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-statement-on-departure-of-secretary-of-defense-james-mattis,King Statement on Departure of Secretary of Defense James Mattis,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the announcement that Secretary of Defense James Mattis would be leaving the Trump Administration at the end of February: When I first considered General Mattis's nomination to serve as Defense Secretary, I concluded that he was an experienced leader' who would serve as a moderating voice within the Administration.' After nearly two years of service, I can say with confidence that Secretary Mattis has filled this role to the best of his ability given the Administration in which he served, providing a seasoned, rational voice on national security in the midst of numerous international challenges. His departure is extremely worrisome, particularly as it comes on the heels of a number of increasingly erratic foreign policy decisions that endanger American interests abroad and undermine our nation's place as a world leader. Quite frankly, I've slept better knowing that Secretary Mattis was leading the Department of Defense and providing counsel to this President on issues of national security, and while I understand his reluctance to continue to serve in an administration that ignores his expertise, I'm unsure who if anyone will be able to replace his measured, thoughtful approach in these important conversations. The loss of Jim Mattis's voice is a loss for the American people. He will leave mighty shoes to fill, and I will measure any nominee the President puts forward against Secretary Mattis's distinguished record of performance, patriotism, and service to his country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-partial-government-shutdown,King Statement on Partial Government Shutdown,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in advance of this evening's deadline to prevent a partial government shutdown: We shouldn't be in this situation. For months, Congress has worked on a bipartisan basis to craft spending bills that would attract support from both parties including substantial funds for border security. Instead, the President has forced a partial government shutdown unless his demands for a wall on the southern border are met. As a result of his decision to reject a bipartisan agreement, federal employees like law enforcement officers, park rangers, and air traffic controllers must spend their holidays worrying if their next paycheck will be affected by political games. Everyone in the Congress is in favor of enhanced border security; the issue is whether a wall is the best and most cost-effective method of achieving this. According to the agreement reached by party leadership in the Senate Friday afternoon, there will be no more votes on the budget bills until there is a final agreement between President Trump and House and Senate leadership. Senator King will return home to Maine tonight, and will return to Washington D.C. to vote as soon as an agreement is reached. After discussions with leaders of both parties, Senator King is hopeful that a reasonable resolution can be reached in short order.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-collins-king-and-rep-pingree-announce-contract-award-to-build-additional-destroyer-at-bath-iron-works,"Sens. Collins, King and Rep. Pingree Announce Contract Award to Build Additional Destroyer at Bath Iron Works.",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree announced today that the Navy is exercising its option under the fiscal years (FY) 2018-2022 multiyear procurement contract awarded in September to build an additional DDG-51 destroyer at Bath Iron Works (BIW) for $910,723,811. This FY 2019 option ship is in addition to four ships the Navy awarded the shipyard under the multiyear contract. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer called Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree to inform them of the award. The Navy's decision to build an additional DDG-51 at BIW is great news for the hardworking men and women at the shipyard. They can now spend the holidays with their families knowing that this additional ship will help keep the workload stable in the months and years ahead, said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. The Navy's latest contract decision is a testament to the quality work being done at BIW to produce the backbone of today's Navy. We are extremely proud to represent the best shipbuilders in the world right here in Maine and work together to support them in Congress."" In addition to the five DDG-51s already funded in FY 2018 and FY 2019, the delegation will seek to ensure that Congress provides the necessary funding and statutory authority for the Navy to procure the six additional DDG-51s called for under the multiyear contract and up to three additional option ships. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. In September, Senators Collins and King both advocated for the passage of the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill, which included funding for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in FY 2019, while also including $250 million in advanced procurement funding for an additional destroyer in FY 2020. The legislation was signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-on-president-trump-to-condemn-recent-texas-v-us-decision-on-aca,"King, Colleagues Call on President Trump to Condemn Recent Texas V. U.S. Decision on ACA",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined a group of his Senate colleagues to call on President Trump to condemn the recent decision in Texas v. United States which declared the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional. If the decision stands, 20 million Americans could be left without health insurance and millions of families across the country could see healthcare costs rise. It is not too late for you to condemn this decision by requesting a stay and taking steps to defend the Affordable Care Act moving forward, the Senators wrote. The ACA is, quite simply, the law of the land, and it is your Administration's duty to defend it. Further, even among the numerous, failed attempts to repeal the ACA, there was widespread recognition that simply repealing the law without a replacement would be too devastating to American families and to our economy to fathom. Yet that is exactly what this ruling, if upheld, would do. The full text of the letter is below and is available HERE. +++ Dear President Trump: We are writing to express our serious concerns with the December 14th decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in the matter of Texas v. United States and to reiterate our strong objection to the Department of Justice's refusal to defend the law of the land. Judge O'Connor's decision wrongly declares the individual mandate unconstitutional and inseverable from the remainder of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This decision is not just legally unsound, itis inhumane and cruel. If the ruling stands, nearly every American's health care will be affected. The 20 million people who receive insurance coverage through the ACA will be left without the coverage they desperately need. Furthermore, 133 million Americans with pre-existing conditions will be at risk of losing access to treatment. And millions of families, women, seniors, and people with low incomes will see their health care costs rise. It is no exaggeration to say that, if upheld, this decision is a matter of life and death to many Americans. We urge you to reverse course and direct the Department of Justice to defend the law of the land and pursue a stay of this decision. It is not too late for you to condemn this decision by requesting a stay and taking steps to defend the Affordable Care Act moving forward. The ACA is, quite simply, the law of the land, and it is your Administration's duty to defend it. Further, even among the numerous, failed attempts to repeal the ACA, there was widespread recognition that simply repealing the law without a replacement would be too devastating to American families and to our economy to fathom. Yet that is exactly what this ruling, if upheld, would do. The human cost of this decision is profound. As mentioned above, tens of millions of Americans covered in the law's Health Insurance Marketplaces and by Medicaid expansion will lose their insurance, and tens of millions more with health conditions from cancer to heart disease, pregnant women, and people with costly prescriptions could lose access to care or have to pay significantly more for it. It is also alarming that in the midst of the devastating opioid epidemic, millions of Americans suffering from substance use disorders would lose access to the treatment that they need to recover. But it does not stop there. Health care makes up over one-sixth of our economy: the uncertainty for health care providers created by the dramatic upheaval that this decision will inevitably cause will have a substantial economic impact on families, rural hospitals and clinics, businesses, state governments, and more. Americans need you to work with us to defend their access to quality, affordable health care. We can work together to improve our health care system and reduce costs, but we must not let this flawed court decision stand and devastate millions of American families both physically and financially. The fight for our health care in the case of Texas v. United States is not over. We urge you and the DOJ to immediately request a stay of this order and to uphold the rule of law by defending the constitutionality of current law. Millions of Americans are relying on you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-graham-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-reconsider-withdrawing-us-forces-from-syria,"King, Graham, Bipartisan Group of Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Reconsider Withdrawing U.S. Forces from Syria",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their concern regarding the consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power, the Senators wrote. They continued, The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors. The full text of the letter is below. +++ December 19, 2018 The Honorable Donald J. Trump The President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write today to express our concern regarding your Administration's consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. We believe that such action at this time is a premature and costly mistake that not only threatens the safety and security of the United States, but also emboldens ISIS, Bashar al Assad, Iran, and Russia. The United States currently retains a small and limited military presence within Syria. The approximately 2,000 American troops stationed in Syria serve as a vital shield against ISIS cells operating within Northeast Syria. While you believe the threat of ISIS has dissipated, the conditions on the ground paint a very different picture. In addition, our troops provide critical support for our Kurdish partners, who have been crucial in the fight against ISIS. If our Kurdish partners in the region lose the support of the United States, we run the risk of a resurgence of ISIS and the possible capitulation or all out destruction of Kurdish resistance in the region. Furthermore, hundreds of foreign fighters being held in captivity by our Kurdish partners are at risk of being released or worse if our support is withdrawn. If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power. The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors. In conclusion, we encourage you to reconsider your proposal to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria to ensure that our nation's strategic interests are secured.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-legislation-to-protect-energy-grid-from-cyber-attacks,Senate Passes King Legislation to Protect Energy Grid from Cyber-Attacks,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, the U.S. Senate passed the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho). Both Senators are members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR). The legislation would defend the U.S. energy grid by partnering with industry to utilize engineering concepts to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid through holes in digital software systems. For years we've seen the danger of cyber-attacks grow as bad actors pursue larger and more sophisticated incursions on our vital systems, but the federal government's response has not matched the severity of these threats, said Senator King. This commonsense, bipartisan bill is an important step in the right direction, and will help protect America's critical infrastructure from devastating attacks before they happen. Senators King and Risch first introduced the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act in the 115th Congress in January 2017, and the legislation has gained momentum in the months since. In March 2017, the ENR Committee held a hearing on the legislation, and in September 2017 the Western Governors' Association endorsed the proposal. In October 2017, a companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and John Carter (R-Tex.). In March 2018, the legislation was passed by the ENR Committee. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) are also original cosponsors of the legislation. Critical infrastructure within the United States is an enticing target to malicious actors. Notably, these include industrial control systems, which are operational technologies used to measure, control, or manage industrial functions (e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition systems). Industrial control systems are used in oil and gas pipelines, in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, in the energy sector, and across other sectors such as water management and mass transit. Top officials within the intelligence, defense, and power communities have warned that the United States remains vulnerable to cyber-attacks on these systems, which could result in catastrophic damage to public health and safety, economic security, and national security. The bill was inspired in part by Ukraine's experience in 2015, when a sophisticated cyber-attack on that country's power grid led to more than 225,000 people being left in the dark.The attack's severity was limited by Ukraine's use of less complex technology to operate its grid, a concept that helped inspire the bill. The legislation would establish a two-year pilot program within the National Laboratories to partner with industry and develop ways to utilize cyber-informedengineering concepts to simplify and isolate automated systems and remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid through holes in digital software systems. Senator King has been a leading voice on the need for a national emphasis on cyber deterrence, and has repeatedly pressed officials in both the Obama and Trump Administrations on the importance of deterrence. During an ENR Committee Hearing in June, Senator pushed for leadership on a cyber strategy, saying in part, We know that a cyber-attack is coming at some point shame on us if we're not prepared for it. In March,he highlighted the topic in both the ENR and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). In February,Senator King questioned Admiral Mike Rogers and other top national intelligence officials on the importance of a national doctrine on cybersecurity.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-push-from-king-usda-outlines-rules-for-broadband-pilot-program-in-rural-america,"Following Push from King, USDA Outlines Rules for Broadband Pilot Program in Rural America",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today applauded an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlining its rules for a new rural broadband pilot program. The program, which includes several provisions supported by King, is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Congress created and allocated the funding for the pilot program in the March 2018 omnibus appropriations bill. In rural states like Maine, access to broadband is essential for students to learn and for businesses to grow, Senator King said. The USDA's new pilot program will focus critical investments towards building and expanding high-speed internet for our rural communities, so people in Maine and across the country regardless of where they choose to live or work can have the opportunity to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy. In September 2018, Senator King wrote a letter to the USDA seeking specific provisions in the pilot program, a number of which were included in the department's rules governing the program which were released last week. These include: Acquiring up-to-date broadband mapping data through partnerships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and state governments, and by collecting information from on-the-ground field tests. Accounting for the scope and depth of partnerships between funding applicants and local governments, employers and other key regional institutions when making funding decisions. Maximizing the benefit of these funds by seeking projects in states like Maine that have completed robust broadband planning efforts. The USDA pilot program, which Senator King pushed for as part of the March 2018 omnibus bill, mirrors the B-CROP Act, legislation Senator King cosponsored in August 2017 that would expand the resources available for building broadband infrastructure by bolstering an existing USDA loan program to include grant funding to help support projects in rural and tribal areas. Connectivity in rural regions is a key part ofSenator King's economic agendato help grow Maine's rural economy, support innovation and create jobs, and in January hesent a bipartisan letter to the Presidentwith his co-chairs on the Senate Broadband Caucus urging stand-alone funding for broadband deployment in any proposed infrastructure package. During his time in office, Senator King hassupportedthe modernization of federal broadband programs, including the FCC's E-rate program, which supports school and library internet access, and the USDA's Broadband Loan Program. This summer, hemet with farmers in Exeterto discuss the importance of rural broadband to fuel agricultural innovation, and he is also a cosponsor of thePrecision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, elements of which were included in the Farm Bill.",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-100000-for-passamaquoddy-tribes-economic-impact-study-,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $100,000 for Passamaquoddy Tribe’s Economic Impact Study",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $100,000 to the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township to fund a study for a potential hydrogen-powered Business/Internet/Data Center on the Passamaquoddy reservation. Results of this study will identify the resources necessary for sustainable operationsincluding workforce development, capital, business management, legal services, and administrative supportwhich will help diversify the regional economy. This important funding from the EDA will assist the Passamaquoddy Tribe in assessing the feasibility of constructing a cutting-edge data center powered by clean energy, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome the EDA's continued investment in Maine's tribal communities, which supports economic development and job creation. The EDA leads the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. As an agency within the Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pushes-for-bill-to-restore-national-parks-in-senate-floor-speech,King Pushes for Bill to Restore National Parks in Senate Floor Speech,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for theRestore Our Parks Act, a bipartisan bill led by that would address the$12 billion deferred maintenance backlogat the National Park Service (NPS). Senator King is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan bill along with Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). We have a wonderful park in Maine, Acadia. We had three and a half million people last year at that park. But the problem is, I've visited, I've seen leaky roofs, and roads that need repair, and if we don't do that we're not serving the public, we're not serving the next generation of Americans who want to enjoy the parks. And now we have an opportunity to do so that is supported on a bipartisan basis in this body, in the other body, and by the administration. The Restore Our Parks Act consensus proposal is the product of bipartisan discussions among the senators who had previously introduced similar bills, the National Park Service Legacy Act (Warner/Portman) and the National Park Restoration Act (Alexander/King), and has been gaining momentum since its introduction; the legislation is cosponsored by 37 Senators and is supported by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the National Parks Conservation Association, the Pew Charitable Trusts' Restore America's Parks' campaign, and the Outdoor Industry Association, among others. In September, Senator King joined Acting Director of the National Park Service, Dan Smith, on a tour of Acadia National Park to assess the park's critical maintenance needs that would be funded if Congress passed the Restore Our Parks Act. This legislation would have a positive impact on Acadia specifically, which has a maintenance backlog of approximately $60 million, and the surrounding communities like Bar Harbor. A companion bill, theRestore our Parks and Public Lands Act,has been introduced in the House. More specifically, theRestore Our Parks Actwould establish the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund to reduce the maintenance backlog by allocating existing revenues the government receives from on and offshore energy development. This consensus legislation has been praised by witnesses at aSubcommittee on National Parks hearing in July. Senator King is an steadfast supporter of the National Park System, and during his tenure in the Senate has pushed for modernizations to make the parks more accessible to future generations, including the implementation of a pilot program to make entrance passes for parks available online, that waslauded in a Subcommittee hearing last year. The program has been particularly successful in Acadia National Park (ANP); Acadia accounts for 72% of total sales in the pilot program, and online purchases accounted for 10% of the park's total entrance fee receipts in 2016.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-king-pays-tribute-to-longtime-friend-outgoing-chief-of-staff-kay-rand,"On Senate Floor, King Pays Tribute to Longtime Friend, Outgoing Chief of Staff Kay Rand",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate floor to pay tribute to Kay Rand, his longtime chief of staff who will be leaving the Senator's office in January. Rand, a native of Ashland, Maine, has served as Senator King's chief of staff since he was sworn-in in 2013, and was King's chief of staff during both of his terms as Maine's governor. She also led both of Senator King's gubernatorial campaigns and his 2012 Senate campaign. After six years of traveling between Washington, D.C. and Maine, Rand will return to Maine full-time at the beginning of 2019. Anything I have achieved in mypublic life has been in manyways attributable to the work ofKay Rand, said Senator King. She has made an enormousdifference in my life and Ibelieve in the life of thepeople of Maine.She's never lost her passion forpublic service, her deepaffection and understanding forthe people of Maine, and theresponsibility that those of uswho have been entrusted with the publiccharge, the public trust, withthe responsibility we have toremember who sent us here, toremember what the values are,what the issues are, what we cando to represent the people ofMaine. Kay Rand has always always reminded me of thatbecause that's who she is.Facetiously, I've often said mystandard for leadership can besummarized in one sentence:Hire good people and take creditfor what they do.And I've been doing that for 25years.Kay Rand is an extraordinarilyable, devoted, and seriouspublic servant. She's leaving, well deserved But I just want this Senate toknow and the people of Maine toknow that an important publicservant is leaving us but hasleft us and left me with aneverlasting legacy ofleadership, integrity,character.She in many ways has taught mehow to lead.I will miss her.I'll miss her as a friend.I'll miss her as a leader in myoffice.I'll miss her as a person whohas made such a difference in mylife, in my family's life, andthe life of the people of Maine.Kay Rand is an extraordinaryperson.She has done an amazing job forthe people of Maine, for theSenate, and for myselfKay Rand is a very special person, as all of us who know her, can attest.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-backed-by-collins-king,"Senate Passes Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill Backed by Collins, King",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed the FIRST Step Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), among others. The legislation, which passed by a vote of 87-12, would improve fairness in sentencing of federal crimes, promote public safety, and reduce recidivism. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisanSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which Senator King cosponsored in July and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. The legislation has been endorsed by the President, has strong bipartisan support in Congress, and is supported by a wide range of law enforcement organizations and criminal justice reform advocates. The FIRST Step Act is modeled after the efforts by dozens of states that have successfully reformed their criminal justice systems to rehabilitate minimum- and low-risk offenders, said Senator Collins. This legislation will make our communities safer by reducing recidivism, give a second chance to people who have committed non-violent crimes, and save taxpayers money. Right now, our criminal justice system isn't working; not for those who spend decades in prison for nonviolent offenses, not for law enforcement officers, and not for taxpayers, said Senator King. But we can create a better criminal justice system, and today we took the first step towards a solution that works for all Americans. This bipartisan bill will make our communities safer, prepare inmates to be productive members of society, and save taxpayer money no wonder it has widespread support from across the ideological spectrum. The comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional development programs.It also improves fairness in prison sentences by recalibrating certain mandatory minimum sentences, granting greater discretion for judges in sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug crimes, and clarifying congressional intent on sentencing enhancements for certain crimes involving firearms. It also preserves the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. In addition, the legislation allows petitions for retroactive application of theFair Sentencing Actto be considered on an individual basis to reduce historical sentencing disparities. Under this legislation, any savings generated by the reforms would automatically be reinvested into law enforcement programs to further reduce crime and improve community safety. The bill is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, from key law enforcement organizations to reform advocates, including the Fraternal Order of Police, theInternational Association of Chiefs of Police,theNational Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Cut50, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration, and the National District Attorneys Association.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-committee-assignments-for-116th-congress,King Announces Committee Assignments for 116th Congress,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced his committee assignments for the 116th Congress, when Senator King will continue to serve on the Armed Services Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the Rules & Administration Committee. I ran for re-election for one simple reason: there's more work to be done, said Senator King. I've spent six years working to keep Maine people safe by strengthening America's national security, to defend the natural resources that support our lobstermen, forest economy and tourism industry, to keep our state beautiful by protecting our environment and finding cost-effective energy options, and to improve the way that Congress works so we can get more things done in Washington that will help Maine people. The work we do in committees is where so much of the progress that is important to Maine gets done, and I'm honored to be able to continue these efforts to improve the lives of Maine people. Committee work takes up a significant portion of Senator King's business in Washington. He has made it a priority to not miss Committee hearings, earning him praise from his colleagues and the reputation as a workhorse in the Senate. The late Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), who served as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, once called Senator King one of the most serious and hard-working members of the Committee, and Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), who currently serves as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, has singled out Senator King for always [staying] to the bitter end of committee hearings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-colleagues-in-bipartisan-letter-urging-forest-service-to-institute-competition-to-explore-new-uses-for-mass-timber,King Leads Colleagues in Bipartisan Letter Urging Forest Service to Institute Competition to Explore New Uses for Mass Timber,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the co-chair of the Working Forest Caucus, led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture supporting an award program for educational institutes who explore new potential uses for mass timber. In the letter, which was also signed by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), the Senators point to the previous success of similar programs through USDA and the U.S. Forest Service, and highlight that the innovative solutions developed through a potential competition would benefit both the forest products industry and the environment. In 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the USDA had tremendous success in bringing attention to the potential use of wood in tall buildings with the first U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. We believe an award program utilizing an educational institution is an ideal next step to teach and demonstrate to the next generation of decision-makers, engineers, architects, planners and builders the benefits of mass timber, wrote the Senators in their letter. Mass timber technology can help colleges and universities across the nation achieve their sustainability goals. Stronger markets create an incentive for landowners to ensure forest land is managed sustainably to reduce wildfire risk and help maintain a high monetary value for timber. Further, mass timber use at our nation's colleges and universities has the additional benefit of supporting wood product markets at the local level. Mass Timber development and commercialization were key recommendations in the 2017 outlined Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT) report, which wasoriginally requested in March 2016 by Senators Collins and King and worked across federal and state agencies, industry sectors, and municipalities to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. Additionally, key provisions of theTimber Innovation Act,which Senators King and Collins cosponsored, were included in the Farm Bill which passed Congress this week. These provisions encourage investment in the manufacturing facilities needed to produce mass timber products domestically, incentivize the construction of buildings with wood, and provide designers and code officials with the research and technical support they need to embrace this new construction technology. In addition to Senators King and Collins, the letter was signed by Senators James Risch (R-Idaho), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). The full letter is available HERE, and text of the letter can be found below: +++ The Honorable Sonny Perdue Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250 Dear Secretary Perdue: We write today to express our appreciation of the USDA's efforts to promote innovative wood uses, and to support a mass timber competition for institutions of higher education. Such a competition will not only provide opportunities for our future decision makers to utilize a remarkable new material, but also help create a stronger and healthier forest products market all while improving the environment. Colleges and universities are also well adept at leveraging seed money with other public and private funds, and could therefore make very efficient use of a federal mass timber competition award. In 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the USDA had tremendous success in bringing attention to the potential use of wood in tall buildings with the first U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. We believe an award program utilizing an educational institution is an ideal next step to teach and demonstrate to the next generation of decision-makers, engineers, architects, planners and builders the benefits of mass timber. Mass timber technology can help colleges and universities across the nation achieve their sustainability goals. Stronger markets create an incentive for landowners to ensure forest land is managed sustainably to reduce wildfire risk and help maintain a high monetary value for timber. Further, mass timber use at our nation's colleges and universities has the additional benefit of supporting wood product markets at the local level. We appreciate the assistance the USDA has provided thus far, and look forward to working with you on making the mass timber higher education competition a success.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-15-2018-as-wreaths-across-america-day,"Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 15, 2018, as “Wreaths Across America Day”",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 15, 2018, as Wreaths Across America Day. On December 15, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks from Maine down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Tens of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition. In its 27-year history, Wreaths Across America has become an enduring symbol of valor and sacrifice, and reaffirms our never-ending obligation to thank those who served in defense of our nation, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This Maine-led tradition is an inspiring example of the generosity and gratitude to our nation's veterans that makes the holiday season so special. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who Remember, Honor, Teach' through Wreaths Across America. To honor our fallen heroes, wreaths will be laid at the graves of American servicemembers as part of a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place approximately 1.2 million wreaths at more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states and numerous national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. For the first time this year, wreaths will be laid at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The resolution is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-for-ferc-commissioner-mcnamees-recusal-from-future-business-involving-potential-subsidies-for-coal-and-nuclear-plants,"King, Colleagues Call for FERC Commissioner McNamee’s Recusal from Future Business Involving Potential Subsidies for Coal and Nuclear Plants",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a group of his Senate colleagues in a letter calling for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Bernard McNamee to recuse himself from any future business at FERC involving the potential subsidization of coal and nuclear plants. In the letter, the senators expressed concerns regarding Mr. McNamee's actions in his previous role at the Department of Energy (DOE) in developing and filing a rule to subsidize failing coal and nuclear plants, as well as his recent public comments implying bias against renewable energy technologies. We are concerned about positions you have taken, both while serving as the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy and in the private sector,the senators wrote. These positions and statements suggest a lack of independence and an inappropriate predisposition on a number of topics likely to be involved in proceedings that will come before you in your new role as a FERC Commissioner. The senators continued, Moving forward, and particularly as FERC considers matters related to grid resilience and reliability, we urge you to remain true to your commitment to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to be fair, objective, and impartial' and to work with your colleagues to fulfill (FERC's) mission to ensure just and reasonable rates under the law.' With that in mind, we urge you to recuse yourself from any future FERC proceedings where your impartiality could be questioned based upon your past statements, positions, or work on the DOE NOPR. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.). A copy of the letter can be foundHEREand below: The Honorary Bernard L. McNamee Commissioner Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20426 Dear Commissioner McNamee, The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has a requirement to ensure that electric rates are just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory or preferential. As a FERC Commissioner, you will have a responsibility to uphold that requirement. We are concerned about positions you have taken, both while serving as the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy and in the private sector. These positions and statements suggest a lack of independence and an inappropriate predisposition on a number of topics likely to be involved in proceedings that will come before you in your new role as a FERC Commissioner. We were initially troubled by the implications of your involvement in the development of DOE's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for the Grid Reliability and Resilience Pricing Rule, previously submitted to FERC. We believe that the viewpoints evident from the thrust of the NOPR, with its emphasis on propping up uneconomic coal and nuclear plants, along with statements you made more recently favoring fossil fuel and denigrating renewable resources, could present an appearance of a lack of impartiality in carrying out your responsibilities as a FERC Commissioner. In light of that, we respectfully request that you commit to recusing yourself in any future matters before FERC that might be characterized as pitting one fuel source against another. We have been troubled by this Administration's persistent efforts to interfere in our energy markets in order to subsidize coal and nuclear energy generation at the expense of ratepayers and other more economically produced forms of energy. As you know, in July 2017, a draft report prepared by DOE on the reliability of the U.S. electric grid stated: The power system is more reliable today due to better planning, market discipline, and better operating rules and standards. This draft report found two primary conclusions that coal and nuclear plants are retiring primarily because of cheaper energy sources such as natural gas, not because of the rise of renewable energy generation or the implementation of environmental regulation, and that the retirement of coal and nuclear plants has not impacted grid reliability. Notwithstanding the conclusions of the draft report, just months later Secretary Perry submitted a proposed rule for FERC's consideration to subsidize power plants that can store 90 days of fuel on site, which only nuclear and coal plants can do, citing a critical need for enhanced grid resilience and reliability. This proposed action immediately drew condemnation from the oil, gas, and renewable energy industries. In January 2018, FERC unanimously rejected the proposed rule, noting that DOE failed to provide evidence that retiring coal and nuclear plants represented an existential threat to grid reliability and resilience. Instead, FERC Commissioners opened a new docket to push the country's grid operators to examine grid resilience from storms and floods, cyber or physical attacks, and other major disruptions. As mentioned above, our concerns over your apparent lack of impartiality are not based solely on the role you played in formulating the NOPR. Your Earth Day op-ed, and your comments during a 2018 public policy forum in Texas display a pronounced preference for fossil fuels and nuclear energy, and at a minimum suggest a strong bias against renewable energy technologies: Renewables, when they come on and off, it screws up the whole physics of the grid. So when people want to talk about science, they ought to talk about the physics of the grid and know what real science is, and that is how do you keep the lights on? And it is with fossil fuels and nuclear."" These actions and comments suggest that you may be unable or unwilling to take a fuel-neutral approach, but rather will favor particular technologies and outcomes. Moving forward, and particularly as FERC considers matters related to grid resilience and reliability, we urge you to remain true to your commitment to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to be fair, objective, and impartial and to work with your colleagues to fulfill (FERC's) mission to ensure just and reasonable rates under the law. With that in mind, we urge you to recuse yourself from any future FERC proceedings where your impartiality could be questioned based upon your past statements, positions, or work on the DOE NOPR. Finally, at your nomination hearing on November 15, 2018, you said you would need to consult with ethics officials regarding specific topics you can and cannot participate in as a FERC Commissioner. We request that you provide us with an update about both the specific guidance you sought and the ethics guidance you have received by January 9, 2019. Thank you for your attention and consideration of this matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-end-us-support-for-saudi-engagement-in-yemen,King Votes to End U.S. Support for Saudi Engagement in Yemen,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, voted in support of Senate Joint Resolution 54, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the ongoing civil war between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen pursuant to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This is the first time a chamber of Congress has ever voted to invoke the War Powers Resolution. This resolution, which passed by a vote of 56-41, would not impact important U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen. The civil war, which is between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen, has led to mass civilian casualties, and reports indicate that as many as 85,000 children may have died of starvation in Yemen since the war began. The civil war in Yemen is a complex civil conflict between Saudi and Iranian backed factions, but one thing is clear: the violence has had an immense and devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Yemeni civilians, particularly children. It has killed thousands and has left millions on the brink of starvation, said Senator King. This is a humanitarian disaster and the United States should no longer be complicit. That's why I've voted to end our limited support for the Saudi-led coalition, and why I continue to urge all parties to seek a diplomatic solution to end this bloodshed that is hurting so many innocent people. Senator King voted to advance SJ Res 54 in November, and had previously voted to advance SJ Res 54 in March, when the resolution was tabled by a vote of 55-44. The resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict in Yemen does not apply to ongoing American counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen, and would allow U.S. forces conducting counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to continue their work. The resolution now heads to the House of Representatives for its consideration; however, due to a last-minute procedural maneuver by the House Rules Committee, a development Senator King called deeply regrettable, the resolution is no longer considered privileged in the House and is unlikely to receive a vote before the beginning of the next Congress. Today the Senate also passed a resolution introduced by Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) that includes the Senate's belief that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and demands all parties seek an immediate cease fire and negotiated political solution to the Yemen conflict. The resolution was passed by voice vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-led-legislation-to-measure-the-economic-impact-of-broadband-on-the-us-economy,Senate Passes King-Led Legislation to Measure the Economic Impact of Broadband on the U.S. Economy,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SCARBOROUGH, ME Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act, a bill led by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), co-chairs of the Senate Broadband Caucus. The bipartisan bill requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis to conduct a study of the effects of broadband deployment and adoption on the U.S. economy. While the federal government measures the economic impact of many industries, it does not produce current, reliable statistics on the economic impact of broadband on the U.S. economy. Accurate, reliable data on the economic impact of broadband is a valuable tool for policymakers and business leaders and many research institutions, state broadband offices, and trade associations have highlighted the need for this data. We know that access to affordable, high-speed broadband has the ability to transform the way rural communities conduct business but without accurate data, we don't know how much economic value it provides, said Senator King. By collecting this information, policymakers, businesses and community leaders will have the tools they need to pursue smart investments to boost connectivity and improve local economies. In conducting this analysis, the Secretary of Commerce will consider job creation, business headcount, online commerce, income, education and distance learning, telehealth, telework, agriculture, population growth, population density, broadband speed, and geography. The Secretary may consult representatives of business, including rural and urban internet service providers and telecommunications infrastructure providers; state, local, and Tribal government agencies; and consumer and community organizations. In addition to Senators King, Klobuchar and Capito, cosponsors of the bill include Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.), who also serve as co-chairs of the Senate Broadband Caucus, as well as Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). This legislation is supported by Connected Nation, NTCA The Rural Broadband Association, CTIA, and WIA The Wireless Infrastructure Association.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/effort-from-senators-collins-king-ensures-harmful-house-amendment-not-in-farm-bill,"Effort from Senators Collins, King Ensures Harmful House Amendment Not in Farm Bill",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following a push from U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), the final conference report of the 2018 Farm Bill does not include an amendment harmful to Maine that would have required state and local governments to accept products from other states even if those products violate standards and regulations enacted in the importing state. The Farm Bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13 and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. In August, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan group of 32 Senators in sending a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee leaders urging them to reject this harmful House amendment during the conference negotiations. We are delighted that the Senate bill prevailed, and that the final conference report did not include this harmful provision, said Senators Collins and King. There are a number of state laws in Maine that would have been undermined if this amendment was adopted, including those on crate bans for livestock, consumer protections for blueberry inspections, and environmental safeguards for cranberry cultivation. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-fcc-move-to-boost-rural-broadband-deployment,King Applauds FCC Move to Boost Rural Broadband Deployment,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, applauded the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) move to make affordable and reliable broadband more accessible to rural Americans. Today's vote by the FCC increases funding to rural broadband providers who serve some of the nation's most rural communities, ensuring that these providers can continue to expand access to higher-speed broadband in rural areas. Senator King has pushed for these changes, and in May 2018 and August 2017 joined bipartisan groups of his Senate colleagues in letters urging the FCC to expand rural broadband deployment. In the 21st century economy, there is no substitute for a high-speed broadband connection, said Senator King. Whether it's a small business trying to reach its global customers or a farm working to improve efficiency, internet access is a vital tool that fuels innovation and economic growth. Today's FCC vote is just one step but it's an important step, that will help rural Maine people. Among the providers who will benefit from today's FCC vote is UniTel, a high-speed internet and phone service provider for central Maine. Senator King visited UniTel in August 2017 during his broadband listening tour of the state with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. UniTel applauds the leadership of Senator King and other members of Congress who have consistently advocated for rural carriers and the communities they serve said Laurie Osgood, President and CEO of UniTel Inc. These efforts have resulted in reforms adopted by the FCC today to provide more predictable levels of support for small rural broadband providers as we continue our commitment to make the benefits and opportunities of broadband access available to everyone who lives in rural Maine. Connectivity in rural regions is a key part ofSenator King's economic agendato help grow Maine's rural economy, support innovation and create jobs. This week, the Senate passed a reauthorization of the Farm Bill that includes provisions of three broadband bills that he cosponsored: the B-CROP Act, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, and the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act. In September, he urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service to allocate funding towards investing in broadband access for Maine's underserved and rural areas, and in January hesent a bipartisan letter to the Presidentwith his co-chairs on the Senate Broadband Caucus urging stand-alone funding for broadband deployment in any proposed infrastructure package. During his time in office, Senator King hassupportedthe modernization of federal broadband programs, including the FCC's E-rate program, which supports school and library internet access, and the Senate Farm Bill Broadband Loan Program. In August, hemet with farmers in Exeterto discuss the importance of rural broadband to fuel agricultural innovation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-honors-retiring-chairman-of-northern-maine-veterans-cemetery,King Honors Retiring Chairman of Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. In a statement submitted to the Congressional Record, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) recognized Harry Hafford, the outgoing Chairman of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery (NMVC). Hafford, an Army veteran and Maine native who returned to his home state after a career working for General Motors, was a founding member of the NMVC and has served as the Chairman since 2003. He will be stepping down from his post at the end of the year. A representative from Senator King's office presented the statement to Hafford last week during a ceremony honoring his years of service to Maine's veterans. Harry's honorable service in the United States Army is something I am very appreciative of but in addition, what is truly inspirational is the dedication Harry has shown to veterans for all of his adult life, especially in retirement, said Senator King. He was instrumental in creating and sustaining a veteran's surplus clothing organization to ensure that the needs of his fellow veterans were met. Perhaps his most notable and impressive work was as a founding member of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation, which developed the Maine Veterans Cemetery-Caribou People like Harry are a rare breed. They give for the right reasons and ask nothing in return. The complete statement is as follows: +++ Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Mr. Harry Hafford of Masardis, ME as he retires his gavel as Chair at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Harry is an extraordinary man, a passionate community leader, an honorable veteran, and a friend to me and my staff. Harry is special in so many ways and has quietly led countless efforts to improve the lives of others. Aroostook County, and the entire state of Maine, is a better place because of folks like Harry Hafford. Harry returned to his home town of Masardis, ME to spend his retirement years quietly after a long career at General Motors, where he also served as a strong and steadfast union steward. This next chapter of Harry's life seemed ideal for some much deserved rest and relaxation. But that isn't who Harry is instead he became an active member of his community, continuing to serve our state and its people. Harry went back to work serving others. Harry shared his lifelong love of the beautiful natural resources in Maine by advocating for more access to waterways and working with state and local officials to provide additional boat landings in Ashland, Masardis, and Oxbow in northern Aroostook County, including one that is named for him, so that the public would have more access to the beautiful Aroostook River and its native brook trout fisheries. He was a loyal member of the Ashland Rotary Club and earned a Paul Harris Fellow for his service above self. He is an active member of the Caribou American Legion, a moderator for town meetings, a lifetime member of AMVets, Ashland and Presque Isle Fish and Game Clubs, and Sportsman's Alliance of Maine. Harry's honorable service in the United States Army is something I am very appreciative of but in addition, what is truly inspirational is the dedication Harry has shown to veterans for all of his adult life, especially in retirement. He was instrumental in creating and sustaining a veteran's surplus clothing organization to ensure that the needs of his fellow veterans were met. Perhaps his most notable and impressive work was as a founding member of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation, which developed the Maine Veterans Cemetery-Caribou. I was proud to be Governor of Maine when this effort began and was pleased to sign the document creating the committee to determine the cemetery's viability. Had I known Harry then as well as I do now, I could have just looked for his name on the roster of volunteers and been immediately assured of 100% success. Harry has chaired that committee since its inception in 2003 and has decided to retire his gavel at the end of 2018. People like Harry are a rare breed. They give for the right reasons and ask nothing in return. The entire state of Maine has benefitted from Harry's hard work for many years, and while we will miss him, we hope that he can finally enjoy retirement the way it should be. Photo 1: (From left) Harry Hafford is presented with his Congressional Record statement by Sharon Campbell and Barbara Hayslett, Regional Representatives for U.S. Senator Angus King",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-overturn-irs-rule-enabling-dark-money,King Votes to Overturn IRS Rule Enabling Dark Money,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Angus King (I-Maine) voted to overturn the U.S. Treasury Department's controversial decision that allows special interests to hide their donors from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In July, the Treasury Department and the IRS eliminated the requirement for certain types of tax-exempt organizations to report the identities of major donors to the IRS, which allowed ""dark money"" donors to hide their contributions to tax-exempt non-profit organizations that engage in political activity. Senator King opposed this change, and in July cosponsored the Spotlight Act, which would reverse the rule and require donor information to be disclosed to both the IRS and the public. The CRA passed the Senate this afternoon by a Congressional Review Act vote of 50-49, and will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. In my opinion, Maine's town meetings are the finest examples of democracy at work, where anyone can walk in with an idea and try to sway public opinion. But not a single one of these gatherings would allow someone to stand in the middle of the room with a bag over his or her head and anonymously attack other members of the community because Maine people believe you should stand behind your beliefs, said Senator King. The same rules should apply to our campaign finance system let's require transparency, and make sure Americans know who's trying to influence their vote. Senator King has been a long-time advocate for election transparency as a means of increasing voter trust and engagement in our electoral process. Last September, Senator King announced his support for a series of campaign finance bills called theWe the People Democracy Reform Act of 2017. This bicameral legislation proposes a series of wide-ranging electoral reforms to restore integrity, accountability, and transparency to our broken political system. The legislation includes proposals to comprehensively reform campaign finance laws, increase transparency and accountability in the political system, end gerrymandering, increase voter participation, and strengthen lobbying and revolving door laws. In June 2016, Senator Kingjoined with a group of his colleagues to announce a new legislative packageaimed at reforming America's campaign finance system and making government more accountable to the people. The package includes a bill authored by Senator King that would require real-time transparency in federal elections as well as legislation that would amend the Constitution to end unlimited campaign contributions and provisions that would reform the lobbying laws to limit special interest influence on elected officials.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-collins-legislation-to-support-maine-dairy-farmers-passes-senate,Senator Collins’ Legislation to Support Maine Dairy Farmers Passes Senate,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. In a win for Maine dairy farmers, an amendment authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that will promote innovation and increase demand for milk products was included in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The final agreement comes after the Senate and House of Representatives worked for weeks to reconcile the differences between each chamber's version of the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support and passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senators Collins and Baldwin's amendment will provide $7 million for grants to state departments of agriculture, cooperative extension services, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to administer programs that promote dairy product innovation, process improvement, and marketing. Senator Angus King (I-ME) was a cosponsor of their amendment. Our amendment will support Maine's hardworking dairy farmers by increasing awareness of milk's many health benefits and investing in innovative methods for processing milk and dairy products, said Senator Collins. I am pleased that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues joined me in advancing this amendment that will help provide critical support to this integral part of our agriculture community. Maine's dairy farmers work hard to create a great product so let's help them sell it! said Senator King. The Dairy Business Innovation Act will establish regional initiatives to spur innovation in dairy businesses, which can help add more value to the milk farmers produce and expand uses for milk to address oversupply and depressed milk prices. The legislation will also foster the development of new and innovative dairy products, modernize existing dairy plants and support new dairy entrepreneurs. Specifically, the regional initiatives created by the Dairy Business Innovation Act will provide technical assistance and grants for the purpose of: Supporting new and expanding dairy businessesInitiatives will provide assistance with business plan development, accounting, market evaluation, and strategic planning. Promoting innovation in dairy productsDairy businesses will be able to receive assistance with product innovation, marketing and branding, packaging, distribution, supply chain innovation, food safety training and consultation, dairy product production training. Assisting with dairy plant modernization and process improvementDairy businesses will be able to receive assistance with processing facility improvement, including assistance with plant upgrades, food safety modernization, energy and water efficiency, byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and waste treatment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-farm-bill-with-king-led-provisions-to-benefit-rural-maine,Senate Passes Farm Bill With King-Led Provisions to Benefit Rural Maine,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of the conference report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, more commonly known as the Farm Bill. The report, which passed by a vote of 87 to 13, includes a number of provisions that Senator King supported that will help Maine's farmers and rural communities. Overwhelming bipartisan votes like today's don't come easy they're the product of a lot of hard work, compromise, and consensus-building. Fortunately, if there's one thing that everyone, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, can agree on, it's that farmers are the backbone of our rural economy and pillars of rural communities across the country, said Senator King. Today's passage of the Farm Bill means a lot to the honey or maple producers who won't have to put misleading labels on their pure products, and to the potato and blueberry farmers who can continue growing their superior crops which is only right, because the work these farmers do every day means a lot to the state of Maine. And though it may be called the Farm' Bill, the fact is that this legislation will have an important effect on rural Maine people from all walks of life through its provisions to support innovation the forest economy and boost rural broadband efforts. The legislation may have taken a lot of negotiation and debate, but in the end, we're left with a bill that will help a lot of people. This year's Farm Bill includes several major victories supported by Senator King that will directly benefit Maine if they remain in the final bill signed by the President, including: EVALUATING AND MODERNIZING THE FORMULA USED BY USDA TO SUPPORT COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAMS: Senators King and Susan Collins (R-Maine) successfully included an amendment that directs USDA to use the 2017 Census of Agriculture to better understand the changing needs of agriculture and rural communities. Specifically, this aims to help Cooperative Extension programs better address the challenges facing small and diverse farms and ranches, veteran farmers and ranchers, value-added agriculture, direct-to-consumer sales, and specialty crops. Despite massive shifts in agriculture in recent years, this funding formula has not been evaluated in decades. SUPPORT INNOVATION FOR DAIRY FARMERS: This amendment, supported by Senator King, will establish regional initiatives to support innovation for Maine dairy businesses, foster the research and development of new dairy products and support new dairy farmers. The Dairy Business Innovation Act will provide $7 million in grants to state departments of agriculture and other local agricultural leaders to support programs that promote dairy product innovation, process improvement, and marketing. CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEXT GENERATION OF FARMERS: This year's Farm Bill includes language from theNext Generations in Agriculture Act. Senator King is a cosponsor of this legislation, which creates permanent mandatory funding for education, training, and outreach to beginning farmers and ranchers by developing a new Farming Opportunities Training Outreach program, as well adding new authority for a National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and establishing new roles to help beginning farmers access USDA programs. EXEMPTING SINGLE INGREDIENT PRODUCTS FROM MISLEADING LABELS: A provision in this year's bill exempts pure, single ingredient foods like honey and maple syrup from requirements to contain an added sugar label. Earlier this year, the FDA announced the proposed change to help consumers be aware of the amount of sugar they are consuming, but maple and honey producers expressed concerns that the new labels could mislead consumers into believing that sugar was added after harvesting. Senator King has spoken on the Senate floor against this proposal, and after his push, the FDA announced they would be seeking a revised approach. PROTECTING NUTRITION PROGRAMS: Unlike in the version of the Farm Bill passed by the House of Representatives, the Senate bill does not jeopardize important nutrition program like SNAP. Additionally, the legislation reduces red tape and increases support for seniors by extending certification periods in SNAP and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The final bill increases funding to Employment and Training Programs, makes some administrative changes designed to reduce improper payments in the program, and rejects harmful changes to work requirements. CONTINUING SUPPORT AND RESEARCH FOR SPECIALTY CROPS: Maine's key crops, including blueberries and potatoes, are viewed as specialty crops by USDA. This legislation continues important investments in Specialty Crop Block Grants and the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, and in doing so, bolsters research, pest management efforts and initiatives to improve competitiveness in the global market. The legislation also includes several additional King-backed victories that benefit Maine's rural economy and environment, including: SUPPORT FOR ENGINEERED TIMBER: Key provisions of theTimber Innovation Act,which Senator King cosponsored along with Senator Collins, are included in the bill. This language would accelerate the research and development ofcross laminated timber and other engineeredwood for use in construction projects and also provide grants for such projects. This legislation, along with other efforts to find new opportunities for the forest economy, is a key part ofSenator King's economic vision to grow Maine's rural communities. MODERNIZING RURAL BROADBAND PROGRAMS: The bill includes provisions from two bills that Senator King cosponsored to advance hisRural Broadband Roadmap. TheB-CROP Act(S.1676) modernizes the USDA Broadband Loan Program into a combination grant/loan program and thePrecision Agriculture Connectivity Act(S.2343) promotes cooperation between the USDA and FCC in identifying gaps in broadband coverage on agricultural lands. The bill also increases the statutory minimum broadband service definition for the Broadband Grant and Loan Program to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, matching a regulatory change whichSenator King pushed for in a May 2016 letter. DRASTICALLY INCREASING FUNDING FOR RURAL BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT: This year's Farm Bill authorizes Congress to appropriate $350 million per year for high-speed internet deployment a drastic increase from the previous Farm Bill, when Congress was authorized to appropriate $25 million per year for high-speed internet deployment. REAUTHORIZING NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION: The legislation reauthorizes the NRBC through 2023, based onlegislation authored by Senators King and Collins. In addition to reauthorizing the NRBC, the legislation establishes a state capacity building grant program that will help develop projects that support business retention and expansion, access to high-speed broadband, critical infrastructure development, and job creation throughout the region. CONSERVING NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS: The bill funds and improves upon the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. In December 2016,the RCPP awarded a $6 million grantto a Maine partnership led by the Nature Conservancy to help private forestland ownersreduce the impacts that flooding has on road networks and restore more than 250 miles of fish habitat in northern and eastern Maine. ENSURING FAIRNESS IN FEDERAL BUYING OF FOREST PRODUCTS: The legislation includes a King-backed provision that requires federal agencies to acceptmore methods of sustainably harvested forest products. In June 2016,Senator King led a letterurging the Department of Energy to support all forest certification standards, as the Department of Agriculture does. REAUTHORIZING COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY PROGRAM: This program, which expires at the end of 2018, promotes energy security and incentivizes new uses for low-grade and low-value wood by offering competitive grants to assist state and local governments with the costs of installing high-efficiency, biomass-fueled energy systems, such as combined heat and power (CHP). Senator King is a cosponsor of the Community Wood Energy Innovation Act, a bill introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-portland-king-urges-maine-people-to-sign-up-for-health-coverage-before-deadline,"In Portland, King Urges Maine People to Sign Up for Health Coverage Before Deadline",2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined healthcare advocates and patients to urge Maine people to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act before the ACA's Open Enrollment deadline on Saturday. The press conference at Greater Portland Health highlighted the resources available to Maine people as they navigate coverage options offered through the ACA Marketplace, and emphasized the upcoming deadline. To sign up for coverage in 2019 during the Open Enrollment period, log on to http://www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for more information before December 15, 2018. Maine people interested in additional information can also call the Consumers for Affordable Health Care, toll-free, at 1-800-965-7476, or reach out to your local Federally Qualified Health Center. Saturday is the last day to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. That's less than a week to make sure you and your family can have health insurance in 2019, said Senator King. There are a wide range of options in the marketplace, and some may be less expensive than you think. This isn't about politics it's about making sure you can protect your family from medical or financial trouble. With only a few days left, there's no time to wait so please, sign up today. In addition to Senator King, speakers at today's event included Kate Ende, Consumer Assistance Program Manager at Consumers for Affordable Healthcare; Kalie Hess, Health Equity Program Manager for the Maine Primary Care Association; Hillary Barter, Healthcare Navigator Coordinator for Western Maine Community Action; and Nicole Manganelli of Portland, who recently signed up for ACA coverage. Senator King has been outspoken in opposition to administration moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act, and has met with Maine people around the state to discuss the ACA's importance to their lives. In October,he met with Maine people in recovery in Brewerto discuss the importance of ACA protections for those with pre-existing conditions for those who have struggled with substance use disorders. Also in October, Senator Kingvoted to overturn the administration's expansion of junk plans, calling the plans that are not required to cover those with pre-existing conditions, part of the problem, not part of the solution. In September,he spoke at the Protect Our Care rally in Portlandandheld a conversation in Damariscottaon the importance of healthcare protections to Maine people who work in high risk industries.Also in September,Senator King met with seniors in Kennebunkto discuss the high cost of healthcare services in prescription drugs. In August, Senator Kingmet with Maine familieson the impact of insurance protections for children living with pre-existing conditions. In July he cosponsoreda resolution that would authorize the Senate Legal Counsel to intervene in the legal casechallenging the constitutionality of the ACA's provisions protecting people with pre-existing conditions. Also in July, he published a post on Mediumhighlighting the administration's efforts to weaken the ACA. At the end of June, Senator King spoke twice Senate floor about theimpact of ACA sabotage on Maine peopleand tohonor the 53rd anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, and earlier that month, he spoke with a panel of Maine people with pre-existing conditions, healthcare advocates and medical professionalsin South Portland, following Department of Justice's decision not to defend the guarantee of coverage for pre-existing conditions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-king-attends-veterans-holiday-open-house-in-bangor,"On Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, King Attends Veterans’ Holiday Open House in Bangor",2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BANGOR, ME Today, on the 77th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the Holiday Open House at the Bangor Vet Center, where he met with local veterans to honor their service and celebrate the holiday season. Today was about celebrating the holiday season with the Maine veterans who've made so many contributions to our national defense and our communities and it was made even more special because today is the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, said Senator King. The men and women who served at Pearl Harbor will forever be examples of the strength resilience of our servicemembers. We will never forget them, and today we honor not only their memory, but the service of all the men and women who've answered the call to duty. To all American veterans: I thank you for your service, and I join all of Maine in wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season. Senator King has been an advocate for veterans issues during his time in Washington. Last month, Senator Kingintroducedthe Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill that would help improve veterans' health care. The bill seeks to increase collaboration among federal agencies and authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new technologies that improve our understanding of the health challenges facing veterans. Earlier in November, Senator King honored Maine's veterans in a speech at Messalonskee Middle School's annual Veterans Tribute Assembly. In preparation for the assembly, students completed projects focused on learning about military service and the sacrifices of America's veterans. In October, heattendedthe 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford where he recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. In October,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources. Also in September,he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, whichaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs and reform the VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans.In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In April, Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. Senator King also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by dedicating hisNovember2017andDecember2017podcasts to the subject, with Travis Mills as one of the guests on the latter show. In December 2017, theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund three new positionsinMaineto better serve justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health or substance abuse issues a move which followed aFebruary 2017 letter from Senator King to the VAurging additional resources on the topic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-king-backed-bill-to-promote-high-speed-internet-for-farmers,Senate Passes Bipartisan King-Backed Bill to Promote High-Speed Internet for Farmers,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BANGOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded last night's Senate passage of the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Senator King that promotes precision agriculture and rural broadband deployment. The legislation, which Senator King cosponsored in May, would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a task force to identify gaps in high-speed internet connectivity for the nation's agricultural land.The measure also instructs the agency to develop ways to help encourage broadband adoption and precision agriculture and to promote broadband deployment in areas where it is currently unavailable. In rural regions across Maine, our state's farmers are pillars of their communities and the foundation of the local economy, said Senator King. And, by the way their products are second-to-none. We need to find ways to help them expand their efforts and reach new markets, and we should start by making sure they have all the technology they need to maximize their yield and reduce their costs. Through precision agriculture and rural broadband, we can help Maine farms increase efficiency and become more competitive in the global marketplace. Broadband connectivity can support our rural farmers and their farm businesses in many ways, including utilization of tools and technologies to enhance their practices, and improving access to markets and other timely information that is difficult to obtain without reliable and consistent broadband service,said Amanda Beal, President and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust, at the time of Senator King's cosponsorship in May. Precision agriculture describes the use of mobile devices, robotics, field sensors, remote monitoring, and other technologies to manage agricultural production. Farmers and ranchers who use the technology can significantly increase crop yields, streamline operations, and reduce production expenses. In many areas of the United States, reliable, high-speed internet connections are not consistently available to support precision agriculture operations. Specifically, the legislation asks the newly-created FCC task force to: Identify and measure current gaps in the availability of broadband coverage on agricultural land; Assemble a comprehensive guide of all federal programs or resources dedicated to expanding broadband access on cropland and ranchland; Develop policy recommendations, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to promote the rapid, expanded deployment of fixed and mobile high-speed broadband on agricultural land, with the goal of achieving service on 95 percent of agricultural land in the United States by 2025; Recommend specific steps that the FCC and other Federal agencies should take to obtain reliable and standardized data measurements of broadband coverage as may be necessary to target funding support to unserved agricultural land; Recommend specific steps the FCC can take to ensure that available farm data from the USDA is reflected in developing Federal programs to deploy broadband to agricultural land; and Submit an annual report to Congress detailing the status of fixed and mobile broadband coverage on agricultural land; the projected future connectivity needs of agricultural operations, farmers, and ranchers; and the steps being taken to accurately measure the availability of high-speed broadband on agricultural land and the limitations of current measurement processes. In addition to Senator King, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Tina Smith, (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-join-group-of-senators-in-introducing-legislation-to-honor-wwii-cadet-nurses,"Senators Collins, King Join Group of Senators in Introducing Legislation to Honor WWII Cadet Nurses",2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) in introducing the U.S Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, bipartisan legislation to honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status. The bill, which comes on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, would recognize former Cadet Nurses' service to our country and provide them with honorable discharges, ribbon and medal privileges, and burial privileges. The bill will be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-MT). ""Whether in a hospital or overseas on a military base, nurses work on the front lines of patient care in a wide variety of health care settings and serve as critically important advocates for patients and their families,"" said Senator Collins. ""The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps played a vital role in WWII, addressing a critical shortage of nurses during the War and providing women with an expedited nursing education in exchange for their health care services. U.S. Cadet Nurses worked tirelessly to keep America's healthcare system strong, and many went on to work in military hospitals caring for our injured troops. I am proud to cosponsor this meaningful bill, and I encourage my colleagues to join us in honoring U.S. Cadet Nurses."" ""On this day in 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation and brought the United States into World War II,"" said Senator King. ""Seventy-seven years later, it is still important to remember the contributions of all Americans who answered the call to serve - including the Cadet Nurses, who saved lives, healed the injured, and in so many ways, helped save our nation."" Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) joined the bipartisan group in recognizing the service of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. In the midst of WWII, a severe shortage of trained nurses threatened the nation's ability to meet domestic and military medical needs. In response, Congress established the Cadet Nurse Corps, an integrated, uniformed service of the Public Health Administration, in 1943. The Cadet Nurse Corps provided young women with expedited nursing education in exchange for ""service in essential nursing for the duration of the war."" In total, nearly 120,000 women completed the Corps' rigorous training. Cadet Nurses served in military hospitals, VA hospitals, private hospitals, public health agencies, and public hospitals. In 1944, the Federal Security Agency identified ""national recognition for rendering a vital war service"" as a privilege of service in the Corps. The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act would: Provide Cadet Nurses with veteran's status, with an honorable discharge from service where merited; Provide Cadet Nurses with burial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Allow the Secretary of Defense to provide honorably discharged Cadet Nurses with a service medal. The bill has been endorsed by the American Nurses Association, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/04/18/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-to-the-united-states-military-service-academies,Senators Collins And King Announce Maine Nominees To The United States Military Service Academies,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination. We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation's distinguished service academies, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character. The following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King: United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs Name Home Town High School Brett Brown Bangor Bangor High School Logan Christian Hampden Hampden Academy William Curtis Brunswick Brunswick High School Trace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School Tristan Denholm Kittery Point Robert Williams Traip Academy Aspen Dyer North Berwick Noble High School Caroline Leal York York High School Alexander Morrison Baileyville Woodland Jr./Sr. High School Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Academy Andover Maxime Reznik Bar Harbor Mount Desert Island High School United States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point Name Home Town High School Trace Cyr Presque Isle Presque Isle High School Louis Daukas Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Jack Hermansen Windham Windham High School George Holt Cumberland Foreside Baxter Academy for Technology & Science J. Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Benjamin Jacobs Carrabassett Valley Carrabassett Valley Academy Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Andover Academy Morgan Sharp Kennebunkport Kennebunk High School Aidan Willitts Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Unites States Military Academy West Point Name Home Town High School Brett Brown Bangor Bangor High School Logan Christian Hampden Hampden Academy Ryan Fitzmaurice Bath Maine School of Science and Mathematics Luke Hill Portland Deering High School Sarah Hollis Orrington Bangor High School Benjamin Jacobs Carrabassett Valley Carrabassett Valley Academy Caroline Leal York York High School Michael Manetti Freeport Cheverus High School Kara Murray Yarmouth Yarmouth High School Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Andover Academy Eric Quirk Scarborough Scarborough High School Caleb Richardson Augusta Cony High School Nicholas Welsh Lisbon Saint Dominic Academy United States Naval Academy- Annapolis Name Home Town High School Cannon Breen Holden John Bapst Memorial High School William Cleaves Windham Windham Christian Academy William Curtis Brunswick Brunswick High School Louis Daukas Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School Dante Delorenzo Kennebunk Kennebunk High School Tristan Denholm Kittery Point Robert Williams Traip Academy Noah Eckersley-Ray Yarmouth Yarmouth High School Alexander Foster Hancock Mount Desert Island High School Michael Guertler Yarmouth Yarmouth High School Luke Hill Portland Deering High School Caroline Leal York York High School Michael Manetti Freeport Cheverus High School Jack O'Neil Bethel Philips Academy Andover Morgan Sharp Kennebunkport Kennebunk High School David Wilson Hartland Home School",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-46-million-investment-for-water-infrastructure-in-southwest-harbor-bridgton-and-rockland,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $46 Million Investment for Water Infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland",2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development office is investing a total of $46,121,000 to upgrade water infrastructure in Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland. USDA is providing financing through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, which can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage, and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of these communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Southwest Harbor, Bridgton, and Rockland are renowned for their pristine beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. These significant investments will help protect the environment in the regions while creating jobs and increasing efficiencies at their wastewater treatment plants. The funding was awarded as follows: Southwest Harbor Water and Sewer District ($15,684,000) Southwest Harbor was awarded an $8,000,000 loan and a $7,684,000 grant to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility and pump stations. The project will remove processing equipment that has exceeded its useful life, replace and expand existing structures, and improve overall efficiencies of the treatment process. The improvements include building upgrades, pump station upgrades, new blowers, sludge pumps, a dumping station, sludge dewatering, and clarifiers. These upgrades include higher efficiency equipment, which will result in more affordable operations for the users of the system. The town's wastewater treatment facility provides essential wastewater services to its 539 residential and 128 commercial and governmental customers. Upon completion of the project, the district will be in compliance with its Maine Department of Environmental Protection discharge permit. Modernization of this circa 1973 wastewater treatment plant will minimize and/or eliminate the potential for discharge of untreated sewage into the Atlantic Ocean. Maintaining a healthy waterfront is essential to this region's economy. It will aid future economic growth and it is estimated that project funds will help to create or save approximately 378 jobs. Upgrades to the sewer system play an important role in preserving Southwest Harbor as a working waterfront that relies on tourism, eco-tourism, recreational and commercial boating, and commercial fishing in order to maintain a viable economy. This means that preserving the water quality of nearby Somes Sound, a coastal waterway in the Gulf of Maine, is of the utmost importance as the Atlantic Ocean is the lifeblood of this rural community. Town of Bridgton ($20,437,000) Bridgton was awarded a $10,437,000 loan and a $10,000,000 grant to rehabilitate its wastewater treatment system. The proposed project is to construct a new wastewater treatment facility, upgrade some aging sewer collection infrastructure, and to expand the system which will enable additional users in the greater downtown area to have access to public wastewater services. The expansion portion of the project is expected to add 448 new users, increasing the total number of users on the system from 207 to 655. The proposed project will focus on the wastewater facility as it is in need of immediate upgrades. Some of the plant's original equipment and processes are upwards of 35 years old, and the overall facility is well beyond the 20 year useful life for which it was originally designed. The plant is now at an age where it has a greater chance of equipment failure and it has incurred increased maintenance needs. Several key unit processes at the plant are inefficient, inadequate, or obsolete. The rehabilitation improvements address the aging infrastructure and capacity issues in the project area, as well as restore the design capacity of the facility at a reasonable cost. The proposed upgrades, which are long overdue, will help the system operate more effectively and efficiently, as well as address the Maine Department of Environmental Protection health and sanitary concerns. The upgrades included in this project represent the highest priorities identified in the town's Strategic Plan and will have the greatest benefit to the distribution system. Additional funding includes $2,000,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $443,000 from the Town of Bridgton. City of Rockland ($10,000,000) Rockland was awarded an $8,028,000 loan and a $1,972,000 grant to rehabilitate the city's wastewater treatment facility, upgrade some aging sewer collection infrastructure, and correct some Combined Sewer Overflow abatement issues. The proposed project will focus on the wastewater system as it is in need of immediate upgrades. Some of the plant's original equipment and processes are upwards of 40 years old, and the overall facility is well beyond the 20-year useful life for which it was originally designed. The plant is now at an age where it has a greater chance of equipment failure and it has incurred increased maintenance needs. Several key unit processes at the plant are inefficient, inadequate, or obsolete. The rehabilitation improvements address the aging infrastructure and capacity issues in the project area, as well as restore the design capacity of the facility at a reasonable cost. The proposed upgrades, which are long overdue, will help the system operate more effectively and efficiently, as well as address the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's health and sanitary concerns. The upgrades included in this project represent the highest priorities identified in the city's Strategic Plan and Combined Sewer Overflow Master Plan and will have the greatest benefit to the distribution system, which serves 2,943 users.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-2-million-for-head-start-in-hancock-and-washington-counties,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2 Million for Head Start in Hancock and Washington Counties",2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Downeast Community Partners (DCP) received $1,996,333 for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Hancock and Washington counties. Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that young children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will help build an educational foundation for children in Hancock and Washington counties and provide parents with access to the services they need during their children's early years. In October 2017, Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) and Child and Family Opportunities (CFO) merged to form Downeast Community Partners (DCP). The two entities formerly operated as two separate local non-profits dedicated to serving the residents of Washington and Hancock counties. Child and Family Opportunities, Inc. (CFO), formed in 1970, and the Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA), formed in 1966, have each served the Down East region of Maine, focusing on helping low-income and at-risk residents thrive. DCP now continues this work. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. This funding, which was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), funds local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-george-hw-bush,King Statement on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush: Former President George H.W. Bush was a statesman and a leader, a man of dedication and dignity who served his nation in the military, in Congress, and in the White House. Throughout his lifetime of service, President Bush left his mark on our entire nation but his loss will be felt even more acutely in Maine, the home of his beloved Walker's Point. For all his achievements, President Bush remained humble, kind, and warm. Like so many Maine people, I've been fortunate enough to spend time with President Bush during some of his trips to Kennebunkport and like all who have had that opportunity, I will forever cherish the time we were able to share. His passing leaves a great hole in our nation and in our state; he will be deeply missed. During this sad time, Mary and I are keeping his family especially his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren in our thoughts. Senator King is at the Ronald Reagan National Library today in Simi Valley, California, to participate in the Reagan National Defense Forum.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-issue-bipartisan-call-to-protect-worship-centers,"King, Colleagues Issue Bipartisan Call to Protect Worship Centers",2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined his colleagues in a bipartisan letter to push for strong community safety funding in any FY19 appropriations package. Specifically, the Senators have called for adequate allocations to the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant program which helps nonprofit organizations like religious institutions, schools, and community centers make security improvements. The Senators penned the letter as the United States continues to grieve the deadliest attack on the American Jewish community in our nation's history. We regret that nonprofit organizations especially religious institutions, schools, and community centers have become targets for violent attacks and believe we have a responsibility to address the motivating factors behind these threats, wrote the Senators. But as long as the threat remains, we must take steps to ensure these facilities have the necessary resources to improve their security if they wish to do so. While we recognize much more remains to be done beyond investing in security, we urge your strong support for robust funding of the Nonprofit Security Grant program in the FY19 appropriations cycle and stand ready to work with you on this issue. U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Gary C. Peters (D-Mich,), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined Senator King in this effort. A full copy of the letter can be found here and more on the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant program is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-over-11-million-for-community-health-centers-in-washington-kennebec-penobscot-and-cumberland-counties,"Collins, King Announce Over $11 Million for Community Health Centers in Washington, Kennebec, Penobscot and Cumberland Counties",2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a total of $11,668,486 for four community health centers throughout Maine. The funding will be awarded to Regional Medical Center in Lubec, Healthreach Community Health Centers in Waterville, Health Access Network Inc. in Lincoln, and Portland Community Health Center to improve health services and support health care professionals. Community health centers provide essential services and make a tremendous difference in the lives of Maine people, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. This important investment will support these health professionals as they continue to help ensure access to top-quality care for our families, friends, and neighbors. The funding is allocated as follows: Regional Medical Center in Lubec received $1,276,277. Healthreach Community Health Centers in Waterville received $3,987,494. Health Access Network, Inc. in Lincoln received $2,861,773. Portland Community Health Center received $3,542,942. This grant funding is awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within HHS that is tasked with improving access to health care by building healthy communities, strengthening the health care workforce, and achieving health equity. HRSA's programs target the economic and medically vulnerable as well as the geographically isolated. The grants are awarded under HRSA's Health Center Cluster program. Community health centers (CHCs) provide care to more than 200,000 people in Maine and are a critical part of the nation's primary care network. Across the nation, CHCs serve approximately 26 million patients at over 10,000 sites in both rural and urban communities in every state in the nation. In 2017, community health centers were the medical home for one in twelve Americans, one in ten children, one in six Americans living in rural areas, and more than 330,000 of our nation's veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-senate-hearing-king-urges-nominee-to-emphasize-preventive-treatment-in-effort-to-reduce-healthcare-costs,"In Senate Hearing, King Urges Nominee to Emphasize Preventive Treatment in Effort to Reduce Healthcare Costs",2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) highlighted the importance of pursuing preventive healthcare measures to reduce overall healthcare costs. During his questioning of Mr. Thomas McCaffery, the nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Senator King emphasized the rising costs of healthcare nationwide, and the unique ability of the Department of Defense (DoD) to drive changes in the marketplace as a major purchaser of healthcare services. Later in the hearing, Senator King questioned Mr. William Bookless, the nominee to serve as Principle Deputy Administrator of National Nuclear Security Administration about nuclear proliferation. You have about 10 million people in your system as I recall, about 9.4, something like that, that gives you a tremendous opportunity to talk about the cost of health care, which is a problem that's nationwide, the cost of health care is going to break us no matter who is paying, said Senator King to Mr. McCaffery. So it seems to me you have a particular opportunity with a closed population to deal with issues like prevention, and method of payment, and accountable care, and all of those kinds of things, that could seriously diminish the cost curve on health care.You are a major buyer of healthcare services and therefore you should be able to drive reforms, in everything from drugs to medical devices to care, and I just, I see this as a terrific opportunity for the, for the country, and I hope you'll pursue it aggressively. Senator King has been an advocate for the healthcare of America's servicemembers and veterans issues in Washington. Earlier this week, Senator King introduced the Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill that would help improve veterans' health care. The bill seeks to increase collaboration among federal agencies and authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new technologies that improve our understanding of the health challenges facing veterans. A version of the legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously in September. In October,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources. Senator King has also fought to emphasize preventive healthcare during his time in the Senate. In December 2017, he urged Senate leaders to continue funding the Prevention and Public Health Fund at current levels, citing the cost-effective nature of preventive healthcare spending. In November 2017, Senator King led a bipartisan group of Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) and Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) to reintroduce the Preventive Health Savings Act, legislation that would direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to more accurately reflect the cost-savings of preventive healthcare, including health screenings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-backed-by-white-house,King Cosponsors Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill Backed by White House,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he has cosponsored the bipartisan First Step Act, which would improve fairness in sentencing of federal crimes, promote public safety and reduce recidivism. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisanSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which Senator King cosponsored in July and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. The legislation has been endorsed by the President, has strong bipartisan support in Congress, and is supported by a wide range of law enforcement organizations and criminal justice reform advocates. The First Step Act can help make our communities safer, help inmates become productive community members upon release from prison, and save taxpayer money no wonder it has broad, bipartisan support from Congress, the White House, and from law enforcement and criminal justice reform advocates across the country, said Senator King. This bill is an important chance to work across the aisle and create a better criminal justice system for all Americans let's take this opportunity, and pass it swiftly."" The comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional development programs.It also improves fairness in prison sentences by recalibrating certain mandatory minimum sentences, granting greater discretion for judges in sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug crimes and clarifying congressional intent on sentencing enhancements for certain crimes involving firearms. It also preserves the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. The legislation also allows petitions for retroactive application of theFair Sentencing Actto be considered on an individual basis to reduce historical sentencing disparities. Under this legislation, any savings generated by the reforms would automatically be reinvested into law enforcement programs to further reduce crime and improve community safety. The legislation currently has 24 bipartisan cosponsors 12 Republicans, 11 Democrats, and Senator King and is supported by a wide range of stakeholders from key law enforcement organizations to reform advocates, including the Fraternal Order of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Cut50, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration, National District Attorneys Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Earlier this year, Senator King cosponsored the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, parts of which are included in this version of the First Step Act. In 2017, he cosponsored theSmarter Sentencing Reform Act, a bill to provide alternatives to mandatory minimums for non-violent drug offenses. Senator King has previously cosponsored theSecond Chance Act Reauthorization, which funds programs to assist with successful prisoner reentry into society.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-advance-legislative-effort-to-end-us-support-for-saudi-engagement-in-yemen,King Votes to Advance Legislative Effort to End U.S. Support for Saudi Engagement in Yemen,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, voted to advance Senate Joint Resolution 54, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the ongoing civil war in Yemen pursuant to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This resolution would not impact important U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen.The resolution was advanced by a vote of 63 to 37. The civil war, which is between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen, has led to mass civilian casualties, and reports indicate that as many as 85,000 children may have died of starvation in Yemen since the war began. The civil war in Yemen has created one of the most serious humanitarian disasters in recenthistory, said Senator King. Too many civilians especially children have already died as a result of the war between the Saudi Arabia-led coalition and Iranian-backed Houthis. The United States should not be complicit in this tragedy that's why I voted in March to end our limited support for the Saudi-led coalition, and why I voted the same way today. I reiterate the call for all parties to seek a diplomatic solution to resolve this political and humanitarian crisis. Senator King had previously voted to advance SJ Res 54 in March, but the resolution was tabled by a vote of 55-44. The resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict in Yemen does not apply to ongoing American counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen, and would allow U.S. forces conducting counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to continue their work. The Senate will now begin debating the resolution and possible amendments.A vote on final passage of the resolution may occur as late as next week.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-improve-veterans-health-care,King Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Help Improve Veterans’ Health Care,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) introduced the Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill that would help improve veterans' health care. The bill seeks to increase collaboration among federal agencies and authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new technologies that improve our understanding of the health challenges facing veterans. A version of the legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously in September. In addition to Senator King, the bill is also supported by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). America's veterans have made immense sacrifices for our nation. Through their service they have earned not only our eternal gratitude, but also the best support that we can possibly provide, said Senator King. In order to live up to our duty, we must strive to improve the care they receive, taking steps like utilizing cutting-edge technology and increasing communication between government agencies. By improving our overall knowledge of the healthcare challenges facing our veterans, we can improve the quality of care they receive. The Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act will build on current interagency collaborative effortslike the Million Veterans Program Computational Health Analytics of Medical Precision to Improve Outcomes initiativeby authorizing a program within the DOE to develop technologies to help solve complex data challenges by analyzing data sets from federal agencies, higher education institutions, non-profits and the private industry. In addition, this bill authorizes a DOE research program to spur development to accommodate for large data sets. Senator King has been an advocate for veterans issues during his time in Washington. Earlier this month, he honored Maine's veterans ina speech at Messalonskee Middle School's annual Veterans Tribute Assembly, where he highlighted students' work on their projects, honored veterans in the room, and underscored the importance of living up to the sacred responsibility of caring for those who have served. In October, heattendedthe 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford where he recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. Earlier that month,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources. Also in September,he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, whichaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs and reform the VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans.In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In April, Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. Senator King also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by dedicating hisNovember2017andDecember2017podcasts to the subject, with Travis Mills as one of the guests on the latter show. In December 2017, theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund three new positionsinMaineto better serve justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health or substance abuse issues a move which followed aFebruary 2017 letter from Senator King to the VAurging additional resources on the topic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-senate-hearing-king-presses-energy-nominee-to-recuse-himself-from-evaluating-costly-energy-policy-he-helped-design,"In Senate Hearing, King Presses Energy Nominee to Recuse Himself from Evaluating Costly Energy Policy He Helped Design",2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC In a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) cited the United States Code in asking Bernard McNamee, a nominee to serve as a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to recuse himself from any proceedings related to a proposed rule that Mr. McNamee worked on while serving at the Department of Energy. The proposed rule, which called for additional compensation for electric generators that hold 90 days of fuel supply on site, effectively encourages use of coal and nuclear power. The proposal was unanimously rejected by FERC in January 2018, but similar proposals may be forthcoming from the Administration. The United States Code says, any judge, justice, or magistrate judge of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned.' It goes on to say, where he has served in government employment, and in such capacity participated as counsel, adviser, or material witness, considering the proceeding, or express an opinion concerning the merits of a particular case in controversy, he should disqualify himself,' said Senator King. I don't understand any argument where you would have to consult any counsel, anywhere on Earth to understand, that you have a conflict of interest when it comes to this issue of the price of the so-called grid resiliency pricing rule or any version thereof. Will you recuse yourself if that issue comes before the commission and you are a member? After McNamee refused to commit to recusing himself, Senator King added, I'm surprised and disappointed that you feel you have to consult with counsel on something that's so clear. Today's hearing also included the nominations of Dr. Rita Baranwal to be Assistant Secretary of Energy and Mr. Raymond David Vela to be Director of the National Park Service. Later in his questioning, Senator King, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, asked Mr. Vela if he supported the Restore Our Parks Act, a bipartisan bill led by Senators King, Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). Mr. Vela reiterated his support of the proposal, which was successfully voted out of the Committee and is cosponsored by 30 Senators. Senator King has been a longtime supporter of the National Parks System, and in September he joined Acting Director of the National Park Service, Dan Smith, on a tour of Acadia National Park to assess the park's critical maintenance needs. He has also pushed for modernizations to make the parks more accessible to future generations, including the implementation of a pilot program to make entrance passes for parks available online, that waslauded in a Subcommittee hearing last year. The program has been particularly successful in Acadia National Park (ANP); Acadia accounts for 72% of total sales in the pilot program, and online purchases accounted for 10% of the park's total entrance fee receipts in 2016. See Senator King's questioning HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-new-england-delegation-in-introducing-resolution-honoring-boston-red-sox-world-series-victory,"Collins, King Join New England Delegation in Introducing Resolution Honoring Boston Red Sox World Series Victory",2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined members of the New England Senate delegation today in introducing a resolution to congratulate the Boston Red Sox on their 2018 World Series victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In clinching the 2018 World Series, the Boston Red Sox stand as a testament to the New England values of hard work and perseverance, said Senator Collins. This resolution not only recognizes the commitment, skill, and leadership exhibited by the team, but it also expresses the gratitude from all of us who make up Red Sox Nation. Congratulations to the Red Sox on an extraordinary season! Since Spring Training, the Red Sox showed time and again that they were a special team, said Senator King. From the leadership of Alex Cora, to the positivity of Mookie Betts, to the exceptional performance of Steve Pearce in the World Series, the Sox had it all. It was great to watch their energy and charisma capture the hearts and minds of fans in Maine and across New England. Congratulations to the 2018 World Champions! In addition to Senators Collins and King, the resolution was introduced by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Jack Reed (D-RI).The full text of the resolution is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-in-response-to-chinas-human-rights-abuses-against-uyghurs,"King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation in Response to China’s Human Rights Abuses Against Uyghurs",2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to introduce the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act in response to the gross violations of human rights in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including the mass internment of over one million Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities, as well as China's intimidation and threats against U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs) on American soil.In addition to Senator King, the bill is sponsored by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Human rights are not limited to certain people, or only applicable in select countries they are universal, said Senator King. The United States must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. That includes the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, who have been the victims of serious human rights violations at the hands of the Chinese government. These inhumane policies are unacceptable, and the United States must take steps to push China to end them. A copy of the legislation can be found here. Key elements of the legislation include:A report by the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the State Department, regarding the regional security threat posed by the crackdown and the frequency with which Central Asian countries are forcibly returning Turkic Muslim refugees and asylum seekers. The report will also include a list of Chinese companies involved in the construction and operation of the camps.An FBI report on efforts to provide information to and protect U.S. citizens and LPRs (including Uyghurs) from Chinese government harassment and intimidation.A report by the CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media regarding efforts to intimidate Radio Free Asia (RFA) employees, the status and reach of U.S. broadcasting to Xinjiang, and analysis of disinformation propaganda by the PRC targeting Uyghur communities globally. A State Department report regarding the scale and scope of the crackdown.The legislation urges high-level U.S. engagement on this issue, the establishment of a new double-hatted position at the State Department (a Special Coordinator for Xinjiang) while the crisis persists, the application of Global Magnitsky and related sanctions, the full implementation of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, a review of Commerce Department export controls and end user restrictions and the establishment of a voluntary database whereby U.S. citizens and LPRs can provide information regarding missing/detained family members with a view toward pressing for accountability.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-urge-army-secretary-to-create-uss-thresher-memorial-in-arlington-national-cemetery,"Collins, King Urge Army Secretary to Create USS Thresher Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery",2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in a letter urging Secretary of the Army Mark Esper to consider the USS Thresher Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Project to establish a monument honoring the 129 men who perished aboard the USS Thresher, a submarine that sank off the coast of New England on April 10, 1963. April 10, 2018 marked the 55th anniversary of the tragedy. As you know, on April 9, 1963, the USS Thresher, built and maintained at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, departed with a crew of 16 officers, 96 sailors, and 17 civilians. Early in the morning on April 10th, approximately 300 miles off the coast of New England, the Thresher experienced an incident during a post-maintenance sea trial dive from which she could not recover. Tragically, the boat was lost along with all 129 men on board, wrote the Senators. In response to the Thresher tragedy, the U.S. Navy instituted a new program to ensure the health and safety of U.S. submarines, establishing the Submarine Safety and Quality Assurance Program (SUBSAFE). SUBSAFE is one of the world's most comprehensive military safety programs and has helped provide maximum protection for Navy crews. No SUBSAFE-certified submarine has ever been lost. The Senators concluded, As we pass the 55th anniversary since we lost the Thresher, we believe a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery would be a fitting tribute to its legacy. As you know, a number of special monuments and memorials have been dedicated at Arlington, including tributes to the USS Serpens, the USS Maine, the Space Shuttles Columbia and Challenger as well as those lost during the Iran rescue mission in 1980. We believe a memorial to the USS Thresher would reflect the Arlington National Cemetery's long legacy as a national shrine and a living history of freedomwhere dignity and honor rest in solemn repose.' This memorial would serve not only to honor the sacrifice of those that lost their lives but as a reminder of the dangers that all submariners face when they volunteer for duty. The Thresher tragedy had a deep impact on the New England community. Approximately two dozen families of the men lost aboard the submarine still reside in New Hampshire, and a number of other families reside in Maine. Senator Shaheen and members of the New England delegation have long worked to honor the memory of the men who perished aboard the Thresher. In 2013, Shaheen, Collins, King and former Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) introduced a resolution to honor the Thresher on the 50th anniversary of its sinking, which passed the Senate unanimously. The letter can be read in full here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-13-million-for-head-start-in-york-county-,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $1.3 Million for Head Start in York County",2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that York County Community Action Corporation received $1,342,612 for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Head Start provides children with a strong educational foundation that allows them to grow and succeed. It also gives parents the developmental resources they need to support their children and to help them build confidence, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. We welcome this important investment in the children and families of York County. York County Community Action Corporation seeks to alleviate and solve poverty for the people of York County by assisting families and seniors within the community. The organization helps to administer economic stability services such as Head Start, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Women with Infants and Children (WIC). This funding, which was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), funds local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country. With this investment, the Head Start programs at York County Community Action Corporation will continue to work with community members to provide early educational and developmental resources for parents and their children. These programs offer support for children in low-income families from infancy to pre-school age. They prepare children for school, host classes with educational activities, provide health screenings, and connect families with disability and other health care services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-honoring-veterans-day,King Statement Honoring Veterans Day,2018-11-11,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, the Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement from Senator King in honor of Veterans Day: On this Veterans Day, it is my privilege to recognize and thank all of the men and women who have served in our armed forces for their commitment to our country, said Senator King. Their tireless efforts and unfailing devotion to duty have kept us safe in times of peril. Today, we pause to reflect on their service and the debt of honor that we owe them and their families. One hundred years ago, members of the Allied Forces and Central Powers laid down their arms, an event recognized as the end of the First World War. Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11 became the date each year that we as a country remembered and honored the more than 116,000 Americans who lost their lives during The Great War. After World War II, this annual remembrance was expanded to honor all those who served, and became known as Veterans Day. Today, we continue to use this occasion to pay tribute to all of our Nation's veterans who have proudly served. Our veterans and their families those who returned home, those who are still missing, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice represent the very best of what this country has to offer and I am deeply thankful for their noble service. The people of Maine have long embraced the call to serve, and our state has a storied history of sending our sons and daughters to bravely defend the safety, security, and values of the United States of America. This spirit of service not only lives in the willingness to don the uniform, but also in the commitment of the people of Maine to care for those who have returned. I am humbled to join people throughout Maine and across the country to honor the selfless service of our Veterans and to recognize the eternal debt that we owe to them and their families. There is still much work to do to honor their sacrifices, but today we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have served in uniform on our behalf, including those veterans who are struggling with homelessness, unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare, and those families who are left with the burden of not knowing the fate of their loved ones who remain unaccounted for overseas. We must continue to serve our veterans with the same dedication that they served us. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues during his time in Washington. Last week, he honored Maine's veterans in a speech at Messalonskee Middle School's annual Veterans Tribute Assembly, where he highlighted students' work on their projects, honored veterans in the room, and underscored the importance of living up to the sacred responsibility of caring for those who have served. In October, he attended the 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford where he recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. Earlier that month,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources. Also in September,he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, whichaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs and reform the VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans.In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In April, Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. Senator King also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by dedicating hisNovember2017andDecember2017podcasts to the subject, with Travis Mills as one of the guests on the latter show. In December 2017, theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund three new positionsinMaineto better serve justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health or substance abuse issues a move which followed aFebruary 2017 letter from Senator King to the VAurging additional resources on the topic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/newsroom/press-releases/king-addresses-students-honors-veterans-at-messalonskee-middle-schools-veterans-tribute-assembly,"King Addresses Students, Honors Veterans at Messalonskee Middle School’s Veterans Tribute Assembly",2018-11-08,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"OAKLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) honored Maine's veterans in a speech at Messalonskee Middle School's annual Veterans Tribute Assembly. In preparation for the assembly, students completed projects focused on learning about military service and the sacrifices of America's veterans. During his remarks, Senator King highlighted students' work on their projects, honored the veterans in attendance, and underscored the importance of living up to the sacred responsibility of caring for those who have served. An event like today's truly epitomizes what makes Maine so special. These students at Messalonskee Middle School are not only learning about the sacrifices of our veterans, but also understanding at their young age the responsibility that we have as community members to ensure that these veterans are cared for, said Senator King. Maine has a long tradition of brave service, with one of the highest numbers of veterans per capita in the United States, and it's important for students to have a strong, first-hand understanding of the opportunities and challenges that veterans face in their own communities. Year after year, the students and faculty at Messalonskee Middle School honor the service of our veterans and in doing so, remind us all about the gratitude we owe to the men and women who have served. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues during his time in Washington. Last month, he attended the 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford where he recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. In October,he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Centerto highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. In September, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources. Also in September,he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, whichaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs and reform the VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans.In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In April, Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. Senator King also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by dedicating hisNovember2017andDecember2017podcasts to the subject, with Travis Mills as one of the guests on the latter show. In December 2017, theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund three new positionsinMaineto better serve justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health or substance abuse issues a move which followed aFebruary 2017 letter from Senator King to the VAurging additional resources on the topic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-566690-to-strengthen-rural-maines-response-to-opioid-abuse,"Senators Collins, King Announce $566,690 to Strengthen Rural Maine’s Response to Opioid Abuse",2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $566,690 to two rural health care organizations in Maine as part of USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. The funding will help the organizations purchase network, video-conferencing, and other telecommunications equipment for rural health care facilities that specialize in addressing opioid abuse, treatment, and recovery. Opioid abuse is one of the most serious health epidemics facing Maine, and this crisis is particularly harmful to rural areas, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. These new technology and telemedicine upgrades will help rural Maine's health care providers access the education, training, and resources necessary to help Maine people struggling with substance use disorders enter recovery. The funding was allocated as follows: Maine Quality Counts received $479,679 to fund video-conferencing equipment that will connect partners in the opioid abuse recovery community in Kennebec, Washington, Waldo, Hancock, and Piscataquis CountiesMaine Rural Health Collaborative received $87,011 to fund telehealth network and video-conferencing equipment that will connect nine health care facilities in Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, and Washington Counties with partners in Maine and New Hampshire, increasing access to resources and training addressing opioid misuse. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. For example, this program can link medical service providers in one area to patients in another.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-celebrate-new-defense-contract-at-new-balance-supporting-900-maine-jobs,"Collins, King, Poliquin Celebrate New Defense Contract at New Balance Supporting 900 Maine Jobs",2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Norridgewock, ME Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Bruce Poliquin visited the New Balance plant in Norridgewock in celebration of New Balance's new contract with the U.S. military to produce athletic footwear for our military recruits domestically. The Senators and Representative toured the production line and delivered remarks congratulating New Balance employees and leadership. Senators Collins and King and Representative Poliquin played a pivotal role in making the contract possible by securing language in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the Pentagon to consider athletic footwear subject to the Berry Amendment, which states that the U.S. military must purchase 100% American-made gear when possible. The men and women of America's armed forces exemplify the best of our nation's values, and the men and women of New Balance exemplify the best of our nation's manufacturing heritage, said Senator Collins. I am so proud of the hardworking New Balance employees in Skowhegan, Norway, and Norridgewock who have kept the Made in America' label alive and well in the footwear industry and have proven that there is no challenge that American workers cannot meet. This is a win-win that is long overdue, and frankly, it just makes sense, said Senator King. Hundreds of Maine people work hard to make New Balance athletic footwear right here in Norridgewock. And now that the Berry Amendment applies to athletic footwear, Maine-made footwear will, quite literally, continue to support our military, and American military recruits. Today, as we celebrate this legislative achievement, we should really thank the men and women who make these high-quality footwear. They are the heart and soul of New Balance and they're what make Maine such a special place to live. This is a great day for Maine jobs, said Congressman Poliquin. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of these 900 Mainers in Norridgewock, Skowhegan, and Norway, our troops are now provided with 100% American-made athletic shoes. After fighting tooth and nail, and standing up to leadership in my own party and the Pentagon for these Maine jobs, we have great news to deliver to the people of Maine today. Today we are proud to celebrate New Balance's long-standing commitment to domestic manufacturing through our first delivery of Berry Amendment Compliant, 100% American Made 950v2 athletic shoes to the U.S. Department of Defense, said Dave Wheeler, Executive Vice President of Global Value Chain, New Balance. The 950v2 is made in Norridgewock, Maine, using midsoles produced in our Boston manufacturing facility and materials from more than 15 U.S. suppliers. We thank Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin who all worked tirelessly on Capitol Hill to enact legislation that supports the preservation and growth of U.S. footwear manufacturing jobs and ensured that our talented associates in Maine would have the opportunity to build quality athletic shoes for our country's military. The provision included in the final FY 2017 NDAA was based on legislation introduced by the Senators and Representative in 2016Senators Collins and King's Buy American Act and Representative Poliquin's Stepping up for American Workers and Troops Act. Senator King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, fought to successfully add the legislation as an amendment to the Senate version of the NDAA during the Committee's markup of the bill. Representative Poliquin also fought for its inclusion in the House version of the NDAA and successfully petitioned fellow members in the House, Democrats and Republicans, to vote down an amendment that would have stripped it out. The contract calls for the production of the 950v2 athletic shoe100% American-madefor recruits entering basic training. The shoes will be assembled in Norridgewock. The delivery of the first shipment is due to the Department of Defense this month. New Balance employs about 900 Mainers in its three locations in the state, including more than 350 at its Norridgewock plant.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-advocacy-from-maine-congressional-delegation-sanford-rug-manufacturer-is-victorious-in-trade-zone-application,"Following Advocacy from Maine Congressional Delegation, Sanford Rug Manufacturer is Victorious in Trade Zone Application",2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Maine's Congressional Delegation announced today that Sanford-based Flemish Master Weavers prevailed in its application for an exemption from a tariff on yarn it uses to manufacture area rugs in Maine. The ruling by the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board helps to level the playing field for Flemish Master Weavers to compete against foreign competitors and places the company in a strong position for continued growth. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin strongly advocated for Flemish Master Weavers. In November 2016, they sent a letter to the FTZ Board calling for the approval of the company's application. As one of Southern Maine's largest manufacturing employers, Flemish Master Weavers has a vital role in our state's economy and provides good jobs for Maine families, said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Poliquin. We are pleased that, following our advocacy, Flemish Master Weavers will now be exempt from this harmful tariff. The approval of Flemish Master Weavers' application not only increases the company's competitiveness, but puts it on track to expand operations. Johan Moulin, the President of Flemish Master Weavers of Sanford, Maine, said, This Board approval of our application to keep rug production in Maine resulted from more than three years of intense work by our Senators and Representatives, the Governor, the City of Waterville, the Central Maine Growth Council, our attorney and consulting firm and many others. Senator Collins and Senator King were incredibly strong advocates for us at the Commerce Department in Washington. Governor LePage and Representatives Pingree and Poliquin helped us in working with the many government agencies and business groups that were instrumental in our ability to remedy, at least in large part, a major impediment to our continued growth. In this time of political division, all of them strove together to achieve a positive result for the people of Maine as well as for Flemish Master Weavers. Flemish Master Weavers manufactures machine-made woven area rugs and, as the smallest of only four such producers remaining in the United States, faces competition from foreign manufacturers who increasingly dominate the area rug market here at home. Flemish Master Weavers imports yarn that carries an 8.8 percent U.S. tariff. Despite being designed to protect U.S. businesses, that tariff put Flemish Master Weavers at a competitive disadvantage against the foreign competitors who enjoy duty-free access to the U.S. for the area rugs they manufacture abroad with identical yarn. Flemish Master Weavers has eleven high-speed looms and fully-automated packing and finishing operations. The company has indicated that it could potentially increase employment as part of a 72,000 square foot building expansion. The foreign-trade zones program was authorized by Congress in 1934 and is used to support U.S. companies in competition with foreign alternatives by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign merchandise, as well as other savings. The FTZ Board licenses designated sites as foreign-trade zones.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-honors-veterans-at-6th-annual-women-veterans-luncheon-in-rumford,King Honors Veterans at 6th Annual Women Veterans’ Luncheon in Rumford,2018-10-27,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the 6th Annual Women Veterans' Luncheon in Rumford. At the celebration, Senator King recognized and commended the attendees, who represented all branches of military service. In Maine, we're lucky that so many incredible veterans call our state home,said Senator King.What a privilege it is to celebrate and honor the sacrifice of Maine's women veterans. Your service kept our country safe and strong when we needed you and your contributions to our communities have made Maine a special place. We owe you more than the thanks we can offer you today, but it is my hope you know how grateful we are for your service. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues since arriving in Washington. Earlier this month, he joined Maine veterans at the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Center to highlight services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing. Last month, hejoined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregiversat the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to discuss common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide and provide information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources. Also in September,he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, whichaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs and reform the VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans.In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In May, he helda listening session with Maine veteranson the qualities and values they are looking for in a new VA Secretary, and in April, Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. Senator King also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by dedicating hisNovember 2017andDecember2017podcasts to the subject, with Travis Mills as one of the guests on the latter show. In December 2017, theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund three new positionsinMaineto better serve justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health or substance abuse issues a move which followed aFebruary 2017 letter from Senator King to the VAurging additional resources on the topic. Senator King was a cosponsor of theDepartment of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, which passed the Senate in June 2017 and has since beensigned into law.After the celebration, Senator King spoke at the 35th Anniversary Open House at Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in Brunswick. During his time in Washington, Senator King has fought to reduce food insecurity for Maine's most vulnerable; he's visited several food banks and nutrition centers throughout Maine, most recently the Good Shepherd Food Bank in September, to discuss the challenges facing Maine people who are struggling with the lack consistent access to heathy food due to lack of financial resources, often referred to as food insecurity.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-underscores-importance-of-maines-forest-economy-in-bangor-visits-pleasant-river-lumber-in-dover-foxcroft,"King Underscores Importance of Maine’s Forest Economy in Bangor, Visits Pleasant River Lumber in Dover-Foxcroft",2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DOVER-FOXCROFT, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) addressed attendees at the Forest Community Readiness Forum in Bangor, where he emphasized the importance of the forest economy in Maine's rural communities and highlighted his continued efforts to support Maine's rural economy. The event was hosted by the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/Maine) and Maine & Company, and focused on economic investment strategies that support rural community redevelopment efforts and included leaders from various mill communities throughout Maine, local, state, and federal officials, and representatives of philanthropic organizations. Following his remarks at the forum, Senator King visited Pleasant River Lumber, a sawmill in Dover-Foxcroft, to hear about their ongoing investments, tour their new construction and meet with the management team to discuss job creation and economic development in rural Maine. Maine forests have powered our state's economy for generations,said Senator King.In rural communities across our state, the forest industry has been and continues to be an important economic engine. And this industry has a bright future here thanks in large part to forward-thinking collaborations like the FOR/Maine Initiative and the continued investments and dedication of management and employees alike at places like Pleasant River Lumber. Maine is a special place and thanks to so many here today, it can and will be a special place for Maine families for generations to come. Senator King has been a strong supporter of Maine's forest economy, which plays a vital role in the state's rural communities. Last month, Senator King joined with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) to applaud the2018 FOR/Maine Initiative to grow Maine's forest economy and increase workforce prosperity in rural communities, which came after Senators King and Collins called on theU.S. Department of Commerce in 2016 to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT). The EDAT worked across federal and state agencies, industry sectors, and municipalities to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities, and its subsequent recommendations led to the EDA and the U.S. Forest Service providing funding for the FOR/Maine initiative. The forest industry has been a cornerstone of rural Maine communities for generations and has recently received significant investments: in February, Verso Corp. announced $17 million in upgrades in their Jay Androscoggin mill, earlier this month, ND Paper announced it will invest $111 million in its Rumford Mill and that it will purchase the Old Town Mill that had been idled since 2015, and in September, Sappi North America announced the completion of a $200 million project at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan. Photo 1: Senator King views construction at Pleasant River Lumber in Dover-Foxcroft",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-55-million-contract-for-new-crane-at-pnsy,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $55 Million Contract for New Crane at PNSY",2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Navy awarded a $54,928,445 contract to Konecranes Nuclear Equipment and Services to provide a 140-ton portal crane to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Kittery. This year, the Navy announced that it would refuel and extend the life of up to seven Los Angeles-class submarines, and that all of those availabilities will be performed at PNSY. The crane will allow PNSY to safely refuel the submarines with new reactor cores. PNSY is known as the gold standard' of our public shipyards due to the efforts of the thousands of hardworking and highly skilled employees, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This contract awarded today will ensure workers have the equipment necessary to perform vital maintenance on Los Angeles-class submarines both safely and efficiently. We welcome this important investment in the infrastructure at PNSY, which is integral to our national security. The funding for the new crane was provided in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Defense Appropriations Bill signed into law in September. Separately, the FY 2019 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill that was also signed into law last month included $40 million to extend Dry Dock #1's portal crane rail, which is needed to support the new crane. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. Senator King is a member of the Armed Services Committee. The crane is expected to be completed by May 2021.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-15-million-for-maine-department-of-public-safety,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $1.5 Million for Maine Department of Public Safety",2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Public Safety has been awarded $1,460,169 through the U.S. Department of Justice's National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) to replace outdated fingerprinting technology and to improve access to criminal records. Accurate and timely forensic science and access to criminal records are crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of our criminal system, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will enhance the Maine Department of Public Safety's efforts to protect Maine residents and achieve justice by enhancing its database, maintaining the reliability of fingerprinting scans, and increasing resources for staff. This funding will be used for: Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Support: The funding will help support a new Tri-State AFIS system that is shared by Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.Livescan Fingerprinting Replacement: The funding will be used to replace five Livescans in Portland, Rockland, Bangor, Caribou, and Auburn. The upgrade in Livescans across the state will ensure a more efficient and effective processing of information on the state and federal levels, including qualifying records submitted to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.Converting Criminal History Records to Electronic Format: The funding will support efforts to convert all State Bureau of Identification files from paper to an easy-to-use electronic format by purchasing scanners for staff.Correcting Court Records: The funding will allow the Maine Judicial Branch to conduct individual file research and correct criminal court records that did not meet the standards for records submission as established by the FBI. The goal of NCHIP is to improve the nation's safety and security by enhancing the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information and by ensuring the nationwide implementation of criminal justice and noncriminal justice background check systems.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-bethel-area-chamber-of-commerce-annual-meeting-king-honors-contributions-of-oxford-county-small-business-leaders,"At Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, King Honors Contributions of Oxford County Small Business Leaders",2018-10-18,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BETHEL, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the Bethel Area Chamber Annual Meeting and Dinner at the Bethel Inn Resort. At the meeting, Senator King met with local business leaders to congratulate them on their success in economic development and job creation, and thank them for their economic contributions to the region. Maine is a great place to live and work, and the men and women who make up the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce know it. That's why they've worked so hard and invested so much in their businesses and it's why they've kept those businesses right here in Maine, said Senator King. These businesses have evolved so much in recent years, and the Chamber has evolved with its membership from providing opportunities for networking and new businesses to setting up community events and providing workforce training, the people in Bethel know just how important the Chamberof Commerce is to the community. In Bethel and in communities across Maine, Chambers of Commerce have become a major community resource: they drive the economy, provide community investment and ingenuity, and work to secure the long-term success of the region by investing in people through training and education. Through the leadership and dedication of so many here tonight, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce has made Oxford County a great place to live.Senator King has consistently visited small businesses throughout Maine to celebrate innovation, ingenuity and discuss challenges and obstacles to success. Earlier this month Senator King visited the Tambrands manufacturing facility in Auburn to tour the facility and meet with the company's senior leadership and employees. In August, Senator King celebrated Maine innovation and entrepreneurship at the unveiling of the newest renovations to the UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship in Orono. The Center, is Maine's longest running incubator for startup businesses and provides resources, technological support and coaching for future entrepreneurs. Also in August, he met with management at Origin Maine, a martial arts and athletics-wear manufacturer in Farmington, as well as leaders of Nine Dragons Paper LLCat the company's Rumford mill, which was recently purchased from Catalyst Paper.He also visited with a number of Lewiston businesses, including Elmet Technology and Central Distributors and ate lunch with a group of entrepreneurs who are members of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. In July, Senator King focused on agricultural innovation and visited Buck Farms in Mapleton and Michaud Farms in Fort Fairfield to discuss opportunities to diversify Maine's crop selection and clean energy production. These visits are a part of Senator King's ongoing effort to meet with Maine people throughout the state; since taking office in 2013, he has held more than 1,200 meetings and events across Maine.",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-500000-to-support-arts-curriculum-in-portland-and-lewiston,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $500,000 to Support Arts Curriculum in Portland and Lewiston",2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Side x Side, Inc., will receive a four-year, $524,193 grant through the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will support Side x Side's project titled (Re)Imagining Education to promote arts curriculum in Portland and Lewiston elementary schools. Senators Collins and King wrote a letter to the Department of Education in support of this grant. By creating new learning opportunities and promoting innovative teaching methods through the arts, Side x Side will help children in Portland and Lewiston unlock their full potential and achieve academic success, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We believe that Side x Side is well equipped to carry out this program to enhance access to arts education for all students, regardless of background or ability level. (Re)Imagining Education is designed to address achievement gaps among elementary school students in Portland and Lewiston by helping teachers integrate the arts into the curriculum and assigning trained teaching artists as mentors as part of a Master Teachers program. Objectives of the project include strengthening teachers' knowledge of arts integration and arts appreciation; strengthening students' deeper learning and social-emotional skills to improve learning ability; and establishing a sustainable model for embedding arts integration into schools' professional development, school culture, and community expectations. Side x Side is a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide educators in the Portland and Lewiston school districts with comprehensive arts integration strategies and tools to use in their curricula. The funding for this project was awarded through the Assistance for Arts Education Development and Dissemination Grants Program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-15-million-for-maine-sea-grant-program,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $1.5 Million for Maine Sea Grant Program",2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded $1,417,581 to the Maine Sea Grant College Program at the University of Maine. The funds will be used to advance the development of Maine's coastal communities by advancing ecological stewardship in commercial salmon farming and developing new high-resolution satellite technology to strengthen Maine's growing aquaculture industry. Maine's coast is a powerful economic engine that supports jobs and helps drive local communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This natural resource is an important part of our state's economy, and advances in aquaculture technology provide new opportunities for Maine's coastal communities. This funding will not only boost Maine's economy, but also promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. The funding is allocated to the following two projects to be carried out by the University of Maine Sea Grant program: $725,365 to fund a project to improve sea lice control in the commercial cultivation of Atlantic salmon.$692,216 to fund the development and use of new high-resolution satellite technology that will promote productive and sustainable oyster, scallop, and mussel aquaculture. In past years, funding from NOAA's Maine Sea Grant Program has had an enormous impact on Maine's coastal economy by supporting research that has benefitted fishermen, lobstermen, and all manner of ocean-based industries along Maine's coast. Earlier this year, Senators Collins and King joined a group of their colleagues in a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies to provide full funding for the program. Designated as a Sea Grant College, the University of Maine is one of 33 NOAA Sea Grant programs throughout the coastal and Great Lakes states. The University of Maine chapter of NOAA's Maine Sea Grant Program focuses on sustainable use and stewardship of marine and coastal resources. Sea Grant receives funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce through the NOAA National Sea Grant Office, which focus on their mission through research, outreach, and education.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-attends-maine-public-health-association-annual-conference-focusing-on-opioid-epidemic,King Attends Maine Public Health Association Annual Conference Focusing on Opioid Epidemic,2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"AUGUSTA, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the Maine Public Health Association's 2018 Annual Conference at the Augusta Civic Center. The yearly conference brings together hundreds of public health professionals from across Maine to discuss developments in science and policy relating to public health. This year's event focused on addiction and the state of public health in Maine. Today's conference featured some of Maine's brightest minds coming together to share information about how to fight the serious public health challenges facing our state what a fantastic sight to see, said Senator King. We can't end the opioid epidemic without contributions from people of all walks of life first responders and advocates, policy-makers and treatment providers, friends and family of those struggling with substance use disorders. We need all hands on deck, and today's conference is a major part of that comprehensive effort to end the epidemic and help the people and communities who are struggling across Maine. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Washington. He has held roundtables throughout Maine from Portland to Bangor to Milo to Paris and earlier this month, he met with Maine people in recovery and treatment providers at the Bangor Area Recovery Network (BARN) in Brewer to discuss the importance of pre-existing condition protections for those seeking to recover from substance use disorders (SUDs). Also in October, Senator King voted for the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, sweeping opioid legislation which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and multiple King-backed provisions that will help Maine families and communities affected by the opioid crisis. The legislation was the result of months of bipartisan hearings and discussions on the opioid crisis. In September, Senator King spoke on the Senate Floor in support of the Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act, which would permanently authorize nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. Earlier that month, he attended and gave remarks at the Rally 4 Recovery at Deering Oaks Park in Portland. The event, celebrated those who are recovering from substance use disorders, as well as their friends, families, and support systems. In July, Senator King hosted a panel at the Camden Opera House featuring medical professionals, employers and advocates to discuss ways to lessen the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in order to help more people decide to pursue treatment, and return to the workforce. Senator King has been active in working to improve public health in Maine, including by strongly opposing administration moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act. Last week, he voted to overturn the administration's expansion of junk plans, calling the plans that are not required to cover those with pre-existing conditions, part of the problem, not part of the solution. Last month,he spoke at the Protect Our Care rally in Portlandandheld a conversation in Damariscottaon the importance of healthcare protections to Maine people who work in high risk industries.Also in September,Senator King met with seniors in Kennebunkto discuss the high cost of healthcare services in prescription drugs. In August, Senator Kingmet with Maine familieson the impact of insurance protections for children living with pre-existing conditions, and in June hespoke with a panel of Maine people with pre-existing conditions, healthcare advocates and medical professionalsin South Portland, following Department of Justice's decision not to defend the guarantee of coverage for pre-existing conditions.In July, Senator King cosponsoreda resolution that would authorize the Senate Legal Counsel to intervene in the legal casechallenging the constitutionality of the ACA's provisions protecting people with pre-existing conditions. Also in July, he published a post on Mediumhighlighting the administration's efforts to weaken the ACA.At the end of June, Senator King spoke twice Senate floor about theimpact of ACA sabotage on Maine peopleand tohonor the 53rd anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. Senator King has also pursued agreements that would improve the Affordable Care Act to protect coverage for the millions who rely on it for affordable health care, and has developed several proposals to make common sense fixes to the legislation. During the health care debate last summer, Senator Kingoutlined aroadmap of health care prioritiesto stabilize the health care marketplace and lower the underlying costs of treatment and health coverage for people in Maine and across the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-legislative-push-from-king-cms-proposes-rule-to-increase-prescription-drug-pricing-transparency,"Following Legislative Push from King, CMS Proposes Rule to Increase Prescription Drug Pricing Transparency",2018-10-15,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would implement a piece of Senator King's bipartisan legislative efforts to require the disclosure of drug prices in advertising. The proposed rule reflects language from the King-backed Drug-Price Transparency in Communications Act, and would require pharmaceutical companiesto list pricesintheir prescription drugs in direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements. If the proposed rule were to be implemented, itwouldhelpto empower patients, promote transparency, and lower prescription drug costs. We've all seen the commercials for prescription medications you know, the ones that spend half of the ad listing a variety of escalating possible side effects. But no matter how many of those commercials you watch, there's one thing you won't hear: how much this drug will cost you, said Senator King. For decades, pharmaceutical companies have been able to sell their drugs to the public without disclosing their prices, and all the while, the prices have continued to rise. These costs are hurting Maine people who rely on prescription medications, and they deserve transparency. This proposal has significant bipartisan support, and for good reason it's a commonsense answer that will address a serious challenge facing millions of Americans. Senator King's bipartisan work on this issue has attracted support from the AARP, American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals, America's Health Insurance Plans, BlueCross BlueShield Association, and the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing. Senators King, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) advocated for the inclusion of an amendment based on the Drug-Price Transparency in Communications Act in last month's minibus funding bill, but the provision was stripped from the final bill. Last year, the pharmaceutical industry spent more than $6 billion in DTC advertisements, which drive up health care costs by steering patients towards more expensivemedications. The average American sees nine DTC prescription drug ads each day. Studies show that patients are more likely to ask their doctor for a specific brand-name medication, and doctors are more likely to prescribe one, when they have been marketed directly with drug advertisements. For these reasons, most countries have banned DTC prescription drug advertising, with the United States and New Zealand being the only two developed countries that allow it. Senator King has supported commonsense legislation to drive down the costs of medication in the United States. In September, he visited the Center for Seniors in Kennebunk to discuss the importance of lowering drug prices. During a July discussion at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, he announced his support for legislation to prevent pharmaceutical companies from claiming tax deductions related to DTC advertising. In theMay edition of his monthlyInside Mainepodcast, Senator King discussed programs to help Maine people save money on medications with Sarah Jones, the Program Coordinator of MedAccess and Trish Riley, Executive Director of the National Academy for State Health Policy.In March, he discussed his legislative efforts to reduce drug prices at the Maine Veterans' Home in Augusta, highlighting his cosponsorship of both theDrug-Price Transparency in Communications Act, which requires the cost of medications to be disclosed to both consumers and prescribers, and theCreating and Restoring Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act, which seeks to increase access to generic medications. During the health care debate in July 2017, Senator King outlined a roadmap of priorities to stabilize the marketplace and lower the costs of treatment and coverage for people across the country. Included in his roadmap was theSafe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act, bipartisan legislation that would allow for the importation of drugs from licensed Canadian pharmacies for personal use if they have the same active ingredients, route of administration, dosage form, and strength as a prescription drug approved by the FDA. Senator King also supports theMedicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, legislation that would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs under Medicare.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-maine-tribes-receive-440011-in-opioid-and-healthcare-grants,"Senators Collins, King Announce Maine Tribes Receive $440,011 in Opioid and Healthcare Grants",2018-10-15,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that four Maine Native communities will receive a total of $440,011 in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to respond to substance abuse and jumpstart community health projects. These four grants will primarily address the impact of the opioid epidemic on Maine's Native communities. No community is immune from this heartbreaking epidemic that has taken its toll on too many of our peers, friends and neighbors said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding will give Maine's tribes additional resources to combat the opioid crisis and protect the health of their community members. The funding will be allocated as follows Passamaquoddy Indian Township Tribal Government will receive $141,456 to fund the Passamaquoddy Tribal Opioid Response Initiative.Aroostook Micmac Council will receive $64,142 to fund the Micmac Community Health and Wellness Project. Penobscot Indian Nation will receive $93,887 to fund Penobscot Nation Health Department Tribal Opioid Response Grant-Aftercare Services.Wabanaki Health and Wellness will receive $140,l526 to increase the capacity of both the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and Wabanaki Health and Wellness to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and develop additional substance abuse prevention initiatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-vets-at-21st-annual-homeless-veterans-stand-down-at-togus,King Joins Vets at 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus,2018-10-13,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"AUGUSTA, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the 21st Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at Togus VA Medical Center. The yearly event highlights services and resources for veterans who are homeless or in transitional housing, and helps connect at-risk veterans with the tools they need to find long-term housing. Maine's veterans answered the call to uphold our freedoms and keep our nation safe, said Senator King. Through their service, these men and women have earned our eternal gratitude and support but unfortunately, far too many of our veterans face the challenge of homelessness. That's why events like today's are so important there are resources, both at Togus and in communities across Maine, to help support the veterans who have made so many sacrifices on behalf of our country, and today's event helps connect veterans in need with these services. By bringing together those in need with those who can help, we can help our veterans secure the safe, stable, long-term housing they deserve. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues since arriving in Washington. Last month, he joined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregivers at the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), to highlight common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide, provided information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, and emphasized the importance of starting the conversation around veteran mental health. Also in September,he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, whichaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs, as well as improve VA's ability to hire high-quality healthcare professionals, expand VA caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras and establish a process to evaluate and reform VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans.In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In May, he helda listening session with Maine veteranson the qualities and values they are looking for in a new VA Secretary, and in April Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. The Senator also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by devoting hisNovember 2017andDecember 2017podcasts to the subject, with Travis Mills as one of the guests on the latter show. In December 2017, theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund three new positionsinMaineto better serve justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health or substance abuse issues a move which follows aFebruary letter from Senator King to the VAurging additional resources on the topic. Senator King was a cosponsor of theDepartment of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, which passed the Senate in June 2017 and has since beensigned into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/legislation-backed-by-collins-king-to-support-songwriters-signed-into-law,"Legislation Backed by Collins, King to Support Songwriters Signed into Law",2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the President's signing of The Music Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill which will ensure songwriters are paid fair value for their songs. The legislation will set up a new simplified licensing entity to make it easier for digital music companies to obtain a license to play songs, and help songwriters be paid a fair market value for their music. My mother started me with piano lessons at age four, and from that young age, I cultivated a life-long appreciation for music and its value in our society, said Senator Collins. Through their artistry, America's talented songwriters and music producers bring people together, enhance our culture, and strengthen our communities. This bipartisan legislation will provide a much needed update to our music and copyright laws and help ensure that these artists receive fair compensation for their inspiring creations. America's talented songwriters provide the soundtrack to our daily lives, and in doing so, inspire countless people across the country and around the world, said Senator King. I know that I'm not alone when I say that my life has been improved by the work of Maine musicians, who share the sound of our state at weekend festivals throughout the summer and via streaming services year-round. This bipartisan legislation will make sure that their compensation is in tune' with their immense contributions to our culture, and allow them to continue to strike a chord with fans worldwide. The Music Modernization Act updates outdated music licensing laws to make it easier for songwriters to be paid when their music is played online by a digital streaming service, or purchased online. According to Standard and Poor's, there were 86 million paying subscribers to digital streaming services, who streamed music 252 billion times in 2016. Revenues generated from online music account for half of the music industry's revenues in 2016. As digital music streaming increases, the number of individual song downloads fell 24 percent between 2015 and 2016 and compact disc sales fell below 100 million units sold which means less royalties paid to songwriters. The Music Modernization Act seeks to remedy this effect and ensure that songwriters will be paid fair-market value for their songs by: Adopting a simple licensing system for digital music services making it easier for companies to obtain a license to play a song and reducing the likelihood of litigation.Directing the Copyright Royalty Board to set compensation according to the fair market value when songs are sold, such as through music downloads, replacing the current below-market standard.Removing a provision of law that narrows the scope of evidence the federal rate court may examine when asked to set songwriter compensation for when their song is played, such as in a restaurant or at a concert. The legislation was supported by the Recording Academy, National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), the Digital Media Association (DiMA), the American Society for Composers, Authors and Publishers, (ASCAP) the Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the Songwriters of North America (SONA). Additional supporters include the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the American Federation of Musicians.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-maine-superior-court-justice-lance-walker-is-confirmed-by-senate-unanimously,"Senators Collins, King Announce Maine Superior Court Justice Lance Walker is Confirmed by Senate Unanimously",2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Senate unanimously approved the nomination of Maine Superior Court Justice Lance Walker, a native of Piscataquis County, to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. During his nearly two decades of experience as both an attorney in private practice and as a judge in Maine's judicial system, Justice Walker has demonstrated that he has the intelligence, temperament, and integrity required for this important position, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Justice Walker has made numerous contributions to Maine's legal community and will serve our state well as a federal judge. We are pleased that the Senate unanimously approved his nomination. Justice Walker has served on the Maine Superior Court in Portland since 2015, when he was unanimously confirmed by the Maine Senate. He has presided over some of the state's most complex criminal and civil cases, appeals, post-conviction reviews, and jury trials. Prior to his service on the Maine Superior Court, Justice Walker was appointed and unanimously confirmed to the Maine District Court bench, where he presided over a wide variety of dockets, primarily in Androscoggin and Oxford Counties. He also worked for more than a dozen years in the Portland law firm Norman, Hanson & DeTroy as an experienced trial and appellate attorney as well as a legal consultant specializing in complex litigation and insurance law. He became a partner after six years. Justice Walker has tried cases before juries and judges across the state and in federal court. He has argued several appeals before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. He has been selected for recognition in respected peer-reviewed legal publications such as Benchmark Litigation, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America. As a judge, he has spoken with recovering addicts and caregivers on the issue of opioid addiction and its intersection with the criminal justice system. Justice Walker was born in Milo and raised in Dover-Foxcroft, where his parents owned and operated a hardware store and travel agency. His father was also an engineer on the Canadian Pacific Railway in Brownville Junction. After graduating from Foxcroft Academy in 1990, Justice Walker attended the University of Maine, earning a B.A. in philosophy, and the University of Maine School of Law, graduating with honors. Justice Walker lives in Falmouth with his wife, Heidi, and their two daughters, Ava and Dylan. He will be assigned to the U.S. District Court in Bangor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-applaud-purchase-of-old-town-mill-by-nd-paper,"Collins, King Applaud Purchase of Old Town Mill by ND Paper",2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King applauded an announcement that ND Paper LLC has reached an agreement to purchase the Old Town Mill, which has been idled since the previous owners ended operations at the mill in 2015. ND Paper will shift the mill's operations and invest in capital improvements to reduce manufacturing costs. The Old Town Mill is expected to reopen in early 2019 and will support more than 100 jobs in the region. This is the latest investment in Maine's forest economy from ND Paper; earlier this week, the company announced that they would invest $111 million at their Rumford Mill, which currently supports 650 jobs and is expected to add an additional 50 employees. Today's announcement is the latest in a line of important investments that will boost not just our state's forest products industry, but also the Maine families and communities that rely on this vital sector of our economy, said Senators Collins and King. We commend ND Paper for making long-term investments in the Old Town Mill that will create more than 100 jobs in the Bangor region and revitalize one of our state's most historic manufacturing sites. We will continue working with industry and community leaders to help our state's forest economy thrive for generations to come. Our acquisition of the Old Town pulp mill is supportive of ND Paper's strategic fiber sourcing initiatives, added Ken Liu, CEO of ND Paper. Beyond that, we clearly recognize the economic and community impact of this restart to Penobscot County; we are thrilled for the opportunity to create new, high-paying jobs in the State of Maine. Senators Collins and King have been strong supporters of Maine's forest economy. In 2016, they called on the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), which would work across agencies and sectors to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. The creation of the EDAT and subsequent federal funding from the EDA and U.S. Forest Service established the 2018 FOR/Maine Initiative, an industry-led effort that last month released the following recommendations to grow Maine's forest economy: Invest, Innovate, Grow - Sustain and grow Maine's existing and emerging forest products economy.Manage Sustainability - Manage the wood resource using sustainable and responsible forest management practices.Develop Workforce - Prepare workforce for the future of the forest products economy.Support Communities - Increase prosperity in Maine forest economy communities, especially those in rural areas and those affected by mill closures.Coordinate & Persist - Organize the forest products industry with committed public sector partners, including the University of Maine, to implement the vision and goals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-overturn-expansion-of-junk-insurance-plans,King Votes to Overturn Expansion of “Junk” Insurance Plans,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of legislation that would overturn the administration's final junk insurance plan rule, whichwouldexpand the number of insurance plans that are not required to provide health care coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.The legislation, which Senator King cosponsored, fell one vote short of the 51 votes needed for passage. I've met with Maine people with pre-existing conditions, medical professionals, and advocates across the state, and not a single one of them has told me that they want insurance plans that cover less of their medical needs. So why are we making these junk plans more common? said Senator King. It's simply wrong that we would expand the use of these junk plans, because they don't help Maine people they are part of the problem, not part of the solution. The failure of today's vote is extremely disappointing, but it's far from the end of this fight, and I'll keep working as hard as I can to make sure that our healthcare system works for all Maine people. The administration's rule expanding these plans has beenoverwhelmingly opposed by healthcare groups, including patient and consumer advocates, physician groups, nursing associations, hospital groups, medical providers, insurance companies and more; according toan analysis by theLA Times, 98% of healthcare groups who have issued public comments on the proposal were against the new rule. A study conducted by the Urban Institute indicated that the expansion of junk plans, combined with the loss of the individual mandate, would cause healthcare premiums in Maine to rise by 15.9% in 2019. Senator King has been outspoken in opposition to administration moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act, and has met with Maine people around the state to discuss the ACA's importance to their lives. Earlier this week, he met with Maine people in recovery in Brewer to discuss the importance of ACA protections for those with pre-existing conditions for those who have struggled with substance use disorders. Last month, he spoke at the Protect Our Care rally in Portland andheld a conversation in Damariscotta on the importance of healthcare protections to Maine people who work in high risk industries.Also in September,Senator King met with seniors in Kennebunkto discuss the high cost of healthcare services in prescription drugs. In August, Senator Kingmet with Maine familieson the impact of insurance protections for children living with pre-existing conditions, and in June hespoke with a panel of Maine people with pre-existing conditions, healthcare advocates and medical professionalsin South Portland, following Department of Justice's decision not to defend the guarantee of coverage for pre-existing conditions. In July, Senator King cosponsoreda resolution that would authorize the Senate Legal Counsel to intervene in the legal casechallenging the constitutionality of the ACA's provisions protecting people with pre-existing conditions. Also in July, he published a post on Mediumhighlighting the administration's efforts to weaken the ACA.At the end of June, Senator King spoke twice Senate floor about theimpact of ACA sabotage on Maine peopleand tohonor the 53rdanniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. Senator King has also pursued agreements that would improve the Affordable Care Act to protect coverage for the millions who rely on it for affordable health care, and has developed several proposals to make common sense fixes to the legislation. During the health care debate last summer, Senator Kingoutlined aroadmap of health care prioritiesto stabilize the health care marketplace and lower the underlying costs of treatment and health coverage for people in Maine and across the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-5-million-for-maine-organizations-supporting-those-with-substance-use-and-mental-health-disorders,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $5 Million for Maine Organizations Supporting Those with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders",2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that 17 community health centers in Maine will receive a total of $4,980,138 through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Expanding Access to Quality Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services (SUD-MH) awards. This funding will better equip health centers to help individuals and families overcome substance use disorders and improve mental health. The opioid epidemic has already harmed far too many families and communities in Maine and throughout the country said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Community health centers are on the front lines in fighting this epidemic. We are pleased that this funding will support their mission to help those struggling with addiction and other mental health disorders. The HRSA funding will be awarded as follows: Sacopee Valley Health Center in Parsonsfield will receive $308,500. Fish River Rural Health in Eagle Lake will receive $285,000. Katahdin Valley Health Center in Patten will receive $285,000. Sebasticook Family Doctors in Newport will receive $285,000. Portland Community Health Center will receive $293,750. Regional Medical Center at Lubec, Inc. will receive $300,000. St. Croix Regional Family Health Center in Princeton will receive $289,250. Bucksport Regional Health Center will receive $261,388. DFD Russell Medical Center in Leeds will receive $285,000. Healthreach Community Health Centers in Waterville will receive $391,000. Health Access Network, Inc. in Lincoln will receive $297,250 Penobscot Community Health Center, Inc. in Bangor will receive $388,250. Islands Community Medical Services, Inc. in Vinalhaven will receive $292,250. Pines Health Services in Caribou will receive $142,000. Maine Migrant Programs, Inc. in Augusta will receive $285,000 Harrington Family Health Center will receive $285,000 York County Community Action Corporation in Sanford will receive $306,500 The purpose of SUD-MH funding is to support health centers in implementing and advancing evidence-based strategies to: 1) Expand access to quality integrated substance use disorder prevention and treatment services, including those addressing opioid use disorder, to best meet the health needs of the population served by the health center; and 2) Expand access to quality integrated mental health services, with a focus on conditions that increase risk for, or co-occur with substance use disorder.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-umaine-king-celebrates-maine-volunteers,"At UMaine, King Celebrates Maine Volunteers",2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BANGOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) addressed attendees at the annual Blaine House Conference on Service and Volunteerism at the University of Maine to congratulate participants and celebrate their contributions to Maine. The event was sponsored by the Maine Commission for Community Service, and included members of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. Whether it's providing healthcare to those who cannot afford coverage, ensuring our older citizens can thrive in place, or supporting our neighbors struggling with substance use disorders, our volunteers dedicate their time and skills to helping those in need, said Senator King. The volunteers I spoke with today use their efforts to build stronger communities and inspire others to do right by their neighbors. Each and every one of these volunteers makes our state a better place to live through their actions and their examples, and they deserve to be commended. During his time in the Senate, Senator King has sought to elevate the voices and support the efforts of Maine people who volunteer their time working to make Maine a better place. In September, Senator King visited the Good Shepherd Food Bank, where he met with staff members and volunteers to discuss the challenges facing Maine people who are struggling with the lack consistent access to heathy food due to lack of financial resources, often referred to as food insecurity. In May, he attended the Aroostook County Special Olympics where he spent time with members of Maine's law enforcement community who volunteered to provide security at the event. While in the County, he also met with volunteers at the nearby Co-Op where he discussed the importance of volunteer efforts to further economic development in Aroostook County and throughout Maine. In July, Senator King visited Leavitt's Mill Free Health Center in Bar Mills to meet with volunteers who provide free healthcare to Maine people who would otherwise be unable to receive care. Earlier this year, he joined with Senator Susan Collins to present a Senate-passed resolution honoring the Independent Transportation Network of America (ITN) after the organization provided its one millionth ride to older and visually impaired individuals. The organization, which was founded in Portland more than two decades ago, now operates nationwide and provides hundreds of rides every day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-umaine-king-celebrates-maine-volunteers-,"At UMaine, King Celebrates Maine Volunteers",2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BANGOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) addressed attendees at the annual Blaine House Conference on Service and Volunteerism at the University of Maine to congratulate participants and celebrate their contributions to Maine. The event was sponsored by the Maine Commission for Community Service, and included members of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. Whether it's providing healthcare to those who cannot afford coverage, ensuring our older citizens can thrive in place, or supporting our neighbors struggling with substance use disorders, our volunteers dedicate their time and skills to helping those in need, said Senator King. The volunteers I spoke with today use their efforts to build stronger communities and inspire others to do right by their neighbors. Each and every one of these volunteers makes our state a better place to live through their actions and their examples, and they deserve to be commended. During his time in the Senate, Senator King has sought to elevate the voices and support the efforts of Maine people who volunteer their time working to make Maine a better place. In September, Senator King visited the Good Shepherd Food Bank, where he met with staff members and volunteers to discuss the challenges facing Maine people who are struggling with the lack consistent access to heathy food due to lack of financial resources, often referred to as food insecurity. In May, he attended the Aroostook County Special Olympics where he spent time with members of Maine's law enforcement community who volunteered to provide security at the event. While in the County, he also met with volunteers at the nearby Co-Op where he discussed the importance of volunteer efforts to further economic development in Aroostook County and throughout Maine. In July, Senator King visited Leavitt's Mill Free Health Center in Bar Mills to meet with volunteers who provide free healthcare to Maine people who would otherwise be unable to receive care. Earlier this year, he joined with Senator Susan Collins to present a Senate-passed resolution honoring the Independent Transportation Network of America (ITN) after the organization provided its one millionth ride to older and visually impaired individuals. The organization, which was founded in Portland more than two decades ago, now operates nationwide and provides hundreds of rides every day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-grow-maines-workforce,King Introduces Legislation to Grow Maine’s Workforce,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BANGOR, ME U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) introduced the Invest in America Act, legislation that will create competitive grant programs to expand the workforce, modernize training tools, and promote job creation. Organizations that wish to apply for these grants would first apply for a planning grant to help prepare an Invest in America plan that identifies industries and occupations to be targeted as part of the implementation phase of a project. Planning grant recipients would then apply for an implementation grant to put their Invest in America plan into action to support targeted economic expansion and resilience, job creation, and associated workforce development and re-employment opportunities. The bill is also supported by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Everywhere I go in Maine, businesses large and small tell me the same thing they need more qualified workers,said Senator King.As our state's population ages, it becomes more important that we look for creative approaches to bolster our workforce, train our young people, and keep current workers' skills on the cutting edge especially for the forest economy that drives so many of our rural communities.By investing in our workforce and our economic development infrastructure, our state will be able to reap the benefits for generations to come. The Maine forest economy is in the midst of a strong recovery from unprecedented challenges in recent years, said Dana Doran, Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine. Our remaining mills are making strong investments for the future and we are poised for future growth. However, before we can take advantage of our tremendous forest resource and realize our potential, we must tackle a workforce shortage in logging and trucking that could limit our opportunities. The strategy to do this includes worker recruitment and a comprehensive approach to workforce development that encourages our youth to see logging and trucking as a viable and worthwhile career choice. This Act represents an important piece of those efforts and Senator King should be applauded for his efforts to tackle this issue as soon as possible. Specifically, the Invest in America Act will: Target assistance to rural high-need communities. Grant amounts will be determined according to factors including long-term economic growth rates, prevalence of skill mismatches between employers and potential employees, long-term unemployment and underemployment, poverty and persistent poverty rates, and the number and percent of workers and employers impacted by economic shifts related to trade, regulation, or technological change. Award grants to local or regional economic development agencies, local workforce development boards, Native American tribes, career and technical education centers, and postsecondary educational institutions. These grants will support economic and workforce development initiatives such as: career and technical education, broadband access, support systems (e.g., drug treatment, child care) for members of low-income families seeking employment, business incubators, transitional jobs for low-income workers, and adult education with occupational training. Monitor results of the grants to maximize benefits. Senator King has made workforce development one of his top priorities. Last month, Senator King joined with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) applauded the 2018 FOR/Maine Initiative, to grow Maine's forest economy and increase workforce prosperity in rural communities. In 2016, Senators King and Collins called on theU.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), that would work across agencies and sectors to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities, the creation of the EDAT and its subsequent research led to the EDA and the U.S. Forest Service providing funding for the initiative. This April, Senator King highlighted the importance of developing Maine's workforce in his monthly podcast. Senator King supported the March omnibus funding bill because of important benefits for economic growth, including a $75 million increase for the Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) state grant and a $15 million increase in funding for Jobs Corps.He also voted last month for a funding bill for fiscal year 2019 that maintained support for Job Corps and increased funding by $70 million for CTE and by $15 million for apprenticeships. In April 2017, Senator King outlined strategies to modernize and expand Maine's workforce in theeconomic agendahe introduced in April 2017. TheJanuary 2017 assessmentfrom the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT),originally requested by Senators Collins and Kingin March 2016, also outlined strategies to grow Maine's economy and bolster the workforce in rural parts of the state. A wide range of forest industry, education, and workforce stakeholders have endorsed Senator King's Invest in America Act, including: the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, the Forestry and Wood Harvesting Program at Oxford Hills Technical School, Irving Woodlands LLC, the Maine Forest Products Council, Maine Woodland Owners, Milton Cat, Sappi, and the National Skills Coalition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-brewer-king-meets-with-maine-people-in-recovery-to-discuss-importance-of-pre-existing-condition-protections,"In Brewer, King Meets with Maine People in Recovery to Discuss Importance of Pre-Existing Condition Protections",2018-10-08,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BREWER, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) met with Maine people in recovery and treatment providers at the Bangor Area Recovery Network (BARN) in Brewer to discuss the importance of pre-existing condition protections for those seeking to recover from substance use disorders (SUDs). SUDs are considered a pre-existing condition, meaning that if allowed to discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, insurers could refuse to cover or increase prices for individuals who have a history of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse possibly deterring individuals battling SUDs from seeking treatment. The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across Maine, killing more than one person per day in our state but through all of this pain, it is important to remember that addiction is not a death sentence, said Senator King. With the proper treatment and support system, those with substance use disorders can lead full, happy lives and make invaluable contributions to their communities. It's up to all of us to be a part of that support system, and the men and women of the Bangor Area Recovery Network are leading the way and changing lives. They are an example to all Maine people of how we must stand with our loved ones, friends, and neighbors as they fight to overcome this deadly disease. Senator King's visit to BARN comes following last week's Senate passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a sweeping opioids bill that included several King-backed provisions to help support Maine communities fighting against the opioid epidemic. Among these provisions are the permanent authorization for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders, which Senator King advocated for in a speech on the Senate floor, and a removal of the Institutions for Medical Disease (IMD) Exclusion that prevents residential treatment facilities with more than 16 beds from receiving federal reimbursement through Medicaid. This provision reflects pieces of the Improving Coverage for Substance Use Disorder Recovery Expansion Act, which Senator King introduced. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Washington, and in June he highlighted the importance of the Affordable Care Act'sprotections for individuals with pre-existing conditionsto those struggling with substance use disorders.In July, Senator Kinghosted a panel of medical professionals, employers and advocatesto discuss the opioid crisis and reduce the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). That same month, he met with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, Anne Hazlett, and a number of medical professionals, law enforcement officers, advocates and local leaders ataBangor roundtable discussing the opioid epidemic's impact on rural Maine. He has repeatedly called on Congress and both the Obama and Trump administrations to fund laws and agencies that help address the drug epidemic. Senator King has held several roundtables throughout Maine from Portland to Bangor to Milo to Paris and has spoken with health professionals, first responders, community members, and people in recovery to find ways to help people get better and make Maine communities safer and healthier. He has also joined a group of his Senate colleagues towrite to the nation's top health insurersurging them to do their part to combat the opioid epidemic.In an effort to hold the insurance industry accountable, the Senators asked the companies to both review their existing policies in light of the epidemic, and to take additional steps to make sure they are working actively to help curb SUDs.In the FY 2018 Omnibus Federal Appropriations bill which passed in March, Senator King supported a provision which increased funding to fight the opioid and mental health crises by $3.3 billion, including an increase of $2.8 billion in treatment, prevention and research for programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. Also, in November 2017, Senator King led aletterto the TrumpAdministration urging additional funding for the opioid epidemic, and in October 2017 he joined a group of colleagues to introduce theCombating the Opioid Epidemic Act, legislation that would invest $45 billion for prevention, detection, surveillance and treatment of opioids.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-brewer-king-meets-with-maine-people-in-recovery-to-discuss-importance-of-pre-existing-condition-protections-,"In Brewer, King Meets with Maine People in Recovery to Discuss Importance of Pre-Existing Condition Protections",2018-10-08,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BREWER, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) met with Maine people in recovery and treatment providers at the Bangor Area Recovery Network (BARN) in Brewer to discuss the importance of pre-existing condition protections for those seeking to recover from substance use disorders (SUDs). SUDs are considered a pre-existing condition, meaning that if allowed to discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, insurers could refuse to cover or increase prices for individuals who have a history of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse possibly deterring individuals battling SUDs from seeking treatment. The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across Maine, killing more than one person per day in our state but through all of this pain, it is important to remember that addiction is not a death sentence, said Senator King. With the proper treatment and support system, those with substance use disorders can lead full, happy lives and make invaluable contributions to their communities. It's up to all of us to be a part of that support system, and the men and women of the Bangor Area Recovery Network are leading the way and changing lives. They are an example to all Maine people of how we must stand with our loved ones, friends, and neighbors as they fight to overcome this deadly disease. Senator King's visit to BARN comes following last week's Senate passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a sweeping opioids bill that included several King-backed provisions to help support Maine communities fighting against the opioid epidemic. Among these provisions are the permanent authorization for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders, which Senator King advocated for in a speech on the Senate floor, and a removal of the Institutions for Medical Disease (IMD) Exclusion that prevents residential treatment facilities with more than 16 beds from receiving federal reimbursement through Medicaid. This provision reflects pieces of the Improving Coverage for Substance Use Disorder Recovery Expansion Act, which Senator King introduced. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Washington, and in June he highlighted the importance of the Affordable Care Act'sprotections for individuals with pre-existing conditionsto those struggling with substance use disorders.In July, Senator Kinghosted a panel of medical professionals, employers and advocatesto discuss the opioid crisis and reduce the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). That same month, he met with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, Anne Hazlett, and a number of medical professionals, law enforcement officers, advocates and local leaders ataBangor roundtable discussing the opioid epidemic's impact on rural Maine. He has repeatedly called on Congress and both the Obama and Trump administrations to fund laws and agencies that help address the drug epidemic. Senator King has held several roundtables throughout Maine from Portland to Bangor to Milo to Paris and has spoken with health professionals, first responders, community members, and people in recovery to find ways to help people get better and make Maine communities safer and healthier. He has also joined a group of his Senate colleagues towrite to the nation's top health insurersurging them to do their part to combat the opioid epidemic.In an effort to hold the insurance industry accountable, the Senators asked the companies to both review their existing policies in light of the epidemic, and to take additional steps to make sure they are working actively to help curb SUDs.In the FY 2018 Omnibus Federal Appropriations bill which passed in March, Senator King supported a provision which increased funding to fight the opioid and mental health crises by $3.3 billion, including an increase of $2.8 billion in treatment, prevention and research for programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. Also, in November 2017, Senator King led aletterto the TrumpAdministration urging additional funding for the opioid epidemic, and in October 2017 he joined a group of colleagues to introduce theCombating the Opioid Epidemic Act, legislation that would invest $45 billion for prevention, detection, surveillance and treatment of opioids.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-after-confirmation-of-brett-kavanaugh-to-the-supreme-court,King Statement After Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to serve as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court: Over the past several weeks, so many Maine people particularly women have shared with me their stories about how they have been affected by this nomination fight. All I can say to them today is that we cannot give up hope. The work is not over; it is just beginning. Senator King originally announced his opposition to Judge Kavanaugh in September, before the allegations against him were made public, and earlier this week released a statement reaffirming his opposition to the nomination after reviewing the FBI's supplementary background investigation into Judge Kavanaugh. Last night, he spoke on the Senate floor to lay out his arguments against Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-after-reviewing-fbi-report,King Statement After Reviewing FBI Report,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after reviewing the FBI's supplementary background investigation into Judge Brett Kavanaugh: The FBI report that I reviewed today does not confirm or contradict Judge Kavanaugh's statements, nor does it undermine the credible testimony of Dr. Ford. For me, my decision is based on Judge Kavanaugh's record, which indicates an overly rigid judicial philosophy that would threaten protections for healthcare, personal liberty and a women's right to choose, the environment, and campaign finance laws; it is based on his refusal to recuse himself from any cases that may come before the court involving presidential power as it applies to the President who nominated him for the seat; it is based on his partisan behavior during last week's hearing, which does not match the temperament and impartiality needed to serve on our nation's highest court; and it is based on the voices of Maine women who in recent weeks have shared with me their deep concern about this nomination. Based upon what I've seen, read, and witnessed, I remain a no vote on his confirmation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-king-lays-out-argument-against-judge-kavanaugh,"On Senate Floor, King Lays Out Argument Against Judge Kavanaugh",2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate floor to detail his decision to vote against the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the Supreme Court. In his speech, Senator King emphasized Judge Kavanaugh's judicial philosophy on issues such as healthcare, the environment, and a woman's right to choose, his refusal to recuse himself from cases on presidential power relating to the President that appointed him that may come before the Supreme Court, and Judge Kavanaugh's temperament during his hearing last week. I stated my opposition to Brett Kavanaugh's appointment to the United States Supreme Court before Dr. Ford's allegations became public,said Senator King in part during his speech.Before I ever heard about them before anyone had heard about them, as far as I know, except some members of the Judiciary Committee. Therefore, I don't believe you have to believe Dr. Ford to conclude that Judge Kavanaugh should not be elevated to the Supreme Court. I think based on judicial philosophyhis failure to say he will recuse himself from issues involving the president who appointed him, the incredible lack of documentation based upon his record, and his demeanor last week disqualifies him. No, Mr. President, you don't have to believe Dr. Ford to conclude as I have that Judge Kavanaugh should not be elevated to the Supreme Court. But Mr. President, before I close I should add one note: I do believe Dr. Ford.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-faa-reauthorization-with-collins-king-amendment-to-improve-rural-healthcare,Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization with Collins-King Amendment to Improve Rural Healthcare,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the passage of legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years. The legislation, which passed with strong bipartisan support, authorizes funding for all FAA programs, including FAA operations, research and development, aviation programs, extension of expiring authorities, airport planning and improvement, and noise compatibility and programs. The legislation also includes an amendment introduced by Senators Collins and King requiring any future evaluations of airport master plans to take into account the role of airports to support evacuations related to medical emergencies or natural disasters. The amendment will be a boost for Maine's rural communities, which regularly use their airports to transport patients to larger medical centers in emergencies. Our rural citizens should be able to access the medical care they need, and airports can help facilitate that for patients who require care in a larger or more specialized center, said Senators Collins and King. This FAA reauthorization, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, will help ensure that future airport investments will be made with the health of rural Mainers in mind. The FAA is primarily responsible for the advancement, safety, and regulation of civil aviation, as well as for overseeing the operation of the air traffic control system and the development of commercial space travel. The legislation passed today will now go to the President's desk for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-sweeping-opioid-bill-with-king-backed-provisions,Senate Passes Sweeping Opioid Bill With King-Backed Provisions,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted for the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and includes many provisions that will help Maine families and communities affected by the opioid crisis. The legislation was the result of months of bipartisan hearings and discussion on the opioid crisis. Senator King has previously supported several core provisions of the legislation, which will improve the federal government's response to the opioid epidemic and lessen negative effects on children, families, and communities. The bill will now head to the President's desk for his signature. The opioid epidemic is killing more than one person per day in Maine, leaving communities suffering in its wake and in need of support from the federal government, said Senator King. This bill takes a multi-pronged approach that will increase treatment opportunities, strengthen law enforcement efforts to crack down on drug dealers and smugglers, and give communities the tools they need to support their citizens struggling with substance use disorders. I've met with Maine people in recovery, parents of those struggling with substance use disorders, treatment providers and law enforcement officials across the state, each of whom has shared a unique story with a common message: this disease is hurting Maine people, families, and communities. This is not about partisanship it's about supporting our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are currently caught in the midst of a disease they cannot control. Today's legislation is a strong step to help those battling addiction, but must not be the end of this effort there are still too many people who need help. Specifically, Senator King has backed the following core values of the legislation: Permanent Expansion of Base of Opioid Treatment Professionals Allowed to Prescribe Medication-Assisted Treatment: Senator King is a cosponsor of the Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act, which permanently authorize nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders. Under current law, these medical professionals are allowed to administer MAT until October 1, 2021; this new legislation would permanently authorize these professionals to administer MAT. This provision was not a part of the package the Senate voted on last month, prompting Senator King to go to the Senate floor and advocate for its inclusion in the final package. Reauthorization of the 21st Century Cures Act: Senator King was an outspoken advocate for funding originally provided by the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides critical opioid funding for states and tribes. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act will reauthorize and improve grants to states and Indiantribes for prevention, treatment, and recoveryto mitigatethe opioid crisis, authorized in 21stCentury Cures, for three more years. Inclusion of CRIB Act Provision: Senator King is a lead sponsor of the CRIB Act, which allows Medicaid to cover care for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome in residential pediatric recovery centers. Incentives for Students to Pursue Substance Use Disorder Work: The legislation includes a loan forgiveness program for students who agree to work as substance use disorder treatment professionals in areas that have been hit hardest by drug overdoses. The provision is based on the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Act of 2018, which Senator King cosponsored. Increased Medicaid Coverage for Residential Treatment Programs: The legislation enables state Medicaid programs to cover care in residential treatment facilities for Medicaid beneficiaries aged 21 to 64. Under current law, the Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Exclusion limits residential treatment facilities to 16 beds in order to receive federal reimbursement; the legislation removes the IMD exclusion, allowing residential treatment facilities to expand their treatment capacity without losing federal reimbursement. The legislation reflects provisions of the Improving Coverage for Substance Use Disorder Recovery Expansion Act, which Senator King introduced. Empower Communities to Combat Crisis: The bill reauthorizes the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) as well as its associated grant programs, such as the Drug-Free Communities Program and the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Program. Senator King co-sponsored the Substance Abuse Prevention Act of 2018, which included the provision to reauthorize ONDCP. He also wrote a letter to the White House last year urging the administration to maintain funding for the office. Reduction of Use and Supply: Senator King is a co-sponsor of the STOP Act, which will help stop illegal drugs at the border by requiring the postal service to obtain advance electronic data for international mail and provide that data to Customs and Border Protection. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Washington. In July, Senator King hosted a panel of medical professionals, employers and advocates to discuss the opioid crisis and reduce the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). That same month, he met with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, Anne Hazlett, and a number of medical professionals, law enforcement officers, advocates and local leaders ata Bangor roundtable discussing the opioid epidemic's impact on rural Maine. In June, he highlighted the importance of the Affordable Care Act's protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions to those struggling with substance use disorders which is considered a pre-existing condition, so those who seek treatment could then be denied coverage or charged exorbitant rates based on their past substance use. He has repeatedly called on Congress and both the Obama and Trump administrations to fund laws and agencies that help address the drug epidemic. Senator King has held several roundtables throughout Maine from Portland to Bangor to Milo to Paris and has spoken with health professionals, first responders, community members, and people in recovery to find ways to help people get better and make Maine communities safer and healthier. He has also joined a group of his Senate colleagues towrite to the nation's top health insurers urging them to do their part to combat the opioid epidemic.In an effort to hold the insurance industry accountable, the Senators asked the companies to both review their existing policies in light of the epidemic, and to take additional steps to make sure they are working actively to help curb addiction.In the FY 2018 Omnibus Federal Appropriations bill which passed in March, Senator King supported a provision which increased funding to fight the opioid and mental health crises by $3.3 billion, including an increase of $2.8 billion in treatment, prevention and research for programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. Also, in November 2017, Senator King led aletterto the Trump Administration urging additional funding for the opioid epidemic, and in October 2017 he joined a group of colleagues to introduce theCombating the Opioid Epidemic Act, legislation that would invest $45 billion for prevention, detection, surveillance and treatment of opioids.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-urging-usda-to-direct-broadband-funding-to-high-need-rural-areas-,"Collins, King Join Bipartisan Group Urging USDA to Direct Broadband Funding to High-Need Rural Areas",2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), a founder and co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to designate a funding carve out within the $600 million rural broadband e-Connectivity Pilot Program established in the March 2018 omnibus appropriations bill. The senators urged the USDA to work with states to determine eligible areas for a funding set aside within the total amount in the e-Connectivity program specifically to reach the high cost, rural and geographically challenged areas of the country that need it most. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), of the 24 million American households that do not have reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, 80 percent are located in rural areas. As you know, rural America is largely at a disadvantage for broadband deployment as a result of low population density, which makes these areas less attractive to the average broadband provider looking for a large return on investment, the Senators wrote. Certain areas, however, face even bigger obstacles to deployment because of their challenging topography. Mountains and valleys, desert terrain, working forests, islands, remote coastal areas and ribbons of winding roads are central to the identity of the communities we represent, and their beauty is what draws people to visit from around the world. Unfortunately, these same natural features make it far more expensive to construct critical broadband infrastructure. For example, during the first phase of the Mobility Fund, the average cost of Auction 901 greenfield sites constructed by U.S. Cellular in West Virginia came in at about $1.2 million, three times more expensive than flatter, easier to serve states like Oklahoma which only had an average cost of about $400,000. With the additional effort and higher costs associated with this difficult and remote terrain, it is clear why providers would choose to avoid broadband deployment in high cost, geographically challenging areas, the Senators continued. Many of our states must absorb these high costs and invest their own resources into building out broadband infrastructure in hopes of reducing the financial barriers to attracting private partners, but they cannot afford to do it alone. We need a federal partner that understands these unique challenges our states face when trying to expand broadband service and we ask that USDA consult with states to create a high-cost definition that accurately reflects the significant additional costs associated with deploying broadband in these areas so that our states can effectively compete for grant funding with other states that can build out for pennies on the dollar. We strongly encourage you to address this disparity and ensure our states have a fair shot at this funding by establishing a reasonable set aside within this $600 million allocation for high-cost, hard to serve areas like the places we represent. In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). The full text of the letter is available here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Perdue, As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) begins to develop the new e-Connectivity Pilot Program established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 115-141), we appreciate this opportunity to share our perspective on what needs to be done to ensure this program is a success. We were proud to help lead the bipartisan effort to dedicate $600 million for this program, but we remain concerned that absent a dedicated high cost set aside these funds will fail to reach the rural, geographically challenging areas of the country that need it most. A child should never have to sit outside their school or neighborhood library in order to get online and do their homework. No working adult should have to choose between living near their family and friends and having gainful employment because they cannot get an adequate internet connection where they live. A state should never have to fear being under-represented in the upcoming Census because they do not have the broadband infrastructure for their citizenry to fully participate in the increasingly important online portions of it. Unfortunately, while we know these things should never happen, we know that they do. Our states deal with these and the other negative consequences that accompany a lack of reliable broadband access day after day. The longer this issue persists, the further we will fall behind, making it impossible to participate in a 21stcentury economy. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), of the 24 million American households that do not have reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, 80 percent are located in rural areas. For far too long, our states have been on the wrong side of the digital divide. We are hopeful that the USDA's new pilot program will help our children have the tools they need to finish their school work, assist our states in attracting new residents and businesses, support seniors aging in place, strengthen digital literacy and inclusion, and ensure our communities are receiving their fair share of federal funding for important services like healthcare and telemedicine, job training, education and distance learning, tourism, and connectivity that supports rural economic development. As you know, rural America is largely at a disadvantage for broadband deployment as a result of low population density, which makes these areas less attractive to the average broadband provider looking for a large return on investment. Certain areas, however, face even bigger obstacles to deployment because of their challenging topography. Mountains and valleys, desert terrain, working forests, islands, remote coastal areas and ribbons of winding roads are central to the identity of the communities we represent, and their beauty is what draws people to visit from around the world. Unfortunately, these same natural features make it far more expensive to construct critical broadband infrastructure. For example, during the first phase of the Mobility Fund, the average cost of Auction 901 greenfield sites constructed by U.S. Cellular in West Virginia came in at about $1.2 million, three times more expensive than flatter, easier to serve states like Oklahoma which only had an average cost of about $400,000. With the additional effort and higher costs associated with this difficult and remote terrain, it is clear why providers would choose to avoid broadband deployment in high cost, geographically challenging areas. Many of our states must absorb these high costs and invest their own resources into building out broadband infrastructure in hopes of reducing the financial barriers to attracting private partners, but they cannot afford to do it alone. We need a federal partner that understands these unique challenges our states face when trying to expand broadband service and we ask that USDA consult with states to create a high-cost definition that accurately reflects the significant additional costs associated with deploying broadband in these areas so that our states can effectively compete for grant funding with other states that can build out for pennies on the dollar. We strongly encourage you to address this disparity and ensure our states have a fair shot at this funding by establishing a reasonable set aside within this $600 million allocation for high-cost, hard to serve areas like the places we represent. Once considered a luxury, access to the internet has now become a critical lifeline to society and the future of our economy. We need your help to ensure that all Americans, no matter their area code, have access to a high-speed, reliable internet connection. We thank you for carefully considering this request and look forward to working together to ensure that this program helps those that need it most.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/enr-committee-passes-king-legislation-on-national-parks-deferred-maintenance-bill-advances-permanent-reauthorization-for-lwcf,"ENR Committee Passes King Legislation on National Parks Deferred Maintenance Bill, Advances Permanent Reauthorization for LWCF",2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, applauded the ENR Committee's passage of the Restore Our Parks Act, a bipartisan bill led by Senators King, Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) that aims to address the $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog at the National Park Service (NPS). The Committee also approved legislation cosponsored by Senator King to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Wildlife Conservation Fund (LWCF). Both pieces of legislation will now be sent to the full Senate for consideration. Last month, I accompanied the Acting Director of the National Park Service to Acadia National Park and while the views were as beautiful as ever, the situation behind the scenes is not so picturesque as the park grapples with serious maintenance backlogs, said Senator King. Acadia has delayed a number of important projects worth a total of $60 million that are vital to ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the park's natural wonders with a high quality visitor experience. It's not alone in that struggle, as national parks across the country currently face a backlog of $12 billion. These lands are a national promise to leave behind a better world than we received, but these massive backlogs show that we're not currently living up to that responsibility. Today's markup is a step in the right direction for a bipartisan bill that will address this backlog and protect our national parks for future generations."" The Restore Our Parks Act consensus proposal is the product of bipartisan discussions among the senators who had previously introduced similar bills, the National Park Service Legacy Act (Warner/Portman) and the National Park Restoration Act (Alexander/King), and has been gaining momentum since its introduction; the legislation is cosponsored by 30 Senators and is supported by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the National Parks Conservation Association, the Pew Charitable Trusts' Restore America's Parks' campaign, and the Outdoor Industry Association, among others. Last month, Senator King joined Acting Director of the National Park Service, Dan Smith, on a tour of Acadia National Park to assess the park's critical maintenance needs that would be funded if Congress passed the Restore Our Parks Act. This legislation would have a positive impact on Acadia specifically, which has a maintenance backlog of approximately $60 million, and the surrounding communities like Bar Harbor. A companion bill, theRestore our Parks and Public Lands Act,has been introduced in the House. More specifically, theRestore Our Parks Actwould establish the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund to reduce the maintenance backlog by allocating existing revenues the government receives from on and offshore energy development. This consensus legislation has been praised by witnesses at aSubcommittee on National Parks hearing in July. Senator King is an steadfast supporter of the National Park System, and during his tenure in the Senate has pushed for modernizations to make the parks more accessible to future generations, including the implementation of a pilot program to make entrance passes for parks available online, that waslauded in a Subcommittee hearing last year. The program has been particularly successful in Acadia National Park (ANP); Acadia accounts for 72% of total sales in the pilot program, and online purchases accounted for 10% of the park's total entrance fee receipts in 2016.Additionally, today we took an important step to defend our public lands by approving a permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Senator King added. LWCF has been a vital protection for public lands for the last half century, helping Americans from all walks of life access the natural beauty of our country. This is important legislation that transcends partisanship, as shown by the overwhelming support within the Committee for this permanent reauthorization. In all of the noise, sometimes quieter work can go unnoticed, but today's step to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the LWCF should be commended as an important, bipartisan accomplishment.Senator King has been a strong supporter of the LWCF, and in August joined a bipartisan group of Senators in sending a letter to the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders requesting a permanent reauthorization of the program before its expiration on September 30, 2018. The LWCF has supported more than 42,000 state and local projects in communities across the country. The program is funded by a portion of federal oil and gas royalties, operating without any taxpayer funding. However, according to the letter, since its founding in 1965 more than $21 billion has been diverted from the LWCF trust fund to other purposes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-and-representative-pingree-announce-nearly-300000-for-usms-trio-veterans-upward-bound-program,"Senators Collins, King, and Representative Pingree Announce Nearly $300,000 for USM’s TRIO Veterans Upward Bound Program",2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree announced that the University of Southern Maine's Veterans Upward Bound program has been awarded $275,155 from the U.S. Department of Education. USM's Veterans Upward Bound program is the only one of its kind in the State of Maine, and one of two such programs in New England. Since being awarded funds, USM has been working diligently to recruit veterans for the program, said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. We are pleased that this essential program that gives veterans the resources and support they need to succeed in postsecondary education will continue to be offered across Maine. The TRIO Veterans Upward Bound grant is so important to supporting the college aspirations of veterans across Maine, said Dr. Glenn Cummings, President of the University of Southern Maine. I want to thank Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree for their successful effort to ensure this essential grant for Maine veterans continues. Last month, Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education in support of USM's grant application. The University of Southern Maine's Veterans Upward Bound program will serve low-income, first-generation veterans from across the State of Maine. Of Maine's 119,058 veterans, 7,954 are low-income and 89,179 do not have a bachelor's degree and are highly likely to be potential first-generation college students. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring, and academic instruction in the core subject areas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-applaud-53-million-investment-for-katahdin-non-profit,"Collins, King Applaud $5.3 Million Investment for Katahdin Non-Profit",2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded an announcement that Millinocket-based nonprofit Our Katahdin has been awarded $5.3 million from the Economic Development Administration. The funding will help Our Katahdin build critical infrastructure, including roads, water, sewer, power and broadband on the 1,400-acre former Great Northern Paper mill site in Millinocket. In June, Senators Collins and King wrote in support of Our Katahdin's grant application, citing the impact that the significant job losses resulting from the Millinocket paper mill's closure would have on Maine's rural economy. This funding for an array of significant infrastructure improvements will help Millinocket attract new, innovative companies that will create much-needed jobs in the region, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.We welcome this important investment, which will strengthen the community of Millinocket and lay the foundation for future economic growth. In 2016, Senators Collins and King called on the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), that would work across federal agencies and industry sectors to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. The creation of the EDAT and its subsequent report and recommendations led to the EDA providing funding for Our Katahdin's work to redevelop the former mill site. Our Katahdin, a volunteer based 501(c)3 non-profit that works to promote community and economic development in the Katahdin region. Our Katahdin purchased the former paper mill site in early 2017, and intends to develop the site into a multi-tenant industrial park hosting both traditional and innovative forest products businesses such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing, biorefining and nanocellulose production. The site has also been of interest to potential tenants in the aquaculture, food production and data center industries.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-visits-with-employees-at-tambrands-manufacturing-facility,King Visits with Employees at Tambrands Manufacturing Facility,2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) visited the Tambrands manufacturing facility in Auburn to tour the facility and meet with the company's senior leadership and employees. The company is owned by Proctor & Gamble and recently celebrated 50 years in business; with approximately 400 employees, Tambrands is Auburn's largest private employer and produces between 8 and 9 million Tampax tampons per day, which are shipped all over the world. Tambrands has been investing in Maine's workforce and our state's economy for the past fifty years it is not only an economic success story, but also an important part of the Auburn community, said Senator King. The success of Tambrands' Auburn facility is not only a testament to great leadership, but also to the generations of the diligent and innovative Maine folks who have worked there. When people from away hear the phrase Made in Maine', they expect high-quality products that's thanks to the hard work of Maine's manufacturing workers like those at Tambrands.In recent months, Senator King has visited several small businesses and manufacturing facilities throughout Maine to celebrate innovation, ingenuity and discuss a few challenges and obstacles to success. In August, Senator King celebrated Maine innovation and entrepreneurship at the unveiling of the newest renovations to the UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship in Orono. The Center, is Maine's longest running incubator for startup businesses and provides resources, technological support and coaching for future entrepreneurs. Also in August, he met with management at Origin Maine, a martial arts and athletics-wear manufacturer in Farmington, as well as leaders of Nine Dragons Paper LLCat the company's Rumford mill, which was recently purchased from Catalyst Paper.He also visited with a number of Lewiston businesses, including Elmet Technology and Central Distributors and ate lunch with a group of entrepreneurs who are members of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. In July, Senator King focused on agricultural innovation and visited Buck Farms in Mapleton and Michaud Farms in Fort Fairfield to discuss opportunities to diversify Maine's crop selection and clean energy production. These visits are a part of Senator King's ongoing effort to meet with Maine people throughout the state; since taking office in 2013, he has held more than 1,200 meetings and events across Maine.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-south-portland-king-speaks-on-importance-of-dementia-research,"In South Portland, King Speaks on Importance of Dementia Research",2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) provided remarks at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA)'s Charting the Future: Innovation in Dementia Research, Treatment and Care symposium in South Portland. The symposium featured 200 policymakers and researchers who work to find treatments for dementia. Dementia affects 27,000 Maine people, robbing our family, friends, and neighbors of their memories and their independence. It is heartbreaking to watch, and requires a strong response from all corners of our communities, said Senator King. That's why the work the Southern Maine Agency on Aging has done is so important. By fighting this debilitating disease from all angles, and by working collaboratively, they've changed lives and given hope to thousands of Maine people and their families. As the state with the oldest median age, seniors are a vital part of Maine's population. In September, Senator King visited The Center for Seniors in Kennebunk to meet with members and discuss a number of issues facing Maine seniors such as, Medicare, the high costs of prescription drugs, and the importance of finding solutions that help Maine people age in place.In June, Senator King convened a roundtable discussion of strategies to combat Alzheimer's Disease at the Bangor Public Library. During a visit toWoodlands Memory Care of Farmington in February, Senator King announced his support for theBuilding Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, which would create a public health infrastructure for the treatment of Alzheimer's patients. In 2015, he introducedthe Ensuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer's (EUREKA) Act, bipartisan legislation that would create prize-based incentives to encourage more public-private collaboration in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia. A provision based on the EUREKA Act was signed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016. Senator King cosponsored the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act, a bill that would ensure patients and families have all the necessary information to fight the disease. The legislation was implemented by CMS in 2016. Senator King is also a strong proponent of strengthening telehealth, and is a cosponsor of the ECHO Act, which was enacted in 2016 and expands access to healthcare through telemedicine in rural and underserved areas. Following SMAA's symposium, Senator King will travel to Portland to celebrate PHA's 75th anniversary at a celebration that will include staff members, community partners and approximately 300 residents of Sagamore Village as well as Portland city officials and Maine state legislators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-celebrates-portland-housing-authoritys-75th-anniversary,King Celebrates Portland Housing Authority’s 75th Anniversary,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke at the Portland Housing Authority's (PHA) 75th Anniversary Celebration at Sagamore Village in Portland. The celebration included staff members, community partners and approximately 300 residents of Sagamore Village, a PHA facility, as well as Portland city officials and Maine state legislators. For 75 years, the Portland Housing Authority has brought stability into the lives of the region's families, seniors, and those living with disabilities, said Senator King. The PHA's long history of lending a helping hand to our neighbors should be an example for all of us on how to take care of each other an example that I hope the organization will continue to set for the next 75 years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-collins-king-and-reps-pingree-poliquin-announce-contract-award-to-build-four-destroyers-at-bath-iron-works,"Sens. Collins, King and Reps. Pingree, Poliquin Announce Contract Award to Build Four Destroyers at Bath Iron Works",2018-09-27,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin announced today that Bath Iron Works (BIW) has been awarded four ships, in the amount of $3,904,735,559, over the next five years pursuant to the Navy's multiyear procurement contract. The contract includes potential options for additional ships, including one that will be awarded in fiscal year 2019. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer called Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree today to inform them of the award. We are proud of the hardworking and highly skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works who have earned the reputation that Bath built is best built,'said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Poliquin in a joint statement. The award of these four ships over the next five years, including the potential for additional ships, demonstrates the Navy's recognition of the high-quality destroyers BIW produces that are critical to our national security. At a time when threats to our nation are increasing, we will continue to push for an aggressive rate of growth for large surface combatants to ensure our nation's sailors have the resources they need to carry out their national securitymissions. The delegation will work to help ensure that Congress provides the necessary funding and statutory authority for the Navy to procure ten DDG-51's and all possible option ships over the next five years. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Earlier this month, Senators Collins and King both advocated for the passage of the Fiscal Year 2019 Defense Appropriations bill, which included funding for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2019, while also including $250 million in advanced procurement funding for an additional destroyer in fiscal year 2020. The legislation passed the Senate and House and is headed to the President's desk to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-applaud-sappi-north-americas-investment-in-skowhegan-paper-mill,"Senators Collins, King Applaud Sappi North America’s Investment in Skowhegan Paper Mill",2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the announcement from SappiNorth America, Inc.that the company has completed an investment project at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan. The investment of more than $200 million will help the mill diversify its manufacturing line by expanding into paperboard packaging, while retaining its leadership position in the graphic paper market. The mill will now have an annual production capacity of almost one million tons per year. The Somerset Mill supports approximately 800 jobs in Skowhegan, and 1,300 jobs in Maine. The forest products industry continues to be a vital part of our state's economy, particularly in rural communities, said Senators Collins and King. It is critical that companies make long-term investments and pursue forward-thinking strategies to respond to changing market demands. Sappi has done just that with their recent investment and upgrades at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, which supports hundreds of jobs across Maine. We are thrilled by the completion of this project and look forward to working alongside Sappi and other community and industry leaders to find new market opportunities for Maine's forest-products industry to thrive. Senators Collins and King have been strong supporters of Maine's forest economy.In 2016, they called on theU.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), which would work across agencies and sectors to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. The creation of the EDAT and subsequent federal funding from the EDA and U.S. Forest Service established the 2018 FOR/Maine Initiative, an industry-led effort that released the following recommendations earlier this week to grow Maine's forest economy: Invest, Innovate, Grow- Sustain and grow Maine's existing and emerging forest products economy. Manage Sustainably- Manage the wood resource using sustainable and responsible forest management practices. Develop Workforce- Prepare workforce for the future of the forest products economy. Support Communities- Increase prosperity in Maine forest economy communities, especially those in rural areas and those affected by mill closures. Coordinate & Persist-Organize the forest products industry with committed public sector partners, including the University of Maine, to implement the vision and goals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-applaud-sappi-north-americas-investment-in-skowhegan-paper-mill-,"Senators Collins, King Applaud Sappi North America’s Investment in Skowhegan Paper Mill",2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the announcement from SappiNorth America, Inc.that the company has completed an investment project at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan. The investment of more than $200 million will help the mill diversify its manufacturing line by expanding into paperboard packaging, while retaining its leadership position in the graphic paper market. The mill will now have an annual production capacity of almost one million tons per year. The Somerset Mill supports approximately 800 jobs in Skowhegan, and 1,300 jobs in Maine. The forest products industry continues to be a vital part of our state's economy, particularly in rural communities, said Senators Collins and King. It is critical that companies make long-term investments and pursue forward-thinking strategies to respond to changing market demands. Sappi has done just that with their recent investment and upgrades at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, which supports hundreds of jobs across Maine. We are thrilled by the completion of this project and look forward to working alongside Sappi and other community and industry leaders to find new market opportunities for Maine's forest-products industry to thrive. Senators Collins and King have been strong supporters of Maine's forest economy.In 2016, they called on theU.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), which would work across agencies and sectors to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine's rural communities. The creation of the EDAT and subsequent federal funding from the EDA and U.S. Forest Service established the 2018 FOR/Maine Initiative, an industry-led effort that released the following recommendations earlier this week to grow Maine's forest economy: Invest, Innovate, Grow- Sustain and grow Maine's existing and emerging forest products economy. Manage Sustainably- Manage the wood resource using sustainable and responsible forest management practices. Develop Workforce- Prepare workforce for the future of the forest products economy. Support Communities- Increase prosperity in Maine forest economy communities, especially those in rural areas and those affected by mill closures. Coordinate & Persist-Organize the forest products industry with committed public sector partners, including the University of Maine, to implement the vision and goals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-applaud-initiative-to-revitalize-and-diversify-forestry-industry,"Collins, King Applaud Initiative to Revitalize and Diversify Forestry Industry",2018-09-25,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), a cofounder of the Working Forest Caucus, applauded an action plan released by the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/Maine) Initiative to grow Maine's forest economy and increase economic prosperity in rural communities. Supported by funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Maine Timberlands Charitable Trust, the industry-led initiative rolled out a plan to diversify the state's wood products businesses, attract investments, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures. The FOR/Maine Coalition includes a strategic plan to grow Maine's forest economy by 40% by building on traditional industry strengths like saw logs and paper, and add new layers of innovative products including eco-friendly chemicals, bio-degradable plastics, and medical and technical products made from nanocellulose which can be made from the residuals of other wood manufacturing processes. Maine's forests continue to be a vital part of our state's economy, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The FOR/Maine Initiative is the product of collaboration between industry and community leaders, the Economic Development Administration, and all levels of government, and the resulting recommendations will support job creation and economic growth in our rural communities. We applaud the Forest Opportunity Roadmap partners for their hard work, creativity, and steadfast commitment to strengthening the future of the forest economy in our state, and we look forward to continuing to support their efforts to help Maine's forest economy thrive for generations to come. FOR/Maine outlines five goals to build a more diverse forest economy: Invest, Innovate, Grow - Sustain and grow Maine's existing and emerging forest products economy. Manage Sustainably - Manage the wood resource using sustainable and responsible forest management practices. Develop Workforce - Prepare workforce for the future of the forest products economy. Support Communities - Increase prosperity in Maine forest economy communities, especially those in rural areas and those affected by mill closures. Coordinate & Persist - Organize the forest products industry with committed public sector partners, including the University of Maine, to implement the vision and goals. The EDA leads the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. As an agency within the Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-600000-for-workforce-development-efforts-in-biddeford,"Senators Collins, King Announce $600,000 for Workforce Development Efforts in Biddeford",2018-09-25,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)'s Office of Community Services' Community Economic Development Project Program will award $600,000 to Coastal Enterprises, Inc., (CEI), a non-profit based in Brunswick that helps to grow economic development in Maine. The funding will support a partnership between CEI and Junora LTD, a start-up manufacturing company based in Biddeford, to provide job training and support for low-income individuals in the region. For over 40 years, CEI has been a national leader in rural economic development and financing environmentally sustainable business practices, said Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. Maine needs qualified workers, and these funds will help Maine people acquire the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy. We are proud to support this partnership between CEI and Biddeford-based Junora to bolster our state's economy, develop our workforce and create promising job opportunities for Maine people. Last spring, Senators Collins and King sent a letter to the HHS in support of CEI's grant application. Coastal Enterprises, Inc. is a non-profit in Brunswick with a joint focus on economic growth and environmental health. Established 40 years ago, CEI works with Maine start-ups and entrepreneurs to provide support and create jobs for Maine people. Junora LTD is a start-up manufacturing company that provides advanced metallurgical products to produce products such solar panels and lithium batteries.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-portland-king-speaks-at-protect-our-care-rally,"In Portland, King Speaks at ‘Protect Our Care’ Rally",2018-09-24,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke at the Protect Our Care' Bus Tour event at Portland's City Hall in defense of the Affordable Care Act. Protect Our Care is a group of healthcare activists that are currently traveling the country via bus to share stories, testimonies and represent Americans whose health is being put at risk by continued attacks on the Affordable Care Act. In addition to Senator King, attendees included Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), people who suffer from pre-existing conditions, healthcare providers, seniors, local elected officials, people with disabilities and others. During their 48 stop, country-wide tour, the Protect Our Care activists work to bring humanity to the policy decisions of the administration, which could potentially result in millions of Americans losing their health care coverage. Healthcare is not a privilege that can be revoked from those who are too poor or too sick it is a prerequisite for Americans seeking to live happy, healthy and productive lives, said Senator King. This isn't a radical idea it's a compassionate one. Maine people, and people across the country, should not be denied access to the medical care they need. In response to those who would revoke this care from millions of Americans, those of us who care about defending healthcare access need to speak up. All those involved in the Protect Our Care Bus Tour are leading the charge in this fight, and I'm proud to stand alongside them to defend the health insurance of Maine people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-damariscotta-king-highlights-importance-of-healthcare-protections-to-maine-people-working-in-high-risk-industries-,"In Damariscotta, King Highlights Importance of Healthcare Protections To Maine People Working in High Risk Industries",2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) met with Maine people at Lincoln Health Education Center in Damariscotta to highlight the impact of protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, as well as the importance of community rating, another provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which requires health insurance providers to offer policies within a given territory at the same price to all potential customers. These protections are particularly important to workers involved in the natural resource industries that drive Maine's rural economy; while Maine law does include some protections that would remain in place if the ACA's protections were overturned, it does not prohibit health insurance companies from increasing prices for people based on their occupation, creating increased risks for those working in industries such as fishing, forestry and farming. Maine people living with medical conditions should be able to get health insurance at a reasonable price, rather than charged astronomical prices simply because of what they do for a living,said Senator King. The lobstermen and farmers I met today are a vital part of our state's economy we should be supporting them, not allowing health insurance companies to discriminate against them. This isn't a matter of ideology it's about keeping our citizens healthy, and supporting Maine workers. I'll keep fighting to defend the health insurance of Maine people, however, whenever, and as strongly as I possibly can. Following the event, Senator King released a video sharing his thoughts on the event, which can be seen HERE. Today's discussion is a continuation of a series of conversations on healthcare around the state. Earlier this month, Senator King met with seniors in Kennebunk to discuss the high cost of healthcare services in prescription drugs. In August, Senator King met with Maine families on the impact of insurance protections for children living with pre-existing conditions, and in June he spoke with a panel of Maine people with pre-existing conditions, healthcare advocates and medical professionals in South Portland, following Department of Justice's decision not to defend the guarantee of coverage for pre-existing conditions. Senator King has been outspoken in opposition to administration moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act, and last month joined a group of his colleagues to introduce legislation that would overturn the administration's final junk insurance plan rule, which would expand the number of insurance plans that are not required to provide health care coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. In July, Senator King cosponsored a resolution that would authorize the Senate Legal Counsel to intervene in the legal case challenging the constitutionality of the ACA's provisions protecting people with pre-existing conditions. Also in July, he published a post on Mediumhighlighting the Administration's efforts to weaken the ACA. At the end of June, Senator King spoke twice Senate floor about the impact of ACA sabotage on Maine people and to honor the 53rd anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. Senator King has also pursued agreements that would improve the Affordable Care Act to protect coverage for the millions who rely on it for affordable health care, and has developed several proposals to make common sense fixes to the legislation. During the health care debate last summer, Senator Kingoutlined aroadmap of health care prioritiesto stabilize the health care marketplace and lower the underlying costs of treatment and health coverage for people in Maine and across the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-honoring-pow/mia-day,King Statement Honoring POW/MIA Day,2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This day recognizes and shows solidarity with America's servicemembers who have been Prisoners of War, those still Missing in Action, and their families: We join today to honor the brave members of our Armed Forces who were held as Prisoners of War and those who remain Missing in Action. I am humbled to join families in Maine and across the Nation to recognize their courage, patriotism, and immeasurable sacrifices. This day is a solemn reminder of these sacrifices, but it is also a call to action. In recognizing the sacrifices made by our family and community members who are or have been POW/MIA, we must recommit ourselves to working to bring them home and to caring for those among us they have left behind. The POW/MIA flag is emblazoned with the phrase, You Are Not Forgotten.' This serves as a stark reminder to us all that we must bear witness to the sacrifice of those still unaccounted for by joining together in our unyielding efforts to ensure that no one is left behind. This is also a reminder of our commitment and obligation to those who have returned and to ensure that they receive the support and compassionate care they deserve. This national day of recognition is a day we gather as a country to remember, but the families of POW/MIA must quietly endure the pain of a missing loved one every day. We must commit to stand by these families as a community, state, and Nation, to pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who are or have been POW/MIA. We vow to continue our efforts not only to bring them home, but also to care for their families and their comrades who have returned. On this day, I am honored to express my deepest gratitude to the brave members of our community who are or have been POW/MIA. To the families who have quietly borne the pain of a missing loved one, know that we will continue to stand with you and honor their selflessness to ensure the safety of our nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-cape-elizabeth-king-joins-usda-secretary-sonny-perdue-to-discuss-maine-agriculture-with-industry-leaders,"In Cape Elizabeth, King Joins USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to Discuss Maine Agriculture with Industry Leaders",2018-09-20,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"CAPE ELIZABETH, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue at the William H. Jordan Farm in Cape Elizabeth. Senator King and Secretary Perdue toured the farm and met with Maine agricultural leaders representing a variety of important sectors of the state's agricultural economy and discuss the challenges they face. Senator King and Secretary Perdue were also joined by Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). Maine farmers feed our people, drive our economy, and carry on traditions dating back generations, said Senator King. Our farmers are a vital part of Maine, and it's critical that the USDA understands the significant role they play in our rural economy, the challenges they're facing and the opportunities the Department can provide to help Maine agriculture grow and innovate. Today's visit allowed Secretary Perdue to see what made in Maine' really means that both our products and our people are second-to-none. Senator King has been a strong advocate for Maine farmers, and in June, the Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill witha number of King-backed provisionsto support innovation and create new opportunities for the Maine's agricultural communities, including a modernization of rural broadband programs, permanent funding to educate and train beginning farmers and ranchers, and continuing support for important Maine products like dairy, blueberries and potatoes. In the months since the Senate Farm Bill passed, Senator King has met with agricultural leaders around the state to discuss its provisions and other challenges facing Maine farmers, meeting with farmers in Aroostook County in July and Penobscot County in August to discuss their efforts to innovate. Earlier this month he also highlighted the challenge of food insecurity in Maine during a visit to Good Shepherd Food Bank. Senator King has also pushed to help Maine farms in a variety of ways, including introducing the PRIME Act to help small farmers bypass burdensome federal regulations for locally produced meats. He has also introduced the CREAATE Act, which would expand export opportunities for agricultural producers by revitalizing the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program; both of these programs aim to increase American agricultural exports, and generate a net return of $28.30 for every dollar invested. Senator King has also been a vocal advocate in favor of clear FDA labels for pure, single ingredient products like maple syrup and honey, and spoke on the Senate floor about this topic in June.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-address-suicide-crisis-in-native-communities,"King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Suicide Crisis in Native Communities",2018-09-19,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME U.S Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues to introduce the Native American Suicide Prevention Act. This legislation would help address the suicide crisis in Indian Country by ensuring collaboration among states and tribal communities to design and implement statewide suicide intervention and prevention strategies that work for their communities. The Native American Suicide Prevention Act is the Senate companion to H.R. 3473, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Congressman Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and 27 other House cosponsors. One suicide in Maine is one too many and in order to tackle a problem as serious as this, we need to have everyone at the table discussing solutions, said Senator King. Native communities have some of the highest rates of suicide in the nation, which is why including them in discussions about suicide prevention is so important it's just commonsense, and it can save lives. Native American reservations are experiencing an epidemic of suicide that is claiming the lives of countless young people. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Native people ages 10-34. For American Indians and Alaska Natives ages 15-34, the suicide rate is 1.5 times higher than the national average. In some tribal communities, the youth suicide rate is 10 times greater than the national average. Despite the devastating scope of this crisis and the clear need for Native communities' involvement in the development of suicide prevention strategies, tribes and tribal organizations are too often left out of planning and execution of statewide suicide prevention programs. The Native American Suicide Prevention Act would help address this epidemic by amending the Public Health Service Act to require states or state-designated entities to collaborate with tribes in an effort to curtail the alarming suicide rate in Native communities. Specifically, the bill would mandate that state governments collaborate with each federally recognized Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban Indian organization, and Native Hawaiian health care system in the state in developing and implementing statewide suicide early intervention and prevention strategies. In addition to Senator King, this legislation is supported by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Organizations that support the Native American Suicide Prevention Act include the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the National Council of Urban Indian Health, the Alaska Native Health Board, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Papa Ola Lokahi, and the Association For Behavioral Healthcare.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-tours-acadia-national-park-with-acting-director-of-nps-highlights-need-for-restore-our-parks-act,"King Tours Acadia National Park with Acting Director of NPS, Highlights Need for ‘Restore Our Parks Act’",2018-09-19,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BAR HARBOR, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, joined Acting Director of the National Park Service, Dan Smith, on a tour of Acadia National Park to assess the park's critical maintenance needs. The visit highlights the need for Congress to pass the Restore Our Parks Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senator King along with Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) that would reduce the $12 billion maintenance backlog facing National Parks around the country. This legislation would have a positive impact on Acadia, which has a maintenance backlog of approximately $60 million, and the surrounding communities. a companion bill, the Restore our Parks and Public Lands Act, has been introduced in the House. Mary and I have gone with our kids to almost two dozen national parks across the country, but Acadia will forever hold a special place in our hearts, said Senator King. Acadia, like all of our treasured national parks, represents a responsibility that is passed from generation to generation: our responsibility to leave behind a better world for those who come next. Unfortunately, we've fallen behind on that commitment, putting off $12 billion of important maintenance projects required to fulfill the promise of these parks. Our bipartisan bill will address this backlog, and ensure that our children and grandchildren can experience Cadillac Mountain sunrises for years to come. Senator King and Acting Director Smith were led through the park by Acadia National Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider. Also joining the tour were U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine); Town Manager of Bar Harbor, Cornell Knight; President and CEO of Friends of Acadia, David MacDonald; Maine State Senator, Brian Langley (R-Ellsworth); Maine State Representative, Brian Hubbell (D-Bar Harbor); Executive Director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Martha Searchfield; as well as other staff members from Acadia National Park and the park's non-profit partner, Friends of Acadia. More specifically, theRestore Our Parks Actwould establish the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund to reduce the maintenance backlog by allocating existing revenues the government receives from on and offshore energy development. This consensus legislation has been praised by witnesses at a Subcommittee on National Parks hearing in July, and is supported by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the National Parks Conservation Association, the Pew Charitable Trusts' restore America's parks campaign, and the Outdoor Industry Association, among others. In addition to Senators King, Portman, Warner, and Alexander, the legislation is supported by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Steve Daines (R-S.D.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Senator King is an steadfast supporter of the National Park System, and during his tenure in the Senate has pushed for modernizations to make the parks more accessible to future generations, including the implementation of a pilot program to make entrance passes for parks available online, that waslauded in a Subcommittee hearing last year. The program has been particularly successful in Acadia National Park (ANP); Acadia accounts for 72% of total sales in the pilot program, and online purchases accounted for 10% of the park's total entrance fee receipts in 2016.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-colleagues-to-secure-5-million-for-textbook-grants,King Joins Colleagues to Secure $5 Million for Textbook Grants,2018-09-18,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today applauded the inclusion of a provision allocating $5 million in additional funding for the continued implementation of the Open Textbooks Pilot in the FY19 Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Package. The Open Textbooks Pilot is a competitive grant program to support the creation and expand the use of open college textbooks textbooks that are available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. College is expensive enough textbooks shouldn't drive the price even higher, said Senator King. The Open Textbooks Pilot is an important opportunity to expand the use of free educational resources at schools across the country, making sure that students have affordable access to the tools they need to succeed. Senator King has been a leader on this issue, along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).In April, King, Durbin, and Smith led 23 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) pressing them to provide additional funding for the program in the FY19 funding bill. The program was created with an initial $5 million investment in the FY18 Omnibus.The Department is in the process of reviewing applications for FY18 grants under the Pilot and is expected to announce the first awards soon. Durbin, King, and Smith, along with Representatives Jared Polis (D-Colo.) andKyrstenSinema(D-Ari.) in the House, have been working to ensure the program is effectively implemented by the Department of Education sending letters to Secretary Betsy DeVos in April and August. Today's bill also includes report language to ensure that the Department: Awards FY19 funds through a new grant competition; Uses the funds to provide a greater number of grants in FY19 at least 20 grants with individual grants amounting to $100,000 to $1 million; Provides institutions at least 60 days to apply for grant funds; and Requires any tools, technologies, or other resources developed with grant funds for use with an open textbooks to also be open and freely available. The College Board estimates that the average student at a four-year public institution of higher education should budget$1,250 forcollege books and supplies during the 2017-18 academic year and $1,420 for students at community colleges. According to a survey by U.S. PIRG, 65 percent of students decided not to buy a textbook because of the cost and 94 percent of those students worried it would negatively affect their grade.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-portland-king-joins-experts-for-panel-discussion-on-preventing-veterans-suicide,"In Portland, King Joins Experts for Panel Discussion on Preventing Veterans Suicide",2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PORTLAND, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a panel featuring veterans' healthcare experts and caregivers at the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). The panel included: Russell Armstead, Assistant Medical Center Director at the VA Maine Healthcare System; Tracy Charette, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Togus VA Medical Center; David Richmond, Interim Director at Bureau of Veterans' Services; Greg Marley, Clinical Director & Senior Trainer at Maine Chapter National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); Shamera Simpson, Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Suzanne Fox, Founder of The Yellow Tulip Project; and veterans Camden Ege and Jeremy Kendall. The discussion highlighted common suicide risk factors and warning signs for suicide, provided information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, and emphasized the importance of starting the conversation around veteran mental health. Our veterans have made immense sacrifices on behalf of our national security, and we have a national responsibility to care for them both physically and mentally, said Senator King. Unfortunately, far too many of our veterans still carry the weight of their service, and feel like they cannot access the help they need. That needs to change, and one of the ways to bring about that change is through a dialogue, speaking directly to veterans to tell them that we are here to help. I'm grateful for the insight of today's excellent panel, and for their dedication to supporting the mental health of our veterans. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues since arriving in Washington. Earlier this week, he applauded the House and Senate's passage of the MilCon-VA Conference Report, which aims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs, as well as improve VA's ability to hire high-quality healthcare professionals, expand VA caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras and establish a process to evaluate and reform VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans. In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA wassigned into law. In May, he helda listening session with Maine veteranson the qualities and values they are looking for in a new VA Secretary, and in April Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. The Senator also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by devoting hisNovemberandDecemberpodcasts to the subject, with Travis Mills as one of the guests on the latter show. In December, theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund three new positionsinMaineto better serve justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health or substance abuse issues a move which follows aFebruary letter from Senator King to the VAurging additional resources on the topic. Senator King was a cosponsor of theDepartment of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, which passed the Senate in June 2017 and has since beensigned into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-inhofe-push-to-expand-civics-education,"King, Inhofe Push to Expand Civics Education",2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) introduced the Constitution education Is Valuable In Community Schools (CIVICS) Act, to support the development of Constitution and civics education curriculum for students across the country. The Senators' legislation comes on Constitution Day, which was established in 1952 to recognize the importance of the United States Constitution and the importance of citizenship and civics in our daily lives. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln called upon the American people to take up the cause of our nation, and fight for the continued success of Government of the people, by the people, for the people,' said Senator King. But Lincoln's plea doesn't only apply to his contemporaries it is the responsibility of each successive generation to carry the mantle of American civic life forward. In order to live up to the ideals of our nation, it is important to first fully understand them; civics education is one of the most important ways we can teach our future leaders about our past, and I'm proud to support any effort to expand its presence in schools. The Constitution established the basis and formation of our nation: that we are a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Yet, too often, students aren't taught about the Constitution, its history or its principles including the Bill of Rights, Inhofe said. By restoring an emphasis on the Constitution in civics education, we can encourage more young Americans to be active participants in our democracy by communicating with their elected officials, engaging in advocacy and, when eligible, voting in state, local and federal elections. First established in 1952, Congress expanded the recognition of Constitution Day in 2004, requiring public schools and federal agencies teach the Constitution and civics lessons. While the American History and Civics Education program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, created grants for institutions of higher education and other organizations to develop evidence based approaches to improve the quality of American history, civics and government, or geography learning and teaching, schools who receive these grants are not required to teach the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. The CIVICS Act would require grant recipients to teach the Constitution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-usda-to-target-600-million-investment-in-rural-broadband-to-maximize-impact-for-maine-communities,King Urges USDA to Target $600 Million Investment in Rural Broadband to Maximize Impact for Maine Communities,2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PORTLAND, ME U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a founder and co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to allocate funding towards investing in broadband access for Maine's underserved and rural areas by submitting a letter during RUS's comment period. The RUS's funding was included in the March 2018 omnibus, which was supported by Senator King in large part because Congress funded a $600 million broadband pilot program to help private, non-profit and public entities that provide rural broadband services. Access to affordable, high-speed broadband is increasingly an economic development imperative for rural communities in Maine and across the country that are seeking to attract business investment, increase economic prosperity, and reverse outmigration by drawing in younger residents, Senator King wrote in his letter. This Pilot offers tremendous potential for catalyzing broadband investment in rural areas.[USDA Rural Utilities Service] should encourage the best use of limited Pilot funding by coordinating with states that have completed robust broadband planning efforts and continue to modernize the program to meet the connectivity needs of rural America. In his letter, Senator King highlighted key criteria the USDA should consider when structuring this program, including: Defining sufficient access to broadband in a way that accounts for affordability and common business practices including two-way video conferencing. This will ensure that what is deemed as sufficient access will actually reflect the needs of local businesses and consumers. Acquiring up-to-date broadband mapping data through partnerships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), state governments, and local governments, as well as seeking input from consumers. This will allow the government to make informed decisions about where to target broadband funding with the most recent data. Accounting for the scope and depth of partnerships between funding applicants and local governments, employers and other key regional institutions. These partnerships are vital to the success of broadband projects. Maximizing the benefit of these initial funds by working with states that have completed robust broadband planning efforts. In states like Maine where a foundation has been laid, the funds will have the largest impact on communities. Connectivity in rural regions is a key part ofSenator King's economic agendato help grow Maine's rural economy, support innovation and create jobs, and in January he sent a bipartisan letter to the President with his co-chairs on the Senate Broadband Caucus urging stand-alone funding for broadband deployment in any proposed infrastructure package. During his time in office, Senator King hassupportedthe modernization of federal broadband programs, including the FCC's E-rate program, which supports school and library internet access, and the Senate Farm Bill. Senator King is a cosponsor of the B-CROP Act, which was included in the Senate Farm Bill and would modernize the USDA's rural broadband loan program; this bill's grant-loan model provides the basis for the rules of the $600 million pilot in the March omnibus. Last month, he met with farmers in Exeter to discuss the importance of rural broadband to fuel agricultural innovation, and he is also a cosponsor of the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, elements of which were included in the Senate Farm Bill. Senator King's full comments are available here and below. +++ Ms. Michele Brooks Regulations Team Lead Rural Development Innovation Center U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave. SW Stop 1522, Room 1562 Washington, DC 20250 Subject: Docket No. RUS-18-TELECOM-0004 Dear Ms. Brooks: I write to offer comments on the notice of inquiry (NOI) and request for comments (RFC) published by the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) regarding the e-Connectivity Pilot created in section 779 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141). I commend RUS's interest in hearing from the public as it crafts the rules governing this important program and encourage your careful consideration of these comments and those submitted by broadband stakeholders in Maine. Access to affordable, high-speed broadband is increasingly an economic development imperative for rural communities in Maine and across the country that are seeking to attract business investment, increase economic prosperity, and reverse outmigration by drawing in younger residents. This Pilot offers tremendous potential for catalyzing broadband investment in rural areas, so I am pleased to offer the following responses to this NOI and RFC. I. Defining sufficient access Given the importance of broadband to the economic future of rural America, the Pilot's sufficient access definition deserves special attention. The Pilot must not bypass rural areas where access and affordability of broadband service fails to actually and consistently meet the needs of employers, students, farmers, and telehealth patients. With this in mind, the term sufficient access should be understood to include metrics related to quality of service, affordability, and qualitative feedback from community and business stakeholders. Quality of service benchmarks should include a minimum-allowable data cap or usage allowance, as well as a maximum latency amount. These benchmarks should be set at levels needed to enable regular two-way video conferencing, support content creation, and common activities undertaken by rural businesses and remote workers connecting with clients and employers in urban centers. In addition, these benchmarks should support the connectivity needs for enabling seniors to age in place and the delivery of telehealth services. Both quality of service measures and the statutorily-defined 10/1 Mbps capacity should be measured at hours of peak usage and revaluated on an ongoing basis. If a metric fails to hold up when the highest number of users are on a network, it fails to have practical meaning. Affordability should also be noted in RUS's evaluation of whether an area has sufficient access to broadband. RUS should consider whether the annual urban rate survey conducted by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) could be the basis of an affordability benchmark. When evaluating prices against a benchmark, RUS should use the cost of a standalone broadband subscription, rather than the portion of a bundled bill that an internet service provider (ISP) attributes to broadband. Additionally, the measured price should include any ISP-imposed fees that are not directly required by regulators or the law. Further, RUS should create a rebuttable presumption that open-access dark fiber projects are affordable due to the likelihood of competitive service options. While quantitative measures should be the primary means for RUS to determine whether sufficient access exists, RUS should also consider any qualitative feedback submitted by community members, employers, economic development organizations, providers, and local governmentsparticularly those organizations and governments that have completed broadband plansas part of an application. They can provide specific examples of whether economic development is being hindered by insufficient broadband availability. Finally, although RUS is bound to the 10/1 Mbps standard for the Pilot's initial application window, RUS should strongly consider modernizing this threshold in subsequent years, as allowed under the law. In so doing, RUS should recognize the importance of adequate upload speeds for enabling content creators and employers and individuals working on increasingly ubiquitous cloud computing platforms to compete in the global economy from a rural address. Further, RUS's modernization of this standard should ensure that taxpayer funds are not spent building broadband infrastructure that will be obsolete prior to the end of its useful life. II. Acquiring accurate broadband mapping data Existing federal broadband data is either too out-of-date or too imprecise to be useful to policymakers. Therefore, I support further data-gathering efforts by federal agencies and additional funding by Congress to improve the accuracy of broadband data on an ongoing basis. In the near-term, I recommend that RUS take advantage of additional sources of data beyond the National Broadband Map, including: a. Any ISP-submitted data that is more recent than the most recent National Broadband Map, including ISP data submitted indirectly via a state, county, or local government that has compiled such data. Any such data should represent actual end-user speeds during peak usage hours. This data should be discounted if the ISP has previously submitted inaccurate data to USDA. b. Any broadband infrastructure surveys or maps conducted by a state, county, or local governmentor economic development organizationthat can demonstrate maximum possible speeds based on the availability of certain types of infrastructure in a given location. c. Actual end-user speeds measured according to a methodologically-robust process that is resistant to gaming by ISPs and that does not reflect bottlenecks caused by equipment internal to the user's network. III. Measuring project benefits and judging utility partnership viability When evaluating the likely benefits of a project, RUS should take note of the scope and depth of partnerships between the applicant and local governments, employers, anchor institutions, providers, and economic development organizations. When all of these stakeholders have input into a project, the odds of a successful network deployment likely increase. The presence of a digital inclusion plan paired with a network deployment is also likely to boost take rates and increase the likelihood of a self-sustaining network that creates a meaningful community and economic benefit. In addition to direct grant or loan funding, RUS should look at innovative financial models and public-private partnerships that maximize the leveraging of public funds to spur private sector investment in broadband infrastructure. Local utility partnerships, including electric, water, and sewer utilities should also be viewed favorably, given the long history of success of the local utility model in bringing other vital infrastructure to rural America. RUS should look to support efforts to deploy open access dark fiber optic networks that support both digital inclusion and advanced smart grid technologies. These types of telecommunications-utility partnerships have great potential to maximize the asset life of the RUS investment by enabling deployment of other complementary smart infrastructure and opening up the provision of digital services to compete from a broad array of internet service providers, resulting in greater choice and lower costs. IV. Additional feedback RUS should encourage the best use of limited Pilot funding by coordinating with states that have completed robust broadband planning efforts. This coordination could be achieved by allowing states to apply for RUS grant funding that they would be allowed to pass through to projects the states select, with appropriate eligibility rules and regulations. In order to retain the program's financial controls, loan funding would be excluded from this option and states would be liable to reimburse RUS for any funds used for purposes outside RUS's eligibility guidelines. Thank you for your consideration of these comments and your efforts to ensure that the e-Connectivity pilot improves broadband infrastructure in rural America. If you have any questions about this letter, please direct your staff to contact Adam Lachman or Will Woodworth in my office at 202-224-5344.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-king-speaks-in-support-of-expanding-base-of-opioid-treatment-professionals,"On Senate Floor, King Speaks in Support of Expanding Base of Opioid Treatment Professionals",2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) spoke on the Senate Floor in support of the Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act, which would permanently authorize nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. Though this legislation is not a part of the Senate opioid package that is expected to be taken up today, it was included in the House of Representatives' version, and Senator King is hopeful it will be included in the conference committee's final report. Click HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. The discussion today is about the opioid crisis, one of the most serious public health crises I have seen in my adult life, certainly in the state of Maine. said Senator King in his speech. It's an enormous problem across the country, particularly in rural areas. In my state we are losing more than one person a day to an overdose death. That is an epidemic by anybody's definition[and] the numbers continue to get worse. More and more families are being devastated by this crisis, and there aren't many answers being provided. There is, however, one ray of hope that this bill that we're going to be discussing and voting on this afternoon does provide, and that is: Treatment works. Recovery is possible."" Now, the problem is that treatment, particularly in rural areas, is short on infrastructure. It's short on people who can deliver the treatment. And we can fund programs and talk about them here, but if you are talking about a rural county about Milo, Maine in Piscataquis County you're not talking about a tremendous amount of infrastructure. But there is available an army of people who can contribute to the solution of this problem. The people I'm talking about are nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners are, in many ways, among the unsung heroes in the health care discussion particularly, in rural areas where there aren't a lot of physicians. But nurse practitioners were enabled in the CARA bill to providemedicine assisted treatment, but the problem is that authority expires in 2021....We need to fix that. It's working it's an important part of our ability to deliver these life-saving services. And we've got people in Maine, nurse practitioners who are ready, willing, and more-than ableto deliver these life-saving services. 1,700 of them in the State of Maine. Now, the bill we're going to be voting on this afternoon unfortunately does not have this extension in it, but I'm here this afternoon to urge those who are going to be supporting the bill and then working on it in conference with the other body to [make] this small changeLet's for once, do something before it's a deadline. Let's do it nowI rise to support the bill, but also to suggest this small change that I think will dramatically increase the effectiveness of the treatment that the bill enables, and will allow it to be delivered in an equitable and direct and important way to people all across the country, no matter where they live... Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Washington. During his speech, Senator King referenced the Portland Rally 4 Recovery, which he attended last week to celebrate those who are successfully recovering from Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). In July, Senator King hosted a panel of medical professionals, employers and advocates to discuss the opioid crisis and reduce the stigma surrounding SUDs. That same month, he met with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, Anne Hazlett, and a number of medical professionals, law enforcement officers, advocates and local leaders ata Bangor roundtable discussing the opioid epidemic's impact on rural Maine. In June, he highlighted the importance of the Affordable Care Act's protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions to those struggling with substance use disorders which is considered a pre-existing condition, so those who seek treatment could then be denied coverage or charged exorbitant rates based on their past substance use. He has repeatedly called on Congress and both the Obama and Trump administrations to fund laws and agencies that help address the drug epidemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-legislation-to-fight-the-opioid-crisis-including-multiple-king-backed-provisions,Senate Passes Legislation to Fight the Opioid Crisis Including Multiple King-Backed Provisions,2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted for the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, a bipartisan package which passed today by a vote of 98 to 2 and includes many provisions that will help Maine families and communities affected by the opioid crisis. The legislation was the result of months of bipartisan hearings and discussion on the opioid crisis. Senator King has previously supported several core provisions of the legislation, which will improve the federal government's response to the opioid epidemic and lessen negative effects on children, families, and communities. This legislation isn't perfect but it's an important step in the right direction on an issue that desperately needs progress, said Senator King. The severity of the opioid crisis isn't a partisan issue; it's about protecting our families, friends, neighbors, loved ones, and ensuring the safety of our young people. In Maine, the opioid epidemic takes away the lives of our community members at a rate of one person per day. This pain is being felt not only across our state, but also across our nation, and this bill will work to solve this problem through a multi-pronged legislative approach that increases support systems for victims, strengthens law enforcement efforts to crack down on those who smuggle and deal drugs, and empowers communities with the tools they need to help their citizens fight addiction. As I said, this is not perfect bill, and there are a number of provisions that I hope will be added during the conference committee, so we can build on the already strong gains made in this legislation. Earlier today on the Senate floor, Senator King highlighted one specific provision that he hopes will be included in the conference report: The Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act, which would permanently authorize nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders. Under current law, these medical professionals are allowed to administer MAT until October 1, 2021; this new legislation would permanently authorize these professionals to administer MAT. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Washington. In July, Senator King hosted a panel of medical professionals, employers and advocates to discuss the opioid crisis and reduce the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). That same month, he met with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, Anne Hazlett, and a number of medical professionals, law enforcement officers, advocates and local leaders ata Bangor roundtable discussing the opioid epidemic's impact on rural Maine. In June, he highlighted the importance of the Affordable Care Act's protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions to those struggling with substance use disorders which is considered a pre-existing condition, so those who seek treatment could then be denied coverage or charged exorbitant rates based on their past substance use. He has repeatedly called on Congress and both the Obama and Trump administrations to fund laws and agencies that help address the drug epidemic. Senator King has held several roundtables throughout Maine from Portland to Bangor to Milo to Paris and has spoken with health professionals, first responders, community members, and people in recovery to find ways to help people get better and make Maine communities safer and healthier. He has also joined a group of his Senate colleagues towrite to the nation's top health insurers urging them to do their part to combat the opioid epidemic.In an effort to hold the insurance industry accountable, the Senators asked the companies to both review their existing policies in light of the epidemic, and to take additional steps to make sure they are working actively to help curb addiction.In the FY 2018 Omnibus Federal Appropriations bill which passed in March, Senator King supported a provision which increased funding to fight the opioid and mental health crises by $3.3 billion, including an increase of $2.8 billion in treatment, prevention and research for programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. Also, in November 2017, Senator King led aletterto the Trump Administration urging additional funding for the opioid epidemic, and in October 2017 he joined a group of colleagues to introduce theCombating the Opioid Epidemic Act, legislation that would invest $45 billion for prevention, detection, surveillance and treatment of opioids. Specifically, Senator King has backed the following core values of the legislation: Reauthorization of the 21st Century Cures Act: Senator King was an outspoken advocate for funding originally provided by the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides critical opioid funding for states and tribes. The Opioid Crisis and Response Act of 2018 will reauthorize and improve grants to states and Indiantribes for prevention, response, and treatmentto mitigatethe opioid crisis, authorized in 21stCentury Cures, for three more years. Inclusion of CRIB Act provision: Senator King is a lead sponsor of the CRIB Act, which allows Medicaid to cover care for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome in residential pediatric recovery centers. Empower Communities to Combat Crisis: The bill reauthorizes the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) as well as its associated grant programs, such as the Drug-Free Communities Program and the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Program. Senator King co-sponsored the Substance Abuse Prevention Act of 2018, which included the provision to reauthorize ONDCP. He also wrote a letter to the White House last year urging the administration to maintain funding for the office. Reduction of Use and Supply: Senator King is a co-sponsor of the STOP Act, which will help stop illegal drugs at the border by requiring the postal service to obtain advance electronic data for international mail and provide that data to Customs and Border Protection.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-center-for-seniors-in-kennebunk-king-addresses-reigning-in-high-cost-of-health-care-and-prescription-drugs,"At Center for Seniors in Kennebunk, King Addresses Reigning in High Cost of Health Care and Prescription Drugs",2018-09-14,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"KENNEBUNK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) visited The Center for Seniors in Kennebunk to meet with members and discuss a number of issues facing Maine seniors. Throughout the conversation, Senator King touched on topics including Medicare, the high costs of prescription drugs, and the importance of finding solutions that help Maine people age in place. I think all of us need to be concerned in this country about how much healthcare costs. We can talk about policy and which approach works better, but when it comes right down to it: we have to reign in the cost of healthcare, said Senator King. The cost of prescription drugs is one of the first places we ought to start to address costs. If we let Medicare negotiate a volume discount on behalf of Maine seniors, can you imagine how much we'd save? Today's conversation with the men and women who frequent The Center for Seniors was productive, insightful and reminded me that what makes Maine great isn't just our coast or our mountains; it's our people. And the folks who've been here for decades or who have moved to Maine to enjoy our state in their retirement are an essential maybe even the essential element that makes our home such a great place to live. As Maine is the state with the oldest median age, Senator King has made senior issues one of his top priorities. In June, he met with seniors and staff at Cohen Community Center in Hallowell to discuss aging in place.Earlier this year, Senator King joined Maine seniors and healthcare providers in Machias to discuss strategies to help seniors age safely and comfortably. In March 2017, Senator King introduced theSenior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a process to better coordinate the many existing federal home modification programs and provide more consumer-friendly information on how those programs can benefit older Americans. He also introduced theDELIVER Act, which would promote volunteerism within meal delivery programs and help provide meals to more seniors across America. Senator King is also a strong proponent of strengthening telehealth, and earlier this yearannounced his support for theCONNECT for Health Act. Senator King is a strong supporter of Medicare and Medicaid, andin July spoke on the Senate floor to honor the 53rd anniversary of these programs and commit to defending the programs from those who would seek to privatize them. He is an original cosponsor of theMedicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, legislation that would lower prescription drug prices for seniors by allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs.This legislation would help cut costs for nearly 41 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D and boost Medicare savings. He has also supported theMedicare Drug Savings Act, legislation that would eliminate a special deal for brand-name drug manufacturers that allows them to charge Medicare higher prices for prescription drugs for some seniors and people with disabilities, including about 97,000 Mainers. Senator King has also been outspoken on a number of healthcare challenges facing Maine people. He has strongly opposed the Administration's moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act, and is a cosponsor of a resolution that would authorize the Senate Legal Counsel to intervene in the legal case challenging the constitutionality of the ACA's provisions protecting people with pre-existing conditions. In July, he published a post on Mediumhighlighting the Administration's efforts to weaken the ACA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-passage-of-milcon-va-conference-report,King Applauds Passage of MilCon-VA Conference Report,2018-09-14,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded Congressional passage of bipartisan legislation to fund the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Defense (DoD). The package includes full funding for the VA Mission Act, a bipartisan effort that seeks to improve the availability and quality of care through the VA. The legislation, which passed the Senate last night and the House of Representatives this evening, now heads to the President's desk for signature. America's veterans have earned our nation's eternal gratitude, and their dedicated service deserves nothing less than the best care we can possibly provide, said Senator King. As a result of this week's overwhelmingly bipartisan votes, the VA will have the funds it needs to look after our veterans. I'm particularly pleased by the inclusion of funds for the VA MISSION Act, which will strengthen the VA's status as a unique healthcare provider and help rural veterans to receive community care closer to home. TheVA MISSION Actaims to consolidate and improve VA community care programs, as well as improve VA's ability to hire high-quality healthcare professionals, expand VA caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras and establish a process to evaluate and reform VA's existing facilities to best serve veterans. TheVA MISSION Acthas received broad support from leading veterans groups that represent millions of veterans in the United States; in May,agroup of 38 veteran and military advocacy organizationswrote to the House and Senate in support of theVA MISSION Act. Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans issues since arriving in Washington. In June,his bill to strengthen accountability of senior executives at the VA was signed into law. In May, he helda listening session with Maine veteranson the qualities and values they are looking for in a new VA Secretary, and in April Senator Kingvisited the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome, which brings injured veterans and their families to Maine in order to help the veterans overcome physical obstacles with the support of family members. The Senator also highlighted the important place of veterans in Maine by devoting hisNovemberandDecemberpodcasts to the subject, with Travis Mills as one of the guests on the latter show. In December, theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund three new positionsinMaineto better serve justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health or substance abuse issues a move which follows aFebruary letter from Senator King to the VAurging additional resources on the topic. Senator King was a cosponsor of theDepartment of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, which passed the Senate in June 2017 and has since beensigned into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-2-million-for-maine-legal-assistance-programs-for-victims-of-domestic-violence,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2 Million for Maine Legal Assistance Programs for Victims of Domestic Violence",2018-09-14,2018,2018-09,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced a total of $1,117,794 for Next Step Domestic Violence Project in Ellsworth and Caring Unlimited Corporation in Sanford. The funding was awarded through the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program and Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program. Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence should have access to every resource available to ensure their safety, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Next Step Violence Project and Caring Unlimited have each spent decades working to coordinate local programs, improve awareness, and identify gaps in services to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence. We are pleased that these investments will help both coalitions continue their vital work to protect victims in Maine. Next Step is thrilled and relieved to receive this grant, which will sustain our ability to provide pro bono legal representation to survivors of domestic violence in Washington and Hancock Counties for the next three years, said Dorathy Martel, Executive Director of Next Step Domestic Violence Project. Our attorneys work closely with domestic violence advocates to ensure that safety planning is at the center of every interaction, and this approach saves lives. The funding was awarded as follows: Next Step Domestic Violence Project of Ellsworth will receive $578,268 to provide attorney representation and consultation as well as legal advocacy and court accompaniment for matters related to and/or arising from domestic violence. The Next Step Domestic Violence Project will partner with Husson University to recruit and hire legal interns. The goal is to expand the knowledge base of future legal practitioners regarding domestic violence and related matters, potentially expanding the pool of people it can recruit for future positions. Caring Unlimited Corporation of Sanford will receive $599,526 to increase safety from intimate violence by effectively ensuring continued access to civil legal assistance for low-income and rural victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who need, but cannot afford, to hire a lawyer to protect themselves. This funding was awarded through the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW), an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z