist visa instead of traveling without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. This process requires an in-person interview with an American consular official and the submission of the travelers biometric information. Requiring travelers using the Visa Waiver Program to submit biometric information, in the form of fingerprints and a photograph, before they travel to the United States. Requiring all visa waiver travelers to use an electronic passport, which is more secure and more difficult to tamper with. Requiring increased intelligence-sharing between Visa Waiver Program countries and the United States. For more information on the legislation, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-scores-legislative-hat-trick-in-federal-highway-bill,King Scores Legislative Hat-Trick in Federal Highway Bill,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Scores Legislative Hat-Trick in Federal Highway Bill Bill renews Export-Import Bank, streamlines federal permitting process, and delivers regulatory relief to small banks Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. An agreement reached yesterday on a long-term highway funding bill includes a hat-trick of legislative victories for Maine long championed by U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine). In addition to providing an increased and stable source of funding for highway, transit, and other infrastructure projects, the legislation would (1) reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, (2) boost jobs by simplifying the federal permitting process for major projects, and (3) deliver regulatory relief to small banks. I am pleased that Senate and House negotiators have reached an agreement to move forward with a long-term bill that will provide a stable source of funding to properly invest in repairing our roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure. After far too many short-term patches, this bill while not perfect is a positive step forward that will improve our transportation network, bolster the economy, and better protect the safety of traveling Americans, Senator King said. This bill also renews the Export-Import Bank, which supports jobs in Maine, makes significant strides in reducing government red tape to help businesses grow and thrive, and makes it easier for small banks across Maine to serve their customers, Senator King said. These measures will go a long way to supporting jobs in Maine, and I look forward to getting this much-needed bill across the finish-line. The 5-year highway bill announced yesterday titled the FAST Act will provide Maine with a five percent increase in highway funding and an eight percent increase in transit funding in the first year of the bill and result in a 15 percent increase in highway funding and an 18 percent increase in transit by the last year. For more information on how the bill will impact infrastructure projects in Maine, click HERE. Additionally, the bill includes three provisions long-championed and supported by Senator King including: Reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank: The legislation includes language that would reauthorize for four years the Export-Import Bank, a critical tool that since 2007 has supported more than $264 million in exports from 13 companies in 12 communities in Maine. Senator King has repeatedly called for the Banks reauthorization and, in July, he supported an amendment to the highway funding bill that would have done so. The amendment passed by an overwhelming margin but the House of Representatives failed to take up the legislation. Simplification of the Federal Permitting Process: The legislation includes provisions of the Federal Permitting Improvement Act introduced by Senator King, Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), and Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) earlier this year that would streamline and improve the federal permitting process for the largest and most complex capital projects. Businesses looking to undertake large infrastructure projects are currently subject to a massive bureaucratic process involving up to a dozen agencies and approvals, and even after approval, litigation can stall projects for years. These provisions improve the timeliness and predictability of the review process without compromising environmental standards or sacrificing critical regulatory protections. The World Bank has ranked the United States 41st in the world in Dealing with Construction Permits, a metric that measures how easy it is to actually build something. Regulatory Relief to Small Banks: The legislation includes more than a dozen financial regulatory relief measures, including several of which are supported by Senator King and which will benefit Maines community banks and credit unions. Provisions supported by Senator King include language that would allow highly-rated small financial institutions to qualify for longer on-site examination cycles so that well-run, lower-risk banks spend less time with banking regulators and more time with their customers; as well as language that reduces the costly burden of unnecessary annual privacy notices to customers so long as privacy policies at financial institutions have not changed. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-funding-award-for-maine-maritime-academy,"Senators Collins, King Announce Funding Award for Maine Maritime Academy",2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins, King Announce Funding Award for Maine Maritime Academy Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. United States Senators Susan Collins, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, and Angus King, member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today announced an award of $469,000 to the Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funding will support the Marine Engine Testing and Emissions Laboratory (METEL) at MMA. Finding practical solutions for reducing harmful emissions is a top priority, and we are pleased that the U.S. Department of Transportation has recognized the tremendous work being done by Maine Maritime Academy at its Marine Engine Testing and Emissions Laboratory, said Senators Collins and King in a statement. This investment will enable the Academy, in partnership with the University of Maine, to continue to develop emissions reductions and efficiency solutions for marine diesel engines, conduct critical research, and help to advance the maritime industry. This grant was provided through the U.S. Department of Transportations University Transportation Center Discretionary Grants. Intended to advance U.S. technology and expertise in the many disciplines of transportation through the mechanisms of education, research and technology transfer at university-based centers of excellence, the U.S. Department of Transportation chooses internationally recognized centers of excellence, fully integrated within institutions of higher learning, that serve as a vital source of leaders who are prepared to meet the nations need for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound movement of people and goods. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-epa-administrator-tour-westbrook-farm-hold-roundtable-for-maine-farmers-on-clean-water-rule,"King, EPA Administrator Tour Westbrook Farm, Hold Roundtable for Maine Farmers on Clean Water Rule",2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, EPA Administrator Tour Westbrook Farm, Hold Roundtable for Maine Farmers on Clean Water Rule King continues to press EPA to clarify rule and issue clearer compliance guidelines for Maine farmers Monday, November 30, 2015 WESTBROOK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy toured Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook and held a roundtable with agricultural officials from across the state to discuss the EPAs Clean Water Rule and its impact on farmers in Maine. The roundtable follows a letter to the agency led by Senator King and signed by ten of his colleagues expressing concern over the ambiguity of the rule and how it may create uncertainty that could have a detrimental impact on farming operations in Maine. During the roundtable today, Senator King joined with farmers from across the state to reiterate those concerns to Administrator McCarthy, and he also pledged to continue to work with the EPA to see that the agency clarifies agricultural exemptions and provides more concise compliance guidelines for Maine farmers. No one is more committed to preserving and protecting the environment than the people of Maine. Our natural resources are not only a hallmark of our state, but theyre also the foundation of our economy, Senator King said. But for Maines farmers and for everyone who relies on the land for a living, the ambiguity of the Clean Water Rule has caused a lot of justifiable concern. Farmers here just want to know that they wont have to hire a lawyer or a soil scientist to dig something like an irrigation ditch, and the EPA owes it to them to address those concerns, clarify the rule, and provide more concise compliance guidance. Todays roundtable was a positive step in that direction, and I look forward to further engaging with the EPA to ensure that it enacts a common-sense rule that protects the environment and allows our farmers to do their jobs. Earlier this year, the EPA and the U.S. Army formalized the Clean Water Rule to better protect streams and waterways across the country from pollution and degradation. However,farmers in Maine and elsewhere have expressed concerns, which are shared by Senator King, on the ambiguity of the rule and have sought clearer and more concise implementation guidance to both better understand how it would impact their businesses and ensure that their farming operations are in line with the intent of the rule and not unduly hampered by it. To address those concerns, Senator King earlier this month led a letter to the EPA signed by ten of his colleagues urging the agency to clarify the rules agricultural exemptions and provide clearer guidelines. Todays roundtable represented a step forward in that effort, but Senator King also reaffirmed his willingness to pursue legislative changes to the rule if his concerns are not properly addressed by the agency. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-announce-more-than-400000-in-grant-funding-to-assist-maine-families-living-in-public-housing,"Senators Collins and King Announce More Than $400,000 in Grant Funding to Assist Maine Families Living in Public Housing",2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins and King Announce More Than $400,000 in Grant Funding to Assist Maine Families Living in Public Housing Monday, November 30, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, the Chairman the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Angus King today announced that several housing authorities and municipalities in Maine will receive a total of $439,537 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grant funding will come through HUDs Family Self-Sufficiency Program and will be used to help public housing residents and individuals participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program increase their education and gain marketable skills that will allow them to find employment and advance in their current work. Public Housing Authorities in Maine play an indispensable role in helping some of our most vulnerable citizens find safe and affordable housing, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will provide crucial support to individuals and families across our state, connecting them with a range of job training and educational services. HUDs Family Self Sufficiency program intends to help low-income families who receive federal housing assistance receive training and education, find jobs, save money, and eventually become financially independent. The awards are as follows: Augusta Housing Authority, $32,484 Bangor Housing Authority, $57,050 Housing Authority of the City of Brewer, $52,832 City of Caribou, $48,729 Housing Authority of the City of Old Town, $23,972 Lewiston Housing Authority, $57,820 Maine State Housing Authority, $54,031 Portland Housing Authority, $72,012 Westbrook Housing Authority, $40,607 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/media/wgans-inside-maine-with-senator-angus-king-and-bruce-bickford-from-starc-systems-november-2015,"WGAN's Inside Maine with Senator Angus King and Bruce Bickford from STARC Systems, November 2015",2015-11-28,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content WGAN's Inside Maine with Senator Angus King and Bruce Bickford from STARC Systems, November 2015",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/media/wgans-inside-maine-with-senator-angus-king-and-steve-levesque-executive-director-of-the-midcoast-regional-redevelopment-authority-november-2015,"WGAN's Inside Maine with Senator Angus King and MRRA Executive Director Steve Levesque, November 2015",2015-11-28,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content WGAN's Inside Maine with Senator Angus King and MRRA Executive Director Steve Levesque, November 2015",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-proposal-to-create-national-mail-back-drug-program,King Announces Proposal to Create National Mail-Back Drug Program,2015-11-24,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Announces Proposal to Create National Mail-Back Drug Program Based on successful Maine pilot program, proposal seeks to make getting rid of excess prescription drugs easier, helping better protect public health and safety across the state Tuesday, November 24, 2015 PORTLAND, ME During a roundtable discussion today focused on how the federal government can close the prescription painkillers to opioid addiction gateway, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced a new federal proposal that would help people across the country more quickly, safely, and responsibly dispose of excess prescription drugs. During the discussion, Senator King also announced his support for bipartisan legislation that would expand specialized treatment for prescription drug and heroin addiction. Opioid addiction knows no bounds. It can grip anyone at any time, and sadly, in more cases than not, it starts at home with an unsuspecting pain medication meant to help someone,Senator King said. Today, there are far too many of those painkillers sitting unused in homes across this country, and the longer they do, the more serious a risk they pose to peoples health and safety. The federal government needs to work more closely with doctors to curb the number of drugs unnecessarily provided on the front end, and then work to ensure theres an easy and responsible way to dispose of excess drugs on the back end as well. I believe a drug mail-back program holds the potential to helppeople moreeasily and safely dispose of their unwanted medications, and I will engage with people to see how the government can best accomplish that goal. The proposal announced by Senator King today would create a national program that builds on the successful Maine pilot project known as Safe Medicine Disposal for ME, which allowed people to mail back their unused prescription drugs to Maine DEA.Currently, federal regulations allow pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other authorized collectors to serve as collection points for unused prescription medications, and special events like National Prescription Drug Take-Back day, also aim to provide a responsible means for the disposal of unneededdrugs. However, those methods, while very useful, can still be an obstacle to the disposal of unwanted drugs, particularly in rural areas and for people with limited access to transportation. Senator Kings proposal would streamline the process by allowing people to directly mail back excess drugs from their homes, thereby getting them off medicinecabinet shelves and reducing the hazard posed to health and safety. During the discussion, Senator King also announced his supportthe Recovery Enhancement for Addiction Treatment (TREAT) Act of 2015, bipartisan legislation that would expand specialized treatment for prescription drug and heroin addiction. Introduced by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), the legislation would expand the ability of addiction medical specialists and other trained medical professionals to provide life-saving medication-assisted therapies such as buprenorphine (also called Suboxone) for patients battling heroin and prescription drug addiction. Unfortunately, due in part to federal restrictions, of the approximately 2.4 million people dealing with prescription drug and heroin dependency in 2013, only half received specialty treatment for their condition. More specifically,the TREAT Actwould help increase the number of patients who have access to treatment by allowing substance abuse treatment specialists and certain other trained physicians who are practicing in a team-based facility that has built in quality measures to see a greater number of patients. Physicians under the bill are also required to fully participate in state-based prescription drug monitoring databases to track prescription drug use. The bill would also allow trained nurse practitioners and physician assistants to treat, for the first time, opioid dependent patients with approved medication assisted treatments. Combined with behavioral therapy, effective medication assisted treatment programs for opioid addiction can decrease overdose deaths, be cost-effective, reduce transmissions of HIV and hepatitis C, and reduce other social harms such as criminal activity. While emphasizing addiction medicine expertise and quality, the legislation lifts existing and arbitrary federal restrictions that are non-existent for any other disease and limit access to life saving therapies. For more information on the bill, clickHERE. Senator Kings mail-back proposal, which he will continue to gather feedback on in the coming weeks and then introduce as legislation, along with his support ofthe TREAT Act, represent a two-pronged approach to closing the gateway from prescription painkiller use and abuse to opioid addiction. Senator Kings roundtable today followed aninitial roundtablediscussion last August on the opioid epidemic in Maine and focused more specifically on the use and abuse of prescription painkillers as a gateway to addiction. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, four in five heroin users started out by misusing prescription opioid pain medications. Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 44 people in the U.S. die each day from an overdose of prescription pain medication. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-usda-grants-for-six-maine-communities-and-organizations,"Collins, King Announce USDA Grants for Six Maine Communities and Organizations",2015-11-23,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Announce USDA Grants for Six Maine Communities and Organizations Monday, November 23, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Angus King announced more than $2 million in funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will provide support for distance learning and telemedicine programs throughout the state. It is important that we recognize the hard work and dedication of community leaders and health care professionals throughout our state and continue to support projects in Maine's rural areas,said Senator Collins and King in a statement.This important investmentindistance learning and telemedicine programswill improve educational opportunities and access to vital health care servicesin Maines rural communities. The USDAs Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities develop and maintain telecommunication networks in order connect to each other and to the world. Funding through this program supports the acquisition of audio-video equipment, network components and software, as well as technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment.? Listed below are the recipients from Maine: Home Health Visiting Nurses of Southern Maine: $129,400 Kno-Wal-Lin Home Health Care Management, Inc.:$130,000 Regional School Unit 64:$498,535 Maine Rural Health Collaborative, LLC: $431,599 Region Two School of Applied Technology (Maine Adult Education and Cooperative Extension Distance Learning Consortium): $499,378 Easton School District: $499,773 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-dedicate-harold-alfond-ocean-and-advanced-manufacturing-laboratories-at-university-of-maine,"Collins, King Dedicate Harold Alfond Ocean and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratories at University of Maine",2015-11-23,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Dedicate Harold Alfond Ocean and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratories at University of Maine Monday, November 23, 2015 ORONO, ME Joined by federal officials, local business leaders and University of Maine leadership, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today helped officially unveil the Harold Alfond Ocean Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratories. The new facility, which is part of UMaines national-recognized Advanced Structures and Composites Center, will assist businesses in developing products for the marine economy while also offering hands-on training for students. This remarkable grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation is an investment in Maine that demonstrates the pride and confidence people throughout our State have in our University, said Senator Collins. The world-class research capabilities this lab will provide in Ocean Engineering and Advanced Composites Manufacturing will help secure Maine's place as a national leader in the ocean economy of the future, help advance our industrial competitiveness in boatbuilding and renewable energy such as offshore wind, and help ensure the resiliency of our coastal communities. The future belongs to those who innovate, and today, the University of Maine has once again proven that it is on the vanguard of 21st century innovation, Senator King said. With this impressive facility and the generous support of the Harold Alfond Foundation, the University of Maine is poised to unlock incredible new advancements that will bolster our renewable energy future, strengthen our coastal communities and infrastructure, and ensure that the ocean remains a vital part of our economy. More specifically, the world-class ocean engineering facility will lead to the creation of products such as improved boat and ship hulls; renewable energy production devices from wind, wave, and tidal resources; oil and gas structures; waterfront infrastructure including more resilient bridges, piers, docks and port facilities; as well as new systems to protect coastal cities from the effects of erosion and extreme storms. The lab is the only facility in the country equipped with a high-performance rotating wind machine over a multidirectional wave basin, which will accurately simulate the harsh and variable conditions that ocean structures must withstand. Federal funding, including $3 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, $983,977 from the National Science Foundation and $497,965 from the National Institute for Standards and Technology, was leveraged with state and private investments as well as donations, including the Alfond Foundation support that will help hire world-class engineers and fund graduate and undergraduate students over 3 years to launch the facility. In addition to Senators Collins and King, other speakers included Congressman Bruce Poliquin, University of Maine President Susan Hunter, Director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center Dr. Habib Dagher, Chairman of the Harold Alfond Foundation Greg Powell, Cianbro President and CEO Peter Vigue, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine, and U.S. Department of Energy Wind and Water Program Director Jose Zayas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-send-letter-to-president-on-possible-national-monument-designation-in-maine-north-woods,"Collins, King, Poliquin Send Letter to President on Possible National Monument Designation in Maine North Woods",2015-11-23,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King, Poliquin Send Letter to President on Possible National Monument Designation in Maine North Woods Monday, November 23, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Bruce Poliquin have sent a letter to President Barack Obama regarding the possible designation of land in the Katahdin region as a national monument. The complete text of the letter can be read HERE and is available below. +++ November 20, 2015 The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: We understand that you are considering using your executive power under the Antiquities Act to designate unilaterally as a national monument more than 100,000 acres of what is currently privately owned land in northern Maine and write to express our serious reservations and significant concerns about such a proposal. The private land owner, Elliotsville Plantation Inc. (EPI), has made clear that it would like to donate its land in the Katahdin Region to the federal government for the purpose of establishing a national park and national recreation area, which would require an act of Congress. The president of EPIs board, Mr. Lucas St. Clair, has recently informed us that he is in discussions with the Department of Interior to bypass Congress to seek a national monument designation. This concerns us because residents in the Katahdin Region have the most to gain or lose from federal land encroaching on their doorstep, and it is clear that deep divisions remain. While we acknowledge the right of private land owners to donate their land, we have serious concerns about the executive branch using its power to unilaterally designate a national monument in our state. Mainers have a long and proud history of private land ownership, independence, and local control, and do not take lightly any forced action by the federal government to increase its footprint in our state. Recognizing that despite these concerns, you nevertheless may use your legal authority to bypass the normal legislative process and designate a national monument in Maine, we believe that you should be aware of the history of this proposal and the conditions that we strongly believe must be included if such a designation moves forward. For many years, EPI has been working to build local support to establish a national park and national recreation area on its land. As Members of Maines Congressional Delegation, it is incumbent upon us to research thoroughly such a controversial issue. We have devoted countless hours to meet with stakeholders, including local business owners, forest product industry officials, snowmobile clubs, hunting groups, outdoor recreation organizations, environmental groups, local land owners, and land preservation trusts. We have responded to hundreds of emails, letters, and phone calls from local area residents. Our offices have toured the property in question and have attended local town hall meetings devoted to discussing publicly the proposal. We believe we have thoughtfully considered all points of view and have carefully listened to all sides of this issue. Proponents and opponents alike target more jobs for the struggling Katahdin Region as the basis for their conclusions. Some residents believe that one way to stimulate the regional economy, decimated by the closure of paper mills in the area, would be for the federal government to create a national park and national recreation area to boost tourism and outdoor recreation jobs. Local chambers of commerce support this opportunity and cite economic studies which point to job creation around other national parks across the country. In a recent poll, the idea of a national park was supported by roughly 60 percent of Mainers. Other residents believe that any form of federal ownership could jeopardize jobs and future job creation in the prized Katahdin Regions working forests. In two non-binding referendums this past summer, more than 70 percent of the residents living in two of the most affected communities voted in opposition to creating a national park on this land. In addition, 225 Maine businesses that employ more than 5,000 hard-working Mainers, many in the logging, trucking, saw mill, and other forest products industries, announced their opposition to the proposal, largely because they believe that federal ownership would hurt their businesses and prevent future investment and job creation. The federal government is also struggling to meet its current obligations to fund our 408 existing national park units, with a current maintenance backlog of $11.5 billion. Adding more than 100,000 acres to the federal land system would only add to that burden. We cannot underscore enough the importance of bringing new economic development to this severely economically depressed region of Maine. A national monument designation, however, would likely antagonize already divided local communities. The future of EPIs property is just one part of a greater need to improve economic opportunity in the Katahdin Region. To that end, we request the full assistance of the federal government to identify and secure funding for economic development activities through the Economic Development Assistance Program and other manufacturing programs that could help the forest products industry and other entrepreneurs in the area. Specifically, we seek financial support for research to back the development and use of wood products and fibers, advanced engineering projects that use wood, and support for policies that will create strong markets for wood products. Our many discussions with local residents and businesses have deepened our understanding of the viewpoints and needs of the Katahdin Region. Despite our reservations, if you nevertheless choose to use your executive power under the Antiquities Act to accept the EPI land donation and to designate a new national monument, we strongly urge that you incorporate the following conditions: Express permission for all traditional recreation uses, including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, the use of motorized vehicles, such as snowmobiles and ATVs, and other outdoor recreational activities associated with our North Maine Woods. Maine has a long and cherished history of public access to large tracts of privately owned land. This invaluable relationship must be protected so that citizens are able to continue to recreate freely and responsibly. Protection for the long term well-being of our prized forests, both within the borders of any federal land designation and for the adjacent and surrounding areas. Any federal land must allow for proper forest management, including timber harvesting, to prevent forest fires and invasive species and to allow for proper sustainable tree growth. Moreover, the surrounding lands have robust forestry activities such as logging, trucking, and timber harvesting, and any federal land designation must not impair these industries, their good paying jobs or inhibit future growth in this sector. The forest products industry employs nearly 40,000 hard-working Mainers. One out of every 20 jobs in Maine is associated with the forest products sector. All private or state land that is contiguous, adjacent, or nearby, or any inholdings, must continue to have established easements and rights of way, including for roads, and remain independent of any federal control. This independence must also include freedom from view shed, air quality, or buffer zone regulations or requirements. No federal regulations should be put in place that would discourage future investment or growth in the region. Any monument designation must respect private property rights and ensure that the federal government will never take any private land in the area by eminent domain. All land must be acquired from a willing seller through donation or purchase. Concerns have been raised about the size of the parcel in question, as for some time many believed that EPI owned 150,000 acres of the proposed national park and national recreation area. In fact, more than 40 percent of the proposed area is owned by other private landowners, some of whom have adamantly expressed they have no interest in selling their land for inclusion in any federal land system. Management needs of the area must be carefully examined to determine the appropriate federal land management agency. The U.S. Forest Service, with its history of working closely with communities to preserve traditional uses, should be considered as an agency to oversee any national monument designation. Establishment of a local and state advisory board to ensure that any management decisions reflect local and state priorities, not the priorities of Washington. Local communities know how to make their own decisions and that autonomy should continue. Federal commitment to help improve the economically depressed Katahdin Region and create new jobs must accompany any new federal land designation. This should include efforts related to tourism and outdoor recreation, as well as the forest products industry. When creating the educational and interpretive experience for any public land in question, it is critical to have a special emphasis on the Katahdin Regions rich history, including the important roles of the timber industry, local communities, and the Penobscot Nation. Preference for Maine businesses and products in creating and servicing any federally designated public lands. For example, Maine timber should be used to construct buildings, and Maine concessioners should be hired to provide services and products inside the boundaries of any national monument. Neighbors to federal lands are more likely to support federal initiatives when Washington employs their direct support. In closing, while we respect the right of EPI to donate its private property to the federal government, we cannot ignore the serious reservations of our constituents. We urge you to carefully weigh the views of those who live in the region, as well as the criteria we have outlined in this letter. The last thing the Katahdin Region needs is burdensome and restrictive federal regulations that discourage future investment and badly needed jobs while changing the traditional Maine way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-statement-in-response-to-itc-vote-in-canadian-paper-producers-trade-case,"Collins, King Statement in Response to ITC Vote in Canadian Paper Producers Trade Case",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Statement in Response to ITC Vote in Canadian Paper Producers Trade Case Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement today in response to the U.S. International Trade Commissions determination that the U.S. supercalendered paper industry is materially injured by reason of imports of subsidized supercalendered paper from Canada: The International Trade Commissions decision is welcome news for the hardworking men and women of Madison Paper Industries who have for far too long fought against illegal and unfair provincial subsidies like the ones provided to the Port Hawkesbury Mill, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. The Commissions decision validates American producers long held concerns and will help even the playing field in this important segment of the paper market. However, we remain concerned with how the Department of Commerce conducted its investigation of the Canadian producers. The Department of Commerce should have, as we requested, reviewed all four Canadian producers of supercalendered paper to ensure a fair and fact-based process. Rather than conduct a careful assessment of the actual subsidies received by each company, the Department relied on Port Hawkesburys and Resolutes subsidies to determine an arbitrary and unfair duty rate for Irving and Catalyst, Senators Collins and King continued. This ill-advised decision could affect more than 1,000 Maine workers employed at J.D. Irving and the Catalyst-owned mill in Rumford, and it is wrong. We will support Irving and Catalyst as they request an expedited review of the findings to ensure the companies receive the individual examinations to which they are entitled as part of a fair and fact-based investigation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backed-sportsmens-bill-passes-enr-committee-with-strong-bipartisan-support-,King-Backed Sportsmen’s Bill Passes ENR Committee with Strong Bipartisan Support,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King-Backed Sportsmens Bill Passes ENR Committee with Strong Bipartisan Support Bill would expand opportunities for Americas sportsmen, permanently reauthorize LWCF Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today approved a bipartisan bill that would expand outdoor recreation opportunities for sportsmen in Maine and across America. The Sportsmens Act of 2015, which Senator King cosponsored, would prioritize recreation on federal lands and promote cooperation with state and local governments. Additionally, the bill would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which expired at the end of September. The legislation passed out of Committee with near unanimous support. Outdoor recreation, like hunting, fishing, and hiking, is not only a strong part of our tradition as a state, but its also a central force in our economy that supports our rural communities, Senator King said. By building on existing opportunities for our sportsmen, this legislation will enhance our recreation economy and ensure that time-honored traditions enjoyed by Maine families will continue for future generations. The Sportsmens Act of 2015 includes a broad array of bipartisan measures to enhance opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, reauthorize key conservation programs, improve access to public lands, and help boost the outdoor recreation economy. The legislation also permanently reauthorizes the LWCF, a move Senator King has repeatedly called for, and which would ensure the strength and sustainability of this successful program that has helped increase access to outdoor recreation for the last 50 years. The LWCF is one of the most important and significant conservation measures ever passed by Congress, Senator King said. It has helped to preserve hundreds of thousands of acres of land in Maine and it supports local programs across the state that get kids involved in the outdoors. Im encouraged that this bill would permanently reauthorize the fund, and hope the Senate will follow-suit quickly. As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmens Caucus, Senator King works will his colleagues to promote and expand opportunities for sportsmen in Maine and around the country. The Sportsmens Act of 2015 was originally introduced by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-congratulates-lewiston-high-school-boys-soccer-team,King Congratulates Lewiston High School Boys Soccer Team,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Congratulates Lewiston High School Boys Soccer Team Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. In statement submitted to the Congressional Record today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) congratulated the Lewiston High School Boys Soccer Team for their recent state championship victory. The team, which has a diverse group of student athletes from various backgrounds, religions and cultures, went undefeated in the regular season and clinched its first title in program history. This is a team with a long history, and deep friendships, that have spanned many years and continents. A number of the players originally hail from Somalia, and have known each other and played soccer together since they were children in a refugee camp in Kenya. Others native Mainers and immigrants alike have bonded and shared their passion for the sport since grade school, said Senator King in the statement. This fraternal bond between the players and the supportiveness of the Lewiston community is a fine example of Maine citizens from diverse ethnic, religious, and experiential backgrounds coming together to achieve victory, while championing Maines spirit and Americas highest ideals of inclusiveness and unity. The complete statement is as follows: Mr. KING. Mr. President, at the end of the fall season we see the culmination of youth athletics across the country. In each sport, whether it is field hockey, football, soccer, or the like, we as parents and spectators see the aggregation of hard work, sportsmanship, and perseverance come together to produce outstanding championship athletes. Today I wish to draw attention to all of the talented Maine youths who won athletic championships across the state this year. In particular, I would like to congratulate the members of the Lewiston High School Blue Devils boys soccer team, who, on the path to their undefeated regular season and recent state championship victory, have demonstrated remarkable levels of teamwork and sportsmanship. The Blue Devils achieved victory through an impressive display of talent and teamwork. Throughout their regular season the team scored a total of 114 goals, consistently demonstrated their strong defense, and earned recognition when USA Today ranked them 22nd in the country. The teams display of unity, patience, and determination in the state final against Scarborough High School was a fitting conclusion to a stunning season of hard work. During two prior seasons, the Blue Devils earned their way to the state finals, but each time returned home without the win. Following their defeat last November, Lewiston High School coach Mike McGraw vowed to his team that they would return, and they would win. This year, that promise was fulfilled. But the story of the Blue Devils win is not solely one of raw athletic talent and training. This is a team with a long history, and deep friendships, that have spanned many years and continents. A number of the players originally hail from Somalia, and have known each other and played soccer together since they were children in a refugee camp in Kenya. Others native Mainers and immigrants alike have bonded and shared their passion for the sport since grade school. This fraternal bond between the players and the supportiveness of the Lewiston community is a fine example of Maine citizens from diverse ethnic, religious, and experiential backgrounds coming together to achieve victory, while championing Maines spirit and Americas highest ideals of inclusiveness and unity. I wish to join the city of Lewiston, and the entire Maine community, in congratulating the Lewiston High School boys soccer team for their well-earned success. They demonstrated impressive athletic ability, incredible determination, loyalty to their coach and one another, and have highlighted the richness that multiculturalism brings to our communities. The Blue Devils have earned their title as champions, in more ways than one. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-merkley-collins-urge-justice-department-to-protect-americas-craft-brewers,"King, Merkley, Collins Urge Justice Department to Protect America’s Craft Brewers",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Merkley, Collins Urge Justice Department to Protect Americas Craft Brewers Senators express concern about potentially anti-competitive practices by large beer conglomerates and distributors Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led a bipartisan group of Senators, including U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), on a letter urging the U.S. Department of Justice to protect craft brewers across America from potentially unfair and illegal trade practices on the part of larger beer companies. In the letter, which was sent to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the senators express concern aboutthe possibility of larger beer companies pressuring beer distributers to favor their products, creating an unfair advantage for beer giants and limiting the ability of consumer to find craft brewers products in the stores, bars and restaurants where they shop. The past decade has seen a dramatic change in the American beer industry, which was long dominated by a small number of products from large brewers such as AB InBev and SABMiller. Craft beer now drives expansion of domestic beer sales. Small and independent craft breweries exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia,the Senators wrote in their letter. As members with robust craft brewing industries in our states, we ask that you take the necessary steps to ensure that AB InBevs purchase of SABMiller does not allow the new combined company to squeeze out Americas craft brewing industry, stifle innovation, further constrain beer distribution to U.S. retailers, or create further barriers to entry. Large multinational brewers should not be allowed to use their market power to limit consumer choice and access to small innovative breweries.Put simply, we believe craft brewers must be able to conduct their business without being denied access to necessary raw materials and distribution companies. The Senators particularly expressed concern about the potential for anti-competitive distribution practices to grow as the largest beer companies get even larger through mergers.On October 16, 2015, AB InBevs, the worlds largest beer conglomerate,announced its intention to purchase SABMiller, the second-largest. The Senators raise concerns that AB InBev may try to use the acquisition to increase its already dominant market position, possibly by constraining distribution channels in order to crowd out smaller beer companies. Some reports have already suggested that the company uses its large market share to put pressure on distributors to favor AB InBev products, which could potentially be deemed an exclusionary and illegal practice. The Senators also highlight the dramatic growth of small and independent craft breweries, noting that since 2011, the number of craft breweries in America has more than doubled from 1,776 to 3,739.Small and independent craft brewers contribute some $55.7 billion to the U.S. economy and support more than 424,000 jobs. The letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.). The letter is available HERE and the full text is below: +++ The Honorable Loretta E. Lynch Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Attorney General Lynch: We write because our offices have been made aware of potentially unfair and illegal trade practices that may harm the ability of craft brewers in our states to compete on a fair and level playing field with large brewers. We are particularly concerned about large commercial beer companies attempting to gain market share by either purchasing distributors or pressuring independent distributors to favor their products. We understand the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating some of these practices and we want to express our support for that investigation. We also hope the Department keeps these concerns in mind as the Antitrust Division reviews AB InBevs purchase of SABMiller. The past decade has seen a dramatic change in the American beer industry, which was long dominated by a small number of products from large brewers such as AB InBev and SABMiller. Craft beer now drives expansion of domestic beer sales. Small and independent craft breweries exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They have expanded at a staggering rate: since 2011, the number of craft breweries has more than doubled, going from 1,776 to 3,739. Small and independent craft brewers contribute some $55.7 billion to the U.S. economy and support more than 424,000 jobs. Large brewers have taken notice and have taken actions that we believe may amount to exclusive dealing and other violations of antitrust law. For instance, while many craft brewers lawfully and successfully distribute beer in their local markets, the recent purchases of craft breweries and distributors by AB InBev suggests a dangerous plan to constrain distribution channels to the detriment of its competitors. Because of consolidation by distributors, there are now far fewer distribution channels for craft brewers. The purchase by AB InBev of one of the two distributors that deliver the vast majority of beer in a given territory effectively either forces other brewers out of that distribution channel or places those that stay in the uncomfortable situation of being distributed by their largest competitor. Reports also suggest that, in markets where two independent full-service distributors exist, AB InBev puts pressure on the distributors to favor AB InBev productsa practice that could well be deemed exclusionary and illegal. Given these concerns, AB InBevs October 16 announcement of its intention to purchase SABMiller should raise significant red flags. As members with robust craft brewing industries in our states, we ask that you take the necessary steps to ensure that AB InBevs purchase of SABMiller does not allow the new combined company to squeeze out Americas craft brewing industry, stifle innovation, further constrain beer distribution to U.S. retailers, or create further barriers to entry. While AB InBev announced plans to divest itself of SABMillers U.S. assets as part of such a transaction, DOJ should vigorously scrutinize the acquisition and any divestiture plan to ensure that AB InBev does not increase its already-dominant market position through the transaction. Moreover, even if the transaction does not result in an increase in AB InBevs market share in the U.S., DOJ should carefully consider how global consolidation could impact the market for hops, barley, wheat, bottles, cans and other supplies needed by craft brewers. In addition, we hope DOJ will probe how each of these companies has acted with regard to distributors and investigate whether distributors owned by these companies also need to be divested. Large multinational brewers should not be allowed to use their market power to limit consumer choice and access to small innovative breweries. Put simply, we believe craft brewers must be able to conduct their business without being denied access to necessary raw materials and distribution companies. We appreciate your prompt attention to our letter and urge the Department to appropriately vet the AB InBev purchase of SABMiller and ensure that we maintain a market that does not disproportionately harm beer consumers and the craft brewing industry. We hope you will continue investigating our concerns and conduct additional outreach with craft brewers to gather evidence from their experiences. We look forward to hearing your findings. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-confirms-nomination-of-mike-michaud-to-be-department-of-labor-assistant-secretary,Senate Confirms Nomination of Mike Michaud to be Department of Labor Assistant Secretary,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Confirms Nomination of Mike Michaud to be Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced tonight that the Senate has approved the nomination of former U.S. Representative Mike Michaud for the post of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training. I worked with Mike for many years when he represented Maines Second District and have seen his dedication to our veterans. His commitment to ensuring that our veterans have the training and jobs they deserve when they return to civilian life will serve our veterans well, said Senator Collins. Mike is a man of true character whose commitment to veterans extends decades, Senator King said. I know that in his new position he will continue to fight to ensure that Americas veterans have the resources and opportunities they need and deserve to succeed in life after the military. He has demonstrated his dedication to Maine veterans time and again, and I have no doubt that he will bring that same tenacity and passion to the Department of Labor as he works on behalf of veterans around the country. The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training oversees the Veterans Employment and Training Service, which provides career service and preparation to America's veterans, service members, and their spouses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-45000-for-auburn-school-districts-farm-to-school-program,"Collins, King Announce $45,000 for Auburn School District’s Farm to School Program",2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Announce $45,000 for Auburn School Districts Farm to School Program Wednesday, November 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. United States Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today the Auburn School District will receive $45,000 in grant funding from the United States Department of Agricultures Farm to School program. This important investment will help to increase the availability of local food products on the menus of schools across the Auburn school district, the Senators said in a joint statement. In Maine, we are lucky enough to have a vibrant local food movement, and this investment will make locally-grown food a greater part of the good nutrition that helps put our students in a position to succeed. USDAs Farm to School grants fund school districts, state and local agencies, tribal nations, agricultural producers, and non-profit organizations in their efforts to increase local foods served through child nutrition programs. In addition, the program helps teach children about food and agriculture through garden and classroom education and develops schools and farmers capacities to participate in the program. Senator King is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Farm to School Act of 2015, which would strengthen and expand the federal Farm to School grant program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-capito-daines-call-on-fcc-to-increase-transparency-enforcement-for-rural-broadband-funding,"King, Capito, Daines Call on FCC to Increase Transparency, Enforcement for Rural Broadband Funding",2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Capito, Daines Call on FCC to Increase Transparency, Enforcement for Rural Broadband Funding Wednesday, November 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider strict enforcement measures and increase transparency for the recently announced Connect America Fund funding. The FCC announced more than $1.5 billion in annual funding as part of the second phase of the Connect America Fund to expand and support broadband service in rural areas. We believe strict enforcement measures, coupled with transparency around how, where, and when the funds are used are necessary to ensure the integrity of the [Connect America Fund] program and the success of the FCCs efforts to advance rural broadband. We seek to maximize the success of the program and ensure that these limited funds are put to the best, appropriate use, the Senators wrote. In a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler yesterday, the Senators call on the FCC to provide a publically available list of accountability measures for proper use of the federal funds, and to explain what enforcement mechanisms will be implemented if carriers fail to meet their obligations under the Connect America Fund program. In states like Maine and West Virginia where a single carrier receives the funding, it is critical that these limited funds are effectively and efficiently used. The complete text of the letter can be read HERE and is below: +++ November 17, 2015 Dear Chairman Wheeler: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays an imperative and unique role in supporting rural connectivity. In the 21st century economy, robust telecommunications networks are increasingly important for todays users, and serve as the foundation of future innovation and economic progress. As the Commission continues to reform its universal service funding mechanisms to adapt to a changing technological environment, we commend the Commissions ongoing attention and support of underserved rural areas. Unfortunately, deployment of these networks in rural communities continues to lag behind those in urban areas. Recently, the Commission announced over $1.5 billion in annual funding as part of the second phase of the Connect America Fund (CAF). The primary purpose of these funds is supporting investments in the most underserved communities. The Commission has announced that ten telecommunications carriers have accepted this support, which will direct over $9 billion to rural broadband development over the next six years. The high cost to deploy networks in rural areas creates a heavy reliance on the federal funding provided by the FCC, and it is important that these funds are used efficiently. We agree with your recent remarks at the NTCA Fall Conference on the importance of ensuring accountability within the Commissions universal service program. While your statement was directed at reports of fraud and abuse by a handful of carriers, we believe the same commitment to responsible and efficient use of federal funds should be applied to all carriers who benefit from universal service program funding, including those supported by CAF. We also applaud your recent Public Notice reminding carriers to not use their funding in wasteful or fraudulent ways. Should we need stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the Fund is used appropriately to advance rural broadband deployment, we would look forward to working with you on identifying the right solutions. CAF is designed to advance critical broadband deployment in our rural communities and improve rural access. In order to ensure the success of the CAF program, we respectfully request a list of accountability mechanisms currently in place to ensure that recipients are using the funds for their intended purpose, that build-out requirements are being met, and that locations reported as newly served are actually receiving service that meets CAF II standards. As you may be aware, the general public has an increasing interest in the outcomes of CAF investments, and we believe making these measures of accountability publicly available would be well received. We would also like to know what enforcement mechanisms will be implemented in cases where carriers fail to meet their obligations. We believe strict enforcement measures, coupled with transparency around how, where, and when the funds are used, are necessary to ensure the integrity of the CAF program and the success of the FCCs efforts to advance rural broadband. We seek to maximize the success of the program and ensure that these limited funds are put to the best, appropriate use. We look forward to working with you to promote the continued adoption and expansion of broadband services, and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Connect America Fund. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-nearly-10-million-in-federal-loans-to-support-public-health-and-safety-in-maine-communities-,"Collins, King Announce Nearly $10 Million in Federal Loans to Support Public Health and Safety in Maine Communities",2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Announce Nearly $10 Million in Federal Loans to Support Public Health and Safety in Maine Communities Tuesday, November 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will award $9,985,000 in federal loans to three initiatives in Maine to support rural health and public safety. Downeast Horizons of Ellsworth, Down East Community Hospital of Machias, and Orono-based Independence Advocates of Maine will each receive a loan through the USDA Community Facilities Program to improve their operations. We welcome these federal loans as an important investment in Maines health care and social service providers that will empower them to improve their facilities and strengthen their ability to provide high-quality services to Maine people, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. Downeast Horizons will receive a $1 million loan, Down East Community Hospital will receive a $4 million loan, and Independence Advocates of Maine will receive $4,985,000 loan. The Community Facilities Program is administered by Rural Development, an agency within the USDA that works to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The Community Facilities Program invests in rural community infrastructure in order to support essential services and improve access to health care in rural areas. The announcement of this USDA support comes as the department celebrates National Rural Health Week. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-urge-sec-to-reconsider-proposed-rule-,"Collins, King Urge SEC to Reconsider Proposed Rule",2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Urge SEC to Reconsider Proposed Rule Senators argue that paper forms provide a vital alternative means to access important financial information for those who lack reliable internet access Friday, November 13, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King sent a letter this week to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urging the agency to reconsider proposed Rule 30e-3, which would eliminate the current requirement that mutual fund information be delivered to investors in paper form. The new rule, if implemented, would make electronic delivery the default delivery method unless otherwise selected, a move Senators Collins and King say could negatively affect Maine people who do not have regular and reliable access to the Internet by reducing their ability to access the information central to important financial decisions. Senators Collins and King urge the agency to preserve the existing requirement that mutual funds send out their shareholder reports in paper form. Experience shows that paper shareholder reporting is a critical necessity for some of our constituents, Senators Collins and King wrote in the letter. Rule 30e-3 may impede access to important shareholder data for many demographics within the investor community, especially the elderly, those with disabilities, and other Americans who are often less likely to have regular and reliable internet access. We urge you to give the concerns outlined above strong consideration as you decide whether to proceed with Rule 30e-3. In their letter, the Senators also point out that although current SEC rules allow investors to opt-in to electronic delivery, very few have chosen to do so, indicating that most investors prefer to have the information in paper form. Also joining Senators Collins and King in sending the bipartisan letter were Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). The letter is available HERE and the full text is below: +++ The Honorable Mary Jo White Chair Securities and Exchange Commission 100 F Street, NE Washington, DC 20549 Dear Chair White, We write to request that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reconsider SEC proposed Rule 30e-3. The rule would eliminate the current requirement that mutual fund information be transmitted to investors in paper form. We are concerned that Rule 30e-3 would reduce the level of disclosure and transparency for investors and believe the rule should not move forward as presently drafted. As you know, the SECs current rules governing mutual fund disclosure provide the ability to opt-in to electronic delivery, yet only a small minority of consumers have chosen to make the switch. By permitting mutual funds to satisfy shareholder report requirements through an online posting, Rule 30e-3 would immediately shift the burden for the continuation of paper-based reporting to investors. Also, experience shows that paper shareholder reporting is a critical necessity for some of our constituents. Rule 30e-3 may impede access to important shareholder data for many demographics within the investor community, especially the elderly, those with disabilities, and other Americans who are often less likely to have regular and reliable internet access. We urge you to give the concerns outlined above strong consideration as you decide whether to proceed with Rule 30e-3. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-federal-proposals-to-help-mainers-with-disabilities-enter-the-workforce,King Announces Federal Proposals To Help Mainers with Disabilities Enter the Workforce,2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Announces Federal Proposals To Help Mainers with Disabilities Enter the Workforce During roundtable with business leaders, disability advocates, King charts path to employment opportunities for people with disabilities Friday, November 13, 2015 AUGUSTA, ME During a disability and employment roundtable discussion this morning, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced five new proposals that would improve federal policy and increase employment opportunities for Mainers with disabilities. The proposals come at a time when Maine faces a significant decline in the size of its workforce and a forecast that the state may be unable to supply new workers to meet its needs in the coming decades. At the same time, nearly 70 percent of the states working-age adults with disabilities are currently not engaged in the workforce, marking one of the lowest employment rates for individuals with disabilities in the country. Senator Kings proposals aim to increase employment among Maines citizens with disabilities by making changes to the federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs and by encouraging greater collaboration between the federal and state governments. The proposals represent a starting point for an ongoing discussion. Following todays roundtable, Senator King will continue to solicit feedback in the coming weeks and months, including from his colleagues in Washington, and will ultimately pursue a legislative path to adopt changes. Our state and our economy are strengthened when we have a more inclusive workforce. But today, federal policies seem to create more barriers to employment than opportunities, Senator King. Right now, there are people with disabilities across Maine who want to work and there are businesses that need their talents. The proposals I announced today are a first step toward bridging that gap and engaging more people with disabilities in the workforce. Doing so will not only improve their lives, but it will also bolster our economy and our future. Participants in the roundtable also expressed support for developing strategies to bring more Maine people with disabilities into the workforce: We must remove the disincentives to full and integrated employment for citizens with disabilities, said Kim Moody, Executive Director of Disability Rights Maine. We have to figure out how to allow people to keep their health insurance when they go to work. We have to figure out how to reconfigure Medicaid so that service provider agencies can bill more for employment-related services and less for non-employment related day programming services. We look forward to a federal-state partnership with Senator King. With all of us working together, I know we can improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Today, we have Maine people with disabilities who could be and want to be fully engaged in the workforce. When they are not, it is a loss for them, and a loss for Maines economy, which is why we are grateful that Senator King is leading this important discussion, said Dana Connors, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Expanding opportunities for people with disabilities is in the states economic best interest and is an effort Maine businesses are proud to support. Click HERE to read what other Maine leaders are saying about Senator Kings efforts. At present, Maine lags behind a majority of states in workforce participation among its citizens with disabilities. In 2013, only 31 percent of the states working-age adults with disabilities were in the workforce. During that same year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reported that 7.7 percent of working-aged adults in Maine received SSDI the sixth highest rate of receipt in the country. While the SSDI and SSI programs provide critical benefits to millions of Americans with disabilities each year, including more than 80,000 people in Maine, the programs have a dismal record of supporting beneficiaries in their efforts to return to the workforce. Long-term studies of SSDI beneficiaries demonstrate that less than four percent of beneficiaries leave the program for work. Many program recipients report confusion over how work activity will impact their benefits and access to health care, while others lack access to the kind of training and accommodations that could improve their ability to enter or remain in the workforce. While this is a national challenge, it is particularly acute in Maine. The states looming demographic and economic shifts include predictions of a smaller workforce paired with growth of certain industry sectors in the years to come. These trends highlight the critical importance of providing increased support and incentives for individuals with disabilities who could transition off of federal and state programs to enter the workforce and fill these openings. These efforts are important not only to people with disabilities and to Maines economy, but also to the financial stability of federal disability programs. To read the full white paper of proposals, click HERE. Senator Kings proposals include the following: Develop Early Intervention and Supports: Facilitate state-designed solutions, such as pilots that leverage state-based supports and services with a partial cash benefit for individuals with disabilities. Develop a regional database on disability and employment that enables predictive modeling related to individuals at risk of developing a disabling health condition. Explore new ways to deliver federal disability benefits, such as providing transitional benefits and targeted services for newly-awarded beneficiaries who hold promise for medical improvement. Promote better coordination between relevant federal agencies in order to ensure funding streams and programs work together to support individuals with disabilities. Expand Evidence-Based Return to Work Programs: Reauthorize SSAs Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program, which provides benefits counseling to SSDI beneficiaries and supports their efforts to return to work. Provide transitional services to individuals who leave the federal disability programs, ensuring they receive a timely handoff to the supportive services that would enable them to transition into the workforce. Broaden and publicize tax incentives to hire and retain people with disabilities. Direct the Social Security Administration to examine alternative work incentive structures, such as testing the effectiveness of an annual rather than monthly earnings test for individuals with certain types of disabilities. Pilot and evaluate additional options for eliminating the cash cliff to create better work incentives for SSDI beneficiaries. Explore the Integration of Private Disability Insurance: Consider automatic enrollment allowance for private disability insurance, provided employees receive clear and advance notice and a right to opt out. Pilot a front-end to the SSDI system that leverages private disability insurance and early intervention services as a mandatory step before receiving SSDI. Establish a national effort to provide income protection information to workers and employers. Improve the SSDI Determination Process: Eliminate the reconsideration stage of determination process in order to save applicants months of time during the determination process; use these resources to better develop cases at initial level. Direct SSA to standardize the process and forms related to evidence submission Increase administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing notice from 20 to 75 days to provide applicants more time to gather evidence from medical providers in advance of hearings. Recommend evidence submission five days prior to hearing to ensure ALJs have sufficient time to review cases. Increase the number of SSAs ALJs in order to reduce the significant backlog of cases. Strengthen SSDI Program Integrity and Solvency: Improve the accuracy of work reports by providing more frequent reminders to beneficiaries about their obligation to report earnings as well as the new avenues through which to do so. Evaluate the medical-vocational guidelines to ensure that the current factors reflect advances in employment options and medical technologies and treatments. Communicate the contingent nature of SSDI benefits and ensure timely Continuing Disability Reviews of current beneficiaries. Ensure long-term Social Security program solvency by advocating for congressional action to strengthen fiscal health of both disability and retirement trust funds. Todays roundtable discussion, hosted by Disability Rights Maine and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, brought together disability advocates, business organizations, and state leaders. To see a full list of participants, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-paris-attacks,King Statement on Paris Attacks,2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Statement on Paris Attacks Friday, November 13, 2015 UNITY, ME U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement this evening in response to the attacks in Paris: My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Paris tonight as the details of these tragic events continue to unfold. These acts of violence are an unconscionable assault on freedom and liberty, and America stands ready to assist our French friends and allies as they work to bring this situation to an end, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice. There is still much we dont know about the attacks but the coordinated nature leaves little doubt that these are acts of terror. And as ever, we stand united against the hatred and brutality of violent extremism. I will continue to be briefed as more information becomes available, and as we learn more, the victims and their families will remain in our hearts and minds. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-congratulate-the-telling-room-on-national-arts-and-humanities-award,"Collins, King Congratulate The Telling Room on National Arts and Humanities Award",2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Congratulate The Telling Room on National Arts and Humanities Award Senators will meet with representatives from the youth writing center when they visit Washington next week Thursday, November 12, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today congratulated The Telling Room, a writing center in Portland that helps children and young adults develop and build on their storytelling skills, on winning a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from the White House. The award recognizes outstanding after-school and out-of-school programs that are transforming the lives of young people. Senators Collins and King will meet representatives from The Telling Room next week while they are in Washington to receive the award at the White House. Arts and humanities programs foster greater student engagement and help our young people to maximize their potential, said Senators Collins and King. The Telling Room is doing fantastic work that helps our young people develop the skills and confidence to help them succeed not only as great story tellers, but as active members of their communities. Were thrilled the White House has recognized The Telling Room for its meaningful contributions to the future of Maine. The Telling Room will receive one of several National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards at the White House ceremony next Tuesday, November 17. First Lady Michelle Obama is expected to present the award, which also includes $10,000 to support the writing center. The Telling Room focuses on young writers ages 6 to 18 and works to build their confidence and literary skills while providing real audiences for them to practice and showcase their work. The center enlists the help of local writers, artists, teachers, and community groups, and also holds writing workshops at local schools and other organizations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-reed-king-push-to-increase-funding-for-winter-heating-and-weatherization-assistance,"Collins, Reed, King Push to Increase Funding for Winter Heating & Weatherization Assistance",2015-11-11,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, Reed, King Push to Increase Funding for Winter Heating & Weatherization Assistance Wednesday, November 11, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to help provide as much assistance as possible to households struggling to afford their winter heating bills, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) led a bipartisan letter, signed by Senator Angus King (I-ME), to increase the amount of available federal heating assistance for low-income families and seniors in the final appropriations bill for fiscal year (FY) 2016. In a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senators Collins and Reed led a group of 36 senators, including Senator King, in urging the appropriations leaders to increase funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) this fiscal year. The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $3.39 billion for LIHEAP in its Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill, which is the same amount that was provided in FY 2015, and $197 million for WAP in its Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, which is $7 million more than the level provided in FY 2015. However, in their letter, the senators say the number of households eligible for LIHEAP assistance continues to exceed the available funding for the program, which saw cuts in past years, necessitating increased investment in the program. Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors in Maine. The LIHEAP program remains an important lifeline that helps prevent people from having to choose between heating their home, paying their bills, or going without food or medicine. In addition, the Weatherization program helps low-income families and seniors to permanently reduce their home energy bills. We must ensure that these critical programs are adequately funded and able to help our most vulnerable citizens, said Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee. For many low-income families and elderly citizens in Maine, as the prospect of another bitterly cold winter approaches, so too does the fear of not being able to keep warm. No one should have to confront the impossible choice of food, medicine, or a warm home, which is why LIHEAP is such an indispensable source of assistance, Senator King said. And by improving the energy efficiency of more homes across Maine, the Weatherization Assistance Program can help lower energy bills in the long-term. Both programs have proven enormously effective in helping thousands of people across Maine remain warm during the winter months, and its critical that we work to ensure robust funding for them moving forward. Funding for LIHEAP and Weatherization is a perennial bipartisan priority for Senators Collins and King, who, together, have worked to support these critical programs. Last month, Senators Collins and King announced an initial disbursement of funding totaling $3.01 billion to states for LIHEAP, including $34.8 million for Maine. The funding was made available under the current FY 2016 Continuing Resolution (CR), which expires on December 11, 2015. In their letter, Senators Collins, King, and Reed are advocating for increased funding levels in the final appropriations bill, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks and will dictate funding for the remainder of the fiscal year. The complete text of the letter is below: +++ November 6, 2015 Dear Chairman Cochran and Ranking Member Mikulski: We write in strong support of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and to urge you to increase funding for both of these important programs in the final appropriations bill for fiscal year (FY) 2016. Given the fiscal constraints, we appreciate the $3.390 billion for LIHEAP that was included in the Senate committee-approved Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill, which is same the amount that was provided in FY 2015. We are increasingly concerned, however, that the number of households eligible for LIHEAP assistance continues to exceed available LIHEAP funding. LIHEAP provides a vital safety net for our nations low-income households, disabled individuals, and senior citizens living on fixed incomes. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, the current funding level is able to serve just 20 percent of the eligible population, and those who receive LIHEAP assistance have seen their average grant reduced by nearly $100 since 2010. The average LIHEAP grant now covers just a fraction of average home energy costs, leaving many low-income families and seniors struggling to pay for the basic necessity of home energy and having fewer resources available to meet other essential needs. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners has noted that more than twenty percent one in five of American households were behind on their energy bill coming into this winter. We also appreciate the $197 million provided for the WAP in the Senate committee-approved Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, which is $7 million more than the level provided in FY 2015. The WAP has helped low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities make lasting and cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to their homes and reduce the burden of high energy prices for more than three decades. To date, more than 7.3 million homes have been weatherized. This has directly resulted in providing as much as $450 in savings on a households annual energy bill. WAP also supports thousands of high quality jobs. The National Association of State Community Services Programs has estimated that there are about 10,000 highly skilled jobs in the weatherization network, with countless more supported in related businesses including materials suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers. No family in our nation should be forced to choose between paying an energy bill and putting food on the table. No senior citizen should have to decide between buying life-saving prescriptions and paying utility bills. For individuals and households that may have to face these difficult choices, LIHEAP makes a real difference in their ability to cope with adverse circumstances. Similarly, WAP is helping to reduce energy consumption and permanently reduce the burden of home energy prices on low-income families. As you consider a final appropriations bill for FY 2016, we urge you to please consider increasing funding for LIHEAP and WAP. Thank you for your long-time support of both programs and your consideration of this important request. We look forward to continuing to work with you to support these vital programs. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-veterans-day-king-honors-american-heroes,"On Veterans Day, King Honors American Heroes",2015-11-11,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On Veterans Day, King Honors American Heroes Wednesday, November 11, 2015 PORTLAND, ME In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released a video message and the following statement: On this Veterans Day, it is my privilege to recognize and thank all the men and women who have served in our armed forces for their unwavering commitment to our country. These selfless patriots, and their dedicated families, embody the very best of America, and today we acknowledge not only what they have accomplished, but also what they have inspired. It is also fitting that we use this occasion to rededicate ourselves to caring for those who have fought on our behalf. Today, all across America, too many veterans are left struggling with homelessness, unemployment, poverty, and a lack of access to healthcare. Additionally, too many families are left shouldering the burden that comes with the uncertainty of not knowing the fate of their loved ones who remain unaccounted for overseas. President Lincoln's promise, ""[t]o care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan are more than just words, they are a call to action that we are still duty-bound to fulfill. In Maine, this same sense of duty to our veterans resonates throughout our communities. It might be because we have one of the highest rates of veterans per capita of any state in the nation, and we know first-hand how much these individuals contribute to the fabric of our society because they are our neighbors, our friends, and our family. We should all be proud that over 127,000 Maine citizens today have served in the military but pride and gratitude are not enough. We know that we also have a responsibility to act on behalf of the brave men and women who did not hesitate to act in defense of America. So, today and every day let us celebrate the accomplishments and sacrifices of our veterans and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them just as they have supported us. This morning, Senator King joined the Portland Rotary Club for its Veterans Day Breakfast, participated in the rededication of the Harold Andrews Monument, and marched in the Portland Veterans Day Parade. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-applaud-cdc-for-new-prescribing-guidelines,"King, Colleagues Applaud CDC for New Prescribing Guidelines",2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Colleagues Applaud CDC for New Prescribing Guidelines In a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Frieden, the Senators commend the Draft Guidelines for Opioid Prescribing Tuesday, November 10, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. As the prescription drug abuse epidemic continues to have devastating effects on individuals, families and communities across America, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and a group of his colleagues sent a letter to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) Director Thomas Frieden applauding the agencys newly released Draft Guidelines for Opioid Prescribing. In the letter, Senator King and his colleagues expressed optimism that the new guidelines will help encourage responsible opioid prescribing practices and curb the growing opioid epidemic. The final Guidelines for Opioid Prescribing will be released early next year. As you know, under the CDCs guidelines, physicians would be encouraged to recommend non-pharmacological therapy as the preferred treatment for chronic, non-cancer pain, prescribe the lowest dose and the fewest number of pills considered effective for the patient, and regularly evaluate the risks to the patient from the prescription opioids they are taking, Senator King wrote in the letter. These and the other guidelines reflect the latest science and represent a commonsense approach that will help us reduce opioid addiction and diversion and save lives without compromising access to needed treatment. The complete text of the letter, which was also signed by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.W.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), can be read HERE and is below: +++ Dear Dr. Frieden, As United States Senators, we have seen firsthand the devastating effects of prescription drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities in our states, and we believe that encouraging the responsible prescribing of opioids is critical to stopping this epidemic. That is why we strongly support the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) recently released Draft Guidelines for Opioid Prescribing. In 2013, health care providers wrote 207 million prescriptions for prescription opioid painkillers, almost quadruple the number written in 1999. This is enough for almost every American to have a bottle of pills. According to the CDC, this increase has come without a corresponding increase in reported pain. It has, however, led to a dramatic rise in the number of overdose deaths due to prescription opioids. More than 16,000 people died from a prescription opioid overdose in 2013; thats 44 Americans every day. Nationally, the number of drug overdose deaths has quadrupled since 1999. Too many people in our communities are losing their lives, families, and futures to prescription opioids. As you know, under the CDCs guidelines, physicians would be encouraged to recommend non-pharmacological therapy as the preferred treatment for chronic, non-cancer pain, prescribe the lowest dose and the fewest number of pills considered effective for the patient, and regularly evaluate the risks to the patient from the prescription opioids they are taking. These and the other guidelines reflect the latest science and represent a commonsense approach that will help us reduce opioid addiction and diversion and save lives without compromising access to needed treatment. The United States makes up only 4.6% of the worlds population, but consumes approximately 80% of its opioids. This simply doesnt make any sense. The CDCs draft guidelines for prescribing opioids are a critical tool that will help us reverse this dangerous trend. We are committed to doing everything in our power to bring this epidemic under control because our communities are hurting. The problem will only grow worse if we fail to act. We applaud the CDC for developing prescribing guidelines and for your efforts in the fight to end prescription drug abuse. We strongly urge you to maintain this commonsense approach when you release the final guidelines early next year. We also encourage you to work with providers, stakeholders, and other agencies to implement the final guidelines to ensure that our entire health care community has access to the latest scientific tools needed to deliver high-quality care. We also encourage you to work with providers, stakeholders, and other agencies to implement the final guidelines to ensure that our entire health care community has access to the latest scientific tools needed to deliver high-quality care. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-defense-authorization-bill-with-king-measures-supporting-maine,Senate Passes Defense Authorization Bill with King-Measures Supporting Maine,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Defense Authorization Bill with King-Measures Supporting Maine Authorizations for shipbuilding & HUBZone improvement set to become law Tuesday, November 10, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the Senate has passed the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 91-3. The legislation includes a $250 million authorization secured by Senator King for a DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer that could be built at Bath Iron Works. It also includes a provision authored in part by Senator King that would improve the HUBZone program to better stimulate economic activity at former military installations, like the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. The bill now heads to the Presidents desk for his signature to become law. The men and women of the Armed Forces, along with the thousands of people across the country who work in defense-related industries, serve our country with honor and distinction. By approving this bill, the Senate ensured that they will have the tools, resources, and support they need to do their jobs, protect our national security, and meet the challenges presented by ongoing conflicts across the globe, Senator King said. I am pleased Congress and the President were able to work together to resolve our differences, and I look forward to seeing this bill and all of its important policy initiatives signed into law. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which writes the legislation, Senator King secured an additional $250 million authorization for a DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer that could be built by Bath Iron Works. The authorization lays the groundwork for the construction of a ship that Senator King believes is owed to Bath Iron Works by the Navy under the terms of a 2002 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). However, if the Navy determines that it does not owe a ship to BIW, then the $250 million could be used in Fiscal Year 2018 or afterward as part of a future multi-year procurement for Arleigh Burke Class Destroys, for which BIW could compete. This additional authorization positions Bath Iron Works to either receive another DDG-51 contract under the terms of the 2002 agreement a ship I strongly believe they deserve or compete to build another destroyer in the coming years, Senator King said. The Navy relies on the ships built at Bath as the workhorse of the fleet, and no one builds them better than the highly-skilled workforce at BIW. The bill also includes a provision authored in part by Senator King that that improves the eligibility criteria of HUBZones located at former U.S. military installations closed through the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. The provision expands the boundaries of base closure HUBZones to allow businesses to draw employees from surrounding areas to meet the programs 35 percent employee residency requirement. The amendment would also extend the period of time for which a closed base is eligible for HUBZone status from five years after closure to a minimum of eight years. When a military base closes, its often the surrounding towns that take the hardest hit. But a base closure doesnt have to spell economic doom, Senator King said. With the improvements in this bill, the HUBZone program will become a powerful and more effective tool to help towns bounce back from base closings by attracting new businesses and creating good jobs. The new HUBZone language will create significant new federal contracting opportunities for Midcoast-area small businesses. This will be a game-changer for businesses located on the former base and in the communities most affected by the closure of NAS Brunswick, said Steve Levesque, the Executive Director of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority which oversees the redevelopment of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station.I thank Senator King for his strong leadership on this critical issue and the collaborative support by all the rest of the Maines congressional team. In addition, the bill authorizes the following: FUNDING FOR SHIPBUILDING PRIORITIES: The bill authorizes almost $4 billion for Navy destroyer programs, including $433 million for the construction of DDG-1000 Zumwalt destroyers all of which are being built at Bath Iron Works and $3.1 billion for the procurement of two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in Fiscal Year 2016, one of which will be built at Bath. FEDERAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: The bill authorizes a pilot program spearheaded by Senator King and Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) that would save resources and encourage more efficient federal property management by streamlining the process by which the U.S. Army disposes of unused or underutilized properties. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: The bill authorizes $7.2 million for improvements to the fire and rescue station at the Bangor International Airport. JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER: The bill authorizes the procurement of a total of 63 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters of all three variants. Several Maine-based companies, including Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick and General Dynamics in Saco, are in the supply and production chain for this fifth generation fighter. NO NEW BRAC ROUND: This legislation rejects the Presidents call in his Fiscal Year 2016 budget request for additional base closures under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. The last BRAC process occurred in 2005 when the Pentagon's recommendation to close the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was ultimately overturned by the BRAC Commission, but their recommendation to close Brunswick Naval Air Station was accepted. The House and Senate passed the bill today after Armed Services Committee leaders in both chambers adjusted it to conform to spending levels established under the two-year budget deal negotiated by Congressional leadership and the President and passed by Congress on October 30th to avoid a government default on its debt. The NDAA had originally been passed by the Senate on October 7th, but was vetoed by President Obama due to concerns over funding mechanisms. However, those concerns have since been resolved under the two-year budget agreement. The 2016 NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense as well as national security programs under the Department of Energy. The legislation provides for the pay and benefits earned by members of the military and their families as well as for national defense including authorization of funds for counter-ISIL operations in Iraq and Syria, and represents a broad, bipartisan consensus about Americas national security goals, resources, and policies. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-announce-taa-benefits-for-workers-at-three-maine-businesses,Senators Collins and King Announce TAA Benefits for Workers at Three Maine Businesses,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins and King Announce TAA Benefits for Workers at Three Maine Businesses Tuesday, November 10, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has approved much-needed Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for displaced employees at Verso Paper, Eastland Shoe, and Kelly-Smith Printing & Paper. This announcement is welcome news for these hardworking men and women in Maine. TAA plays an essential role in helping Americans across our country who, through no fault of their own, have lost their jobs as a result of foreign, often unfair competition. Our workers are the best in the world, and they can compete when there is a level playing field. TAA programs provide a crucial lifeline that enables displaced workers to acquire the new skills and the new training necessary to prepare for and purse jobs in other industries, Senator Collins and King said in a joint statement. TAA is a program of the Department of Labor that helps workers who have lost their jobs as a result of increased imports or a shift of production outside of the United States. TAA provides these trade-affected workers with a variety of reemployment services and benefits to help them find new jobs and get back to work This June, the Senate passed a bipartisan reauthorization of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which was based upon The Trade Adjustment Assistance Enhancement Act of 2015 that Senator Collins co-authored with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). In the 2013 fiscal year alone, more than 700 Mainers used TAA programs, and more than 70 percent of those participants found employment within three months of completing their retraining programs. In addition, of the participants who found employment, more than 90 percent were still employed in their new jobs six months later. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-senators-collins-king-announce-that-the-133rd-engineer-battalion-will-remain-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce that the 133rd Engineer Battalion Will Remain in Maine",2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins, King Announce that the 133rd Engineer Battalion Will Remain in Maine Friday, November 6, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate National Guard Caucus, and Angus King, a member of the Senates Armed Services Committee, announced this afternoon that the 133rd Engineer Battalion will remain based in Brunswick, Maine. I am so pleased to learn that the Army National Guard 133rd Engineer Battalion will stay in Maine. This is the right decision for the great state of Maine and for our nation. The 133rd Engineer Battalion conducts operations that increase military effectiveness, including general engineering tasks in support of state and federal missions, said Senator Collins. During my discussions with Lieutenant General Kadavy, the Director of the Army National Guard, in October 2015, and my recent travel to U.S. European Command, it could not be clearer how important the National Guard is to Maine and to enabling national security missions overseas. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that our National Guard, and their important missions and programs, are adequately resourced and ready to respond when called upon to do so. The 133rd Engineering Battalion is a vital asset to Maine, and I am relieved it will remain in the state, Senator King said. During my time as Governor, I relied on the 133rd many times, most significantly in the aftermath of the Ice Storm of 1998. The battalions skill, professionalism, and versatility unquestionably saved lives then, and it continues its important work today, supporting various missions in Maine and throughout New England. Im pleased the 133rd will continue to call Maine home and that we will continue to be able to draw upon their extensive experience when necessary. On October 23, 2015, Senator Collins met with Lieutenant General Timothy Kadavy, the Director of the Army National Guard. During the meeting, Senator Collins and LTG Kadavy had a good discussion on the 133rd Engineer Battalion. The 133rd was established in November 1970 and has been serving the great State of Maine and our nation ever since. This unit is capable of performing a myriad of missions including building roads, airfields, and buildings; clearing routes; and providing other assistance during emergencies. Members of the battalion have also deployed on a number of occasions, including to Iraq in 2004-2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The battalion has also been essential when called up to assist with domestic operations that have helped our communities and, most importantly, saved lives. Some examples include: Helping clear roads and rebuild after the ice storm of 1998 which wiped out electricity and infrastructure in Maine; Responding to the 2006 flood in York County and the Patriots Day storm of 2007, providing aid to Maine residents in the area; Providing aid out of state following Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy in 2012; and Supporting the State of Massachusetts last winter when the state was hard-hit by snowstorms by clearing train terminals and assisting various towns with clearing main streets and pedestrian walkways to ensure safe passage. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-moran-express-frustration-with-ambiguity-in-va-report-on-continuity-of-care,"Collins, King, Moran Express Frustration with Ambiguity in VA Report on Continuity of Care",2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King, Moran Express Frustration with Ambiguity in VA Report on Continuity of Care Senators Want Answers on Future of ARCH Program, Care for Veterans Thursday, November 5, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today expressed frustration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plan for the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program in a report delivered to Congress to consolidate all non-VA provider programs. The ARCH program has made a real difference for our veterans in Maine and across our country. I remember one of our veterans telling me about breaking his hip last winter at the height of a terrible winter storm. Instead of enduring a painful and bumpy ride for more than four hours to get to the VA hospital in Augusta, he was able through the ARCH program to receive care at his local hospital, Cary Memorial in Caribou, Maine. He also had the benefit of being able to receive care closer to where his family and friends live, said Senator Collins. We will continue to urge the VA to articulate a clear vision for the future of this critically important program and work to ensure that all veterans receive the health care they need close to home. In a rural state like Maine, veterans can sometimes be forced to travel several hours just to get care at the closest VA facility, turning something like a simple check-up into a serious challenge, especially for older or disabled veterans. Thats not right, and its unfair to the men and women who bravely served our nation, Senator King said. The ARCH Program brought that care closer to home, and as veterans can attest, its been immensely effective in helping them access more timely and convenient health care services. Rather than sunset an enormously successful program, the VA should be looking for ways to expand ARCH or, at the very least, use it as a model for how the Department can better deliver health care to veterans across rural America. Rural veterans in Kansas and across the country face significant challenges when accessing health care through the VA system, Senator Moran said. The ARCH program has served as a bridge to access care for veterans in rural America. With more than 90 percent of veterans participating in ARCH overwhelmingly satisfied with the program, the VA should build on the programs proven success. We will continue to press the VA until they commit to providing the uninterrupted access to quality health care our veterans deserve. On October 23, 2015, Senators Collins, King, and Moran urged VA Secretary Robert McDonald to commit to maintaining medical services veterans receive through ARCH and to build on the demonstrated success of the program as the VA developed the consolidation plan mandated by Congress. If the VA sunsets the program as proposed in the report, the consolidation plan leaves many questions and details that must be explained to ensure there is continuity in care for veterans who currently utilize the program. Since 2011, the ARCH pilot program has been operating in five rural sites across the country. ARCH serves rural veterans by giving them access to health care from a community provider close to home instead of traveling several hours to seek care at a VA facility. The inclusion of a two-year extension of the ARCH program in the Choice Act helped to make certain rural veterans were able to continue accessing timely, high-quality care closer to home. Senators Collins, King, and Moran have been advocates for improved accessibility to health care for rural veterans through the ARCH program. In 2014, they sponsored the Choice Act, which implemented significant reforms at the VA and created the Choice Program a pilot initiative based in part on the success of ARCH. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-maine-native-cashwell-as-legislative-assistant-for-energy-and-environment-issues,King Announces Maine-Native Cashwell as Legislative Assistant for Energy and Environment Issues,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Announces Maine-Native Cashwell as Legislative Assistant for Energy and Environment Issues Wednesday, November 4, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that he has hired Maine-native Morgan Cashwell as a Legislative Assistant in his Washington, D.C. office. Morgan will serve as Senator Kings principal advisor on energy and environment-related issues and will staff him for his work on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. With her firsthand knowledge of Maine and her wealth of legislative experience, Morgan understands the energy challenges facing Maine and how we can work in Washington to fix them, Senator King said. Im excited to welcome her to the team and look forward to working with her to help diversify Maines energy base and protect our states valued natural resources. I couldnt be happier to join Senator Kings office and work on behalf of my home state again, Cashwell said. As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has been working hard to advance Maines energy and environmental interests, and I look forward to supporting him in that work. Born in Calais, Maine, Morgan grew up in the towns of China and Winterport, and her family resides in Bangor today. She studied at Goucher College in Baltimore for her undergraduate degree and then earned her law degree at the City University of New York School of Law where she focused on public interest law. Morgan began working on public policy issues in Washington for Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and most recently worked for Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-Florida-18) where she advised him on environmental policy and helped advance environmental restoration initiatives. Morgan replaces Chris Rauscher who left in October to pursue work in the private sector. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-grant-awards-for-water-and-waste-infrastructure-improvements-,"Senators Collins, King Announce Grant Awards for Water and Waste Infrastructure Improvements",2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins, King Announce Grant Awards for Water and Waste Infrastructure Improvements Wednesday, November 4, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced more than $2.7 million in grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Water and Waste Disposal grant program for the communities of Brewer, Oxford, and Wilton. Brewer will receive a $400,000 grant along with a $1,500,000 loan for sewer system improvements. Oxford will receive a $999,000 grant and a $3,601,000 loan for its new waste water treatment facility and collection system. Wilton will receive a $1,350,000 grant and a $2,750,000 loan for wastewater treatment facility sewer upgrades. These important investments will help enable these communities to make critical upgrades and repairs to their water and wastewater systems, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. This restoration will help rural Maine communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses. The Water and Waste Disposal grant program aims to help rural communities establish best practices that can save tax dollars, improve the environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to establish or expand operations. This year, the USDA awarded $299 million for 88 projects nationwide. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-preserves-additional-funding-authorizations-for-future-ddg-51,King Preserves Additional Funding Authorizations for Future DDG-51,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Preserves Additional Funding Authorizations for Future DDG-51 Tuesday, November 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that, at his request, leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committee have preserved a $250 million authorization in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act for an additional DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer that could be built at Bath Iron Works. I am very encouraged that we were able to maintain this critical authorization, which will position Bath Iron Works to either receive another DDG-51 contract under the terms of the 2002 MOU or compete to build another one in the coming years a significant win for Maine and for our Navy, Senator King said. The Arleigh Burke Class destroyers are the backbone of our Navy, and no one builds them better than the hardworking men and women at Bath Iron Works. Senator Kings request came as leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees were working to find $5 billion in funding reductions in the NDAA so that the bill would conform to the spending levels established under the two-year budget deal negotiated by Congressional leadership and the President and passed by Congress on October 30th to avoid a government default on its debt. Senator King had originally secured and ushered through Congress an authorization for $400 million in incremental funding for an additional DDG-51 that the Navy could procure in the next three years, potentially at Bath Iron Works. However, because the $400 million was an additional authorization meaning that it was added by Senator King during the Committee process and not requested by the Administration it had been publicly identified as a potential easy target for elimination as Committee leaders sought to find $5 billion in reductions. Senator King urged Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to preserve as much of the authorization as possible. Senator McCain and his House counterpart, Representative Mac Thornberry, announced today that the new bill preserves a $250 million authorization, a reduction that leaves more than half of the original added authorization intact. Congressional appropriators can still surpass the authorized level, which they would not have been able to do had the authorization been entirely eliminated. The $250 million authorization lays the groundwork for the construction of a ship that Senator King believes is owed to Bath Iron Works by the Navy under the terms of a 2002 Memorandum of Understanding. However, if the Navy determines that it does not owe a ship to BIW, then the $250 million could be used in Fiscal Year 2018 or afterward as part of a future multi-year procurement for Arleigh Burke Class Destroys, for which BIW could compete. The NDAA agreement announced today also continues to authorize almost $4 billion for Navy destroyer programs, including $433 million for the construction of DDG-1000 Zumwalt destroyers all of which are being built or will be built at Bath Iron Works and $3.1 billion for the procurement of two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, one of which will be built at Bath. Congress continues to recognize the vast contributions that Bath Iron Works makes to our national defense, Senator King said. These authorizations will ultimately bolsters the Navys fleet during a time when ongoing tensions around the globe demand a strong naval presence, and they will also help provide much-needed stability to the workforce at the yard as they continue to build the best and most-technologically advanced ships to ever take to the seas. The bill also includes a provision pushed by Senator King that improves the eligibility criteria of HUBZones located at former U.S. military installations closed through the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process that would help stimulate economic growth and create jobs. With this announcement, the Senate and House will move to pass the 2016 NDAA within the next week. The NDAA had originally been passed by Congress, but was vetoed by President Obama due to concerns over funding mechanisms which have been resolved under the two-year budget agreement. If this new agreement is adopted, a veto override vote will not be taken up by either house because it has been superseded by the overall budget deal. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-epa-get-clean-water-rule-right-for-maine-farmers_,King to EPA: Get Clean Water Rule Right for Maine Farmers,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King to EPA: Get Clean Water Rule Right for Maine Farmers Leads letter to EPA calling for clearer guidance for environmental rules Tuesday, November 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Rather than vote to advance legislation that would severely undermine environmental protections for streams and wetlands, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that he is leading a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demanding that the agency provide clarity on agricultural exemptions and more concise guidelines on compliance in the EPA-issued clean water rules. Senator Kings letter addresses concerns that Senator King and many farmers across the country share about the ambiguity of the EPAs Clean Water Rule as currently written and how it may create uncertainty that could have a detrimental impact on farming operations. However, rather than voting to proceed to legislation that would dismantle the rule in its entirety and undermine key environmental protections, Senator King led his colleagues in calling on the EPA to work with farmers to get the rule right. Senator King released the following statement: While Maines farmers shouldnt have to hire a lawyer and a soil scientist just to build an irrigation ditch, my concern is that this bill goes too far its the legislative equivalent of using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut, Senator King said. For our farmers and everyone in Maine who relies on the land to make a living, the EPAs clean water rule has created some uncertainty, but the bill on the Senate floor today goes too far in undermining the very critical protections for our environment. These protections that keep our waterways free of pollution are too important to the people of Maine and to Senator Ed Muskies legacy to toss aside haphazardly. I believe it is the responsibility of the EPA to provide more clear and concise guidance on how this rule will work in the real world, he continued. And, while I wont support the bill on the floor today, I will make sure that if the EPA fails to offer Maine farmers the guidance they need to do their job, then I will not hesitate to support a bill that will amend or change the rule so that it does. The Senate will vote today on a procedural motion to advance a bill that would block the EPAs Clean Water Rule and narrow the scope of the Clean Water Act, landmark legislation passed in 1972 under the leadership of Maine Senator Ed Muskie that is the primary federal law regulating water pollution. The legislation, in addition to undermining environmental protection, comes under Senate consideration prematurely, as the implementation of the proposed EPA rule has been suspended due to continued examination by the federal courts. This suspension provides an opportunity to get the clarifications and guidance before the rule is implemented. However, recognizing the legitimate concerns of farmers across the country who continue to be uncertain about the impact of the EPA rule on their businesses, Senator King is open to considering changes if his concerns are not addressed. The complete text of the letter, which was also signed by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), is below: +++ November 3, 2015 The Honorable Gina McCarthy Administrator Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 The Honorable Jo-Ellen Darcy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 108 Army Pentagon Washington, DC 20310 Dear Administrator McCarthy and Assistant Secretary Darcy: We are writing in regards to the Clean Water Rule: Definition of 'Waters of the United States' Final Rule, and the need for the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers to better clarify the implications of this final rule. We all agree that clean water is critical and that your agencies have the important role of protecting our streams and waterways as mandated under the landmark Clean Water Act. We recognize that the task of clarifying the definition of Waters of the United States is an important, yet complicated, undertaking. We all provided suggestions and relayed concerns from our constituents during the rulemaking process. We were pleased that some of these concerns were addressed in the final rule. We believe the Federal Water Quality Protection Act offered by Senator Barrasso undermines the ability to adequately safeguard our precious waterways and undercuts a need for clarity on the appropriate jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. Given the current stay placed on this rule by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, this is also the wrong time for a legislative approach. However, while we cannot currently support the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, we believe the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers can and must do better to address the legitimate issues that have been raised in regards to the implementation of this rule. We call on the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to provide clearer and concise implementation guidance to ensure that the rule is effectively and consistently interpreted. Farmers, ranchers, water utilities, local governments, and contractors deserve this clarity and certainty. Should the EPA not provide this clarity or enforce this rule in a way that erodes traditional exemptions, we reserve the right to support efforts in the future to revise the rule. We look forward to working with you to sufficiently address the concerns of our constituents in regards to the Clean Water Rule. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-us-department-of-agriculture-funding-to-support-low-income-housing-,"Senators Collins, King Announce U.S. Department of Agriculture Funding to Support Low-Income Housing",2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins, King Announce U.S. Department of Agriculture Funding to Support Low-Income Housing Tuesday, November 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, and Angus King announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded two Housing Preservation Grants to Penquis Community Action Program Inc. (Penquis CAP) and Western Maine Community Action (WMCA) to support housing rehabilitation projects in Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Knox, and Waldo Counties. This important investment will help low-income families across Maine maintain good, safe homes, the Senators said in a joint statement. Maines bitterly cold winters present serious challenges for our states most vulnerable families, and this funding will help dozens of Mainersprepare their homes for the coming months. USDAs Housing Preservation Grant program provides grants to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing occupied by low and very low-income individuals. The rural development funds provided through this program will be combined with funding from other Maine-based organizations to provide assistance to those in need. The funding totals are as follows: WMCA: USDA Grant: $25,000 Funding from other organizations: $67,000 Total: $92,000 Penquis CAP: USDA Grant: $25,000 Funding from other organizations: $230,800 Total: $255,800 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-robust-education-technology-funding-in-education-bill,"King, Colleagues Urge Robust Education Technology Funding in Education Bill",2015-11-02,2015,2015-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Colleagues Urge Robust Education Technology Funding in Education Bill Monday, November 2, 2015 BRUNSWICK, ME In a bipartisan letter today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and several of his colleagues urged leaders of the Senate and House education committees to maintain strong education technology provisions as they begin conference proceedings for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This bicameral and bipartisan letter, which was addressed to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee, asks members to include robust support in their bill for education technology and technology-specific educator professional development, preferably through a stand-alone program. Technology plays a pivotal role in everything we do today, and when it comes to the classroom, students arent going to be able to get ahead without knowing how to use technology to their advantage, Senator King said. As Committee leaders work to finalize ESEA, I urge them to maintain a strong commitment to education technology so that we can continue to close the digital divide and ensure that students are equipped with the 21st century skills they need to succeed. In July, the Senate passed the Every Child Achieves Act (ECAA), a major education reform bill that makes critical reforms to address the overly prescriptive approach and unrealistic goals of the No Child Left Behind Act that was passed in 2002. Senator King helped secure several provisions in the ECAA that would expand digital learning opportunities for Americas students, particularly those in rural areas, including: An amendment inspired by an innovative educational initiative in Washington County that would ensure digital services or devices that help students access the Internet outside of the school day, like mobile hotspots, are eligible for technology funding under the bills I-TECH program. The amendment is based in part on the Digital Learning Equity Act of 2015, introduced by Senator King and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) earlier this year. An amendment, also based in part on the Digital Learning Equity Act, that would direct the U.S. Department of Educations Institute of Education Sciences to conduct a national study of the barriers to students having Internet access at home, how educators are adjusting classroom instruction to cope with this challenge, and how a lack of home Internet access impacts student participation and engagement. The ECAA is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was last reauthorized in 2002 as the No Child Left Behind Act. The Senate overwhelmingly passed the ECAA in July by a vote of 81-17, and the House also passed its version of the legislation in July. Leadership of the Senate and House education committees are currently working out differences between the two bills and are expected to formally establish a conference committee soon. The Senators full letter is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peace-comes-through-strength-king-says-at-peralta-christening-ceremony,"Peace Comes Through Strength, King Says at Peralta Christening Ceremony",2015-10-31,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Peace Comes Through Strength, King Says at Peralta Christening Ceremony Through their work on DDG-115, men and women of BIW & Navy sailors preserve peace, the highest recognition to Sgt. Peralta, King says in remarks Saturday, October 31, 2015 BATH, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered remarks at the Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) christening ceremony at Bath Iron Works. As I think about this day, I think about an apparent conflict, but one which I believe is not so. We are here in the presence of a great weapon of war, but we are really creating an instrument of peace, Senator King said. Civilization takes work. Conflict is inherent. Throughout history we have gone through the process of conflict, so the question is: how do we deter it? How do we find peace? How do we sustain peace? The best way to preserve peace is by deterring war through unassailable strength, Senator King continued. The men and women who built this ship and the men and women who will man it are doing the work of civilization, and that is the ultimate honor and recognition to Rafael Peralta that his name will be born on a mighty instrument of peace for our country and the world. The Rafael Peralta (DDG-115), built at Bath Iron Works, is the 35thArleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer and is named in honor of Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta who was killed in action on November 15, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. Sergeant Peralta was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism and courage under fire. Specifically, he fell on a live grenade and absorbed the blast with his body to save the lives of his fellow Marines. Senator Susan Collins, Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin, as well as Chief of Navy Reserves Vice Admiral Robin Braun, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley, and Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps General Robert Neller all spoke at the christening as well. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-participates-in-climate-business-roundtable,King Participates in Climate Business Roundtable,2015-10-30,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Participates in Climate Business Roundtable Friday, October 30, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. This morning, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Climate Action Task Force, participated in a Climate Business Roundtable hosted by the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The roundtable, which Senator King video-conferenced into from Washington, included local business leaders and energy experts and focused on the opportunities and challenges that climate change presents to businesses in Maine. The impact of climate change is not a joke. Its real and its serious, particularly in terms of its impact on Maines economy and the iconic parts of our identity as a state, Senator King said. The good news is that we are starting to do something about it. The Clean Power Plan is a significant step forward in terms of federal action, but right here in Maine businesses are recognizing that addressing climate change makes sense economically and environmentally. Its small steps like these, in combination with state and federal action, that will help make the difference in stemming the tide of climate change. In his remarks, Senator King once again underscored how climate change is taking a serious toll on Maines businesses and economy. As a member of the Climate Action Task Force, he has repeatedly sounded the warning on the long-term dangers that climate change poses to Maine, pointing out that the lobster stock continues to move northward due in search of colder waters. Senator Kings concerns about warming waters are also supported by a recent study by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, which says that rapidly warming coastal waters in Maine have contributed significantly to the depletion of the Atlantic-cod stock, hurting Maines fishing industry. However, in recognition of that impact, businesses in Maine are also taking steps to reduce their dependency on the fossil fuels driving climate change in an effort to help reduce business costs. Last week, Senator King visited Maine Machine Products Company in South Paris, which, with the assistance of Efficiency Maine and the Thayer Corp., recently completed energy efficiency upgrades that are expected to reduce energy consumption and save the company approximately $100,000 per year. Additionally, last year, Senator King visited Mt. Abram Ski Resort in Greenwood where he surveyed a recently-installed array of solar-electric panels, energy efficient snow guns, a wood-pellet fired boiler system, and other renewable energy upgrades, supported by federal grants, that help reduce both business costs and harmful emissions to the environment. Senator King also expressed support for the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Clean Power Plan, applauding its flexible approach to reducing carbon emissions by setting the overall goals but delegating authority to the states to decide how to achieve those goals. The roundtable, entitled, Opportunities and Challenges for Climate Change: Maine Business Leaders Perspectives, featured a diverse panel of Maine business leaders including: Matt Hancock, the co-owner of Mt. Abram Ski Resort; Luke Livingston, the owner of Baxter Brewing; Sam Merrill, a Senior Practice Leader at GEI Consultants and co-founder of Catalysis Adaptation Partners; John Rooks, the founder of The SOAP Group; Don Perkins, the President and CEO of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute; and Diane Schless, the co-owner of Horizon Energy Residential Services of Maine. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-administrations-introduction-of-us-special-operations-forces-into-syria,King Statement on Administration’s Introduction of U.S. Special Operations Forces into Syria,2015-10-30,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Statement on Administrations Introduction of U.S. Special Operations Forces into Syria Friday, October 30, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. In response to the announcement from the Obama Administration thatit intends to introduce U.S Special Operations Forces into Syria, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement today: For far too long, Congress has stood by while U.S. forces haveconducted operations against ISIL in Iraq and Syria and todays announcement will very likely put more U.S. personnel directly in harms way. Its Congress Constitutional duty to consider and debate the AUMF submitted by the Administration last year, Senator King said. While no one believes that Congress should handcuff the Presidents ability to fight terrorism and protect the American people, it would be a mistake to allow this to turn into an American-led ground war, and the fact that the Administration plans to introduce U.S. Special Operations Forces in Syria only underscores the need for Congress to constructively weigh in through an AUMF. Senator King joined MSNBCs Andrea Mitchell Reports to discuss the announcement. To watch the interview, click HERE. Currently, the Administration is justifying American engagement against ISIL under the 2001 AUMF, which was passed by Congress following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as under the 2002 AUMF that authorized the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The Administrations proposal for a new authorization was submitted to Congress in February 2015 but Congress has not acted on it. Senator King has consistently expressed concern about the scope of the 2001 AUMF and has urged his colleagues and the Administration to take action to bring it in line with current requirements. Inremarks on the Senate floor last December, Senator King urged his colleagues to specifically authorize the mission against ISIL. In January 2014, Senator King joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) to introduce the War Powers Consultation Act of 2014, legislation that would strengthen the consultative process between Congress and the President on whether and when to engage in military action. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-supports-budget-to-lift-sequestration-end-crisis-governing,"King Supports Budget to Lift Sequestration, End Crisis Governing",2015-10-30,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Supports Budget to Lift Sequestration, End Crisis Governing Certainty provided under new spending agreement will help protect jobs in Maine Friday, October 30, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate early this morning passed a two-year budget agreement that avoids a default on government debt and lifts sequestration for defense and non-defense domestic spending, a move which Senator King has long advocated. Following the vote, Senator King released the following statement: No budget is ever perfect, and this one certainly isnt an exception but the stability and certainty provided under this agreement will go a long way for Maine in supporting the economy and job creation. By lifting arbitrary spending caps, this bill will allow for greater investment in a wide-range of priorities, from education to infrastructure to the military. Importantly, this also puts at least a temporary end to the cycles of governing by crisis that have only damaged our economy and further eroded this institutions credibility in the eyes of the American people. Senator King has been a strong proponent of lifting the caps established by sequestration, as this budget agreement does, repeatedly expressing concern for how sequestration hurts the economy and hurts Maine. As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, he has advocated for a more balanced approach to budgeting that does not focus exclusively on spending cuts or revenue increases but rather, that adopts a measured approach that incorporates both. Senator King led an informal, bipartisan group of his colleagues in trying to develop a plan to provide responsible sequester relief to non-defense domestic and defense discretionary spending, and earlier this year, he partnered with Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to offer an amendment to the Senate budget, which was accepted by a vote of 50-48, that was similar in concept to the agreement finally adopted Friday morning. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-sign-letter-urging-secretary-of-veterans-affairs-to-support-arch-program,"Collins, King Sign Letter Urging Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Support ARCH Program",2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Sign Letter Urging Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Support ARCH Program Thursday, October 29, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Angus King, and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) have sent a letter to Robert McDonald, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, urging him to provide support for the crucial Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program for veterans who live in rural communities. In the letter, the senators stated, ARCH provides medical care for veterans living in rural areas or for those who are burdened with long wait times for services.According to congressionally mandated reports to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs, more than 90 percent of veterans participating in ARCH are overwhelmingly satisfied with their access to care and the medical services they receive from the participating community providers. ARCH ensures that participating veterans, who often have a difficult time accessing care through the regular VA health care system, can receive care closer to where they live. One of the five locations for the pilot program is in Caribou, Maine, which has a long-standing partnership with Cary Medical Center. Without this partnership, veterans in northern Maine would have to travel approximately 600 miles round trip to access care at the Togus VA Hospital in Augusta, ME. This can be especially daunting during Maines long, snowy winter months, as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) member Peter Miesburger recently attested. Peter Miesburgur was able to use the Arch Program for emergency surgery for a broken hip. Had the ARCH program not been in place, he would have had to endure a 500-mile roundtrip ambulance ride to Togus. The ride would have taken more than eight hours, over bumpy, winter roads, while he was in extreme pain. Often veterans and their families are forced to stay overnight and miss work as a result of the distance they are forced to travel to receive care. In addition to eliminating long and difficult travel, ARCH has also been extraordinarily successful in reducing wait times for veterans and providing access to care in veterans own communities. Senators Collins recently spoke from the Senate Floor urging her colleagues to support the FY 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, a bipartisan bill that would fund critical programs supporting our nations service members and veterans, including the ARCH program. Specifically, the bill contains $270 million in funding for ARCH. In May of this year, with Senator Collins support, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed this legislation with a strong, bipartisan vote of 21 to 9. The legislation is awaiting final passage in the Senate. Senator King and Senator Collins have written several letters to officials at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as to Congressional leadership, requesting continued support for the ARCH program. In 2014, Senator Collins and Senator King supported legislation that implemented significant reforms at the VA and created the Choice Program, a pilot initiative based in part on the success of ARCH. The text of the letter is included below: +++ October 23, 2015 The Honorable Robert A. McDonald Secretary of Veterans Affairs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20420 Dear Secretary McDonald: We understand the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is developing a proposal to consolidate all non-VA community care programs consistent with the VA Budget and Choice Improvement Act of 2015. This legislation mandates that VA develop a plan that incorporates the strengths of non-VA provider programs, and to the greatest extent possible utilize infrastructure and networks of existing non-VA provider programs. We believe, if implemented according to what is in the best interests of veterans, and if the plan adequately capitalizes on the demonstrated success of the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program, this consolidation could be a positive step forward in VAs delivery of quality and timely health care. ARCH provides medical care for veterans living in rural areas or for those who are burdened with long wait times for services. Since 2011, it has successfully operated in five locations - Caribou, Maine; Farmville, Virginia; Pratt, Kansas; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Billings and Anaconda, Montana. According to Congressionally mandated reports to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs, more than 90 percent of veterans participating in ARCH are overwhelmingly satisfied with their access to care and the medical services they receive from the participating community providers. Following passage of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 which extended the ARCH program, we have routinely sought updates regarding the future of ARCH and potential options for expansion across the country. Regrettably, we remain without a clear picture of the future of this beneficial program. Prior to the release of the VAs consolidation plan and report due to Congress by November 1, 2015, we are once again seeking your views and position on the sustainment of the ARCH program. Since the Choice Program was established, it has been plagued by numerous troubling implementation problems, some of which remain unresolved. Considering the resounding success of the ARCH program and high rate of satisfaction with the care the veterans receive, we believe that VAs plan should closely model the ARCH experience. The established network and system of providers created by ARCH serve as an invaluable guide to best leverage the capacity of existing non-VA community care providers to serve veterans in geographically isolated areas. We urge you to maintain this provider network as the consolidation of non-VA community care moves forward to avoid lapses in care and to further our shared goal of improving the Veterans Choice Program. If we are not persuaded that the VAs consolidation plan sufficiently incorporates the sustainment of the ARCH program, we will seek the prompt passage of legislation that would permanently authorize the program. Veterans deserve a VA worthy of their service and sacrifice. We must make certain that the Veterans Choice Program focuses on what is in the best interests of veterans and incorporates the successes of ARCH. We look forward to your response regarding the future of ARCH, and we are committed to working with you to ensure continuity of care throughout the transition of a consolidated Veterans Choice Program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-urge-senate-leadership-to-pass-extension-of-perkins-loan-program,"Collins, King Urge Senate Leadership to Pass Extension of Perkins Loan Program",2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Urge Senate Leadership to Pass Extension of Perkins Loan Program Critical lifeline for low-income students expired on September 30 Thursday, October 29, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, led a bipartisan letter, along with Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Rob Portman (R-OH), to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Harry Reid urging them to take up and pass legislation to extend the Perkins Loan Program. The letter was cosigned by Senator Angus King and a majority of the Senate.This critical lifeline for many low-income students expired on September 30, despite receiving a unanimous one-year, no-cost extension from the House of Representatives on September 28. The Senators wrote to express strong support for the Perkins Loan Program and to request that the Senate take up and pass the Higher Education Extension Act as soon as possible. The Perkins Loan Program, the nations older federal student loan program, has existed with broad bipartisan support since 1958 and has provided more than $28 billion in loans through almost 26 million awards to students in all 50 states. In the last academic year alone, the program lent $1.1 billion to more than half a million students with financial need across more than 1,500 institutions of higher education. In Maine, more than 5,000 students received a Perkins Loan last year, providing $9.2 million in financial aid, said Senator Collins. Students at our colleges and universities are depending on us for the assistance that this vital and proven program provides. I urge the leadership in the Senate to take up and pass the one-year extension of this critical program immediately. Each year, thousands of students in Maine rely on federal aid provided through the Perkins Loan program to help them pursue a college education and open doors of opportunity that can change their lives, Senator King said. Congress can and should move quickly to pass a one-year extension of this program to ensure that students across the country have every chance to succeed in their education. The Chancellor of the University of Maine System recently sent a letter to Senator Collins supporting the Perkins Loan Program. On September 29, Senators Collins, Baldwin, Casey, and Portmanintroduced a Senate resolution urging that the Federal Perkins Loan Program be extended. Senator Collins also spoke from the Senate floor urging her colleagues to take action. Full text of the letter: Dear Leader McConnell and Leader Reid: On October 1, the authorization of the Perkins Loan Program, the nations oldest federal student loan program and a critical lifeline for many low-income students, expired. While our colleagues in the House of Representatives unanimously approved a one-year, no-cost extension of the program through the Higher Education Extension Act (H.R. 3594), the Senate has yet to advance that measure. As a result, thousands of current and future students face uncertainty and hundreds of institutions are struggling to find another way to help their neediest students afford their education. We write to express our strong support for the Perkins Loan Program and to request that the Senate take up and pass the Higher Education Extension Act as soon as possible. The Perkins Loan Program has existed with broad bipartisan support since 1958 and has provided more than $28 billion in loans through almost 26 million awards to students in all 50 states. In the last academic year alone, the program lent $1.1 billion to more than half a million students with financial need across more than 1,500 institutions of higher education. The Perkins Loan Program disburses financial aid to students through a campus-based revolving fund that leverages federal dollars with significant institutional investment. Colleges and universities have continued to participate in this self-sustaining program despite a lapse in federal appropriations for nearly a decade. The required institutional capital contribution gives colleges and universities skin in the game, and the loan payments from graduates are used to make new loans to other students. As a campus-based program, Perkins also enables these institutions to provide targeted support to the students they know have the greatest financial need. That is why it is broadly supported by higher education groups, including the Association of American Universities, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the American Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Financial Aid Administrators, the Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations, the American Council on Education and many others, as well as dozens of individual colleges and universities across the country. There are many students who will be disadvantaged by the Senates inaction and the programs expiration. For example, students who have previously received Perkins loans will lose their eligibility if they change institutions or academic programs. In addition, if the program is not reauthorized soon, students seeking Perkins loans for the upcoming winter and spring semesters in 2016 may be ineligible. All future students will be ineligible for this vital program, which helps fill the gaps between what is available through the Direct Loan Program and a familys ability to pay. On average, this is $2,000 in financial aid. As many as 150,000 current freshmen will lose access to these loans in the next academic year. Many Senators have proposals aimed at making our various federal student aid programs work better for students, parents, and institutions. We look forward to discussing and debating ways to improve these important federal supports for higher education during this congress. In the meantime, we should immediately take up and pass the House-passed extension to provide certainty to students and ensure that this important source of student financial assistance is not interrupted. Immediately taking up the House-passed extension bill is a simple solution that can provide clarity in the near term to students and the colleges and universities that serve them without any cost to the federal government. The Congressional Budget Office concluded that this one-year extension would incur no new costs to the federal government because it includes limitations on the length of student participation in the program. The House has already acted unanimously to extend the Perkins Loan Program for one year. We urge you to take up and pass the Higher Education Extension Act without delay. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-16-million-for-renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-projects-in-maine,"Collins, King Announce More than $1.6 Million for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Projects in Maine",2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Announce More than $1.6 Million for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Projects in Maine Tuesday, October 27, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today announced that fourteen Maine businesses will receive federal grants totaling more than $1.6 million to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the state. The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Rural Energy for America (REAP) program. More and more Maine businesses are turning to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures in order to save money and better protect the environment, said Senators King and Collins in a joint statement. Federal investment can often be a catalyst in spurring these important changes, which is why we welcome this USDA funding to support clean energy development and energy efficiency in Maines rural communities. This is a win-win for our small businesses and for our environment. The list of newly-announced Maine award recipients is below: Athens Energy, LLC, Somerset County, $56,520 grantforenergy efficiency Athens Energy, LLC, Somerset County, $500,000 grant forthermal conversion Janel Inc. DBA Camp Tapawingo, Somerset County, $29,900 grant forsolar Justice Farm, Inc., Cumberland County, $8,565 grant for solar Labrie Farms, LLC, Aroostook County, $49,500 grant forsolar Maine Beer Company LLC, Cumberland County $49,273 grant forsolar Michaud, Gilles, Aroostook County, $106,862 grantforsolar North Branch, LLC, Waldo County, $5,048 grant for solar Planson International Corporation, Cumberland County, $27,222 grant forsolar Ricker Hill Orchards, Androscoggin County, $22,261 grant forenergy efficiency Smith's Farm, Inc., Aroostook County, $227,681 grant forsolar Sparky's Apiaries, Inc., Knox County, $1,867 grantforenergy efficiency The Wildwood Corporation, Cumberland County,$59,301grant forsolar Vgblads, LLC, Cumberland County Brunswick Landing,$500,000 grant foranaerobic digester William M Lowe, Inc., Knox County, $19,950grant forsolar The grant funding is part of a larger $70 million investment from the USDA that will support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide. Congress created the REAP program in 2002 in order to provide guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses so that they can purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. According to the USDA, REAP has helped finance 10,753 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects since 2009 that have helped reduce energy costs for rural businesses across the country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-passage-of-cyber-security-legislation,King Applauds Passage of Cyber-Security Legislation,2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Applauds Passage of Cyber-Security Legislation Tuesday, October 27, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement today after the Senate passed the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015: Today, the Senate took a significant step forward in bolstering our countrys cyber-defenses and giving businesses the tools they need to better protect themselves against cyber-attacks, Senator King said. Every day, thousands of cyber-criminals attempt to breach our digital defenses, threatening our national security and the stability of our economy. By strengthening collaboration between the public and private sector, and by improving information sharing practices, this bill helps shield us against those threats. More work needs to be done, but this is much-needed progress. Senator King has consistently called for the U.S. to shore up its cyber-defenses. In remarks delivered last week on the Senate floor, he discussed how recent cyber-attacks on government agencies and private companies have underscored the increased need for improved public-private cooperation to combat the growing threat. Those threats led Senator King in August to co-host a cyber-security briefing with the Department of Homeland Security and Maine State Chamber of Commerce in Portland to inform local businesses about best practices that can help protect them from cyber-attacks. According to the Maine Credit Union League, data breaches over the past year have cost Maine credit unions approximately $2 million to replace debit and credit cards and an additional $500,000 to cover fraud. Furthermore, one Maine healthcare provider explained how it experiences thousands of attempts every day to steal confidential data. A 2014 report by McAfee and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found that the annual cost to the global economy from cyber-crime is more than $445 billion. The report also estimated that the impact of cyber-crime could translate into more than 200,000 jobs lost in the U.S. The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 would improve U.S. cyber-security by encouraging better information-sharing practices between the government and the private sector. The bill authorizes private companies to share cyber threat information with one another and the U.S. government on a purely voluntary basis; authorizes companies to monitor their computer networks and implement defensive measures to counter threats; provides liability protection for the sharing of cyber information for cyber-security purposes; and provides protections to ensure that sharing of cyber information does not allow for privacy intrusions. Importantly, the bill protects personal privacy by requiring companies to remove personally identifiable information from cyber threat information before sharing, and it also makes sure the legislation is narrowly focused on cyber-security threats bylimiting the governments ability to use the information it receives. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-johnson-manchin-announce-new-senate-regulations-caucus,"King, Rounds, Johnson, Manchin Announce New Senate Regulations Caucus",2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Rounds, Johnson, Manchin Announce New Senate Regulations Caucus Bipartisan group to lead effort to advance regulatory reform in Congress Tuesday, October 27, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) today announced the formation of the bipartisan Senate Regulations Caucus to address regulatory reform at the federal level. With many legislative efforts currently underway to address over-regulation, the goal of the Senate Regulations Caucus is to unify and lead these efforts to advance meaningful regulatory reform in Congress. With thousands of new regulations taking effect every year, its far past time that Congress got a better handle on the regulatory system that impedes American businesses and hampers vital growth and innovation, Senator King said. The Senate Regulations Caucus can lead that effort and spearhead an overhaul of ineffective, duplicative, or outdated regulations so that businesses in Maine and across the country can do what they do best create jobs and grow the economy. From introducing large-scale reform legislation to tackling smaller, poorly-tailored regulations head-on, improving the regulatory process to cultivate an environment for economic growth is one of Senator Kings top priorities particularly as the U.S. issues nearly 3,000 new regulations every year but has limited capacity or processes to review the effectiveness of regulations already in place. To address that very issue, Senator King, along with Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), has introduced the Regulatory Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would create a Regulatory Improvement Commission to review outdated regulations with the goal of modifying, consolidating, or repealing regulations in order to reduce compliance costs, encourage growth and innovation, and improve competitiveness. Senator King has also introduced the PROTECT Act as well as the Federal Permitting Improvement Act, both of which seek to streamline an onerous regulatory scheme to protect innovation and create jobs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-budget-agreement,King Statement on Budget Agreement,2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Statement on Budget Agreement Tuesday, October 27, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. In response to reports that a two-year budget deal has been reached, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the following statement: For far too long, the economy has stared down the threat of a budget calamity with sequestration and teetered under the weight of crises manufactured by Congress. The American people deserve better. They deserve an economy thats not crushed by the harsh grip of spending cuts and they deserve a paycheck thats not hollowed out by tax increases. Instead, they deserve a balanced, common-sense approach to growing the economy, and I hope thats where this budget deal will lead us. I look forward to reviewing the details in the coming days, but the fact that we have an agreement is a significant and positive step in the right direction. As a member of the Senate Budget and Armed Services Committees, Senator King led an informal, bipartisan group of his colleagues in trying to develop a plan to provide responsible sequester relief to non-defense and defense discretionary spending. During the Senate budget process earlier this year, Senator King and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) also offered an amendment, which was accepted by a vote of 50-48, that would have paved a legislative path for adopting a more sensible, compromise budget that would promote economic growth and reduce the debt and deficit by striking an appropriate balance between spending reductions and revenue increases. Throughout the Congressional budget process, Senator King has been a strong advocate of a more balanced approach replacing sequestration with more targeted cuts and a close review of tax loopholes to raise revenues while also protecting the beneficiaries of important programs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-20-million-tiger-grant-to-maine-railways-project,King Applauds $20 Million TIGER Grant to Maine Railways Project,2015-10-26,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Applauds $20 Million TIGER Grant to Maine Railways Project Monday, October 26, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today applauded an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation that it has awarded $20 million in Transportation Investment Generation Economic Recovery (TIGER) funding to the Maine Railways Project. The funding will be used to help rehabilitate approximately 380 miles of track throughout Maine. Maines railways are economic lifelines, helping to move goods and support jobs across the state, Senator King said. When our railways arent in good working order, our economy suffers, which is why this TIGER grant is such a welcome investment. By repairing our railway infrastructure, this grant funding will enhance commerce, put Maine people to work, and keep surrounding communities safe. The Maine Regional Railways Project provides investment in new rail, ties, surfacing, and upgraded road crossings and signal systems on the railroad mainlines in the state. The project will rehabilitate approximately 380 miles of track throughout Maine, removing longstanding bottlenecks and creating faster and more reliable freight service. The TIGER funding will support 54 percent of the total project cost of $37,348,516. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-social-security-administration-to-implement-supreme-court-marriage-decision-not-penalize-previously-married-same-sex-couples,"King, Colleagues Urge Social Security Administration to Implement Supreme Court Marriage Decision, Not Penalize Previously Married Same-Sex Couples",2015-10-26,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Colleagues Urge Social Security Administration to Implement Supreme Court Marriage Decision, Not Penalize Previously Married Same-Sex Couples Monday, October 26, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), along with several of his Senate and House colleagues, today sent a letter to the Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Carolyn W. Colvin and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch urging them to ensure that the Supreme Courts landmark marriage decisions are implemented and that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is treating marriages equally. The letter urges SSA not to penalize married same-sex couples who received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) overpayments due to SSAs delayed implementation of the law following the Supreme Courts decision in United States v. Windsor. We are concerned to hear that, for some time after the Supreme Courts Windsor decision, SSA continued to issue benefits to Supplemental Security Income recipients in same-sex marriages as though these individuals were single, and that for some SSI recipients, SSA is still doing so, Senator King and his colleagues wrote. SSA should not penalize people who are poor, elderly or disabled because SSA continued issuing benefits to these married individuals as though they were single. According to SSAs statute and regulations, SSA shall avoid penalizing an individual for overpayment if the individual is without fault and if recovery of the overpayment would be against equity and good conscience. [W]e urge SSA to issue a blanket waiver for recovery of overpayment for all of these individuals automatically especially since SSAs inability to update its systems resulted in SSAs continuing to apply Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act long after the Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional, the letter continues. In the letter, Senator King and his colleagues also ask SSA to respond with information about how the agency is identifying affected SSI recipients and its efforts to update its systems so that benefits are administered fairly to all individuals. In addition to Senator King, the letter was signed by 37 other senators, including Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The letter also was signed by 82 U.S. Representatives, including Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. The complete text of the letter is below and can be read HERE. +++ Dear Commissioner Colvin and Attorney General Lynch, We are writing to inquire about the steps Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking to ensure that it can correctly account for marital status and administer benefits fairly to all individuals. The Supreme Courts decisions in United States v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges were major victories for our countrys core values of fairness and equality. We understand that SSA continues to work to implement the Supreme Courts 2013 decision in United States v. Windsor that held Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional ending the federal governments system of discrimination against legally married same-sex couples. We are pleased that SSA in coordination with the Department of Justice is now working to implement the Supreme Courts 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that recognized equal rights of same-sex couples to marry. It is especially important that SSA has systems in place to ensure that it is treating all legal marriages equally. We are concerned to hear that, for some time after the Supreme Courts Windsor decision, SSA continued to issue benefits to Supplemental Security Income recipients in same-sex marriages as though these individuals were single, and that for some SSI recipients, SSA is still doing so. Because benefits for unmarried individuals are higher than those for married individuals, SSAs failure to update its policies resulted in overpayments. We understand that SSA has sent overpayment notices to these individuals even though they were overpaid due to SSAs delayed implementation of the law. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders recently brought a lawsuit alleging that SSA discriminated against Supplemental Security Income recipients in same-sex marriages when SSA failed to recognize these marriages even when the individuals had notified SSA that they were married. The court dismissed the case without addressing the merits, finding that the plaintiffs failed to exhaust administrative remedies.[1] SSA should not penalize people who are poor, elderly or disabled because SSA continued issuing benefits to these married individuals as though they were single. According to SSAs statute and regulations, SSA shall avoid penalizing an individual for overpayment if the individual is without fault and if recovery of the overpayment would be against equity and good conscience. [2] While we understand that generally, SSA makes an individualized determination in the case of an overpayment, we urge SSA to issue a blanket waiver for recovery of overpayment for all of these individuals automatically especially since SSAs inability to update its systems resulted in SSAs continuing to apply Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act long after the Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional. Under these circumstances, any effort on the part of SSA to collect overpayments would exacerbate the unlawful discriminatory effect of the Defense of Marriage Act and would be against equity and good conscience. We would appreciate a response to the questions below by November 18, 2015. 1) How many notices has SSA sent seeking to recoup overpayments from individuals married to someone of the same sex? 2) Is SSA currently recouping any money in these circumstances and, if so, from how many people? 3) How does SSA identify Supplemental Security Income recipients whose benefits should be reduced or suspended because their marriages are now recognized as a result of Windsor or Obergefell? 4) How long would it take for SSA to identify all of the individuals who have received incorrect payments from SSA due to SSAs mistakes in accounting for same-sex marriages? 5) Why would it be necessary and a good use of agency resources to put these individuals through an administrative appeal process one at a time? 6) How long does SSA expect a typical appeal process on these facts to take? 7) What is SSA doing to update its systems and processes so that SSA can correctly take marital status into account and administer benefits fairly to all individuals? We urge SSA to implement the Supreme Courts decisions as soon as possible and to waive recovery of the overpayments that SSA made to the affected individuals. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-surveys-energy-conservation-project-at-maine-machine-products-in-south-paris,King Surveys Energy Conservation Project at Maine Machine Products in South Paris,2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Surveys Energy Conservation Project at Maine Machine Products in South Paris Promotes energy efficiency as a boon for both businesses and the environment Friday, October 23, 2015 SOUTH PARIS, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) toured precision manufacturer Maine Machine Products Company in South Paris where he surveyed newly-completed energy efficiency upgrades that are expected to save the company approximately $100,000 per year. In remarks delivered at the event, Senator King emphasized how energy conservation projects, like that at Maine Machine, can help Maine businesses reduce energy consumption, protect the environment, and save money in the process. Energy bills in Maine are too high and it hurts families whose budgets are stretched and it hurts businesses that cant grow or create jobs as a result. The single best way to reduce those bills is to reduce consumption because the cheapest kilowatt hour is the one never used,Senator King said.And thats exactly what Maine Machine has done through its energy conservation project. As a result of the innovative partnership with Efficiency Maine and Thayer Corp., Maine Machine will save energy, which helps the environment, and save money, which helps its bottom line a true win-win for everyone. Projects like these are important because it highlights the importance of energy efficiency, illustrates what can be done throughout Maine, and demonstrates how we can make our manufacturing sector more competitive, all of which are reasons why the federal government must continue to encourage these efforts. The recently completed energy efficiency project at Maine Machine Products, which was completed with the help of Thayer Corporation of Auburn and Efficiency Maine, is expected to save the plant over $100,000 per year in electricity expenses, improve temperature control, reduce maintenance and repair expenses, extend the life of their HVAC equipment, and better illuminate work spaces in all areas of the building. Changes at the plant include LED light technology and a new, more efficient HVAC system. These developments reflect a broader trend in which businesses and homeowners are evaluating how they can make long-term investments in technology to reduce energy costs. As a member of both the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Climate Action Task Force, Senator King has advocated for policies that empower businesses and individuals to improve their energy efficiency and has highlighted how doing so both lowers costs for businesses and curbs the impact on climate change. Earlier this year, Senator Kingintroduced legislationto promote personal energy independence through renewable, energy efficient sources such as solar, and he alsosupported a broad energy package, which included several efficiency provisions, when it passed out of the Energy Committee in May. Senator King alsosuccessfully pushed the Department of Energyto revise the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) guidelines to make it easier for people in Maine to transition to more fuel-efficient heating units. Founded in 1956, Maine Machine Products has since expanded into a 65,000 square foot facility in South Paris. The precision manufacturing company specializes in making custom components and assemblies for targeted high-tech fields that include the semi-conductor, medical, defense, aerospace, oil, gas, telecom and fiber optics sectors. Later today, Senator King will also visit and tour Farwell Elementary School in Lewiston following an invitation from Principal Althea Walker to see firsthand the challenges that educators encounter every day and discuss how changes in federal policies can help. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-34-million-in-liheap-funding-for-maine-,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $34 Million in LIHEAP Funding for Maine",2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $34 Million in LIHEAP Funding for Maine Friday, October 23, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that Maine will receive $34,847,767 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assistance. The funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will help low-income households and seniors with their energy bills. The long, cold Maine winter can present low-income families and seniors with the impossible choice between paying for heat and paying for other necessities like food or medicine, said Senator Collins and King in a joint statement. Thanks to the LIHEAP program, Mainers across our state will be able to keep their homes warm without having to make that choice. This important investment will support some of our most vulnerable citizens this winter. Earlier this month, Senators Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI) led a bipartisan letter also signed by Senator King to HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell, urging her to release LIHEAP funds without delay and at as high a level as possible. Preserving LIHEAP funding has been a continued priority for both Senators Collins and King, both of whom have worked together to oppose recent attempts to scale back the funding appropriated for this critical program. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months. LIHEAP households are among the most vulnerable in the country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-testifies-in-support-of-maine-supercalendered-paper-industry-at-us-international-trade-commission-hearing,King Testifies in Support of Maine Supercalendered Paper Industry at U.S. International Trade Commission Hearing,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Testifies in Support of Maine Supercalendered Paper Industry at U.S. International Trade Commission Hearing Criticizes unfair Canadian subsidies that have injured Maine businesses, workers Thursday, October 22, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in support of Maines supercalendered paper industry and outlined the damaging impact that unfair Canadian trade subsidies have had on Maine businesses such as Madison Paper. The mill workers in Madison are talented, dedicated, open to challenges, and innovative; in short, they are part of a proud paper-making community and tradition in Maine. The workforce at Madison is also justifiably frustrated with the conditions under which theyre effectively being asked to compete for business. When the Government of Nova Scotia rescued the Port Hawkesbury Paper mill from closure in October 2012, it brought a large, previously unprofitable supercalendered paper mill back onto the market that would not otherwise be there if not for the governments substantial assistance, said Senator King in his testimony. Even in a rapidly changing market environment, Madisons workers any of Maines paper mill workers, in fact - can compete and win. But they require a level playing field and the strong enforcement of fair trade practices. Your Commissions hard work and final decision confirming injury by reason of imports will be an important step toward providing the relief that Madison Paper and other domestic supercalendered paper producers deserve. On behalf of all Maine paper mill workers, I appreciate your attention to this matter. Todays hearing, which focused on the countervailing duty case regarding supercalandered paper from Canada, will help the ITC make a final determination as to whether unfair Canadian subsidies have materially injured or threatened to injure the U.S. supercalendered paper industry. The subsidies in question include those provided to the Port Hawkesbury Paper mill in Nova Scotia. Senator King, along with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Congressman Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine-2), sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker in January urging her to address and put a stop to these unfair Canadian trade practices. Early this month, King visited the Madison Paper mill to express his support for the workforce and pledge to do all he can to fight for and protect Maine jobs affected by unfair Canadian trade practices. During the visit, he met with employees and spoke with management and local officials. That same day, Senator King also visited Catalysts Rumford mill and similarly met with employees, management, and local officials. As part of the ongoing trade investigation, Senators King and Collins, and Congressman Poliquin, have repeatedly urged the Department of Commerce to investigate all four Canadian supercalendered paper producers: Irving Paper Ltd, Catalyst Paper, Port Hawkesbury Paper, and Resolute Forest Products. The Commerce Departments decision to limit the investigation to Port Hawkesbury Paper and Resolute Forest Products is unfair to Irving and Catalyst two businesses that directly employ over 1,000 people Maine because they are prevented from clarifying that they did not receive the same level of subsidies as Port Hawkesbury and Resolute, if they received them at all. As a result, Irving and Catalyst will be punished for the subsidies that two other Canadian paper competitors received an unfair and arbitrary outcome. In his testimony today, Senator King expressed disappointment that these two companies have not received a full investigation in order to rectify this unfair situation: I believe that the strong enforcement of fair trade practices also means ensuring that antidumping and countervailing investigations are conducted in a thorough, fair and fact-based manner, said Senator King. I was disappointed that the Department of Commerce chose, as part of this investigation, to investigate only two of the four Canadian supercalendered paper producers a decision which will likely negatively and unfairly impact two important businesses with significant operations in Maine. Senator Susan Collins and Representative Bruce Poliquin also testified before the ITC today. Senator Kings full testimony, as prepared for delivery, is available below: +++ HEARING TESTIMONY OF SENATOR ANGUS S. KING, JR BEFORE THE U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION Supercalendered Paper from Canada, 701-TA-530 (Final) October 22, 2015 Madam Chairman and Members of the Commission, thank you for allowing me to speak today in support of the U.S. supercalendered paper industry as part of the ongoing investigation into imports of supercalendered paper from Canada. I appreciate the opportunity to help explain this industrys importance to a key company and community in Maine, both of which I believe have suffered economic injury as a result of the Government of Canadas and provincial governments decisions to confer unfair and illegal subsidies. I consider this proceeding to be extremely important not only for the parties here, but because protections are hollow without enforcement. The outcome of this case is important to Madison Paper Industries, in Madison, ME, a company that has been operating as a cornerstone employer in rural Somerset County since 1978. When I visited the Madison paper mill earlier this month, I had the opportunity to learn more about the mills operations as well as speak with some of the 220 hard-working men and women who depend on the mill as their primary employer. The mill workers in Madison are talented, dedicated, open to challenges, and innovative; in short, they are part of a proud paper-making community and tradition in Maine, which as our states largest industry employs over 17,000 individuals in direct or ancillary professions and contributes more than $113 million to the tax base each year. The workforce at Madison is also justifiably frustrated with the conditions under which theyre effectively being asked to compete for business. When the Government of Nova Scotia rescued the Port Hawkesbury Paper mill from closure in October 2012, it brought a large, previously unprofitable supercalendered paper mill back onto the market that would not otherwise be there if not for the governments substantial assistance. The Department of Commerce found, in its final subsidy determination, that nine programs administered by the Government of Nova Scotia confer countervailable subsidies to the Port Hawkesbury mill. Your preliminary report notes that prices for supercalendered paper declined from 2012 through 2014. The October 2012 re-opening of the Port Hawkesbury mill which was only made possible by illegal and unfair subsidies provided by the Government of Nova Scotia to the mills new owners appears to be directly linked to downward price pressures on supercalendered paper. Even in a rapidly changing market environment, Madisons workers any of Maines paper mill workers, in fact can compete and win. But they require a level playing field and the strong enforcement of fair trade practices. On that note, I believe that the strong enforcement of fair trade practices also means ensuring that antidumping and countervailing investigations are conducted in a thorough, fair and fact-based manner. I was disappointed that the Department of Commerce chose, as part of this investigation, to investigate only two of the four Canadian supercalendered paper producers a decision which will likely negatively and unfairly impact two important businesses with significant operations in Maine. Nonetheless, your Commissions hard work and final decision confirming injury by reason of imports will be an important step toward providing the relief that Madison Paper and other domestic supercalendered paper producers deserve. On behalf of all Maine paper mill workers, I appreciate your attention to this matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-backed-bill-to-prevent-newborn-opioid-dependency,Senate Passes King-Backed Bill to Prevent Newborn Opioid Dependency,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes King-Backed Bill to Prevent Newborn Opioid Dependency Thursday, October 22, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Senate today passed the Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015, bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) that would help address the alarming rise of opioid abuse among pregnant women and its effect on newborn babies. Maines opioid epidemic doesnt just affect those struggling with addiction. It hurts parents, siblings, friends, and even newborn babies, Senator King said. By developing an improved strategy to prevent opioid abuse and provide more comprehensive treatment, we can help mothers struggling with addictions and curb the disturbing rise of infants suffering from withdrawal. According to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, there have been 995 infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome after being exposed to opioids while in the womb. From 2010 to 2014, the number of affected infants grew from 572 to 961, an increase of 68 percent. Additionally, the number of individuals seeking treatment for opiate abuse in Maine has increased from 1,115 in 2010 to 3,463 in 2014. In 2014, almost three percent of all adult women admitted to substance abuse treatment were pregnant. The Protecting Our Infants Act would: Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a departmental review to identify gaps in research and any duplication, overlap or gaps in prevention and treatment programs related to prenatal opioid abuse and infants born with opioid withdrawal Require HHS to study and develop recommendations for the prevention and treatment of prenatal opioid use disorders, soliciting input from nongovernmental entities representing patients, health care providers, and treatment facilities. Authorize the Centers for Disease Control to continue providing technical assistance to support states and tribes in collecting information on neonatal abstinence syndrome and implementing effective public health measures to address prenatal opioid use and neonatal abstinence syndrome. Researchers estimate that nationwide, one baby every hour is born dependent on drugs and suffering from withdrawal. Nationwide, there has been a staggering 300 percent increase in the number of infants diagnosed with newborn withdrawal since 2000. The legislation was introduced by Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Bob Casey (D-Pa.). It is also cosponsored by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-cost-of-cyber-attacks-for-maine-businesses-calls-on-congress-to-pass-cyber-security-legislation,"King Highlights Cost of Cyber-Attacks for Maine Businesses, Calls on Congress to Pass Cyber-Security Legislation",2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Highlights Cost of Cyber-Attacks for Maine Businesses, Calls on Congress to Pass Cyber-Security Legislation Wednesday, October 21, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. In remarks delivered on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, highlighted the growing financial toll that cyber-attacks and data breaches are inflicting on Maine businesses. Senator Kings remarks come as Congress begins consideration of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA), legislation which seeks to strengthen U.S. cyber-defenses and protect businesses by incentivizing information-sharing practices. In his remarks, Senator King expressed support for the bill and encouraged his colleagues to pass it. In the state of Maine, we have to worry about it. Ive been meeting with businesses large and small across the state. Every single one with one exception listed cyber-intrusion as one of their greatest issues, Senator King said. This is real in our state. Today, no business is immune. No individual is immune, and, of course, this country is not immune. The price of inaction is just too high. Over the past few years, Senator Kings office has been in frequent contact with a variety of Maine businesses in the health, defense, financial, education, and consumer products sectors to understand how cyber-attacks and data breaches impact them. According to the Maine Credit Union League, data breaches over the past year in have cost Maine credit unions approximately $2 million to replace debit and credit cards and an additional $500,000 to cover fraud. Furthermore, one Maine healthcare provider explained how it experiences thousands of attempts every day to steal confidential data. Those threats led Senator King in August to co-host a cyber-security briefing with the Department of Homeland Security and Maine State Chamber of Commerce in Portland to inform local businesses about best practices to protect them from cyber-attacks. In fact, a report by McAfee and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found that the annual cost to the global economy from cyber-crime is more than $445 billion. The report also estimated that the impact of cyber-crime could translate into more than 200,000 jobs lost in the U.S. Senator King has consistently called for the U.S. to shore up its cyber-defenses, and, in his remarks today, underscored that recent cyber-attacks on government agencies and private companies have only highlighted the increased and immediate need for improved public-private cooperation to combat the growing threat. The United States is under attack. We are under attack not a week ago or a month ago but right at this moment. We are under attack from state actors, from terrorists, non-state actors, and from garden variety criminals. This cyber issue is one of the most serious that we face, said Senator King. We have had a number of warning shots, but none have been devastating. But that is just a matter of time and thats why we have to move this bill. It isnt a comprehensive answer to this question, but its at least a piece of it. Its a beginning. The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 would improve U.S. cyber-security by encouraging better information-sharing practices between the government and the private sector. The bill authorizes private companies to share cyber threat information with one another and the U.S. government on a purely voluntary basis; authorizes companies to monitor their computer networks and implement defensive measures to counter threats; provides liability protection for the sharing of cyber information for cyber-security purposes; and provides protections to ensure that sharing of cyber information does not allow for privacy intrusions. Importantly, the bill protects personal privacy by requiring companies to remove personally identifiable information from cyber threat information before sharing, and it also makes sure the legislation is narrowly focused on cyber-security threats bylimiting the governments ability to use the information it receives. In late September, Senator King pressed leading intelligence and defense community officials for a more comprehensive cyber-policy. Earlier this year, he renewed his call for the Senate to pass cyber-security legislation. Video of Senator Kings full remarks on the floor are available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-welcomes-presidents-plan-to-address-prescription-drug-abuse-and-heroin-use,King Welcomes President’s Plan to Address Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Use,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Welcomes Presidents Plan to Address Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Use Wednesday, October 21, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in advance of President Obamas expected announcement today of a series of public and private efforts aimed at addressing the prescription drug abuse and heroin epidemic: In Maine, weve lost too many friends and loved ones to opioid abuse, and today, too many people still continue to suffer under the grip of addiction most of them in silence, not knowing where to turn, Senator King said. One thing is clear: to address this terrible epidemic, we need a comprehensive effort, and the Presidents announcement moves us in that direction. By engaging both the public and private sectors, and by looking at every facet of the problem from prevention to treatment, this strategy is a concrete step forward in the effort to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction. Today, the White House has said that President Obama will announce a series of federal, state, local and private sector efforts aimed at addressing the prescription drug abuse and heroin epidemic that include improving provider training and access to treatment. To see the complete list of initiatives expected today, click HERE. In August, Senator King, a member of the Senate Prescription Drug Abuse Caucus, and Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli convened a roundtable discussion in Brewer focused on how to build on current federal policies to better address the threat that opioid abuse poses to personal and public health and safety. Earlier this month, Senator King also spoke at the UNITE to Face Addiction Rally on the National Mall, where he highlighted the importance of raising the profile of addiction in America and underscored how those who have faced addiction are critical to helping fight it today. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-collins-king-resolution-honoring-lives-of-el-faro-crew-,"Senate Passes Collins, King Resolution Honoring Lives of El Faro Crew",2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Collins, King Resolution Honoring Lives of El Faro Crew Wednesday, October 21, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King honoring the lives of the 33 lost crew members of the El Faro, four of whom were from Maine and had graduated from the Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) in Castine along with another crew member who had also attended MMA. The resolution also recognizes the tireless search efforts conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and Airforce, and offers condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the crew. As Mainers, we know that life on the high seas can be dangerous, which is why we also know that anyone who is willing to confront those dangers embodies a rare type of courage and skill. That was certainly true when it came to the crewmembers of the El Faro, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. With the unanimous approval of this resolution, the Senate on behalf of the entire country honors and pays tribute to those we lost in that heartbreaking accident. We continue to hold them, as well as their friends, families, and loved ones, in our thoughts and prayers, and hope that all touched by this tragedy can find some measure of peace and comfort knowing that their loved ones will not be forgotten. TheCoast Guardannounced on October 5th that itbelieves the 790-foot cargo ship sankas a result of encountering Hurricane Joaquinon its way from Jacksonville, Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The ship had four Mainers on board, all of whom went to MMA: Captain Michael Davidson of Windham, Michael Holland of Wilton, Danielle Randolph of Rockland, and Dylan Meklin of Rockland. Also on board was Mitchell Kuflik of Connecticut, who graduated from MMA in 2011. The resolution was led by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also cosponsored the resolution. The resolution is available HERE and the full text is below: +++ Honoring the lives of the thirty-three crew members aboard the El Faro. Whereas the El Faro departed Jacksonville, Florida for Puerto Rico on September 29, 2015 with 33 crew members aboard; Whereas the crew consisted of 28 citizens of the Unites States and 5 Polish nationals; Whereas the El Faro sent distress alerts on October 1, 2015; Whereas members of the Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force valiantly searched for the crew members of the El Faro; Whereas the people of the United States mourn the loss of the 33 seamen aboard the El Faro: Now, therefore, be it Resolved,That the Senate-- (1) recognizes and honors the lives of the 33 crew members aboard the El Faro who were lost after the El Faro departed on September 29, 2015; (2) recognizes the valiant search efforts of the Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force who searched for the crew members of the El Faro; and (3) offers heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the crew members of the El Faro. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/,King Questions Defense Secretary on U.S. Strategy to Counter ISIS,2015-10-20,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About every month, I go on the air on WGAN with local and national leaders to discuss issues of the day and my work as one of only two independents in the United States Senate. Ive launched the Inside Maine podcast so that you can listen to those discussions here or in iTunes, and stay up to date on how those issues impact Maine and the country. Click HERE to listen.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-applaud-65-million-in-nasa-funding-for-gulf-of-maine-research-institute,"Collins, King Applaud $6.5 Million in NASA Funding for Gulf of Maine Research Institute",2015-10-20,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Applaud $6.5 Million in NASA Funding for Gulf of Maine Research Institute Tuesday, October 20, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today applauded an announcement that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded $6.5 million in grant funding to Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) to support climate change education in Maine and across the country. Providing students with innovative educational opportunities is crucial to engaging our nations students with STEM fields,said Senator Collins. GMRI gives students from Maine and from around the country the chance to gain first-hand experience in understanding the challenges faced by our states coastal communities. This important investment continues to build on the impressive educational opportunities already provided by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and will help to empower students to pursue careers in STEM and scientific discovery. The scientists and educators at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute embody Maines innovative spirit, and this exciting collaboration with NASA is yet another example of their forward-thinking leadership, Senator King said. GMRIs work to equip students and teachers with interactive science and technology will help inspire the next generation of scientists and, ultimately, advance our knowledge of climate change. With the changes were seeing in the Gulf of Maine and around the globe, this mission has never been more important. I am thrilled NASA has recognized GMRIs excellence in science and technology education, and look forward to following this innovative program as it enables our students build a deeper understanding of the impact of climate change on the world around them. The grant, titled Real World, Real Science: Using NASA Data to explore Weather and Climate, will support a redevelopment of GMRIS existing LabVenture! Program, which is currently featured in the Cohen Center for Interactive Learning in Portland. This renewal will allow the Cohen Center technology to be web-accessible for classrooms and informal science organizations nationwide. Educators and students will be able to customize and localize the program to study the effects of climate and weather in their specific region. GMRI is a nonprofit organization that researches the complex marine ecology in the Gulf of Maine and studies the many challenges of ocean stewardship and economic growth in the region. GMRI provides students and teachers with science education resources and engages fishermen in collaborative research. This is the largest grant in the institutes history. The funding, awarded through NASAs Science Mission Directorate education program, officially starts on November 1, 2015 and is a five-year grant. The new program content will be available for students in the 2018-2019 school year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-sanctuary-cities-legislation,King Statement on Sanctuary Cities Legislation,2015-10-20,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Statement on Sanctuary Cities Legislation Tuesday, October 20, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the following statement after opposing the advancement of a bill that would place burdensome requirements on local law enforcement as they work to safeguard communities: State and local police departments know how to best protect and keep safe the communities they serve. The federal government should be a partner when it comes to that not another obstacle. I agree that we need to fix our broken immigration system, but thats not what this bill does. Instead, this bill would wrest away local control by dictating how law enforcement should interact with communities, slam cities with unfunded federal mandates by forcing them to foot the bill to detain people a Constitutionally questionable practice anyway, and undermine safety by revoking critical state and police grants if local law enforcement decides to pursue a different course it believes is better suited to local conditions. Rather than punishing local police and straining local budgets, the federal government should be working to find better ways to empower and work collaboratively with them to tackle the problem of illegal immigration and taking up comprehensive immigration reform would be a good place to start. Today, Senator King opposed a procedural motion to advance legislation that broadly defines sanctuary jurisdictions as any jurisdiction that fails to comply with a federal immigration detainer or request to notify. However, the more than 300 jurisdictions in the U.S. that would be impacted none of which are in Maine have chosen their law enforcement approaches for various reasons such as building better relationships between law enforcement and the communities in which they serve, focusing limited resources on the most serious criminals, or limiting potential legal liability due to constitutional concerns associated with immigration detainers. The legislation rejected by the Senate today would have forced local law enforcement to hold people indefinitely without a warrant or probable cause, raising constitutional questions and it would have also forced local communities to bear the costs of the detention. Additionally, if the community did not comply with the request, it would have been prohibited state and local law enforcement from receiving critical grant funding that they rely on for salaries, training, safety, and support services for victims. The bill is opposed by the Department of Homeland Security, the National League of Cities, the National Fraternal Order of the Police, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force, among other organizations. In 2013, Senator King voted in support of comprehensive immigration reform legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-international-assembly-in-iceland-king-continues-push-for-greater-us-leadership-in-arctic,"At International Assembly in Iceland, King Continues Push for Greater U.S. Leadership in Arctic",2015-10-18,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"At International Assembly in Iceland, King Continues Push for Greater U.S. Leadership in Arctic Outlines challenges, opportunities in rapidly changing region Sunday, October 18, 2015 REYKJAVIK, ICELAND U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a founding co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus and a member of both the Senate Armed Services and Energy and Natural Resources Committees, this morning participated in an Arctic Circle Assembly Plenary Session in which he continued his push for increased U.S. leadership in the Arctic. In his remarks, Senator Kingalso spoke to the various security, environmental, economic, and social issues that make the region a significant policy priority for the U.S. and the world. The rapidly changing Arctic environment presents the United States, our Arctic neighbors, and the global community with a host of challenges, likeworking to blunt the impact of climate change or finding ways to peacefullyand responsiblypursue new commercial ventures, Senator King said. But inherent in those challenges are also opportunities opportunities for nations to work together to cultivate prosperity and expand educational and cultural exchanges that could define the future of the Arctic. The United States and Maine in particular is well-positioned to take advantage of those opportunities, and I believe it is our responsibility to advance constructive, forward-thinking leadership that will foster cooperation and ensure stability in the regionfor generationsto come, and I believe we must start doing so now. The Plenary Session, which was moderated by Rob Barber, the U.S. Ambassador to Iceland, and included Rear Admiral Mathias Winter, the U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Research; Fran Ulmer, Chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission and Special Advisor to the State Department on Arctic Science and Policy; Mark Brzezinkski, the former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, and Ben Ziff, State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nordic/Baltic Affairs, focused on U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council and how to use this opportunity to strengthenU.S. leadershipin the Arctic region. Senator King arrived in Iceland on Friday along with other members of a delegation from Mainethat includes local and state officials, business leaders, researchers, educators, and trade experts. During his time in Reykjavik, Senator King met with various officials from Iceland, Norway,Greenland,and the United States. He also delivered remarks at the Arctic Circle Assemblys opening session on Friday in which he similarly emphasized that the Arctic presentsinterested nations with an unprecedented opportunity to work together. As member of both the Senate Armed Services andEnergy and Natural Resources Committees, Senator King has repeatedly highlighted dynamic security, environmental, and commercial factors in the Arctic that require the U.S. to enhance its engagement in the region. Together with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, hefounded the Senate Arctic Caucusin March of this year to spotlight the Arctic and open up a wider conversation about the nations future in the region. Last month, he spoke about the changing Arctic environment at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., where heurged leading Arctic experts and scientiststo provide policymakers with comprehensive data on regional changes so that they can make sound policy decisions. Senator King has also advocated for several steps to bolster the U.S. presence in the Arctic, including: Appointing a United States Ambassador to the Arctic. Acceding to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Examining the need for long-lead investments in infrastructure, like ice-breakers and search and rescue assets. Senator King recently supported the Presidents announcement that he will direct his Administration to pursue building more icebreakers. Evaluating the unique challenges Arctic shipping faces, from claims of ownership over international straits to the emission of black carbon that contributes to a climate feedback effect to inadequate charting. Safeguarding U.S. national security interests as well as those of our Allies and partners in order to maintain the Arctic as a sphere of peace and stability. In his continued call for increased U.S. engagement in the Arctic, Senator King has also stressed the important role that Maine has to play in this effort. He has said that Maine could be the eastern gateway to the Artic, operating as a hub for commerce and cooperation with Eastport, Searsport and Portland being the closest U.S. deep-water ports on the east coast. He also helped the City of Portland secure a bid tohost a meeting of the Arctic Council in 2016. This is Senator Kings first trip to Iceland, a small part of which lies within the Arctic Circle. He has traveled to the Arctic twice in the past two years. In April, he and Senator Murkowski traveled with Secretary of State Kerryto Iqaluit, Canada where the United States formally assumed its two-year tenure as Chair of the Arctic Council.In March of 2014, hetraveled in the Arctic aboard the USS New Mexico, a nuclear-powered submarine, as part of the U.S. Navys tri-annual Ice Training Exercise (ICEX). The annual Arctic Circle Assembly, which ends today, brought togetherhundreds of interested organizations from across the globe in order to build on the dialogue about the Arctic and strengthen the international focus on the future of the Arctic. The Assemblyhas become the largest international gathering on the Arctic, attracting more than 1,500 participants from nearly 50 countries. The Assembly is held each October at the Harpa Conference Center and Conference Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/oped/a-call-for-responsible-governance,A Call for Responsible Governance,2015-10-16,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A Call for Responsible Governance By: Senator Angus King Friday, October 16, 2015 I returned to Washington this week after an eventful month of work in Maine that provided some great insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. And while its always difficult to leave home, I arrived back in our nations capital last week reinvigorated by the common-sense thinking that I encountered so often during my visits across Maine. That same common-sense will guide me as I work on several issues that will have a substantial impact on our state and the country, including the looming fight over the federal budget. The federal government is set to run out of money at the end of September unless Congress acts. Even though the 16 day government shutdown of October 2013 is estimated to have significantly reduced economic growth in the final quarter of 2013, we are openly flirting with the possibility of a second government shutdown just two years later. That means we are moving towards another predictable fiscal crisis, and it is one of my top priorities to ensure that Congress passes the spending measure required for the government to remain open. In fact, I have joined with my colleagues in writing a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to request that he schedule bipartisan negotiations as soon as possible, so that we can work together to craft a responsible budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget passed by Congress earlier this year, unfortunately, was not a serious document. That budget locked in sequestration the across-the-board spending cuts that indiscriminately axes funding to programs regardless of their effectiveness or necessity for our nations important non-defense programs for another year and denied our national defense the long-term funding certainty it needs. We need to pass a serious budget a spending framework with balanced sequester relief that applies to both defense and non-defense programs. I have been and will continue to be a strong advocate of eliminating sequestration. From national security to education programs like Head Start, sequestration only continues to hurt our country and its at our own peril that we ignore it. Thats why I have been arguing for a budget that balances spending reductions and revenue increases. Fundamentally, there are three basic ways to get our fiscal house in order: one is to cut expenditures, the other is to increase revenues, and the third is to grow the economy in order to create more revenues. I think the answer has to be all of the above we cant cut our way to prosperity, we cant tax our way out of the current mess, and we also cant rely on growth alone. The problem that I have with the budget passed by Congress this year is that it only focuses on cuts, and completely leaves out the other possible solutions. The two single greatest economic development projects in the history of this country were the GI bill after World War II and the Interstate Highway System. What did they have in common? Both were investments, and thats what helped strengthen our economy. But with the budget proposal on the table now, Congress is proposing to cut expenditures for research and development, for education, and for job training. I just dont think thats responsible governance, and I certainly dont think its going to lead to greater prosperity. If were going continue to climb back from the Great Recession, our nations fiscal challenges require a serious approach to budgeting. That means a balanced approach that employs targeted cuts, revenue increases, and smart investments to gain a handle on our federal debt while protecting people and allowing our economy to expand and grow. Thats what this country deserves, and as Congress considers spending bills this fall, its what I will continue to work toward. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-federal-funding-award-to-new-beginnings-in-lewiston,"Collins, King Announce Federal Funding Award to New Beginnings in Lewiston",2015-10-16,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Announce Federal Funding Award to New Beginnings in Lewiston Friday, October 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Lewiston non-profit New Beginnings, which works to improve the lives of homeless youth and families in crisis, has been awarded $179,367 in grant funding through the Administration for Children and Families (ACYF). The funds will be used to support their emergency shelter. This funding was awarded through the ACYFs Family and Youth Services Bureau. ACYF is a subsidiary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees major federal programs that deal with social services, protective services, and adoption for children. The work done by New Beginnings has a direct impact on the Lewiston community and the lives of youth and families, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.It has been truly inspiring to learn about the wonderful work that New Beginnings is doing for homeless youth, and it is a model for organizations across the country on how to successfully reach out to young people who find themselves homeless."" From its start 35 years ago to the opening of the new Ann Geiger Center this spring, New Beginnings has helped homeless youth gain the sense of safety and security of having a place to call home, and provided them with other resources to succeed, from assistance with college applications to developing such life skills as living on a budget and learning to cook. Funding through the Basic Center Program is authorized through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Senators Collins and King are cosponsors of the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act, which would reauthorize and update the important federal programs that serve homeless youth. The Basic Center Program has helped thousands of homeless youth meet their immediate needs. In June, Senator Collins, a long-time supporter of homeless youth programs, was joined by U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Julin Castro, in touring the New Beginnings Ann Geiger Center in Lewiston to see firsthand how organizations in Maine are working to end runaway and youth homelessness. In addition, this past April, Senator Collins held a hearing before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, which she chairs, to examine efforts by the Secretarys Department to prevent and end youth homelessness. At the invitation of Senator Collins, Brittany Dixon, an alumni of New Beginnings and a currentEducational Technician for Washburn Elementary School in Auburn, shared powerful testimony about her experience as part of the New Beginnings program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-17-million-to-support-organic-farming-in-maine,"Collins, King Announce More Than $1.7 Million to Support Organic Farming in Maine",2015-10-16,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Announce More Than $1.7 Million to Support Organic Farming in Maine Friday, October 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $709,713 to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and $999,120 to the University of Maine to support ongoing efforts to support producers of organic agricultural products throughout the state of Maine and the northeast region. Maines thriving local food movement is driven in part by an encouraging wave of young and new farmers who have helped energize agriculture in our state, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the University of Maine are an important part of that growth. This grant funding will further MOFGA and the University of Maines missions to assist farmers in developing sound agricultural practices as they build on Maines rich farming tradition. The grant funding awarded to MOFGA was allocated through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which is administered under the USDAs National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Based in Unity, MOFGA was founded in 1971 and is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country. The Association has more than 5,000 members and operates a year-round education program offering conferences, presentations, and workshops throughout Maine. Through its Journeyperson Program, MOFGA also provides advanced training for people interested in organic farming. In 1996, MOFGA purchased 200 acres in the Unity where it now hosts the Common Ground Country Fair to celebrate Maines agricultural traditions. The University of Maines funding was awarded as part of USDAs Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), which focuses on helping producers and processors who have already adopted organic practices to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. The funding will be used to support research by Dr. Ellen Mallory, Associate Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, to address factors that prevent the expansion of organic grain production in the Northeast region. Through this grant, the University of Maine will be able to actively partner with agricultural producers to investigate farming techniques and equipment, and strengthen knowledge, skills, and networks among farmers, processors, end-users, and educators. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-for-full-implementation-of-mental-health-parity-law,"King, Colleagues Call for Full Implementation of Mental Health Parity Law",2015-10-15,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Colleagues Call for Full Implementation of Mental Health Parity Law Bipartisan Group of Senators urge HHS & DOL to ensure that individuals seeking behavioral health treatment have access to benefits promised under Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Thursday, October 15, 2015 PORTLAND, ME In a letter today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and a bipartisan group of his colleagues called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to take immediate, overdue action to fully implement and enforce the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). We are writing to urge you to take immediate action to implement and enforce the MHPAEA. It has now been over 7 years since MHPAEA was passed and signed into law by President Bush, but our constituents continue to report denials of care and great difficulties in accessing substance use and mental health disorder treatment and services, wrote the Senators in their letter. We look forward to working together to ensure individuals in and seeking recovery from substance use and mental health disorders can access the benefits promised to them under the law. In the letter addressed to HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell and DOL Secretary Thomas E. Perez, which was led by Senators Chris Murphey (D-Conn.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), the group of Senators emphasized that implementation of MHPAEA a law enacted more than seven years ago to ensure that health insurance plans cover behavioral and physical health equally has been incomplete and inconsistent. The Senators warned that parity is still not a reality for individuals living with mental illness and addiction, and thathealth plans routinely refuse to disclose medical management informationmaking it impossible for consumers and providers to determine if the plans are treatingbehavioral and physical health equally. Noting that HHS and DOL are chiefly responsible for implementation and enforcement of the MHPAEA, the 24 Senators requested that the agencies conduct thorough audits and issue additional parity guidance so that individuals seeking recovery and treatment for mentalhealth disorders andsubstance abuse can access the benefits promised to them under MHPAEA. Also joining Senators Murphey, Ayotte and King on the letter were Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Cal.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). The full text of the letter is available below: +++ The Honorable Sylvia Mathews Burwell Secretary United States Department of Health & Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20201 The Honorable Thomas E. Perez Secretary United States Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20210 Dear Secretary Burwell and Secretary Perez, We are writing to urge you to take immediate and overdue action to implement and enforce the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). It has now been over 7 years since MHPAEA was passed and signed into law by President Bush. This important legislation was enacted to ensure that health insurance plans cover behavioral and physical health equally. However, parity is still not a reality for individuals living with mental illness and addiction today. Our constituents from across the country continue to report denials of care and great difficulties in accessing substance use and mental health disorder treatment and services. One of the primary complaints we receive is the failure of health plans to disclose how they make coverage decisions. As you know, consumers and providers have the right to request information on medical management practices and criteria from their health insurance plans for both behavioral and medical and surgical care. Without this information, it is impossible to determine if the plan is in compliance with the law or if a parity violation has occurred. Yet, consumers and providers report that plans routinely refuse to give this information or simply refer consumers to a website or provide a general statement that lacks specificity with respect to how criteria are applied to both medical and surgical and behavioral health. As your agencies are chiefly responsible for the implementation and enforcement of MHPAEA, we request that you report to us on the following: 1) How many audits has your Department conducted to determine compliance with MHPAEA? What were the results of those audits? Will de-identified results of the audits be made available on your website? If audits have not been conducted, will your Agencies be conducting them in the future? 2) Does your Department plan to issue additional parity guidance to health plans and issuers on what documents and analyses they must conduct and disclose in order to demonstrate compliance with MHPAEA? If so, by what date? 3) When will Medicaid parity final regulations be released? When will enforcement for parity under Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program begin? We look forward to working together to ensure individuals in and seeking recovery from substance use and mental health disorders can access the benefits promised to them under the law. Please have your staff contact our staff with any questions. Thank you very much for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-presidents-decision-to-maintain-troop-levels-in-afghanistan,King Statement on President’s Decision to Maintain Troop Levels in Afghanistan,2015-10-15,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Statement on Presidents Decision to Maintain Troop Levels in Afghanistan Thursday, October 15, 2015 BRUNSWICK, ME U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement today in response to President Obamas announcement that he will maintain current troop levels in Afghanistan: The President has made a difficult decision, but it is the right one, Senator King said. Over the past few years, with the assistance of U.S. and coalition military forces, the new unity Afghan government hasworked to bring greater stability to the country and forge significant progress in improving the lives of Afghan citizens. To reduce our forces in order to meet an arbitrary deadline would have been a mistake and could have jeopardized that progress. I am encouraged by the Presidents decision and will continue to evaluate how the U.S. can play a constructive role in Afghanistan that also supports our shared security interests. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Kinghas consistently advocated for the U.S.to withdraw its military forces in Afghanistan on a conditions-based timeline as the unity government, led by President Ashraf Ghaniand Chief Executive OfficerAbdullah Abdullah, continues to implement its reform agenda and make progress that is in the interest of all Afghans. In October 2014, Senator Kingtraveled to Afghanistanwhere he was one of the first members of Congress to meet with President Ghaniand Dr. Abdullah. During the meeting, they discussed economic and security challenges and explored ways the U.S. could work with the Afghanistan government to sustain progress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-tours-portland-vet-center-with-va-official,King Tours Portland Vet Center with VA Official,2015-10-15,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Tours Portland Vet Center with VA Official Continues push to solve staffing issues in order to provide highest quality services for Maine veterans Thursday, October 15, 2015 PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) toured the Portland Vet Center with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Interim Regional Manager Steven Reeves. During the tour, Senator King and Mr. Reeves met with veterans and Dr. Clifford Trott, the team leader for both the Portland and Lewiston Vet Centers, to discuss the services provided at each facility and the current staffing challenges. Senator King urged Director Reeves to continue to work to fill staffing vacancies in Maines network of five veterans outreach centers, which provide critical counseling services to veterans across the state. Maine veterans deserve nothing but the highest quality care, and I wont rest until they receive it, Senator King said. I appreciate Mr. Reevess visit to Maine and his commitment to ensuring that every Vet Center in the state is fully staffed and able to meet the needs of the veterans they serve. I will continue to work with him, the Maine VA, and the rest of the congressional delegation to identify ways we can improve the hiring process and deliver the care and services Maine veterans have earned. Mr. Reevess visit to Maine comes at the request of Senator King, Senator Susan Collins, and Congressman Bruce Poliquin. The lawmakers have actively engaged Reeves and his office, as well as the Maine VA Healthcare System, following reports that certain Vet Centers in Maine, particularly the Lewiston-based facility, are inadequately staffed. Mr. Reeves visited the Lewiston Vet Center on Tuesday and will tour every Vet Center across the state while he is in Maine. The VA administers veterans outreach centers, known as Vet Centers, across the country to provide various counseling services to veterans, including readjustment counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma counseling, and bereavement counseling. The Portland facility is one of five Vet Centers in Maine. The others are located in Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston and Sanford. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-lwcf-grants-to-help-preserve-parks-and-public-lands-across-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce LWCF Grants to Help Preserve Parks and Public Lands Across Maine",2015-10-13,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins, King Announce LWCF Grants to Help Preserve Parks and Public Lands Across Maine Tuesday, October 13, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced today that the National Park Service has awarded funding to 10 organizations and municipalities throughout the state of Maine. This funding is provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a partnership program that provides matching funds to states and local communities for conservation of parks and open space The LWCF is Americas most successful conservation and outdoor recreation program. The LWCF has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining outdoor recreation space in Maine and across our nation. These important investments will help protect and preserve a number of Maines parks and recreation facilities that are vital not only to our communities, but to our way of life, said Senators Collins and King. The LWCF is a partnership program that provides matching funds to states and local communities for acquisition, development, and conservation of parks and open spaces. Despite strong support bipartisan support for the LWCF, on September 30th, 2015, the authority to collect revenue into the LWCF Fund expired. While the program will continue to be funded under the short-term funding agreement beyond the September 30 expiration date, we must act quickly to make certain this critical program is properly supported, Senators Collins and King continued. We have long advocated for a permanent reauthorization of the LWCF to ensure that this important connection to our nations conservation effort in Maine and across our country is not lost. We will continue to work with our colleagues on both sides of the isle to permanently extend our nations premier federal conservation program. Senator Collins and Senator King are both cosponsors of bipartisan legislation that would permanently reauthorize LWCF, S. 338. In September, a bipartisan coalition of 53 senators led by Senators Collins, Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and joined by Senator King, authored a letter calling on Senate leadership to permanently reauthorize and adequately fund the nations premier federal conservation program, now in its 50th year. In June, Senators Collins and Steve Daines (R-MT) offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2016 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee and passed as part of the reported bill. The amendment adds another $13.9 million for the LWCF Program, bringing it in line with the current funding level. In a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing earlier this year, Senator King called on Congress to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the program, and in July, he voted in support of a bill that would also reauthorize the program. The award recipients are listed below: Project Sponsor: State of Maine, Bureau of Parks and Lands Amount of Grant Award: $135,000 Project name: Trail Head ParkingFour Seasons Adventure Trail Project Description: Awarded for the 3.8 acres that will be used for public parking and recreational users of the Four Seasons Adventure Multi-Use Rail Trail in Newport. Project Sponsor: Town of Swans Island Amount of Grant Award: $14,809.50 Project name: Mill Pond Park Playground Project Description: Awarded for a new playground at the Mill Pond Park in the Town of Swans Island. The existing play equipment is in need of replacement. Project Sponsor: Town of St. Agatha Amount of Grant Award: $20,000 Project name: St. Agatha Recreation Park and Boat Launch Park Renovation Project Description: Awarded for renovations to 2 existing community playground facilities in St. Agatha, including the St. Agatha Recreation Park and the St. Agatha Beach and Boat Launch Park. Project Sponsor: Maine Bureau of Parks and Public Lands Amount of Grant Award: $60,000 Project name: Veterans Fishing Pier at Songo Locks Project Description: Awarded for the Veterans Fishing Pier at Songo Locks project, which includes the development of two new fishing platforms, and ADA compliant walkway, a hand-carry boat launch, and approximately 85 of shoreline stabilization. Project Sponsor: Town of York Amount of Grant Award: $75,190.50 Project name: bog Road Recreational complexPhase II Amenities Project Description: Awarded for the Bog Road Athletic Field project, which includes enhancements to a recently constructed multi-purpose athletic field in the Town of York Project Sponsor: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Amount of Grant Award: $25,000 Project name: Lemoine State Park Group Shelter Project Description: Awarded to construct an open air shelter/pavilion at the Lamoine State Park for use by groups camping and to buffer the weather during cool periods on the Maine coast. Project Sponsor: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Amount of Grant Award: $25,000 Project name: Mt. Blue State Park Nature Center Project Description: Awarded for the rehabilitation of the foundation and support structures of the Nature Center at Mt. Blue State Park in Franklin County. Project Sponsor: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Amount of Grant Award: $35,000 Project name: Popham Beach State Park Entrance Expansion Project Description: Awarded to increase the capacity of the entrance to Popham Beach State Park with the construction of an additional travel land and entrance booth. Project Sponsor: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Amount of Grant Award: $15,000 Project name: Colonial Pemaquid Floats Project Description: Awarded to replace seven floats at the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, which will provide continued fishing and boating access. Project Sponsor: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Amount of Grant Award: $200,000 Project name: Sebago Lake State Park Headquarters Project Description: Awarded for the replacement of the Sebago Lake State Park headquarters facility. The new facility will replace the one destroyed by a fire. This facility will provide services to the entire park that include: law enforcement; a warming hut area for hikers, skiers, bikers, campers, boaters, etc; reception area for outdoor recreation information and registration on camping, fishing, boating, trails, safety and rescue, etc; and public restrooms and meeting area. This headquarters will be the hub of services for park and recreation users at this state park. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-collins-reed-in-urging-hhs-secretary-to-quickly-release-critical-federal-home-heating-aid,"King Joins Collins, Reed in Urging HHS Secretary to Quickly Release Critical Federal Home Heating Aid",2015-10-09,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Joins Collins, Reed in Urging HHS Secretary to Quickly Release Critical Federal Home Heating Aid Senators call on HHS Secretary to release LIHEAP funds to help local communities prepare for the coming winter season Friday, October 9, 2015 BRUNSWICK, ME In an effort to help millions of low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes afford their energy bills this coming winter, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined with a bipartisan group of 40 of his colleagues, led by Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), to call on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to quickly release as much federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) heating aid as possible. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months, said the Senators in their letter. This funding has been an indispensable lifeline during challenging economic times, helping to ensure that recipients do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and paying for other necessities like food or medicine. The Senators bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell urged her to release LIHEAP funds without delay and at as high a level as possible. Preserving LIHEAP funding has been a continued priority for both King and Collins, and they have joined together to oppose recent attempts to scale back the funding appropriated for this critical program. LIHEAP is a federal grant program that provides states with annual funding to operate home energy assistance programs for low-income households. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. The full text of the letter is below: +++ October 8, 2015 Dear Secretary Burwell: As state agencies prepare their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) programs for the winter, we respectfully request that the Department of Health and Human Services release LIHEAP funds as quickly and at as high of a level as possible under the current continuing resolution. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months. This funding has been an indispensable lifeline during challenging economic times, helping to ensure that recipients do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and paying for other necessities like food or medicine. On average, low-income families and seniors spend a higher proportion of their income on energy, and for many states, October marks the start of the heating season, creating an additional constraint on these household budgets. As the relevant state agencies begin to provide assistance for this winter, it is critical that they have the resources to assist low-income households and seniors as soon as possible. Therefore, we request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds and at as high of a level as possible in order to allow states and low-income households to prepare for the upcoming season. We look forward to continuing to work with you on this critical program, and thank you for your attention to our concerns and those of our constituents. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-king-renews-push-to-curb-gun-violence-in-america,King Renews Push to Curb Gun Violence in America,2015-10-08,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Renews Push to Curb Gun Violence in America Calls on Congress to pass comprehensive, common-sense gun safety and mental health measures Thursday, October 8, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Following last weeks tragedy at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today renewed his push to enact common-sense gun safety legislation and take action to reform the mental health system in an effort to curb gun violence in America. Were here today because of one more incident in a depressingly familiar series of mass shootings. All over the country this is happening in a repetitive way, and its important to use this occasion to reflect upon the dangers that we are ignoring the epidemic that we are ignoring, Senator King said. We must move in a comprehensive way, not only here on the federal level but on the state level as well not to compromise the second amendment, not to take the guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens, but to put into place common-sense solutions to deal with this epidemic of gun violence. In his remarks on the Senate floor today, Senator King called for a comprehensive solution that improves the countrys mental health system, strengthens the national background check program, and allows states the flexibility to tailor solutions to their specific needs. Senator King supports the Mental Health Reform Act of 2015, legislation that would comprehensively overhaul and strengthen Americas mental health care system, and today he also endorsed a set of legislative principles unveiled today by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) that would: close loopholes that allow people to purchase guns without having first passed a background check. strengthen the national background check system by making sure that all domestic abusers are prohibited from purchasing guns and that states submit all relevant records to the federal database. make straw purchasing and gun trafficking federal crimes to help give law enforcement the tools it needs to stop the flood of illegal weapons across state lines. These types of sensible reforms, Senator King observed, could help keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who should not have them while also respecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. Senator King also noted in his remarks that, historically, when natural disasters health crises confront America, Congress has acted to address the problem and that the epidemic of gun violence should be no different: The American people send us here to address issues, to address problems. On September 11th, Congress acted. After Sandy and Katrina, Congress acted. During the Ebola crisis, Congress and the American health system acted, Senator King said. Why? Because we love each other and we value each other and it seems to me this is exactly the same case. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 400,000 people died by firearms in the United States from 2001 to 2013, which is more than 30,000 people per year on average one-third of which are deemed homicides. Senator Kings full remarks on the Senate floor today are available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-help-make-college-textbooks-more-affordable,King Introduces Legislation to Help Make College Textbooks More Affordable,2015-10-08,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Introduces Legislation to Help Make College Textbooks More Affordable The cost of new textbooks has increased 82 percent, four times faster than inflation, over the last decade Thursday, October 8, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Al Franken (D-Min.), today introduced legislation designed to help students manage costs by making high quality textbooks easily accessible to students, professors and the public for free.This bill, the Affordable College Textbook Act, would create a competitive grant program to support the creation and use of open college textbooks which are available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers and others to freely access the materials. College students spend thousands of dollars on textbooks over the course of their academic career and as the cost of those textbooks increases, the harder it becomes to afford them, which only forces students to reach deeper into their pockets or risk jeopardizing their academic careers, Senator King said. To help solve this problem, our bill would encourage colleges to develop innovative educational resources, like open textbooks, that can provide the information students need in an affordable way. As we look for ways to gain a better handle on rising college costs, creative programs like these can help position students to succeed academically while saving them money a win-win for their future. Textbook costs are one of the most overlooked costs of going to college, but they can be substantial and can be a barrier to attaining a college education. According to College Board, the average student budget for college books and supplies during the 2014-2015 academic year was $1,225. While a June 2013 GAO Report required by the law found that students had more information and publishers and schools were generally complying with the new disclosure requirements, it also found that the price of textbooks had continued to rise. The limited federal investment in the creation and expanded use of a set of high-quality, introductory level college textbooks outlined in the Affordable College Textbook Act can improve learning, access, and affordability for all college students. Making high-quality open textbooks freely available to the general public can significantly lower college textbook costs and increase accessibility to higher education. Open textbooks can also improve learning and teaching through course materials that are more flexible, adaptable, and accessible for professors. Open textbooks are educational resources that are licensed under an open license and made available free of charge to the public. These resources provide a supplement or alternative to traditional textbooks. Specifically, the Affordable College Textbook Act: Creates a grant program to support pilot programs at colleges and universities to create and expand the use of open textbooks with priority for those programs that will achieve the highest savings for students; Ensures that any open textbooks or educational materials created using program funds will be freely and easily accessible to the public; Requires entities who receive funds to complete a report on the effectiveness of the program in achieving savings for students; Improves existing requirements for publishers to make all textbooks and other educational materials available for sale individually rather than as a bundle; and Requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress by 2017 with an update on the price trends of college textbooks. The Affordable College Textbook Act is support by U.S. PIRG, Scholarly Publishing & Academic Resources Coalition, National Association of College Stores, Young Invincibles, American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, Service Employees International Union, American Association of Community Colleges, Association of Community College Trustees, UNCF, Creative Commons, Association of Research Libraries, Association of College & Research Libraries, OurTime. A one-page summary of the Affordable College Textbook Act is available HERE. Companion legislation was introduced today in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Rubn Hinojosa (D-Tex.) and Jared Polis (D-Col.). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-king-statement-on-suspended-search-for-crew-of-the-el-faro,King Statement on Suspended Search for Crew of the El Faro,2015-10-07,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King Statement on Suspended Search for Crew of the El Faro Wednesday, October 7, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Following an announcement by the U.S. Coast Guard that it will suspend the search for survivors of the El Faro at sunset today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement: I am deeply saddened that no survivors have been found. Like everyone in Maine, my thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the El Faros crew members. My heart goes out to them and to the Maine Maritime Academy community during this tremendously difficult time. I hope in the days ahead we may find comfort and solace in our continued support of one another, Senator King said. I would also like to express my gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard for their tireless efforts this week. I have spoken with Rear Admiral Buschman and will continue to remain in contact with the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board as we try to find out more information about this terrible tragedy. At a news conference this afternoon, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it would suspend the search for the missing crew of the El Faro at sunset today. TheCoast Guardannounced on Monday that itbelieves the 790-foot cargo ship sankas a result of encountering Hurricane Joaquinon its way from Jacksonville, Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Prior to this afternoons announcement, Senator King was briefed by search and rescue leader Rear Admiral Scott A. Buschman, the Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District headquartered in Miami, Florida. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-defense-bill-with-king-backed-hubzone-improvements-and-additional-shipbuilding-authorizations,Senate Passes Defense Bill with King-Backed HUBZone Improvements & Additional Shipbuilding Authorizations,2015-10-07,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Defense Bill with King-Backed HUBZone Improvements & Additional Shipbuilding Authorizations Wednesday, October 7, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the U.S. Senate today passed the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill includes provisions authored by Senator King that increase authorizations for the construction of DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers, which are built at Bath Iron Works, and that improve the Small Business Administrations HUBZone program, which helps revitalize former military bases like the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. The NDAA is a vital bill that sets policy for the Defense Department and bolsters our national security, Senator King said. And Im pleased to say that this legislation continues to recognize the important role that Maine plays in supporting our national defense. The legislation, which passed today by a vote of 70-27, authorizes almost $4 billion for Navy destroyer programs, including $433 million for the construction of DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, and $3.1 billion for the procurement of two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, one of which will be built at Bath. Importantly, the bill also includes $400 million in incremental funding secured by Senator King for an additional DDG-51 that the Navy could procure in the next three years, potentially at Bath Iron Works. Conflicts and ongoing tensions across the globe continue to require a strong American naval presence, Senator King said. By making critical investments in shipbuilding including an additional $400 million authorization for another DDG-51 that Bath Iron Works could build this bill makes progress in strengthening our naval fleet and supports the highly-skilled men and women of BIW whose work is invaluable to our Navy. The bill also includes a provision authored by Senator King that improves the eligibility criteria of HUBZones located at former U.S. military installations closed through the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. The provision expands the boundaries of base closure HUBZones to allow businesses to draw employees from surrounding areas to meet the programs 35 percent employee residency requirement. The amendment would also extend the period of time for which a closed base is eligible for HUBZone status from five years after closure to a minimum of eight years. Senator King and Senator Susan Collins introduced standalone legislation earlier this year, and during the Senate Armed Services Committees consideration of the bill, Senator King was able to insert the provision. The HUBZone program is an important tool that helps revitalize former military bases, Senator King said. And by improving the eligibility criteria of the program, as my provision does, redevelopment authorities at former installations like Brunswick Naval Air Station will be better positioned to attract new businesses, generate economic activity, and create more jobs that will benefit the entire region. The bill also includes a federal property management provision that authorizes a pilot program spearheaded by Senator King and Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) that would encourage more efficient federal property management by streamlining the process by which the U.S. Army disposes of unused or underutilized properties. It also rejects another BRAC round. The 2016 NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense as well as national security programs under the Department of Energy. The legislation provides for the pay and benefits earned by members of the military and their families as well as for national defense including authorization of funds for counter-ISIL operations in Iraq and Syria, and represents a broad, bipartisan consensus about Americas national security goals, resources, and policies. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-rural-development-grant-for-community-concepts-inc_,"Senators Collins, King Announce Rural Development Grant for Community Concepts Inc.",2015-10-07,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Collins, King Announce Rural Development Grant for Community Concepts Inc. Important Funding will Help Construct Homes for 30 Low Income Families in Rural Maine Wednesday, October 7, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C.United States Senators Susan Collins, Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, and Angus King announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture has awarded Community Concepts Inc. in Lewiston $793,800 in grant funding to help 30 very-low and low-income families construct their own homes in rural areas across Maine. Through the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program, this funding will help families, through partnership with Community Concepts, build homes in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, and Oxford Counties. This important investment will help 30 low-income families across Maine build good, safe homes, the Senators said in a joint statement. Home-ownership has long been a hallmark of the American dream and this important investment will help some of the most vulnerable Mainers build their own homes and achieve that dream. The Mutual Self Help Housing Program provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects. Grant recipients supervise groups of very-low and low-income individuals and families as they construct their own homes in rural areas. The group members provide most of the construction labor on each others homes, with technical assistance from the organization overseeing the project. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-135-million-in-funding-for-maine-math-and-science-alliance,"Collins, King Announce $1.35 Million in Funding for Maine Math and Science Alliance",2015-10-06,2015,2015-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Collins, King Announce $1.35 Million in Funding for Maine Math and Science Alliance Tuesday, October 6, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $1.35 million in grant funding to the Maine Math and Science Alliance (MMSA) to develop an online learning community that explores the impact of weather and climate along the coast. The Maine Math and Science Alliance continues to build on innovative science and technology opportunities around the state, and this project will empower students, teachers, and others to become scientific observers in their own right, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. This funding will support MMSAs pioneering online initiative to foster information sharing between scientists and members of the community as they work to better understand the impact that weather and climate have on Maines coastal communities. This grant funding will support the development of the Next Generation WeatherBlur Project, an online community for students (K-8), teachers, fishermen and interested community members. Using the online forum, members of the public can study and comment on local weather that will provide important feedback and data for scientists. The Maine Math and Science Alliance is a leader in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and policy. MMSA works to advance STEM education in Maine and across the nation and establish relationships among schools, organizations, individuals, and communities to further this mission. The funding has been awarded through the NSFs Cyberlearning and Future Learning Technologies program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z