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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-to-demand-votes-on-house-passed-2000-direct-payments-bill-and-mcconnells-bill/,"Sanders to Demand Votes on House-Passed $2,000 Direct Payments Bill and McConnells Bill",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 31 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced on Thursday that he will challenge Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring his own legislation to the floor, in addition to the bill passed by the House of Representatives with support from 44 Republicans and 231 Democrats to give working-class Americans $2,000 direct payments, for an up-or-down vote. The working class of America is facing more economic desperation than at anytime since the Great Depression, Sanders said. They need our help and they need it now. I'm offering a compromise path forward to resolve our current impasse and give Americans the vote they deserve on direct payments. Tomorrow, we should vote on the McConnell bill and the House-passed bill. What objection could Leader McConnell have for not voting on his own bill? McConnell's legislation was introduced after the Republican Leader told the Senate that he would prioritize moving a package of President Trump's priorities, including $2,000 direct payments. Packaging a repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and a Congressional inquiry into supposed voter fraud in addition to direct payments, McConnell announced that those are the three important subjects the president has linked together. This week, the Senate will begin a process to bring these three priorities into focus. Sanders responded: McConnell began the process on Tuesday, and he should finish that work by putting his bill on the floor of the U.S. Senate for consideration before we go home for the New Year. Sanders will ask for unanimous consent to bring both pieces of legislation up for a vote on Friday afternoon.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/vermonts-congressional-delegation-recognizes-vermont-u-s-service-academy-nominees-via-video-livestream-wednesday-december-30/,"Vermonts Congressional Delegation Recognizes Vermont U.S. Service Academy Nominees via Video Livestream Wednesday, December 30",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, and U.S. Representative Peter Welch on Wednesday evening recognized 28 young Vermonters who received nominations to the United States Service Academies, Class of 2025. Each year the Vermont delegation hosts a reception at the Vermont State House for the nominees. However, for everyone's safety, this year's ceremony was held virtually. The names of this year's nominees, selected by Leahy, Sanders, and Welch through a competitive vetting process, and forwarded to the Academies for final decisions, are: Mr. Eusebio Aja IIIof Barre, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Matthew Bayardof Saint Albans, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Allison Bradleyof Woodstock, Vermont(U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Matthew Durginof Cabot, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Fletcher Footeof Newport, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy Ms. Pauline Garzaof Essex Junction, Vermont (U.S Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Aidan Geboof Vergennes, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Katherine Hawkoof Shelburne, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Charlotte Hillof Williston, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Julia Hortonof Saint Albans, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Ethan Howellof Milton, Vermont(U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Patrick Kwassof South Burlington, Vermont(U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy Mr. Joshua Lajeunesseof Montpelier, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Wylie Lucasof Norwich, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Ethan Melloof West Windsor, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. MacKenzie Millerof Shelburne, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Olivia Mooreof Colchester, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Elizabeth Perryof Franklin, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Jackson Porterof Franklin, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Ms. Alayna Potterof Colchester, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Michael Puchkovof Peru, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Thomas Remillardof Saint Albans, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Ethan Schaalof White River Junction, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Brad Stankiewiczof Milton, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Welch Mr. Alexander Stefurakof West Rutland, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Peter Warholdof Norwich, Vermont (U.S. Air Force Academy) Nominated by: Welch Mr. Aidan Whiteof Middlesex, Vermont (U.S. Military Academy) Nominated by: Leahy, Sanders, Welch Mr. Andrew Zuckermanof South Londonderry, Vermont (U.S. Naval Academy) Nominated by: Sanders, Welch",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-demands-mcconnell-hold-vote-on-2000-direct-payments/,"Sanders Demands McConnell Hold Vote on $2,000 Direct Payments",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 28 Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement in response to the House of Representatives' overwhelming 275-134 passage of $2,000 direct payments for the working class: The House has passed a $2,000 direct payment for working people. It is time for the Senate to act. This week on the Senate floor Mitch McConnell wants to vote to override Trump's veto of the $740 billion defense funding bill and then head home for the New Year. I'm going to object until we get a vote on legislation to provide a $2,000 direct payment to the working class. Let me be clear: If Senator McConnell doesn't agree to an up or down vote to provide the working people of our country a $2,000 direct payment, Congress will not be going home for New Year's Eve. Let's do our job.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-calls-on-mitch-mcconnell-to-pass-2000-direct-payments-legislation-in-the-senate/,"Sanders Calls on Mitch McConnell to Pass $2,000 Direct Payments Legislation in the Senate",2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BURLINGTON, December 23 In response to President Trump's disapproval of the $908-billion COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress on Monday, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement: In America today, millions of Americans are facing economic desperation and need help now.I have been calling on Congress for months to pass legislation to provide every working class American with $2,000 a month until the pandemic ends.Now that Senator Schumer, Speaker Pelosi and President Trump have all indicated strong support for a $2,000 direct payment the ball is in Senate Majority Leader McConnell's court. I say to Senator McConnell: Let the Senate vote immediately on a stand-alone bill to provide a $2,000 direct payment for the working class and $4,000 for couples. If no Republican objects to that bill, it could pass by unanimous consent today. Sanders is the co-author, with Senators Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), of the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act, which would provide $2,000 direct monthly payments to working-class Americans for the duration of the pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-bill-signed-into-law-curbing-plastic-marine-debris,"Collins, King Bill Signed Into Law, Curbing Plastic Marine Debris",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) are applauding the signing into law of theirSave Our Seas 2.0 Act. The bipartisan bill,introduced in June, seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018. Countless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters,said Senator Collins. I am pleased to see this legislation become law, which will help to accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come. Maine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people,said Senator King.By enacting this bipartisan legislation into law, we are building on our vital work to protect our oceans and allow future generations can access its widespread economic potential and its unparalleled beauty. Roughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean. TheSave Our Seas 2.0 Actis also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Earlier this year, Senator Collinswas honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Awardfrom ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiatives at the organization's annual dinner. To honor his lifelong environmental stewardship and advocacy, Senator King received theinaugural Hero Award last monthfrom the National Park Foundation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-voices-concern-after-president-trump-vetoes-ndaa,King Voices Concern After President Trump Vetoes NDAA,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, expressed his frustration after President Trump vetoed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021.The legislation previously passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives by overwhelmingly bipartisan, veto-proof majorities; the legislation will now return to Congress, which will hold a vote to override the President's veto. By vetoing the overwhelmingly-bipartisan NDAA, President Trump is denying a pay raise for our nation's servicemembers, undermining our national security, and threatening Maine jobs at facilities like Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, said Senator King. The President has cited a variety of different reasons to explain why he opposes this bill, but each excuse is either patently false, wholly unrelated to the military, or antithetical to America's values. What should raise grave concern in every American, regardless of political beliefs, is that this NDAA is the single-most comprehensive piece of cybersecurity legislation ever passed by Congress; as we work to determine the harm done by the recent cyber incursion, the provisions in this NDAA would be a shield against future tactics by our foes worldwide. In the days ahead, I hope that the large, veto-proof majorities which initially supported this legislation will come together once again to override the President's veto for the good of our servicemembers and our nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/year-end-appropriations-bill-passes-senate-with-king-backed-initiatives-to-support-maine-jobs-bolster-national-defense,"Year-End Appropriations Bill Passes Senate with King-Backed Initiatives to Support Maine Jobs, Bolster National Defense",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of the 2021 omnibus appropriations bill, which funds government programs through next September and advances a number of Senator King's top priorities to support Maine jobs, increase affordability for working families, and invest in our national security. This year-end legislation includes a wide range of provisions that will improve life for Maine people, said Senator King. The bill includes provisions to support good, high-paying jobs for Maine people, whether it be at Bath Iron Works or one of our craft breweries. In addition, the legislation will help working Maine families afford essential needs, including housing and child care, while also encouraging employers to offer paid family leave. Finally, the legislation will take important steps to enhance our national security by funding shipbuilding priorities and reestablishing America's leadership in global public health. The coming year will continue to present challenges as our nation grapples with the impacts of the coronavirus, and this legislation will help our nation confront these difficulties. I'm grateful to see this bipartisan product pass the Senate, and I am eager to continue working across the aisle with my colleagues in the coming year. Provisions supported by Senator King included in the legislative package include: Funding shipbuilding priorities.The legislation appropriates $3.2 billion for the procurement of DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2021, which Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build. It also authorizes $159.3 million to fund future year DDG-51 procurements. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds $78.2 million for the completion of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, all of which are being built at BIW.Funding construction at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.The 2021 NDAA appropriates $160 million for construction of Dry Dock One at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard installation at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. Incentivizing employers to provide paid family leave. The package includes a five-year extension of the Paid Family Leave Tax Credit. Senator King sponsored the Paid Family Leave Tax Credit when it first became law in 2017. This long-term extension of the Credit will help Maine employers provide paid leave to more Maine workers.Supporting Maine's dynamic craft brewers and distillers. The legislation contains the King-cosponsored Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which provides permanent excise tax relief for Maine's hardworking small brewers and distillers.Promoting affordable housing construction. The legislation stabilizes the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which is a key provision of the King-cosponsored Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act. The revitalized credit will lead to the construction of more housing for the Maine people who need it most.Working to prevent future catastrophic pandemics. The legislation provides substantially increased funding for US global health security activities a key priority for Senator King, whose Global Health Security Act was the first Senate legislation to address the vital challenge of emerging infectious diseases. The bill provides a $193 million to support CDC's efforts to strengthen the capacities of developing countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and outbreaks; this figure represents an increase of $20 million. The bill also increases USAID global health security funding by $90 million, to a total of $190 million, to strengthen the ability of target countries to prevent, detect, and respond to future zoonotic viruses and other infectious diseases, and to identify unknown zoonotic viruses.Supporting research and development work.Senator King successfully pushed for the inclusion of additional funds for Department of Defense Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation programs, including funding for research and development on active protection systems, tungsten manufacturing, and additive manufacturing initiatives. Maine research institutions and companies will be eligible to compete for some of these projects.Providing military personnel with high-quality, Maine-made equipment. The legislation appropriates $1.1 billion in funding for CH-53K heavy lift helicopters, which include components produced at Hunting Dearborn in Fryeburg. The legislation also includes $201.2 million for advance procurement of these helicopters.Increasing military pay.The legislation authorizes a 3 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces.Expanding telehealth for veterans. The agreement provides $1.3 billion to sustain and increase telehealth capacity for veterans, including in rural and highly rural areas. This effort builds on work done during the coronavirus pandemic to improve access to care for veterans, and would help older veterans and those who live in rural areas stay connected to healthcare providers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-leahy-welch-applaud-dam-repair-funding-for-vermont/,"Sanders, Leahy, Welch Applaud Dam-Repair Funding for Vermont",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced that legislation passed by Congress last night will fund critical water infrastructure projects, including three aging flood-control dams. The Vermont delegation also announced that the state of Vermont has signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make much-needed repairs to the Waterbury Dam. The project will begin in early 2021, using $40 million in federal funding secured by the delegation. The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2020, to be signed into law today, includes language first authored by Senator Sanders in 2016 in the Water Resources Development Act. This year, the amendment authored by Sanders in the Senate and Welch in the House increases the authorization of federal funding to $60 million each for safety improvements at certain state-owned flood control dams constructed by the federal government before 1940. In Vermont, three dams the Waterbury, East Barre and Wrightsville dams are eligible to receive funding under this provision. These dams are essential pieces of Vermont's infrastructure,said Sanders,who is a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the water infrastructure legislation. Maintaining and repairing the dams especially the Waterbury Dam has long been a priority for our state. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward rebuilding aging dams in Vermont and throughout the United States. Leahy, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said: I have been proud to secure funding for the Waterbury Dam through the appropriations process, and I'm pleased to see the increased spending authorized by this legislation at the request of Senator Sanders and Congressman Welch.Those funds may be very helpful if the cost exceeds the $40 million already appropriated for work on this critical project, and funds may also be needed for work to the other eligible Vermont dams. I was proud to secure federal support to allow the state to begin this important, but expensive, safety and infrastructure project,said Welch, who secured authorization language in the House. With these funds, the state of Vermont will be able to complete these critical repairs with the help of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is a perfect example of a local project that deserves federal support to protect public safety, improve environmental quality, and enhance recreational opportunities in the area for years to come. The Waterbury Dam Spillway Refurbishment project is a major public safety and environmental restoration priority for Vermont,said Peter Walke, Commissioner of Vermont's Department of Environmental Conservation. We are grateful for the support of Vermont's Congressional Delegation for securing a $40M federal appropriation for the project, and to the US Army Corps of Engineers for supporting this project at the national and local level. My team will be working in tight coordination with the Army Corps to get this project started early in 2021. The federal government built the Waterbury, East Barre and Wrightsville dams in the 1930s after the devastating 1927 flood caused massive destruction and loss of life in the Winooski River basin from Central Vermont to Burlington. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed, and the Civilian Construction Corps built, the three flood-control dams on tributaries of the Winooski River to reduce the risk of future flooding. The federal government later transferred ownership of the dams to the state of Vermont, but did not include any provisions for the maintenance of the dams. The Waterbury Dam, in particular, now has major repair needs, due to this lack of support from the federal government. The Vermont Congressional delegation remains committed to passing aggressive water infrastructure funding next year, including critical provisions to improve drinking water, which was passed this year by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-passage-of-covid-19-relief-package/,Sanders Statement on Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 21 Upon the Senate's passage of the $908-billion COVID-19 spending package, Sen. Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement: Tonight, Congress passed a $908-billion COVID-19 relief bill that extends unemployment benefits through the early spring, and provides support for small businesses, schools, healthcare, nutrition, rentalassistance, child care, broadband, the Postal Service, as well as funding to help distribute vaccines. During the last several weeks, I have been working very hard, along with Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, to provide direct payments to working families throughout the country. Our goal was to replicate what was in the CARES bill of March, which was $1200 for every working-class adult and $500 for each child. While we did not get as much as we wanted, because of opposition from the Republican leadership and too many Democrats, the bill does include a $600 direct payment for every working-class American earning less than $75,000 a year, and a $1,200 direct payment for couples making less than $150,000 a year, plus $600 for each child. That means that the average family of four will receive a direct payment of $2400. While including these direct payments ultimately improved this bill, given the enormous economic desperation that so many working families across this country are now experiencing, there is no question but that this legislation did not go anywhere near far enough. When President-Elect Biden assumes office next month and when the Senate comes back into session in January, I will immediately begin fighting for another relief bill to help America's working familiesincluding another round of direct payments and more relief for the unemployed, the hungry, the uninsured and those who owe back rent and are behind on their mortgage payments. In this unprecedented crisis, it is imperative that we do everything we can to protect the working families of our country, the elderly, the children and the poor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-bill-limit-presidential-emergency-powers,Amash introduces bill to limit presidential emergency powers,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,MI,Justin Amash,A000367,amash.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 21, 2020 CONTACT mi03.media@mail.house.gov Amash introduces bill to limit presidential emergency powers WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced the National Emergencies Reform Act to limit the president's statutory authority to invoke emergency powers. Under the National Emergencies Act (NEA), the president can declare emergencies and invoke powers that otherwise require congressional action. These declarations last until the president withdraws them or a joint congressional termination resolution is passed into law. Because a president who has not voluntarily withdrawn an emergency declaration is unlikely to sign a bill to end it, Congress must obtain a supermajority to end an emergency declaration without the president's cooperation. This arrangement allows presidents to abuse the NEA to usurp Congress's legislative authority, and it allows an emergency to persist indefinitely: Of the 69 national emergencies declared since the NEA was enacted in 1976, 35 are still in effect. This violates the structure of the Constitution, which vests legislative power exclusively in Congress, and it deprives the people of their right to be heard in the policymaking process through their congressional representatives. The National Emergencies Reform Act cures this problem by providing that national emergencies declared by the president will sunset automatically unless Congress is unable to meet or Congress votes to sustain the designation within 48 hours of reconvening. All existing national emergencies will become void 60days after passage unless Congress votes to continue them. Going back to the Framers of the Constitution, Americans have recognized the president's inherent power as chief executive to act swiftly and unilaterally in an emergency. But such power exists only so long as Congress has no opportunity to act, said Amash. Laws like the National Emergencies Act are notand, under our Constitution, cannot begrants of legislative powers to the president. Too often, emergencies are being invoked without appropriate justification, and the transition of power back to Congress isn't happening. My bill will restore constitutional balance to these situations by limiting the duration of presidential emergency declarations without restricting the president's ability to act in true emergencies. Bill text is attached. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-bills-protect-asylum-seekers-and-other-immigrants,Amash introduces bills to protect asylum seekers and other immigrants,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,MI,Justin Amash,A000367,amash.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 21, 2020 CONTACT mi03.media@mail.house.gov Amash introduces bills to protect asylum seekers and other immigrants Bills reduce unnecessary prosecutions and detention of immigrants WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced the Protect Asylum Seekers Act and the Practical Alternatives to Detention Act to protect asylum seekers and other immigrants from unnecessary prosecution, detention, or family separation. Unnecessarily subjecting immigrants to detention and criminally prosecuting asylum seekers who have caused no harm undermines our values and doesn't serve our nation's interests, said Amash. We need broad immigration reform, but until that becomes a reality, these targeted changes can limit some harms in the current system. Current law allows people to seek asylum in the United States regardless of where they entered the country, but it separately criminalizes the act of entering the country without going through a port of entry. This means someone seeking refuge from persecution in their home country may arrive in the United States only to find themselves prosecuted here simply for entering at the wrong spot. One consequence of such prosecutions can be the separation of children from their parentsan intended consequence of the zero tolerance policy implemented in 2018, which sought to prosecute everyone who committed the crime of improper entry. The Protect Asylum Seekers Act makes U.S. policy toward asylum seekers more coherent and humane by providing that individuals who request asylum upon arrival in the United States will not have committed a crime if they crossed the border between ports of entry. This change will prevent unnecessary prosecutions and ensure parents aren't separated from their children to accommodate such prosecutions. The bill also prohibits immigration authorities from separating families unless a child is in danger. The Practical Alternatives to Detention Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to utilize alternatives to detention (ATD) programs for eligible individuals. These programs, which replace detention with case management services and electronic monitoring, have been proven to help immigrants comply with the immigration process through cheaper and more humane measures than detention. Access to ATD programs is especially important for families with children, pregnant women, people with medical needs, and those with elevated health risks related to public health emergencies such as pandemics. Accordingly, the Practical Alternatives to Detention Act prioritizes those populations, in addition to asylum seekers, for ATD programs. Bill texts are attached. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-cosponsor-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-americas-small-food-processors,"Collins, King Cosponsor Bipartisan Legislation to Support America’s Small Food Processors",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide much-needed federal support to America's small meat and poultry processors and help strengthen and streamline their operations. The legislation would give small food processors more access to information that is critical to food safety planning, allow more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and funnel federal dollars toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. In addition to Senators Collins and King, this legislation's original sponsors are Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, including our small farms that raise livestock,said Senator Collins.This bipartisan bill would provide some relief by clearing unnecessary, bureaucratic hurdles, which would ensure that the livestock raised in Maine can also be processed right here in our state by local, family-owned food processors and butchers. Maine's small family farms and meat and poultry processors are key building blocks of communities across our state, providing healthy, locally raised meat for their neighbors and making important contributions to the local economy, said Senator King. I'm proud to work with Senators Thune and Merkley to empower small processors to do their jobs and grow their businesses. It's our hope that this legislation will act as a helping hand in these difficult times by directing resources and investments to where they can do much good and bolster local economies around the country. As both a farmer and as an owner operator of a small meat processing facility, I feel reform is greatly needed in the industry, said Jason Tessier of Tessiers Farm in Skowhegan. During a time of continued uncertainty and volatility in the industry, these small plants offer stability, and collectively cushion the supply chain shocks we have experienced due to COVID-19. I feel the proposed bill would offer much needed support to these small businesses, both in the way of financial assistance and also by increasing capacity through training, and streamlining process's, which would allow many of these owner operator facilities to focus more efforts toward food production. The Strengthening Local Processing Act would require the Food Safety Inspection Service to establish a searchable database of peer-reviewed, publicly available studies to establish and maintain Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans. This step would help small food processors develop their own HACCP plans and help expedite the HACCP approval process. To incentivize more states to establish meat and poultry inspection programswhich small food processors need to approve their productsthe legislation would increase the federal government's cost-share for the programs from 50 percent to 65 percent. The bill would also allow state-inspected meat facilities to operate as federal inspection facilities, allowing more small and local processors to ship their products to other states and countries. Lastly, the Strengthening Local Processing Act would create a grant program to support small plants by providing reimbursement grants to help cover costs associated with meeting state or federal inspection guidelines, expanding infrastructure to establish or increase harvest and processing capacity, and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and future market needs. To meet education and training needs in the processing industry, the bill would also establish training grants to support and train small plant operators, small plant employees, and the next generation of meat processors and butchers. In addition, $10 million would be authorized in discretionary funding for higher education training and processor career training.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-covid-relief-legislation-that-king-bipartisan-coalition-shaped,"Senate Passes COVID Relief Legislation that King, Bipartisan Coalition Shaped",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of a coronavirus relief package that will increase unemployment benefits, provide another round of support for small businesses, send another economic impact payment to working Americans, and deliver much-needed funds to strengthen our public health infrastructure as vaccines begin to deploy across the country. In addition, the legislation includes a number of other key priorities to bolster the nation's response to the ongoing public health and economic crises. This legislation is based on the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, which was negotiated by Senator King and a bipartisan group of his colleagues earlier this month. For months, the American people have been calling for a new coronavirus relief package. Today, after extensive bipartisan efforts and negotiation, we have reached an agreement to help our citizens in need weather the cold, dark winter ahead, said Senator King. This legislation includes critical unemployment funds to help Americans who've lost work through no fault of their own, along with an economic impact payment to help families make ends meet; an additional lifeline for small businesses who've been hit hard by the economic slowdown; and vital investments in the public health infrastructure that will be essential to controlling and defeating this pandemic. Beyond that, it increases funding to help families struggling to make rent catch up on overdue payments, supports emergency broadband service for low-income families, and increases SNAP benefits so families facing hard times can keep food on the table. This bill will do a lot of good, for a lot of people, but it is not enough for us to fully overcome the health and economic challenges our nation faces when this bill expires, continued Senator King. There is more work to do for families, for businesses, and for state and local governments who have led the response to this crisis at the local level. It is my hope that this legislation will provide a bridge to the spring, and in the months ahead my House and Senate colleagues will continue to negotiate in a bipartisan spirit to craft another package that will provide additional support to people in need. Over the last several months, Congressional inaction has left too many Americans in a stressful limbo; let us not repeat our mistakes. Specifically, the coronavirus relief aid legislation passed tonight includes: $600 economic impact payments. The legislation includes an additional round of Economic Impact Payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, and partial payments for individuals making up to $99,000 per year and couples making up to $198,000 per year, as well as a $600 payment for each child dependent. This means a family of four will receive as much as $2,400 in direct payments.Renewals for enhanced unemployment insurance. The package will provide an additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits through March 14, 2021. This bill also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, with expanded coverage to the self-employed, gig workers, and others in non-traditional employment, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks of federally-funded unemployment benefits to individuals who exhaust their regular state benefits. The extension will prevent as many as 14 million Americans from losing this economic lifeline at the end of the year.Urgent support for small businesses. The package includes a number of provisions to support America's small businesses, including $284 billion to provide first and second forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. The legislation also includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The bill extends principal and interest relief on SBA loans for at least three more months, ensures that EIDL Grants will not be subtracted from a business' PPP forgiveness, and provides additional PPP funds to seasonal businesses that were not able to receive the full PPP loan for which they were eligible.Investments in public health infrastructure. The bill provides $20 billion for procurement of vaccines and therapeutics, nearly $9 billion to aid the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state efforts to distribute the vaccine, and more than $3 billion to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile.Grants for coronavirus testing, tracing, and isolation. Based on several provisions from Senator King's bipartisan TRACE Act, the bill provides $22 billion and allows those funds as grants that may be distributed directly to states, localities, higher education institutions, schools, laboratories, community-based testing sites, and mobile testing units to support programs that provide coronavirus testing, conduct contact tracing, or offer assistance to individuals who quarantine after a positive test or contact with someone who has contracted the coronavirus. Support for public transportation. Included in today's legislation are provisions to support public transportation, including $1 billion for Amtrak and $2 billion for private motorcoach, school bus, and ferry industries. In addition, the package provides $10 billion in funding for state highways.Rental assistance and eviction moratorium. $25 billion will be used to establish a federal rental assistance program, distributed by state and local governments. The aid can be used to pay past due rent, future rent payments, or utility and energy bills. In addition, the legislation extends the existing CDC eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021.Funds to help provide broadband for low-income families. As the pandemic has underscored the importance of internet access, the legislation includes $3.2 billion in emergency broadband benefits to assist low-income families. In addition, the package offers $250 million to fund telehealth initiatives, and a new $300 million grant program to fund broadband in rural areas. Aid to provide increased support for mental health and substance use disorders. The legislation includes a total of $4.25 billion to support services for mental health and substance use disorders. Included in these funds are $1.65 billion for Substance Abuse and Prevention Treatment Block Grant, $1.65 billion for the Mental Health Services Block Grant, and $600 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Support for schools. The legislation provides $54.3 billion to support public education in primary and secondary schools, as well as $22.7 billion to provide relief to higher education institutions and financial aid grants for students. In addition, more than $4 billion will be sent to the Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund.Increased aid for nutrition and agriculture. The legislation will add an additional $13 billion to SNAP benefits, an increase of 15%, as well as increased support for food banks and senior nutrition programs. In addition, the bill includes $13 billion to aid farmers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic, and a $300 million fund to support fisheries and seafood producers impacted by the economic downturn. This section also establishes a $200 million program to aid timber harvesters, which was included after extensive advocacy from Senator King and his colleagues in the Maine delegation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cyberspace-solarium-commission-statement-on-dual-hat-considerations,"Cyberspace Solarium Commission Statement on ""Dual-hat"" Considerations",2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Congressmen Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Jim Langevin (D-RI), the four legislators serving on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, released the following statement regarding reports that the Department of Defense is considering ending the dual-hat arrangement that sees the Commander of United States Cyber Command jointly appointed to be the Director of the National Security Agency: Congress laid out clear criteria about when it would be appropriate to consider whether to split the dual-hat worn by the commander of USCYBERCOM and the Director of the NSA. To our knowledge, these criteria have not been met. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act requires the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to certify to Congress that splitting of the dual-hat will not pose unacceptable risks to the national security interests of the United States. This certification has not been made, and any attempt to split the dual-hat arrangement before this certification is made would clearly violate the law. Our government is currently responding to a cyber incident where a sophisticated adversary had access to thousands of U.S. networks. Regardless of whether it's better to keep or end the dual-hat arrangement between NSA and CYBERCOM, now is not the time to do it. We believe in continuing policy discussions about this arrangement, but it is unwise for any decisions to be made in the immediate future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-covid-19-emergency-relief-package-based-on-original-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation,"FINAL COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE BASED ON ORIGINAL BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION",2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) applauded the final COVID-19 emergency relief package. Following months of deadlock in Congress while millions of Americans were at risk of losing their lifelines, we put our heads down and worked around the clock for nearly a month to produce a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address the emergency needs of our country. We are relieved Congress has finally agreed on a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Our consensus bill was the foundation of this final package and we applaud Congressional leadership for finishing what we started. Workers, businesses, and families need help right now and we urge our colleagues to quickly pass this bill and President Trump to immediately sign the legislation to provide Americans with relief.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-bernie-sanders-receives-covid-19-vaccine-from-u-s-capitol-physician-dr-brian-p-monahan/,"Senator Bernie Sanders Receives COVID-19 Vaccine from U.S. Capitol Physician, Dr. Brian P. Monahan",2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON December 19 U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders received the COVID-19 vaccine from U.S. Capitol physician, Dr. Brian P. Monahan on Saturday. Sanders said, Following the advice of the Office of the Attending Physician, today I received the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. As the vaccine is being distributed, we must all continue wearing masks and engage in social distancing. That is how we will beat this virus and end this terrible pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-legislation-improve-fisa-oversight,Amash introduces legislation to improve FISA oversight,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,MI,Justin Amash,A000367,amash.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 18, 2020 CONTACT mi03.media@mail.house.gov Amash introduces legislation to improve FISA oversight WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced two bills to improve oversight of intelligence activities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): The Intelligence Community Congressional Whistleblowing Improvement Act and the FISA Oversight Correction Act. There is much work to be done to fix FISA itself and eliminate the authorities under which the government violates Americans' rights, said Amash. But that will be for nothing if we don't also fix the oversight regime that has failed to prevent serious FISA violations. Intelligence Community Congressional Whistleblowing Improvement Act Current law explicitly protects intelligence community whistleblowers who raise urgent concerns with Congress, but only if the whistleblower contacts the House and Senate intelligence committees. This requirement reduces the potential efficacy of whistleblowing to Congress because it routes protected whistleblower reports through the intelligence committees, which have been known to impede effective oversight of the intelligence community, and limits the dissemination of whistleblower reports to other members of Congress who may be more inclined or better positioned to act on them. These factors may dissuade whistleblowers from coming to Congress in the first place. The Intelligence Community Congressional Whistleblowing Improvement Act reduces this problem by explicitly allowing intelligence community whistleblowers to make protected disclosures, using secure processes, to any member of Congress, regardless of whether the member is on one of the intelligence committees. FISA Oversight Correction Act The FISA Oversight Correction Act improves FISA oversight through the judicial process. When Congress passed the original FISA statute, it created a process through which a judge can grant a criminal defendant access to their FISA warrant and the application that was submitted to the FISA court to obtain it. Accessing these materials is routine for defendants facing regular criminal warrants because such access is necessary for a defendant to challenge a warrant's legality. Those challenges enable defendants to defend their Fourth Amendment-secured rights, and they help deter law enforcement wrongdoing and negligence in the warrant process. But in the 40-plus years since FISA passed, no one who has tried to obtain their warrant materials through the process provided for in FISA has been successful. People are being convicted and sent to prison without the opportunity to meaningfully challenge the FISA warrants used against them. This threatens defendants' rights, violates Congress's intent when drafting FISA, and removes crucial oversight of the FISA process that might have prevented some of the numerous compliance failures and rights violations that have occurred over the years. The FISA Oversight Correction Act addresses this problem by correcting the legal standard used by judges to determine whether a defendant may access FISA warrant materials so that such access will be granted in appropriate cases. (In practice, this access would be granted to the defendant's lawyer, provided they have a security clearance.) This change will better protect defendants' rights, fulfill Congress's original intent, and provide some desperately needed oversight of the FISA process. Bill texts are attached. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-32-million-for-maine-head-start-programs,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.2 Million for Maine Head Start Programs",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded two organizations in Maine a total of $3,188,676 for their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this investment for families in Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Cumberland counties, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive and support Maine's working families during the current public health and economic crisis. The funding will be allocated as follows: Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care in Lewiston will receive $1,641,177. Midcoast Maine Community Action in Bath will receive $1,547,499. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/over-2000-vermonters-join-sanders-for-virtual-seniors-town-hall/,"Over 2,000 Vermonters Join Sanders for Virtual Seniors Town Hall",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BURLINGTON December 18 U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders held a virtual town hall Thursday evening to provide an update from Congress and to hear the thoughts and concerns of older Vermonters. Over 2,000 Vermont seniors joined Sanders for the town meeting which was held via phone call and streamed live on Sanders' website. Each December, Sanders hosts holiday meals for seniors throughout the state. However, for everyone's safety, this year's event was held virtually. Sanders participated by video from his Senate office in Washington, D.C. Our senior meals and town meetings are always a highlight of the holiday season. While we couldn't be together in person this year, I'm very pleased we had the opportunity to gather virtually, said Sanders. Especially at a time when many seniors are unable to be with friends and family, I thought it was important to continue this annual event and hear from my constituents about the issues that matter most to them, as well as the challenges they are facing. After Sanders' introductory remarks, Vermonters asked questions on a wide range of issues. Areas of interest ranged from ways to expand and protect Medicare and Social Security, to struggles affording housing, heat, food, and prescription medications. With negotiations continuing in Congress, the COVID-19 relief package was on the minds of many who participated in the town hall. Many asked Sanders about the effort he is leading to ensure that a direct payment provision is included in the final relief bill, as well as his hope that Congress and a Biden Administration will continue to work on and pass additional, much-needed emergency relief in the new year. If approved, these direct payments to Vermonters would add about $350 million to the local economy. It's interesting that all of the questions tonight touched on issues that millions and millions of people are struggling with. Whether it's inadequate Social Security benefits, whether it's the high cost of prescription drugs, whether it's the housing crisis, whether it is student debt. Whether it is the inability of people to afford to keep warm in the winter time, you have asked exactly the questions that are on the minds of people all over this country, said Sanders. A few seniors on the call shared their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. One Vermonter expressed concerns about how the current economic crisis will affect their long-term financial stability, as well as their children's, particularly considering they all are struggling with immense student loan debt. Paul from Johnson, VT said, I'm committed to what I do for work, and I'm committed to my kids. Everything that I have surplus for savings, goes to my kids. In today's economy, my oldest is unemployed because of the pandemic. My daughter is barely working. I have a parent plus loan and my kids have student loans. The payments are suspended right now because of the pandemic. I'm just ignoring it right now. I don't need the stress. While another Vermonter from Williamstown, VT spoke of their difficulty affording basic necessities with their current monthly Social Security and veterans benefits totaling just $1,400, saying I'm going to have to keep us going on a small check each month. It's going to raise just about $12 this year. Where does that come out being fair at all? This is America. People should not be hungry. People should not be homeless. People should not be unable to afford the medicine they need, not be in a position where they can't afford to go to a doctor. This should not be happening, said Sanders. So the struggle that we face now is to change the priorities of this country to invest in ordinary people, so that all of us can live with dignity and enjoy life as we should be able to. Sanders ended the event by encouraging Vermonters to call his office should they need assistance, and promising to do everything possible in Washington to ensure Vermont seniors get the help they need when the need it. I am very proud to fight in Congress on behalf of older Vermonters said Sanders. I wish everybody a very wonderful holiday season, and I'm sure that the new year is going to be a better one for all of us. I will hopefully be able to get to see you all in person in the not too distant future. Vermonters in need of assistance can reach Senator Sanders office by phone at 800-339-9834 or online at sanders.senate.gov. To watch the town hall, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-delivers-floor-speech-urging-senate-to-pass-1200-in-direct-relief-to-working-class/,"Sanders Delivers Floor Speech Urging Senate to Pass $1,200 in Direct Relief to Working Class",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 18 Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) went to the Senate floor this afternoon to seek unanimous consent to pass legislation he had introduced earlier today to provide direct payments to working families across the United States. Sanders' proposal provides a direct payment of $1,200 for every working-class American, $2,400 for couples, and $500 for children. He was joined on the floor by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who spoke in support of the legislation. Sanders stated, If this country means anything, if the U.S. government means anything, it means that we cannot turn our backs on that suffering, and that we cannot leave Washington for the holidays to go back to our families unless we address the pain and anxiety of other families throughout this country. Read the legislation here. Sanders' speech can be watchedhere, and the prepared remarks can be read below: Mr. President, this country faces the worst set of public health and economic crises that we have faced in over a hundred years. As a result of the pandemic more people are becoming infected than ever before. Hospitalization is higher than ever before. And more people are dying than ever before. We all hope and pray that the new vaccine will be distributed as quickly as possible and that it will put an end to this nightmare. But, today, the truth is that millions of low-income and middle class families are suffering in a way that we have not seen since the Great Depression. Today, the reality is that over half of our workers are living paycheck to paycheck trying to survive on $10 or $12 an hour. The reality is that millions of senior citizens all over this country are trapped in their homes, unable to see their kids or grandchildren, unable to go to a grocery store, and are trying to survive on $12 or $14,000 a year. In addition, millions more with disabilities are also suffering. Further, in America today, one out of four workers are either unemployed or make less than $20,000 a year. And, in the midst of this pandemic, because we are the only major country on earth not to guarantee healthcare to all, some 92 million Americans are uninsured or under-insured unable to go to a doctor when they need to. In addition, over 30 million of our people face eviction and the hunger rate in America is the highest it has been in decades. Mr. President, that is where we are today economically. And if this country means anything, if the U.S. government means anything, it means that we cannot turn our backs on that suffering, and that we cannot leave Washington for the holidays to go back to our families unless we address the pain and anxiety of other families throughout this country. Members of Congress should also be aware that we are far behind other major countries in terms of protecting working families during this pandemic. Not only, does every other wealthy country guarantee healthcare to all, as a human right, almost all of them are providing far more generous benefits to the unemployed and the struggling in their countries than we are. Mr. President, several months ago I introduced legislation along with Senator Kamala Harris, now our vice president-elect, and Senator Markey, that, would during the course of this economic crisis, provide $2,000 a month to every working class person in this country. And, frankly, that is exactly what we should be doing. But, unfortunately, given the conservative nature of the Senate, I understand that is not going to happen. Yes, at a time of massive wealth and income inequality, at a time when huge corporations were making record breaking profits, the Republican leadership in the Senate was able to provide a trillion dollars in tax breaks to the 1% and large corporations. Yes, at a time when climate change threatens the planet, the Congress was able to provide hundreds of billions in corporate welfare to the fossil fuel industry. Yes, just the other day, the House and the Senate were able to pass a $740 billion military budget the largest in history and more than the next ten nations combined. But, in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, Congress is somehow unable to respond effectively to the needs of working families. Mr. President, as you know, I have recently introduced legislation to provide every working class American an emergency payment of at least $1,200, $2,400 for couples and $500 for their kids. This is not a radical idea. This is an approach that President Trump is supporting. This is an approach that President-elect Biden is supporting. This is an approach that, according to a recent poll, is supported by 75% of all Americans, including 77% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans. Further, importantly, this amount of direct payment is exactly what Congress passed unanimously 9 months ago as part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act. Let me repeat. In March, every member of the House and Senate, appropriately, voted to provide a direct payment of $1,200 for working-class adults, $2,400 for couples and $500 for their kids. Mr. President. That was the right thing to do 9 months ago. Given that the crisis, in many ways is worse today, it is exactly what we should be doing right now. Mr. President, as a result of the pandemic, the government told restaurants, bars, retail stores, movie theaters, schools, malls and small businesses all over this country: Shut your doors. It is too dangerous for you to be open now. But what the government has not done, Mr. President, is to provide the workers who have lost their jobs and lost their incomes with the support they need to pay their bills. The $600 a week in supplemental unemployment benefits that Congress passed unanimously in March expired in July over 5 months ago. And during that time the Republican Senate has done nothing to help working families pay their rent, feed their families, go to a doctor or pay for their life-saving prescription drugs. And, the Senate has not done enough to provide struggling small businesses with the help they desperately need. Further, Mr. President, as bad as the economy has been in general it has been far worse for African Americans and Latinos. During the pandemic, nearly 60% of Latino families and 55% of African American families have either experienced a job loss or a pay cut. Mr. President, for 9 months, we asked tens of millions of working people in our country to survive on one $1,200 check with no healthcare, no hazard pay, no rent relief. Nothing. Meanwhile, Mr. President, I should mention that over this same 9 month period, 651 billionaires in America became over $1 trillion richer. $1 trillion for billionaires. One $1,200 check for the working class. That is unconscionable. That is immoral and that has got to change. Now, Mr. President, let us remember that way back in May, the House passed the $3.4 trillion HEROES Act which, among other things, included $600 a week in supplemental unemployment benefits and another direct payment of $1,200 for working class adults, $500 for their kids, and generous support for small businesses, hospitals, state and local governments and schools. In other words, that $3.4 trillion bill was a serious effort to address the real crises facing this country. I should also add that in July, the House passed another version of the bill this one for $2.2 trillion. That same month, Senate Majority Leader McConnell, proposed a $1.1 trillion bill that also provided a $1,200 direct payment for the working class and $500 for their children. And then, in October, Secretary Mnuchin, in negotiations with Speaker Pelosi, proposed a COVID-relief plan for $1.8 trillion. So, in the last number of months we have had major proposals of $3.4 trillion, $2.2 trillion, $1.8 trillion, and $1.1 trillion. And yet today, after months of negotiating by the so-called gang of 8, we are now down to just a $908 billion bill that includes $560 billion in offsets in unused money from the CARES Act. So, from an original House bill passed in May calling for $3.4 trillion in new money, we are now down to $348 billion in new money roughly 10% of what Democrats thought we originally needed. Mr. President, in my view, the $348 billion in new money is totally inadequate given the nature of the unprecedented crises that we face. The American people cannot wait any longer. They need economic relief now. Every working class American needs $1,200, $2,400 for couples and $500 for kids. And let me be clear what I am talking about now is money that must not be taken from other important priorities like 16 weeks of supplemental unemployment benefits, aid for small business, nutrition, housing, education and the other important provisions in this bill. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 5063, which I introduced earlier today that would provide a $1,200 direct payment to every working class adult, $2,400 for couples and $500 for their children, that the bill be considered read three times and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-bill-eliminate-civil-asset-forfeiture,Amash introduces bill to eliminate civil asset forfeiture,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,MI,Justin Amash,A000367,amash.house.gov,,,legacy,"Amash introduces bill to eliminate civil asset forfeiture WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced the Civil Asset Forfeiture Elimination Act to repeal civil asset forfeiture nationwide. Federal, state, and local law enforcement use civil asset forfeiture to take billions of dollars in cash and property from private citizens each year without convicting the owners of any crime. Instead, the government brings a civil action against the property itself, alleging that the property is guilty of being connected to criminal activity. This allows the government to take property without needing to charge the owner with a crime, prove their guilt, or otherwise afford them all the rights of a criminal defendant. Often, the government gains ownership of such property automatically unless the owner files a claim for it within a short period of time. And when an innocent owner does file a claim, many jurisdictions put the burden of proof on the owner to prove their innocence, rather than requiring the government to prove their guilt. By failing to protect property owners' constitutionally secured rights, civil forfeiture often leads to forfeitures of property belonging to innocent people. In many cases, the property owner is not even accused of being involved in a crime; it suffices that their property was used by someone else who is alleged to have committed a crime. Civil asset forfeiture is incompatible with due process, but the courts have failed to recognize that fact. The Civil Asset Forfeiture Elimination Act cures this historical error and restores Americans' rights by eliminating civil asset forfeiture at the state and federal level. Civil asset forfeiture is a due process violation, and it always has been, said Amash. Its history is riddled with injustices not because it's a valid practice that gets misused, but because its central premisedenying people their procedural rightsis inherently flawed. By ending it, my bill helps fulfill Congress's obligation to stop rights violations at both the state and federal level, and it ends a practice that contributes to the frayed relationship between law enforcement and the public. Bill text is attached. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-introduces-bill-repeal-jones-act,Amash introduces bill to repeal the Jones Act,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,MI,Justin Amash,A000367,amash.house.gov,,,legacy,"Amash introduces bill to repeal the Jones Act WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) today introduced the Jones Act Repeal Act to repeal the protectionist transportation policies known as the Jones Act. To transport passengers or cargo between ports in the United States, federal law requires commercial ships to be U.S.-built, owned, and crewed. This has led to collateral consequences in the transportation industry as well as increased shipping and transportation costs in the United States that ultimately hurt American consumers. These costs were highlighted in 2017 after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, which is disproportionately affected by the Jones Act. The purported intent of the Jones Act is to ensure a large U.S. merchant fleet and sufficient domestic shipbuilding capacity in case of national emergencies, but it is ineffective at achieving those goals: Our fleet of large, oceangoing vessels that are Jones Act-compliant has dwindled to 99 shipswith less aggregate shipping capacity than the Jones Act fleet in 1950and U.S. shipbuilding has remained in a long decline. The Jones Act imposes substantial costs that make the U.S. shipping industry uncompetitive, with estimates from the 1990s that put the cost of U.S. shipbuilding at three times the cost of foreign-built ships, and likely even higher now. The Jones Act Repeal Act fully repeals the Jones Act, allowing vessels to transport cargo and passengers between U.S. ports without meeting its burdensome requirements. The Jones Act fails to achieve its aims and increases costs for all Americans, but it survives because of lobbying by the special interests who benefit from its protectionism, said Amash. As a matter of fairness and sound economic policy, it's time to eliminate it. Bill text is attached. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-to-expand-access-to-care-for-veterans-with-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-to-be-signed-into-law,"Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes to be Signed into Law",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will be sent to the President to be signed into law. The legislation was ultimately passed as part of a broad veteran benefits improvements package, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. The bipartisan legislation, authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced companion legislation in the House. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act also passed the Senate as stand-alone legislation on December 8. Maine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care. In Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients. Maine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available,said Senator King.For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services. Bureaucrats in Washington are trying to enforce a misguided rule on Maine Veterans Homes that would not only take away medical care from some veterans, but also the roof over their heads, said Congressman Golden. The consequences for many of these vets, some of whom have dementia, are really serious and unacceptable to myself and my colleagues. I'm proud to work with the Maine delegation to get this bill across the finish line. No one should be denied the care they need. I'm proud this bill will help Maine veterans who are living with early-stage dementia access care in state veterans' homes. The Maine State Veterans Homes are well-equipped to support veterans with dementia, and I'm glad we're taking steps to correct oversights that have previously prevented important care,said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. MVH provided early dementia care to more than 150 veterans daily for nearly 20 years when these veterans were suddenly deemed ineligible for domiciliary care. While the VA grandfathered existing veterans, nearly 40 veterans have been denied eligibility since January. This legislation will correct a decades old administrative oversight that has negatively impacted Maine veterans and their families. MVH thanks Senators Collins and King and Representatives Golden and Pingree for their advocacy on behalf of Maine veterans, and all of our nation's veterans, by advancing this important legislation through Congress, said Kelley Kash, CEO, Maine Veterans' Homes. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will allow the VA to waive certain eligibility requirements to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to be cared for in state veterans' homes when it is in the best interest of the veteran. Specifically, the legislation will require VA to implement a waiver authority, allowing the VA to grant domiciliary care per diem payments for veterans who meet at least half of the VA's current eligibility requirements or if such a waiver would be in the veteran's best interest. This will provide the flexibility to ensure this vulnerable group of veterans do not fall through the cracks and that VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-bicameral-group-urges-leadership-to-continue-moving-forward-on-covid-19-emergency-relief-package,"Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward On COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) urged Senate and House Leadership to continue moving forward to finalize a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus shared two bills, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package. This pandemic has been devastating for millions of Americans and without Congressional action they will lose the lifelines that are keeping them afloat. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy to craft an emergency COVID-19 relief package that will help the American people weather the next few months of this pandemic. We know first-hand how hard it can be to find common ground on some of these issues. We encourage the leaders and their staff to continue this important work. By working together, we can and we will deliver immediate assistance to the workers, the families, and the businesses that need it most.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-raises-foster-youths-needs-to-hhs-amid-pandemic-challenges,King Raises Foster Youths Needs to HHS Amid Pandemic Challenges,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined 11 of his Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be sure to have young people in the foster care system in mind as they formulate policies to manage the government's response to the pandemic.In a letter to Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson, the Senators asked that HHS prioritize their engagement with states to extend relief to foster families and implement temporary and long-term changes to help foster youth weather this crisis and secure a better future. Almost all families in the United States have had to make significant adjustments in their daily lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for the children and young adults in our nation's foster care system, periods of change and adjustment are not new,the senators wrote.Foster youth have survived a lifetime of uncertainty before and after entering foster care. The serious health challenges and economic downturn brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have merely exacerbated existing challenges faced by the approximately 424,000 children in the foster care system and the more than 20,400 young adults whoage out'of foster care each year. As of December10, 2020,over 70million applications for unemployment benefits had been filed since March 21, 2020. Given this high unemployment ratethe highest we have seen in the U.S. in recent memorywe are increasingly concerned about the potentially dire consequences foster youth may face during the economic recession brought on by the pandemic,they continued.Even before the public health emergency, only about half of youth aging out of the foster care system each year were anticipated to have some form of gainful employment by the age of 24. We believe that if temporary changes are made to strengthen support and resources for foster youth, they will be better equipped to pursue their goals and become active members of our nation's workforce. In their letter, the senators expressed particular concern about the impact of the digital divide on foster youth, who often lack the proper equipment and internet services needed to participate in virtual learning. Specifically, the senators noted findings from a report indicating that only 21 percent of foster youth have regular access to a computer, with that number dipping as low as five percent for foster youth in rural settings. Specifically, the senators asked HHS to: Continue to encourage states that have not previously exercised the title IV-E program option to extend foster care programs and extend Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood Program (Chafee Program) services until age 23; Direct guidance to states regarding additional payments to foster care families and providers as part of states' response to COVID-19; Provide a temporary moratorium on work and study requirements for foster youth during the pandemic; Allow title IV-B funds to be used to provide internet and other technology to vulnerable foster youth and families; and Work with states to address the impact of the digital divide on foster youth. A copy of the letter is availableHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/me-delegation-urges-feds-to-reject-petition-that-undermines-regulatory-process-threatens-maine-lobster-fishery,"ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England. Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales. This petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted, said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree. The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery. The petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen. The petitioners also fail to acknowledge data collected by the National Marine Service indicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lobster gear entanglements have decreased 90 percent, compared to the thirteen years prior. In fact, there has been no direct evidence that a single right whale serious injury or mortality is attributable to the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank lobster fishery since 2004. Previous rulemaking processes have been successful in part because they follow a public process that allows for input from lobstermen and the fishing industry. An additional federal rulemaking process is currently underway and is set to conclude by May 2021. Read a copy of the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-900000-to-support-drug-free-communities-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $900,000 to Support Drug-Free Communities in Maine",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine communities have been awarded a total of $914,156 to prevent youth substance misuse and foster drug-free communities. This funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)'s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. Last year, drug overdoses claimed the life of 380 Mainers, more than one person each day. We must take an all-hands-on-deck approach to stop the drug epidemic, as well as alcohol abuse and concerning increases in youth tobacco usage. said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Maine communities strengthen their efforts to prevent and reduce substance misuse through programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and community involvement. The work of Drug Free Aroostook over the past five years has shown tremendous progress in reducing alcohol abuse among adolescence in Aroostook County. We are absolutely thrilled to continue this work for the next five years as its importance has only escalated due to the pandemic. Helping young people find healthy ways to manage difficult situations is critical at this time, said Meg Hegemann, Prevention Services Program Manager, Aroostook County Action Program. This federal funding allows us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. The 15 organizations serving this countywide collation understand that it is not enough to just say no, but that this federal funding will allow us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. Working as a countywide collation we are making these healthier options available. The funding will be allocated as follows: Aroostook County Action Program will receive $36,223. Mid Coast Hospital will receive $70,845. Medical Care Development, Inc. will receive $57,138. Cumberland County will receive $29,115. Sebasticook Valley Hospital will receive $80,845 Windham will receive $169,990. Presque Isle will receive $125,000. Brunswick will receive $125,000. Augusta will receive $125,000. University of New England will receive $95,000. Created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, DFC spearheads efforts to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance abuse. The program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-helps-lead-fight-for-direct-payments/,Sanders Helps Lead Fight for Direct Payments,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 16 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has been leading the fight in Washington to provide direct benefits to working families as they struggle through the pandemic and economic downturn. Sanders is fighting for $1,200 for every worker earning less than $75,000 a year, and $2,400 a couple earning less than $150,000 a year. Each child would receive a benefit of $500. This is what existed in the CARES Act passed in March. Currently, negotiations have the benefit set at $600 per adult and $600 per child. At this level, approximately 445,000 Vermont adults and 153,000 children roughly 93 percent of the state's population would receive these benefits. This amounts to over $345 million in direct benefits going to Vermonters, which will be an important economic stimulus. Sanders said: At a time when many Vermonters are struggling to put food on the table, pay their rent or mortgage, or have the necessary income to go to the doctor, it is imperative that Congress provide direct payments for working families. I am glad that we are making progress on this issue, but more has to be done, and I will continue that fight.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-shares-bipartisan-covid-relief-bill-details-with-maine-state-chamber-of-commerce,Senator King Shares Bipartisan COVID Relief Bill Details with Maine State Chamber of Commerce,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHIINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) reconnected with members of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in a virtual Q&A to discuss the challenges that Maine small businesses are facing during the coronavirus pandemic, and his work with fellow Senators to provide additional support and certainty for these community businesses. Today's Zoom comes one day after Senator King joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The legislation includes $300 billion to support small businesses across the nation; King originally briefed the Chamber on his efforts at the outset of the pandemic in March. Maine's small business community is essential to our state, and it is vital that we all work to support them amidst these ongoing challenges, said Senator King. Over the last nine months, our small businesses have been through the wringer, adjusting on the fly to keep customers and employees safe during this pandemic while also changing their business strategies to reflect shifting consumer demands. Their work has been impressive, but these community cornerstones need more help to survive through the long winter ahead. The bipartisan coronavirus package that we negotiated for weeks and unveiled yesterday will provide that assistance, by renewing the Paycheck Protection Program and casting another lifeline to businesses in need. I'm grateful for the time of these business leaders today, and for all they do to make our state so special and I urge Maine people to shop local this holiday season. Even as the pandemic changes the way we connect, Senator King has made it a priority to engage with Maine people from all walks of life and helpful organizations to address questions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and identify remaining work to be done. In May, he held atele-town hall, inviting all Maine people to call in toll-free, to listen and respond to questions about coronavirus response efforts. Since the Senate passed theCARES Act, he has participated in teleconferences and phone calls with: Maine healthcare providers and advocates, such as theMaine Dental AssociationandProtect our Care. Maine students and educators, including the 16Maine 2020 County Teachers of the Year,Maine Jump$tart Coalition's twoFinance Educators of the Year,school psychologists,MLTI Virtual Student Conference,University of Maine System Student Veterans, andcivics and history teachersfrom schools across Maine. Maine business and community leaders, including members of theHoulton Rotary Club, Maine Arts Commission,Maine Coast Fishermen's Association,Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, theNew England Council,120 of Portland's small business ownersand500 Maine employeesof Sun Life. Maine nonprofits including theMaine Association of Nonprofits (MANP),United WayandYMCA Youth Advocates from Maine. Maine seniorsin a call hosted by AARP Maine. Maine democracy-focused organizations, such as theMaine League of Women Voters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-on-manchin-romney-deal-congress-cannot-go-home-until-working-class-receives-1200-direct-payments,"Sanders on Manchin-Romney Deal: Congress Cannot Go Home Until Working Class Receives $1,200 Direct Payments",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders on Manchin-Romney Deal: Congress Cannot Go Home Until Working Class Receives $1,200 Direct Payments Monday, December 14, 2020 WASHINGTON, December 14 Sen. Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement in response to the Manchin-Romney COVID19 legislation to be released this afternoon: As a result of the pandemic, tens of millions of Americans are facing economic desperation.They can't afford to pay their rent and face eviction, they can't afford to go to the doctor, they can't afford to feed their children and they are going deeper and deeper into debt.Congress cannot go home for the Christmas holidays until we pass legislation which provides a $1,200 direct payment to working class adults, $2,400 for couples, and a $500 payment to their children. This is what Democrats and Republicans did unanimously in March through the CARES Act.This is what we have to do today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-share-details-of-two-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bills-along-with-bipartisan-bicameral-group,"Collins, King Share Details of Two Bipartisan Covid-19 Emergency Relief Bills Along with Bipartisan, Bicameral Group",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE to download. Click HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. Click HERE to download. Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The group is led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Collins along with Senators King, Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23). The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, Portman and Durbin, would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, Romney and Portman, would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House. We have had a Christmas miracle occur in Washington. We worked night and day for over a month to put together an emergency COVID relief package. My hope is that our hard work will spur our leadership on both sides of the aisle to take our products and use them as the basis for a COVID relief package that is urgently needed by our struggling families, hard-hit small businesses, health care providers, Postal Service, schools, and so many others, said Senator Collins. I'm particularly proud of the $300 billion small business provision that Senator Jeanne Shaheen and I led. It includes an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. Surely we can come together and provide this relief before Christmas. The American people deserve no less. After weeks of negotiations marked by good-faith efforts on both sides of the aisle to strike a compromise, today we have reached an agreement that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars for Americans who are struggling, said Senator King. This agreement extends unemployment benefits for workers who've lost their jobs due to the pandemic's economic impact; provides another crucial lifeline for the nation's small businesses, and strengthens our public health infrastructure as healthcare providers across the country prepare to deliver vaccine doses in the months ahead. Our agreement is far from perfect; I strongly would have preferred additional funding for unemployment, and would rather that the critical funds for state and local infrastructure were included in the overall package rather than broken out. However, we don't have time to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. When you look at our initial framework, this final agreement isn't a glass that's half full -- this glass is eighty percent full. I support this measure because the American people are in desperate need of relief, and they don't have time for months of Congressional haggling; they need action, now. This legislation should be viewed as a starting point, to get us through the worst of the long winter ahead and in the next several months, Congress should continue negotiating in an effort to prepare additional relief legislation this coming spring. The American people are hurting in ways we haven't seen in generations. The next several months are going to the most difficult stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, and we as Members of Congress have a responsibility to act. Food banks are overwhelmed with requests, small businesses are being forced to shut their doors again, we are on the verge of a devastating housing crisis and millions of Americans still find themselves unemployed. The two bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief bills shared today are a compromise that will carry the American people through April 1st of next year to ensure our healthcare crisis doesn't become an economic catastrophe. For Congress to do nothing in the face of a national crisis of this magnitude is unacceptable and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these bipartisan solutions. We're not going home for Christmas until this gets done, Senator Manchin said. I will be the first to admit that this deal is imperfect. But these challenges are simply too urgent to allow politics to interfere, and an imperfect deal is better than no deal. With unemployment and other benefits scheduled to run out just before Christmas, the American people cannot afford for us to wait. After several weeks of work, I hope that this bipartisan bill moves us closer to providing real relief to the American people without further delay, said Senator Warner. COVID infections are rising. Small businesses owners and their employees are afraid of going bankrupt and losing their jobs. Families are wondering how to afford food and rent. This bill reflects weeks of good-faith negotiations from both Republicans and Democrats to find a solution that delivers relief to struggling Americans. This is Congress' last chance to pass a relief bill before Christmas. We must deliver for the good of our country, said Dr. Cassidy. 300,000 Americans have been taken by COVID-19. As hospital beds fill up, small businesses close their doors and Americans struggle to put food on the table, the urgency to get financial relief to our communities cannot be overstated. The bipartisan legislation we've announced today written in good-faith and across party lines are the only relief bills that can clear Congress. Senate and House leaders must act swiftly, said Senator Shaheen. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been overwhelming and no person or industry has been spared. This legislation responds to those who have been hardest-hit, including our small businesses and child care providers, and it addresses pre-existing problems in our society that have been worsened by the pandemic, such as food insecurity and the substance use disorder epidemic. This legislation will help Americans get through the darkest months of this crisis, but our work is not over. We will need to build on this bipartisan effort in the weeks and months ahead to ensure New Hampshire families and all Americans have the assistance they need to recover. Across the nation, Americans continue to struggle with significant health and economic impacts due to COVID-19. In Alaska, I continue to hear from small businesses who are struggling to keep their doors open as well as many who are uncertain they will be able to pay rent or even feed their family. Congress must fulfill our obligation to the American people by providing emergency relief to those who have been hit the hardest by the impacts of this pandemic. People are looking to Congress for leadership in a time of serious need and these targeted measures will make an immediate difference,said Senator Murkowski. It is time to put partisan differences aside and provide Americans with the relief they so desperately need. I urge my colleagues to support this much needed legislation for the sake of all those who are struggling. After many weeks of good faith efforts, I'm pleased we were able to reach agreement on a two part relief package that includes emergency relief for small businesses, unemployment insurance, funding for vaccines and health care providers, as well as state and local assistance and a national liability shield for COVID-related lawsuits. This compromise represents the best path forward for Congress and the Administration to provide much-needed relief for the American people before the end of the year, said Senator Romney. People in New Hampshire, and across the country, urgently need additional COVID-19 relief, said Senator Hassan. We have come together, compromised, and found bipartisan agreement on a strong emergency relief package that will help protect lives and livelihoods and there is significant bipartisan, bicameral support for it. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line. The Senate should not adjourn until we have passed a new COVID-19 package to provide the relief Americans need, and I'm pleased to announce this bipartisan effort with my colleagues. Together, we have crafted two packages, one that will support our health care response to this pandemic and, just as important, provide a bridge of additional aid to bolster our economy until vaccines are widely available and Americans feel safe returning to normal life. The second package is focused on ensuring that state and local governments have the funding they need to provide essential services while protecting businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits. I hope all of our colleagues will support these bipartisan products, said Senator Portman. It is clear that we are at a critical moment. I'm hopeful that with the first shipment of a vaccine arriving today at hospitals across the country, we will be able to turn the corner on this pandemic. But we also know that it will take time and resources to vaccinate enough people, and the winter is going to be hard for many families and businesses. With this in mind, this group of Democrats and Republicans came together and worked on compromise, emergency relief legislation in the areas where we could agree totaling $748 billion. This package does not include everything I think we need. However, it is an honest compromise, Senator Durbin said. While the fight continues over state and local funding and corporate liability immunity, we must provide some emergency relief for the American people before we go home for the holidays. I support the $748 billion bipartisan package. I urge my colleagues to support this package, and I call on the Senate Majority Leader to bring it to the floor for a vote this week. This team effort is an example of how Congress should, can, and must work together, and a model for governing in a way that the country needs and deserves. This remarkable, bipartisan, bicameral effort from rank and file members has fulfilled our mission to develop an emergency relief down payment that can help our entire nation, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Now, the House and Senate must come together in the spirit of unity, in the spirit of humanity, and in the spirit of America and pass this emergency relief package before Christmas, so that our country can begin the new year in the spirit of hope and optimism and with much needed relief. By staying in the room and refusing to give up, we've crafted a comprehensive proposal that directly addresses the short-term economic needs of the nation and ensures millions of American families will go into the holidays with the federal support they deserve, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY). This effort proves working together is not dead, and it is possible to solve problems if by listening in good faith. Let's get emergency relief across the finish line and passed into law without delay. Background documents for the bills can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-55-million-for-costs-of-mitigating-spread-of-covid-19-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce $5.5 Million for Costs of Mitigating Spread of COVID-19 in Maine",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine has received an additional $5,570,755 to reimburse the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) including KN95 surgical masks for frontline responders, as well as disposable non-sterile isolation gowns and disposable isolation suits. This funding was awarded to the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that health care professionals across Maine are properly equipped to treat individuals who contract the virus and prevent further transmission, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. We welcome this continued critical support, which helped provide PPE to our frontline workers and ensure the safety of individuals, families, and communities throughout Maine. In the midst of the pandemic, Senators Collins and King have fought hard to secure federal funding for PPE for Maine. Last month, the Senators announced that Maine received nearly $2.3 million for such medical supplies. In April, the Senators urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor to help Maine more easily access PPE secured by the COVID-19 Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force. As of November 13, FEMA has obligated more than $163 million in federal support to Maine, and as of November 18, FEMA and the Strategic National Stockpile have provided Maine with more than 1,498,514 gloves, 43,525 face shields, 41,290 surgical gowns, 204,393 surgical masks, and 566,775 N95 respirators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-on-manchin-romney-deal-congress-cannot-go-home-until-working-class-receives-1200-direct-payments/,"Sanders on Manchin-Romney Deal: Congress Cannot Go Home Until Working Class Receives $1,200 Direct Payments",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 14 Sen. Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement in response to the Manchin-Romney COVID19 legislation to be released this afternoon: As a result of the pandemic, tens of millions of Americans are facing economic desperation.They can't afford to pay their rent and face eviction, they can't afford to go to the doctor, they can't afford to feed their children and they are going deeper and deeper into debt.Congress cannot go home for the Christmas holidays until we pass legislation which provides a $1,200 direct payment to working class adults, $2,400 for couples, and a $500 payment to their children. This is what Democrats and Republicans did unanimously in March through the CARES Act.This is what we have to do today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/we-must-get-1200-direct-checks-to-the-working-class-of-america,"We Must Get $1,200 Direct Checks To The Working Class Of America",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"We Must Get $1,200 Direct Checks To The Working Class Of America Members of Congress cannot go back to our families for the holidays when children in the richest country on Earth are going hungry and millions are scared to death of eviction. We must pass my amendment with Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri to get $1,200 direct checks to the working class ofAmerica.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-demands-direct-payments-for-working-families,Sanders Demands Direct Payments for Working Families,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders Demands Direct Payments for Working Families Thursday, December 10, 2020 WASHINGTONSenator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) stated today on the Senate floor that given the enormity of the current economic crisis, the Senate must pass a $1,200 direct payment for working class adults and $500 for their children as part of any COVID-19 relief package. He is filing an amendment today to the one-week Continuing Resolution to do just that. Sanders said that it would be unacceptable for Congress to adjourn for the holidays while turning its back on the economic desperation facing tens of millions of Americans. In a speech on the floor today, he stated: When a national emergency occurs the United States government must respond. And we are in an economic emergency today. To get out of Washington, to turn our backs on the suffering of so many of our people would be immoral, would be unconscionable, and cannot be allowed to happen. Sanders' speech can be watched here, and the prepared remarks can be read below: ""Mr. President: This country today faces an unprecedented crisis both in terms of the pandemic and the economic meltdown. I understand that there are negotiations going on in terms of coming up with an economic package dealing with COVID-19 relief. I applaud the hard work that each of the negotiators are doing. But the truth is that the results up to this point are totally unsatisfactory given the economic desperation facing tens of millions of working families. Back in March, at the beginning of the pandemic, the United States Congress unanimously Democrats and Republicans worked with President Trump to come up with an economic package that went a long way toward preventing absolute misery and destitution for so many of our people. Through no fault of their own, COVID-19 resulted in millions of people losing their jobs and their income. And, in response, Democrats and Republicans in the Congress came together, worked with the President of the United States and, in a very significant way, responded to that crisis. Mr. President, what I don't understand is that at a time when, in many ways, the crisis is worse today than it was in March, why we are not responding accordingly. In March, we passed the $2.2 trillion CARES Act which included a $600 supplement to unemployment benefits for 4 months, and a $1,200 direct payment for every working class adult plus $500 for their kids. Once again, we did this unanimously and we did it by working with President Trump. If we could do it together in March, if we could succeed 9 months ago by working together, there is no reason why we cannot do the same thing right now. And that is why I will insist that any agreement in terms of a COVID-19 relief package must include not only strong unemployment benefits, but a $1,200 direct payment for the working families of this country similarly structured to what was included in the CARES package of March. And I will be introducing an amendment to the 1-week Continuing Resolution to make sure that that occurs - that every working class adult in this country receives another $1,200 direct payment, plus $500 for their kids. Mr. President, every member of this body wants to get out of Washington to get home to their families for the holiday season. And put me at the top of that list. But at a time when so many American families are suffering, when so many people don't know how they're going to feed their kids or prevent being evicted from their homes, or how they're going to pay for a doctor's visit, we cannot leave Washington and return to our families unless we address the economic suffering that so many other families are facing. When a national emergency occurs the United States government must respond. And we are in an economic emergency today. To get out of Washington, to turn our backs on the suffering of so many of our people would be immoral, would be unconscionable, and cannot be allowed to happen. Again, we must make certain that every working family in this country receives a $1,200 direct payment, plus $500 for their kids. Mr. President, let me be as clear as I can be. Today, as a result of the horrific pandemic and economic meltdown, the American working-class is hurting like they have never hurt before. Yesterday alone, over 220,000 Americans were diagnosed with COVID-19 and, tragically, over 3,000 died from this horrific virus. In other words, more Americans were killed by the coronavirus yesterday than were killed on 9-11. Further, Mr. President, the working class of this country is in the worst financial shape since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Tens of millions of our fellow citizens have lost their jobs. They have lost their incomes. They have lost their health insurance. They have depleted their life savings. They cannot afford to pay the rent. They cannot afford to put food on the table. And they are scared to death that any day now they will get a knock on the door from the sheriff evicting them from their homes and throwing them and their belongings out on the street. In America today, over half our workers are living paycheck to paycheck while 1 out of every 4 workers in this country are either unemployed or make a starvation wage of less than $20,000 a year. During the holiday season over one-third of Americans expect to lose income and are already having a difficult time paying for basic household expenses. In America today, hunger is at its highest level in decades, more than 500,000 Americans are homeless and over 30 million tenants are on the brink of eviction.While 15 million Americans have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, over 90 million Americans are uninsured or under-insured and cannot afford to go to a doctor when they get sick. And as bad as the economy has been in general it has been far worse for African Americans and Latinos. During the pandemic, nearly 60% of Latino families and 55% of African American families have either experienced a job loss or a pay cut. Meanwhile, Mr. President, not everyone is hurting in America. While the middle class is collapsing and poverty is growing, we are witnessing a massive increase in income and wealth inequality. Over the past 9 months, 650 billionaires have seen their wealth go up by over $1 trillion and now own over twice as much wealth as the bottom 50 percent of Americans. That is the state of the economy in America today. The very rich get much, much richer, while tens of millions of Americans get poorer and poorer and face an unprecedented level of economic desperation. Mr. President. This is the United States of America, the richest country in the history of the world. No one should be going hungry. No one should have to live in fear of becoming homeless. No one should be denied the health care that they need, especially during the worst public health crisis in over a hundred years. But that is precisely what is going on all over America as we speak. Mr. President. This is an unprecedented moment in American history and the Senate needs to take unprecedented action now to improve the lives of the American people. If we could act effectively in March through the CARES Act, we can act effectively today as we enter the holiday season. I very much appreciate the hard work that has gone into the current $908 billion proposal being drafted by a number of Democratic and Republican Senators. But, simply stated, given the horrific extent of the current crisis and the desperation that working families all over this country are experiencing, this proposal does not go anywhere near far enough. In truth, rather than the $3.4 trillion which we Democrats called for in the HEROES Act and passed in the House, this bill only allocates $348 billion in new money. The remaining $560 billion are funds transferred from the CARES Act that have not yet been obligated. In other words, this bill is allocating roughly 10% of what was passed in the House. That's absurd. Unlike the CARES Act, which we passed in March, this proposal only provides a $300 supplement for unemployed workers rather than $600 a week. Further, unlike the $1,200 direct payment for every working class individual and $500 for each child, it provides absolutely no direct payment. Moreover, this proposal does nothing to address the health care crisis impacting tens of millions of Americans who cannot afford medical care and has totally inadequate financial assistance for the most vulnerable. The American people need help and they need help now. We have got to make sure that every working class American receives at least $1,200 in direct payments and that we do not provide a liability shield to corporations who break the law. We cannot continue the status quo of coming in at 5:30pm on Monday and leaving at 2pm on Thursday while nothing gets done to help millions of Americans living in economic desperation. We've got to be working 24 hours, 7 days a week until we pass a bill that provides emergency assistance to the American people in their time of need.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-hawley-introduce-1200-direct-payments-amendment-to-attach-to-end-of-year-legislation,"Sanders, Hawley Introduce $1,200 Direct Payments Amendment to Attach to End-of-Year Legislation",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders, Hawley Introduce $1,200 Direct Payments Amendment to Attach to End-of-Year Legislation Thursday, December 10, 2020 WASHINGTON, December 10 Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) are introducing a bipartisan amendment to attach to must-pass legislation to be considered by Congress, which would provide $1,200 in direct payments to working-class adults and $500 to each of their children.This amendment, similar to what was passed in the CARES Act, would be attached to must-pass legislation to keep the government going. In the midst of this terrible pandemic and economic crisis, this amendment would make certain that working families get the urgent, direct support they need to survive, said Sanders. A direct payment of $1,200 for adults and $500 for kids would help desperate families pay rent and heating bills, put food on the table, and be able to go to the doctor.In the midst of so much economic desperation, Congress cannot go on recess without providing this $1,200 emergency assistance to the American people in their time of need.I look forward to working across the aisle with Senator Hawley to ensure that the United States Senate passes this amendment. It would be a dereliction of duty if Congress adjourns for Christmas without having a vote on providing working families with direct payments, said Hawley. Working people are struggling. And they should be the first people given relief, not last. The crisis of rising unemployment claims, ever-expanding food lines, evictions, and growing credit card debt has been staring us in the face for months. It's time we do something about it and provide emergency relief to Americans. The amendment is modeled on the $1,200 direct payment for working-class adults plus $500 for their children passed by Congress unanimously in the $2.2 trillion CARES Act in March and signed into law by President Trump. Watch Sanders' and Hawley's floor remarks on this proposal here. Read the text of the amendment here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/responding-to-the-needs-of-the-americanpeople,Responding to the needs of the AmericanPeople,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Responding to the needs of the AmericanPeople Yesterday alone, over 3,000 died from this horrific virus. The working class of this country is in the worst financial shape since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The American people need help and they need help NOW!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-gillibrand-warren-merkley-markey-and-wyden-urge-colleagues-to-defend-working-class-in-covid-19-relief-proposal-2/,Sanders Demands Direct Payments for Working Families,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 10 Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) stated today on the Senate floor that given the enormity of the current economic crisis, the Senate must pass a $1,200 direct payment for working class adults and $500 for their children as part of any COVID-19 relief package. He is filing an amendment today to the one-week Continuing Resolution to do just that. Sanders said that it would be unacceptable for Congress to adjourn for the holidays while turning its back on the economic desperation facing tens of millions of Americans. In a speech on the floor today, he stated: When a national emergency occurs the United States government must respond. And we are in an economic emergency today. To get out of Washington, to turn our backs on the suffering of so many of our people would be immoral, would be unconscionable, and cannot be allowed to happen. Sanders' speech can be watchedhere, and the prepared remarks can be read below: Mr. President: This country today faces an unprecedented crisis both in terms of the pandemic and the economic meltdown. I understand that there are negotiations going on in terms of coming up with an economic package dealing with COVID-19 relief. I applaud the hard work that each of the negotiators are doing. But the truth is that the results up to this point are totally unsatisfactory given the economic desperation facing tens of millions of working families. Back in March, at the beginning of the pandemic, the United States Congress unanimously Democrats and Republicans worked with President Trump to come up with an economic package that went a long way toward preventing absolute misery and destitution for so many of our people. Through no fault of their own, COVID-19 resulted in millions of people losing their jobs and their income. And, in response, Democrats and Republicans in the Congress came together, worked with the President of the United States and, in a very significant way, responded to that crisis. Mr. President, what I don't understand is that at a time when, in many ways, the crisis is worse today than it was in March, why we are not responding accordingly. In March, we passed the $2.2 trillion CARES Act which included a $600 supplement to unemployment benefits for 4 months, and a $1,200 direct payment for every working class adult plus $500 for their kids. Once again, we did this unanimously and we did it by working with President Trump. If we could do it together in March, if we could succeed 9 months ago by working together, there is no reason why we cannot do the same thing right now. And that is why I will insist that any agreement in terms of a COVID-19 relief package must include not only strong unemployment benefits, but a $1,200 direct payment for the working families of this country similarly structured to what was included in the CARES package of March. And I will be introducing an amendment to the 1-week Continuing Resolution to make sure that that occurs that every working class adult in this country receives another $1,200 direct payment, plus $500 for their kids. Mr. President, every member of this body wants to get out of Washington to get home to their families for the holiday season. And put me at the top of that list. But at a time when so many American families are suffering, when so many people don't know how they're going to feed their kids or prevent being evicted from their homes, or how they're going to pay for a doctor's visit, we cannot leave Washington and return to our families unless we address the economic suffering that so many other families are facing. When a national emergency occurs the United States government must respond. And we are in an economic emergency today. To get out of Washington, to turn our backs on the suffering of so many of our people would be immoral, would be unconscionable, and cannot be allowed to happen. Again, we must make certain that every working family in this country receives a $1,200 direct payment, plus $500 for their kids. Mr. President, let me be as clear as I can be. Today, as a result of the horrific pandemic and economic meltdown, the American working-class is hurting like they have never hurt before. Yesterday alone, over 220,000 Americans were diagnosed with COVID-19 and, tragically, over 3,000 died from this horrific virus. In other words, more Americans were killed by the coronavirus yesterday than were killed on 9-11. Further, Mr. President, the working class of this country is in the worst financial shape since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Tens of millions of our fellow citizens have lost their jobs. They have lost their incomes. They have lost their health insurance. They have depleted their life savings. They cannot afford to pay the rent. They cannot afford to put food on the table. And they are scared to death that any day now they will get a knock on the door from the sheriff evicting them from their homes and throwing them and their belongings out on the street. In America today, over half our workers are living paycheck to paycheck while 1 out of every 4 workers in this country are either unemployed or make a starvation wage of less than $20,000 a year. During the holiday season over one-third of Americans expect to lose income and are already having a difficult time paying for basic household expenses. In America today, hunger is at its highest level in decades, more than 500,000 Americans are homeless and over 30 million tenants are on the brink of eviction.While 15 million Americans have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, over 90 million Americans are uninsured or under-insured and cannot afford to go to a doctor when they get sick. And as bad as the economy has been in general it has been far worse for African Americans and Latinos. During the pandemic, nearly 60% of Latino families and 55% of African American families have either experienced a job loss or a pay cut. Meanwhile, Mr. President, not everyone is hurting in America. While the middle class is collapsing and poverty is growing, we are witnessing a massive increase in income and wealth inequality. Over the past 9 months, 650 billionaires have seen their wealth go up by over $1 trillion and now own over twice as much wealth as the bottom 50 percent of Americans. That is the state of the economy in America today. The very rich get much, much richer, while tens of millions of Americans get poorer and poorer and face an unprecedented level of economic desperation. Mr. President. This is the United States of America, the richest country in the history of the world. No one should be going hungry. No one should have to live in fear of becoming homeless. No one should be denied the health care that they need, especially during the worst public health crisis in over a hundred years. But that is precisely what is going on all over America as we speak. Mr. President. This is an unprecedented moment in American history and the Senate needs to take unprecedented action now to improve the lives of the American people. If we could act effectively in March through the CARES Act, we can act effectively today as we enter the holiday season. I very much appreciate the hard work that has gone into the current $908 billion proposal being drafted by a number of Democratic and Republican Senators. But, simply stated, given the horrific extent of the current crisis and the desperation that working families all over this country are experiencing, this proposal does not go anywhere near far enough. In truth, rather than the $3.4 trillion which we Democrats called for in the HEROES Act and passed in the House, this bill only allocates $348 billion in new money. The remaining $560 billion are funds transferred from the CARES Act that have not yet been obligated. In other words, this bill is allocating roughly 10% of what was passed in the House. That's absurd. Unlike the CARES Act, which we passed in March, this proposal only provides a $300 supplement for unemployed workers rather than $600 a week. Further, unlike the $1,200 direct payment for every working class individual and $500 for each child, it provides absolutely no direct payment. Moreover, this proposal does nothing to address the health care crisis impacting tens of millions of Americans who cannot afford medical care and has totally inadequate financial assistance for the most vulnerable. The American people need help and they need help now. We have got to make sure that every working class American receives at least $1,200 in direct payments and that we do not provide a liability shield to corporations who break the law. We cannot continue the status quo of coming in at 5:30pm on Monday and leaving at 2pm on Thursday while nothing gets done to help millions of Americans living in economic desperation. We've got to be working 24 hours, 7 days a week until we pass a bill that provides emergency assistance to the American people in their time of need.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-hawley-introduce-1200-direct-payments-amendment-to-attach-to-end-of-year-legislation/,"Sanders, Hawley Introduce $1,200 Direct Payments Amendment to Attach to End-of-Year Legislation",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 10 Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) are introducing a bipartisan amendment to attach to must-pass legislation to be considered by Congress, which would provide $1,200 in direct payments to working-class adults and $500 to each of their children.This amendment, similar to what was passed in the CARES Act, would be attached to must-pass legislation to keep the government going. In the midst of this terrible pandemic and economic crisis, this amendment would make certain that working families get the urgent, direct support they need to survive,said Sanders.A direct payment of $1,200 for adults and $500 for kids would help desperate families pay rent and heating bills, put food on the table, and be able to go to the doctor.In the midst of so much economic desperation, Congress cannot go on recess without providing this $1,200 emergency assistance to the American people in their time of need.I look forward to working across the aisle with Senator Hawley to ensure that the United States Senate passes this amendment. It would be a dereliction of duty if Congress adjourns for Christmas without having a vote on providing working families with direct payments,said Hawley.Working people are struggling. And they should be the first people given relief, not last. The crisis of rising unemployment claims, ever-expanding food lines, evictions, and growing credit card debt has been staring us in the face for months. It's time we do something about it and provide emergency relief to Americans. The amendment is modeled on the $1,200 direct payment for working-class adults plus $500 for their children passed by Congress unanimously in the $2.2 trillion CARES Act in March and signed into law by President Trump. Watch Sanders' and Hawley's floor remarks on this proposalhere. Read the text of the amendmenthere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-gillibrand-warren-merkley-markey-and-wyden-urge-colleagues-to-defend-working-class-in-covid-19-relief-proposal,"Sanders, Gillibrand, Warren, Merkley, Markey and Wyden Urge Colleagues to Defend Working Class in COVID-19 Relief Proposal",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders, Gillibrand, Warren, Merkley, Markey and Wyden Urge Colleagues to Defend Working Class in COVID-19 Relief Proposal Tuesday, December 8, 2020 WASHINGTON, December 8 Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.),Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.),Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)urged Senate Democrats today to recognize the enormity of the economic and public-health crisis posed by COVID-19 and join them in demanding that any new COVID-19 relief proposal includes a $1,200 direct payment to adults and $500 to their children, while rejecting provisions to give a liability shield to corporations who threaten the health and safety of workers and customers. In aletterto their colleagues, the Senators note that COVID-19 is infecting nearly 200,000 Americans and killing 2,000 Americans daily, and argue that a bipartisan proposal under negotiation does not go anywhere near far enough, as America experiences the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Only $348 billion in new money is currently allocated in that proposal, the Senators point out, even though the Trump Administration and a bipartisan coalition in the House supported over $1.8 trillion in COVID-19 relief that also included another $1,200 direct payment. It would be unacceptable to take a major step backwards from those previous efforts by passing legislation that only included $348 billion in new money, the Senators wrote to their Democratic colleagues. The lawmakers further expressed their opposition to a get-out-of-jail free card to companies that put the lives of their workers and customers at risk currently under consideration in a bipartisan COVID-19 relief measure, and cited concerns from labor groups that granting immunity would make the country less safe at the exact moment when the COVID-19 pandemic is entering a new, dangerous phase. The letter's signatories also registered their agreement with President-elect Biden that a $1,200 direct payment should be included in this proposal, as over half of American workers live paycheck to paycheck and one in four are either unemployed or make less than $20,000 a year, while millions more face eviction and hunger. Read the letterhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-gillibrand-warren-merkley-markey-and-wyden-urge-colleagues-to-defend-working-class-in-covid-19-relief-proposal/,"Sanders, Gillibrand, Warren, Merkley, Markey and Wyden Urge Colleagues to Defend Working Class in COVID-19 Relief Proposal",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 8 Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.),Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.),Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)urged Senate Democrats today to recognize the enormity of the economic and public-health crisis posed by COVID-19 and join them in demanding that any new COVID-19 relief proposal includes a $1,200 direct payment to adults and $500 to their children, while rejecting provisions to give a liability shield to corporations who threaten the health and safety of workers and customers. In a letter to their colleagues, the Senators note that COVID-19 is infecting nearly 200,000 Americans and killing 2,000 Americans daily, and argue that a bipartisan proposal under negotiation does not go anywhere near far enough, as America experiences the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Only $348 billion in new money is currently allocated in that proposal, the Senators point out, even though the Trump Administration and a bipartisan coalition in the House supported over $1.8 trillion in COVID-19 relief that also included another $1,200 direct payment. It would be unacceptable to take a major step backwards from those previous efforts by passing legislation that only included $348 billion in new money, the Senators wrote to their Democratic colleagues. The lawmakers further expressed their opposition to a get-out-of-jail free card to companies that put the lives of their workers and customers at risk currently under consideration in a bipartisan COVID-19 relief measure, and cited concerns from labor groups that granting immunity would make the country less safe at the exact moment when the COVID-19 pandemic is entering a new, dangerous phase. The letter's signatories also registered their agreement with President-elect Biden that a $1,200 direct payment should be included in this proposal, as over half of American workers live paycheck to paycheck and one in four are either unemployed or make less than $20,000 a year, while millions more face eviction and hunger. Read the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-manchin-romney-covid19-proposal,Sanders Statement on Manchin-Romney COVID19 Proposal,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders Statement on Manchin-Romney COVID19 Proposal Friday, December 4, 2020 BURLINGTON, December 4 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement on the Manchin-Romney COVID19 legislative proposal: Given the enormous economic desperation facing working families in this country today, I will not be able to support the recently announced Manchin-Romney COVID proposal unless it is significantly improved. Unfortunately, despite long-time Democratic opposition, this proposal provides 100% legal immunity to corporations whose irresponsibility has led to the deaths of hundreds of workers. It would continue to provide a get-out-of-jail free card to companies that put the lives of their workers and customers at risk. In fact, the Manchin-Romney proposal will, through this liability provision, encourage corporations to avoid implementing the common sense safety standards needed to protect workers and consumers - and make a bad situation worse. Further, during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, when over half of our workers are living paycheck to paycheck, when one out of four workers are either unemployed or make less than $20,000 a year, when 92 million Americans are uninsured or under-insured, when tens of millions of people face eviction and when hunger in America is exploding, it is unacceptable that the Manchin-Romney proposal does not even do what the CARES Act did and provide, at the very least, a $1,200 direct payment to working class Americans and $500 for their kids. Tens of millions of Americans living in desperation today would receive absolutely no financial help from this proposal. That is not acceptable. Last March, with unanimous support in Congress, President Trump signed the $2 trillion CARES Act into law that provided a $600 a week supplement in unemployment benefits and a $1,200 direct payment to every working class adult, $500 per child and significant help for small businesses, states and cities. In October, as part of the negotiating process, the Trump Administration and a bi-partisan coalition in the House supported over $1.8 trillion in COVID-relief that also included another $1,200 direct payment. Today, however, at a time when the COVID crisis is the worst that it has ever been in the U.S. with record-breaking levels of hospitalization and death, the Manchin-Romney proposal not only provides no direct payments to working families, it does nothing to address the healthcare crisis and has totally inadequate financial assistance for the most vulnerable. That is wrong morally and it is wrong economically if we hope to rebuild the economy. The American people need help and they need help now. In my view, we have got to make sure that every working class American receives at least $1,200 in direct payments and that we do not provide a liability shield to corporations who break the law. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to significantly improve this bill.But, in its current form, I cannot support it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-manchin-romney-covid19-proposal/,Sanders Statement on Manchin-Romney COVID19 Proposal,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BURLINGTON, December 4 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement on the Manchin-Romney COVID19 legislative proposal: Given the enormous economic desperation facing working families in this country today, I will not be able to support the recently announced Manchin-Romney COVID proposal unless it is significantly improved. Unfortunately, despite long-time Democratic opposition, this proposal provides 100% legal immunity to corporations whose irresponsibility has led to the deaths of hundreds of workers. It would continue to provide a get-out-of-jail free card to companies that put the lives of their workers and customers at risk. In fact, the Manchin-Romney proposal will, through this liability provision, encourage corporations to avoid implementing the common sense safety standards needed to protect workers and consumers and make a bad situation worse. Further, during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, when over half of our workers are living paycheck to paycheck, when one out of four workers are either unemployed or make less than $20,000 a year, when 92 million Americans are uninsured or under-insured, when tens of millions of people face eviction and when hunger in America is exploding, it is unacceptable that the Manchin-Romney proposal does not even do what the CARES Act did and provide, at the very least, a $1,200 direct payment to working class Americans and $500 for their kids. Tens of millions of Americans living in desperation today would receive absolutely no financial help from this proposal. That is not acceptable. Last March, with unanimous support in Congress, President Trump signed the $2 trillion CARES Act into law that provided a $600 a week supplement in unemployment benefits and a $1,200 direct payment to every working class adult, $500 per child and significant help for small businesses, states and cities. In October, as part of the negotiating process, the Trump Administration and a bi-partisan coalition in the House supported over $1.8 trillion in COVID-relief that also included another $1,200 direct payment. Today, however, at a time when the COVID crisis is the worst that it has ever been in the U.S. with record-breaking levels of hospitalization and death, the Manchin-Romney proposal not only provides no direct payments to working families, it does nothing to address the healthcare crisis and has totally inadequate financial assistance for the most vulnerable. That is wrong morally and it is wrong economically if we hope to rebuild the economy. The American people need help and they need help now. In my view, we have got to make sure that every working class American receives at least $1,200 in direct payments and that we do not provide a liability shield to corporations who break the law. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to significantly improve this bill.But, in its current form, I cannot support it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/vermont-students-share-what-you-think-our-national-priorities-should-be,Vermont Students: Share What You Think Our National Priorities Should Be,2020-11-25,2020,2020-11,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Vermont Students: Share What You Think Our National Priorities Should Be The deadline for my annual State of the Union Essay contest is approaching. This contest is a great opportunity for high school students to be actively engaged in our democratic process and think about solutions to the major problems facing our country. If you're a Vermont High school student, join us for the 11th year of the contest and submit your essay by January 12th.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-announces-eleventh-annual-state-of-the-union-essay-contest,Sanders Announces Eleventh Annual State of the Union Essay Contest,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders Announces Eleventh Annual State of the Union Essay Contest Tuesday, November 24, 2020 BURLINGTON, November 24 Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has launched his eleventh annual State of the Union essay contest. Each January, the President of the United States delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, which outlines priorities for the coming year. Because Senator Sanders knows that great ideas can come from everyone not just those in power and wants to encourage young people to become engaged in the political process, he created the State of the Union Essay Contest. The contest is an opportunity for Vermont high school students to describe a major issue facing our country and propose what they would do to solve it. The 250-500 word essays can be on any issue of national importance. A volunteer panel of Vermont teachers will judge the essays on the students' ability to articulate an issue and propose a solution, without regard to the students' political views. Senator Sanders will enter the essays of the ten finalists into the Congressional Record the official archive of the U.S. Congress. I started this essay contest 11 years ago to help our students be actively engaged, no matter where they stand on the issues, said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee. This year, our state and nation face a health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with a renewed fight for racial justice. Many of you have seen family members struggle because of lost wages or health concerns, you have been asked to learn online, and you face a future that may feel uncertain. To my mind, the unprecedented nature of this time makes it more important than ever to hear perspectives and innovative ideas from you, our young people. More than 4,600 students from high schools throughout Vermont have written essays in the past ten years about critically important issues, including climate change, access to mental health care, the rising cost of college, and much, much more. Last year, Isabelle Hiller from Woodstock Union High School was selected as the winner from 536 submissions for her essay on criminal justice reform. The deadline for student essay submissions is Jan. 12, 2021. More information can be found on Sanders' Senate webpage at https://www.sanders.senate.gov/stateoftheunion or by calling (800) 339-9834.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/taxpayers-subsidize-poverty-wages-at-walmart-mcdonalds-other-large-corporations-gao-finds,"Taxpayers Subsidize Poverty Wages at Walmart, McDonalds, Other Large Corporations, GAO Finds",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Taxpayers Subsidize Poverty Wages at Walmart, McDonald's, Other Large Corporations, GAO Finds Wednesday, November 18, 2020 WASHINGTON, November 18 Many full-time workers employed by some of America's largest and most profitable corporations receive wages so low that they qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) benefits and Medicaid, according to a report released today by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report,Millions of Full-time Workers Rely on Federal Health Care and Food Assistance Programs,commissioned by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), found that 5.7 million Medicaid enrollees and 4.7 million SNAP recipients who worked full-time for 50 or more weeks in 2018 earned wages so low that they qualified for these federal benefits. An estimated 12 million wage-earning adults enrolled in Medicaid and 9 million wage-earning adults living in households receiving SNAP benefits worked at some point in 2018. At a time when huge corporations like Walmart and McDonald's are making billions in profits and giving their CEOs tens of millions of dollars a year, they're relying on corporate welfare from the federal government by paying their workers starvation wages. That is morally obscene.U.S. taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize some of the largest and most profitable corporations in America.It is time for the owners of Walmart, McDonald's and other large corporations to get off of welfare and pay their workers a living wage,said Sanders.No one in this country should live in poverty. No one should go hungry. No one should be unable to get the medical care they need. It is long past time to increase the federal minimum wage from a starvation wage of $7.25 an hour to $15, and guarantee health care to all Americans as a human right. GAO sent questionnaires to state Medicaid and SNAP agencies and analyzed data from 15 such agencies across 11 states. Each agency reported the 25 most common employers of Medicaid enrollees and SNAP recipients. Among the 15 agencies, Walmart was in the top four employers of program beneficiaries in each and every one. McDonald's was a top-five employer of employees receiving federal benefits in 13 of the 15 agencies. GAO's analysis across the states it examined reveals that multi-billion-dollar firms employed tens of thousands of workers at wages so low, taxpayers effectively provided nutrition support and health insurance that would be unnecessary if they paid living wages. Notoriously low-paying and dangerous dollar-store chains also appeared throughout these lists, with Dollar Tree ranking among the top 15 largest employers of employees receiving benefits in all 15 agencies, and Dollar General among the top 10 in nine different agencies. Across nine statesArkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington these large corporations employed the following numbers of SNAP recipients in February 2020: Walmart 14,541 McDonald's 8,783 Dollar Tree 4,515 Dollar General 4,488 Amazon 4,218 Burger King 3,326 FedEx 2,622 Wendy's 2,237 Subway 2,231 Taco Bell 2,114 Uber 2,032 Target 1,783 Dunkin' Donuts 1,564 Home Depot 1,305 Lowe's 1,154 Family Dollar 570 CVS 545 Walgreens 355 Across six statesGeorgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Rhode Islandthe following large corporations employed these approximate numbers of Medicaid enrollees in February 2020: Walmart 10,350 McDonald's 4,600 Amazon 4,154 Dollar Tree 2,964 Target 2,754 Dollar General 2,625 Home Depot 2,237 CVS 1,939 Burger King 1,679 Dunkin' Donuts 1,278 Wendy's 1,059 FedEx 1,046 Walgreens 1,009 Subway 973 Taco Bell 868 Lowe's 611 Uber 591 To read the full report, clickhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/taxpayers-subsidize-poverty-wages-at-walmart-mcdonalds-other-large-corporations-gao-finds/,"Taxpayers Subsidize Poverty Wages at Walmart, McDonalds, Other Large Corporations, GAO Finds",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, November 18 Many full-time workers employed by some of America's largest and most profitable corporations receive wages so low that they qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) benefits and Medicaid, according to a report released today by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report,Millions of Full-time Workers Rely on Federal Health Care and Food Assistance Programs,commissioned by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), found that 5.7 million Medicaid enrollees and 4.7 million SNAP recipients who worked full-time for 50 or more weeks in 2018 earned wages so low that they qualified for these federal benefits. An estimated 12 million wage-earning adults enrolled in Medicaid and 9 million wage-earning adults living in households receiving SNAP benefits worked at some point in 2018. At a time when huge corporations like Walmart and McDonald's are making billions in profits and giving their CEOs tens of millions of dollars a year, they're relying on corporate welfare from the federal government by paying their workers starvation wages. That is morally obscene.U.S. taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize some of the largest and most profitable corporations in America.It is time for the owners of Walmart, McDonald's and other large corporations to get off of welfare and pay their workers a living wage,said Sanders.No one in this country should live in poverty. No one should go hungry. No one should be unable to get the medical care they need. It is long past time to increase the federal minimum wage from a starvation wage of $7.25 an hour to $15, and guarantee health care to all Americans as a human right. GAO sent questionnaires to state Medicaid and SNAP agencies and analyzed data from 15 such agencies across 11 states. Each agency reported the 25 most common employers of Medicaid enrollees and SNAP recipients. Among the 15 agencies, Walmart was in the top four employers of program beneficiaries in each and every one. McDonald's was a top-five employer of employees receiving federal benefits in 13 of the 15 agencies. GAO's analysis across the states it examined reveals that multi-billion-dollar firms employed tens of thousands of workers at wages so low, taxpayers effectively provided nutrition support and health insurance that would be unnecessary if they paid living wages. Notoriously low-paying and dangerous dollar-store chains also appeared throughout these lists, with Dollar Tree ranking among the top 15 largest employers of employees receiving benefits in all 15 agencies, and Dollar General among the top 10 in nine different agencies. Across nine statesArkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington these large corporations employed the following numbers of SNAP recipients in February 2020: Walmart 14,541 McDonald's 8,783 Dollar Tree 4,515 Dollar General 4,488 Amazon 4,218 Burger King 3,326 FedEx 2,622 Wendy's 2,237 Subway 2,231 Taco Bell 2,114 Uber 2,032 Target 1,783 Dunkin' Donuts 1,564 Home Depot 1,305 Lowe's 1,154 Family Dollar 570 CVS 545 Walgreens 355 Across six statesGeorgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Rhode Islandthe following large corporations employed these approximate numbers of Medicaid enrollees in February 2020: Walmart 10,350 McDonald's 4,600 Amazon 4,154 Dollar Tree 2,964 Target 2,754 Dollar General 2,625 Home Depot 2,237 CVS 1,939 Burger King 1,679 Dunkin' Donuts 1,278 Wendy's 1,059 FedEx 1,046 Walgreens 1,009 Subway 973 Taco Bell 868 Lowe's 611 Uber 591 To read the full report, clickhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-300000-health-and-wellness-funding-for-wabanaki-community,"Collins, King Announce $300,000 Health and Wellness Funding for Wabanaki Community",2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $300,000 to Wabanaki Health and Wellness to bolster the organization's health services, including its work to address substance use disorders and support nutrition in tribal communities. As this pandemic continues to spread across the nation, it is critical that we invest in public health infrastructure to support communities throughout Maine, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Wabanaki Health and Wellness plays a vital role in supporting Maine's tribal communities, and we're grateful that this funding will help support this agency's efforts to support public health during this critical moment. Established in 1996, Wabanaki Health and Wellness is a not-for-profit organization for tribally-enrolled Native Americans in Penobscot, Washington, and Aroostook Counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-against-fed-nominee,King Votes Against Fed Nominee,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted against Dr. Judy Shelton's nomination to serve on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors, which oversees the nation's central bank and works to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy and the general public interest. After the motion to file cloture on Dr. Shelton's nomination was defeated by a vote of 47 to 50, Senator King released the following statement: We are in the midst of a massive economic crisis, which has devastated working Americans, small businesses, and local governments alike -- which calls for sound, long-term, data-based economic thinking. To best navigate the choppy waters ahead, we need strong, stable, apolitical leadership from the Federal Reserve that examines the best path forward for the entire nation. Instead, President Trump put forward a nominee whose extreme views place her well outside of the mainstream and, leading economists say, would create new hazards to America's economic prospects. Dr. Shelton's fringe views, including her support for a return to the gold standard, are dangerous in the best of times; in the middle of this crisis, they could be downright catastrophic. Perhaps even more worrisome is Dr. Shelton's lack of respect for the Federal Reserve's longstanding independence. The Fed is supposed to put the long-term financial interest of the nation ahead of any short-term political pressures, but Dr. Shelton has repeatedly communicated and demonstrated limited interest in continuing this tradition. If the Senate had allowed President Trump to politicize the Fed by confirming Dr. Shelton to its Board of Governors, she likely would have undermined the Fed as an institution, and permanently compromised its unique position in our society. In the short-term and the long-term, Dr. Shelton was the wrong choice for a role this important. I'm grateful that her nomination was rejected on a bipartisan basis, and hope that the Senate can shift our consideration to the pressing matters at hand.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/solarium-co-chair-king-unjust-firing-of-cisa-director-krebs-makes-americans-less-safe,Solarium Co-Chair King: “Unjust” Firing of CISA Director Krebs Makes Americans Less Safe,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, released the following statement after it was announced that Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Chris Krebs was removed from his position: Earlier this year, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission issued a nonpartisan report including more than 75 recommendations outlining opportunities for America to improve its national cyber defense posture. Several of these recommendations are focused on expanding the resources and authorities of CISA because, throughout our year of work, we consistently saw that CISA was among our nation's most important cyber assets. This success doesn't happen without Chris Krebs. Chris Krebs is an incredibly bright, high-performing, and dedicated public servant, who has helped build up new cyber capabilities in the face of swiftly-evolving dangers. This year's robust election security and public awareness campaign exceeded our expectations, especially given the unique political and technological challenges. Equally important is the less publicized work CISA has done to protect our nation's other critical infrastructure assets. We should be empowering Chris and his team to do more, not punishing them for their doing their job. By firing Mr. Krebs for simply doing his job, President Trump is inflicting severe damage on all Americans who rely on CISA's defenses, even if they don't know it. If there's any silver lining in this unjust decision, it's this: I hope that President-elect Biden will recognize Chris's contributions, and consult with him as the Biden administration charts the future of this critically important agency. The Cyberspace Solarium Commission was established by statute in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), andofficially launched in April 2019. The Commissioners convened nearly every Monday that Congress was in session for a year, and its staff conducted more than 400 engagements, drawing upon the expertise of corporate leaders, federal, state and local officials, academics, and cybersecurity experts. The final report,issued on March 11, lays out more than 75 recommendations to improve the security of U.S. critical infrastructure and provides a strategic approach oflayered cyber deterrenceto defend the United States against cyberattacks of significant consequences. The Cyberspace Solarium Commission's final report can be read in fullHERE. ClickHEREto read or download the detailed executive summary.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-leads-national-forum-highlighting-rural-benefits-impacts-of-telehealth-in-maine,"Senator King Leads National Forum Highlighting Rural Benefits, Impacts of Telehealth in Maine",2020-11-13,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) convened and led a virtual roundtable with Maine healthcare providers and experts from the Bipartisan Policy Centeron the benefits and future of telehealth for Maine and across the nation's rural areas. The pandemic has resulted in a dramatic expansion of telehealth services, especially in Maine; these services have allowed for safe access to care for millions of Americans, though the vital policy changes that made this possible are not permanent. As a key member of the Bipartisan Policy Center's Rural Health Care Task Force, Senator King focused his conversation on how policymakers and healthcare providers can work together to consider the investments and permanent changes needed to sustain access to 21st-century quality healthcare through telehealth to meet the needs of Americans. One of the few silver linings of the coronavirus pandemic is the rise of telehealth as a widely-available tool to help millions of Americans efficiently and safely access healthcare, said Senator King. With the availability has come an increased awareness of the potential of this incredible innovation to improve the lives and health of rural Americans and older Americans, helping to cut down on long trips to doctors' offices without losing quality of care. Now that we've seen the value of this tool, it's up to us to ensure that the increase of telehealth are not only protected, but expanded by adjusting reimbursement rates, improving access to high-speed broadband, and more. Today's dialogue reminded us of the progress we've made, and all the work we still have to do; as the next Congress comes into session, I will draw on the insights of our panelists to best serve the people of Maine. The panel featured: Jennifer Lundblad, President & CEO, Stratis Health; Dena McDonough, Associate Director, Health Project, Bipartisan Policy Center; Dr. Lisa Miller, Family Medicine Physician, Western Maine Health; Walter Panzirer, Trustee, Helmsley Charitable Trust; and Scott Oxley, President, Northern Light Acadia Hospital. Since the pandemic struck, Senator King has pushed to improve telehealth services so more Americans can access care and, given the widespread success, he's worked to make these expansions permanent. In July, Senator King introduced the COVID19 Emergency Telehealth Impact Reporting Act of 2020, requiring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assess key healthcare data, including utilization rates and hospital readmission rates, for patients who received their healthcare through expanded telehealth programs during the pandemic in a push to make telehealth expansions permanent. Senator King also introduced theMental and Behavioral Health Connectivity Act, legislation to allow Medicare beneficiaries to continue to access mental and behavior health services through telehealth in the near term and after the coronavirus pandemic subsides. Senator King has introduced theImproving Telehealth for Underserved Communities Act, legislation to protect patients receiving care through telehealth services by shielding certain rural health clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in underserved communities from impending Medicare payments that could hinder their ability to care and treat patients. He has also urged the FCC toexpand access to telehealth services in rural communities, and joined a bipartisan group of Senatorscalling for telehealth expansions included in coronavirus relief legislation to be made permanent. The Bipartisan Policy Center is a think tank that actively fosters bipartisanship by combining ideas from both parties to promote health, security, and opportunity for all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-honoring-veterans-day2020,King Statement Honoring Veterans Day,2020-11-11,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: After observing American troops defend Baltimore Harbor from the British Navy during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key put pen to paper and created our national anthem. It is telling that he chose to write the last lines of the first stanza in the form of a question: O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? He did so, I believe, to illustrate that the United States can only be the land of the free if it is also the home of the brave. Without brave men and women committed to protecting our country, we cannot enjoy the many freedoms we hold dear. On this Veterans Day, may we commit ourselves to celebrating these men and women and honoring their service to our country. Veterans Day this year also comes in the midst of a pandemic. So as we reflect, with gratitude and remembrance, on the sacrifices of American servicemembers and their families, we must also endeavor to provide the care and services they are afforded. Here in Maine, as the days get shorter and colder, we must work harder than ever to care for our neighbors and friends across the state. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, unemployment, or lack of access to health care please know that there is an entire community of Maine people here to support you. Do not hesitate to reach outwhether it be to my office, the VA, a fellow veteran, or a family member. For my part, I will continue to push for expanded telehealth services at the VA and to ensure that the VA Maine Healthcare System has the testing kits and PPE necessary to manage the coronavirus and safely expand its in-person capabilities. During this unprecedented time, I am also deeply thankful for the dedicated service of veterans' advocates, Veterans Service Organizations, and VA Maine employees who have not faltered in their work on behalf of Maine veterans. More than two hundred years after Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner, the question he poses still rings true. Let us join together on this Veterans Day to give thanks to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have bravely served so we may be free. Senator King has worked to make sure veterans receive the highest quality of care during the coronavirus crisis. In September, Senator King called on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie to provide coverage of comprehensive telehealth services, including voice communication, for beneficiaries of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). In August, he cosponsored theTRICARE Prescription Relief Act, legislation that would authorize the Secretary of Defense to waive prescription cost-sharing requirements for military servicemembers, veterans, and their families during a declared national or public health emergency. He joined 16 of his colleagues in Mayto urge the VA to ramp up coronavirus testing at VA facilities nationwideand establish a framework for a large-scale strategy for national testing. He has also joined the Maine delegation tourge the VA to prioritize providing additional testing kits and PPE to the VA Maine Healthcare System, and pushed the VA toimprove telehealth services during the pandemic. In April, hesuccessfully urged the Treasury Departmentto ensure that recipients of benefits through the VA will receive theirCARES Actstimulus payment with no additional action required.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-espers-dismissal-king-emphasizes-dangers-of-playing-politics-with-national-security-during-presidential-transition,"After Esper’s Dismissal, King Emphasizes Dangers of Playing Politics with National Security During Presidential Transition",2020-11-09,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced the dismissal of Secretary of Defense Mark Esper: Right now, America hangs in the balance of a precarious moment mere weeks before a presidential transition, with dangerous national security threats as foreign adversaries monitor our resolve and look for vulnerabilities. Now especially, it is vital that the Department of Defense's core mission remains stable and focused on the tasks at hand: protecting our citizens, defending our national security interests, and conducting a seamless transition to the Biden Administration. Unfortunately, President Trump appears to have placed a personal vendetta against his own Secretary of Defense ahead of the interest of the nation. Secretary Esper took an oath to the Constitution, not this President; the same is true for the newly-appointed Acting Secretary. This is no time for sour grapes; it's time for America's top civilian officials to put the good of the country first. While I have grave concerns that this announcement ignores the Department of Defense's established order of succession, I truly hope that Acting Secretary Miller will rise to this moment. Our nation's security during the next ten weeks and beyond depends on it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/fafsa-helping-students-afford-college-2020-11-06,FAFSA: Helping Students Afford College,2020-11-06,2020,2020-11,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FAFSA: Helping Students Afford College Are you looking to pursue further education after high school, but are worried about the cost? If you are considering college, technical, or vocational education, you can now fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (the FAFSA), to help you secure federal, state, and college-specific financial assistance. Now, more than ever, we must keep fighting to make College for All a reality. But until then, students and families deserve to know what resources are available to help pay for continued education. If you have questions, or need help filling out the FAFSA, contact the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation at www.vsac.org or 800-642-3177.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-maine-to-receive-363-million-for-heating-assistance-for-low-income-mainers,"Collins, King Announce Maine to Receive $36.3 Million for Heating Assistance for Low-Income Mainers",2020-11-06,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing a total of $36,318,970 in funding for Maine through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), including $1,328,011 specifically for tribes and tribal organizations. As the cold winter months approach, it is vital that we ensure low-income families and seniors in Maine have access to affordable home energy to protect their health and safety, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding is welcome news as these programs remain important lifelines that help prevent vulnerable individuals from having to choose between heating their home, paying their bills, or going without food or medicine. Senators Collins and King have long led bipartisan efforts to support federal funding for LIHEAP. In October, Senator Collins wrote a letter with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that was cosigned by 38 of their colleagues, including Senator King, urging HHS to release LIHEAP funds without delay and at as high a level as possible under the continuing resolution. HHS released a total of $3.36 billion to states, tribes, and territories. The following funding will be allocated to Maine tribes, which is a portion of the $36,318,970 in LIHEAP funds awarded to the State of Maine: Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians $158,053 Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians $158,053 Passamaquoddy Tribe--Indian Township $301,573 Passamaquoddy Tribe--Pleasant Point $420,749 Penobscot Tribe $289,583",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-250000-for-maine-nursing-homes-to-combat-covid-19,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $250,000 for Maine Nursing Homes to Combat COVID-19",2020-11-04,2020,2020-11,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that82 Maine nursing homes and nursing facilitieshave been awardedan additional$247,577to support increased testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. Thisfundingadds to the $10.4 million Senators Collins and Kingannouncedin August. This targeted distribution from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund is funded through $175 billion includedin the bipartisan CARES Act and thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. In the midst of this ongoing public health and economic crisis, it is crucial that the residents and staff of our nursing home communities remainsupported and protected,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Thisadditionalfunding willprovide nursing homes with resources and training to improve infection and support our health care providers on the front lines. Under this distribution, nursing homes that demonstrated a significant reduction in COVID-19 related infections and deaths between August and September will be eligible to apply for additional funding to improve quality and infection control in their facilities. This performance-based payment structure will reward nursing homes for keeping new COVID-19 infection and mortality rates among residents lower than the communities they serve. To further support nursing homes,HHS also announced todaythe Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) will be partnering with America's nursing homes to create the National Nursing Home COVID Action Network. Through the Network, AHRQ will offer trainingand mentorship to the approximately 15,400 nursing homes across the country to supplement efforts aimed at protecting residents and staff. In August, Senators Collins and King announced that 93 skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes in Maine had been awarded$10.4 millionto support increased testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. In May, following Senator Collins' advocacy, Maine nursing homes received nearly$18 millionthat helped protect the health of residents and staff and support nursing homes struggling with significant expenses or lost revenue due to COVID-19.To date, Maine health care providers have received more than $490 millionin relief from the HHS Provider Relief Fund.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/healthcare-must-no-longer-be-a-privilege,Healthcare Must No Longer Be A Privilege,2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Healthcare Must No Longer Be A Privilege While 12 million Americans recently lost their health insurance, the private health insurance companies are making record profits during this horrific pandemic. Healthcare must no longer be a privilege or an employee benefit in America. It must be a human right. #MedicareForAll",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/responding-to-king-colleagues-hhs-expands-relief-for-rural-healthcare-providers,"Responding to King, Colleagues, HHS Expands Relief For Rural Healthcare Providers",2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Following U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine)'s letter earlier this month with 24 colleagues to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, the Administration has expanded relief funding eligibility for rural healthcare providers and updated requirements to preserve providers' access to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) created as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. Rural healthcare providers are on the frontlines of combatting this public health crisis and protecting our communities from coronavirus outbreaks, particularly now that the pandemic is spreading into less populated areas, said Senator King. With Maine as one of the most rural states in the nation, our state has a vast need for healthcare providers and cannot afford to lose a single one due to job cuts and a lack of funding. I'm glad that HHS has listened to my colleagues and I, who represent thousands of providers across the country; I'll keep pushing to ensure that these frontline workers have the resources they need to protect themselves, treat patients, and control outbreaks in our communities. In response to the Senators' October 9th letter, HHS will now allow more flexibility for providers in using PRF proceeds so that they can continue to respond to all of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, HHS will now stick by their June guidelines and require healthcare providers to calculate lost revenue by comparing actual 2020 revenue with budgeted 2020 revenue or with 2019 revenue, rather than directing providers to use net operating income to calculate lost revenue. This will help to protect patients' access to care and prevent providers especially rural hospitals and hospitals that serve high-numbers of low-income, elderly, and severely ill patients from being forced to return PRF funds that they have already received. HHS released initial reporting requirements in June for providers receiving PRF funds that directed these entities to define lost revenue as any revenue that you as a health care provider lost due to coronavirus, but HHS released updated reporting requirements on September 19 that directed providers to instead use changes in their net operating income to calculate lost revenue a substantial change from the initial June guidance that was expected to reduce the amount of lost revenues that providers are able to report. That shift in reporting requirements would have changed the terms of the relief as hospitals and health systems initially understood them and likely created further uncertainty for providers at a time when they are already facing serious financial challenges. A member of the Bipartisan Policy Center's Rural Health Care Task Force, Senator King has pushed to make sure America's medical professionals and healthcare infrastructure have the tools they need to treat coronavirus patients and protect themselves. In recent months, he joined video calls to hear directly from the Choose To Be Healthy Coalition at York Hospital, and Northern Light Health. Earlier this month, he cosponsored legislation that wouldadjust a CMS loan programin order to reduce interest rates for healthcare providers struggling to manage the financial pressures created by the pandemic. He has cosponsoredbipartisan legislation that would extend a lifeline torural hospitalsandprovidersand the 60 million Americans who depend on them for health care by providing immediate financial relief, stabilize hospitals, and encourage hospital coordination. Senator King joined the Maine delegationto take action to protect access to healthcareand preserve important economic drivers in rural Maine. He has also urged the FCC toexpand access to telehealth services in rural communities, and joined a bipartisan group of Senatorscalling for telehealth expansions included in coronavirus relief legislation to be made permanent. Full text of the Senator's October 9 letter can be found HERE and below. +++ Dear Secretary Azar: We write to express our concerns regarding the recent change in reporting requirements for health care providers that have received emergency relief through the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and to respectfully request that you reinstate the original reporting requirements for determining lost revenue that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) first released in June of this year. As you know, the CARES Act established the PRF to reimburse health care providers for health care-related expenses or lost revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. The PRF has been critical in helping hospitals and health care systems across the country navigate the serious financial challenges posed by this pandemic, preventing many providers from being forced to permanently close their doors. As a condition for receiving PRF funds, the CARES Act required these recipients to submit reports and maintain documentation to certify their compliance with program requirements. In June, HHS released initial guidance outlining some of these reporting requirements and directed providers to calculate lost revenue by comparing actual 2020 revenue with budgeted 2020 revenue or with 2019 revenue. On September 19, HHS released updated reporting requirements that directed providers to use net operating income to calculate lost revenuea substantial change from the directions issued in June. We have heard from hospitals and health systems in our states who are concerned that this change in the definition of lost revenue will force them to return funds to HHS that they have received from the PRF. In particular, rural hospitals and those that serve high numbers of low-income, elderly, and severely ill patientswhich already operate on thin financial marginsmay be especially impacted by this change. We are concerned that this change in reporting requirements changes the terms of the relief as providers initially understood them based on the initial June guidelinesfurther exacerbating the financial challenges and uncertainty that these systems continue to grapple with as a result of the pandemic. Therefore, we respectfully request that you reinstate the original June requirements for determining lost revenue in order to prevent unnecessary financial uncertainty for hospitals and health care providers and to prevent them from being forced to return PRF funds that they have already received. Thank you for your time and attention to this important measure. We look forward to working with you to continue supporting our hospitals and ensuring that this pandemic does not cause further, long-term disruptions to Americans' access to care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/dept-of-interior-adopts-golden-king-proposal-to-provide-free-national-park-access-for-gold-star-families,"Dept. of Interior Adopts Golden, King Proposal to Provide Free National Park Access for Gold Star Families",2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Following the introduction of legislation earlier this year by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Senator Angus King (I-ME) to make admission to national parks free for Gold Star Familiesan idea proposed to Congressman Golden by a constituent the U.S. Department of the Interior announced earlier today it would implement the lawmakers' proposal nationwide. Starting November 11, 2020, entrance fees for Gold Star Families will be waived at all national parks and other federal public lands, including at Acadia National Park. Veterans will also have their fees waived. Golden first introduced the bipartisanGold Star Families Parks Pass Actwith Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)earlier this yearandpassed it through the Houseas part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)in July. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. Gold Star families deserve our deepest respect and unwavering support. Making our national parks and public lands open to these Americans free of charge is a small but meaningful way to express our gratitude for their sacrifices,said Congressman Golden.I'm pleased that the Department of the Interior will implement my proposal with Senator King nationwide and will build upon it to include all veterans. I'll continue to work across the aisle to pass our legislation this fall to permanently enshrine these privileges for Gold Star Families into law. America's Gold Star Families have made unimaginable sacrifices for the safety of our country, and we should do everything possible to help them heal,said Senator King, Ranking Member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks.America's public lands are among the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, and their importance to Americans has only grown during the ongoing pandemic. The families of those who've lost a loved one in defense of our nation should be able to have access to these treasures free of charge. I'm grateful that today's order will open these lands, and hopeful that my legislation with Congressman Golden will pass through Congress soon so this initiative will be enacted into law. This is not complicated it's simply the right thing to do. Sinceintroducing the bill in March, Golden has fought to have the legislationincluded in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and for the language to be included in the NDAA after both the House and Senate versions of the legislation arereconciledlater this fall. You can read the Department of the Interior announcement here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-pushes-usda-again-to-fix-shortcomings-of-farmers-to-families-program-to-ensure-in-state-contractors-and-farmers-can-benefit-from-fourth-round-of-funding,Maine Delegation Pushes USDA Again to Fix Shortcomings of Farmers to Families Program to Ensure In-State Contractors and Farmers Can Benefit From Fourth Round of Funding,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today requesting fixes to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program to ensure Maine-based contractors have a fair shot to be selected whenthefourth round contracts are awarded. No companies in Maine were chosen by USDA to be suppliers in the first or thirdtranche of funding for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. In the first round of the Farmers to Families program announced in April, no Maine-based contractors were selected and the coverage of the program was extremely limited within the state. Consequently, there was a significant missed opportunity for USDA to benefit Maine's farmers, food insecure families, and small businesses at a time when they were struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,the Maine lawmakers wrote in their letter to USDA. We appreciate that you worked to address the concerns raised in our letters dated May 29 and June 18 and ultimately included two Maine-based contractors in the second round of awards. However, we were disappointed that once again no companies in Maine were chosen to supply the third round announced in September.While non-profit partners have received a substantial supply of food boxes from an out-of-state distributor, helping to alleviate hunger among Maine families, the economic impact of the program for farmers and businesses in Maine has been more limited as significant federal support flows to other states,said the Maine delegation in their letter. Read the full delegation letterhere. In April, the Farmers to Families Food Box Program was established by USDA using funds from the Families First Coronavirus Response ActandCARES Act. Under the program, USDA purchases up to $4 billion offresh produce, dairy, and meat and distributes these products to food insecure Americans in Farmers to Families Food Boxes. Maine distributors were left out of the program to begin with, but following advocacy from the Maine delegation,Maine Farmers Exchangein Presque Isle andNative Maine Produce & Specialty Foodsin Westbrook were awarded USDA contracts in the second round of funding for the program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-klobuchar-issue-statement-correcting-misinformation-from-president-trump-and-justice-kavanaugh-on-voting-processes,"Sanders, Klobuchar Issue Statement Correcting Misinformation from President Trump and Justice Kavanaugh on Voting Processes",2020-10-28,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders, Klobuchar Issue Statement Correcting Misinformation from President Trump and Justice Kavanaugh on Voting Processes Wednesday, October 28, 2020 WASHINGTON, October 28- U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) released the statement below following President Trump's recent false statement that it is inappropriate and illegal to count ballots after Election Day, and the Supreme Court's ruling inDemocratic National Committee v. Wisconsin Legislature,where Justice Kavanaugh's concurring opinion contains incorrect information regarding voting: ""In America, we count the votes to determine who wins an election. Despite the incorrect assertions from President Trump and Justice Kavanaugh, election officials across the country accept ballots well after Election Day every year, and results are not certified until the votes are counted and a canvas to confirm the results is conducted.Absentee ballots counted after election day do not flip the results of an election,' as Justice Kavanaugh claimed. They are the results of the election. More than twenty states, including states like Mississippi, Kansas, and Utah, require ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted even if they are received after Election Day. This is critical to ensuring that those who may face hardships in voting, including members of our military serving abroad and those affected by COVID-19, are not disenfranchised by things like mail delays. These are not new rules and they do not serve any political party. It is on all of us to reject misinformation and to tell the truth. Our election systems span 50 states, five territories, and thousands of jurisdictions. State and local election officials are working around the clock, and experts have concluded that the integrity of our election system is strong. The best defense against those trying to undermine our democracy is the resolve of the American people, who are voting by the millions as we speak. Keep voting. On October 18, Sanders and Klobuchar, along with Senators Schumer (D-N.Y.), Heinrich (D-N.M.), Murphy (D-Conn.), and Duckworth (D-Ill.), issued a report titled2020 General Election: Counting Votes & What to Expect on Election Day, which offers a guide to voting procedures in key states. The report can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-and-klobuchar-explain-to-trump-in-america-we-count-the-votes-to-determine-who-wins,"Sanders and Klobuchar Explain to Trump: 'In America, We Count the Votes to Determine Who Wins'",2020-10-28,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders and Klobuchar Explain to Trump: 'In America, We Count the Votes to Determine Who Wins' Wednesday, October 28, 2020 Sens. Bernie Sanders and Amy Klobucharreleaseda joint statement Wednesday in response to two recent developments that have amplified fears about next week's general election: President Donald Trump's falsesuggestionthat counting votes after Election Day is unlawful and an ominous concurringopinionfrom U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Trump, who has repeatedlyrefusedto commit to a peaceful transition of power if he loses reelection,saidTuesday that ""it would be very, very proper and very nice if a winner were declared on November 3rd, instead of counting ballots for two weeks, which is totally inappropriate and I don't believe that that's by our laws. I don't believe that. So we'll see what happens."" Those widely rebuked remarks came a day after Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee,issuedan opinion parroting the president's lies about mail-in voting fraud. In a 5-3 decision along ideological lines, the high court rejected an attempt by Wisconsin Democrats and rights groups to extend the state's deadline for receiving mailed ballots that are postmarked by Election Day. ""In America, we count the votes to determine who wins an election,"" declared Sanders (I-Vt.) and Klobuchar (D-Minn.), both ex-Democratic presidential primary candidates who have since endorsed the party's nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden. ""Despite the incorrect assertions from President Trump and Justice Kavanaugh, election officials across the country accept ballots well after Election Day every year, and results are not certified until the votes are counted and a canvas to confirm the results is conducted,"" the senators said. ""Absentee ballots counted after Election Day do not 'flip the results of an election,' as Justice Kavanaugh claimed. They are the results of the election."" ""More than 20 states, including states like Mississippi, Kansas, and Utah, require ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted even if they are received after Election Day,"" the pair pointed out. ""This is critical to ensuring that those who may face hardships in voting, including members of our military serving abroad and those affected by Covid-19, are not disenfranchised by things like mail delays."" Noting that ""these are not new rules and they do not serve any political party,"" the lawmakers said, ""It is on all of us to reject misinformation and to tell the truth."" ""Our election systems span 50 states, five territories, and thousands of jurisdictions,"" they added. ""State and local election officials are working around the clock, and experts have concluded that the integrity of our election system is strong. The best defense against those trying to undermine our democracy is the resolve of the American people, who are voting by the millions as we speak. Keep voting."" That message to vote was a crucial piece of areport(pdf) published last week by Sanders, Klobuchar, and handful of other senators that set out to not only reinforce Democrats' call to encourage Americans to vote but also summarize what they should expect on Election Day. The report's main messages are: Vote, and vote early. In some states, we may not know the winner on election night. That's OK. Voter intimidation is illegal. Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)the chamber's minority leaderjoined Sanders and Klobuchar in releasing the report, which also features a section on election procedures in presidential and Senate battleground states. ""The American people must be prepared for an election that is unprecedented in our history due to the enormous increase in mail-in ballots that have been, and will be, cast as a result of the pandemic,"" Sanderssaidin a statement last week. ""No one should have to risk their health or their lives in order to vote, and that is why many millions are voting through mail-in ballots."" ""One of the worst lies that Donald Trump is spreading is that there is a massive amount of voter fraud in this country,"" he added. ""That is a total lie which no election official, Republican or Democrat, can support. What we are doing with this effort is ensuring that the American people understand that if American democracy means anything, it means that every vote must be countedno matter how long it takes."" As of Wednesday, an estimated 75 million Americans had already voted,according toMichael McDonald, a political science professor at the University of Florida who runs the U.S. Elections Project. The number of ballots cast early by mail or in person this year so farexceeds50% of the number of votes cast in 2016 presidential election. Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic rages on. The United States alone had nearly 8.85 million confirmed Covid-19 cases and over 227,600 related deaths as of Wednesday evening,according toJohns Hopkins University's global tracker. Despite the public health crisis, ""we're looking at a very high-turnout election,"" McDonaldtoldPBS NewsHourTuesday. ""Perhaps 150 million people or so will vote, and that could be the highest turnout that we will see in a modern election since 1908, so truly remarkable numbers in terms of the people voting.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-klobuchar-issue-statement-correcting-misinformation-from-president-trump-and-justice-kavanaugh-on-voting-processes/,"Sanders, Klobuchar Issue Statement Correcting Misinformation from President Trump and Justice Kavanaugh on Voting Processes",2020-10-28,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, October 28 U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) released the statement below following President Trump's recent false statement that it is inappropriate and illegal to count ballots after Election Day, and the Supreme Court's ruling inDemocratic National Committee v. Wisconsin Legislature,where Justice Kavanaugh's concurring opinion contains incorrect information regarding voting: In America, we count the votes to determine who wins an election. Despite the incorrect assertions from President Trump and Justice Kavanaugh, election officials across the country accept ballots well after Election Day every year, and results are not certified until the votes are counted and a canvas to confirm the results is conducted.Absentee ballots counted after election day do not flip the results of an election,' as Justice Kavanaugh claimed. They are the results of the election. More than twenty states, including states like Mississippi, Kansas, and Utah, require ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted even if they are received after Election Day. This is critical to ensuring that those who may face hardships in voting, including members of our military serving abroad and those affected by COVID-19, are not disenfranchised by things like mail delays. These are not new rules and they do not serve any political party. It is on all of us to reject misinformation and to tell the truth. Our election systems span 50 states, five territories, and thousands of jurisdictions. State and local election officials are working around the clock, and experts have concluded that the integrity of our election system is strong. The best defense against those trying to undermine our democracy is the resolve of the American people, who are voting by the millions as we speak. Keep voting. On October 18, Sanders and Klobuchar, along with Senators Schumer (D-N.Y.), Heinrich (D-N.M.), Murphy (D-Conn.), and Duckworth (D-Ill.), issued a report titled2020 General Election: Counting Votes & What to Expect on Election Day, which offers a guide to voting procedures in key states. The report can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-fights-for-federal-student-loan-borrowers-to-access-critical-relief-from-coronavirus-bills,King Fights for Federal Student Loan Borrowers to Access “Critical Relief” from Coronavirus Bills,2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and a group of 33 Senators sent aletterurging Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to ensure all struggling federal student borrowers can gain access to crucial federal relief. In their letter, the Senators pressed Secretary DeVos to immediately contact borrowers currently missing out on relief and help them consolidate their loans into qualifying loans. They also urged Secretary DeVos to use her administrative authority to improve the consolidation process for borrowers by waiving restrictions and penalties during the national emergency. The more than eight million student loan borrowers falling into donut holes of critical relief have missed out on needed benefits and suffered unnecessary complexity and confusion for more than six months,wrote the Senators.It is essential that the Department immediately begin the targeted outreach and take the actions we are requesting. Since March, theCoronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES)Acthas provided forbearance, waived interest, and halted collections for borrowers whose student loans were directly held by the U.S. Department of Education. But, according to new information from the Department, 8.2 million federal student loan borrowers currently are barred from taking advantage of this relief, because some or all of their loans do not qualify. Of those borrowers, 4.4 million people are not receiving any relief, and 3.8 million people have a mix of loans that qualify and those that do not. To ensure that these borrowers don't continue to face unnecessary financial struggles and confusion, in their letter, the SenatorsurgedSecretary DeVos to take immediate action to help them qualify for much-needed relief. Since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, and onset of related financial hardships, Senator King has advocated for student loan borrowers. In July, he urged the Administration to end the seizure of tax refunds from federal student loan borrowers in default and refund any payments seized in direct violation of federal law. This seizure of tax refunds, known as a tax offset, violates a provision in the CARES Act that suspended the collection of all federally held defaulted student loans until September 30, 2020 which was intended to provide relief to student loan borrowers experiencing financial strain during the coronavirus crisis and subsequent economic fallout. The full letter can be readHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-condemns-senate-confirmation-of-judge-barrett-to-supreme-court,Sanders Condemns Senate Confirmation of Judge Barrett to Supreme Court,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders Condemns Senate Confirmation of Judge Barrett to Supreme Court Monday, October 26, 2020 WASHINGTON, October 26 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement criticizing the Republican-controlled Senate's confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court: Tonight's vote to confirm Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court justice is a disgrace, not only because of what she will do when she gets on the bench, but because of the entire process, which was pushed through with extraordinary hypocrisy by Senate Republicans in the last days of a president's term. At this particular moment, over 50 million people have already cast their ballots to determine who the next President of the United States should be. Now is not the time to be voting on a Supreme Court justice. What we should be voting on instead is a major Covid-19 stimulus package to protect the working people of this country, who, by the tens of millions, have lost their jobs. They're struggling right now to pay their rent, get health insurance, and put food on the table to feed their kids. That is the issue we should be dealing with right now, and I am committed to ensuring that the next U.S. Senate, under Democratic leadership, will make a major Covid-19 stimulus bill the first order ofpriority. Watch Sanders' remarks on his vote against Barrett's confirmation here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/https//vtdiggerorg/2020/10/26/leahy-sanders-say-theyll-vote-against-barrett-nomination-to-supreme-court/,"Leahy, Sanders vote against Barrett nomination to Supreme Court",2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/we-should-not-be-voting-on-a-supreme-court-justice,We Should Not Be Voting On A Supreme Court Justice,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"We Should Not Be Voting On A Supreme Court Justice I am going down to the Senate floor to vote AGAINST the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett. We should not be voting on a Supreme Court justicewe should be voting on major COVID19 relief to protect working families. We will make this the top priority of a Democratic Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/citing-disgraceful-process-and-danger-of-judicial-philosophy-king-opposes-barretts-nomination,"Citing Disgraceful Process and Danger of Judicial Philosophy, King Opposes Barrett’s Nomination",2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted against Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. In his full statement below, Senator King cites the rushed nature of the proceedings which he argued should take place after the upcoming election and the core flaws of Judge Barrett's judicial philosophy, which he discussed in a Senate floor speech and an op-ed for The Atlantic. Today's outcome was pre-determined from the moment Mitch McConnell skipped past his shameful Merrick Garland precedent and ignored Justice Ginsburg's dying wish but that doesn't make it any easier to stomach, said Senator King. With Americans already casting ballots across the nation, the Senate majority decided to rush a lifetime appointment before voters could be heard. Worse still, this happens as the nation needed actual leadership in the form of a coronavirus relief bill to restore stability to our economy and faith in our government. We're meant to be a body that represents the will of the people; instead, we worked overtime so we could ignore their voices. What a disgrace to our institution. This process was a mockery of our system of government but even these awful proceedings may pale in comparison to now-Justice Barrett's potential impact from the bench of our nation's highest court. The more I've studied her record and dug into her legal ideology, the more concerned I've grown about her deeply-held, radical commitment to originalism. In a world that is ever-changing, and with new threats that our forefathers never could have imagined, it is vital that we follow the guidance of the Constitution's Framers while taking generational changes into account.Jefferson said it best: With the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.' Based on her judicial record and her testimony, Justice Barrett seems content to dismiss Jefferson's argument which is a significant danger to the country. She would have us locked into the precise wording of the 18th century, leaving no room for moral or cultural growth.Under the guise of originalism, Justice Barrett will threaten environmental protections, civil rights, reproductive rights, and much more. Critically, and perhaps most urgently Justice Barrett is a significant threat to the future of the Affordable Care Act. Now my colleagues' power grab has succeeded in placing her on the court in time for Justice Barrett to become a potentially decisive vote on whether or not to strike down this law, and rip health care away from millions of Americans across the nation in the middle of a pandemic that this White House now admits they will not get under control. Today was a tough blow, but the fight's not over yet and I won't ever stop standing up for the health of our people at every possible opportunity. Nor will I stand down in working to restore public confidence in this institution, once we turn the page on this dark chapter for the U.S. Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-condemns-senate-confirmation-of-judge-barrett-to-supreme-court/,Sanders Condemns Senate Confirmation of Judge Barrett to Supreme Court,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, October 26 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement criticizing the Republican-controlled Senate's confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court: Tonight's vote to confirm Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court justice is a disgrace, not only because of what she will do when she gets on the bench, but because of the entire process, which was pushed through with extraordinary hypocrisy by Senate Republicans in the last days of a president's term. At this particular moment, over 50 million people have already cast their ballots to determine who the next President of the United States should be. Now is not the time to be voting on a Supreme Court justice. What we should be voting on instead is a major Covid-19 stimulus package to protect the working people of this country, who, by the tens of millions, have lost their jobs. They're struggling right now to pay their rent, get health insurance, and put food on the table to feed their kids. That is the issue we should be dealing with right now, and I am committed to ensuring that the next U.S. Senate, under Democratic leadership, will make a major Covid-19 stimulus bill the first order ofpriority. Watch Sanders' remarks on his vote against Barrett's confirmationhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/the-most-essential-people-in-our-economy-are-not-hedge-fund-managers,The Most Essential People In Our Economy Are Not Hedge Fund Managers,2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Most Essential People In Our Economy Are Not Hedge Fund Managers Maybejust maybethe most essential people in our economy are not hedge fund managers. If our farmworkers fall ill, we go hungry. We must put an end to their exploitation and provide free health care, paid sick leave, and good wagesregardless of immigration status.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-challenge-justice-departments-sudden-reversal-on-election-non-interference,"King, Colleagues Challenge Justice Department’s Sudden Reversal on Election Non-Interference",2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee with oversight over federal elections, and 12 members of the Rules and Judiciary Committees sent a letter to Corey R. Amundson, Chief of the Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section, requesting an immediate explanation of the Department's recent decision to weaken its longstanding policy of non-interference with elections. The Department has long recognized that public investigations of alleged election fraud can interject the investigation itself as an issue in an ongoing election, creating the obvious risk of chilling legitimate voting and campaign activities, but DOJ has recently changed these decades-old strictures with little notice or explanation. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud in the face of FBI denials of such allegations while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning that Russia is amplifying these claims to undermine trust in the electoral process. In addition, reports in recent days point to continued efforts by Russia and Iran to undermine the public's trust in the 2020 election. It is deeply troubling that the Department has chosen to weaken its non-interference policy weeks before Election Day and while millions of Americans have already voted, many of them by mail, the senators said. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Russia is amplifying these claims in an effort to undermine public trust in the electoral process. Senator King regularly sounds the alarm on interference issues as the 2020 general election is underway he believes it is fundamentally important to voters' faith in the democratic process and preserving American values. In August, he pressed nominees for top Defense Department intelligence and inspector general positions on the importance of independent assessments, serving the facts rather than the objectives of a political figure or party, during a nominations hearing of the Senate Armed Service Committee. Senator King also sought the nominees' thinking on how best to appropriately declassify material to inform the public on issues such as election security a topic he raised in a Time magazine national column in July. He quickly released a statement in late August on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) John Ratcliffe's announcement that it will no longer brief Congress on election security issues, and continued sounding the alarm on social media and national television. Full text of the letter can be found HERE and below. +++ October 20, 2020 Dear Mr. Amundson: We request an immediate explanation of the Department's recent decision to weaken its longstanding policy of non-interference with elections, which ensures that election fraud investigations do not affect an upcoming election. The Department has long recognized that public investigations of alleged election fraud can interject[] the investigation itself as an issue in an ongoing election, creating the obvious risk of chilling legitimate voting and campaign activities. Department policy thus prohibits overt investigative steps in such cases until the election in question has been concluded, its results certified, and all recounts and election contests concluded. [Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses, p. 84] The Department has reportedly announced an exception to this policy that would allow election fraud allegations to be publicly announced before the 2020 election if the integrity of any component of the federal government is implicated by election offenses. The exception appears to encompass allegations of mail voting fraud, which the Department could now publicly announce while voting is underway. This policy change coincides with repeated false claims by the President and Attorney General Barr that voting by mail will lead to rampant fraud. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Russia is amplifying these claims in an effort to undermine public trust in the electoral process. It is deeply troubling that the Department has chosen to weaken its non-interference policy weeks before Election Day and while millions of Americans have already voted, many of them by mail. We therefore ask that you provide the following information no later than October 23: 1. What is the complete text of the new exception to the Department's non-interference with elections policy? 2. Why did the Department create this exception at this time? 3. Who participated in the creation of the exception, including the decision to create it and the drafting process? 4. How will the Department ensure that actions taken pursuant to the exception do not chill[] legitimate voting and campaign activities or jeopardize the Department's reputation for fairness, neutrality, and non-partisanship? 5. How will the Department ensure that actions taken pursuant to the exception will not interfere with or disturb the delivery and counting of mail-in ballots? Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-more-than-100-lawmakers-urge-congress-bold-and-comprehensive-action-needed-to-prevent-the-next-pandemic,"King, More than 100 Lawmakers Urge Congress: Bold and Comprehensive Action Needed to Prevent the Next Pandemic",2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined 136 Senate and House lawmakers in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to prioritize the development of thoughtful, forward-looking policy plans to prevent and mitigate the impact of future pandemics. In the letter, the lawmakers outline the steps necessary to prevent future pandemics while also noting that Congress must act to provide relief to Americans suffering from the current economic downturn and public health emergency. As the United States continues to weather the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic, we write to ask that Congress take action to learn from the mistakes of our nation's preparation and response and lay the groundwork to prevent and mitigate future pandemics. The current Administration's response has exposed serious flaws in the country's ability to combat large scale public health challenges, wrote the lawmakers. In addition to passing a robust package to address the current crisis, we must take bold and comprehensive steps now to ensure the nation is better prepared for the next pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on communities across the country and has devastated the nation's economy. Currently, the United States leads the world with more than eight million confirmed cases and over 220,000 dead, out of over one million worldwide deaths. Millions are out of work and struggling to make ends meet. It is clear that pandemics are already rapidly accelerating: animal-to-human outbreak prevalence grew six-fold from 1980 to 2010, and experts predict they will become even more common in the future. It is imperative Congress take bold and comprehensive steps now to prevent and mitigate future pandemics. Specifically: Congress must invest in domestic programs, systems, and supply chains that will help improve Americans' health outcomes, combat the spread of new disease, and ramp up public health capacity during global health emergencies. This includes robust investments in state, local, and tribal public health departments; improvements to the Strategic National Stockpile; and the development of support systems, such as affordable housing, that reduce chronic health conditions and boost health outcomes. Congress must support global public health efforts to identify and mitigate the spread of new diseases before they become global pandemics. This includes ensuring the Administration protects the public by fulfilling its international commitments to organizations such as the World Health Organization; investing in global surveillance programs, like USAID, to identify emerging disease threats; and combating antimicrobial resistance. Congress must create 250,000 permanent, high-paying public health jobs to rebuild our depleted public health workforce and ensure the rapid deployment of contact tracers and other support workers during future pandemics. A lack of public health workforce has directly contributed to the country's poor ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These workers should be trained in key public health initiatives, such as contact tracing and disease surveillance, and should be prepared to deploy to their communities in public health emergencies. Congress must address the systemic racism embedded in our health care system and pass legislation ensuring that health care treatments, pandemic countermeasures, vaccines, and primary disease prevention measures are accessible to all. This includes ensuring that everyone in America has access to high-quality health care, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and primary disease prevention measures; eliminating race and socioeconomic disparities in health care access; addressing the social determinants of health; and requiring companies that receive federal funding to produce pandemic countermeasures offer their products at reasonable prices. Congress must halt the environmental degradation increasing the likelihood of global pandemics. This includes combating climate change, protecting and restoring land and inland water areas to their natural state, and preventing dangerous practices contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential. Today's letter builds on Senator King's efforts to reassert American leadership in global public health, and preventing future public health crises. In November 2019 before the emergence of coronavirus Senator King questioned the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)decision to shutter the PREDICTprogram that tracks emerging potential pandemics. In February, he sponsoredlegislationthat would permanently create a Presidentially-appointed position to manage outbreak response efforts, develop a global health security strategy, and authorize annual funding towards that goal. Though a relevant position has existed through executive order since 2016, that position has been vacant for nearly two years. He is also an original cosponsor of the bipartisanPublic Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act, which would create a permanent reserve fund to enable quick and effective responses to future public health emergencies. Senator King made public health the focus of the May edition of his Inside Maine podcast, highlighting the impacts that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the lives of Maine people, and federal, state, and local efforts to respond to the virus and keep Maine people safe. In June, he urged the President to reestablish the National Security Council's (NSC) Global Health Security Directorate (GHSD) as a separate entity from the Counterproliferation and Biodefense Directorate (CBD). The full letter can be downloaded HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-maine-locations-for-2020-drug-take-back-day,"Senators Collins, King Announce Maine Locations for 2020 Drug Take-Back Day",2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Ahead of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, October 24th, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced the locations of the Maine collection sites. Unused prescription drugs that collect in our homes can fall into the wrong hands, creating unintended gateways to opioid addiction, particularly as we continue to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Maine is one of the top 10 states that have disposed the most prescriptions through the DEA's Drug Take-Back Program, and we are confident that our state will continue to lead efforts to stop the misuse of unused drugs that pose a serious threat to our children, our homes, and our environment. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. For the first time, collection sites will accept vaping devices and associated substances. At a previousTake-Back Event in October 2019, federal, state, and local government entities took back 882,919 pounds of unused, expired, or unwanted drugs at more than 6,100 locations across the United States. Over the course of the program, 12,699,456 pounds of prescription drugs have been safely collected across the country, including more than 412,117 pounds of medication in Maine alone. Federal regulations allow pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other authorized collectors to serve as collection points for unused prescription medication. In 2014, following a bipartisan effort led by Senators Collins and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the Department of Justice granted the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) the ability to participate in prescription drug take-back programs at DoD and VA facilities. This initiative has helped to address the role of prescription drug abuse in many military and veteran suicides. In 2018, a sweeping opioids package known as theSUPPORT for Patients and Communities Actwas signed into law. Senator Collins, a member of the Senate Health Committee,authored two provisionsincluded in the final legislation that will help to ensure that unused prescription drugs do not fall into the wrong hands and to bolster peer support networks for long-term recovery. The legislation also included provisions championed by Senator Collins and Senator Kingto expand opioid treatment capabilities, including a permanent authorization for nurse practitioners and physicians assistants to medication-assisted treatment and removing an arbitrary limit to allow residential treatment facilities to expand their efforts to save lives. Click HERE for the complete list of locations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-900000-for-harmful-algal-bloom-research-at-the-bigelow-laboratory-for-ocean-sciences,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $900,000 for Harmful Algal Bloom Research at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences",2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is set to receive a total of $878,514 to conduct research on a new simple, low-cost method of detecting harmful toxins in mussels. This funding, of which $164,078 is slated for fiscal year 2020, was awarded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Center for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). Maintaining the health of shellfish aquaculture is essential to Maine's working waterfront, as well as the global ecosystem, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This project will allow the skilled scientists at Bigelow Laboratory to research a three-in-one test for harmful toxins that are accumulating in mussels, helping to protect Maine's mussel-growing industry and ensure that people across the nation can continue to enjoy this ocean delicacy. Shellfish aquaculture is a large and growing industry, with national sales exceeding $260 million annually and expected to rise, given its economic and environmental benefits, as well as increased customer demand. Established in 1974, the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is a nonprofit oceanography research institute in East Boothbay. Using innovative approaches and cutting-edge technology, Bigelow scientists study the foundation of global ocean health and seek to improve the future of all life on the planet. A large portion of the institute's funding comes from federal and state grants and contracts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/must-read/sanders-democrats-will-pass-massive-stimulus-bill-if-party-flips-the-senate,Sanders: Democrats will pass 'massive stimulus bill' if party flips the Senate,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders: Democrats will pass 'massive stimulus bill' if party flips the Senate Thursday, October 22, 2020 Sen.Bernie Sanders(I-Vt.) pledged Thursday that Democrats will pass ahuge coronavirus relief package ifthey win the Senate in next month's elections. If the Democrats gain control of the Senate, the first order of business will be a massive stimulus bill to protect desperate working people throughout this country, Sanders said on Hill.TV's Rising. The remarks come as SpeakerNancy Pelosi(D-Calif.) and Treasury SecretarySteven Mnuchinpress on in their negotiationson COVID-19 aid. Pelosi has stuck to her position that a stimulus package must total at least $2.2 trillion, while theadministration has inched up to $1.8 trillion. Both sides have said progress has been made in the past week, though no final legislation has materialized. President Trumphas urged the two sides to go big, but disagreements have emerged over aid to state and local governments, which the president calls a slush fund to bail out what he says are poorly run Democratic localities. And Republicans in the Senate have expressed pessimism that they can get enough votes to pass abill that goes beyond $500 billion due to concerns in the conference over the ballooning national debt. Sanders said Senate Republicans' hesitation to go for anything larger than $500 billion is pathetic but that he too has concerns over a potential bill, saying a deal must include a boost to unemployment benefits and another round of stimulus checks. It's not just a number, 1.8 or 2.2 or whatever it is, it is what is in the bill. I am concerned about a slush fund that the Trump administration would have within that bill. I am very concerned that when we have millions of people who have lost their jobs, they desperately need that $600 supplement to their unemployment, they need that $1,200 check, they need health care, they need to be able to pay their rent, he said. So the devil is in the details in terms of what is in the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/must-read/sanders-progressives-will-work-to-rally-the-american-people-if-biden-wins,Sanders: Progressives will work to 'rally the American people' if Biden wins,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders: Progressives will work to 'rally the American people' if Biden wins Thursday, October 22, 2020 Sen.Bernie Sanders(I-Vt.)predicted that progressives would look to move Democratic presidential nomineeJoe Bidentoward theirpriorities if he wins the White House this November and Democrats sweep Congress. If you want a progressive agenda to come out of the United States Congress, we're going to have to rally the American people by the tens of millions to demand that we have a government that represents all of us and not just wealthy campaign contributors. We're going to have to correct and deal with a very corrupt election system where massive voter suppression that exists every single day right now, he said on Hill.TV's Rising Thursday. Sanders said Democrats should tackle legislation he plans to introduce to begin the process of moving toward Medicare for All, raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, and a massive infrastructure plan. We have got to lay out an agenda that speaks to the struggles and the desperation of working-class Americans, he said. Sanders recognized that Biden, a well-known centrist steeped in old traditions of bipartisanship in Congress, does not share many of his progressive policies but argued his plans would still move the country forward. [I]f you look at Biden's economic proposals, they're not Bernie Sanders's proposals. Don't want to suggest they are. But they will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, equal pay for equal work, making it easier for workers to join unions, $2 trillion investment in combatting climate change and creating millions of good paying jobs in energy efficiency and sustainable energy, paid family and medical leave. No small things, he said. Sanders and other progressives have been on a campaign to persuade liberals who may be skeptical of Biden's centrist brand of politics to back the former vice president, with the Vermont lawmaker maintaining that the first step to moving the country in a more progressive direction is defeatingPresident Trumpthis November. You know what, if Trump is reelected, all that we're going to be on for the next four years is defensive, defensive, defensive procedures. I want to get on the offensive, he said. And that is why, in my view, every progressive, every person in this country who thinks for two minutes about what's at stake, should be voting for Joe Biden.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-democrats-will-pass-massive-stimulus-bill-if-party-flips-the-senate,Sanders: Democrats will pass 'massive stimulus bill' if party flips the Senate,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders: Democrats will pass 'massive stimulus bill' if party flips the Senate Thursday, October 22, 2020 Sen.Bernie Sanders(I-Vt.) pledged Thursday that Democrats will pass ahuge coronavirus relief package ifthey win the Senate in next month's elections. If the Democrats gain control of the Senate, the first order of business will be a massive stimulus bill to protect desperate working people throughout this country, Sanders said on Hill.TV's Rising. The remarks come as SpeakerNancy Pelosi(D-Calif.) and Treasury SecretarySteven Mnuchinpress on in their negotiationson COVID-19 aid. Pelosi has stuck to her position that a stimulus package must total at least $2.2 trillion, while theadministration has inched up to $1.8 trillion. Both sides have said progress has been made in the past week, though no final legislation has materialized. President Trumphas urged the two sides to go big, but disagreements have emerged over aid to state and local governments, which the president calls a slush fund to bail out what he says are poorly run Democratic localities. And Republicans in the Senate have expressed pessimism that they can get enough votes to pass abill that goes beyond $500 billion due to concerns in the conference over the ballooning national debt. Sanders said Senate Republicans' hesitation to go for anything larger than $500 billion is pathetic but that he too has concerns over a potential bill, saying a deal must include a boost to unemployment benefits and another round of stimulus checks. It's not just a number, 1.8 or 2.2 or whatever it is, it is what is in the bill. I am concerned about a slush fund that the Trump administration would have within that bill. I am very concerned that when we have millions of people who have lost their jobs, they desperately need that $600 supplement to their unemployment, they need that $1,200 check, they need health care, they need to be able to pay their rent, he said. So the devil is in the details in terms of what is in the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-launches-maine-voices-video-series-focusing-on-stories-of-acas-impact,King Launches “Maine Voices” Video Series Focusing on Stories of ACA’s Impact,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the first in a series of videos highlighting the benefits the Affordable Care Act has created for Maine people. Each of the videos will feature Senator King hearing directly from Maine people about their personal experiences with the law, which has helped thousands of Maine people access health coverage; each of the stories were submitted to Senator King's website earlier this month. Today's video features Dr. Garreth Debiegun, President of the Maine Chapter of the American College of Emergency Room Physicians, who shares his frontline perspective on the importance of affordable healthcare. The video series comes days before the Senate will vote on the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, and mere weeks before the Court hears oral arguments on the future of the ACA. For more than a decade, the Affordable Care Act has helped hundreds of thousands of Maine people access affordable, life-saving health insurance,said Senator King.Today, there are nearly 62,000 Maine people utilizing the Medicaid expansion, more than 75,000 people who secure coverage through the ACA's Marketplace, and a whopping 225,000 Mainers under the age of 65 living with pre-existing conditions who don't have to worry about being denied coverage. In the coming days, I'll be highlighting stories from Maine people who reached out to my office in order to share their personal experiences with the law. Each of these stories hammers home that this is truly a matter of life-and-death and hopefully puts a human face on the stories my colleagues are ignoring as they rush through this Supreme Court nomination and put health care at risks for millions. In this series, Senator King will hear from constituents Karen Wentworth, a cancer survivor; Francesca Basile, a young professional at a small firm and volunteer healthcare advocate; Wayne St. Peter, a self-employed tennis instructor; and Greg Rossel, a self-employed boat-builder. During the upcoming Supreme Court hearings, the Trump Administration will argue that the law should be entirely repealed based on provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. If the Trump Administration is successful, millions of Americans including several Maine people interviewed by Senator King for this series who rely on the ACA's Marketplace and protections for pre-existing conditions will have their insurance revoked in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, Senator King joined Maine parents and patients for a virtual conversation to discuss the harm that a repeal of the ACA could have on hundreds of thousands of Maine people. He also published an op-ed in thePortland Press Heraldand theBangor Daily News, emphasizing the harm that may be done to hundreds of thousands of Maine people if a Supreme Court Justice who may be the deciding vote on this case is rushed through before the election. Senator King has been a vocal proponent of protecting and improving the Affordable Care Act, which has helped millions of Americans access healthcare. In July 2018, Senator King joined a group of his colleagues to introduce a resolution that would haveauthorized the Senate Legal Counsel to interveneinTexas v. United States, and in December 2018 he joined a group of Senate colleagues to call on President Trump tocondemnthe resulting decision in the case. He has also fought the Administration'svarious attempts to sabotage the healthcare law,urged Maine people to sign up for health insuranceduring the shortened Open Enrollment period, and met with Maine people around the state todiscuss the ACA's importance to their lives. The full interview with Dr. Debiegun can be watched HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-300000-for-wabanaki-educational-program-at-the-university-of-maine-and-the-university-of-maine-at-machias,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $300,000 for Wabanaki Educational Program at the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias",2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a total of $283,164 for the New Beginning for Wabanaki Students, to increase Wabanaki student participation and success at the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias. The New Beginning for Wabanaki Students at the University of Maine program will serve as a critical resource for Native American college students, promoting developmental and educational growth, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This program will link Wabanaki students with the resources they need to achieve their academic and career goals. This award will be coordinated by the Wabanaki Youth in Science Program, a peer mentorship program that connects Native students to both community and university support systems. The program is aimed at bringing together indigenous cultural values and western education through on-campus activities including events, roundtables, and presentations. Senators Collins and King have long supported Maine's tribal communities, including by helping to secure nearly $4 million in federal funding for tribal health in Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic, including awards of $2.7 million in July to expand public health and wellness services and more than $1 million in August to build and expand public health infrastructure. Senators Collins and King also helped secure $1 million in August to combat tribal substance and opioid use disorders.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-against-latest-inadequate-pandemic-relief-proposal-from-mcconnell-calls-for-bipartisan-negotiation-to-produce-effective-package,"King Votes Against Latest Inadequate Pandemic Relief Proposal from McConnell, Calls for Bipartisan Negotiation to Produce Effective Package",2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after voting against another undersized coronavirus relief proposal from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that fails to adequately meet the range of threats facing the American people. In his statement, Senator King emphasizes that even President Trump has called for a much-stronger relief bill, and highlights the fact that previous moves to reject Senator McConnell's coronavirus relief proposals have resulted indrastically improved legislation, including additional funds for states and localities, increased unemployment insurance, and more money for healthcare providers working to battle the coronavirus pandemic. More than a month ago, the Senate rejected a Republican plan much like this one, because the bill doesn't do nearly enough to address the crisis facing our nation. Since then, the virus has continued to spread and Americans have continued to face serious economic struggles prompting everyone from working Americans to business leaders to cry out for a much larger bill. And it's not just Democrats even President Trump has repeatedly called for a bill more than triple the size of this proposal! But apparently, none of these factors have swayed Senator McConnell, who is still dead-set on a wholly inadequate package that will barely scratch the surface of this challenge. This bill doesn't provide the investment needed to help American families make ends meet, or bolster hard-hit industries during this pandemic, or enable state and local governments to provide vital services and protect public safety. Showing he still doesn't grasp how to confront the threat today and begin to get it under control, the Majority Leader's bill includes less than half of the House's proposed funding for coronavirus testing, tracing and treatment, which would allow this virus to linger even longer and inflict further damage on public health and on the economy. It is tempting to vote yes and do a little good, but I fear that my GOP colleagues would view this as a checking of a box, and argue that no further relief is required. Nothing would be further from the truth for the sake of millions of Americans across the nation, we need a better bill. When the Senate passed the CARES Act, bipartisan negotiations resulted in a better product for our constituents but for some reason, Senator McConnell has chosen to abandon that approach this time around. This outcome was clear from the start. Senator McConnell knew that this bill had nowhere near the support needed to become law; he pushed it anyway, when even the leader of his own party is calling for more. Now, he'll let the American people suffer so he can focus on jamming through a new Supreme Court Justice, just days before the American people will be able to make their voices heard and select their next leaders. The Majority Leader is inflicting blow after blow on both this institution and the American people; the ramifications of his political power grabs will echo in the days, weeks and years to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/must-read/bernie-sanders-applauds-people-of-bolivia-for-year-long-fight-to-restore-democracy-in-wake-of-military-coup,Bernie Sanders Applauds People of Bolivia for 'Year-Long Fight to Restore Democracy' in Wake of Military Coup,2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bernie Sanders Applauds People of Bolivia for 'Year-Long Fight to Restore Democracy' in Wake of Military Coup Tuesday, October 20, 2020 Following socialist candidate Luis Arce's resounding victory in Bolivia's high-stakes and closely watched presidential election, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday applauded the people of the South American nation for persisting in their ""difficult, year-long fight to restore democracy"" in the wake of last year's military coup that ousted Evo Morales and installed a vicious right-wing regime. ""The Bolivian people made their voices heard in yesterday's election,"" tweeted Sanders, who wasamong the firstmembers of Congress to condemn the military coup, which wasopenly applaudedby President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers and abetted by the U.S.-dominated Organization of American States (OAS). ""As minister of economy, Mr. Arce helped slash poverty and inequality,"" the Vermont senator added, referring to Arce's role in Morales' government. ""I congratulate him on his victory and wish him well."" Exit polls released Monday showed Arce with such a large lead in the contest that Carlos Mesa, Arce's closest competitor, was forced to concede defeat. ""The results from the quick count are overwhelming and very clear,""saidMesa, who served as president of Bolivia from 2003 to 2005. ""It's a result that we accept and it's a result that we believe, because of the difference between the first and second [finishers], will not be modified when we know the final results."" U.S. Rep. Jess ""Chuy"" Garca (D-Ill.)joinedSanders on Monday in celebrating ""the triumph of true democracy"" in Bolivia and demanded ""justice for those persecuted and killed under the ez regime,"" whichseized powerfollowing the ouster of Morales and promptly unleashedviolent military repressionagainst anti-coup demonstrators. AsThe Intercept's Glenn GreenwaldwroteMonday afternoon, ""It looks as though the margin of victory delivered to [the Movement Toward Socialism party] by the Bolivian people was so stunning, so decisive, that there are few options left for the retrograde forcesin Bolivia, Washington, and Brusselswhich tried to destroy the country's democracy."" ""Anyone who believes in the fundamentals of democracy, regardless of ideology, should be cheering the Bolivians who sacrificed so much to restore their right of self-rule and hoping that the stability and prosperity they enjoyed under Morales expands even further under his first democratically elected successor,"" Greenwald added.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-pandemic-lingers-king-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-small-businesses-and-improve-on-ppps-efforts,"As Pandemic Lingers, King, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support Small Businesses and Improve on PPP’s Efforts",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined his colleagues to introduce the HEROES Small Business Lifeline Act, a comprehensive legislative package that would provide over $370 billion of support to the hardest-hit, most vulnerable small businesses, including minority-owned businesses and small businesses that have been left behind by earlier relief efforts. The bill closely mirrors legislation passed by the House of Representatives on October 1. Today's introduction continues Senator King's effort to improve the Paycheck Protection Program's (PPP) work for Maine's small businesses in light of changing economic conditions; earlier this year, his legislation to improve the PPPpassed the Senate unanimously and was signed into law, providing businesses with additional flexibility as the pandemic continued to spread across the nation. In the face of a crisis this severe, Congress must always be ready to adapt our approach to best serve the American people, said Senator King. This legislation does exactly that taking the pandemic's lessons into account to create a bill that will help those who need it most. This bill will focus relief efforts on small, underserved businesses which missed out on the PPP's early rounds while major corporations received bailouts. Critically, the legislation will provide unique relief for industries that rely on large gatherings, including restaurants, concert venues, and theaters. Additionally, the legislation will expand non-profits' eligibility for relief funds, enabling these organizations to continue serving our vulnerable citizens during this time. This legislation's provisions already have passed the House of Representatives, and I hope that this bill will receive consideration on the Senate floor immediately so Congress can deliver much-needed aid as soon as possible. Through a number of conversations with Maine small businesses and their employees, Senator King has determined that our nation requires comprehensive small business relief such as that included in today's legislation and that the House of Representatives already has passed. In recognition of that reality, Senator King voted today not to pass a bill that would narrowly re-authorize the PPP. Instead, he strongly supports the solutions passed by the House and included in the HEROES Small Business Lifeline Act, including: Extending the Small Business Debt Relief program. Senator King backed the Small Business Debt Relief Extension Act, in which would provide continued coronavirus emergency debt relief distributed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) into 2021. This provision would extend debt relief through February 2021 for all borrowers, and includes language to provide an additional seven months of debt relief for highly vulnerable businesses. He initially cosponsored the Small Business Debt Relief Act, which was passed into law as a part of the CARES Act in March. Expanding nonprofit eligibility for the PPP. Charitable nonprofits have been essential partners in the fight against coronavirus and its economic effects, and Senator King has led bipartisan efforts for the inclusion of aid for charitable nonprofits in coronavirus relief legislation. Including support for concert, theatre, and preforming venues. The bill authorizes $15 billion for the SBA to make grants to eligible live venue operators, or promoters, theatrical producers, motion picture theatre operators, or talent representatives to address the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on certain live venues. These provisions are part of the Save Our Stages Act, which Senator King cosponsored in September.Supporting restaurants, bars, and food trucks. Senator King cosponsored the RESTAURANTS Act in early September, which would establish a $120 billion program administered by the Treasury Department to provide vital funding to restaurants and similar places of businesses such as food trucks and bars. These funds would go to payroll and other eligible expenses, and would need to be used by June 30, 2021.Expanding local news organization eligibility for the PPP. This bill expands PPP loan eligibility to small, local affiliate news broadcast entities and Internet-only news publishers to support the continued provision of local news, information, content, or emergency information. Senator King has pushed for this relief in April, hestressed that the pandemic could decimate regional and local news outlets even as communities have become increasingly reliant on their reporting amidst the public health crisis.Raising the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) cap back to $2 million from the administratively-imposed $150,000. This provision will allow for small businesses to apply for funding that better meets their growing needs as the pandemic continues. At the beginning of the pandemic, Senator King pressed the administration to quickly release funds from the EIDL Emergency Grant Program, which was established in the CARES Act to make sure small businesses facing immediate needs could access the direct financial support they need to survive. Senator King is a cosponsor of the Small Business Disaster Loan Enhancement Act, which would make improvements to the EIDL program including an increase of the cap back to $2 million. Senator King has been continuously working to revisit and improve the PPP to help Maine's small businesses weather the pandemic. In July, Senator King wrote an op-edto advocate for more federal support for small businesses. He alsosenta letter to Congressional leadership calling for additional funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA)'s programs in future coronavirus economic recovery legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-governor-mills-welcome-critical-drought-assistance-for-maine-farmers,"Maine Delegation, Governor Mills Welcome Critical Drought Assistance for Maine Farmers",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Janet Mills welcomed the announcement today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made farmers throughout Maine eligible for disaster relief assistance due to the drought. Maine farmers have faced tremendous challenges this year, from supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 to the drought that severely impacted the growing season, said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden in a joint statement. Maine farms sustain our rural communities, whether they are newly founded operations or ones that have been passed down from generation to generation. We strongly supported COVID-19 relief funding to help Maine farmers get through this difficult period, and this designation will help provide additional assistance. The statewide drought conditions are severely impacting our agricultural sector and the rural communities they support, said Governor Mills. I welcome the USDA's declaration and the disaster relief it will bring to Maine's hardworking farmers. I will continue to work closely with Maine's Congressional Delegation to support our farmers throughout this challenging period. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and Washington counties as primary natural disaster areas. Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Kennebec, Lincoln, Oxford, Waldo, and York counties were named as contiguous disaster counties. Secretary Perdue previously designated Aroostook County as a primary natural disaster area in September. A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which includes FSA emergency loans. FSA emergency loans may be used to: Restore or replace essential property; Pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year; Pay essential family living expenses; Reorganize the farming operation; and Refinance certain debts. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-senate-democrats-to-american-people-do-not-allow-trump-to-undermine-nov-3-election-results,"Sanders, Senate Democrats To American People: Do Not Allow Trump To Undermine Nov. 3 Election Results",2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders, Senate Democrats To American People: Do Not Allow Trump To Undermine Nov. 3 Election Results Monday, October 19, 2020 WASHINGTON, October 18 Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) today released a report summarizing for the American people what to expect on Election Day and reinforcing the Democrats' call to encourage everyone to vote. The report follows the months-long effort by President Trump to undermine the election and his repeated refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power. With the general election already well underway in every state across the country, Sanders and Senate Democrats have a clear message for the American people: Vote and cast your ballot as early as possible. While expressing optimism that Election Day will go smoothly around the country, the jointly authored report outlines the possibility that in some states, the outcome might not be known on November 3. The last message from the report is to make absolutely clear that voter intimidation is illegal and that federal law prohibits coercing or threatening anyone in order to interfere with their right to vote. ""The American people must be prepared for an election that is unprecedented in our history due to the enormous increase in mail-in ballots that have been, and will be, cast as a result of the pandemic, said Senator Sanders.No one should have to risk their health or their lives in order to vote, and that is why many millions are voting through mail-in ballots. One of the worst lies that Donald Trump is spreading is that there is a massive amount of voter fraud in this country.That is a total lie which no election official, Republican or Democrat, can support.What we are doing with this effort is ensuring that the American people understand that if American democracy means anything, it means that every vote must be countedno matter how long it takes."" ""President Trump has for months now been laying the foundation to undermine the election and he has repeatedly refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses. Senate Democrats want to be clear to the American people that the most powerful defense against this type of autocratic behavior in our country is the will of the American people and that is why we are encouraging every American to vote and vote early, said Leader Schumer. The election is well underway, and Americans are voting in droves because they know what is at stake. We must do everything we can to protect the right to vote, and uphold the integrity of the election process. That means pushing back on President Trump's lies about mail-in ballots and his efforts to sow chaos. It also means making sure that Americans know that a record number of people are voting by mail this year, which could slow the reporting in some states. We should be prepared to reject misinformation and be patient about results in places where counting ballots may take longer. Americans should keep making their voices heard at the ballot box, the earlier the better, said Senator Klobuchar. ""Despite what Donald Trump wants you to believe, the integrity of our election system is strong,""said Senator Murphy. Every American must voteand vote earlyin the upcoming presidential election, so we can make it clear to Trump and the world that America remains a democracy, the will of the people will always win out, and that any form of voter intimidation is illegal and will not be tolerated."" ""President Trump's dangerous rhetoric threatens to further divide our country and sow real potential for violence. The most important thing each of us can do to combat disinformation and fear is to vote and vote early. There is little doubt that this is the most important election we will participate in in our lives. Our elections are the foundation of American democracy. Protecting them should be the top priority for everyone who cares about the future of our country. Election officials, courts, and elected leaders must be accountable for upholding that principle, said Senator Heinrich. ""Despite Donald Trump's lies and misinformation about nonexistent widespread voter fraud, the integrity of the American election systemour entire election process from voting by mail to voting in personis strong.If voting by mail is safe and effective for our troops overseas and good enough for Trump and his family to use, then it's safe, effective and good enough for the rest of America too,""said Senator Duckworth. No matter what Trump saysor even what he might preferSenate Democrats will never allow the greatest democracy the world has ever known to descend into authoritarianism.We will always be a government of, by and for the people."" A copy of the report can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/leahy-and-sanders-seek-swift-release-of-liheap-heating-help,Leahy and Sanders Seek Swift Release of LIHEAP Heating help,2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Leahy and Sanders Seek Swift Release of LIHEAP Heating help Monday, October 19, 2020 With winter around the corner and heating costs projected to increase this season, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 senators in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible under the current continuing resolution. The senators say federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that assists low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills and stay safe during the winter. Under a continuing Appropriations Committee resolution, HHS typically releases 90 percent of the $3.7 billion full-year appropriation. Leahy said: With the pandemic continuing to depress family incomes nationwide, and an early fall here in Vermont, it's vital that HHS act swiftly to release LIHEAP dollars to the states. As vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee I've fought year after year to support strong funding for LIHEAP because I know Vermonters rely on this help to keep warm. Any delay in sending these dollars to Vermont will result in Vermont families delaying filling their fuel tanks as nights get colder. I understand the urgency, and I hope the Administration does as well. Sanders said: As a result of this horrific health and economic crisis, Vermonters are hurting like they have never hurt before. It is critical that we get this home heating lifeline to Vermonters immediately. In the richest country on Earth, we have a moral responsibility to make sure that no one has to make the unacceptable choice between putting food on the table, paying for their prescription drugs, or heating their homes this winter. On the Appropriations Committee Leahy has long been an advocate for the LIHEAP program and has secured funding increases for the program over the past three years. The current appropriations law included $3.7 billion for LIHEAP, and an additional $900 million was included in the CARES Act. The continuing resolution, which funds the government at the previous year's levels, preserves the increase that Leahy secured for the program in 2020. The average cost of home heating is unaffordable for millions of low-income households, costing an average of $911 per year nationally. Heating oil and propane cost even more, over $1,500 every year. The timely release of these funds will provide critical assistance to families unemployed as a result of the pandemic pay their energy bills.According to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, 15 to 20 percent of residential customers are at least 60 days behind on their electric and natural gas bills, and estimated arrearages are over $20 billion nationally. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills by providing payment and/or energy crisis assistance. Vermont's LIHEAP funds are administered by the Department for Children and Families, and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. To apply for LIHEAP help, Vermonters can apply at theVermont Department for Children and Families websiteto get more information and links to an online application. Or Vermonters can contact their localCommunity Action Agency. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size and the availability of resources. The bipartisan letter was led by Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-critical-step-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-broadband-access-to-underserved-tribal-communities,King Cosponsors “Critical Step” Bipartisan Bill to Expand Broadband Access to Underserved Tribal Communities,2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, has cosponsored a bipartisan and bicameral bill to extend the time window given to Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organization are given during the pandemic to apply for spectrum licenses a critical step to expanding broadband access in their communities. Specifically, the Extending Broadband Tribal Priority Act of 2020 will require the FCC to open a new 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window that lasts at least 180 days, to commence no later than 30 days after the bill is enacted. ""As every Maine person knows, access to broadband is no longer an option but a necessity made all the more critical during this pandemic where connectivity is serving students, workers, businesses and families,"" said Senator King. ""But across the nation, tribal communities are among the least connected populations creating a digital divide that is only growing wider as coronavirus and distance protocols keep us responsibly apart from one another. Almost all of today's vital functions depend entirely on the strength of connectivity, and that's why I've joined my colleagues on this bill which will help tribal communities bridge the digital divide and work to ensure more residents can stay connected through these difficult times."" ""The Passamaquoddy Tribe supports the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2020, which will help the ability of Tribal Nations to expand telecommunications access in reliance on tribal infrastructure, said Chief William Nicholas, Sr. of Indian Township. One can travel for hours without cell phone service or spend entire days working in the woods on Passamaquoddy lands with no reliable signal to use for emergency phone calls in the event of an accident. This poses a particularly dangerous problem in rural areas that are heavily used for logging, sustenance activities, economic development and seasonal living. All of these activities come with risk, but that risk becomes far more dangerous when conducted in a relative telecommunications desert. The public interest would be well served by enhancing the ability of Tribal Nations, the original stewards of the land, to develop telecommunications networks in their territories."" The FCC created the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window last year to provide Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organizations an opportunity to apply for spectrum licenses over their land. However, the Window expired in September before many Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organizations were able to applyin some cases due to the COVID-19 pandemicand the FCC declined to extend the deadline any further, in opposition to multiple requests made by Tribal Nations, Native Hawaiian organizations, telecommunications groups, and bipartisan Senate and House lawmakers. Since the beginning of April, the FCC has received numerous requests to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window by no less than 180 days from the original deadline of August 3, 2020. The FCC refused to implement that sufficient extension, instead giving tribes a severely limited 30-day application period that expired on September 2, 2020, contrary to numerous requests by Tribes and bipartisan members of Congress. Today, the United States scores above the world average for connection rates to fixed broadband services for Americans living off Tribal lands at 92 percent, but only 65 percent of Native Americans living on Tribal lands have access to these wireless services. This leaves approximately 1.5 million people on reservations without access to basic wireless services. Because Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organizations cannot access spectrum rights to deploy broadband and telephone networks over their Tribal lands, in some of the most geographically isolated areas in the country, Native Americans continue to suffer from lack of access to life-saving digital services and broadband access further placing them behind in the digital divide. The Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2020 would do the following: Establish a new 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window that lasts at least 180 days; Require that the FCC open this new window no later than 30 days after the bill is enacted; and Create additional time for Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to apply for unassigned spectrum licenses over Tribal lands to deploy internet services This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Representatives Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Kendra Horn (D-Okla.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Tom Cole (R-Okla.). During his time in the Senate, Senator King has been a strong advocate for expanding broadband access as a way to increase connectivity in rural areas and has raised the issue consistently during the coronavirus pandemic. This bill follows up on an earlier push, where he urged the FCC to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window by 180 days in May, given the challenges and delays associated with the coronavirus. Last month, Senator King introduced the Broadband Reform and Investment to Drive Growth in the Economy (BRIDGE) Act to provide $30 billion in flexible funding to states and $1 billion to tribal governments to competitively award funding to connect unserved and underserved communities, with an emphasis on affordable, gigabit-level internet service to meet communities' needs for years to come. Hecalledon the seven largest internet service providers (ISPs) to help limit the economic and social disruption caused by COVID-19 and better ensure that learners of all ages are able to meaningfully participate in their education. In May, Senator King cosponsored the Emergency Educational Connections Act to help ensure all K-12 students have adequate home internet connectivity and devices during the coronavirus pandemic. Also that month, Senator King joined a bipartisan group of senators to urged Congressional leadership to include$2 billion in the next coronavirus relief packageto help healthcare providers expand telehealth services through improved access to broadband. In April, he joined 35 senators in a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)to increase reimbursements for telephone-based, or audio-only, telehealth servicesto equal other audio-visual telehealth and in-person visitation reimbursements.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-900000-to-improve-water-quality-in-searsport,"Senators Collins, King Announce More than $900,000 to Improve Water Quality in Searsport",2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Town of Searsport received a total of $911,190 to upgrade a wastewater treatment facility and improve water quality. This funding was awarded through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) in partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Safe water is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of Searsport residents and communities throughout Maine, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome NBRC and EDA's investment, which will help to improve water quality discharged into Penobscot Bay and ultimately decrease the negative environmental impacts to shellfishing and recreational industries. Since its creation in 2008, Senators Collins has been a champion for the NBRC. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins successfully secured $25 million the NBRC in the fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water funding bill, making this investment in Searsport possible. The NBRC provides grants for projects throughout northern and central Maine, as well as northern New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont, spurring economic and community development. In 2019, NBRC awarded more than $6 million to projects in Maine. Since fiscal year 2018, the NBRC has received specific funding for the State Capacity Building Grant Program, a new program included in the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act that was signed into law as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. This program, in partnership with the EDA, allows NBRC to support business retention and expansion, access to high-speed broadband, critical infrastructure development, and job creation throughout the region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/sanders-senate-democrats-to-american-people-do-not-allow-trump-to-undermine-nov-3-election-results/,"Sanders, Senate Democrats To American People: Do Not Allow Trump To Undermine Nov. 3 Election Results",2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, October 18 Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) today released areportsummarizing for the American people what to expect on Election Day and reinforcing the Democrats' call to encourage everyone to vote. The report follows the months-long effort by President Trump to undermine the election and his repeated refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power. With the general election already well underway in every state across the country, Sanders and Senate Democrats have a clear message for the American people: Vote and cast your ballot as early as possible. While expressing optimism that Election Day will go smoothly around the country, the jointly authored report outlines the possibility that in some states, the outcome might not be known on November 3. The last message from the report is to make absolutely clear that voter intimidation is illegal and that federal law prohibits coercing or threatening anyone in order to interfere with their right to vote. The American people must be prepared for an election that is unprecedented in our history due to the enormous increase in mail-in ballots that have been, and will be, cast as a result of the pandemic,said Senator Sanders.No one should have to risk their health or their lives in order to vote, and that is why many millions are voting through mail-in ballots. One of the worst lies that Donald Trump is spreading is that there is a massive amount of voter fraud in this country.That is a total lie which no election official, Republican or Democrat, can support.What we are doing with this effort is ensuring that the American people understand that if American democracy means anything, it means that every vote must be countedno matter how long it takes. President Trump has for months now been laying the foundation to undermine the election and he has repeatedly refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses. Senate Democrats want to be clear to the American people that the most powerful defense against this type of autocratic behavior in our country is the will of the American people and that is why we are encouraging every American to vote and vote early,said Leader Schumer. The election is well underway, and Americans are voting in droves because they know what is at stake. We must do everything we can to protect the right to vote, and uphold the integrity of the election process. That means pushing back on President Trump's lies about mail-in ballots and his efforts to sow chaos. It also means making sure that Americans know that a record number of people are voting by mail this year, which could slow the reporting in some states. We should be prepared to reject misinformation and be patient about results in places where counting ballots may take longer. Americans should keep making their voices heard at the ballot box, the earlier the better,said Senator Klobuchar. Despite what Donald Trump wants you to believe, the integrity of our election system is strong,said Senator Murphy.Every American must voteand vote earlyin the upcoming presidential election, so we can make it clear to Trump and the world that America remains a democracy, the will of the people will always win out, and that any form of voter intimidation is illegal and will not be tolerated. President Trump's dangerous rhetoric threatens to further divide our country and sow real potential for violence. The most important thing each of us can do to combat disinformation and fear is to vote and vote early. There is little doubt that this is the most important election we will participate in in our lives. Our elections are the foundation of American democracy. Protecting them should be the top priority for everyone who cares about the future of our country. Election officials, courts, and elected leaders must be accountable for upholding that principle,said Senator Heinrich. Despite Donald Trump's lies and misinformation about nonexistent widespread voter fraud, the integrity of the American election systemour entire election process from voting by mail to voting in personis strong.If voting by mail is safe and effective for our troops overseas and good enough for Trump and his family to use, then it's safe, effective and good enough for the rest of America too,said Senator Duckworth.No matter what Trump saysor even what he might preferSenate Democrats will never allow the greatest democracy the world has ever known to descend into authoritarianism.We will always be a government of, by and for the people. A copy of the report can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/bernie-sanders-elizabeth-warren-demand-answers-from-amazon-over-employee-surveillance-allegations,"Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren demand answers from Amazon over employee surveillance allegations",2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren demand answers from Amazon over employee surveillance allegations Friday, October 16, 2020 By: Catherine Thorbecke, ABC News A coalition of Democratic senators sent a letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, pressing the company for answers over allegations that it ""unethically"" tracks and monitors its employees to suppress efforts to form a union. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) implored Bezos to explain recent reports that the company was investing heavily in technology to track union organization efforts, specifically citing arecent article published by Vox News. ""The fact that Amazon has decided to heavily invest in systems to retaliate against freedom of expression about unsafe and unhealthy working conditions, and to refer to organizing and workers' rights mobilization efforts as threats against the company equal to those posed by hate groups and terrorism, is unacceptable,"" the senators wrote. ""Labor organizing campaigns are legally protected activity."" Citing media reports, the senators accused Amazon of infiltrating private social media groups created by Amazon employees to track potential discussions of unionization, actively monitoring internal listservs related to employee activism, hiring intelligence analysts to track labor organization efforts and more. ""Each of these reports is deeply troubling, and taken together, they suggest a pattern of significant abuse of workers and their rights,"" the lawmakers wrote to theworld's richest man. They added that ""these actions are all the more shocking in the context that nearly 20,000 of your employees contracted the coronavirus,"" saying it is ""deeply concerning that Amazon has prioritized tracking workers who would look to improve their working conditions over addressing the underlying health and safety concerns that those workers face."" The senators demanded that Amazon respond to more than a dozen questions by Nov. 1. An Amazon spokesperson told ABC News that it respects employees' rights ""to join, form or not to join a labor union or other lawful organization of their own selection, without fear of retaliation, intimidation or harassment."" ""Across Amazon, including in our operations facilities, we place enormous value on having daily conversations with each associate and work to make sure direct engagement with our employees is a strong part of our work culture,"" the spokesperson added. In regard to the monitoring allegations, the spokesperson said the company had found one group within its driver team ""aggregating information from closed groups"" but added ""that approach doesn't meet our standards, and they are no longer doing this as we have other ways for drivers to give us their feedback."" The spokesperson added that ""nothing is more important than the health and safety of our teams,"" saying Amazon has committed more than $1 billion in safety measures for its workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-12-million-for-climate-research-in-the-gulf-of-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $1.2 Million for Climate Research in the Gulf of Maine",2020-10-15,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has received a total of $1,274,908 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct research and modeling on climate, economic, ocean and ecosystem changes in the Gulf of Maine and inform fisheries of shifting weather patterns. The Gulf of Maine is currently warming faster than almost any other body of water on Earth,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Research has shown that waters of record high temperature are entering the Gulf, and these changes pose long-term threats to the balance of conditions that have fostered such a historically healthy, productive ocean ecosystem. To help the fishing industry better understand, prepare for, and adapt to these changes, we welcome NOAA's investment in prioritizing the Gulf of Maine as an area of study. GMRI is a nonprofit organization that researches the complex marine ecology in the Gulf of Maine and studies the many challenges of ocean stewardship and economic growth in the region. The institute provides students and teachers with science education resources and engages fishermen in collaborative research. This funding was awarded through NOAA's Climate Program Office, as part of NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-111-million-to-protect-victims-and-prevent-crime-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $11.1 Million to Protect Victims and Prevent Crime in Maine",2020-10-14,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that several organizations throughout Maine have been awarded a total of $11,192,423 toassist crime victims. The funding was awarded through the Office of Violence Against Women, an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we continue to support victims and survivors of domesticviolence, sexual assault, and others crimes to ensure that service providers and law enforcement personnel are equipped with the necessary tools to protect victims and to bring perpetrators to justice,said Senators Collins and Kingina joint statement. This investment will provide invaluable support to victims and their families across the State of Maine. The funding was allocated as follows: Wabanaki Women's Coalitionreceived $353,615 through the Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Grant Program to collaborate with five Wabanaki Tribes' Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Centers to provide training and technical assistance, as well as coordinate awareness activities. Maine Department of Health and Human Servicesreceived $7,147,730 through the FY 2020 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to provide direct services to crime victims. University of Southern Mainereceived $209,581 through the State Justice Statistics (SJS) Program to maintain and enhance Maine's capacity to address criminal justice issues through collection and analysis of data. Maine Office of Attorney Generalreceived $287,000 through the FY 2020 VOCA's Crime Victims Fund to enhance compensation payments to eligible crime victims. Maine Department of Correctionsreceived $433,759 through the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act's Formula Grants Program to support state and local delinquency prevention and intervention efforts, and juvenile justice system improvements. City of Bangorreceived $19,496 through the FY 20 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Program to prevent and control crime. Maine Department of Public Safetyreceived $888,615 through the JAG Program to prevent and control crime throughout the state and $1,082,160 through the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Indian Township Tribal Governmentreceived $770,467 to decrease the incidence of violent crime against Indian women and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins consistently advocates for funding forVAWA programs.Senator King is an original cosponsor of theViolence Against Women Act of 2019.With Senator Collins and King's support, Congress passed a funding package for FY 2020 that included $502.5 million for theVAWAprograms an increase of $5 million from FY 2019. Maine has received more than $110 million throughVAWAsince 2006.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/vermont-delegation-demands-postmaster-general-deliver-and-install-critical-mail-processing-machine-to-white-river-junction-facility,Vermont Delegation Demands Postmaster General Deliver and Install Critical Mail Processing Machine to White River Junction Facility,2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Vermont Delegation Demands Postmaster General Deliver and Install Critical Mail Processing Machine to White River Junction Facility Tuesday, October 13, 2020 WASHINGTON Senator Bernie Sanders (I), Senator Patrick Leahy (D), and Representative Peter Welch (D) on Tuesday sent aletterto Postmaster General Louis DeJoy demanding the immediate delivery and installation of the new AFCS 200 cancellation machine at the White River Junction mail processing facility, a machine that is critical to the efficient handling of the mail. In the letter, Leahy, Sanders, and Welch wrote, While we have been promised for months that a new AFCS 200 cancellation machine will be installed, we have just learned that this will not occur until January of 2021 at the earliest. This timing is both unacceptable and another example of this administration's attempt to sabotage the Postal Service and the 2020 election."" The cancellation machines at the White River Junction facility have been due to be replaced for several years now. USPS recently removed an AFCS (legacy system) cancellation machine from the facility, leaving the White River Junction center with justoneoperational cancellation machine. When that machine breaks down, as it did this past weekend, postal employees are forced to process mail by hand, which significantly delays the process. These employees are to be commended for their hard work and dedication and should be given every available resource to ensure the safe and timely processing of the mail, which includes a record number of mail-in ballots. Waiting until 2021 to get this new machine to Vermont will present undue harm to the hundreds of thousands of Vermonters who have been given the ability to vote by mail by November 3rd as well as Vermont's seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who rely on the Postal Service for the delivery of their prescriptions, concluded the Vermont delegation. It will also further harm all those who will be separated from their families this holiday season if they are unable to rely on promise of the U.S. Postal Service to receive mail from loved ones a small but critically important way to reduce isolation, depression, and loneliness, particularly for older, more isolated Vermonters."" You can read the letterhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/no-confirmation-until-after-inauguration,No Confirmation Until After Inauguration,2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"No Confirmation Until After Inauguration The last thing the Senate should be doing right now is considering an extreme right-wing Supreme Court nominee who would strip health care benefits from over 20 million Americans and take away protections for preexisting conditions. No confirmation until after inauguration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/vermont-delegation-demands-postmaster-general-deliver-and-install-critical-mail-processing-machine-to-white-river-junction-facility/,Vermont Delegation Demands Postmaster General Deliver and Install Critical Mail Processing Machine to White River Junction Facility,2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Senator Bernie Sanders (I), Senator Patrick Leahy (D), and Representative Peter Welch (D) on Tuesday sent aletterto Postmaster General Louis DeJoy demanding the immediate delivery and installation of the new AFCS 200 cancellation machine at the White River Junction mail processing facility, a machine that is critical to the efficient handling of the mail. In the letter, Leahy, Sanders, and Welch wrote, While we have been promised for months that a new AFCS 200 cancellation machine will be installed, we have just learned that this will not occur until January of 2021 at the earliest. This timing is both unacceptable and another example of this administration's attempt to sabotage the Postal Service and the 2020 election. The cancellation machines at the White River Junction facility have been due to be replaced for several years now. USPS recently removed an AFCS (legacy system) cancellation machine from the facility, leaving the White River Junction center with justoneoperational cancellation machine. When that machine breaks down, as it did this past weekend, postal employees are forced to process mail by hand, which significantly delays the process. These employees are to be commended for their hard work and dedication and should be given every available resource to ensure the safe and timely processing of the mail, which includes a record number of mail-in ballots. Waiting until 2021 to get this new machine to Vermont will present undue harm to the hundreds of thousands of Vermonters who have been given the ability to vote by mail by November 3rd as well as Vermont's seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who rely on the Postal Service for the delivery of their prescriptions, concluded the Vermont delegation. It will also further harm all those who will be separated from their families this holiday season if they are unable to rely on promise of the U.S. Postal Service to receive mail from loved ones a small but critically important way to reduce isolation, depression, and loneliness, particularly for older, more isolated Vermonters. You can read the letterhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/donald-trump-is-either-a-tax-cheat-or-a-bad-businessmanlikely-both,Donald Trump Is Either A Tax Cheat Or A Bad BusinessmanLikely Both,2020-10-10,2020,2020-10,Independent,Senate,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Donald Trump Is Either A Tax Cheat Or A Bad BusinessmanLikely Both Let's be clear: Donald Trump is either a tax cheat who pays less in income taxes than the average worker, or a bad businessman who has lost money year after yearlikely both.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-drive-less-act-to-cut-spending-on-government-vehicles-save-taxpayer-money,"Senator King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan ‘DRIVE LESS’ Act to Cut Spending on Government Vehicles, Save Taxpayer Money",2020-10-08,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The Office ofU.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that Senators King, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to save hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars by reducing the federal funding available for the acquisition and leasing of new federal vehicles. The Domestic Reduction In Vehicle Expenditure and Lowering Emissions from State Sources Act, or the DRIVE LESS Act, aims to significantly improve federal agencies' fleet management by establishing standards for vehicle utilization and enforcement guidelines to get agencies to comply with them. The federal budget is full of competing priorities, which can make for hard decisions, said Senator King. This is an easy one. The budget for federal vehicles is irresponsibly high, and by reducing the fleet we can save hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. This is a bipartisan proposal, dating back a decade so let's stop talking about it, and actually implement this change. The U.S. government maintains one of the largest fleets of automotive vehicles in the world. In 2019, U.S. agencies owned or leased a total of 645,047 vehicles, including 224,227 passenger vehicles and 412,488 trucks. Overall, the maintenance, leasing, depreciation and fuel for all of these cars and trucks comes at a cost to taxpayers of over $4.3 billion. Despite this huge inventory, many of these vehicles are underutilized, suggesting the federal government could substantially reduce its fleet size without harm to agencies' missions. On average, a vehicle in the government's fleet was driven just under 7,000 miles in 2019, while the average truck was driven fewer than 6,000 miles. Specifically, the DRIVE LESS Act would direct the General Services Administration and Office of Management and Budget to establish uniform methods for agencies to: Determine the appropriate size of an agency's fleet; Decide whether it is more cost-effective to lease or purchase a vehicle; Assess vehicle utilization at the agency level; and Document the decision whether to keep a vehicle that is being underutilized. The legislation would also: Establish a government-wide minimum utilization rates of 12,000 miles annually for passenger vehicles and 10,000 for light trucks to help ensure each agency's fleet is being used as effectively and efficiently as possible; Require each agency to make publicly available all relevant information used to determine the appropriate size of its fleet and a clear justification for deviation from these minimum utilization rates; and Require the Inspector General of each agency to conduct an audit every two years of the agency's fleet management practices and adherence to these standards, which would be submitted to Congress and made publicly available. Senator King named a Fiscal Hero by The Campaign to Fix the Debt in 2016 is a champion of working to reduce wasteful federal spending, and continually works in the Senate to streamline systems to save money for the taxpayers. He is a cosponsor of the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, a bipartisan bill that would help save taxpayer funds by directing federal agencies to make appropriate use of the death data in order to curb improper payments to deceased individuals. This May, he followed up on this push by joining a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in raising concerns that deceased individuals are receiving economic impact payments as part of the CARES Act. Senator King was a leading voice opposing the 2017 tax bill, which has drastically increased the national debt. As the legislation was considered, he introduced an amendment instructing members of the bicameral conference committee on tax reform to return a final conference report that does not increase the federal budget deficit; the amendment was defeated by a vote of 48-50. In a floor speech arguing for this amendment, King noted: What we're doing is simply borrowing money from our children to give ourselves tax cuts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-join-bipartisan-call-to-ensure-noaa-fisheries-surveys-proceed-in-2021,"Senators Collins, King Join Bipartisan Call to Ensure NOAA Fisheries Surveys Proceed in 2021",2020-10-08,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. In May 2020, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries started canceling research surveys to protect the health of its crews and personnel at sea on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. In support of coastal communities across the country who rely on these surveys as a basis for their livelihoods, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined their colleagues in calling on NOAA to identify and resolve any challenges created by COVID-19 that prevented surveys from occurring in 2020 in order to ensure surveys can be safely conducted in 2021. Fishery and ecosystem research surveys are essential to support the U.S. blue economy and provide valuable fishery-independent data needed to carry out provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Data collected from NOAA's research surveys are used to manage commercial and recreational fisheries that contributed 1.74 million jobs, over $240 billion in sales, and $111 billion in gross domestic product to the U.S. economy in 2017, the Senators wrote. The economic output of U.S. fisheries is maximized by setting accurate quotas and catch limits, which depend on the long-term, fishery-independent datasets collected by NOAA's research surveys. The Senators acknowledged NOAA's initial response and actions to compensate for lost survey data; however, they reiterated that the methods used are not sufficient replacements for the typical large-scale, long-term research surveys required to sustainably manage fisheries under the MSA. In closing, the Senators requested a clear, written plan for FY2021 surveys before December 15, 2020. In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Doug Jones (D-AL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Ed Markey (D-MA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jack Reed (D-RI), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Brian Schatz (D-HI). Click HERE to read the full letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-renovate-repair-and-modernize-rural-water-infrastructure,"King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Renovate, Repair, and Modernize Rural Water Infrastructure",2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation that would provide rural communities under significant financial strain due to the coronavirus pandemic emergency assistance to repair, modernize and renovate failing water infrastructure. TheEmergency Support for Rural Water Systems Actwould provide $1 billion in emergency grants, low- and zero-interest loans and loan forgiveness for struggling small and rural water and wastewater systems across the nation. Water and wastewater management systems are key to maintaining healthy communities, but many small systems in rural areas are currently facing severe financial hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic through no fault of their own, said Senator King. Maine is one of the most rural states in the nation, and that's why I'm cosponsoring this bill to help rural water and wastewater systems continue their work, upgrade their infrastructure, and ensure residents in rural areas can maintain the water quality they deserve. ""When the COVID-19 pandemic brought daily life to a screeching halt the water and wastewater utilities of Maine didn't miss a beat in providing critical service to their communities, said Kirsten Hebert, Executive Director of the Maine Rural Water Association. Many of these utilities' costs ballooned while utility payments fell due to the financial hardships our neighbors faced. This legislation would help make water and wastewater utilities whole again and better enable them to continue providing the excellent public health services on which our communities rely."" Small rural water and wastewater systems are facing expected losses of at least $3.6 billion this year. According the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), several of Maine's small systems in the RCAP network are struggling with maintaining their systems, working with compliance regulations, and facing improvement delays and limitations due to financial difficulties. As the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue, it is estimated 30 percent of systems on a national level and 13 percent of Maine systems in the RCAP network cannot last more than six months under current financial conditions. TheEmergency Support for Rural Water Systems Actwould allow rural communities to make necessary improvements and repairs to critical water infrastructure and ensure residents of these rural communities continue to have access to clean drinking water and wastewater treatment services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-expand-workforce-serving-aging-maine-people,King Cosponsors Bill to Expand Workforce Serving Aging Maine People,2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he has cosponsored theCareCorpsDemonstration Act to build and strengthen America'scaregiving workforce and help meet the growing demand forcaregivers working with seniors and people living with disabilities. The bill would address the country's growingcaregiving needs by placing volunteers in communities to provide vital assistance to help seniors and people with disabilities who need extra support to remain in their homes andlive independently. As the oldest state in the nation, Maine is all too aware of the importance of our nation's caregivers, said Senator King. From allowing our seniors to age in place to helping people with disabilities assert their independence, America's caregivers are vital parts of our communities. As our nation continues to grow grayer, we must to bolster this workforce with qualified, caring people who will treat our most vulnerable citizens with the dignity they deserve. TheCareCorpsDemonstration Act would: - Authorize grants for localCareCorpsprograms at $10 million per year over five years; - PlaceCorpsvolunteers in communities where they will provide services that help seniors and individuals with disabilities remain independent; - Provide volunteers with health insurance and other benefits during their time of service, along with an educational award that can be used to pay education costs or loans; - Help build thecaregiving and healthcareworkforce needed to meet the demand for services; and - Create opportunities to form intergenerational relationships. The nation's 65-and-older population is expected to almost double in size, from 49 million to 95 million Americans by 2060. By 2030, older Americans are expected to make up nearly 20 percent of the population and over the next ten years the United States is expected to require at least one million more directcareworkers. Under this legislation, volunteers could help organize transportation and home repairs, deliver groceries, or provide internet assistance, and would receive health insurance and other benefits throughout the length of their service, along with a robust educational award that can be used to pay future education costs or loans and will encourage volunteers to pursue degrees, certificates, and trainings for healthcareprofessions, includingcaregiving and social services. As the state with the oldest median age, seniors are a vital part of Maine's population, and Senator King has made senior issues one of his top priorities. Last March he introduced the Senior and Disability Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act, parts of which were included in the Older Americans Act Reauthorization which was signed into law earlier this year. The legislation would make it easier for older Americans and individuals with disabilities to access federal home modification programs and remain in their homes.He also introduced theDELIVER Act, which would promote volunteerism within meal delivery programs and help provide meals to more seniors across America. Senator King is also a strong proponent of strengthening telehealth, and earlier this yearannounced his support for theCONNECT for Health Act. He was a cosponsor of theECHO Act, which was enacted in 2016 and expands access to healthcare through telemedicine in rural and underserved areas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-votes-early-urges-maine-people-to-make-a-voting-plan,"Senator King Votes Early, Urges Maine People to Make a Voting Plan",2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME This morning, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) cast his ballot in-person at the Brunswick Town Hall, sharing the following statement afterwards: The coronavirus pandemic will change the way our elections are conducted this year meaning that Maine people should start thinking now about how they're going to cast their vote, said Senator King. Communities across the state have started early voting this week, giving Maine people the opportunity to cast a ballot in-person on their own schedule and with increased social distancing. Some Maine people have already requested mail-in ballots which can be tracked this year while others will choose to head to the polls on Election Day. No matter how you'd prefer to vote, it's vital that you make a plan now, to ensure that your voice will be heard in this fundamental democratic process. Senator King has repeatedly sought to defend America's elections from any interference and harm. In September, he wrote an op-ed in TIME emphasizing that in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Americans should be patient as election officials work to make sure every vote is counted. In that same column, he also called for candidates to put America's democratic institutions before personal political interests, and remain patient in the face of uncertainty.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z