url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter,Senator King Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement after the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter: “President Carter led a life of incredible service, putting country over party and politics,” said Senator King. “From his early days as a sailor with the United States Navy to the White House, President Carter personified our true American values. He was compassionate, unapologetic in his convictions, and forward-thinking — calling out racial discrimination as Governor of Georgia, negotiating the Camp David Accords, and dedicating his post-presidential career to community service. Jimmy Carter’s extraordinary life story epitomized the American Dream and proved that any one of us can go from humble beginnings to President of the United States and human rights champion for the world. Now that’s a legacy to be proud of. May the Carter family, and his beloved Georgia community, find peace and comfort during these difficult times.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-passes-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-veterans-access-to-healthcare-and-benefits,"Congress Passes Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Healthcare and Benefits",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, are applauding the Congressional passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve veterans’ access to healthcare and benefits. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act includes the King, Cramer bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET-TEC) program that helps veterans access high-technology jobs. The VET-TEC program provides tuition at eligible training institutions, housing stipends, and connections with potential employers. Since its start in 2017, VET-TEC has helped thousands of veterans get jobs in the technology sector with an average starting salary of over $65,000 – but current authorization for the program expired earlier this year. “The VET-TEC program has been an exceptional resource for thousands of veterans looking for good-paying jobs in the tech sector,” said Senator King. “The reauthorization of the VET-TEC Authorization Act expands eligibility for both veterans and training institutions and is a commonsense step to give even more veterans access to opportunities in tech. While there is always areas where we disagree, I am glad both chambers and both parties came together to support our men and women who answered the call.” “The VET-TEC program has created effective pathways for veterans to launch their careers in tech,” said Senator Cramer. “Building on its successes, this reauthorization expands eligibility to allow more veterans to participate in the program. Supporting our veterans includes enhancing the employment resources and opportunities available to them. I appreciate Congress’ support of this bill and I look forward to the President signing it into law.” Created in 2017’s Forever G.I. Bill, the VET-TEC pilot program has 31 approved education providers that have trained over 8,000 veterans, and helped thousands start high-tech jobs with an average starting salary of $65,061. The program is currently partnered with 14 employers including the VA’s own Office of Information and Technology, which seeks VET-TEC graduates for filling internal vacancies. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has worked to ensure that veterans have access jobs and training after separating from military service. He recently cosponsored bipartisan legislation to provide veterans with job opportunities in the trucking industry. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsored-bill-restoring-social-security-benefits-for-police-officers-firefighters-and-teachers-to-become-law,"King-Cosponsored Bill Restoring Social Security Benefits for Police Officers, Firefighters, and Teachers to Become Law",2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King is applauding the long-sought Senate passage of a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will repair social security benefits for more than 2 million Americans who have devoted their careers to public service. The Social Security Fairness Act will eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), added to the Social Security Act in 1983, which unfairly reduce or eliminate earned Social Security benefits for more than 2.5 million Americans including police officers, firefighters, teachers, and federal, state, and local government employees. The bill, cosponsored by Senator King, passed the Senate in a 76-20 vote and previously passed the House last month in a 327-75 vote. Currently, the WEP cuts into the earned Social Security benefits of an individual who also receives a public pension. For example, public school educators who do not earn Social Security, but who work part-time, or during the summer, in jobs covered by Social Security have reduced benefits, effectively penalizing them for their public sector work. Likewise, the GPO affects the spousal benefits of people who work as federal, state, or local government employees — including police officers, firefighters, and teachers — if the job is not covered by Social Security. The GPO reduces by two-thirds the benefit received by surviving spouses who also collect a government pension — often offsetting benefits entirely. “Across Maine, firefighters, police officers, teachers and other public servants put the well-being of our communities first; it’s past time they receive the benefits they so rightly have earned,” said Senator King. “Today was an important step towards correcting this injustice– demonstrating how lawmakers can put people over politics to achieve real results. Thanks to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting our public servants and voting for the Social Security Fairness Act. I look forward to keeping the momentum going so we can finally save social security for all Americans.” According to a new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, the WEP currently impacts more than 2.1 million Social Security beneficiaries, and the GPO impacts nearly 750,000 retirees. More than 300,000 American retirees are impacted by both the WEP and the GPO, including more than 21,000 people in Maine. Senator King has long championed reforms to social security to keep the federal government’s promise to all working Americans. Most recently, he was part of a working group with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy to preserve and protect social security for generations to come as the program is set to go insolvent by 2033 without congressional action — resulting in across-the-board cuts to benefits for all recipients. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-preserving-american-dominance-in-ai-act,"King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan “Preserving American Dominance in AI Act”",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, along with Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have introduced first-of-its-kind legislation that establishes federal oversight of artificial intelligence to safeguard U.S. national security interests against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cyber threats posed by future developments in advanced AI models. The bipartisan Preserving American Dominance in AI Act, crafted, based on the group’s previously-released framework, would establish the Artificial Intelligence Safety Review Office within the Department of Commerce. The Office would work with industry to defend frontier models against misuse by foreign adversaries looking to exploit the technology for nefarious purposes. The Office’s mission would be to prioritize the national security implications of AI while ensuring the U.S. domestic AI industry remains dominant over our foreign adversaries. This legislation is limited to frontier models — the most advanced AI models that are still yet to be developed. “In the ever-evolving global threat landscape, the United States has to stay one step ahead of new technologies to protect both our national security and interests at home and abroad — and that means moving carefully, warily, and thoughtfully into an Artificial Intelligence future,” said Senator King. “This bipartisan Preserving American Dominance in AI Act provides critical guidelines for federal oversight of AI technology so that it cannot be misused by bad actors looking to cause harm. We must ask important questions now to wisely navigate our next steps and decisions. Thanks to my colleagues for working together on a solution that promotes American development while safeguarding the public against biological, chemical, cyber, and nuclear threats.” Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to dramatically improve and transform society, but also presents a spectrum of risks that could be harmful to the American public, some of which could have catastrophic effects. Extremely powerful frontier AI could be misused by foreign adversaries, terrorists, and less sophisticated bad actors to cause widespread harm and threaten U.S. national security. Experts from across the U.S. government, industry, and academia believe that advanced AI could one day enable or assist in the development of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cyber weapons. The Preserving American Dominance in Al Act would establish the Artificial Intelligence Safety Review Office, housed within the Department of Commerce. The Office would be responsible for working with frontier Al companies, large datacenters, and infrastructure-as-a-service providers (IaaS) to: (a) prevent exploitation of these industries by adversaries; and (b) ensure pre-deployment evaluations similar to CFIUS for the most advanced frontier Al models that pose chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cyber risks. More specifically, the bill would: Establish the Artificial Intelligence Safety Review Office, led by a Senate-confirmed Under Secretary of Commerce for Artificial Intelligence Safety. Direct the Office to: Develop a take-home test for frontier Al model developers to evaluate their models for extreme risks prior to deployment; Collaborate with the Al Safety Institute to provide industry with best practices and technical assistance; and Study future Al-related risks and report findings to Congress. Require the most advanced data centers that train the most advanced Al models to report the owner and location of the facility to the Office. Protect industry from foreign adversarial actors by tasking laaS providers to implement know-your-customer standards for transactions with foreign persons. Safeguard frontier Al models from cyber breaches and intellectual property theft by requiring developers to implement cybersecurity standards. Help frontier Al model developers identify red-teaming best practices to test for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or cyber risks. Provide the Under Secretary a 90-day window to review a frontier Al model's safeguards against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cyber risks. Ensure a presumption of approval to prevent unnecessary roadblocks to deployment. Establish penalties for developers that fail to comply with the Act. As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyber defense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyber strategy that emphasizes layered cyber deterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director. Senator King is also a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, including chair of the subcommittee on Strategic Forces. He has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries and has expressed concern about Russia and China’s emerging “nightmare weapon” hypersonic missiles. Full text of the Preserving American Dominance in Al Act can be found here and a one-pager can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-secures-congressional-approval-for-cherryfield-fishway,Maine Delegation Secures Congressional Approval for Cherryfield Fishway,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Representative Jared Golden, secured final congressional approval for the replacement and restoration of the Cherryfield Fishway. Passed as a provision of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act, the fishway will allow anadromous fish such as herring, alewives, and the endangered Atlantic salmon to migrate upstream. Previously, the Cherryfield dam which was built in 1961 to address flooding caused by ice jams in the Narraguagus River, blocked passage of the fishway. The removal of the dam will support the Town of Cherryfield in its efforts to conserve local habitats and recreation. The bill passed the House 399-18 last week and the Senate 97-1 last night. It now awaits President Biden’s signature to become law. “Responsible stewardship of Maine’s woods and waters has protected generations of business and recreation,” Collins, King and Golden said. “Opening the Narraguagus back up to fish migration is a recommitment to that responsibility and will benefit both Maine’s ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.” Following a five-year study by the Army Corps of Engineers that concluded a natural fishway should replace the dam, Cherryfield voters approved the move in 2023. The Downeast Salmon Federation received a $9.1 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Fish Passage Grant Program to spearhead the project, and construction is estimated to begin in 2026. “The bipartisan effort to advance the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 is incredible news for the Narraguagus River and the communities connected to it,” Hadley Couraud, Aquatic Restoration Manager for The Nature Conservancy in Maine said. “This bill will support the Town of Cherryfield in its effort to remove this structure and significantly improve access to an astonishing 320 miles of river, creating tremendous opportunities for habitat conservation, restoration and fish passage, while retaining the ice control and alewife harvest important for the town. TNC and our local partners are ready to support the town in replacing the dam with a more resilient, fish-friendly structure that benefits everyone.” “This natural fishway has been decades in the making and will revitalize one of the most ecologically important rivers in the eastern United States,” Jacob van de Sande, Project Manager of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust said. “Getting this project over the finish line has truly been a team effort between the Town of Cherryfield; community partners like Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Downeast Salmon Federation, and the Nature Conservancy; and Maine’s Congressional Delegation. Now, it’s time to make it happen.” “The passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 will greatly support a 10 year effort led in partnership by the Town of Cherryfield, Downeast Salmon Federation, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Atlantic Salmon Federation, and the Nature Conservancy,” Ellie Mason, Habitat Restoration Program Manager of the Downeast Salmon Federation said. “The advancement of this bill is a testament to the dedication of all the project partners and the collaborative nature of restoration work in Downeast Maine. We’re looking forward to supporting the town in their ongoing efforts to replace the dam with a nature-like fishway that continues to allow for alewife harvest and ice control.” More information about the project can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-bill-to-expand-access-to-katahdin-woods-and-waters-national-monument,Senate Passes King Bill to Expand Access to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, is applauding his Senate colleagues unanimously passing his legislation to authorize additional access to the Katahdin Woods and Waters (KWW) National Monument. Following meetings with local stakeholders, the refined text of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act authorizes additional access to KWW by giving the National Park Service (NPS) permission to acquire land from willing donors or sellers, either in fee or as an easement. Should NPS exercise its new acquisition authority, it can then use that land to better connect the Monument to the Millinocket region and major roadways. The additional access would only occur with willing landowners and the bill expressly forbids the use of eminent domain. This authorized acquisition is significantly reduced from the 42,000 acres proposed in earlier Congressional sessions, a change made at the request of stakeholders like the Trust for Public Land (TPL), which owns the majority of the potential addition. TPL is separately working to transfer the balance of the adjacent land to the Penobscot Nation, as a working forest. Additionally, since the last introduction the State of Maine has acquired the easement necessary for the ATV trail from Millinocket to Medway ensuring there will be no impact on that important east-west connection for ATVs and snowmobiles. View a map of the proposed parcels HERE. The bill also includes provisions to allow the NPS to acquire buildings for Monument administration and visitor services outside of park boundaries. The legislation also contains provisions that: Protect traditional hunting, fishing, collection of fiddleheads and other outdoor recreation activity on the acquired property. Protect existing access rights and right of ways for the forestry sector. Establish a public safety framework ensuring safe interactions between visitors and timber operations in the region. “Since its establishment, Katahdin Woods and Waters has helped thousands of people from around the world enjoy Maine’s unmatched beauty while bringing important economic opportunity to the Katahdin region,” said Senator King. “The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act will provide additional access, on portions of the Stacyville, Huber and Roberts roadway, so that more people can more easily experience this Maine treasure. The additional access roadways will also bring visitors closer to the heart of the Millinocket community and further expand the Katahdin region’s tourism economy. I’m grateful for the local leaders who helped develop this bill and am pleased that it has now passed the Senate. I hope the House of Representatives will see the benefits of this legislation, the work that was put into it, and pass it expeditiously.” ""On behalf of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the businesses, organizations, and concerned citizens of Millinocket, I am grateful to Senator King for championing S 4209 through the Senate. I am hopeful the House will vote likewise,” said Gail Fanjoy, Board of Directors at Friends of Katahdin Woods &Waters. The bill also received unanimous support from the City of Millinocket. As Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks and a lifelong advocate for conservation, Senator King has spent decades championing environmental stewardship and advocacy. Senator King was an active participant in discussions to ensure that the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument would not be designated against the will of local citizens. After it became clear that the monument had widespread public backing, supported Maine’s longstanding outdoor traditions, and yielded economic benefits to the region, King pushed against a 2017 Department of the Interior review that threatened to roll back the designation. Senator King previously introduced a version of the Katahdin Woods and Waters Access Act in a previous Congress. Senator King also led the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act to address the $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks. For his continued leadership, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation “Hero” Award. Full text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/annual-defense-bill-with-king-backed-provisions-to-strengthen-national-security-protect-service-members-from-brain-injuries-passes-congress,"Annual Defense Bill with King-Backed Provisions to Strengthen National Security, Protect Service Members from Brain Injuries Passes Congress",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), lauded the bipartisan Congressional passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will strengthen America’s national security, help protect service members from brain injuries and boost the economies of Maine communities through shipbuilding and manufacturing with the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs. More specifically, the bill includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including support for service members’ health and transition to civilian status, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), an aggressive new military-wide approach to monitoring brain injuries, and stronger measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. The bill passed out of the Senate in a 85-14 vote and now heads to the President’s desk for signature. “For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training, equipment, and resources to carry out their missions. I’m proud that we could continue the tradition this year to pass an annual defense bill that will make our nation safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our global community faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in our military’s greatest asset – its people. The legislation supports good-paying jobs and manufacturing in Maine, particularly through its funding for shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. These funds will help the shipyards plan their futures, continue to build the highest-quality ships, and maintain the submarine fleet that our Navy needs to accomplish missions across the globe. “There are many more important provisions in this legislation – including a long-overdue brain injury monitoring program, fighting the opioid epidemic, and deterring Chinese and Russian aggression,” continued Senator King. “All told, this year’s NDAA will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the health and safety of the men and women who fight for our freedoms.” The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 includes King-backed provisions to: INVEST IN MAINE SHIPBUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS — The FY25 NDAA authorizes $700 million for an additional DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that Bath Iron Works will build. Ann additional $85 million is provided in the form of advanced procurement funds for the entire DDG-51 program. The legislation also includes a legislative fix to ensure employees of public shipyards have access to quality lodging for those providing long-term, essential work at our public shipyards. This legislation also supports critical Maine National Guard facilities and authorizes funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) modernization efforts – including the Dry Dock extension that will allow PNSY to increase its capacity to maintain the Navy’s submarine fleet. PREVENT TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBI) AND BLAST HEALTH — Included in this legislation are a majority of the components of the Blast Overpressure Safety Act that Senator King introduced with several colleagues to protect servicemembers from blast exposure and address TBI, which is considered the “signature wound” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill also includes funding for the Special Operations Brain Health and Trauma Program. ENHANCE MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION MEASURES. The bill includes a King-led provision that requires the Defense Department to update its annual suicide prevention report through 2031 and include information about the job specialty of suicide victims. Through the legislation, the Defense Department is exhorted to provide all data. This is important to help address the underlying climate and other potential root causes. In light of the Lewiston tragedy, the bill further requires the Government Accountability Office to review suicide prevention programs for the reserves including any necessary authorities needed for better coordination with local authorities. FUND MAINE INNOVATION AND SMALL BUSINESSES — This legislation addresses modernizing Pratt & Whitney’s important contribution in North Berwick to building F-35 engines, This legislation aids University of Maine-driven research and development in soil stabilization and infrastructure resiliency, textile developments, and digital manufacturing. It addresses Maine’s leadership in the production of tungsten alloys and the importance of Defense Industrial Alliances such as the Maine Defense Industrial Alliance. It further supports the highly technical and unique work of Maine’s composites industry including support for a re-entry vehicle pilot program and expeditionary shelters. Senator King continues to support the Arctic including the Arctic Watch Tower initiative and Arctic research at UMaine. COMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRAFFICKING — The FY25 NDAA includes multiple King-led provisions pertaining to Counter-Transnational Organized Crime and improvements in coordination between the Combatant Commands to address the flow of fentanyl and illicit drugs. PFAS AND THE ENVIRONMENT — The bill includes important provisions protecting the environment, authorizing a total of $343M for Navy environmental restoration, which would go towards cleanup across multiple former naval installations, including the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. SUPPORT AMERICA’S VETERANS, SERVICEMEMBERS AND FAMILIES — All service members will receive a 4.5% pay bump next year. Additionally, troops in the ranks of E-1 through E-4 will get an extra 10% on top of that, for a total of 14.5% for the military's most junior troops. The Committee remained focused on improving the Transition Assistance Program through this legislation and additional measures to improve participation and training. The legislation also includes multiple amendments addressing suicide prevention. DETER AGGRESSION FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARIES — The FY25 NDAA includes a requirement for the Secretary of Defense to submit yearly reports on the directed energy roadmap with cost data to deter aggression from our adversaries like Russia, Iran and China. ENHANCE PUBLIC-PRIVATE CYBERSECURITY READINESS — The bill addresses how small businesses and universities obtain and maintain cybersecurity protections, with direct input from the University of Maine and Maine small businesses. MAINE NATIONAL GUARD AND SERVICEMEMBER READINESS — At Senator King’s request, this legislation includes military construction funding for the Maine Guard at Bangor and Saco. This is essential for modernizing facilities. In addition, the Bill includes a provision that helps protect the Air National Guard, ensuring that as the Air Force modernizes the tanker fleet, it replaces older aircraft on a one-for-one basis. MODERNIZE CRITICAL NUCLEAR DETERRENCE — As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader working to modernize the nation’s nuclear arsenal and address the threats posed by new hypersonic weapons. The bill strengthens the nuclear triad and nuclear command and control including cyber protections and addressing concerns with Artificial Intelligence. The bill also includes important oversight of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and nuclear modernization programs to help address cost and defense industrial base concerns. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-demands-answers-on-closure-of-bangor-tax-assistance-center,Maine Delegation Demands Answers on Closure of Bangor Tax Assistance Center,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representative Jared Golden today urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reverse its closure of the Bangor Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). In a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel, the Delegation shared the reality that the misguided decision — which went into effect yesterday — would leave Mainers with just two options to meet with the IRS in-person: Augusta or South Portland. “Some of Maine’s most disadvantaged counties rely on the Bangor TAC as their primary service center, and eliminating this staffed office would create significant hardship for hard-working rural Mainers,” Collins, King, and Golden wrote. “Many of these communities have limited Internet and broadband access, making in-person TAC services essential.” TACs provide in-person, personalized tax assistance, can accept tax payments, and even help taxpayers access specific forms and transcripts from previous years. In fiscal year 2023, TACs conducted 782,000 appointments across the country — a 22 percent increase from FY2022. With the former Presque Isle TAC already having been shuttered, taxpayers in northern and eastern Maine have had to travel to Bangor to receive in-person help with preparing taxes — a roundtrip of more than 400 miles for many. Bangor’s closure for the foreseeable future would see some Mainers’ trips increase nearly 150 miles for a nearly ten-hour drive to and from Augusta. Collins, King and Golden’s letter included several questions for Secretary Werfel, including how the IRS plans to provide sufficient services to Mainers with limited internet access, whether affected households will be eligible for an extension on filing their taxes this April, and the agency’s reopening plans for closed Maine centers. The lawmakers’ letter can be found here, and is included below in full: +++ Dear Commissioner Werfel: We write to express our concerns regarding the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) recent announcement that it will be closing the Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) in Bangor, Maine, for the foreseeable future. Given the significant adverse impacts this decision will have on our constituents, particularly those who reside in our state’s most rural counties in northern and eastern Maine, we urge you to reconsider closing the Bangor TAC and consider all potential alternatives short of closure. Closing the Bangor TAC would exacerbate the service problems rural Mainers are already experiencing, especially as the Presque Isle TAC remains closed. Some of Maine’s most disadvantaged counties currently rely on the Bangor TAC as their primary service center, and eliminating this staffed office would create significant hardship for hard-working rural Mainers. Many of these communities have limited Internet and broadband access, making in-person TAC services essential. Residents of Maine’s most rural county - Piscataquis County - regularly use Bangor as their major service center, and the easternmost county in the United States - Washington County - would see their already lengthy commute to a TAC nearly double. The same is true for Aroostook County, the second largest county east of the Mississippi River by total area, where some Mainers travel over 200 miles to receive assistance from the Bangor TAC. With the tax filing season opening in January, many Americans will have questions regarding their taxes. While we understand the workforce challenges currently facing the IRS, it is unrealistic and unacceptable to require our constituents to travel upwards of 550 miles to speak with an IRS tax professional dedicated to resolving their tax issues. Additionally, the Augusta TAC is only open between 8:30 AM–4:30 PM on weekdays, forcing Mainers to take significant time out of their workdays to receive tax assistance from the only remaining TAC in the area. For these reasons, we urge you to reconsider the closure of the TAC in Bangor. Additionally, our offices would appreciate the opportunity to work with you to find a long-term solution that would reopen a staffed TAC in Aroostook County. To get a better understanding of exactly how this closing will affect our constituents, please provide us answers to the following questions by January 15, 2025: How does the IRS plan to provide sufficient services to rural Mainers with limited or no broadband access? Is the IRS able to reallocate staff from other offices to assist affected Mainers during the upcoming tax filing season? If not, will these residents be eligible for an extension to file their taxes? What remote services are available to rural residents? Additionally, does the IRS measure the quality of remote services compared to in-person services at TACs? How many Mainers have utilized services at the following TACs since 2008: Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, Augusta, and South Portland? Has the IRS considered temporarily reducing the days of service for the Bangor office instead of closing the office temporarily? If the IRS decides to move forward with this temporary closure, what specific steps will be taken to address the workforce challenges and ensure that the Bangor office reopens following the end of the temporary closure on December 15, 2025? What plans, if any, does the IRS have to reopen the Presque Isle location for in-person services? We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision and reject the closure of the Bangor TAC. Thank you for considering our request, and we appreciate your attention to this important matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-celebrate-frances-perkins-national-monument-designation,"Senators Collins, King Celebrate Frances Perkins National Monument Designation",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, the Chairman of the Senate National Parks subcommittee, are applauding the official designation of the Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle as a National Monument. The announcement was made today by President Biden, who signed a proclamation honoring the historic contributions of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a Presidential Cabinet and the country’s longest-serving Secretary of Labor. Perkins served for 12 years under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and briefly under President Harry Truman. Her confirmation to the Presidential Cabinet also made her the first woman to enter the presidential line of succession. She was instrumental in the development and passage of the Social Security Act, minimum wage laws, and working condition improvements. “The Frances Perkins Homestead National Monument ensures that the legacy of a truly remarkable Maine leader is preserved for generations to come,” Collins and King said. “A trailblazer in public service, Frances Perkins’ intelligence and abiding commitment to her work transformed the lives of millions of Americans. From shaping Social Security to championing labor protections, her work continues to govern workplaces today and has bettered American lives for decades. Surrounded by the natural beauty of 57 acres in Newcastle, her ancestral homestead will now serve as a monument to her impressive legacy of service to our country.” According to the Frances Perkins Center, the homestead, built in 1837, is a saltwater farm consisting of 57 acres of woods and fields along the Damariscotta River. The homestead served as a family summer home for Perkins in childhood, and she considered the property her true home. Perkins died in 1965 and is buried in Newcastle, near the site of her homestead. The core area of the homestead has been donated to the National Park Service ensuring its preservation and accessibility as a historic site. In August, Senator Collins sent a letter to the President expressing her support for the National Monument designation for the Frances Perkins Homestead. Earlier that month, Senator King joined the initial campaign launched by the Frances Perkins Center to urge the President to declare the homestead a National Monument. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-celebrate-passage-of-wreaths-across-america-day-resolution,"Senators Collins, King Celebrate Passage of Wreaths Across America Day Resolution",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 14, 2024 as “Wreaths Across America Day.” The annual event honors our nation’s fallen heroes with commemorative Maine-made balsam wreaths laid by millions of volunteers across the globe, including by a convoy that travels from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. “This annual Maine-led tradition unites volunteers to honor our heroes by laying wreaths at locations across the country,” said Senators Collins and King. “We are proud to recognize this important day and the dedication of those who help ensure the legacies of our servicemembers live on for generations to come.” Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,200 locations across the United States and abroad. In 2023, approximately 3 million wreaths were laid by more than 3 million volunteers. Each wreath is crafted in Maine. The general public can register to participate in Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. on December 14th here. The full text of the resolution can be read here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-study-impacts-of-lower-intensity-weapon-blasts-on-veteran-mental-health,King Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Study Impacts of Lower-Intensity Weapon Blasts on Veteran Mental Health,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, have introduced legislation to help the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) better understand the effect of repetitive low-level weapon blast injuries on veterans’ mental health. The bipartisan Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2024 would direct the VA and other research partners to comprehensively study the impact of these blasts and translate the findings into care and treatment plans. This legislation is designed to be a complement to Senator King’s Blast Overpressure Safety Act that would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to enact a range of measures to help mitigate and protect servicemembers from high-intensity blast overpressure. The legislation builds off the Precision Brain Health Initiative in the Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019. Today’s bill would require the VA to create a ten-year research plan to establish the effects of repetitive low-level blast injuries, where benchmarks must be reported to Congress, in order to develop further legislation for veterans who suffer with the effects of these repetitive blast exposures. “Brain injuries are a common, yet misunderstood and often undetectable, injury — and they can be traced to large blasts in small amounts or smaller blasts that add up over time, so we need to address them in all their forms,” said Senator King. “We have a duty to expand our understanding of the impact these blasts have on mental health, and to protect the long-term health and well-being of our military community. Here in Maine we know all too well the horrible tragedies that can occur when brain injuries are left untreated. This commonsense bill builds off of previous efforts to ensure we deliver on our promise to provide our servicemembers, veterans and their families the very best care and support.” “Recent studies have tied low-level blasts, which servicemembers are exposed to during training and in combat, to high rates of brain and mental health conditions, as well as suicides,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation will help us start to better understand why and how blast exposures are impacting servicemembers and veterans and make certain VA is able to quickly incorporate these findings into clinical care for our veterans to receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan. This legislation will help make certain veterans have the evidence-based health care and benefits they deserve, and I look forward to its passage.” The full text of the bill can be found here. Following the Lewiston shooting, Senator King has been working with his colleagues to increase mental health funding and address brain injuries. This summer he wrote a letter to the Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Lloyd Austin urging the Department to expedite protection of servicemembers from weapon blasts and TBIs. Prior to that letter he urged leaders of the Appropriations Committee to support the strongest possible funding for the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research program within the DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDRMP). Representing a state with one of the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, the John Scott Hannon Act and the introduction of the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act. Last year, King introduced bipartisan legislation to support veterans with mental traumas, as well as celebrated President Biden signing his legislation into law, which increases benefits for veterans and military families. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-commemorates-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day-on-world-war-ii-veterans-101st-birthday,King Commemorates Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day On World War II Veteran’s 101st Birthday,2024-12-07,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices.” In the 16th interview of the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with U.S. Navy veteran Bob Miller of Millinocket, who turned 101 on December 7th. Miller served in the Navy during World War II as a naval aviation mechanic and shipman, operating in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. During the interview, King asked about Miller’s experiences onboard naval ships during the war, as well as his efforts to preserve and share his story as a veteran in Maine. “Bob Miller’s life and service embody the sacrifice and resilience that define the Greatest Generation,” said Senator King. “Bob’s journey through the ranks — from young seaman to seasoned mechanic to flight deck director — tells the story of an individual who not only answered the call to serve, but did so with extraordinary courage and skill. His story embodies the countless sacrifices made during World War II, and it was a privilege to hear him recount his experiences — and reliving the historical significance of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, which is also his birthday. Happy 101st, Bob, and thank you for your incredible service to our nation.” Bob Miller was born in Long Island, New York, to Russian immigrant parents. At 13, he joined the Jr. Naval Reserve, and at 17, with his father’s approval, he enlisted in the Navy. Following boot camp in Rhode Island, Miller served onboard the USS Constellation and later attended machinist school in Illinois. Over the course of his career, Miller went on to serve aboard several ships, including the USS Wyoming and the USS Raven, where he encountered German U-boats for the first time. On his 18th birthday, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor marked the United States’ entry into World War II. Miller was reassigned for aviation mechanic training, and went on to serve onboard the USS Ranger, USS Charger, and USS Suwannee. He participated in major campaigns, including Operation Torch, the Allied Invasion of French West Africa. Later, he served in the Pacific onboard the USS Chenango, where he gained a reputation as a highly-sought after aviation mechanic. He also took on additional responsibilities as a flight deck director and briefly transferred to the Army to assist with their aviation mechanic needs. Miller’s wartime service continued onboard the USS Tulagi, participating in Operation Dragoon, the 1944 invasion of Southern France. The ship was later redeployed to the Pacific, where it took part in the liberation of the Philippines and the battle for Iwo Jima. During this mission, Miller and his fellow seamen endured kamikaze attacks by Japanese forces. Although the ship sustained minimal damage, both it and the crew were ordered back to the United States. After the war, Miller served on the USS Chloris, specializing in aircraft engine repairs. Miller’s final assignment was with the Hurricane Hunters squadron, and he was honorably discharged in January 1947. In civilian life, Miller held various jobs, including positions at Republic Aviation and Herman’s World of Sporting Goods. He married his wife Irene, whom he met on a blind date, and together they raised their family in New York before retiring in Florida. After Irene’s passing in 2004, Miller’s son Steven took his father on a cross-country trip to visit national parks and family. In 2019, Miller moved to Maine to live with Steven in Millinocket. Miller became an active member of the Millinocket American Legion. Miller’s daughter attended the University of Maine, and Steven was briefly stationed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard when he followed his father’s footsteps and joined the Navy. His children helped him compile his World War II experiences into an 85-page memoir, based on the diaries he kept during the war. The digitized memoir will be preserved as part of the Veterans History Project collection. The Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. Senator King joins many other members of Congress who’ve participated in the project. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s service members and veterans. Senator King uses this interview series to learn and share the stories of the lives, service, and sacrifices of Maine’s veteran community. As one of the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, Senator King has repeatedly pressed top Department of Defense officials for action on this issue. This summer, Senator King introduced the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, aimed at reducing suicides among veterans by providing firearm lockboxes and bolstering mental health training for VA caregivers. A committed advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King also held a field hearing focused on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he led a bipartisan letter calling for more support for victims of military sexual trauma, as well as a letter urging greater investment in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. You can watch previous episodes of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices” here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-maine-students-eligibility-for-cyber-service-academy-scholarships,King Announces Maine Students’ Eligibility for Cyber Service Academy Scholarships,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), today announced students at Southern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Augusta and the University of Southern Maine are eligible to apply to the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Service Academy (CSA). The CSA provides scholarships for students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity and related fields in exchange for service with the DoD or Intelligence Community cybersecurity roles upon graduation. More specifically, scholarship recipients will receive full tuition; stipends for books, a computer and housing; Department of Defense (DoD) internship opportunities, and guaranteed post-graduation employment. To be eligible, students must be enrolled at a university or college designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). Southern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Augusta and the University of Southern Maine all meet this qualification. “With cyber threats growing more sophisticated every day, we must strengthen our defenses and build out America’s cybersecurity workforce,” said Senator King. “The Cyber Service Academy offers Maine students an incredible opportunity to advance their education while simultaneously preparing them for careers where they would help protect our nation and infrastructure against cyberattacks and breaches. I am confident that Maine students have the talent and determination to be leaders in this space — keeping both our state and nation safe.” The Cyber Service Academy (CSA) is both a scholarship program for the Department of Defense (DoD) and a capacity-building tool for the nation. The program is a result of commitment from the DoD and Congress to support higher education as a means to prepare the DoD workforce to deal with threats against the Department’s critical information system and networks. To be eligible applicants must: Be 18 years of age or older; Be a citizen of the United States; Be enrolled in or applying to universities designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity and pursuing a course of study in one of the scientific, technical or managerial disciplines related to cyber; Have completed either the first year of an associate’s degree program, the first two years of an undergraduate degree program, or a bachelor’s or master’s degree program; Pass a federal background check. Full eligibility requirements and application details can be found HERE. As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyberdefense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyberstrategy that emphasizes layered cyberdeterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director. Together with Solarium Co-Chair former Representative Mike Gallagher, King previously urged the Biden Administration to better protect the public health sector from cyber threats and called for stronger, collaborative efforts to address the growing threat. Earlier this year, Senator King introduced the bipartisan Strengthening Cybersecurity in Health Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) perform consistent evaluations of its cybersecurity systems, and provide biannual reports on its current practices and progress on future safety procedures it is working to implement. He also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand the cybersecurity workforce by training veterans for in-demand jobs. Most recently, he joined his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act to help address challenges associated with the current patchwork of inconsistent cybersecurity policies between agencies. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-honoring-veterans-across-maine-and-the-nation,King Statement Honoring Veterans Across Maine and the Nation,2024-11-11,2024,2024-11,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day: “In 1919, one year after the conclusion of World War I, President Wilson proclaimed the first observance of Armistice Day on November 11, a day for our nation to remember and honor the over 9 million — including 116,000 American — lives lost during that bloody four-year conflict. Nearly a decade after the end of World War II, in 1954, President Eisenhower expanded that celebration to honor all who have served; that day is now known as Veterans Day. To those who returned home safely, those who are still missing in combat and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation — you represent the very best of America and your service is an inspiration and roadmap for generations of Americans to come. “Veterans Day resonates throughout communities across Maine where so many have answered the call to serve our country. With one of the highest rates of veterans per capita across the 50 states, Maine truly lives up to its motto Dirigo, or ‘I lead.” Out of uniform these men and women are business owners, public servants and volunteers, and are part of the tightly knit fabric that helps to form every town and city in our state. To be home to so many selfless men and women instills great pride, but with that comes a great responsibility. While we pause to recognize our veterans today, the work to ensure their service is honored should never stop. “I recognize too many veterans continue to face obstacles and hardships in homelessness, unemployment, poverty, and lack of medical and mental health care. The Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors is one that I take as my duty to fulfill as well — and I have been able to better keep this promise as a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. We owe it to our veterans to put partisanship aside and deliver the support they have earned and deserve. From passing the PACT Act to working to prevent veteran suicide to addressing unseen wounds like those of traumatic head injuries, we have made many strides but there is still much work to be done and I look forward to continuing that work alongside my colleagues. “It is one of the greatest honors and privileges of my public life to honor the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians and Sentinels in Maine and across our great country that served. Today, we join hands with one another to unite with the common purpose of serving these men and women just as they and their families have served us. On behalf of an extremely grateful nation, thank you for your service, and commitment to defending our freedoms and democracy.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-statement-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-lewiston-shooting,Maine Delegation Statement on the One Year Anniversary of Lewiston Shooting,2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today released the following statement on the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting that took place on October 25th, taking the lives of 18 innocent people: “One year ago, the unthinkable happened in Lewiston when a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and restaurant — shaking the community and Maine to its core,” said the Delegation. “For days, families sheltered in their homes as law enforcement worked to track down the shooter. We are thankful for the diligence and bravery that put an end to this nightmare and allowed our state to begin working through the agony and devastation. But the seats at the kitchen table remain empty, with 18 Mainers absent from the lives of their friends and families. Others injured on that horrific day are still recovering from their wounds. As we continue to process the pain, we renew our commitment to helping one another, to remembering the victims and the lives forever changed that day, and to healing.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-seeking-maximum-h-2b-work-visas-to-support-small-businesses-in-2025,"King, Rounds Seeking Maximum H-2B Work Visas to Support Small Businesses in 2025",2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), alongside a bipartisan group of their colleagues, have written to the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. H-2B visas fill needs for American small businesses when there are not enough able and willing American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions; when the local workforce is insufficient, H-2Bs are seen as a necessary tool to support local economies. With Maine continuing to see a shortage of seasonal and temporary employees, these special visas provide a lifeline for the economy and ensure small businesses can meet the demand for their products and services. “Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that ‘counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers,’” wrote the senators. “The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers,” continued the senators. The letter was also signed by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Teas.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (I-W.V.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) Senators King and Rounds have consistently pushed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) to increase the availability of H-2B visas, and they have worked to ensure that the H-2B visa program is efficient and effective. In 2022, they successfully urged the agencies to release the maximum number of H-2B visas — marking the first time that the Departments issued a single rule making available H-2B supplemental visas for several allocations throughout the entire fiscal year. Furthermore, last summer, Senator King sent a letter sent to DOL Acting Secretary Julie Su requesting an explanation for the extreme delays affecting the processing of labor certifications for H-2B visa applications. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Secretaries Mayorkas and Su: We write on behalf of seasonal businesses in our states—including employers of housekeepers in tourist destinations, landscapers with defined seasons, seafood processors with short harvesting windows, and fairs and carnivals—who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations. In light of these labor shortages, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to utilize the authority provided by Congress in the FY2025 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025, as you did for Fiscal Year 2024. These visas will help employers handle their labor challenges, and provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months. We urge you to promptly publish a temporary rule implementing the release of these supplemental visas. Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that “counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.” The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers. Congress has acknowledged this seasonal labor shortage by providing DHS with the authority to lift the H-2B visa cap for each of the past eight fiscal years. Given the growing demand for H-2B workers as employers continue to struggle with staffing shortages, we encourage you to promptly promulgate a temporary final rule for FY 2025 along the same lines as the FY 2024 rule. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-bill-designates-october-20th-as-early-childhood-literacy-awareness-day,"Collins, King Bill Designates October 20th as Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day",2024-10-20,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) today are recognizing the lifelong impact childhood literacy programs have on the success of Maine children and their communities. In a bipartisan resolution unanimously agreed to by the Senate, October 20th, 2024, has been designated as National Early Childhood Literacy Day. Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.V.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) are also co-sponsors of the resolution. “Fostering literacy in early childhood is crucial for preparing students in Maine and across the country for a lifetime of reading and learning,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan resolution seeks to ensure that students from all social and economic backgrounds have access to programs that promote childhood literacy and language development.” “Fostering a love for reading at a young age helps open young minds to new worlds and ideas, and is also important for early childhood development,” said Senator King. “When we invest in literacy programs and reading skills at a young age, we are setting our children up for continued success both in and out of the classroom. Good readers are good thinkers, and I am committed to advocating for literacy awareness along with the resources that strengthen Maine communities. I am proud to once again co-lead on this resolution recognizing the importance, enjoyment and direct impact of childhood literacy.” “I am so grateful for the efforts of Senators Collins, King, Capito and Manchin for their resolution designating October 20, 2024, as National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day. Highlighting the importance of literacy from the very start of a child's life has great benefit, in particular for our most vulnerable populations,” said Cristina Salois, M.S.Ed., Chair of the Maine Head Start Directors Association. “The resolution applauds the daily work that communities, educators and families do each day to ensure that all children have opportunities to participate in literacy activities and to enjoy books. These efforts result in long-lasting positive impacts. Head Start has a long history of family partnership and community collaboration in efforts to build strong language and literacy foundations for our children. Thank you, Senators, for supporting the precious gift we can give to all children — a lifelong love of reading and books.” “On behalf of all the members of The LITEArary Society, I would like to thank Senator Manchin, as well as Senator Capito, Senator Collins and Senator King for introducing a resolution to designate October 20, 2024 as National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day. This bipartisan resolution will raise awareness about early childhood literacy issues at the national level and encourage greater support to help children achieve reading proficiency-one book at a time. I am incredibly grateful for the extraordinary support of the Senators again this year to make this very special day, a reality,” said Rania Zuri, Founder and CEO of The LiTEArary Society, Inc., an entirely youth-led 501 (c)(3 ) nonprofit organization with the mission of ending book deserts for disadvantaged preschool children. Senators Collins and King have been steadfast champions of childhood education and literacy programs for Maine children, and have previously co-sponsored this resolution. Read the full resolution here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-for-study-on-hidden-costs-of-ageism-on-health-care,King Calls for Study on Hidden Costs of Ageism on Health Care,2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), along with a number of Senate colleagues, is requesting the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) examine the impact of ageism on quality and equity of care, patient safety and health outcomes. Ageism in health care is associated with a decreased likelihood that older adults will receive care that meets medical guidelines, as well as an increased likelihood that they are not properly reimbursed for care, and exclusion from clinical trials and other research that is available to the public generally. On a percentage basis, Maine leads the nation with the largest 65 and older population. “While ageism is often subtle, it is woven into our workforce, our health care system, and our everyday interactions. Ageism undermines older adults and their contributions to our communities. Research shows that 81 percent of adults aged 50-80 report experiencing internal ageism, 65 percent are exposed to ageist messages, and 45 percent face ageism in interpersonal interactions. These staggering statistics demonstrate how ingrained ageism is in our society,” wrote the senators. “Ageism within health care leads to poorer health outcomes, avoidable morbidity, and costly preventable adverse events. Ageism costs the health care system $63 billion annually. In health care, ageism is expressed in our policies, the practices of health care providers, and negative assumptions held by older adults themselves. At the macro level, ageism is complex and reflected in health care access issues which result in older adults being less likely to receive care consistent with medical guidelines, payment policies that do not adequately reimburse for complex care needed for older adults, and exclusion or underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials and other research,” continued the senators. “With AHRQ’s mission to improve the quality, safety, and equity of health care, we believe your organization is well suited to support Congress’ effort to address ageism in health care. Results of the requested review will help inform practice, quality improvement efforts, education of health professionals, and policy,” concluded the senators. In addition to King, the letter was signed by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Representing one of the oldest states in the country, Senator King is consistently working to address the issues facing Maine seniors. In the American Rescue Plan, which passed 50 to 49 in 2021, King secured $10 billion in broadband funding to help more Maine seniors access life-saving services like tele-health. The legislation also contained funding to quickly vaccinate older Americans, and to lower the costs of healthcare. Senator King has also worked to increase prescription drug price transparency, expand tele-health services, and spoke on the Senate floor in support of expanded homecare services in the Build Back Better proposal. He also has introduced bipartisan legislation to help improve critical quality-of-life service and programs for American seniors, and bipartisan legislation to cut costs for volunteers in Maine who deliver meals to seniors. This past fall, alongside Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), he introduced the Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act to help prevent painful and costly falls. He also introduced a ‘Stand Strong’ legislative package that would encourage proactive home modifications and increase access to preventative screenings for older Americans. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Dr. Valdez: We write to express our concern about the complexity and pervasive nature of ageism in health care and request that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) examine the impact of ageism on quality and equity of care, patient safety, and health outcomes. While ageism is often subtle, it is woven into our workforce, our health care system, and our everyday interactions. Ageism undermines older adults and their contributions to our communities. Research shows that 81 percent of adults aged 50-80 report experiencing internal ageism, 65 percent are exposed to ageist messages, and 45 percent face ageism in interpersonal interactions. These staggering statistics demonstrate how ingrained ageism is in our society. Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed towards people on the basis of their age. While ageism is often subtle, it is woven into our workforce, our health care system, and our everyday interactions. Ageism undermines older adults and their contributions to our communities. Research shows that 81 percent of adults aged 50-80 report experiencing internal ageism, 65 percent are exposed to ageist messages, and 45 percent face ageism in interpersonal interactions. These staggering statistics demonstrate how ingrained ageism is in our society. Ageism within health care leads to poorer health outcomes, avoidable morbidity, and costly preventable adverse events. Ageism costs the health care system $63 billion annually. In health care, ageism is expressed in our policies, the practices of health care providers, and negative assumptions held by older adults themselves. At the macro level, ageism is complex and reflected in health care access issues which result in older adults being less likely to receive care consistent with medical guidelines, payment policies that do not adequately reimburse for complex care needed for older adults, and exclusion or underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials and other research. At the micro level, practices such as the use of ageist language and elder speak, exclusion of older patients from plan of care conversations, and variations in treatment practices due to a patient’s age all affect patients’ quality of care. Self-directed ageism can also lead to adverse outcomes for a patient if their beliefs on aging lead them to believe that the symptoms they are experiencing should be considered a “normal” part of aging. For example, while some cognitive decline is expected as we age, memory loss, confusion, changes in behavior, and inability to complete activities of daily living are all signs of changes in cognitive ability that need to be evaluated by a medical professional. Moreover, people who internalize ageist societal messages tend to have poorer physical, cognitive, and mental health. The reverse is also true—individuals who internalize positive aging messages are likely to exhibit benefits in physical, cognitive, and mental health—highlighting the need to promote age inclusivity. We respectfully request that AHRQ examine this issue and provide a synthesis of existing evidence on ageism in health care to inform efforts to reduce ageism within the health care system. Specifically, we request your assistance to answer the following questions: What is the full scope of ageism within health care? What is the impact of ageism and intersectionality on both the micro and macro levels of health care related to health equity and outcomes? What is the evidence for interventions to address ageism and promote age inclusivity in health care? With AHRQ’s mission to improve the quality, safety, and equity of health care, we believe your organization is well suited to support Congress’ effort to address ageism in health care. Results of the requested review will help inform practice, quality improvement efforts, education of health professionals, and policy. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-over-11-million-to-protect-children-from-lead-poisoning,"Collins, King Announce Over $11 Million to Protect Children From Lead Poisoning",2024-10-09,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the cities of Portland and Lewiston have been awarded grant funding to help protect children from lead poisoning. The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) grant program awards, totaling $11,117,960, will help improve the health of Maine communities by fixing older housing and preserving affordable housing units that pose a lead hazard — such as the use of lead paint, more common in homes built before 1960. Additionally, this grant targets housing where children less than six years of age live. “The majority of Maine’s housing stock was built prior to 1978, the year that lead-based paint was banned, which has resulted in our state having one of the highest levels of lead paint contamination in the country,” said Senator Collins. “This federal investment in lead hazard abatement will increase the safety of housing for families in Portland and Lewiston, helping to further alleviate this public health threat.” “Lead exposure and poisoning can pose extreme health risks, especially for young children who are still growing and developing,” said Senator King. “Even small amounts of lead from paint chips and flakes can build up in the body and cause serious health problems. Families should be focused on helping their children grow and thrive, not worried about whether or not their house is hazardous. This robust funding will help more Maine families and children have a healthy and safe place to call home.” The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction program is funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In addition to the LHR program, HUD also offers the Healthy Homes Supplemental funding that is available to further bolster lead-based paint hazard prevention and control. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-thorough-review-of-department-of-defense-reserve-suicide-prevention-efforts,King Urges Thorough Review of Department of Defense Reserve Suicide Prevention Efforts,2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), has written a letter to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro urging the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to begin work on a report that reviews suicide prevention matters of the reserve component of the Department of Defense (DOD). The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires the GAO to conduct a review of suicide prevention and response policies for reserve personnel, and the extent to which the DOD and military services have coordinated these policies at the federal, state and local levels. Senator King’s letter comes just weeks ahead of the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting that was carried out by an Army reservist, who failed to receive adequate mental health care. Over one-third of U.S. military service members serve in the reserve component, which provides trained units and qualified personnel in times of war or national emergency, or to fill the needs of the Armed Forces whenever more units and personnel are needed. In 2023, the DOD reported that the suicide rate among reserve component personnel was generally similar to that of the U.S. population. However, reserve component personnel offices often have limited access to military suicide prevention resources. “It has been nearly a year since Sergeant First Class (SFC) Robert Card II committed the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history, killing 18 and wounding 13 on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. Since the tragedy, multiple press reports, investigations by the Army, and the Governor of Maine’s special commission have revealed troubling matters. I urge you to consider these investigations and to meet with all stakeholders as you conduct your review,” wrote Senator King. “Service members in reserve status are critical to our Armed Forces and represent nearly one-third of the total force. I am concerned that they experience limited access to military-supported suicide prevention resources. Authorities can be confusing and blurred for service members including commanders at all echelons. Effective coordination between unit commanders and local authorities is misunderstood, yet it is critical to ensuring public safety and that service members receive the care that is needed,” continued Senator King. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Most recently, at the request of Senator King, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a new report breaking down suicide rates in the Armed Service by job function. Additionally, he recently wrote a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that has unfortunately led to a high number of veteran suicides. This past August, he introduced legislation to provide safe firearm storage for veterans in an effort to reduce suicides. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Mr. Dodaro: I am writing to bring to your attention my interest regarding a requirement for you to conduct a review of suicide prevention matters for the Department of Defense. Senate Report 118-188 accompanying the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 4368) requires you to review suicide prevention and response for the reserve component of the United States military. I worked closely with Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Wicker to include this requirement. I request to be updated regarding your work and appreciate you treating it with the utmost urgency. It has been nearly a year since Sergeant First Class (SFC) Robert Card II committed the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history, killing 18 and wounding 13 on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. Since the tragedy, multiple press reports, investigations by the Army, and the Governor of Maine’s special commission have revealed troubling matters. I urge you to consider these investigations and to meet with all stakeholders as you conduct your review. I applaud Governor Mills’ leadership in establishing the “Independent Commission to Investigate the Facts of the Tragedy in Lewiston”. I request you review the findings from the Commission and Army investigations as you formulate recommendations. I further request that, if there are additional authorities or resources needed, you identify those in your report and consider including legislative proposals to address those gaps. Service members in reserve status are critical to our Armed Forces and represent nearly one-third of the total force. I am concerned that they experience limited access to military-supported suicide prevention resources. Authorities can be confusing and blurred for service members including commanders at all echelons. Effective coordination between unit commanders and local authorities is misunderstood, yet it is critical to ensuring public safety and that service members receive the care that is needed. Thank you for the significant work you and your team conduct, and for your continued efforts to inform Congress and assist me in oversight and legislative changes. Please let me know how my staff and I may be of assistance in this matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-northern-light/humana-break-maine-delegation-presses-cms-for-special-enrollment-for-medicare,"After Northern Light/Humana Break, Maine Delegation Presses CMS for Special Enrollment for Medicare",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, in response to Northern Light Health terminating its contract with Humana, have written a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a special enrollment period for Humana Medicare Advantage beneficiaries impacted by this decision. On September 30, 2024 Northern Light Health terminated its contract with Humana, citing administrative issues. It has been estimated somewhere between 2,000 and 4,000 patients will be impacted by this decision. Given the rural nature of the region served by Northern Light Health, the inability to receive treatment at the facility could result in Maine people having to travel long distances to receive care, or forgo care completely. Special enrollment periods (SEPs) are provided by CMS for certain life changing scenarios like moving or emergencies. In the letter, the Delegation writes that given the significant strain this decision puts on a large number of constituents who seek care at Northern Light Heath, a special enrollment period is necessary. If CMS grants the special enrollment period, new plans to bridge care access issues could become effective as early as November 1, 2024 — limiting further disruptions in care by providing an additional 60 days of coverage before any new coverage might begin January 1, 2025 as a result of beneficiaries selecting new plans during open enrollment that begins on October 15, 2024. “We write today to share our concerns about the significant changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) network for thousands of our constituents currently covered through Humana. Effective September 30, 2024, Northern Light Health (NLH) terminated its MA contract with Humana. As a result, many of our constituents now have inadequate or reduced network coverage through the end of this year. To bridge that coverage gap for current Humana customers, we request that CMS create a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for all affected beneficiaries,” began the Delegation. “An SEP would help those affected patients continue to seek treatment from their current doctors with minimal disruption in coverage. It is our understanding that Humana has shared recommendations for alternative in-network hospital sites of care with NLH patients, but such alternatives pose additional challenges. For example, of the seventeen facilities to which our constituents are being directed, only two are a mile or less away from the current NLH facility. The vast majority of suggested alternative in-network facilities are at least 20 miles away, with some as far as 50 miles and one nearly 100 miles away. Furthermore, these alternative facilities may not have the capacity to take additional patients. Maine is a large rural state, and access to emergency, acute, or in-patient care can be challenging,” continued the Delegation. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Administrator Brooks-LaSure: We write today to share our concerns about the significant changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) network for thousands of our constituents currently covered through Humana. Effective September 30, 2024, Northern Light Health (NLH) terminated its MA contract with Humana. As a result, many of our constituents now have inadequate or reduced network coverage through the end of this year. To bridge that coverage gap for current Humana customers, we request that CMS create a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for all affected beneficiaries. The scope of Northern Light Health’s service area is considerable. The system is comprised of ten hospitals and more than 120 locations and provides services throughout seven of Maine’s 16 counties. Its locations span from Maine’s southernmost York County, to the northernmost County of Aroostook, with a number of rural communities in between. Nearly 4,000 Mainers are expected to be affected by this contract termination. Our constituents have told us that that they are anticipating serious challenges, ranging from worries about substantial changes to cost-sharing rates to concerns about maintaining care with current providers, including for complex services like oncology. We understand that Humana has pledged a 90-day window of continuity of care, though we have serious concerns around issues of timely access to care and substandard access to care for affected constituents. An SEP would help those affected patients continue to seek treatment from their current doctors with minimal disruption in coverage. It is our understanding that Humana has shared recommendations for alternative in-network hospital sites of care with NLH patients, but such alternatives pose additional challenges. For example, of the seventeen facilities to which our constituents are being directed, only two are a mile or less away from the current NLH facility. The vast majority of suggested alternative in-network facilities are at least 20 miles away, with some as far as 50 miles and one nearly 100 miles away. Furthermore, these alternative facilities may not have the capacity to take additional patients. Maine is a large rural state, and access to emergency, acute, or in-patient care can be challenging. The timing of the Humana-NLH contract termination has also posed unique challenges that are not adequately addressed by the upcoming MA open enrollment period. Although all beneficiaries will have an opportunity to make changes to their coverage between October 15 and December 7, those new plans will not take effect until January 1, 2025. Having to navigate new care options for the remainder of the year, while also selecting coverage for 2025, is confusing and risks leaving many patients with inadequate coverage or care, or even unaware of these sudden changes. Approving an SEP for all affected Humana-NLH beneficiaries would minimize these challenges during the remaining three months of 2024, while easing the transition to new coverage or a new provider in 2025. Special enrollment periods for MA have been approved by CMS to help beneficiaries maintain access to MA plans when their circumstances change, including when individuals are affected by a significant change in a plan provider network or when other certain exceptional conditions are met. CMS has also approved SEPs to help address changing circumstances that beneficiaries face so that that they have access to the best plans when possible. For example, the Contract Year 2021 notice of Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program made some of the most notable recent changes, with CMS announcing the addition of more than 20 new SEP categories that qualifying MA beneficiaries could use. Additionally, beneficiaries enrolled in MA have the option to use an SEP at any time to enroll in an MA plan offered by an MA organization with a Star Rating of 5 stars. Unfortunately, Maine currently does not have any 5-star plans and thus our affected constituents enrolled in MA cannot use that pathway. MA SEP regulations related to significant changes in plan provider networks could arguably apply to our affected constituents. The Humana-NLH contract termination represents a significant change to the plan provider network, affecting thousands of Mainers. We urge CMS to use its existing authority to authorize an SEP for all Maine MA beneficiaries affected by this change. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-casey-introduce-homecare-workforce-legislative-package,"King, Casey Introduce Homecare Workforce Legislative Package",2024-09-30,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Bob Casey (D-Penn), Chair of the Senate Committee on Aging, have introduced three bills to better support Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), the workforce responsible for providing homecare and assistance to seniors and people with disabilities who frequently rely on long-term service and support. The three bills would strengthen and support this workforce by creating new programs and modifying current federal funding to support home and community-based services (HCBS). “Over the years, Maine has seen an increased shortage of long-term home health care professionals,” said Senator King. “This has had serious impacts on older Maine people aging gracefully at home and those with disabilities who rely on this critical support. Unfortunately, low wages and difficult working conditions have led to high turnover. This DSP legislative package with Senator Casey would make significant investments into the long-term home care industry to bolster wages and provide more opportunities for workers to pursue additional education and trainings to help them advance in their careers. This is commonsense legislation that will make a tangible difference for both those relying on care and those providing it.” “Our Nation is in the midst of a caregiving crisis, and it’s a crisis that stems from a lack of investment in the caregiving workforce,” said Senator Casey. “I’m proud to introduce these bills with Senator King that would respond to this crisis by improving our national capacity to recruit, train, and retain the care workers that provide essential care to older adults and people with disabilities.” Caregiving is in a crisis across the United States. Caregivers that include DSPs are widely underpaid, earning a median wage of $15.43 an hour and often living in poverty. The result is caregivers are in short supply — a recent survey revealed 92% of nursing home respondents and nearly 70% of assisted living facilities reported significant or severe workforce shortages. Another recent survey of HCBS providers showed all 50 states experiencing home care worker shortages, and 43 states reported that some HCBS providers have closed due to worker shortages. Maine has seen 23 nursing home closures in the last ten years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), DSPs are projected to be one of the fattest growing labor markets. Theoretically this should be a boon for the industry, but labor shortages due to low wages and difficult work conditions have made it difficult for the industry to recruit and retain staff. The Direct Support Worker Training Reimbursement Act would: Provide enhanced federal matching payments for direct support worker training programs at a 75 percent rate. The Mollie Baldwin Upskilling of Personal and Home Case Aides Act would Create funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for demonstration projects to provide individuals already working in the home care workforce with opportunities for education, training and career advancement. The Career Advancement for Direct Support Aid Workers (CADSAW) Act would: Create funding through HRSA to help individuals already working within the home health care field with opportunities to pursue increased education and training to facilitate career advancement. Senator King is a longstanding advocate for the necessity of stable, quality long term care in Maine. Earlier this year, he introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the VA to study the risks to elderly veterans of a proposed rule by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would unsustainably change staffing ratios at nursing homes, especially in rural areas. In an October 2023 letter to the head administrator of CMS, King noted that proposed staffing mandates may inadvertently cause the widespread shutdown of rural nursing facilities, both in Maine and across the country. Most recently, he introduced legislation to help revitalize the American long-term care workforce by making jobs more attractive and better compensated. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cornyn-introduce-legislation-to-cut-costs-for-volunteers-delivering-meals-to-seniors,"King, Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Cut Costs for Volunteers Delivering Meals to Seniors",2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) have introduced legislation that helps cut costs for volunteers driving meals to older Maine people and Americans across the country. The Delivering Elderly Lunches and Increasing Volunteer Engagement and Reimbursement (DELIVER) Act would increase the charitable mileage tax deduction rate of 14 cents per mile to match the standard business rate of 67 cents per mile. By doing so, the legislation would bring equity and fairness to the millions of Americans who volunteer their time and resources to deliver meals and would help ensure that meal delivery programs —such as Meals on Wheels — remain strong and can continue to assist those in need. According to 2022 data from Meals on Wheels America, 102,021 seniors in Maine are living alone while 54,030 are threatened by hunger and 31,756 live in or near poverty. Meal delivery programs can be crucial in allowing seniors to maintain the choice to continue living independently in the comfort and safety of their own home. In addition to promoting a higher quality of life, helping vulnerable individuals remain at home has beneficial financial implications too. According to Meals on Wheels America, it costs less to provide a senior Meals on Wheels for an entire year than it costs to spend one day in the hospital or ten days in a nursing home. Additionally, providing homebound individuals with meal delivery may help reduce mandatory Medicaid and Medicare expenses each year. “Home-delivered meals can a be a lifeline for Maine seniors, allowing them to live independently and comfortably in their homes and communities,” said Senator King. “Meal delivery services not only provide a fresh, healthy meal, but they also provide connection and peace of mind for loved ones. These services are vital for so many Maine people. The bipartisan DELIVER Act would make a small adjustment to our tax code to help ensure delivery programs remain strong and decrease the financial burden felt by those who generously volunteer their time.” “For decades, charitable organizations and faith-based groups have provided meals to seniors in communities across Texas,” said Senator Cornyn. “By removing barriers for folks willing to offer their time and resources to help others, more Texans in need can receive food, and these important charities can grow their network of volunteers."" Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Joe Morelle (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Representing one of the oldest states in the country, Senator King is consistently working to address the issues facing Maine seniors. In the American Rescue Plan, which passed 50 to 49 in 2021, King secured $10 billion in broadband funding to help more Maine seniors access life-saving services like tele-health. The legislation also contained funding to quickly vaccinate older Americans, and to lower the costs of healthcare. Senator King has also worked to increase prescription drug price transparency, expand tele-health services, and spoke on the Senate floor in support of expanded homecare services in the Build Back Better proposal. He also has introduced bipartisan legislation to help improve critical quality-of-life service and programs for American seniors. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-to-designate-september-as-national-recovery-month,King Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Designate September as National Recovery Month,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Shelly Moore-Capito (R-WV) have introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing substance use disorder and the recovery efforts needed to overcome this disease. The challenges posed by substance use disorder have continued to wreak havoc across Maine and the nation. This has been exacerbated in recent years due to limited access to treatment programs and increased isolation. However, there have been positive trends with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that drug overdose deaths nationwide decreased by three percent in 2023 — the first annual decrease since 2018. During that same time period, Maine, saw overdose deaths decrease by nearly 16 percent. This resolution shows a continued commitment to build upon these efforts and further bring down the rates of overdose deaths and substance use disorder. “Maine is one big, spread-out community and we have an obligation to one another to ensure we not only survive, but thrive,” said Senator King. “Tragically, we are losing too many of our loved ones to substance use disorder, leaving families scarred by their absence. The good news is we have started to see declines in overdose deaths, but we cannot let up on our efforts to provide quality care and support. This resolution recognizes our commitment to those struggling with substance use disorder and is another step forward in working together to save lives in Maine and across the country.” “I am proud to join my colleagues again in designating September as National Recovery Month,” said Senator Capito. “While the number of fatal overdoses thankfully has begun to decline in West Virginia and across the nation, far too many individuals are still being impacted by substance abuse. My hope is that by recognizing those who are in recovery — or on the road to recovery — from drug and alcohol addiction, we are providing a path forward those still living with addiction. In addition, the resolution rightfully highlights the vital role family members, friends, and communities play in this process.” Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his highest priorities in Washington. In the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, King secured significant investments to improve drug shipment interdiction, an area where he has long called for more resources. In the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, he secured new federal investments in our nation’s response to the ongoing opioid and substance use disorder (SUD) epidemic. He also secured nearly $1 million for SUD treatment for Maine through the American Rescue Plan. Senator King has also previously introduced the LifeBOAT Act, legislation that would help combat the opioid epidemic. The complete text of the resolution can be read here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-celebrate-national-lobster-day,"Senators Collins, King Celebrate National Lobster Day",2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today are celebrating Maine’s world renowned lobster industry after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan resolution recognizing September 25, 2024 as “National Lobster Day.” The resolution recognizes the cultural, economic and environmental impacts and importance of the iconic crustacean. Since 2015, the senators have introduced and sponsored legislation in recognition of National Lobster Day. “There are hundreds of small businesses along our Maine’s coastline that comprise our lobster industry, and their iconic catch is synonymous with Maine’s identity, history and culture,” said Senators Collins and King. “For centuries, the men and women who power the fishery wake up early every day proud to carry on this Maine tradition and ensure the long-term sustainability, resiliency and health of our Atlantic waters. Today, we recognize those lobstermen and women, and communities across Maine, who contribute hundreds of millions to our state and incalculable pride to our people.” ""Lobster is an integral part of Maine's identity, playing a crucial role in the livelihood of our coastal and island communities,"" said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. ""National Lobster Day not only allows us to share our, sustainably sourced product with the nation but also to highlight its significant impact on Maine's economy. We greatly appreciate Senator Collins’ and King's continued support in recognizing this important holiday."" Lobster is a top economic driver for the state of Maine and, in 2023, the industry brought in $611,000,000. Senators Collins and King have been vocal champions for the lobster industry in the U.S. Senate by pushing back against policies that could hinder future growth and successes. In 2022, Senators Collins and King secured a provision in the annual appropriations spending bill which included a regulatory reprieve to protect Maine’s sustainable lobster industry from misguided regulations that would have been devastating for the industry. Read the full resolution here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-historic-vote-arctic-caucus-co-chair-senator-king-welcomes-first-ambassador-to-the-arctic,"In Historic Vote, Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator King Welcomes First Ambassador to the Arctic",2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, today cast his vote for Michael Sfraga — currently serving as U.S. Arctic Research Commission Chair — to become the country’s first Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs, in a Senate vote of 55-36. Until Sfraga’s confirmation, the U.S. has been the only Arctic Nation that did not have a high-level official to represent the county in Arctic negotiations. With America now having formal diplomatic representation, it sends a clear signal to Arctic partners and foes that the country is fully invested in the High North as a strategic hotspot. The region is especially critical with regard to national security and deterrence efforts against known adversaries like China and Russia. “The Arctic is emerging as a region of enormous potential, and for far too long America has been on the sidelines — not demonstrating the level of commitment and attention shown by the other Arctic nations. That ends today,” said Senator King. “Not only is the High North drawing additional attention and investment by nations like Norway, Canada, and Russia, but China and India are also making moves in the region — investing millions in icebreakers and critical mineral research, laughably passing themselves off as ‘near Arctic nations.' While the Arctic has long been considered a ‘zone of peace,' America has not been represented by a Senate confirmed official bearing the title of ‘Ambassador.’ From now on, when there are conversations had about Arctic affairs, America finally will participate among equals. I thank my Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for her tireless work on this nomination, and now it’s time to truly get to work to advance and defend our Arctic interests.” Sfraga brings over 30 years of experience in Arctic issues, and was the founding director of the Polar Institute and served as the Director of the Global Risk and Resilience program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. As an Alaskan and trained geographer, his work has focused the changing geography of Arctic and Antarctic landscapes, as well as the rapidly changing economic, social, environmental and security implications of the region. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and as Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus, Senator King is an advocate for Maine and America’s interests in the North Atlantic and Arctic region. Along with Caucus co-chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), King introduced the Arctic Commitment Act earlier last year to improve America’s posture and opportunities in the Arctic. He’s been calling for the appointment of an Arctic Ambassador since 2015, and has continued to press the Administration on the effort this year. King also recently laid out the challenges and opportunities of a warming arctic in an article in the Wilson Quarterly, and in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, he successfully secured the inclusion of provisions to increase America’s activity and opportunities in the Far North. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-ease-the-burden-of-student-loans,King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Help Ease the Burden of Student Loans,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to help college graduates reduce the burden of student loans through a tax-free employer contribution. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would permanently extend a provision of the Internal Revenue Code allowing employees to exempt up to $5,250 from tax annually in student loan repayments that employers contribute on their behalf. The original provision was included in the bipartisan CARES Act and later extended through January 2026. Before the expansion of the provision, employers were only allowed to contribute toward continuing educating — not student loan repayments — in a way that is tax-free to the employee. The bill’s original sponsors are Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and John Thune (R-SD). “Student loans are an essential financial tool to help people in Maine and across the nation access and afford higher education,” said Senator King. “However, as we seek to tackle the cost of living in America, if we can cut costs for college graduates, those extra dollars can help them afford apartments, cars or even set aside savings. The bipartisan Employer Participation in Repayment Act is a commonsense step forward to ease the burden of student loan debt, while also creating a valuable recruiting and retention tool for employers. It’s not just smart policy, it’s a win-win for Maine workers and businesses.” According to a report from Federal Student Aid, an office of the Department of Education, it is estimated that Americans owe a combined $1.74 trillion dollars in student loan debt. This debt is a significant financial burden that not only influences the way the American workforce saves and spends, but also has a stifling effect on the economy. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would update an existing federal program so that it works better for employees living with the reality of burdensome student loan debt. From day one in the Senate, Senator King has advocated for student loan borrowers, working to ease the heavy debt burden that impacts thousands of Maine people. Earlier this year, he joined his colleagues in urging Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to consider a pause for student loan borrowers who are nearing their final payments during the Department’s transition to additional student loan servicers. In April 2019, Senator King joined Senators Coons and Portman to introduce Domenic’s Law, bipartisan legislation which would allow a parent whose child develops a total and permanent disability to qualify for student loan forgiveness. After an alarming report in 2019 from National Public Radio (NPR) which found that hundreds of thousands of Americans with qualifying disabilities have not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law, Senator King joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the Department’s Acting Inspector General, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process for Americans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rubio-urge-fda-for-guidance-on-stronger-cheaper-drug-manufacturing-process,"King, Rubio Urge FDA for Guidance on Stronger, Cheaper Drug Manufacturing Process",2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) are urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clarify its approval process for pharmaceutical companies considering advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) — such as continuous manufacturing, a means of production that involves a more uninterrupted process. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, the senators encouraged the FDA to incentivize the pharmaceutical industry to invest in AMTs to help address drug shortages and quality control issues, which contribute to more than 60% of the drug shortage problem. AMTs have great potential to lower the cost of drug production and can increase the possibility of domestic manufacturing. Compared to other industries, the pharmaceutical industry tends to operate in more outdated processes. Currently, much of the industry still employs what is called “batch” process, an active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) production method that takes place at multiple sites and can lead to sterilization issues. By implementing continuous manufacturing, companies can ensure a more sterile process at one single production site and reduce the risk of drug shortages. “For several years, the United States has grappled with a concerning uptick in shortages of key APIs and medications. Quality issues resulting from weak manufacturing standards abroad are the most common cause for shortages. Unsurprisingly, most of these quality issues occur in traditional manufacturing facilities overseas. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the U.S.’ heavy reliance on foreign entities, particularly China, for our drugs and medical supplies. The lack of domestic medical manufacturing has created dangerous vulnerabilities for American public health and national security,” wrote the senators. “We are concerned that the FDA has not yet created a feasible pathway for stakeholders to invest confidently in domestic AMTs. As the FDA continues to evaluate its AMT regulations, we urge you to prioritize domestic manufacturing facilities and commit to frequent engagement with industry and patient stakeholders, ensuring a clear and efficient approval process for AMTs and their products,” continued the senators. “As the FDA works toward finalizing its AMT Designation Program and continues to evaluate and approve AMTs for commercial use, we urge you to ensure that these efforts prioritize domestic supply chain resilience and enforce clear guidelines for manufacturers to take part in this program,” the senators wrote. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Commissioner Califf: We write to urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promote domestic pharmaceutical supply chain resilience through the implementation of programs to manufacture drugs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) using advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs), such as continuous manufacturing processes. We commend the FDA’s work to issue industry guidance for considerations specific to continuous manufacturing of APIs, but greater action is needed to promote a resilient domestic API supply chain. We are concerned that the FDA has not yet created a feasible pathway for stakeholders to invest confidently in domestic AMTs. As the FDA continues to evaluate its AMT regulations, we urge you to prioritize domestic manufacturing facilities and commit to frequent engagement with industry and patient stakeholders, ensuring a clear and efficient approval process for AMTs and their products. For several years, the United States has grappled with a concerning uptick in shortages of key APIs and medications. Quality issues resulting from weak manufacturing standards abroad are the most common cause for shortages. Unsurprisingly, most of these quality issues occur in traditional manufacturing facilities overseas. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the U.S.’ heavy reliance on foreign entities, particularly China, for our drugs and medical supplies. The lack of domestic medical manufacturing has created dangerous vulnerabilities for American public health and national security. AMTs, such as continuous manufacturing sites, provide a promising pathway to lower the cost of domestic drug manufacturing, and accelerate the reshoring of key API production here in the United States. Yet, the FDA has not yet invested sufficient resources toward developing clear regulatory guidelines for these innovative manufacturing tools. The FDA must quickly finalize and implement the AMT Designation Program, as directed by Congress, to provide companies regulatory clarity as they evaluate whether to invest and seek approval of AMTs for their products. Though the FDA has identified current regulatory barriers that are preventing more companies from adopting AMTs in their manufacturing pipelines, we are concerned that the FDA has not addressed these barriers adequately. A 2021 National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine report found that significant regulatory challenges to implementing advanced manufacturing for drugs include challenges within the FDA’s approval process for each step in the manufacturing process and the lack of guidance and expertise within the FDA related to advanced manufacturing technologies. Industry stakeholders must be able to establish the business case for the use of an AMT, but current ambiguities in the regulatory environment exacerbate challenges for arguing the business incentives for AMTs, deterring investment in these technologies. Though the agency expressed a willingness to address the barriers the report identified, a 2023 GAO report on the status of the FDA’s efforts in supporting investment in AMTs found that only a few drugs manufactured using an AMT are currently approved for marketing in the United States. Between 2015 and 2022, the FDA had only approved 16 out of the 112 applications or supplemental applications that used an AMT. This low rate of approval does not inspire investor confidence and proves that the FDA has considerable work to do to improve the regulatory environment for AMTs. As the FDA works toward finalizing its AMT Designation Program and continues to evaluate and approve AMTs for commercial use, we urge you to ensure that these efforts prioritize domestic supply chain resilience and enforce clear guidelines for manufacturers to take part in this program. As such, we request answers to the following questions: What strategies has the FDA implemented to encourage greater investment by domestic drug manufacturers into AMTs, such as continuous manufacturing? How has the FDA engaged with industry to further refine its regulations and expand opportunities for approval? How is the FDA ensuring that the AMT Designation program will benefit more domestic manufacturing facilities than foreign-based facilities? Based on the current application pool for AMTs seeking FDA approval through currently active pathways, what is the ratio of domestic versus foreign-based facility applications that the FDA has received? What is the ratio of domestic versus foreign based facilities that have been approved? Has the FDA received any new continuous manufacturing applications for generics, especially among pharmaceuticals experiencing domestic shortages? Will the FDA consider a drug or API’s risk for shortage when evaluating applications for the AMT Designation program? How is the FDA communicating about the AMT Designation Program to eligible entities and the public? How is the FDA ensuring the drug manufacturers of all sizes are aware of the program and understand the requirements to apply? How is the FDA ensuring the timely approval of continuous manufacturing technologies? Has the FDA seen continued growth in the number of approved continuous manufacturing products since 2022? What is the implementation status of the AMT Designation Program? Has the FDA made progress on implementing the required program since the draft guidance period, which closed on March 13, 2024? Has the program accepted any designation requests for new technologies? Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-barrasso-daines-team-up-to-combat-workforce-housing-shortage-at-national-parks,"King, Barrasso, Daines Team Up to Combat Workforce Housing Shortage at National Parks",2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Steve Daines (R-MT), chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on National Parks respectively, and John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, have introduced bipartisan legislation to help combat the housing shortage that the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service and other land management agency employees are facing across the country. The Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act would authorize the NPS, U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to expand their authority to secure and build more workforce housing on or close to the federal lands. The legislation is especially needed in Maine; just months ago, a fundraiser was held in Bar Harbor to create additional housing for up to 300 seasonal workers at Acadia National Park. “Every corner of Maine and the country is being impacted by the housing crisis — and our National Parks are no exception,” said Senator King, Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee. “The lack of safe, quality housing that doesn’t break the bank has made it difficult for park employees, and those who are called to preserve our public lands, to live in the communities they serve. The bipartisan Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act is a commonsense step, that allows the National Park Service and Forest Service use new approaches and public-private partnerships to combat the housing shortage. While this bill won’t solve the shortage on its own, it is a key part of a wider strategy to support our Parks and Forest Service employees. Safe, quality, and affordable housing is critical to ensuring that our parks stay staffed and open, and that visitors fully appreciate ‘America’s Best Idea.’” “Wyoming is home to the most beautiful national parks in the country. We are blessed to host millions of visitors from across the country and around the world each year,” said Senator Barrasso, ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “To continue to do so, employees of the National Park Service and the Forest Service need access to affordable and adequate housing on or near the lands where they work. Our bipartisan bill will help address the growing demand for housing by making it possible for these agencies to partner with the private sector to find solutions to the housing shortage. “This legislation will provide much-needed housing relief to Montanans who are living paycheck to paycheck and bearing the brunt of the Biden-Harris administration’s sky-high inflation,” said Senator Daines. “By prioritizing National Park Service workforce housing and supporting local gateway communities, we are one step closer towards addressing the housing shortage both in Montana and across the U.S.” Specifically the Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act would authorize: the National Park Service (NPS) to engage philanthropic partners to address workforce housing needs through matching grants and other cooperative efforts; the Secretary of the Interior to use income from rent for the development, construction, rehabilitation, and management of workforce housing; the Secretary of the Interior to enter into contracts for workforce housing within the private sector; and the secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to hire to fill vacant positions at NPS and Forest Service units if government housing is not available. As Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks and a lifelong advocate for conservation, Senator King has spent decades championing environmental stewardship and advocacy. Senator King was an active participant in discussions to ensure that the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument would not be designated against the will of local citizens. Prior to rising to the position of National Parks Subcommittee Chairman, Senator King also led the Great American Outdoors Act to address the $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks. For his continued leadership, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation “Hero” Award. Senator King has also long been committed to ensuring Maine people across the state can access safe and affordable housing, as well as working with his colleagues on creative solutions to combat the housing shortage. He introduced the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country — including thousands in Maine. He also worked with his Republican colleagues to improve affordability of rural homes and farms through the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act of 2023 and the Farmhouse-to Workforce Housing Act. Additionally, he has worked to expand affordable workforce housing on Mount Desert Island to support the economic development surrounding Acadia National Park. Earlier this year, he co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to expand affordable housing availability in Maine through redevelopment of historic buildings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cramer-introduce-bill-to-revise-cdc-dog-importation-rule,"King, Cramer Introduce Bill to Revise CDC Dog Importation Rule",2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), co-chairs of the American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, are introducing legislation to address a dog importation rule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that has made traveling worldwide more difficult for military and diplomatic families, and those with service animals, living abroad to bring their dog back to the United States. While the rule is intended to lessen the risk of the spread of canine rabies, it has created a cumbersome process when crossing the border — including implanting a microchip in the dog that contains its medical history. The Homeward Bound Act seeks to remove these unnecessary barriers that certain owners and their dogs face when they return from low-risk rabies countries such as Canada. Under the Homeward Bound Act, military, diplomatic families and service dogs would be provided an 18-month waiver from the CDC’s dog importation rule and the restriction required dogs to be at least six months old when imported from low-risk rabies countries would be eliminated. Additionally, it would also remove the microchip requirement for dogs born prior to the bill’s enactment and would only apply to dogs coming from low-risk countries. The bill also grandfathers in dogs born before the introduction of this rule from the microchip requirement. “Many American families enjoy the love and companionship of pet dogs — including those serving our country abroad,” said Senator Angus King. “However, recent rules put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created additional hurdles that make bringing your dog back to the U.S. a needlessly complicated process — creating a burden on military families, diplomats and those who rely on a service dog. The bipartisan Homeward Bound Act would provide more flexibility for these Americans traveling back home from low-risk countries, and help prevent unnecessary separation between owners and their four-legged friends.” “The CDC’s dog importation regulation poses significant and unnecessary burdens,” said Senator Cramer. “Whether it’s Canadians coming to North Dakota to hunt with their dog or Americans going to Canada to pick up their newest pet, cross-border travel is common place. Similarly, individuals with service dogs, members of the military, and diplomats with pets frequently come in and out of the country. Traveling with pets is hard enough without saddling families with the CDC’s newest requirements. The Homeward Bound Act fixes this bureaucratic overreach, while upholding public health protections.” Despite recent revisions to the CDC regulation prompted by public and Congressional feedback, the rule still complicates pet transport from low-risk countries. In July, Senator King joined a bipartisan letter urging the CDC to revise the new border regulations for dogs, which were set to take effect on August 1, 2024 and were seen as flawed with unintended, detrimental consequences. In response, the CDC announced critical revisions, including delaying a key provision on requiring a rabies certification form until at least April 2025 to allow for further review. A companion bill has been introduced in the House by Representatives Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) and Mary Peltola (D-AK). The legislation has been endorsed by the Humane Society Legislative Fund, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, the Canadian Snowbird Association, Signature Pet Transport and Doug the Pug. In addition to launching the ACES Caucus, Senator King has previously supported bipartisan efforts to strengthen the economic and national security relationship between the US and Canada. He has advocated for bolstering northern border security efforts, introduced the Arctic Commitment Act to address Artic warming, and negotiated funding for the modernization of Maine land ports to strengthen security and trade between Maine and Canada. This summer, he celebrated the opening of a new U.S. Port of Entry in Madawaska, which strengthens connectivity between northern Maine and Canada. Senator King has also been a staunch advocate of efforts to bolster public health initiatives and keep Maine people and animals safe. Last summer, he introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the CDC’s mosquito response and control efforts to fight the spread of dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-fight-rural-housing-shortage-king-bill-motivates-homeowners-to-expand-construct-properties,"To Fight Rural Housing Shortage, King Bill Motivates Homeowners to Expand, Construct Properties",2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) are introducing legislation to address the housing shortage and make it easier for rural workers to live in the communities they serve. The Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act would expand the existing Housing Preservation Grants (HPG) program so rural home owners can create more housing on their property — such as an attached apartment unit or a small home nearby — to be available for rent. Currently, HPGs are underused and receive limited funding that can only cover small costs and repairs. This legislation would optimize the program for rural housing creation, increasing its funding and expanding eligibility for homeowners who want to participate. The housing crisis has risen dramatically in recent years. A recent study found that Maine is now short more than 80,000 homes, in both urban and rural communities. The study also found Maine faces serious challenges including historic underproduction, aging housing stock, future need, lack of affordability, workforce decrease and a high demand for seasonal homes. The Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act would make it easier for Maine people in rural areas to access housing in the communities where they work. “Both urban and rural communities across Maine and the nation are facing a serious housing shortage,” said Senator Angus King. “Unfortunately, one law that Congress cannot repeal is the law of supply and demand; limited supply will inevitably increase prices. However, through creative solutions, we can increase the housing supply to help meet demand. I thank Senator Moran for working with me on the Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act — it’s a commonsense, bipartisan step that will help us combat the housing shortage and ensure Maine people and residents across the country can live in the communities where they work. Maine is one big small town connected by long roads, and when I drive those long roads I see potentially available properties in the same communities that are facing crisis levels of housing availability. This bill makes it cheaper and easier for Maine people and residents across the country to renovate their homes or build new ones on their land, and ease the shortfall.” “There is a high demand for rural housing across Kansas, and it’s important that our housing programs offer creative solutions to address this issue,” said Senator Moran. “Modernizing the Housing Preservation Grants program will help create new avenues for renovating and constructing homes in smaller communities across the country.” “The Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act of 2024 would provide a significant step forward in addressing workforce housing needs and strengthening our nation’s small farms, the heart of our rural communities,” said Kara Hay, President and CEO of Penquis. “The health of our economy and the wellbeing of American families depend on the availability of affordable housing. I commend Senators King and Moran for introducing this practical solution for our nation’s farmers, farm workers and food system.” “As a dedicated tiny home builder and advocate, I am thrilled to express my wholehearted support for Senator Angus King’s groundbreaking legislation, the Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act of 2024. This bill represents a transformative step forward in affordable and sustainable housing,” Corinne Watson, CEO of Tiny Homes of Maine. “This grant initiative aligns perfectly with the principles of tiny home living by encouraging the development of ADUs, which can serve as additional housing for family members, rental income sources, or simply as a sustainable alternative to traditional housing. Thank you, Senator King, for championing such a forward-thinking and impactful measure.” The Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act specifically would: Allow recipients to use HPG money to construct additional housing units either within or outside their home. Authorize funding for the nationwide program at $200,000,000. Offer grants of up to $100,000 to low- or medium-income recipients. Require the original home to be 25 years or older. Established a required landlord education program to help homeowners learn how to oversee rental housing. Create a five-year ownership and occupancy requirement upon completion to prevent homeowners from flipping their property at increased values and prevent developers from taking advantage of the program. Senator King has long been committed to ensuring Maine people across the state can access safe and affordable housing, as well as working with his colleagues on creative solutions to combat the housing shortage. He recently introduced the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country — including thousands in Maine. He also worked with his Republican colleagues to improve affordability of rural homes and farms through the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act of 2023. Additionally, he has worked to expand affordable workforce housing on Mount Desert Island to support the economic development surrounding Acadia National Park. Earlier this year, he co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to expand affordable housing availability in Maine through redevelopment of historic buildings. He also introduced the bipartisan HELPER Act to unlock home ownership for first responders and teachers. Most recently, he introduced the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act to encourage manufactured home park owners interested in selling their properties to sell to residents rather than developers. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-va-to-take-additional-steps-to-reduce-veteran-suicide,King Urges VA to Take Additional Steps to Reduce Veteran Suicide,2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is urging the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to take additional steps to help reduce veteran suicide. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, King highlights the devasting veteran suicide rate by firearm and outlines his Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, a bill that would provide free firearm lockboxes at the request of any veteran and require VA providers to complete annual training so they are prepared to have basic conversations with veterans about their mental health and safety. Currently, the VA only requires providers complete this training when they start working at the VA, but recently began the process to update their policies to require the training be completed annually, as required by Senator King’s bill. The letter comes in the midst of National Suicide Prevention Month and as VA reports continue to show an increase in veteran suicide nationwide. “September is National Suicide Prevention Month and I write to thank you for the work the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has done to address veteran suicides. While the steps you have taken are important, I believe that there is still more to do. Nearly three-quarters of all veteran suicide deaths involve a firearm and veterans are three times more likely to die by gun suicide than non-veterans. While many factors contribute to suicide, having easy access to lethal means such as a firearm during a moment of crisis can mean the difference between life and death, and with nearly half of all veterans reporting that they own guns (compared to 20% of non-veterans), the high rate of firearm suicide deaths among veterans is impossible to ignore,” wrote King. “This is why I recently introduced the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act. This bill would provide funding to make sure that veterans have voluntary access to free gun safes or lock boxes so that they can safely store their weapons—putting valuable time and space between intrusive, suicidal thoughts and the lethal means to carry them out. Additionally, my bill would require that all providers treating veterans—at the VA and in the VA’s community care network—are trained to discuss lethal means, even if they aren’t mental health professionals,” continued King. “Additionally, my bill would require the VA to partner with veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) to provide information to veterans about lethal means safety and safe storage options. I encourage you to use your existing authority to begin work in this space as soon as possible. I believe that efforts to work with VSOs to provide information to veterans, especially those who do not receive their health care through the VA, about the importance of suicide prevention, safe storage for lethal means (including firearms and medications), and planning ahead will save lives,” wrote King. “Thank you again for all the VA has done to support our veterans, especially those facing mental health struggles. As we mark another National Suicide Prevention Month, I look forward to working together on this issue so that we can reduce the number of veterans dying by firearm suicides,” concluded King. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Most recently, at the request of Senator King, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a new report breaking down suicide rates in the Armed Service by job function. This summer, King introduced the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing firearm lockboxes and bolstering mental health training for VA caregivers. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary McDonough, September is National Suicide Prevention Month and I write to thank you for the work the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has done to address veteran suicides. While the steps you have taken are important, I believe that there is still more to do. Nearly three-quarters of all veteran suicide deaths involve a firearm and veterans are three times more likely to die by gun suicide than non-veterans. While many factors contribute to suicide, having easy access to lethal means such as a firearm during a moment of crisis can mean the difference between life and death, and with nearly half of all veterans reporting that they own guns (compared to 20% of non-veterans), the high rate of firearm suicide deaths among veterans is impossible to ignore. This is why I recently introduced the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act. This bill would provide funding to make sure that veterans have voluntary access to free gun safes or lock boxes so that they can safely store their weapons—putting valuable time and space between intrusive, suicidal thoughts and the lethal means to carry them out. Additionally, my bill would require that all providers treating veterans—at the VA and in the VA’s community care network—are trained to discuss lethal means, even if they aren’t mental health professionals. This would ensure that veterans can have basic conversations with any doctor about their mental health concerns. I understand that the VA is already working to update policies to require VHA providers complete certain suicide prevention training programs, including the Lethal Means Safety training outlined in my bill, on an annual basis, and I commend you for taking this action. I am hopeful we can find a way to train all our community care providers in the same manner so that veterans have the same opportunities for these mental health discussions, regardless of where they seek care. Additionally, my bill would require the VA to partner with veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) to provide information to veterans about lethal means safety and safe storage options. I encourage you to use your existing authority to begin work in this space as soon as possible. I believe that efforts to work with VSOs to provide information to veterans, especially those who do not receive their health care through the VA, about the importance of suicide prevention, safe storage for lethal means (including firearms and medications), and planning ahead will save lives. Many veterans—particularly those who do not regularly engage with the VA—may be apprehensive if their health care provider is asking about their access to firearms; many immediately worry that their continued ability to own firearms may be dependent on how they answer subsequent questions. In reality, these providers simply want to make sure that their patients are safe, especially during moments of crisis, and understanding what lethal means they might have access to is a crucial part of that planning process. Working with VSOs and having their peers—fellow veterans they know and trust—explain this process ahead of time could ease some anxiety among veterans who worry their right to own firearms might be at risk. Additionally, VSOs can draw on the wealth of experiences of their members to break the stigma associated with mental health struggles. Thank you again for all the VA has done to support our veterans, especially those facing mental health struggles. As we mark another National Suicide Prevention Month, I look forward to working together on this issue so that we can reduce the number of veterans dying by firearm suicides. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-its-inexcusable-that-military-halts-only-25-percent-of-known-drug-shipments,King: It’s “Inexcusable” That Only 25 Percent of Known Drug Shipments Intercepted,2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, questioned U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey, nominee to be Admiral and Commander of U.S. Southern Command, about the illicit drug trade and the deadly toll it is taking on Maine people and Americans across the country. In the exchange during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), King called the failure to apprehend the illegal drug shipments “inexcusable,” and called on Admiral Holsey to identify what resources are needed for the military to improve their efforts to combat these shipments. According to the Maine Monthly Overdose Report, between January and December 2023 Maine saw 607 confirmed and suspected fatal drug overdoses. During his line of questioning, King pressed Admiral Holsey on why the U.S. military and intelligence agencies have only been able to interdict roughly a quarter of all drug shipments coming into the United States. “Admiral Holsey, you're serving in a war zone. Since we've been sitting here this morning, 10 Americans have died as a result of the work in that war zone. I'm talking about overdose deaths over 100,000 in the country, almost one a day in my state of Maine. Americans are dying,” began Senator King. “And here's what's the problem, or a part of the problem: we are only interdicting 25% of the drug shipments by sea that are coming to this country that we know of, that intelligence tells us are coming and where they are, and yet, 75% of them get through, that's inexcusable. There's something crazy about the fact that we're talking about prospective issues with other countries in the region. This is a real live war zone where people are being killed.” “I just don't understand it. This is, this has been going on for years. I've been asking this question, so I want to understand why we're able to only interdict 25% of the drug shipments that we know about. If it's a lack of ships, let's find them, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and neighboring countries,” continued Senator King. “We’ve got to think creatively about this. I'm tired of coming to this hearing every couple of years, and hearing this same figure of 25% interdiction of what we know of.” “Will you commit to me to do two things? Number one, to look for the resources and the assets that are necessary to execute this mission, and number two, to look at the organization of the mission. There are lots of U.S. government agencies involved, intelligence, DHS, drug interdiction, Navy, Coast Guard — my sense is nobody's in charge. And I'd like you to come back to this committee with an organizational chart that show that shows that somebody is in charge. I never like to hear the phrase ‘all of government.’ Every time I hear that phrase, what I hear is, ‘nobody's in charge.’ Will you make those two commitments, Admiral?” finished Senator King. “Senator, I understand your concern, and even one life is precious. I'll share with you that I commit to looking at this very closely. I believe that we have areas that we can improve. I will advocate for adequate resourcing of air and maritime assets to bolster our presence and to be able to affect interdictions. I think we have to do that. We have to continue to work with intelligence as well as well. But again, it's a very challenging problem set. We will continue to support the lead federal agency, the DEA. Again, we have all those resources, depending where they bring them together — ,” responded Admiral Holsey. “But if you don't have the assets, if you don't have those ships, let us know. That's the business that we're in. Let us know so that we can try to solve this problem. But I want you to think on this as you're flying back today. Bear in mind that one American every five minutes, 24 hours a day is dying as a result of this crisis,” said Senator King. “Yes, Sir,” replied Admiral Holsey. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his highest priorities in Washington. In hearings of the Armed Services Committee, Senator King has repeatedly and forcefully urged top Pentagon officials to improve efforts to stop drug shipments, and to allocate more resources for the crisis. In the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, he secured new federal investment in our nation’s response to the ongoing opioid and substance use disorder (SUD) epidemic. He also secured nearly $1 million for SUD treatment for Maine through the American Rescue Plan. At the beginning of the 118th Congress, he wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley highlighting the significant threat posed to Maine and the country by the international drug trade. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-create-a-national-falls-prevention-plan,"King, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Create a National Falls Prevention Plan",2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) are introducing bipartisan legislation to help prevent painful — and costly — household accidents. The Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act would create an Advisory Committee on Falls Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which would develop a National Falls Prevention Plan to evaluate falls prevention efforts under the federal government and make recommendations for improving federal policies. Under the National Plan, the advisory committee would develop recommendations for how Medicare could develop a falls prevention pilot or demonstration program that would provide coverage of home modifications such as grab bars or staircase handrails as part of a falls prevention Medicare program. Currently, traditional Medicare does not cover or offer reimbursements for such modifications. On a percentage basis, Maine leads the nation with the largest 65 and older population. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older. In 2021, there were 325 deaths in Maine attributed to older adult falls and Maine ranked 8th highest in the nation per capita on the rate of deaths due to falls. According to the CDC, there are roughly 1 million fall-related hospitalizes and 3 million emergency department visits annually across the country due to falls. For example, a fall in a shower or bathtub can result in a hospital stay and medical bills in the thousands of dollars, while an investment in a grab bar would be a few hundred dollars. The senators’ legislation would study the highest frequency household accidents and study the most cost-effective ways to avoid injuries. “We all know the saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and preventative care is a win-win for Maine patients, families and the taxpayers,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act is a critical step forward in supporting older Maine people and making sure they have the care and dedicated resources at the federal level to thrive. And, not only will this bill create a committee dedicated solely to falls preventing, it will also help to establish home modification pilot programs. Tools like grab bars or handrails can be the difference between a simple installation and an avoidable injury. I am grateful to my friend and colleague Senator Rounds for his continued work to help ensure Americans all the way from Maine to South Dakota stand strong.” “If we can identify areas to reduce the number of falls among the senior population, we can improve their quality of life,” said Senator Rounds. “At the federal level, this would also mean saving taxpayer dollars in treating those falls. This is a step in the right direction.” “We all want to live purposeful, healthy, and engaged lives, and yet something as preventable as a fall can completely derail this goal,” said Jess Maurer, Executive Director, Maine Council on Aging. “Most falls are preventable and the reasons for them can be remedied if the right interventions are employed. The Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act is a critically needed next step in developing a sustainable national program to prevent the causes and conditions that lead to falls.” The Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act is endorsed by AARP, AARP Maine, Alliance for Aging Research, America Public Health Association, American Foundation for the Blind, American Geriatrics Society, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association Geriatrics Academy, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Brain Injury Association of America, Gerontological Society of America, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance, Maine Council on Aging, MaineHealth, Meals on Wheels America, National Association of State Head Injury Administrators, National Center for Healthy Housing, National Council on Aging, National Senior Corps Association, Prevention Institute and the Safe States Alliance As an extension of his longtime focus on prevention efforts, Senator King has been leading the charge in the “Stand Strong” space. Recently, he introduced a legislative package to encourage proactive home modifications and to increase access to preventative screenings for older Americans to keep them thriving while avoiding costly injuries. The package included the reintroduction of the Preventative Home Visits Act and the WELL Seniors Act to expand Medicare benefits to cover home modifications, ensure the accessibility of telehealth services and include comprehensive screenings during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. Earlier this summer, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to protect older veterans from avoidable, costly falls. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-23rd-anniversary-of-the-september-11th-terrorist-attacks,King Statement On the 23rd Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks,2024-09-11,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today released the following statement on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks: “Today, we remember those who perished on September 11th, 2001, and all Americans who have since been killed from those wishing to inflict terror across the globe. It is also an occasion to recall the incredible unity that Americans demonstrated in the aftermath of that horror — so I urge everyone to focus on what unites us, not divides us. It is clear our nation is stronger when we stand together. “And as we look toward the future, we must strive to uphold the American values for which so many made the ultimate sacrifice. We, as a nation, are forever indebted, and they deserve nothing less than our full support. These men and women — from everyday New Yorkers and Pentagon workers, to the passengers on Flight 93 and all those who put on a service uniform — are the embodiment of American patriotism and represent the very best of our nation. “Time and again, Americans have proven that no enemy, foreign or domestic, is able to destroy America’s defining principles of democracy and liberty. May we remember those who passed and honor those who continue to put country first.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-named-2024-legislator-of-the-year-by-wounded-warrior-project,King Named “2024 Legislator of the Year” by Wounded Warrior Project,2024-09-10,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, has been recognized as the 2024 “Legislator of the Year” by Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The prestigious annual award recognizes outstanding legislative efforts and achievements by a member of Congress in improving the lives of post-9/11 wounded, ill and injured veterans. Senator King was selected for this award due to his advocacy for bills to promote smoother military transitions, enhance career training opportunities, and strengthen practices and standards concerning blast injury prevention and care. “Our veterans have made countless sacrifices to defend and serve our nation,” said Senator King. “We have a solemn duty to return that service to them long after they hang up their uniform. From helping our veterans navigate the transition to civilian life to ensuring they have accessible, affordable care, we have made tremendous strides together. But there is still much work to be done to step up for those who wore the uniform. I want to thank the Wounded Warrior Project for this award and will work with anyone in Congress on behalf of our veterans in Maine and across the nation.” “Senator King has been a dedicated advocate for wounded warriors and the entire veteran community, and his leadership is a model for other members of Congress,” said Wounded Warrior Project CEO, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Piatt. “His work supports the Armed Forces and veterans every single day, and WWP is honored to be able to work with him in Congress and recognize his outstanding efforts on behalf of everyone who is wearing or has worn the uniform.” Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and introduced legislation to provide safe firearm storage for veterans. Senator King also contributes to the Veterans History Project, a Library of Congress initiative to collect and preserve the stories of American veterans; he most recently interviewed an Army National Guard veteran from Pittsfield, Maine. Senator King uses this interview series to learn and share the stories of the lives, service, and sacrifices of Maine’s veteran community. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-338-million-to-upgrade-hydropower-infrastructure,Maine Delegation Announces $33.8 Million to Upgrade Hydropower Infrastructure,2024-09-06,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today announced more than $33.8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for hydroelectric projects in Maine. The Department of Energy announced $430 million for hydropower infrastructure upgrades across 33 states, including a total of $33,801,291 for 21 projects in Maine. Administered by the Grid Deployment Office (GDO) and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives program is designed to enhance existing hydropower and pumped storage facilities for capital improvements directly related to grid resilience, dam safety, and environmental improvements. Potential eligible capital improvements include improvements that enable the integration of variable resources, such as wind and solar; improvements for dam safety, such as spillway upgrades and erosion repair; and improvements in environmental conditions, such as fish passage, water quality and recreation. “Hydropower plays a critical role in unlocking Maine’s clean energy future, and is key to increasing energy efficiency and reliability. This $33.8 million investment will not only improve grid resilience and dam safety, but will also make environmental improvements such as enhancing fish passages,” the Delegation said. “These upgrades will help preserve Maine’s natural resources while supporting thousands of jobs across our state. Thanks to the historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re ensuring that hydropower remains both a reliable energy source and providing greater flexibility for achieving environmental solutions going forward.” “As our earliest form of renewable energy generation, hydropower has reliably kept America running for almost 150 years — and the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring these long-standing facilities can continue the steady flow of clean power,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Today’s funding will expand and modernize our hydropower fleet, while protecting thousands of American jobs.” Hydropower currently accounts for nearly 27% of renewable electricity generation in the United States, as well as 93% of all utility-scale energy storage. However, the fleet is aging, with many facilities in need of repair and upgrades. Funded Maine projects include: Hiram Hydroelectric Project: $1,800,000 West Buxton Hydroelectric Project: $2,400,000 Lockwood Hydroelectric Project: $5,000,000 Hydro-Kennebec Hydroelectric Project -Fish Passage: $1,560,075 Pejepscot Hydroelectric Project: $1,140,000 Gulf Island Hydroelectric Project: $1,710,000 Shawmut Hydroelectric Project: $4,800,000 Weston Hydroelectric Project: $4,550,766 Wyman Hydroelectric Project: $900,000 Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project: $392,940 Penobscot Mills Project: $825,000 Jay Hydro – Governor and Exciter Upgrade Project: $450,515 Livermore Hydro – Governor and Exciter Upgrade Project: $503,284 Otis Hydro – Governor and Exciter Upgrade Project: $953,826 Riley Hydro – STATCOM and Capacitor Bank Installation Project: $1,234,442 Ellsworth Hydroelectric Project: $1,800,000 Eel Weir Project: $360,397 Eel Weir Project: $1,592,820 Gambo: $49,500 Mallison Falls: $390,225 Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Project: $1,387,500 The full list of selections can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-announce-7-million-for-bigelow-laboratory,Senators Collins and King Announce $7 Million for Bigelow Laboratory,2024-08-21,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences has received $7 million to build the Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator. The award will assist with building state-of-the-art research infrastructure which will streamline algae innovation in the agricultural, aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries. Collaborating with Bigelow Laboratory on this effort are Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, University of New England, Colby College, Southern Maine Community College, Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, Gulf of Maine Ventures, and the Maine Technology Institute. This funding was awarded through the National Science Foundation and will be distributed over four years. “Maine is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the aquaculture and biochemistry industry and the addition of Bigelow Laboratory’s algal accelerator is another example of our cutting-edge innovation,” said Senators Collins and King. “This $7 million investment will help scientists and Bigelow Laboratory harness the power of algae — unlocking new potential for Maine’s agriculture, aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries. Not only will this research help drive new approaches to commercial algae use, but it will also open the door to workforce opportunities between local farmers, algal companies and our premier research institutions.” Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is an independent, nonprofit research institute located in East Boothbay. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Bigelow Laboratory scientists use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future for all life on our planet. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-welcomes-first-results-of-drug-price-negotiations,King Welcomes First Results of Drug Price Negotiations,2024-08-15,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today celebrated the White House completing the first round of Medicare negotiations to lower the price of 10 prescription drugs, which will lower out of pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries on eligible drugs and save Medicare — and American taxpayers — billions. The announcement comes nearly two years after the Inflation Reduction Act, which King supported, was signed into law. In addition to the negotiation provisions, the bill also included a cap on the coats in insulin and a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for adults on Medicare. Tens of thousands of Maine Medicare enrollees currently take the 10 drugs included in the negotiations, paying annual out-of-pocket costs up to nearly $5,000 in 2022. “Today’s announcement from the White House is welcome news which has been a long time coming. One of the first bills I ever cosponsored in the Senate was the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act and thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this vision has finally become a reality,” said Senator King. “For many older Maine people on a fixed income, affording lifesaving drugs can be a tremendous financial strain — sometimes forcing folks to choose between their health or putting good on the table. With 30% of Maine people enrolled in Medicare, this is a game-changing step forward toward ensuring our seniors have better access to prescription medications while also reducing the heavy financial burden of high out-of-pocket costs. The savings from these new lower prices will also be a huge boost to the financial strength of Medicare itself, helping to insure its long-term viability. This is a real victory for people across Maine and the nation, and I look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues to advance additional common sense ways to deliver better healthcare at lower costs. Senator King has consistently worked to reduce healthcare costs for Maine people. The Inflation Reduction Act has laid the groundwork for — and in some cases already implemented — long-term changes in federal policy that will keep people healthier and deliver higher quality care at a lower cost to patients and Medicare. These benefits are delivered while simultaneously reducing the deficit by finally allowing Medicare to do what any other large customer in America can do in a free market — negotiate bulk discounts. This will save taxpayers hundreds-of-billions from the Medicare budget. Last spring, Senator King introduced legislation to fast track drug pricing negotiations and continue to lower drug costs for older Maine people. He also has joined colleagues in calling on the Biden Administration to authorize cheaper, generic drugs. Download the Medicare drug negotiation fact sheet here and a breakdown of the impact in Maine here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-encouraged-by-pentagons-new-policy-to-address-brain-injuries-protect-servicemembers,"King “Encouraged” by Pentagon’s New Policy to Address Brain Injuries, Protect Servicemembers",2024-08-12,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, released the following statement after the Department of Defense (DoD) unveiled a new policy to better monitor servicemembers’ exposure to blast overpressure and subsequent risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The policy comes after Senator King wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in July suggesting that the DoD take immediate actions to conduct baseline screenings of servicemembers for brain injuries. “I am encouraged by the new policies being put in place by the Department of Defense to address brain injuries caused by blast overpressure. The more we focus efforts on the effects of blasts, the more we learn about the direct link to brain injury and how we can prevent these injuries in the future,” said Senator King. “By beginning a cognitive test program this year to screen every servicemember upon entry to the military, as well as screen current at risk servicemembers, we can learn how to manage these exposures with the aim of protecting their wellbeing and saving lives. “It is clear this is an urgent issue and I commend the Pentagon for fast-tracking these needed changes. This urgency especially hits home for us here in Maine after reports showed the gunman responsible for the Lewiston shooting was repeatedly exposed to blasts during Army training events, likely causing a brain injury. This new policy marks another positive step toward helping our community heal, while also working to prevent unnecessary harm moving forward to our servicemembers and veterans. We have a solemn duty to protect the well-being of those who served to protect our nation and freedoms.” Following the Lewiston shooting, Senator King has been working with his colleagues to increase mental health funding and address brain injuries. Prior to his letter to the Secretary, he sent a letter to the leaders of the Appropriations Committee urging leadership to support the strongest possible funding for the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research program within the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDRMP). He also recently introduced the Blast Overpressure Safety Act that would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to enact a range of measures to help mitigate and protect servicemembers from blast overpressure. In March, the entire Maine Delegation announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS) would receive $2,048,452 through the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Emergency Response Grant program (SERG). The funding is used for community mental health needs in the greater-Lewiston community, following the shooting that claimed the lives of 18 individuals and wounded 13 others. The delegation also sent a follow-up letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, to further press for a comprehensive review of the facts and events leading up to the October 25 mass shooting. As a result, the U.S. Army Inspector General conducted a subsequent investigation and published its findings in July 2024. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-500000-to-improve-rural-healthcare,"Collins, King Announce More Than $500,000 to Improve Rural Healthcare",2024-08-06,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is being awarded grant funding to help improve rural healthcare. The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program award, totaling $504,176, will support Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in quality improvement and establish or expand rural health emergency medical services. The program is funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Critical Access Hospitals are designations given to eligible rural hospitals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CAH designation was created in 1997 in response to over 400 rural hospital closures during the 1980s and early 1990s. Maine has 16 CAHs located across the state. “As one of the most rural states in the nation, Maine people already face many challenges when accessing affordable, quality healthcare,” said Senators Collins and King. “This grant will help our rural healthcare systems provide better care, and work to ensure we do not lose these critical facilities and services to preventable closures. We welcome this funding and are grateful for the continued federal support to help keep Maine people safe and healthy. By investing in the health and well-being of our rural communities, we are making an investment in the future of Maine.” Senators Collins and King have been staunch supporters of bolstering rural healthcare across Maine. Last summer, they joined bipartisan legislation to expand telehealth access through Medicare, making it easier for patients to connect with their providers. They also have advocated on behalf of rural seniors’ access to care and introduced the Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-provide-safe-firearm-storage-for-veterans,King Introduces Legislation to Provide Safe Firearm Storage for Veterans,2024-08-05,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King is introducing legislation to provide firearm storage to American veterans in an effort to reduce suicides among the veteran population. The Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act would create a grant program to provide free firearm lock boxes or gun safes on request to any veteran. The legislation would also require providers from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Community Care Network to complete mental health training on how to have basic conversations with veterans about their safety and access to lethal means, including firearms and medications. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in veterans under age 45 and, according to the most recent National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the vast majority of veteran suicide deaths — 72% in 2021 — involved a firearm. Increasing access to safety training programs and keeping firearms safely stored could be critical in efforts to reduce death by suicide, especially among veterans. “I often say Maine is one big small town connected by long roads and our amazing people are the heartbeat and pulse of this incredible Maine family,” said Senator King. “The Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act would create a grant program making money available to provide safe storage options for firearms. With service-based trauma on the rise, we must provide our veterans with as many resources as possible to keep them safe during their most challenging times. As our veteran community faces some of its greatest hurdles, this bill makes important investments in protecting our country’s best asset — its people.” More specifically, this legislation would: Require VHA providers, including Vet Center counselors, to do annual lethal means safety training. Require providers within the VA’s Community Care Network to do annual lethal means safety training. Require the VA to work with VSOs to provide information to veterans related to lethal means safety and safe storage options. Specifically, efforts would focus on suicide prevention and help veterans understand why their health care providers might ask about their access to lethal means — including firearms and medications — and highlight the importance of planning ahead to put space and time between thoughts of self-harm and access to lethal means. Create a grant program — modelled after a program implemented in Utah by the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs, Utah Department of Health and Human Service, and the Utah National Guard — to provide free firearm lock boxes to any veteran who wants one. The program would be authorized at $2 million annually for five years, and would provide grants of up to $100,000. Grants would be available to states, VSOs, non-profits, and tribes. No names or personal information would be collected and veterans seeking lock boxes will not be asked about their gun ownership status. In order to obtain a lock box, a veteran will only need to present their DD-214 or other approved method of confirming their veteran status. The legislation is supported by DAV, VFW, American Legion, Brady, Everytown, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), NAMI-Maine, Spurwink and the Wounded Warrior Project. ""Veterans who take their own lives overwhelmingly do so with a firearm. The Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act is a welcome step in the right direction that would mandate annual training for VA and community care network providers on safe gun storage and suicide prevention efforts,” said DAV National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “We know that time and space between a veteran and their firearm can be lifesaving, and we thank Sen. King for his leadership in introducing this bill."" “We commend Senator King for introducing the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Research suggests that one in four Veterans store firearms in an unsafe manner, increasing risk of suicide. By authorizing new federal funding to provide secure firearm storage devices, and requiring lethal means safety training for clinicians, this legislation will meaningfully reduce risk of suicide, protecting Veterans and their families.” ""This legislation plays a crucial role in reducing the stigma around mental health and normalizing conversations about it. By addressing these issues, it also helps bridge service gaps — considering that 35% of individuals who died by suicide had seen their primary care provider within a week of their death, and 64% had done so within the month prior,” said NAMI Maine Executive Director Jennifer Thompson. “By equipping those most likely to interact with veterans with the necessary tools and understanding, we are addressing a critical need in a way that is both approachable and culturally competent for our veteran community."" “Spurwink is dedicated to supporting our service members, veterans, and their families, and fully supports Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act which would ensure that clinicians serving our active military and veterans will receive essential training in lethal means education,” said Spurwink President and CEO Eric Meyer. “Such training would raise competency in delivering care to those at highest levels of risk.” Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Most recently, at the request of Senator King, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a new report breaking down suicide rates in the Armed Service by job function. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King has also held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a bipartisan letter calling for more support for victims of military sexual trauma, as well as a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that has unfortunately led to a high number of veteran suicides. A one-pager of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-make-primary-care-more-affordable,King Introduces Legislation to Make Primary Care More Affordable,2024-08-02,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King is introducing legislation to ensure Maine people have access to affordable and preventative mental health and behavioral healthcare services. The Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act would require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disorder treatment visits, without charging a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible-related fee. This common sense legislation would cover private insurance under Affordable Care Act (ACA) and employer-sponsored plans. Currently, the Federal Reserve estimates one-in-four Americans skip medical care due to cost — though more regular check-ups can often catch health issues early before they become costly problems. On average, primary care visits cost an average of $170 out of pocket and the cost of a single day of outpatient substance use treatment is estimated between $250 and $350. Under existing law, private group health plans, regulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), are not obligated to provide no-cost coverage for primary care, or mental and behavior health services. More than 180 million Americans receive health insurance coverage through employer-sponsored plans regulated by ERISA, who otherwise are not entitled to no or low-cost primary care. Over 46% of Maine people are covered through employer-sponsored plans. “Affordable and accessible healthcare is essential to keeping Maine people healthy,” said Senator King. “However, high or unexpected costs can often deter people from seeking care, such as annual preventative checkups that can identify health issues at an early stage. The Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act would require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three mental health visits — ensuring folks feel confident they can get the care they need without breaking the bank.” Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL) has introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives. The Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act is supported by the American Association on Health and Disability, Lakeshore Foundation, No Health Without Mental Health, Physician Assistant Education Association, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, International OCD Foundation, March of Dimes, American Psychological Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services Inc., Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, Faces & Voices of Recovery, National Behavioral Health Association of Providers, IC&RC and the National Association of Behavioral Healthcare. Senator King has consistently worked to reduce healthcare costs for Maine people. The Inflation Reduction Act has laid the groundwork for — and in some cases already implemented — long-term changes in federal policy that will keep people healthier and deliver higher quality care at a lower cost to patients. These benefits are delivered while simultaneously reducing the deficit by finally allowing Medicare to negotiating bulk discounts on the price it pays for prescription drugs. This will save taxpayers hundreds-of-billions. Additionally, Senator King has worked to reduce prescription drug costs. He has previously introduced legislation to prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses and also introduced bipartisan legislation to require price transparency in prescription drug advertisements. Most recently, he introduced the bipartisan Physician Fee Stabilization Act to protect seniors’ access to healthcare. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cassidy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-offering-tax-credits-to-working-waterfronts-affected-by-natural-disasters,"King, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill Offering Tax Credits to Working Waterfronts Affected by Natural Disasters",2024-08-01,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) are introducing bipartisan legislation to offer a disaster mitigation tax credit to working waterfronts located on the coasts and on navigable waterways. The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually. Senator King has been at the forefront of supporting working waterfronts as they face the effects of sea level rise and storm damage. Last winter, he joined the entire Maine Delegation in writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of Governor Janet Mills’ requests that they treat the multiple devastating winter storms as a disaster event for purposes of damage assessment and federal reimbursement for cleanup. This new legislation would ensure that working waterfront have the financial resources to shore up their infrastructure and prevent the oftentimes devastating consequences of natural disasters. “Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state’s success for generations,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts up and down the coast of Maine with the necessary financial resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. Thanks to Senator Cassidy for working with me to ensure our waterfront businesses have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.” “Let’s empower coastal businesses to invest in flood and disaster prevention before a storm hits,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Doing so protects our way of life, fishing and coastal industries, and the livelihoods of Louisiana families.” Working waterfronts are comprised of physical property (including support structures over water and other facilities) that provide access to navigable waters to persons engaged in commercial fishing, recreational fishing and boating businesses, boatbuilding, aquaculture, or other water-dependent business used for the purpose of supporting a water-dependent business. The tax credit would be available to any small business that operates a working waterfront. For example, a coastal business owner can use this tax credit to invest in business-related infrastructure to protect property so that it does not suffer damage from rising water and storms. “Island Institute is grateful to Senator Angus King for introducing this visionary piece of legislation. Maine’s working waterfront businesses will need all the tools they can get; this tax credit will be an important resource for small business owners, many of whom were affected by catastrophic January storms. This bill assures that small working waterfront businesses can take steps today that will help them to prepare for future impacts of climate change,” said Kimberly A. Hamilton, PhD, President of Island Institute. Senator King is a longtime supporter of working waterfronts and small businesses. He previously introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to reauthorize the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program, which would give small businesses the opportunity to take out low-interest loans for the purpose of proactively implementing mitigation measures that protect their property from future disaster-related damage. Most recently, he was named a 2024 Hero of Main Street for his support of small businesses across Maine. The full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-release-of-wrongfully-detained-americans-from-russian-prisons,King Statement on Release of Wrongfully Detained Americans from Russian Prisons,2024-08-01,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement after Bowdoin College graduate, Evan Gershkovich, and former United States Marine, Paul Whelan, were released from Russian custody in a historic prisoner swap involving seven countries: “I am ecstatic to hear the news that Americans, among them Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, have been released from Russia and are on their way home. For far too long, they have both been imprisoned arbitrarily as part of Putin’s global war on democracy and freedom of speech. “Journalism is not a crime — a free press is critical to the foundation of a democratic society and common human rights around the world. Since his graduation from Bowdoin College, Evan Gershkovich has committed himself to responsible, ethical journalism in all corners of the globe. Similarly, Paul Whelan’s attendance at a friend’s wedding in Moscow did not constitute criminality in any sense of the word. “Today, we are celebrating that Americans are coming home, but we must also recommit ourselves to securing the release of all Americans wrongfully detained or imprisoned abroad. As we face some of the greatest challenges on the geopolitical stage, let us remember that diplomacy is oftentimes a quiet, incremental process conducted carefully behind the scenes. It is a joyous day for the family members of the released prisoners and a milestone victory for the international diplomatic corps. On behalf of a grateful state, thank you to the President for bringing Evan and Paul home.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-kings-insistence-dod-releases-report-on-suicide-rates-by-job-function-in-the-armed-forces,"On King’s Insistence, DoD Releases Report on Suicide Rates by Job Function in the Armed Forces",2024-07-31,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Angus King, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is welcoming the results of a newly released report that examines suicide rates by job function in the Armed Forces. The report, requested by Senator King after working with a Maine constituent, identifies key trends to help the Department of Defense (DoD) address suicide risk amongst higher risk job specialties and identify underlying cultural issues affecting the mental health of America’s service members. According to the report, the most at-risk jobs in the Armed Services are infantry, ordnance disposal and diving, combat engineers, medical care specialists, and non-identified technical specialists. The DoD report, mandated by the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), studies rates of suicides in the Armed Forces by military occupational specialty during the time period beginning after September 11, 2001, and continuing to the present day, broken down by military occupational specialty, service, and grade. This legislative provision, and subsequent reports are based on input from a Maine constituent and will now be mandated in all future DoD Suicide Prevention Reports. “Maine has one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the United States, and when I meet with constituents across Maine, I always ask them what I can do better to help our servicemembers and veterans,” said Senator King. “This newly released Department of Defense report, requested at the suggestion of a smart and savvy Maine veteran, will ensure that the DoD has the most accurate information to help address the risk of suicide amongst the highest risk groups of the Armed Forces while addressing underlying cultural challenges. These key findings show trends that will guide the DoD in its efforts to curb suicide rates and hopefully save lives.” The report finds that enlisted service members with the occupation code 101 (Infantry) had higher suicide mortality rates than those from 21 other occupation codes. The Infantry code was followed by service members with the occupation code 143 (ordnance disposal and diving) and occupation code 103 (combat engineers). Medical care specialists and non-identified technical specialists followed. Additionally, 14 occupation codes had evidence of a higher suicide mortality rates as compared to the civilian U.S. adult population. Of these, the three groups with the highest adjusted rates were occupation codes 102 (armor and amphibious), 101 (Infantry), and 103 (combat engineering). Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a bipartisan letter calling for more support for victims of military sexual trauma, as well as a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that has unfortunately led to a high number of veteran suicides. The full report can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kids-online-safety-act-cosponsored-by-collins-king-passes-the-senate,"Kids Online Safety Act Cosponsored by Collins, King Passes the Senate",2024-07-30,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King welcomed the Senate passage of bipartisan legislation they cosponsored to better protect kids online. The Kids Online Safety Act will provide kids and parents with new tools to protect minors online, hold Big Tech accountable for harm to kids, and provide transparency into these companies’ proprietary algorithms. The bill passed in a vote of 91-3. “Far too many children across the nation are at risk online. We must ensure that our laws keep up with constantly evolving technology and provide parents with the tools necessary to protect their children,” said Senators Collins and King. “We thank the Senate for moving quickly to vote on legislation that will spur tech companies to step up their efforts to protect children, and hope the House passes this bill swiftly. As the technology continues to evolve, this bill will also provide insight into online platform algorithms, aligning with the growing consumer demand for transparency.” The Kids Online Safety Act is strongly supported by a broad coalition of parents who have tragically lost their children or whose kids have been severely harmed by Big Tech, young people who want to regain control over their online lives, and hundreds of advocacy groups and experts who study and see the negative effects of social media firsthand in their communities. The growing group of bill supporters includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Nintendo of America, Christian Camp and Conference Association, Microsoft, The Foundation United, Parents for Safe Online Spaces (ParentsSOS), Snap, Street Grace, and X. Senators Collins and King have been a longstanding advocate of protecting children online. Senator Collins was an original cosponsor for the Stop Enabling sex Traffickers Act that was signed into law in 2018. This law helps federal law enforcement combat criminal activities by shutting down websites that host ads for the heinous crime of sex trafficking, including child sex trafficking. Additionally, Senator King is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Kids off Social Media Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act—two pieces of legislation that set safeguards, require transparency reports, and protect children from the non-consensual collection of personal data that could be used to exploit or manipulate them. The bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-named-a-2024-hero-of-main-street-for-support-of-maines-small-businesses,King Named a 2024 ‘Hero of Main Street’ for Support of Maine’s Small Businesses,2024-07-30,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has been recognized as a 2024 “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation (NRF) for his support of small businesses across Maine. The “Hero of Main Street” award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize a bipartisan group of lawmakers for their support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. In Maine, the retail industry supports more than 245,000 local jobs and contributes more than $21 billion in economic activity. “Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s economy — when Main Street succeeds, Maine succeeds,” said Senator King. “When we patronize small businesses and retail entrepreneurs, we are making a concerted effort to energize and strengthen our local and state economies. I truly appreciate this ‘Hero of Main Street’ award and will use this opportunity to continue highlighting the incredible businesses across Maine.” “The retail industry directly impacts every congressional district in the United States, providing goods, services and American jobs,” said David French, NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations. “NRF is honored to recognize Senator King as a ‘Hero of Main Street’ for his continued support of the retail industry through legislative action and leadership.” NRF Hero of Main Street award eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance the industry’s priorities. Senator King has been a champion for Maine’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. In 2020, his bipartisan bill to reform the Paycheck Protection Program to make it usable passed the Senate and was signed into law. He also introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to help small businesses better prepare for natural disasters. Previously, he joined a bipartisan agreement that would improve the U.S. financial regulatory framework, promote economic growth, provide new protections to consumers, and strengthen small financial institutions in Maine. He also led the Reinforcing American-Made Products Act, which would reduce the burden on Maine manufacturers by establishing a national “Made in America” standard. Most recently, he joined his colleagues in urging federal banking regulators to better protect small businesses. This spring, he was also recognized as a 2024 “Fiscal Hero” by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-technologies-win-wars-emphasizes-king-in-armed-services-hearing,“New Technologies Win Wars” Emphasizes King in Armed Services Hearing,2024-07-30,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King called on the Department of Defense (DoD) to fast-track its adoption of new technologies in order to allow America’s armed services to compete on the global stage more effectively. In an exchange with Jane Harman, Chair of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy, King questioned why the DoD’s budget for directed energy has significantly fallen in recent years as the low-cost technology has increasingly been utilized by foes, after highlighting the historical correlation between countries that adapt early to new technologies and their ability to succeed in global conflicts. During his line of questioning, Senator King received strong agreement from Chair Harman about the DoD’s need to move faster than the “speed of bureaucracy.” “The first country to adapt new technologies generally wins wars; Genghis Khan and the stirrup, the long bow at the battle of Agincourt, the tank in World War I, radar in World War II. We are systematically missing technologies — it is one of the great failures of the last 10 or 15 years in our defense structure. Directed energy, hypersonics, AI, cyber, information warfare, we're woefully behind in every one of those,” said Senator King. “We are shooting down $20,000 Houthi missiles with $4.3 million missiles of our own — that’s ridiculous The budget for directed energy in the defense department has fallen by half in the last three years. Representative Harman, is it systematic legacy thinking? What is the problem? Why did we miss these obvious technologies” “Well, you have heard us say that the Pentagon is moving at the speed of bureaucracy,” replied Chair Harman. “I think it is legacy systems, old think, and I think congress is somewhat — ” “I think it’s legacy thinking,” responded Senator King. “Legacy thinking, fine, but I think congress is somewhat complicit in the way the budget process doesn't work and this insistence on requirements and oversight rather than what is the problem set we are solving for which is how the tech sector thinks,” said Chair Harman. “I've been making a comment about DIU — the Defense Innovation Unit that was set up by the late Secretary Ash Carter, that maybe we should outsource the Pentagon to DIU, which is ably headed by someone named Doug Beck, who had 11-years experience in the private sector, because they know how to think about this. I couldn't agree with you more. The budget of DIU is $1 billion out of $850 billion.” “And it's technologies that win wars — new technologies,” replied Senator King. “Right. I'm in violent agreement with you. He says he can leverage that into $50 billion of commercial investment, but that is still a pittance compared to the kind of change we need to undergo, not just at the Pentagon, but the Pentagon lashed up with other government agencies, with the tech sector, and with partners and allies. That is our point about all elements of national power that will win the next war,” agreed Chair Harman. A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues who has also been named a “fiscal hero” by government watchdogs for responsible spending. As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Strategic Forces — which oversees the United States’ strategic forces and missile defense — Senator King has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries. Senator King recently expressed concern about the emerging threats of Russia and China’s development of “nightmare weapon” hypersonic missiles, which he has described as “strategic game-changers.” Earlier this year, Senator King urged the DoD to take advantage of private sector technologies or risk losing access to innovative defense technologies. In a recent SASC hearing, he again encouraged the DoD to adopt smart spending practices when it comes to developing defense technologies and other products. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-bill-fighting-online-deep-fakes-passes-senate-unanimously,King Bill Fighting Online “Deep Fakes” Passes Senate Unanimously,2024-07-29,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) welcomed news that his legislation fighting online “deep fakes” has passed the Senate unanimously. The bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) will protect Americans from sexually-explicit “deepfake” forgeries of their image or likeness, and permit victims to sue perpetrators for up to $150,000. This focuses on fake visual depictions created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), or any other computer-generated or technological means to falsely appear to be authentic. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public and produced without the consent of the person depicted. A 2019 study found that 96 percent of deepfake videos were nonconsensual pornography. “Artificial intelligence has the potential to dramatically improve and transform our way of life, but also introduces next generation threats that could be harmful to the American public, some of which could have catastrophic effects,“ said Senator King. “The DEFIANCE Act will ensure that any American subject to AI-generated, sexually explicit content online can defend themselves and hold the perpetrators accountable. In the ever-evolving world of technology and artificial intelligence, we must be able to protect ourselves from people with bad intentions. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to see the broad support this bill has and pass it swiftly, so we can better protect innocent Americans from having their lives and reputations thrown into chaos.” Extremely powerful frontier AI could be misused by foreign adversaries, terrorists, and less sophisticated bad actors to cause widespread harm to the American public and threaten U.S. national security. While Congress considers how to approach new technology developments, Congress must prioritize AI’s potential implications. New laws or regulations should protect America’s competitive edge and avoid discouraging innovation and discovery. In addition to Senator King, the DEFIANCE Act was cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Mike Lee (R-UT). Senator King has been a leading voice in fighting threats from technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission – which has had dozens of recommendations become law since its launch in 2019. As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees, Senator King has been a strong supporter of increased watermarking regulations. In a September 2023 open Intelligence Committee hearing, King asked Dr. Yann LeCun – a New York University Professor of Computer Science and Data Science at New York University – about what is technologically feasible in terms of implementing watermarks (a small icon or caption) for users to discern between real and artificially created content. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act legislation includes a Senator King-led provision to evaluate technology, including applications, tools, and models, to detect and watermark generative artificial intelligence. Additionally, he had an exchange during a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, where he raised the question of what Congress and the private sector can do to combat fake and misinformation online. Most recently he joined a group of his colleagues in demanding answers from AI research company OpenAI after reports surfaced of safety and security concerns. A one-pager of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-july-podcast-king-discusses-importance-of-rural-access-to-broadband,"In July Podcast, King Discusses Importance of Rural Access to Broadband",2024-07-27,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Co-Chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, today released the July episode of his “Inside Maine” podcast, in which he highlighted the importance of expanding affordable high-speed internet access in rural communities as well as the work being done at the state and federal levels to bolster connectivity. During the podcast, Andrew Butcher, President of the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), joined Senator King to share his perspective on the importance of broadband accessibility and to provide an update on the various federal programs that are supporting broadband expansion across the state. Later in the podcast, Senator King spoke with Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) about federal broadband expansion efforts in his state and the impacts on rural communities in both Maine and West Virginia. “Access to broadband is critically important for Maine people to go to work, attend school and receive medical care,” said Senator King. “In a digital world, high-speed internet is more important than ever — but getting online is not always easy to do, especially for those who live in rural communities. I am proud to work alongside my colleague Senator Manchin to ensure folks in every corner of the country have access to affordable, reliable internet, and want to thank Andrew Butcher for his work to create a more connected Maine.” A graduate of both American University and Carnegie Mellon University, Andrew Butcher moved to Maine in 2017. Since then, he served as the Director of the Maine Broadband Coalition, co-leading the successful effort to pass Governor Mills’ 2020 bond proposal providing $15 million to expand broadband. He also partnered with the Maine Technology Institute, the Connect Maine Authority, and the Maine Community Foundation to oversee data collection to support broadband deployment. In January 2022, after the Maine legislature confirmed his appointment, Butcher was sworn in by Governor Janet Mills as the first President of the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA). He currently lives in Portland with his wife and two children. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin was sworn into the United States Senate on November 15, 2010, after serving as both a state legislator for 14 years and Governor for six years. Much like Senator King, Joe Manchin is committed to restoring the spirit of bipartisanship in Washington. Senator Manchin currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and also serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Born and raised in Farmington, West Virginia, Senator Manchin provides first-hand perspective on the influence of broadband access on rural, U.S. communities. Senator King is longstanding advocate for the expansion of broadband access; his first op-ed as a Senate candidate in 2012 was to tout the potential of statewide connectivity. He introduced the Digital Equity Act of 2021, creating new federal investments toward programs promoting digital equity, and went on to be a key negotiator in securing $65 billion toward broadband infrastructure as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. This year, Senator King cosponsored the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 to continue the ACP and ensure that nearly 100,000 households in Maine can stay connected to the internet. The ""Inside Maine"" podcast airs on the last Saturday of the month on Portland Newsradio WGAN. The podcast aims to keep Maine people informed about issues affecting life in the state and how they factor into Senator King’s work. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bicameral-legislation-to-prohibit-pharmaceutical-drug-advertising,King Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Prohibit Pharmaceutical Drug Advertising,2024-07-26,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing legislation with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) to prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs. The Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act would prohibit direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of a new drug in the first three years after the drug receives Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The FDA could waive the third year of this prohibition if an affirmative value to public health is determined, or extend the prohibition if the drug has significant adverse health effects. The legislation comes as the world comes together to watch the 2024 Olympics which begins today. Drug advertisers use these tentpole moments, with millions of eyes on TV screens, to persuade and mislead consumers about specific drugs which can be costlier to patients, and hazardous to their health. In fact, NBCUniversal is on track to air more than $1 billion of advertisements in the United States throughout the 2024 Olympic Games. The United States is one of only two developed nations to allow DTC advertising for prescription drugs. “The widespread use of direct-to-consumer advertising by pharmaceutical companies drives up costs and doesn’t necessarily make patients healthier. It is misleading and frankly not safe for Maine people and all Americans looking for specific treatments to their conditions,” said Senator King. “The Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act would prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising of recently approved pharmaceutical drugs to protect people over profits — because all those advertising expenses end up being passed down to consumers. This bill is a great step to ensure that patients are getting the best information possible: we can start by making sure newly-approved drugs aren’t allowed to immediately flood the market with ads before we fully understand their impact on the general public.” “Americans are facing rising costs, and direct-to-consumer advertising exacerbates this,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “In fact, we know drug manufacturers have historically spent more money on advertising new drugs driving up the cost to the consumer. When several of the largest pharmaceutical companies did not pay taxes in 2023, it is despicable that they will continue targeting unsuspecting consumers with non-stop advertising, when they should be informed by healthcare providers, not advertising executives. The Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act would prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising for recently approved drugs for three years — lowering costs for families and ensuring that Americans get the most accurate information possible on new drugs on the market, not self-interested spin from advertisers.” However, companies then started to market their drugs directly to consumers through advertisements. To date, federal law does not require the FDA to approve advertisements before they are released to the public. The only major requirements, as recently finalized through FDA regulations, are that advertised information must be presented in consumer-friendly language that is readily understandable. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Peter Welch (D-VT). Senator King has been a leader in working to reduce prescription drug costs and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the content of their ads. He has previously introduced legislation to prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses and also introduced bipartisan legislation to require price transparency in prescription drug advertisements. Senator King has also supported a number of commonsense bills to drive down the costs of prescription medication in the United States including the historic Inflation Reduction Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-demand-answers-from-openai-following-reports-of-safety-and-secrecy-concerns,"King, Colleagues Demand Answers From OpenAI Following Reports of Safety and Secrecy Concerns",2024-07-25,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following reports from whistleblowers and former employees at OpenAI voicing safety and security concerns, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined four of his colleagues in calling on artificial intelligence (AI) research company OpenAI to honor its “public promises and mission” regarding essential safety standards. Since its founding in 2015, OpenAI has branded itself as a safety-conscious and responsible research organization. In the letter to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the senators highlight recent reporting that OpenAI whistleblowers and former employees have sounded alarms about OpenAI’s focus on ‘shiny products’ over safety and societal impacts, allowing AI systems to be deployed without adequate safety review and insufficient cybersecurity — as well as possible retribution against former employees who publicly air concerns. The senators also ask whether OpenAI’s commitments on AI safety remain in effect and request that the company reform its non-disparagement agreement practices that could deter whistleblowers from coming forward. “We write to you regarding recent reports about OpenAI’s safety and employment practices. OpenAI has announced a guiding commitment to the safe, secure, and responsible development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public interest. These reports raise questions about how OpenAI is addressing emerging safety concerns,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Given OpenAI’s position as a leading AI company, it is important that the public can trust in the safety and security of its systems. This includes the integrity of the company’s governance structure and safety testing, its employment practices, its fidelity to its public promises and mission, and its cybersecurity policies.” According to reports, the company has failed to honor its public commitment to allocate 20-percent of computing resources to AI safety, reassigned long-term AI safety team members, and required departing employees to sign life-long non-disparagement agreements under threats of taking back previously earned compensation. On the letter, Senator King was joined by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Mark Warner (D-VA). Senator King has been a leading voice in fighting threats from emerging technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission — which has had dozens of recommendations become law since its launch in 2019. As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees, Senator King has been a strong supporter of increased watermarking regulations. In a September 2023 open Intelligence hearing, King asked Dr. Yann LeCun — a New York University Professor of Computer Science and Data Science at New York University — about what is technologically feasible in terms of implementing watermarks (a small icon or caption) for users to discern between real and artificially created content. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act legislation includes a Senator King-led provision to evaluate technology, including applications, tools, and models, to detect and watermark generative artificial intelligence. Most recently, he joined the bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) that would allow victims to sue perpetrators for up to $150,000 who create and share fake visual depictions to falsely appear to be authentic. During a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, where he raised the question of what Congress and the private sector can do to combat fake and misinformation online. Most recently, he introduced legislation to combat non-consensual deep fake explicit images online. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Mr. Altman, We write to you regarding recent reports about OpenAI’s safety and employment practices. OpenAI has announced a guiding commitment to the safe, secure, and responsible development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public interest. These reports raise questions about how OpenAI is addressing emerging safety concerns. We seek additional information from OpenAI about the steps that the company is taking to meet its public commitments on safety, how the company is internally evaluating its progress on those commitments, and on the company’s identification and mitigation of cybersecurity threats. Safe and secure AI is widely viewed as vital to the nation’s economic competitiveness and geopolitical standing in the twenty-first century. Moreover, OpenAI is now partnering with the U.S. government and national security and defense agencies to develop cybersecurity tools to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure. National and economic security are among the most important responsibilities of the United States Government, and unsecure or otherwise vulnerable AI systems are not acceptable. Given OpenAI’s position as a leading AI company, it is important that the public can trust in the safety and security of its systems. This includes the integrity of the company’s governance structure and safety testing, its employment practices, its fidelity to its public promises and mission, and its cybersecurity policies. The voluntary commitments that you and other leading AI companies made with the White House last year were an important step towards building this trust. We therefore request the following information by August 13, 2024: Does OpenAI plan to honor its previous public commitment to dedicate 20 percent of its computing resources to research on AI safety? If so, describe the steps that OpenAI has, is, or will take to dedicate 20 percent of its computing resources to research on AI safety. If not, what is the percentage of computing resources that OpenAI is dedicating to AI safety research? Can you confirm that your company will not enforce permanent non-disparagement agreements for current and former employees? Can you further commit to removing any other provisions from employment agreements that could be used to penalize employees who publicly raise concerns about company practices, such as the ability to prevent employees from selling their equity in private “tender offer” events? If not, please explain why, and any internal protections in place to ensure that these provisions are not used to financially disincentivize whistleblowers. Does OpenAI have procedures in place for employees to raise concerns about cybersecurity and safety? How are those concerns addressed once they are raised? Have OpenAI employees raised concerns about the company’s cybersecurity practices? What security and cybersecurity protocols does OpenAI have in place, or plan to put in place, to prevent malicious actors or foreign adversaries from stealing an AI model, research, or intellectual property from OpenAI? The OpenAI Supplier Code of Conduct requires your suppliers to implement strict non-retaliation policies and provide whistleblowers channels for reporting concerns without fear of reprisal. Does OpenAI itself follow these practices? If yes, describe OpenAI’s non-retaliation policies and whistleblower reporting channels, and to whom those channels report. Does OpenAI allow independent experts to test and assess the safety and security of OpenAI’s systems pre-release? Does the company currently plan to involve independent experts on safe and responsible AI development in its safety and security testing and evaluation processes, procedures, and techniques, and in its governance structure, such as in its safety and security committee? Will OpenAI commit to making its next foundation model available to U.S. Government agencies for pre-deployment testing, review, analysis, and assessment? What are OpenAI’s post-release monitoring practices? What patterns of misuse and safety risks have your teams observed after the deployment of your most recently released large language models? What scale must such risks reach for your monitoring practices to be highly likely to catch them? Please share your learnings from post-deployment measurements and the steps taken to incorporate them into improving your policies, systems, and model updates. Do you plan to make retrospective impact assessments of your already-deployed models available to the public? Please provide documentation on how OpenAI plans to meet its voluntary safety and security commitments to the Biden-Harris administration. Thank you very much for your attention to these matters. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-on-decision-to-not-attend-netanyahu-speech-to-joint-session-of-congress,King Releases Statement on Decision to Not Attend Netanyahu Speech to Joint Session of Congress,2024-07-24,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to a joint session of Congress: “While I am and always have been an unwavering supporter of Israel — and Israel’s right to defend itself and defeat Hamas after October 7 — I strongly disagree with the Netanyahu government’s initial conduct of the war and, especially, its current lack of postwar planning for Gaza and the risks that poses to long-term regional stability. For this reason I have made the decision to not attend today’s Joint Session of Congress. “I did not make this decision lightly. For nearly 10 months, the Israeli people have been fighting a war they did not start and a war that they did not want. And for those same 10 months, Hamas has been using fellow Palestinians as human shields and holding innocent civilians hostage, including several Americans and those of other nationalities. I understand Prime Minister Netanyahu’s frustration and love for country, but I do not agree with his apparent unwillingness to plan for post-war Gaza, and, in fact, believe that his failure to do so has done serious harm to Israel as well as prospects for long-term peace in the region. “It's not an overstatement to say that this is one of the most deep-seated and complex conflicts in the modern world. But its complexity does not eliminate a simple human truth: civilian casualties are always to be avoided to the maximum extent possible, and civilian pain and suffering addressed. “I recognize that the Israeli Defense Forces significantly changed their military approach earlier this year shortly after I met with the Prime Minister and Defense Minister in Tel Aviv and indeed operations in Gaza have been more targeted and less destructive in the last six months of the war compared to the first three months, but the government’s failure to full cooperate in addressing the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza remains deeply problematic. “On the day of the attack, I stood fully beside Israel, saying ‘America's support of our allies must be steadfast and crystal clear, as should our priorities: justice, not revenge, for those who planned and committed these evil acts.’ As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu directly during my visit to Israel in January, however, the way in which he had chosen to conduct the war to that point had harmed Israel on the international stage more than it was working to dismantle Hamas. Further, this approach has not yet been successful in bringing the hostages home. “Under Netanyahu’s leadership, while the war in Gaza has led to the deaths of thousands of Hamas fighters, it has also contributed to the death of thousands of innocent civilians, severe food shortages and dire humanitarian conditions. “My absence today is by no means intended to indicate any wavering in my belief that Hamas must be defeated, but is meant to convey the deep concerns and reservations I have about the lack of post-war planning and concerns that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions have diminished Israel’s standing in the community of nations without providing Gazans with an alternative to their current destructive leadership. “As the only Jewish state, Israel has an existential right and a responsibility to defend itself – which is why I joined 78 of my colleagues in voting for the supplemental defense aid bill to help Israel, as well as Ukraine and Taiwan, protect themselves. But I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s failure to engage on the issues of the status of Palestinian people after Gaza is not serving the interests of Israel’s long-term stability and the region’s interest in a lasting peace. While I will always continue to be a friend of Israel, I cannot support the Prime Minister on his current course and therefore will not be in attendance today.” A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. He has continuously supported Israel’s right to defend itself from the October 7th terrorist attack. Senator King has also stressed the need to reduce civilian casualties in its effort to defeat Hamas. In a November 2023 letter, King and his colleagues pressed for answers on how assistance would advance efforts to engage with Israel, Egypt, and the broader international community to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-conclusion-of-army-reserve-and-army-ig-investigations-into-lewiston-shooting-maine-delegation-urges-dod-to-swiftly-implement-recommended-actions,"At Conclusion of Army Reserve and Army IG Investigations into Lewiston Shooting, Maine Delegation Urges DoD to Swiftly Implement Recommended Actions",2024-07-23,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden are urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to immediately implement the actions recommended as a result of the Army Reserve and Army Inspector General investigations following the Lewiston shooting. For instance, in the letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the Delegation calls on the DoD to update its Psychological Health Program Standard Operating Procedures, its assessments of transition programs, and other similar and related programs. Additionally, the letter urges DoD to take immediate steps to determine whether or not the medical facility that treated the gunman provided adequate care. “The U.S. Army Reserve Command’s AR 15-6 investigation and the U.S. Army Inspector General’s subsequent review identified multiple recommendations that—if followed—will benefit the Department of Defense as it provides care for service members. While we continue to press for change, we feel a sense of frustration because, truthfully, recommendations are nothing without action,” the Delegation wrote. The Delegation continued, “Therefore, we are deeply interested in how your office intends to implement these recommendations, as well as the timeline for implementation. This is life and death and, as we have seen over the past few years, delays can be costly. For instance, the AR 15-6 memorandum explains that the U.S. Army Reserve ‘averaged 44 suicides over the past four calendar years, which necessitates a better response to mental health.’ Moreover, the Defense Health Agency has a responsibility to determine if Four Winds, where SFC Card had been a patient, failed to provide adequate treatment and, if so, to take appropriate action.” “Multiple recommended policy changes for the U.S. Army Reserve Command are included in the reports as well,” the Delegation wrote. “Such recommendations include updates to the Psychological Health Program Standard Operating Procedures and initiation procedures for Line of Duty Evaluations, as well as assessments of the Army Reserve Warrior Transition Support Program and the impact of establishing an Army Reserve Behavioral Health Liaison, among others. Additionally, the Inspector General’s report recommends expanding the Army Suicide Prevention Program to encompass broader behavioral health emergencies, as well as policy provisions to better facilitate Reserve commanders’ coordination with military treatment facilities.” “While we cannot undo this tragedy, we can do our best to learn from past errors. We urge you to implement the recommendations from the AR 15-6 and Inspector General reviews immediately, and your office should carefully assess which recommendations should be implemented across the entire force,” the Delegation concluded. Following the October 2023 shooting, the Maine delegation sent two letters to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, calling for a comprehensive review of the events surrounding the shooting. The Inspector General later announced she would conduct a formal, independent investigation into the events leading up to the shooting which has already been completed. This is in addition to the review being conducted by the Army Reserve pursuant to Army regulations. Earlier this year, the delegation announced the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will receive over $2 million in funding for community mental health needs in the greater-Lewiston community. The full text of the letter can be found here or read in full below: +++ Dear Secretary Austin: On October 25, 2023, a senseless act of violence killed 18 civilians and wounded 13 others in Lewiston, Maine. The shooter was Sergeant First Class Robert R. Card, II. The tragedy destroyed families and sent ripple effects across not only the Lewiston community and the state of Maine, but across the entire nation as well. At this critical juncture, we must ensure that we take appropriate action in the wake of such tragedies in the hope that we can prevent them in the future. The U.S. Army Reserve Command’s AR 15-6 investigation and the U.S. Army Inspector General’s subsequent review identified multiple recommendations that—if followed—will benefit the Department of Defense as it provides care for service members. While we continue to press for change, we feel a sense of frustration because, truthfully, recommendations are nothing without action. Therefore, we are deeply interested in how your office intends to implement these recommendations, as well as the timeline for implementation. This is life and death and, as we have seen over the past few years, delays can be costly. For instance, the AR 15-6 memorandum explains that the U.S. Army Reserve “averaged 44 suicides over the past four calendar years, which necessitates a better response to mental health.” Moreover, the Defense Health Agency has a responsibility to determine if Four Winds, where SFC Card had been a patient, failed to provide adequate treatment and, if so, to take appropriate action. Additional recommendations include directed mandatory refresher training on HIPAA. While the review recommends this specifically for Command Teams and Legal Teams of the 108th Training Command, perhaps this (and similar recommendations) should be incorporated across the entire force. Understanding the applicable legal framework is critical to effective decision-making, and we must equip our leaders, at all levels, with the tools to act effectively and decisively. Multiple recommended policy changes for the U.S. Army Reserve Command are included in the reports as well. Such recommendations include updates to the Psychological Health Program Standard Operating Procedures and initiation procedures for Line of Duty Evaluations, as well as assessments of the Army Reserve Warrior Transition Support Program and the impact of establishing an Army Reserve Behavioral Health Liaison, among others. Additionally, the Inspector General’s report recommends expanding the Army Suicide Prevention Program to encompass broader behavioral health emergencies, as well as policy provisions to better facilitate Reserve commanders’ coordination with military treatment facilities. We support these recommendations, among others, as all are critical in taking steps to provide effective care and prevent future violence. These reviews make clear that more could have been done in the case of SFC Card. While we cannot undo this tragedy, we can do our best to learn from past errors. We urge you to implement the recommendations from the AR 15-6 and Inspector General reviews immediately, and your office should carefully assess which recommendations should be implemented across the entire force. We look forward to hearing from you, and we request regular briefings on the actions the Department is taking. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-introduction-of-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-cybersecurity-in-health-care,King Leads Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Improve Cybersecurity in Health Care,2024-07-22,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, is leading the introduction of a bipartisan bill to improve cybersecurity in health care. The Healthcare Cybersecurity Act would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate on improving cybersecurity and make resources available to non-federal entities relating to cyber threat indicators and appropriate defense measures. It would also create a special liaison to HHS within CISA who would coordinate during cybersecurity incidents. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN). Recent reporting has indicated an exponential increase in cybersecurity attacks against healthcare systems across the country, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In 2023, approximately 133 million people had their health data, such as Medicare beneficiary data, social security numbers, and medical records breached. In Maine, Northern Light Health computers were compromised via a server breach, but patient records were not affected. Northern Light Health is one of the latest Maine health care systems, including Mount Desert Island Hospital and others, to become victim to a cyber attack — underscoring the importance of strong cybersecurity efforts to protect Maine patients from bad actors. “Healthcare cyberattacks are a growing threat nationwide, and also hit home for Maine, where several major healthcare systems have been compromised in recent years due to cybercrimes,” said Senator King, co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. “These attacks and breaches of data can literally mean the difference between life and death for patients, significantly impact hospital operations, and — with the average hack costing millions to address — increase healthcare prices across the board. The bipartisan Healthcare Cybersecurity Act will take important steps toward protecting patients’ data and healthcare provider capabilities, and bolstering our cybersecurity infrastructure and response.” “In recent years, hospitals and other health care facilities in Indiana and across America have experienced a dramatic increase in cyberattacks,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan bill will take critical steps to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and better protect patients’ personal data.” “The health care industry is still reeling from recent cyberattacks, and rural and small health care entities in Nevada have been particularly affected,” said Senator Rosen. “It’s imperative that we take measures to improve cybersecurity in the health care sector to prevent data breaches and protect Nevadans, which is why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation. I’ll keep working to strengthen the cybersecurity of this critical sector and keep people safe from malicious actors.” As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyberdefense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyberstrategy that emphasizes layered cyberdeterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director. Together with Solarium Co-Chair Representative Mike Gallagher, King previously urged the Biden Administration to better protect the public health sector from cyber threats and called for stronger, collaborative efforts to address the growing threat. Most recently, Senator King introduced the bipartisan Strengthening Cybersecurity in Health Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) perform consistent evaluations of its cybersecurity systems, and provide biannual reports on its current practices and progress on future safety procedures it is working to implement. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-in-response-to-president-biden-ending-presidential-campaign,King Releases Statement in Response to President Biden Ending Presidential Campaign,2024-07-21,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement in response to President Biden’s announcement ending his presidential campaign: “In his farewell address, George Washington said, ‘that, in withdrawing the tender of service which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect.’ Like our first president, Joe Biden recognizes that the presidency is not about one person, or one party. It’s about the American people. And today, in one of the most challenging geopolitical moments in history, the American people are in need of a new leader who can take on those abroad who are trying to destroy freedom and democracy, while also meeting our challenges here at home and ensuring our nation lives up to its highest ideals. “President Biden’s decision to step aside from his reelection run will cement his legacy among some of the greatest statesmen in our country’s history. Biden’s decision today continues his sound commitment to service and is the ultimate act of patriotism.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/presque-isle-native-jordyn-madore-named-regional-representative-for-aroostook-county,Presque Isle Native Jordyn Madore Named Regional Representative for Aroostook County,2024-07-19,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King has announced that Presque Isle native, Jordyn Madore, has been promoted to Regional Representative for Aroostook County. Madore, who has been working with Senator King for seven years, will also continue to serve as a Constituent Services Representative in Aroostook County. “I am excited to announce the promotion of Jordyn Madore to Regional Representative for Aroostook County, a hard-earned and well-deserved reward for her tireless commitment to the people of Aroostook County,” said Senator King. “From her time working with community support organizations to her philanthropic work, Jordyn represents the very best of Maine. I know that with her deep ties to Presque Isle and passion for her community, Jordyn will provide the very best service to all Maine people in Aroostook County. I look forward to seeing all the great work she will continue to do on behalf of our state as she takes on this new role.” Jordyn Madore, a Presque Isle native and graduate of Presque Isle High School, attended the University of Maine at Farmington, where she received her Bachelor of Science in K-8 Elementary and Special Education. She returned to The County in 2012 where she put her degree to use working as a behavioral health and community support worker for children and families throughout the area. She then began her role as Program Coordinator for Aroostook Aspirations Initiative’s internship and scholar program. In 2017, she joined Senator King in his Aroostook County office as a Constituent Services Representative where she works directly with constituents to ensure they have access to their elected Member of Congress. She also assists with resolving issues pertaining to federal agencies. In her spare time, Jordyn is a passionate volunteer and is involved in several community organizations. She is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Presque Isle, where she served as 2023 – 2024 Club President and currently serves as the club's Youth and Literacy Committee Chair. Jordyn is also an Executive Committee member for the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest where she is responsible for coordinating festival activities, volunteers, and events. Previously, she served in leadership roles with the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee and Relay For Life of Aroostook efforts. Earlier this summer, Senator King announced Sharon Campbell would serve as State Director. She previously served as the Regional Representative for Senator King’s office in Aroostook County. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-urge-usda-action-to-protect-americas-potato-crops,"Collins, King Urge USDA Action to Protect America’s Potato Crops",2024-07-18,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined 16 of their Senate colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack expressing their serious concerns about the potential of potato wart spreading from potato imports originating from Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI). In the letter, the Senators urged for the implementation of additional mitigation measures to prevent introduction into the United States. Potato wart is a highly destructive disease that can spread via infected potatoes and soil, reduce crop yields, and make potatoes unmarketable domestically or internationally. There is currently no treatment available to eliminate it from contaminated farmland where it can persist in the soil for decades. “If potato wart should enter the United States, our farmers and the communities they support will be economically devastated,” the Senators wrote. “Given that twenty percent of our potato crop—valued at over $2 billion—is exported, we cannot allow introduction of a disease that would shut off access to international markets, and also curtail domestic production and sales.” Despite current USDA regulations identifying soil testing as the most effective tool to detect potato wart, the USDA does not require testing of PEI fields prior to potatoes being cleared for export to the U.S. In order to protect this crucial American crop and those who depend on it for salary or sustenance, the senators urged the USDA to take swift action to mitigate the potato wart risk associated with imports from PEI by taking three actions: Restrict bulk shipments into the United States to smaller-size packages: Bulk shipments of potatoes into the United States are often broken down into smaller sizes at intermediate facilities within the United States prior to being shipped across the country. During this repacking process, a substantial amount of waste is generated, which can then transmit the potato wart disease. USDA should limit these large bulk shipments to smaller sizes (20 pounds or less), so that any waste that occurs during the repacking process is significantly retained in Canada. Limit large retail shipments and ensure consumers know they are for consumption rather than cultivation: The U.S. potato industry is concerned that sales of retail (table stock) potatoes may result in consumers unknowingly planting infected potatoes in home gardens, without proper mitigation strategies, and unintentionally spreading potato wart. USDA should limit retail shipments to consumer pack sizes and take steps to ensure the American public is fully informed of the risks associated with cultivation. Control the waste generated by processing facilities: Potato processing generates a significant amount of waste product, which, again, can transmit the potato wart disease. Any processing facilities using PEI potatoes should operate under the supervision of USDA and include the treatment of biohazard waste. Such compliance agreements should prohibit the conversion of waste potatoes into livestock feed, because the process could embed potato wart into agricultural land. In addition to Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), James Risch (R-ID), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jon Tester (D-MT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Boozman (R-AR), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Patty Murray (D-WA). The complete text of the letter can be read here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-611000-for-upgrades-to-presque-isle-international-airport,"Collins, King Announce More Than $611,000 for Upgrades to Presque Isle International Airport",2024-07-15,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Presque Isle International Airport is being awarded grant funding for infrastructure upgrades. The Department of Transportation awards, totaling $611,647, will support the construction of a new 15,000 square yard terminal apron to accommodate increased use of larger scheduled passenger aircrafts. The funding will also support updates to the existing pavement management plan, which includes the pavement condition index survey. This project was funded through the Airport Improvement Grant Program, which provides vital resources for maintaining and upgrading airport infrastructure. It is expected to enhance the passenger experience, bring more business to the region, and create additional opportunities for economic development. “Maine's regional airports play an important role in our state’s transportation network, connecting people and businesses with communities throughout the state,” said Senators Collins and King. “This grant will support the expansion of Presque Isle International Airport’s capacity for scheduled commercial flights while also creating economic opportunities throughout the state. By investing in our airports, we are ensuring Maine’s communities remain connected and primed for continued economic success.” More specifically, the funding is allocated as follows: $481,117 for the design phase of the construction of a new terminal apron to accommodate larger passenger aircraft $130,530 for the Pavement Management Plan Senator Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and former Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, was part of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the text of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Senators Collins and King both worked to negotiate and pass this historic legislation, which will deliver billions of dollars to Maine for investments in broadband, roads, bridges, and more. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-american-critical-mineral-supply-chain,King Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Protect American Critical Mineral Supply Chain,2024-07-12,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King is introducing bipartisan legislation to protect and secure the supply chain of critical minerals. The Global Strategy for Securing Critical Minerals Act of 2024 would ensure that the United States, its allies, and global partners can count on a diverse and secure end-to-end supply of critical minerals. Specifically, the legislation would enhance diplomatic and financial tools to support the procurement and processing of these minerals. Critical minerals, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are necessary inputs for technologies that play critical roles in our national security, including military equipment and defense systems, as well as emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and storage for our power grid. Unfortunately, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) currently dominates the mining, processing, and manufacturing of the majority of these minerals – raising significant economic and national security concerns. To combat the dominance of the PRC, this legislation would ensure a secure supply of these minerals. Senator King recently cosponsored bipartisan legislation to help the United States reduce its supply chain dependence on China for key minerals used in military technologies and consumer goods. “Critical minerals are essential to both America’s national security and our supply chain resiliency, since these raw materials are used in both our military equipment and personal technology,” said Senator King. “The Global Strategy for Securing Critical Minerals Act of 2024 would help us firm up financial and diplomatic efforts so we can secure United States’ access to domestic and allied critical minerals while undercutting Chinese dominance. Any continued reliance on China, and other bad actors, for these resources is downright dangerous so we must make it easier to invest in and access our own rare earth minerals supply chain.” Specifically, the legislation would: Streamline diplomatic efforts for securing minerals; Establish diplomatic support for private sector investments abroad; Enhance financial tools of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM); Create a fund to assist investments in critical minerals; Enhance public-private information sharing on manipulative adversary practices; Create a public website to assist private sector companies in navigating government resources and financial support; and Expand allied partnerships to secure critical minerals. The legislation would also work to increase U.S. procurement of critical minerals in order offset China’s ability to manipulate and monopolize the market: Require a report on the use of and need for new or expanded authorities to increase domestic production and procurement; Require an assessment on imposing duties on imported minerals, in particular from China; and Require a whole-of-government effort to develop workforce training programs to advance end-to-end critical mineral capabilities. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Senator King is committed to advancing American competitiveness in 21st century technologies and reducing America’s reliance on fossil fuels while improving national security and strengthening cyberdefenses. Senator King is the co-chair of the Senate Semiconductor Caucus, and has been one of the Senate’s leading advocates for improving battery technology and recycling as a way to strengthen national security and create good-paying American jobs. He previously introduced the Battery Material Processing and Component Manufacturing Act, to boost domestic production of batteries, and the Battery and Critical Mineral Recycling Act of 2021, to incentivize the recycling of single use and rechargeable batteries. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cyber-caucus-co-chair-king-highlights-workforce-challenges-attack-origins-among-top-concerns-for-americas-cyber-defense,"Cyber Caucus Co-Chair King Highlights Workforce Challenges, Attack Origins Among Top Concerns for America’s Cyber Defense",2024-07-11,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King, Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, pressed top Defense officials on the most pressing challenges for America’s cyber defense capabilities. In a conversation with Dr. Michael Sulmeyer, the nominee to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, King asked about the U.S. government’s ability to identify the sources of cyber attack — where a hack can originate in a foreign country but then be directed through servers in a third country before impacting America’s infrastructure. Senator King also raised questions about what efforts are being made to further expand the government’s cyber workforce amid shortage concerns. Senator King began his line of questioning by asking Dr. Sulmeyer about tracing cyberattacks and whether or not a centralized cyber office would help the U.S. government become more efficient. “Mr. Sulmeyer, a couple of quick questions for you. One is attribution if we are talking about a cyberattack, it is becoming harder and to determine where it comes from. Does the U.S. government have sufficient resources in a coherent structure to do attribution of cyber attacks in a timely and reasonably certain way,” asked Senator King. “Senator, the tools and the experience necessary to attribute adversary cyber activity have to keep evolving with their behavior. I believe that historically we have been able to attribute and understand with varying levels of confidence at different times who is doing what,” replied Dr. Sulmeyer. “The difference is when the government is willing and when it makes sense to say so publicly versus when to be private about it, but I commit to working with the committee and of course my leadership on that transparency.” “My question is ‘Who is we?’ Is there a central office somewhere in the federal government of attribution or is some of it in the FBI, some of it in the CIA? I am just concerned that this is such an important question that institutionally and structurally, we don't have a central area to do this essential function,” questioned Senator King. “It is a good point, Senator, that there’s a lot of different organizations, a lot of cooks in the cyber kitchen, so because different kinds of malware have different technical specifications, you want the best experts to be able to come look at any given piece of code,” responded Dr. Sulmeyer. “I would want to just make sure that community of interest is clear about who they are and that they have the tools they need to work fast and then share that.” “I hope that this is something you will look at with your interagency colleagues. Whenever I hear the term around here ""all of government"" I think ""none of government"" because nobody is responsible, so think about that,” said Senator King. Later in the hearing, Senator King asked about recruitment and retention efforts to bolster the cyber workforce. “Second question for you is the workforce are you able to recruit and retain the people that you need? My sense is there is a giant shortfall of cyber-trained people across the country. Does that also affect what you are going to be doing,” asked Senator King. “Senator, for cyber operations that is those higher-end active defense and offense type work, we find that at least in the army, in my experience, thus far, it has been one of the most competitive fields, for example, coming out of West Point, it is one of the hardest to get into. The interest in doing it is there, and coming into the service is there. I think the bigger challenge that I would commit to if confirmed is the retention side in making sure we stay as competitive as we cannot matching, but as competitive as we can with industry and being flexible where possible to keep folks who want to stay and serve on the mission,” concluded Dr. Sulmeyer. As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cybersecurity and as a strong advocates for a forward-thinking cyber strategy that emphasizes layered cyber deterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director. Together with former Solarium Co-Chair Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI), King previously urged the Biden Administration to better protect the public health sector from cyber threats and called for stronger, collaborative efforts to address the growing threat. Earlier this year, he introduced bipartisan legislation to protect U.S. health care systems from hackers and other bad actors after a string of cyberattacks on Maine health care systems. Recently, in an Armed Services Committee hearing, King pressed the Director of National Intelligence on the importance of integrating cyber deterrence into the U.S.’ National Security Strategy, as well as the need to prioritize cybersecurity ahead of the upcoming 2024 election. Earlier this year, Senator King cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand the cybersecurity workforce and train veterans for in-demand jobs. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-effort-to-protect-affordable-housing-market-in-maine,King Cosponsors Effort to Protect Affordable Housing Market in Maine,2024-07-11,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Angus King has joined in the introduction of critical legislation to protect the affordable housing market in Maine and across the country. The Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act would encourage manufactured home park owners interested in selling their properties to sell the land to their residents, rather than another landlord or a developer. If passed by Congress, this would allow more Americans to stay in their homes and protect them from excessive rent increases. Currently, 22 million Americans are living in manufactured housing in over 50,000 manufactured housing communities (MHC). Without rent control, out-of-state and corporate ownership can result in higher lot fees and rents, pushing long-term residents out of their homes. Maine has over 600 MHCs, the most out of any New England state, 10 of which are resident-owned housing cooperatives. Up to one-fifth of MHCs in Maine are owned by out-of-state investors, with little connection to the residents or community profile. “Communities across America are facing a serious affordable housing crisis, so we must continue to provide creative solutions to lower housing prices across the country,” said Senator King. “The Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act would give residents the opportunity to form a cooperative and buy the land to keep large out-of-state investors from buying out their landlord and jacking up rent prices. This step is a simple way to ensure that Maine residents can stay in their homes at an affordable price, while also giving tenants a stake in their property.” Specifically, the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act would create a 75 percent federal tax credit offsetting capital gains if the property is sold to a resident-owned cooperative or nonprofit. This economic incentive would empower communities and keep more families in their homes, while protecting the long-term viability of this important sector of our nation’s affordable housing market. Maine has already passed a state law that requires owners of MHCs to give residents advance notice if they are selling the property—providing an option for residents to offer a purchase price two months prior to the sale date and three months for residents to acquire financing. Recently, two resident-owned communities secured funding to buy the land they live on in Rockland and Thomaston. Joining King on the legislation are Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Senator King has long been committed to ensuring Maine people across the state can access safe and affordable housing. He recently cosponsored a bipartisan effort to encourage the renovation of historical structures to boost affordable housing availability in Maine. He has also introduced the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country – including thousands in Maine. He also worked with his Republican colleagues to improve affordability of rural homes and farms through the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act of 2023. Additionally, he has worked to expand affordable workforce housing on Mount Desert Island to support the economic development surrounding Acadia National Park. The full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-applaud-ntia-approval-of-remaining-266-million-in-broadband-funding-for-the-state-of-maine,"Collins, King Applaud NTIA Approval of Remaining $266 Million in Broadband Funding for the State of Maine",2024-07-10,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King, Co-Chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, today applauded news that the remainder of the previously announced $271,977,723 in funding for the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) has been approved through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. In November 2022, Senator Collins and King announced that that MCA was awarded the first $5 million of this total through the BEAD program to support the development of its Five-Year Action Plan, which identifies Maine’s priorities for broadband and digital investments. The MCA will use this now approved $266,977,723 in remaining funding to expand high-speed internet access across Maine and to help close the broadband availability gap through its approved Five-Year Action Plan. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, BEAD is a federal grant program that aims to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders to build infrastructure necessary for the increased adoption of high-speed internet. BEAD prioritizes unserved locations that have no internet access or limited access. “Access to high-speed Internet is critical to the vitality of rural communities, which is why I have long championed expanding access to broadband across Maine,” said Senator Collins. “From spurring job creation to supporting telemedicine and education, the Internet unlocks almost endless benefits and possibilities. I co-authored the broadband section of the law to help bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas, and I am pleased that this funding will help Maine make historic investments to extend its high-speed network to ensure that families have a reliable connection to their loved ones, co-workers, schools, and medical services.” “In the 21st century, high-speed, affordable broadband is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity,” said Senator King. “Families, students, small businesses and telehealth patients across Maine all rely on this critical service, especially those in rural communities. This investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents a huge step forward for the Maine Connectivity Authority as it works to close the digital divide across our state. I’m proud to see funding from this bipartisan bill continue to help rural Maine succeed.” Senator Collins was part of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the text of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Senators Collins and King both worked to negotiate and pass this historic legislation, which will deliver billions of dollars to Maine for investments in broadband, roads, bridges, and more. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-celebrate-independence-day-king-interviews-army-national-guard-veteran,"To Celebrate Independence Day, King Interviews Army National Guard Veteran",2024-07-04,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On this Independence Day, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices.” In the 15th interview of the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with Angela Baker of Pittsfield. Baker served with the Army National Guard for 20 years, during which she deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the interview, King asked Baker about her active duty service with the Guard and her work today with the American Legion. “Angela’s story is moving and one that truly showcases the selfless spirit of Maine people,” said Senator King. “From being inspired to join the Maine Guard after seeing the impact that the National Guard had on her own community’s recovery from a devastating ice storm to serving alongside her battalion overseas in Iraq and now working with veterans at home in Maine, Angela has lived a life of service and integrity. As we celebrate Independence Day, let us take a moment to recognize and honor all the brave men and women — like Angela — whose dedication to our nation allows us to enjoy our freedoms today.” Angela Baker was born in Lewiston and grew up in Buckfield. Inspired by the National Guard’s assistance to Maine residents during the Ice Storm of 1998, Baker joined the Maine Guard at the age of 17, while still a junior in high school. She completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before finishing her senior year at Buckfield High School. Upon graduation, she attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in Gulfport, Mississippi, to become a carpenter mason specialist. From 2000 to 2003, she worked on the Maine Guard’s State Active Duty construction crew based out of Camp Keyes in Augusta. During this time, she also worked as a child behavioral specialist in Augusta and as a restaurant server. In 2003, three years after completing her AIT, Baker was hired for the Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) position and welcomed her first son. Soon after graduating from leadership development training, her battalion was ordered to mobilize in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In January 2004, Baker’s Battalion was deployed to Mosul, Iraq, where Angela served as the Administrative Sergeant in the S-1 section until August 2005. During her deployment, she was one of the first to arrive on the scene following a suicide bombing in the cafeteria of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Marez. As a Sergeant, she was responsible for accounting for the S-1 personnel. Tragically, two young soldiers from Maine did not survive the attack. As one was only in his physical training gear, Angela helped to identify him with his dog tags. Baker, alongside her battalion, returned home in February 2005, where she was reunited with her son. Shortly after returning home, she met her husband, who also served in the military and was deployed twice during their marriage. From 2012 to 2017, Baker served as the Training NCO for the 488th Military Police Company in Waterville before transferring to the State Headquarters, where she retired at the rank of Sergeant First Class. After 20 years of active duty, she retired from the Army National Guard in 2023. She continued her service to veterans by starting a new career with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Regional Office, where she is currently the Human Resources Liaison. Baker is an active member of her local American Legion and was recently nominated as the Second Vice Commander for the 10th District of the American Legion. She currently resides in Pittsfield with her husband and three children. The Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. Senator King joins many other members of Congress who’ve participated in the project. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Senator King uses this interview series to learn and share the stories of the lives, service, and sacrifices of Maine’s veteran community. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a bipartisan letter calling for more support for victims of military sexual trauma, as well as a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. You can watch previous episodes of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices” here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-defense-department-to-expedite-protection-of-servicemembers-from-blasts-and-tbis,King Urges Defense Department to Expedite Protection of Servicemembers from Blasts and TBIs,2024-07-03,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Angus King, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans Affairs (SVAC) Committees, is urging the Department of Defense (DOD) to protect servicemembers from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and the after effects on mental health. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, King suggests that the DOD must take immediate actions to conduct baseline screenings of servicemembers for brain injuries. The letter comes in response to continued Maine reporting on medical tests of the Lewiston shooter – who was found to have suffered from acute TBI as well as a New York Times article exposing the DOD’s lack of plans to treat and prevent TBIs caused by time in the service. During just three months in 2023, DoD provided treatment to service members nearly 50,000 times for traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which are considered the “signature wound” of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. For troops with mild TBI, “the most important cause of brain injury was the long-term exposure to explosive weapons.” Researchers in Afghanistan also determined that, “75 percent of the troops’ [blast] exposure was coming from their own weapons.” Despite this, service members continue to train with weapons with unsafe blast levels, and sadly, many have of these injuries have led to high levels of mental illness and suicide. “I am frustrated by continued reports of the Department’s lack of urgency and coordination in addressing brain injuries and their effects on mental health. The personal stories we are hearing of lives lost and families and communities traumatized are as infuriating as they are heartbreaking,” King wrote. “We must do better,” King continued. “Specifically, I urge you to take immediate actions to conduct baseline screening of servicemembers for brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, beginning with higher risk populations. Not only is this a policy issue I’ve been working to confront through work with the Pentagon and VA through my committee assignments, this is a personal priority for me and the people I represent. I have worked on mental health for servicemembers and veterans for 11 years; yet tragically, we learned that the person who committed the Lewiston shooting last year had suffered from brain damage. The more we focus our energies and efforts on blast effects and brain injuries, the more we learn about the direct link. We need to act now.” “The Department has recently submitted requests to reprogram appropriated funds impacting weapons and platforms. The Department knows that if reallocation of funding is required, we are here to work with them, making adjustments in the current budget year to see results and save lives. If this is a matter of funding, I urge you to take action to take care of our servicemembers with the same urgency you have for the defense industrial base,” King concluded. Following the Lewiston shooting, Senator King has been working with his colleagues to increase mental health funding and address traumatic brain injuries. Most recently, he sent a letter to the leaders of the Appropriations Committee urging leadership to support the strongest possible funding for the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research program within the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDRMP). He also recently introduced the Blast Overpressure Safety Act that would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to enact a range of measures to help mitigate and protect service members from blast overpressure. In March, the entire Maine Delegation announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS) would receive $2,048,452 through the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Emergency Response Grant program (SERG). The funding is used for community mental health needs in the greater-Lewiston community, following the shooting that claimed the lives of 18 individuals and wounded 13 others. The delegation also sent a follow-up letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, to further press for a comprehensive review of the facts and events leading up to the October 25 mass shooting. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Austin: When American men and women sign up to defend our nation, we promise them the highest levels of preparation as they enter a dangerous career. Training, military preparation and readiness, equipment, and careful strategic thinking are core priorities as we deploy them around the world to protect our freedoms and interests. We must also protect them at home, ensuring they are capable to return to their families, communities, and day-to-day activities – and this must begin on Day One when they enter the Armed Forces. I am frustrated by continued reports of the Department’s lack of urgency and coordination in addressing brain injuries and their effects on mental health. The personal stories we are hearing of lives lost and families and communities traumatized are as infuriating as they are heartbreaking. We must do better. Specifically, I urge you to take immediate actions to conduct baseline screening of servicemembers for brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, beginning with higher risk populations. Not only is this a policy issue I’ve been working to confront through work with the Pentagon and VA through my committee assignments, this is a personal priority for me and the people I represent. I have worked on mental health for servicemembers and veterans for 11 years; yet tragically, we learned that the person who committed the Lewiston shooting last year had suffered from brain damage. The more we focus our energies and efforts on blast effects and brain injuries, the more we learn about the direct link. We need to act now. While the Department and Congress have worked to fund billions of dollars in medical research including brain injuries, from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries, those dollars are not adequately delivering safety and protection for our men and women in uniform. Under the leadership of Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Rick Scott, the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel conducted a hearing earlier this year on traumatic brain injury and blast exposure. During the Army Posture hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Secretary Wormuth testified that the Army will begin with cognitive assessments for every new soldier at basic training this summer. I’ll tell you what I told her, we have been conducting baselines for high school athletes for years, but somehow the Army and all the Services writ large appear to not be taking this matter as seriously. In fact, it has taken a grassroots effort from military widows to truly begin connecting the dots and elevating this threat. Congress has spoken with clear intent about the need to address brain injuries through authorizations, appropriations, and oversight. In April, I joined Senator Warren and Senator Ernst in introducing the Overpressure Safety Act. And last month, many of the provisions from this bill were included in the Armed Services Committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, including amendments I led that addressed oversight and funding for traumatic brain injuries and blast exposure. The Department has recently submitted requests to reprogram appropriated funds impacting weapons and platforms. The Department knows that if reallocation of funding is required, we are here to work with them, making adjustments in the current budget year to see results and save lives. If this is a matter of funding, I urge you to take action to take care of our servicemembers with the same urgency you have for the defense industrial base. Therefore, I urge you to take the following actions: 1. Start administering tests to establish baseline brain health for servicemembers. 2. Develop a risk framework and begin with those who are highest risk. 3. Address the links between blast exposure, brain injuries, and mental health. 4. Mobilize the hundreds indeed thousands of staff officers to address this issue, and develop proper reporting structures and tracking mechanisms so that the data can help us protect servicemembers better. While studies and programs will be helpful, I exhort you to start screening, track the results, and follow-up on the results. I look forward to hearing from you and request a briefing on the actions the Department is taking. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-celebrate-maine-dairy-month-king-discusses-future-of-dairy-industry-on-june-podcast,"To Celebrate Maine Dairy Month, King Discusses Future of Dairy Industry on June Podcast",2024-06-29,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today released the June episode of his “Inside Maine” podcast, in which he highlighted June as ‘Maine Dairy Month’ and discussed the importance of the industry to the state economy. During the podcast, Jenni Tilton-Flood, a dairy advocate and farmer, joined Senator King to share her experiences with dairy farming and how it supports rural communities across the state. Later in the podcast, Patricia Henderson, the Farm Superintendent at the University of Maine Franklin Witter Teaching and Research Center, joined Senator King to share her perspective on how some of the school’s current educational initiatives can bolster youth engagement in dairy farming. “Maine’s dairy industry has a lasting tradition of contributing to our shared identity and strengthening our economy,” said Senator King. “June marks a time of celebration as we recognize the hard work and resilience of our Maine dairy farms. I appreciate Jenni and Patricia joining me to discuss the future of the industry and ways Maine people can support their local dairy farms.” Jenni Tilton-Flood grew up in Clinton, ME, the daughter of a local John Deere salesman. She originally attended Clark University, studying Comparative Foreign Policy/International Relations and Sustainable Agriculture before realizing she did not want to feed the whole world but rather her corner of it. Jenni returned home to rural Maine, joining her father's farm equipment business, and met her now-husband Dana Flood. The Floods have been farming the fields of central Maine for more than 200 years, with three generations currently caring for 3400 cows. Jenni is an outspoken advocate on behalf of her rural community, agriculture, food systems, equity & justice, and sustainability. She serves as the chair of Volunteer Maine, commissioner of Maine’s Commission for Community Service, chair of Maine Dairy & Nutrition Council, and represents Maine nationally as a director of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and Dairy Industry Association (DIA) while also serving on the Waldo County Bounty Board whose mission is to ensure access to nutritious food and work towards an equitable food system. Jenni’s two children, Lilia and Pres, are among the next generation of Floods who will inherit the risk, responsibility, and rewards of the land and the agricultural legacy. Patricia Henderson grew up in Blaine, Maine, before attending the University of Maine, majoring in Animal Science. She quickly became an integral part of the UMaine Franklin Witter Teaching and Research Center – home of undergraduate and graduate education and research programs in dairy and equine science. She got involved with dairy farming after participating in the University of Maine Applied Dairy Cooperative of Working Students (UMADCOWS), a student-run dairy program at the university. After graduation, she took a job as a dairy herd nutritionist before coming back to the UMaine Franklin Witter Teaching and Research Center as the livestock operations manager and is now Superintendent. She and her husband have started a small farm in Corinna, Maine. Patricia also serves on the Maine Dairy promotion board. Senator King is longstanding advocate for the dairy industry. He is an original sponsor of bipartisan Dairy PRIDE Act which combats the mislabeling of non-dairy products and requires accurate labeling of dairy and non-dairy products as mislabeling is harmful to dairy farmers selling their products in a crowded marketplace. Senator King also cosponsored the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give milk producers a greater voice in dairy pricing. Additionally, Senator King is an annual cosponsor of the federal ‘National Dairy Month’ resolution. The ""Inside Maine"" podcast airs on the last Saturday of the month on Portland Newsradio WGAN. The podcast aims to keep Maine people informed about issues affecting life in the state and how they factor into Senator King’s work. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-announce-23-million-dot-grant-to-electrify-acadia-national-park-buses,"King, Pingree Announce $23 Million DOT Grant to Electrify Acadia National Park Buses",2024-06-28,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today announced Downeast Transportation Inc. (DTI) is being awarded $23,529,000 to fund the acquisition of 23 electric buses and charging infrastructure — after they wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressing their support for the project. Supported by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants, the award would replace 21 propane-fueled buses in the active fleet with electric buses, as well as fund two additional electric buses to expand the fleet. Acadia National Park recently started construction of the new Acadia Gateway Center on Route 3 in Trenton — funding for which Senator King helped secure — that will be the central hub for accessing Acadia. RAISE grants invest in a wide variety of transportation projects at the state and local level that work to improve safety, environmental suitability, community connectivity and economic development. The grants are funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides $1.5 billion annually for the program through fiscal year 2026. Senator King and Congresswoman Pingree both voted in favor of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. “Public transit is an essential service for Maine communities — helping folks commute to work affordably, connecting families, and supporting visitors coming to experience ‘The Way Life Should Be.’ The electrification of the Downeast Transit Inc. bus fleet will help ensure Maine people and visitors alike can continue to rely on this critical bus service across Hancock County, and in Acadia National Park, as well as help to further Maine’s climate goals,” said Senator King and Congresswoman Pingree. “Made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are proud to support this important and environmentally friendly project.” DTI is the authorized public transit provider for Hancock County, operating critical year-round commuter bus service between Bar Harbor, Bangor, Brewer, Franklin, Milbridge and Ellsworth, as well as the seasonal Island Explorer shuttle service for Acadia National Park and surrounding communities on Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula. Since its establishment in 1999, the Island Explorer has welcomed more than 9 million riders. The grant comes as visitation at Acadia National Park remains at record levels of 3.8 million visits a year. Senator King, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, is among the Senate’s loudest voices advocating for public lands and encouraging outdoor recreation. He was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) “Hero” Award. Senator King also helped lead the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law which includes the Restore Our Parks Act — a bill led by Senator King — and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. The historic legislative package continues Senator King’s career-long focus on conservation efforts, dating back to his work prior to running for elected office through his years as Governor and his service in the Senate. Over the course of his time in the Blaine House, Governor King was responsible for conserving more land across Maine than all Governors before him combined. Pingree is ranking member of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the National Park Service. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-pentagon-to-ensure-access-to-contraception-for-service-members-and-dependents,King Urges Pentagon to Ensure Access to Contraception for Service Members and Dependents,2024-06-27,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined his colleagues in urging the Pentagon to implement policies ensuring access to contraception for service members and their dependents. In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the Senators call on DOD to comply with the FY 2016 NDAA by revising its pre-deployment form to allow service members to indicate if they would like to receive contraception counseling on the full range of contraceptive methods. The Senators also urge the DOD to implement the provisions included in the FY 2016 and FY 2017 NDAAs to expand access to contraception for service members. “We write to urge the Department of Defense (DoD) to take additional action to ensure service members and their dependents can access their contraceptive of choice,” the Senators wrote. “In 2022, 18.3 percent of active duty service women reported that they were unable to access their preferred birth control method from the Military Health Service. As Congress continues to seek to address this issue, including by working to pass the Access to Contraception for Service Members and Dependents Act, we respectfully request an update on the DoD’s efforts to implement policies previously mandated by Congress that would expand access to contraception for service members.” The Senators continued, “Expanding access to contraception is critical to meeting the needs of service members, as well as recruiting and retaining members of our Armed Forces. We look forward to learning more about the barriers preventing the Department from implementing provisions mandated by Congress to protect and expand service members’ access to contraception and contraceptive counseling.” Joining King on the letter are U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Maize Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Gary Peters (D-MI). Senator King is a strong supporter of a woman’s right to reproductive health care. He opposed the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade calling it “a dangerous, blatantly political ruling that will rob millions of women the fundamental right to make decisions about their own health, safety, and lives.” Prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling, King voted to advance the Women’s Health Protection Act, legislation which would codify the longstanding precedent of Roe v. Wade into federal law and protect the right to these vital healthcare decisions. Last spring, he sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense highlighting the wide-ranging implications of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, and the challenges that restrictive abortion laws pose to servicemember health and finances, military readiness, recruitment and retention. He also joined bipartisan legislation to ensure military families receive the same access to quality reproductive health care as most Americans and cosponsored a bill to protect access to contraception. Most recently, Senator King joined the Right to IVF Act which would guarantee access to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), most frequently used via IVF. The full letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Austin, We write to urge the Department of Defense (DoD) to take additional action to ensure service members and their dependents can access their contraceptive of choice. In 2022, 18.3 percent of active duty service women reported that they were unable to access their preferred birth control method from the Military Health Service. As Congress continues to seek to address this issue, including by working to pass the Access to Contraception for Service Members and Dependents Act, we respectfully request an update on the DoD’s efforts to implement policies previously mandated by Congress that would expand access to contraception for service members. Section 718 of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) required the DoD to develop a comprehensive policy to ensure access to contraceptive counseling for service members. Specifically, Congress mandated the Department provide access to contraception counseling during service members’ health care visits, such as annual physical exams as well as before and during deployment. In addition, the NDAA provision required the Department to develop standards to make contraception available to deployed service members. We appreciate that these requirements were included in the Defense Health Agency’s Procedural Instruction on May 13, 2019, which outlined the Department’s intent to expand contraception access to service members. We remain concerned, however, that the Procedural Instruction has not been implemented to its full effect given that one in five service women remain unable to access their preferred method of contraception. Congress again mandated that the DoD act to address contraception parity for service members by requiring the Department to conduct a survey on active-duty service women’s experiences with family planning services and counseling in the FY 2017 NDAA. According the RAND Corporation’s Women’s Reproductive Health Survey, published in 2022, among active-duty service women who deployed between 2020 and 2022 only 18.1 percent received contraceptive counseling from the Military Health Service prior to their deployment. Once again, this low percentage contradicts Congress’ intent to expand access to contraception services and counseling. The low rate of service women who received contraceptive counseling is particularly concerning given that on average, the rate of unintended pregnancy in the military is six percent, higher than the civilian rate of unintended pregnancy. We urge the Department to comply with the FY 2016 NDAA and its Procedural Instruction by immediately revising its pre-deployment form to allow service members to indicate if they would like to receive contraception counseling and include information on the full range of contraceptive methods. This and additional efforts by the DoD are needed to ensure full implementation of the provisions included in the FY 2016 and FY 2017 NDAAs to expand access to contraception for service members, including the more than 17 percent of women who make up the active-duty force. Expanding access to contraception is critical to meeting the needs of service members, as well as recruiting and retaining members of our Armed Forces. We look forward to learning more about the barriers preventing the Department from implementing provisions mandated by Congress to protect and expand service members’ access to contraception and contraceptive counseling. Thank you for your continued attention to this important issue. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-announce-25-million-dot-grant-for-east-deering-neighborhood,"King, Pingree Announce $25 Million DOT Grant for East Deering Neighborhood",2024-06-26,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today announced the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is being awarded $25 million to fund community infrastructure projects in the East Deering neighborhood in Portland — months after they expressed support for the project in a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Supported by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants, the funding will be used to install and restore shared-use transportation pathways, upgrade roads and intersections, and adjust an interstate off-ramp to mitigate traffic. RAISE grants invest in a wide variety of transportation projects at the state and local level that work to improve safety, environmental suitability, community connectivity and economic development. The grants are funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides $1.5 billion annually for the program through fiscal year 2026. Senator King and Congresswoman Pingree both voted in favor of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. “East Deering is an iconic Portland neighborhood that boasts historic residences and beautiful coastline views,” said Senator King and Congresswoman Pingree. “As the neighborhood continues to grow, modern infrastructure improvements will be critical to improving community connectivity. This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help revitalize East Deering, making it more accessible and safe for those who call it home.” The grant comes as Northeastern University begins construction of its new Roux Institute in the East Deering neighborhood. Currently, there is only one road available to access the campus, raising concerns from residents about increased traffic. The adjusted interstate off-ramp will help alleviate concerns and improve traffic flow. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-panama-to-halt-illegal-iranian-oil-ghost-fleet,"King, Colleagues Urge Panama to Halt Illegal Iranian Oil “Ghost Fleet”",2024-06-24,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and a bipartisan group of his colleagues are urging the President of Panama to close an essential information-sharing gap critical to preventing Iran from transporting its oil under the Panamanian flag — a clear violation of U.S. sanctions. Iranian oil sanctions imposed in 2018 and 2019 cut off a significant source of revenue the regime uses to fund terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas, cartels, nuclear proliferation and other nefarious activity in the Middle East and the Western Hemisphere. However, the Iranian regime has tried to escape the oil sanctions by registering ships carrying its oil under the flags of other nations. Earlier this year, after receiving a letter from Senator King and his colleagues, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) made progress by opening investigations into all ships suspected of transporting Iranian oil and has since removed at least 32 vessels from its registry. “This additional step will help put a stop to Iran’s ghost fleet, which has allowed it to export hundreds of millions of barrels of Iranian oil in recent years and which ultimately funds the regime’s continued human rights violations, proxy forces, and nuclear proliferation program. Iran consistently works in opposition to peace, stability, democracy, and shared American values and interests across the Middle East,” the Senators wrote. As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Chair of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is an active, vocal supporter of the importance of democratic values and defeating terrorism. Earlier this year, he joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in writing a letter urging a global crackdown on the transport of Iranian oil. After a January congressional delegation trip to the Middle East, Senator King reflected on the trip by warning that continued Houthi attacks, an Iranian-backed terrorist proxy, on international shipping lanes would warrant a response. Senator King has also been outspoken on the need to defeat Hamas, another Iranian-backed terrorist proxy based in Gaza, that massacred over a thousand innocent Israeli citizens, committed mass gender-based violence including rape, and took hundreds of innocent civilians hostage. In addition to Senator King, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS). Read the full letter here or below. +++ Dear President Cortizo: We write to thank you for your continued response with regard to Iranian shipping sanctions and the Panama Maritime Authority’s ship registry — specifically, the Panama Maritime Authority’s (AMP) focus on vessels suspected of carrying Iranian oil. It is our understanding that you intend to increase transparency and international compliance across the shipping industry to help cut into Iran’s illicit revenues, laying the groundwork to better address similar situations in the future. We sincerely appreciate your work in combating Iran and view your efforts as a significant strengthening of the partnership that our countries have shared for many years. We understand that Panama, and other like-minded states, created the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) partly to prevent ships cancelled in one jurisdiction from easily registering in a different jurisdiction. We also have been made aware that ships requested to leave the AMP’s registry before the AMP had them officially cancelled. Therefore, we urge Panama and other RISC states to work toward addressing this information sharing gap by also sharing information about ships that requested their own cancellation. Although not determinative of these vessels’ guilt, such a move may merit additional vetting before another RISC member state chooses to allow such a ship to register under their own flag. This additional step will help put a stop to Iran’s ghost fleet, which has allowed it to export hundreds of millions of barrels of Iranian oil in recent years and which ultimately funds the regime’s continued human rights violations, proxy forces, and nuclear proliferation program. Iran consistently works in opposition to peace, stability, democracy, and shared American values and interests across the Middle East. We appreciate the Panamanian government’s commitment to safeguarding our region from the threat posed by Iran, including by working closely with the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It is our hope that we continue to communicate on these important matters and further strengthen our relationship. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-resolution-congratulating-boston-celtics-on-nba-finals-win,"Collins, King Join Resolution Congratulating Boston Celtics on NBA Finals Win",2024-06-21,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined the New England congressional delegation in introducing a Senate resolution congratulating the Boston Celtics for winning their record-setting 18th NBA championship against the Dallas Mavericks. “All of New England cheers whenever our Celtics return to the pinnacle of professional basketball,” said Senator Collins. “I am proud to join my New England colleagues in congratulating Coach Joe Mazzulla – a former Maine Red Claws assistant coach – and the entire Celtics organization on their record-setting 18th championship. We look forward to the pursuit?of another title next year, and may our region always bleed green.” “An 18th championship banner up in the rafters is going to be a nice look for the Celtics, and put them back ahead of the rest of the NBA – where they belong,”said Senator King. “The way the Celtics won the title this year was refreshing – it felt like someone different stepped up every game of the Finals – and a great lesson in hard work and perseverance. The parade may be in Boston, but all of New England is celebrating.” Senators Edward Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are also cosponsors. The complete text of the resolution can be read here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-nearly-13-million-to-support-stem-programs-in-rural-maine,Maine Delegation Announces Nearly $1.3 Million to Support STEM Programs in Rural Maine,2024-06-21,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced that the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) has been awarded $1,299,377 in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch the Rural Energy Futures (REF) project. Through the REF program, 8th-grade students in rural communities across the state will learn math while exploring local energy issues. “This funding will help prepare the next generation of Maine students for future careers in critical STEM industries, particularly the energy sector,” the Delegation said. “Providing students with the knowledge of opportunities that will be available to them to live and work in Maine is essential for maintaining a robust local economy while ensuring that our state remains a leader in innovative energy technologies.” “Supporting students as they engage in discussions with people in their own neighborhoods about energy projects and career opportunities will build capacity and understanding from the ground up to ensure our communities move toward energy solutions that work for them. This project will serve as a model for other rural areas, demonstrating how to harness local knowledge and build community strength around novel technologies and futures,” said MMSA Executive Director Dr. Ruth Kermish-Allen. Specifically, this funding will support the creation of a middle school math curriculum focused on clean energy development, involving 48 teachers and 720 students across 12 rural schools. The curriculum will enhance STEM competencies, local knowledge, and career awareness, while actively supporting the NSF priority of developing a capable energy workforce. Leading this work at MMSA are Principal Investigator Dr. Heidi Cian, and Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Ruth Kermish-Allen, Alexandria Brasili, and Hannah Lakin. In addition to the team at MMSA, key partners include the Roux Institute at Northeastern University, the Governor's Energy Office, and rural middle school educators across Maine. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-bill-to-support-careers-of-military-spouses-and-families,King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Support Careers of Military Spouses and Families,2024-06-20,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is adding his support to bipartisan legislation that supports job flexibility for military spouses and their families. The Resilient Employment and Authorization Determination to Increase the National Employment of Serving Spouses (READINESS) Act, developed by current and former federally employed military spouses, aims to encourage the retainment of military spouses across the federal government and lower high employee turnover by encouraging more flexible remote working options. Currently, military spouse unemployment has remained more than 20% for three decades, and is six times the national unemployment rate. More than one-third of military families cite spouse employment challenges as a reason for leaving active duty. Military and foreign service moves are involuntary, a consideration unique to this small group of federal employees. The lack of agency flexibility often results in spouses being forced to resign under threat of termination. The dearth of available jobs around many military bases then results in career breaks or voluntary demotions, negatively impacting the military family’s financial health. “Military families make many sacrifices while defending America’s freedom and democracy, and too often, this includes spouses putting aside careers or turning down opportunities to pursue the American dream,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan READINESS Act is a commonsense bill to help military spouses maintain stable careers within the federal government. This country is forever indebted to our military families and the sacrifices they have made. I want to thank my colleagues for their support serving our military families—just as they continue to serve us.” More specifically, the READINESS Act creates a decision tree when an employee presents their supervisor with military or foreign service orders. 1) Can this employee’s position be performed remotely; 2) can they transfer to an agency position within the commuting area of the new location; or 3) can they transfer to an agency position that can be performed remotely? If not, place them in a nonpay status (i.e., Leave Without Pay) for the greater of their spouse’s orders or 36 months – with the employing agency able to backfill the position, unencumbered. Joining King on the legislation are Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA). Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30) introduced the House version of the bill last November. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Most recently, he led the bipartisan Military Spouse Employment Act — pieces of which passed into law in the FY2024 NDAA —which allows military spouses to have a remote work career with any federal agency and helps them to maintain consistent employment should they move with their spouse. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-commemorates-juneteenth-holiday-to-mark-end-of-slavery-in-america,King Commemorates Juneteenth Holiday to Mark End of Slavery in America,2024-06-19,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement marking Juneteenth, a day also known as “Emancipation Day,” which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States: “For more than 150 years, Juneteenth has reflected the contradiction inherent in America’s identity – it is both a celebration of the freedom that defines our national character, and a reminder that we are only a few generations removed from the inhumane institution of slavery. But the path to freedom isn’t complete. It wasn’t complete in 1865, and sadly, it’s not complete today. “Today, I’m asking Maine people that we meet the promise of America, and that we live our principles. That we provide more than rhetoric. That we work together on actions and policies to make our society more inclusive, more welcoming, and more just. It is fitting that this day be recognized as a national holiday, providing all Americans with the opportunity to reflect upon how much progress we have made, and all the unfinished work ahead of us. If we are to truly craft a more perfect union, we must mark today’s holiday as a step in the path towards that better future.” On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, which announced that, in accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation, “all slaves are free.” Juneteenth is celebrated by states and municipalities as an official holiday or day of observance, including in Maine. The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, signed into law in 2021, was introduced by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and co-sponsored by 60 Senators, including Senator King. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-uss-forrest-sherman-to-visit-eastport-for-fourth-of-july-celebration,"Senators Collins, King Announce USS Forrest Sherman to Visit Eastport for Fourth of July Celebration",2024-06-18,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, a senior member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee (SASC), announced today that Eastport will receive a port visit during the city’s 2024 Fourth of July celebration. The U.S. Navy has committed to sending the guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98), which has a crew complement of approximately 280 sailors. The Eastport Fourth of July parade and festival is the largest in the state and draws thousands of Maine people every year. “We appreciate that the U.S. Navy will honor the State of Maine with this port visit during Eastport’s popular Fourth of July Festival,” said Senators Collins and King. “This visit will provide those who serve in the U.S. Navy and the citizens they protect an opportunity to come together to celebrate our independence. We thank the Navy for making this visit possible.” In an Armed Service hearing last month, Senator King urged U.S. Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti to bring the ship to Maine in an effort to focus recruitment efforts in areas lacking a military presence. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-co-sponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-honor-wwii-nurses-with-congressional-gold-medal,King Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Honor WWII Nurses with Congressional Gold Medal,2024-06-17,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), has joined bipartisan legislation to honor World War II nurses with a Congressional Gold Medal. The WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act will award the more than 59,000 Army Nurses and 14,000 Navy Nurses who bravely served in World War II with a Congressional Gold Medal. Nurses like Helen Siragusa, who passed away in Winthrop last year at 100 years old, were the true embodiment of “Dirigo” as they served and led the nation in the midst of one of the deadliest wars. This award recognizes their selfless service on behalf of the nation. “It is an honor to join my colleagues in seeking to recognize the selfless service of the thousands of Army and Navy nurses who put their lives on the line to save others,” said Senator King. “The recognition of a Congressional Gold Medal acknowledges all of their sacrifices and contributions in support of our great American ideals: democracy and freedom. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to permanently weave the historic deeds of our frontline workers into the fabric of our collective conscience.” The WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act is supported by the American Red Cross, Friends of the National World War II Memorial, the National Military Women’s War Memorial, and Naples-Monte Cassino VFW (Italy). “The Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation representing the 3 Million women that have defended the nation over the past 247 years is pleased to support the WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act to honor the incredible service of more than 70,000 Army and Navy nurses who volunteered to serve during World War Two,” said Phyllis J. Wilson, MPA, BSN, RN, President of the Military Women’s War Memorial (Washington, D.C.). ""The American Red Cross applauds the reintroduction WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act in honor of the brave women who served as members of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. Despite historical inequities based on gender and race, women shared their expertise as nurses and physicians to foster wellbeing and mitigate suffering and death. I am deeply grateful for the resilience, legacy and inspiration of these extraordinary nurses and their colleagues,” said Linda MacIntyre, Chief Nurse, American Red Cross. In addition to King, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Steve Daines (R-MT) Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Jon Tester (D-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kyrsten (I-AZ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), John Barrasso (R-WY), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Patty Murray (D-WA). Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he previously pressed Pentagon officials on the need to prioritize resources for servicemembers transitioning from active duty to veteran status. Senator King has also worked to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. This past fall, he introduced a bipartisan bill to protect the educational benefits of military dependents if the servicemember who transferred them those education benefits is dishonorably discharged from the military due to domestic violence or sexual assault against their spouse or dependent. Additionally, Senator King has introduced the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act and bipartisan legislation to improve transportation to health care appointments for rural veterans. Senator King also participates in the Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. A one pager on the legislation is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/annual-defense-bill-passes-out-of-committee-with-king-backed-provisions-to-strengthen-national-security-and-support-maine-economy,Annual Defense Bill Passes out of Committee with King-Backed Provisions to Strengthen National Security and Support Maine Economy,2024-06-14,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), hailed the bipartisan passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of committee after more than sixteen hours of deliberation. This legislation will strengthen America’s national security, support our men and women in uniform, and boost the economies of Maine communities through shipbuilding and the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs. Today’s passage represents the first step in bipartisan negotiations to pass a fiscal year budget for our armed forces and national defense interests. It includes a number of provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for veterans, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), an aggressive new military-wide approach to monitoring traumatic brain injuries (TBI), provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and stronger measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. “For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training, equipment, and resources to carry out their missions. I’m proud that we could continue the tradition this year to pass an annual defense bill out of Committee that will make our nation, and our state, safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our global community faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in our military’s greatest asset – its people. The legislation supports good-paying jobs in Maine communities, particularly through its funding for shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. These funds will help the shipyards plan their futures, continue to build the highest-quality ships, and maintain the submarine fleet that our Navy needs to accomplish missions across the globe. “There are many more important provisions in this legislation – including a long-overdue traumatic brain injury monitoring program, fighting the opioid epidemic, and deterring Chinese aggression,” continued Senator King. “All told, this year’s NDAA will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the men and women who fight for our freedoms.” The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 includes King-backed provisions to: INVEST IN MAINE SHIPBUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS. The FY25 NDAA authorizes $1.43 billion for an additional DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that Bath Iron Works will build. The legislation also includes a legislative fix to ensure employees of public shipyards have access to quality lodging for those providing long-term, essential work at our public shipyards. This legislation also supports critical Maine National Guard facilities and authorizes funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) modernization efforts – including the Dry Dock extension that will allow PNSY to increase its capacity to maintain the Navy’s submarine fleet. PREVENT TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBI) AND BLAST HEALTH. Included in this legislation is the Blast Overpressure Safety Act that Senator King introduced with several colleagues to protect servicemembers from blast exposure and address TBI, which is considered the “signature wound” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill also includes funding for the Special Operations Brain Health and Trauma Program. FUND MAINE INNOVATION AND SMALL BUSINESSES. This legislation addresses modernizing Pratt & Whitney’s important contribution in North Berwick to building F-35 engines and further addresses the F-35 Propulsion and Thermal Management System, This legislation aids University of Maine-driven research and development in soil stabilization and infrastructure resiliency, textile developments, and digital manufacturing. It addresses Maine’s leadership in the production of tungsten alloys and the importance of Defense Industrial Alliances such as the Maine Defense Industrial Alliance. It further supports the highly technical and unique work of Maine’s composites industry including support for a re-entry vehicle pilot program and expeditionary shelters. Senator King continues to support the Arctic including the Arctic Watch Tower initiative and Arctic research at U Maine. PFAS AND THE ENVIRONMENT. The bill includes important provisions protecting the environment, most importantly increased funding for cleanup efforts. It further codifies the existing DOD policy that compels the military services act to address any release or threatened release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). SUPPORT AMERICA’S VETERANS, SERVICEMEMBERS AND FAMILIES. This legislation includes a 4.5% pay increase for military servicemembers and a 2% pay increase for civilian personnel. Additionally, the bill authorizes increased funding to increase full-time Active, Guard, and Reserve members within the Air National Guard, and increases monthly basic pay for junior enlisted service members in the grades of E-1 through E-3. Senator King also worked to secure the inclusion of the Welcome Home Veterans Act which will ensure servicemembers are better connected to their state veterans agencies as they begin to transition out of active duty. The Committee remained focused on improving the Transition Assistance Program through this legislation and additional measures to improve participation and training. Additionally, the FY25 NDAA includes a pilot program marking Pregnancy as a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), thereby expanding TRICARE options for pregnant beneficiaries. The legislation also includes multiple amendments addressing suicide prevention. DETER AGGRESSION FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARIES. The FY25 NDAA includes a requirement for the Secretary of Defense to submit yearly reports on the directed energy roadmap to deter aggression from our adversaries like Russia, Iran and China. ENHANCE PUBLIC-PRIVATE CYBERSECURITY COOPERATION. The bill addresses how small businesses and universities obtain and maintain cybersecurity protections, with direct input from the University of Maine and Maine small businesses. COMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRAFFICKING. The FY25 NDAA includes multiple King-led provisions pertaining to Counter-Transnational Organized Crime and improvements in coordination between the Combatant Commands to address the flow of fentanyl and illicit drugs. MAINE NATIONAL GUARD AND SERVICEMEMBER READINESS. At Senator King’s request, this legislation includes proposed Maine National Guard design funding for the Southern Maine Readiness Center in Saco, ME. The FY25 NDAA also addressed issues pertaining to housing allowances, along with locality and incentive pay in remote areas and irregular housing markets. This aims to address subsequent impacts on retention and recruitment. MODERNIZE CRITICAL NUCLEAR DETERRENCE. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader working to modernize the nation’s nuclear triad and address the threats posed by new hypersonic weapons. The bill strengthens the nuclear triad and nuclear command and control including cyber protections and addressing concerns with Artificial Intelligence. The bill also includes important oversight of the NNSA and nuclear modernization programs to help address cost and defense industrial base concerns. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-bipartisan-efforts-to-award-vietnam-war-vet-with-congressional-gold-medal,King Joins Bipartisan Efforts to Award Vietnam War Vet with Congressional Gold Medal,2024-06-14,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C —U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) has joined bipartisan legislation to award Navy Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. with the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of his service in the Vietnam War. On August 5, 1964, while flying Operation Pierce Arrow, Commander Alvarez’s A-4 Skyhawk was shot down, and he became the first aviator captured in Vietnam. He spent eight years and six months in captivity, becoming the second-longest held Prisoner of War in U.S. history. While being held in Vietnam, Alvarez crossed paths with the late Senator John McCain, who was also being held as a POW at the H?a Lò prison. Following his release back to the United States, Commander Alvarez completed his 20-year career in the U.S. Navy in June 1980. Commander Alvarez has earned the Silver Star Medal, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, and the Prisoner of War Medal. He also served as Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration (now known as the Department of Veterans Affairs), and Vice President for government services with the Hospital Corporation of America. Commander Alvarez was born and raised in Salinas, California and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. “It is an honor to join my colleagues in seeking to recognize the incredible bravery and service of Navy Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. who spent several years in Vietnam as a prisoner of war,” said Senator King. “The recognition of a Congressional Gold Medal acknowledges all of his sacrifices and contributions in support of our great American ideals: democracy and freedom. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to forever memorialize the patriotism and sacrifices of Commander Alvarez.” Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Although the first recipients included citizens who participated in the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, Congress broadened the scope of the medal to include actors, authors, entertainers, musicians, pioneers in aeronautics and space, explorers, lifesavers, notables in science and medicine, athletes, humanitarians, public servants, and foreign recipients. Joining King on this legislation are Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ). Companion legislation recently passed the House of Representatives. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he previously pressed Pentagon officials on the need to prioritize resources for servicemembers transitioning from active duty to veteran status. Senator King has also worked to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. This past fall, he introduced a bipartisan bill to protect the educational benefits of military dependents if the servicemember who transferred them those education benefits is dishonorably discharged from the military due to domestic violence or sexual assault against their spouse or dependent. Additionally, Senator King has introduced the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act and bipartisan legislation to improve transportation to health care appointments for rural veterans. Senator King also participates in the Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. Full text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-protect-access-to-ivf-treatments,King Cosponsors Bill to Protect Access to IVF Treatments,2024-06-13,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has joined legislation to protect access to fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). The Right to IVF Act would guarantee access to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), which is most frequently used via IVF. Each year, roughly 2% of all infants born in the United States are conceived through ART treatments. “In-vitro fertilization (IVF), and other common fertility treatments, have given hope to women across Maine who want to grow their family,” said Senator King. “In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and the ongoing politically-motivated challenges to reproductive rights nationwide, we must protect a woman’s freedom to make the best, science-based decision for her family in consultation with her provider. American support for IVF is overwhelming and the Right to IVF Act would ensure every Maine family has the right to make their own decisions when it comes to planning for their future.” Earlier this year, the Alabama State Supreme Court issued a decision that ruled stored embryos must receive the same legal protections as living children. This would have allowed legal action to be taken against all medical professionals performing IVF treatments. However, the Alabama State Legislature passed, and the governor signed, a bill to protect IVF providers from civil and criminal liability for embryos lost or damaged during IVF treatments. Even so, women, families and health care providers across the country using IVF do so without certainty of legal protection. There are at least 11 other states that currently have laws broadly defining a fetus as a person under the law; additionally, 13 states have personhood bills under consideration, each of which put IVF treatment at risk. The Right to IVF Act would: Establish a statutory right for an individual to access, a provider to provide and an insurer to cover — without prohibition, limitation, interference or impediment — Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)/in vitro fertilization (IVF) services provided in accordance with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) professional guidelines. Authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to commence civil actions to enforce statutory rights and a private right of action for adversely affected covered parties. Allow servicemembers to cryopreserve gametes before deployment to a combat zone or hazardous duty assignment and after an injury or illness. Permanently authorize and enhance fertility treatment and counseling options for veterans and servicemembers, while expanding family-building assistance, improving eligibility rules and strengthening research on servicemember and veteran long-term reproductive health. Increase affordability of fertility care, including IVF, by requiring employer-sponsored insurance plans and other public insurance plans, cover fertility treatments. Standardize baseline of high-quality fertility treatment coverage under private health insurance plans, while protecting Americans against excessive out-of-pocket costs. Promote the standardization and widespread availability of affordable fertility treatment coverage under employer-sponsored health insurance plans. Require insurance carriers that participate in the world’s largest employer-sponsored health insurance program, the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program, cover ART, including IVF treatments. Senator King is a strong supporter of a woman’s right to reproductive health care. He opposed the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade calling it “a dangerous, blatantly political ruling that will rob millions of women the fundamental right to make decisions about their own health, safety, and lives.” Prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling, King voted to advance the Women’s Health Protection Act, legislation which would codify the longstanding precedent of Roe v. Wade into federal law and protect the right to these vital healthcare decisions. Last spring, he sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense highlighting the wide-ranging implications of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, and the challenges that restrictive abortion laws pose to servicemember health and finances, military readiness, recruitment and retention. Most recently, he joined bipartisan legislation to ensure military families receive the same access to quality reproductive health care as most Americans and cosponsored a bill to protect access to contraception.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-government-agencies-to-protect-fraud-victims-from-losing-access-to-medicare,King Urges Government Agencies to Protect Fraud Victims from Losing Access to Medicare,2024-06-13,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— As fraudsters prey on Medicare recipients nationwide, U.S. Senator Angus King is calling on the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to better protect fraud victims from losing access to Medicare subsidies. In a letter to SSA Administrator Martin O’Malley and CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, King calls on the two agencies to change existing Medicare regulations so that fraud victims can substantiate fraud claims through sworn affidavits. Current Medicare rules require subsidy recipients to submit proof that someone has been convicted of defrauding them before Medicare will reduce a fraud victim’s income for subsidy qualification purposes – but this requires an arrest or ruling that often never occurs, with many criminals lurking online. As a result, fraud victims become ineligible for Medicare subsidies because they cannot prove that their income was stolen. “Seniors who are the victims of fraud deserve our full support. Current Medicare regulations disadvantage senior fraud victims, adding hundreds of dollars per month in additional Medicare premiums to the bills of some elders who already have experienced significant losses. I urge you to propose a simple change in the Medicare rules that will protect our seniors from unfair and unexpected Medicare premium increases,” Senator King wrote. Senator King continued, “Higher income can disqualify a senior from receiving Medicare premium subsidies even if a senior loses that income to fraud. If an elderly person makes a large IRA withdrawal or sells their home and then is defrauded of proceeds from either transaction, then the senior still must report income to the IRS. Medicare regulations prevent SSA from disregarding that income for subsidy calculation purposes unless the senior provides proof that someone has been convicted of fraud against them. Of course, despite the best efforts of law enforcement, many fraudsters remain at large, and the regulations require SSA to consider the stolen income in subsidy calculations.” “Your agencies can and should change the Medicare regulations to ensure that victims of fraud, including all eligible Medicare beneficiaries, receive the premium subsidies that help them access care,” Senator King concluded. Senator King consistently works to protect Medicare benefits for Maine people. He recently introduced a legislative package to encourage proactive home modifications and to increase access to preventative screenings for older Americans to keep them thriving while avoiding costly injuries. The package included the reintroduction of the Preventative Home Visits Act and the WELL Seniors Act to expand Medicare benefits to cover home modifications, ensure the accessibility of telehealth services and include comprehensive screenings during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. He also was a staunch supporter and cosponsor of the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, later included in the Inflation Reduction Act, to allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies on the prices of ten drugs under Medicare Part D. Tens of thousands of Maine Medicare enrollees currently take the ten drugs; paying annual out-of-pocket costs up to nearly $5,000 in 2022. The full letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Administrator O’Malley and Administrator Brooks-LaSure: Seniors who are the victims of fraud deserve our full support. Current Medicare regulations disadvantage senior fraud victims, adding hundreds of dollars per month in additional Medicare premiums to the bills of some elders who already have experienced significant losses. I urge you to propose a simple change in the Medicare rules that will protect our seniors from unfair and unexpected Medicare premium increases. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), scams and fraud likely affect older Americans disproportionately. Scams that targeted those 60 and older cost our elders $3.4 billion in 2023. Investment fraud was the costliest category of elder fraud, accounting for about $1.2 billion in losses. At the same time, seniors frequently engage in high-value transactions as they access their hard-earned savings. If someone makes an individual retirement account (“IRA”) withdrawal or realizes a capital gain on the sale of a home, then the person must report that income to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) uses this information to determine a senior’s eligibility for benefits under Medicare subsidy programs. Higher income can disqualify a senior from receiving Medicare premium subsidies even if a senior loses that income to fraud. If an elderly person makes a large IRA withdrawal or sells their home and then is defrauded of proceeds from either transaction, then the senior still must report income to the IRS. Medicare regulations prevent SSA from disregarding that income for subsidy calculation purposes unless the senior provides proof that someone has been convicted of fraud against them. Of course, despite the best efforts of law enforcement, many fraudsters remain at large, and the regulations require SSA to consider the stolen income in subsidy calculations. As a result, SSA and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have denied victims of elder fraud—including some of my constituents—access to Medicare subsidies, requiring them to pay hundreds of dollars per month in extra Medicare premiums. Such an outcome simply is not fair to our seniors. Your agencies can and should change the Medicare regulations to ensure that victims of fraud, including all eligible Medicare beneficiaries, receive the premium subsidies that help them access care. Specifically, I urge you to revise 20 C.F.R. § 418.1255(e) so that Medicare beneficiaries can substantiate fraud losses with sworn affidavits, and without the need to prove a conviction tied to the fraud or theft that may never occur in the beneficiary’s lifetime. Thank you for your dedication to the wellbeing of American seniors and all Medicare beneficiaries. I look forward to hearing from you on this important matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-natos-75th-anniversary,King Joins Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing NATO’s 75th Anniversary,2024-06-12,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Senate NATO Observer Group (SNOG), has joined a bipartisan resolution to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It comes in anticipation of the 2024 NATO Summit which will take place July 9-11 in Washington, D.C. The resolution expresses support for the NATO Alliance, recognizes its accomplishments over the past 75 years, celebrates the new allies that have recently joined, and highlights the importance of future enlargement. The text also encourages allies to meet Alliance spending targets, lists China as an emerging threat, and acknowledges the impact that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has had on the security of our allies in Europe and the global economy. “As Putin wages an unprovoked, illegal war in Ukraine, we continue to recognize the critical importance of NATO in defense of democracy, peace, and freedom,” said Senator King. “This resolution highlights the organization’s role over the last 75 years in deterring conflicts, increasing capabilities in the Arctic, and expanding democratic values across Europe. As we convene in Washington next month—and look forward to the next 75 years—let us continue working together to support the alliance so that more people across the world may live in peace and freedom.” More specifically, this resolution: Celebrates the 75th anniversary of NATO’s founding and welcomes all NATO members and observers to the 75th Annual Summit in June 2024, in Washington, D.C. Applauds the addition of Finland and Sweden to the alliance. Continues to affirm the importance of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. Strongly calls on all NATO member states to immediately meet their obligations and raise their defense spending levels above the 2 percent GDP target. Encourages NATO to build closer ties with the Indo-Pacific to confront the challenges posed by the deepening partnership and alignment between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. Reaffirms the importance of nuclear deterrence in NATO planning and supports the modernization and development of new systems. Senator King, most recently, sent a letter to Swedish Ambassador Urban Ahlin, calling Sweden’s new membership in NATO a “historic achievement” and thanked Sweden for its commitment to defending democracy. At the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, King toured the Pabrade Training Area with US Army leaders, met with key NATO officials, and received updates on Russia’s attack on Ukraine. During that summit, he shared that “History will show that Vladimir Putin did more for NATO than any public leader in the history of the world. NATO has never been stronger. It's never been more unified. It's never been more solid in terms of its plans and its future. And to that extent, it is because of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.” His full remarks from that trip can be found here. In addition to King, the resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE). The full text of the resolution can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-all-purple-heart-recipients-can-transfer-benefits-to-dependents,King Joins Bipartisan Bill to Ensure All Purple Heart Recipients Can Transfer Benefits to Dependents,2024-06-11,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), has joined legislation that will close an existing loophole and allow Purple Heart recipients who receive this distinction after their discharge to transfer their GI bill benefits to their dependents. In 2017, Congress passed the Forever GI Bill, which incentivized servicemembers to continue serving in the military by allowing them to transfer GI bill benefits to their dependents after six years of service, if they agreed to serve an additional four. In 2018, the Department of Defense (DoD) expanded GI Bill transferability benefits to Purple Heart recipients, allowing them to transfer GI benefits to their dependents while on active duty regardless of years of service. While this policy honors most wounded warriors, it leaves behind a small group of those who received their Purple Hearts after being discharged from the military. The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act would close this loophole by allowing veterans who received their Purple Heart after their service to transfer their benefits to their dependents. “Our Purple Heart recipients are American patriots that put everything on the line in defense of democracy and freedom,” said Senator Angus King. “The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act would ensure that servicemembers who have received a Purple Heart after their honorable discharge can transfer their well-deserved benefits to their dependents. The entire family serves when a military member signs up to serve and we owe it to them to provide the upmost support by quickly closing this loophole.” Specifically, the Purple Heart Veterans Education Act would: Permit an individual awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Force on or after September 11, 2001, to transfer their educational benefits to one or more of their dependents. Allow flexibility by permitting the veteran to allocate different amounts, totaling 36 months of benefits to each of their dependents. For example, one dependent may be designated 20 months and the other 16 months. Protect the veteran’s right to their benefits by prohibiting the use of their educational benefits to be treated as marital property or the asset of a marital estate. Honor the veteran’s legacy by allowing their dependents to continue using the unused benefits after their death. The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he previously pressed Pentagon officials on the need to prioritize resources for servicemembers transitioning from active duty to veteran status. Senator King has also worked to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. This past fall, he introduced a bipartisan bill to protect the educational benefits of military dependents if the servicemember who transferred them those education benefits is dishonorably discharged from the military due to domestic or sexual assault against a family. Additionally, Senator King has introduced the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act and bipartisan legislation to improve transportation to health care appointments for rural veterans. The full text of the bill can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-43-million-rural-development-grant-for-passamaquoddy-tribe-to-build-eel-farm,King Announces $4.3 Million Rural Development Grant for Passamaquoddy Tribe to Build Eel Farm,2024-06-10,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today announced that the Passamaquoddy Tribe has been awarded $3.4 million from the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing (IAG) grant program — part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development program — to build an eel farm. The IAG program was designed to support the priorities of Tribal Nations that utilize traditional harvesting methods and indigenous animals such as bison, reindeer, salmon and eels. The grant — one of eight awarded across the nation — will help the Passamaquoddy Tribe fund the latest technology to grow eels in a controlled aquaculture facility, as opposed to relying on wild eel harvesting. “This $4.3 million grant for the Passamaquoddy Tribe to further bolster their eel aquaculture work is not only an economic investment, but also an investment in the Tribe’s rich tradition of eel harvesting,” said Senator King. “With the current wild eel harvesting quotas remaining in place, this grant is even more important as the Passamaquoddy looks to sustain and build on their eel fishery. This funding from the USDA’s Rural Development program will help further modernize our state’s seafood industry and ensure the Tribe has the tools and resources to thrive.” Senator King is a strong advocate for Maine’s coastal communities and ocean economy. He worked to secure the future of Maine’s lobster fishery as they faced an “economic death sentence,” preventing the industry from facing devastating regulations. He’s introduced legislation to spur economic development in coastal Maine communities and to boost marketing efforts and overseas sales for American agricultural products, including seafood, as well as introduced a bipartisan bill to create an aquaculture office to better support farmers and harvesters. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-bipartisan-resolution-to-establish-vets-get-outside-day-on-june-9th,King Leads Bipartisan Resolution to Establish “Vets Get Outside Day” on June 9th,2024-06-07,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has introduced a bipartisan resolution to establish “Vets Get Outside Day”—a day to encourage veterans who may be struggling to take a moment or two outdoors as they cope with mental health challenges. The resolution calls on veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges to walk, run, hike, bike ride, or simply spend time outside on June 9, 2024 as part of an effort to improve mental health. This is the second year in a row that Senator King has led the introduction of this resolution. Nearly 460,000 veterans were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries between 2020 and 2022, and there were 6,146 veteran deaths in 2020 from suicide. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors in nature can have a positive impact on an individual’s mental health and lessen feelings of isolation. The resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “From beach walks and fishing trips on the coast to a hike in the forest, America’s extraordinary outdoor spaces can bring moments of calm during the most difficult times,” said Senator King. “I hope that ‘Vets Get Outside Day’ will encourage Maine’s veterans to find a relaxing outdoor space that helps them process the stresses and challenges they carry with them. It’s a simple way to promote two of Maine’s greatest treasures — the great outdoors and our brave veterans.” “We owe it to the men and women who fought for our freedoms around the world to address the veteran suicide crisis,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Vets Get Outside Day ensures that our veterans know there is help available to them.” “Studies have shown fresh air and nature can be the best treatment for veterans who may be suffering from post-traumatic stress and depression. At the peak of Teddy Roosevelt’s grief and loss, he came to the tranquility of North Dakota’s badlands. This resolution recognizes the positive impact outdoor recreational activities can have on our veterans,” said Senator Cramer. Veterans in crisis can dial 9-8-8 and then press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Representing a state with one of the highest concentrations of veterans, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. King has also repeatedly pressed the VA on the need to hire and retain more staff in order to meet the demand for veteran care. He recently spearheaded the passage of legislation to better track and study servicemember suicides by job assignment. Earlier this year, Senator King held an SVAC field hearing at the University of Maine Augusta to discuss the state of veterans’ long-term care in Maine and other critical issues facing veterans. In a September 2023 hearing, he questioned VA officials in an SVAC hearing to shed light on how financial strain can impact veterans’ mental health. Senator King has also worked to properly honor and recognize the sacrifices of Purple Heart medal recipients, protect veterans from fraud, and expand veteran assisted living services. Read the full resolution here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-seeking-to-bolster-school-mental-health-resources-for-students,King Seeking to Bolster School Mental Health Resources for Students,2024-06-06,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King is co-sponsoring legislation to boost the availability of mental health providers in public schools across Maine and the nation. The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act would establish a five-year renewable grant program to help elementary and secondary schools hire additional school-based mental health providers such as counselors, psychologists and social workers. According to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), 15% of Maine children aged 6-11 have an ongoing emotional, developmental or behavior condition that requires treatment or counseling, and one in six Maine children, according to data from the John T. Gorman Foundation, have been diagnosed with anxiety. “Schools in Maine and across the country are struggling to fund resources and staff to deliver counseling and mental health services for students,” said Senator King. “Advocating for the academic success of our young people means ensuring they have access to professionals that can also help them grow socially and emotionally. The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act is another step forward in making sure our schools have the resources to help our children succeed and thrive both in and out of the classroom.” The recommended maximum student-to-counselor ratio is 250 students per counselor, but currently, the national average is 385 students per counselor and continues to rise. For school psychologists, the recommended maximum ratio is 500 students per provider, and 250 to 1 for school social workers. Students are 21 times more likely to visit school-based health centers for mental health than community mental health centers, but school districts across America too often lack the resources to provide students with the in-school treatment and care they need and deserve. Additionally, schools that employ more school-based health providers see improved attendance rates, academic achievement and career preparation, and graduation rates, and lower rates of suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary incidents. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MN), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Senator King is supportive of providing additional resources to bolster mental health services for youth across Maine. This past fall, he introduced bipartisan legislation to promote healthy childhoods for children across the country. A copy of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/resolution-commemorating-80th-anniversary-of-d-day-unanimously-passes-senate,Resolution Commemorating 80th Anniversary of D-Day Unanimously Passes Senate,2024-06-06,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Senators Susan Collins and Angus King cosponsored a resolution commemorating the historic operation and expressing gratitude and appreciation to the members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Allied troops responsible for carrying out this unprecedented battle. This bipartisan resolution was introduced by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and unanimously passed the Senate. In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, 73,000 members of the United States Armed Forces, and over 80,000 of their counterparts in the Allied Expeditionary Force, launched Operation Overlord by storming ashore five landing areas on the beaches of Normandy, France. The first day of the operation, which became known as D-Day, saw approximately 10,000 Allied soldiers wounded or killed, including 6,000 Americans. Operation Overlord led to Allied liberation of Western Europe from the control of Nazi Germany and an end to World War II. “On June 6, 1944, tens of thousands of courageous Americans and allied troops carried out the greatest amphibious troop landing in history to liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny. The sacrifices made by the thousands of Americans who perished that day, those who survived but have since passed on, and those living today, will be forever remembered,” said Senator Collins. “This anniversary is especially meaningful to me because my father was a World War II combat veteran who earned two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star as a result of injuries he sustained in the Battle of the Bulge, a later engagement on the Western Front. It was from him that I first learned to honor, respect, and thank our veterans.” “Eighty years ago, more than 100,000 Allied forces landed on the rocky beaches of Normandy and turned the tide in the fight against Nazi fascism — a day often referred to as the beginning of the end of World War II,” said Senator King. “Today, we honor and remember the courage of those brave men: many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. The impact of the greatest generation is still felt today and inspires a grateful nation as we recommit ourselves to the shared democratic values they fought to defend.” In 2019, Senators Collins and King took part in the official, bipartisan Senate delegation to Normandy, France, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion by Allied forces during World War II. The Senators joined President Donald J. Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron at an official ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery to mark the milestone. Prior to the ceremony, the Senators met with World War II veterans who made the trip for the occasion. Maine veterans in attendance included Charles Norman Shay, a Penobscot Tribal Elder and veteran who served as a combat medic during the D-Day invasion and is the namesake for the Charles Shay Indian Memorial in Normandy that honors the service of Native Americans during World War II; and Henry Breton, an Augusta veteran who was one of four brothers to serve during World War II. There are 83 soldiers from Maine buried at the cemetery, six of whom died on D-Day. Click here to read the complete text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-veterans-hearing-king-stresses-impacts-of-very-serious-nursing-workforce-shortage,"In Veterans Hearing, King Stresses Impacts of “Very Serious” Nursing Workforce Shortage",2024-06-05,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a joint hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and Senate Special Committee on Aging, U.S. Senator Angus King pressed Fred Sganga, the Legislative Director of the National Association of State Veterans Home, about the potential harmful impacts that proposed staffing mandates could have on nursing homes, especially those homes caring for veterans. The hearing comes just days after Senator King was joined by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) in requesting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) carefully study the possible repercussions of the recently finalized Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule on staffing levels. This rule will require minimum staffing levels at long term care (LTC) facilities that receive funding from CMS, including facilities that serve veterans. A November 2022 report published by the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects that by 2025 there will be a shortage of over 78,000 full time registered nurses (RNs). In the hearing, Senator King laid out the stakes of the issue, in Maine and nationwide: “The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) indicates by next year we will have a 78,000 nurse shortage in this country and, yet, CMS is issuing rules for increasing staffing when there is nobody to hire. I know in Maine we’ve lost four, we’re losing four nursing homes so far this year — one this week. We’ve lost 26 in the last 10 years because, mostly, lack of staff,” began Senator King. “So, these well-meaning regulations — nobody is against adequate staffing levels — but the well-meaning regulations will end up with less care if we lose nursing home beds. Mr. Sganga, do you agree?” “Well said, Senator King. I think it is a big problem and something we should be looking at nationwide. We think for skilled nursing facilities alone, we’re going to be lacking about 102,000 registered nurses and certified nursing assistants just to meet that,” Sganga replied. “And just because CMS passes a regulation does not mean those nurses are going to magically spring into existence,” said Senator King. “That is correct, that is correct” responded Sganga. “Let the record show that you said ‘Well stated, Mr. King.’ I want that emphasized. This is a very serious problem. We are losing caregivers. What compounds it is the caregivers who are staying are being burnt out because they are having to work so many hours. So, CMS really ought to be talking about how do we surge people into the industry, not requiring staffing levels that will end up with not lesser care, but no care for veterans and elderly people throughout the country,” concluded Senator King. Senator King has previously raised concerns about the broad impact of this rule on the ability of LTC facilities to continue providing necessary care to aging veterans. In an October 2023 letter to the CMS Administrator, he noted that the proposed staffing mandate may inadvertently cause the widespread shutdown of rural nursing facilities, both in Maine and across the country. Senator King has repeatedly pressed the VA on the need to hire and retain more staff in order to meet the demand for veteran care. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he previously pressed Pentagon officials on the need to prioritize the transition from active duty to veteran status. In a February Veteran’s Affairs Committee hearing, he urged the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to accelerate their approval process for transportation reimbursements for veterans who receive care at vet centers. Senator King has worked to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Additionally, Senator King has introduced the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act and bipartisan legislation to improve transportation to health care appointments for rural veterans. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-strengthen-and-protect-reproductive-health-care,King Cosponsors Bill to Strengthen and Protect Reproductive Health Care,2024-06-05,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nearly 50 years after the Supreme Court’s Griswold v. Connecticut decision protecting access to contraception, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has joined legislation to codify this right in federal law. The Right to Contraception Act would guarantee the right for people to obtain and use contraceptives and for health care providers to prescribe contraceptives and make available information related to contraception, free from government interference. Contraception includes over-the-counter methods, such as condoms or emergency contraception; those prescribed by pharmacists, like birth control pills; or those requiring a procedure or medical appointment for short-acting or long-acting reversible contraceptives or more permanent methods. A 2022 poll conducted by FiveThirtyEight and Ipsos found a majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, support access to a wide range of contraceptive methods. According to a National Health Statistics Report, 90% of reproductive age women use or have used contraception. “I know as well as most that an examination room is pretty small — and in this case it only has place for a women and her doctor — not the federal government,” said Senator King. “The Right to Contraception Act would ensure women have the freedom to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and continued challenges to reproductive rights across the country, it is even more important to protect women’s rights and codify access to contraception into federal law.” The Right to Contraception Act would: Guarantee the legal right for individuals to obtain and use contraception and for health care providers to provide contraceptives, contraception, and information, referrals and services related to contraception; Prohibit the federal government or any state from administering, implementing or enforcing any law, rule, regulation, standard or another provision that would prohibit or restrict the sale, provision or use of contraception; and, Allow the Department of Justice (DOJ), providers and individuals harmed by restrictions on contraception access made unlawful under the legislation, to go to court to enforce these civil rights. Senator King is a strong supporter of a woman’s right to reproductive health care. He opposed the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade calling it “a dangerous, blatantly political ruling that will rob millions of women the fundamental right to make decisions about their own health, safety, and lives.” Prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling, King voted to advance the Women’s Health Protection Act, legislation which would codify the longstanding precedent of Roe v. Wade into federal law and protect the right to these vital healthcare decisions. Last spring, he sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense highlighting the wide-ranging implications of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, and the challenges that restrictive abortion laws pose to servicemember health and finances, military readiness, recruitment and retention. Most recently, he joined bipartisan legislation to ensure military families receive the same access to quality reproductive health care as most Americans. The full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cramer-request-va-study-potential-harmful-effects-of-new-staffing-rule-on-long-term-care-facilities,"King, Cramer Request VA Study “Potential Harmful Effects” of New Staffing Rule on Long Term Care Facilities",2024-06-04,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) — members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) — are requesting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) produce a report on the impact of the recently finalized Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule on staffing levels. This rule will require increased minimum staffing levels at long term care (LTC) facilities that receive funding from CMS, including facilities that serve veterans. In a letter to Secretary Denis McDonough, King and Cramer highlight the anticipated negative effects of the rule on long term care facilities, especially those in rural areas serving veterans. King and Cramer previously introduced a bipartisan bill that would require the VA to study the risks to elderly veterans of the then-proposed rule that would unsustainably change staffing ratios at nursing homes. The bill requires an assessment of the VA’s ability to continue meeting the LTC needs of veterans at VA and VA affiliated nursing homes, with a focus on rural areas, if the rule were to be implemented as proposed. It would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report on the VA’s findings to Congress within 60 days of the bill becoming law. Now that this staffing rule has been finalized, understanding the potential impact on veterans is even more critical. “We write to express concerns about the potential harmful impact on veterans resulting from the recently finalized Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule, entitled ‘Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting’ (RIN: 0938-AV25).[1] Our healthcare system is grappling with a severe shortage of qualified nurses and caregivers, spurred in part by challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Senators wrote. “Long-term care facilities in Maine, North Dakota, and across the country have struggled to recover post-pandemic — we cannot simply will a new pipeline of healthcare workers into existence, and without staff to fill the required positions, many facilities face imminent closure. Given the impact CMS’ rule will have on the entire long-term care industry and access to services, we write to request a report from VA to better understand the impact of the Rule on veterans nationwide and in VA facilities.” “Simply put — we are concerned long-term care facilities, including those serving veterans, may not be able to meet the new staffing requirements. Less than one in five nursing facilities nationwide currently meet all staffing requirements prescribed by the Rule.[2] This is particularly concerning given the ongoing struggles of the long-term care industry to adequately hire staff. A recent survey indicated that 89% of nursing homes are actively trying to hire Registered Nurses, and 67% cite a lack of interest or qualified candidates as an obstacle towards hiring.[3] An industry analysis estimates nursing facilities will have to hire an additional 102,000 nurses and nurse aides, which is 14,000 higher than CMS’ estimate,” the Senators continued. The Senators concluded, “We all want our veterans, older adults, and disabled populations served by long-term care facilities to have adequate staffing to meet their needs. Considering the majority of long-term care facilities nationwide would currently be deemed out of compliance with this rule, and are already struggling to hire and retain staff while on the precipice collectively of needing to spend billions of dollars more per year, we have serious concerns the industry will realistically be able to meet the goals of the Rule, let alone prevent massive widespread closures.” Senator King has previously raised concerns about the broad impact of this rule on the ability of LTC facilities to continue providing necessary care to aging veterans. In an October 2023 letter to the head administrator of CMS, he noted that the proposed staffing mandate may inadvertently cause the widespread shutdown of rural nursing facilities, both in Maine and across the country. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator King is committed to ensuring veterans and their families receive their earned benefits and support from the VA. Senator King has repeatedly pressed the VA on the need to hire and retain more staff in order to meet the demand for veteran care. He also spearheaded the passage of legislation to better track and study servicemember suicides by job assignment. Senator King has also worked to properly honor and recognize the sacrifices of Purple Heart medal recipients, protect veterans from fraud, and expand veteran assisted living services. The full letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary McDonough, We write to express concerns about the potential harmful impact on veterans resulting from the recently finalized Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule, entitled ‘Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting’ (RIN: 0938-AV25).[4] Our healthcare system is grappling with a severe shortage of qualified nurses and caregivers, spurred in part by challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-term care facilities in Maine, North Dakota, and across the country have struggled to recover post-pandemic — we cannot simply will a new pipeline of healthcare workers into existence, and without staff to fill the required positions, many facilities face imminent closure. Given the impact CMS’ rule will have on the entire long-term care industry and access to services, we write to request a report from VA to better understand the impact of the Rule on veterans nationwide and in VA facilities. In light of the anticipated impact of the CMS rule on the long-term care facilities serving our veterans, we introduced the VA Report on Proposed CMS Staffing Ratios Act (S. 3841), which would require VA to submit a report to Congress on the effect of the then-proposed minimum staffing ratios rule on access to VA long-term care facilities. The final rule covers a wide-ranging cross section of nursing and long-term care facilities nationwide, but we write with particular concern regarding its impact on the tens of thousands of veterans residing in 163 State Veterans Homes, over 130 Community Living Centers (CLC), and numerous Community Nursing Homes contracting with VA to provide care for our veterans. As you know, veterans may receive long-term care services at VA CLCs, State Veterans Homes, or Community Nursing Homes. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) may pay for the services depending on the care, but many of our veterans are covered by a combination of VHA, Medicare, and Medicaid – meaning these long-term care facilities providing care to veterans accept payment from Medicare and Medicaid too and thus are subject to CMS’ conditions of participation and the Rule.[5] Regardless of the payer, it is critical our veterans and those served by long-term care facilities have access to adequate staffing levels to ensure patient safety. While we acknowledge the Rule’s good intent—to improve patient safety through increased staffing levels — we are concerned it ultimately may lead to reduced access and worse health outcomes for veterans. If facilities are not able to hire nurses to meet the requirements of the Rule, we fear they will be forced to close their doors. The nursing home and long-term care industry struggled with adequate staffing levels before the pandemic, and continues to recover from staffing shortages that occurred during the pandemic. For example, in North Dakota, 50% of nursing facilities halted admissions in 2022 due to lack of staff and over the pandemic, these facilities lost over 15% of their staff, many of which have not returned. Similarly, between February 2020 and December 2022, Maine’s nursing industry saw a significant decrease in employment levels, with nursing facilities seeing a 14.2% drop to their staffing levels. In Maine alone, four nursing homes have already announced plans to close this year, with one specifically indicating the inability to hire healthcare staff was one of the primary reasons they were forced to finally close. This situation is not unique to our states — 66% of facilities across the country believe they may have to close if their workforce challenges persist. [6] Simply put – we are concerned long-term care facilities, including those serving veterans, may not be able to meet the new staffing requirements. Less than one in five nursing facilities nationwide currently meet all staffing requirements prescribed by the Rule.[7] This is particularly concerning given the ongoing struggles of the long-term care industry to adequately hire staff. A recent survey indicated that 89% of nursing homes are actively trying to hire Registered Nurses, and 67% cite a lack of interest or qualified candidates as an obstacle towards hiring.[8] An industry analysis estimates nursing facilities will have to hire an additional 102,000 nurses and nurse aides, which is 14,000 higher than CMS’ estimate.[9] We all want our veterans, older adults, and disabled populations served by long-term care facilities to have adequate staffing to meet their needs. Considering the majority of long-term care facilities nationwide would currently be deemed out of compliance with this rule, and are already struggling to hire and retain staff while on the precipice collectively of needing to spend billions of dollars more per year, we have serious concerns the industry will realistically be able to meet the goals of the Rule, let alone prevent massive widespread closures. We are especially concerned about the direct effect on veterans, given that VA/VHA will need to pay for new hires and related costs at a time when the Department has already proposed to cut 10,000 employees. These proposed cuts were made before the CMS Rule was finalized, which is even more concerning for the potential impact of the Rule on veterans’ care. Therefore, we request a report by July 15, 2024 on the impact of the recently finalized CMS rule on VA, including responses to the following questions: What are the projections in terms of hiring needs for Registered Nurses (RNs), Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse (LPN/LVN), and other staff in long-term care facilities supported by the Department as a result of this finalized rule? What is the projected budgetary impact on the Department as a result of this finalized rule? Among the 14,000 nurses hired to work in VA facilities since January 2022, what percentage are working in long-term care (LTC) facilities affected by this rule? Since January 2022, how many CNAs and LPN/LVNs have similarly been hired? How many facilities serving veterans does VA anticipate needing to apply for exemptions discussed in the final rule? Does VA have any concerns with the exemptions process in the final rule towards demonstrating a hardship exemption? How many State homes would not meet the threshold for minimum staffing outlined in the final rule? How many veterans who live in such State homes would be affected? How many community nursing homes currently contracted with the Department of Veterans Affairs would not meet the threshold for minimum staffing? How many veterans residing in community nursing home would be affected? Will the final rule have any impact on community living centers of the Department? How many veterans would be affected? Will the Department be able to adequately meet the long-term care needs of veterans including those residing in: rural and highly rural areas; medically underserved areas; territories of the United States; or Tribal areas? How would the proposed staffing reductions, combined with the final rule, impact veterans’ long-term care? Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to hearing from the Department regarding our request. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/aroostook-native-sharon-campbell-named-state-director-for-senator-angus-king,Aroostook Native Sharon Campbell Named State Director for Senator Angus King,2024-06-03,2024,2024-06,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King announced that Aroostook County native, Sharon Campbell, has been promoted to State Director. Campbell, who began her Senate career working for then U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), recently celebrated her 25th anniversary serving the people of Maine. “I could not be more pleased to promote Sharon Campbell to State Director, a well-deserved honor that truly recognizes her selfless commitment to Aroostook County and the entirety of Maine,” said Senator King. “She has a long history of working on behalf of the people of Maine, first as an advocate for victims of domestic violence in northern Maine, and then as a Regional Representative in both my office and the office of my predecessor, Senator Olympia Snowe. Sharon represents the very best of Maine – demonstrating excellent leadership, extensive community service, and effective communication. With her experience in the community and deep understanding of the federal system, I have no doubt that she will continue to be a tremendous resource for constituents across the entire state.” Sharon Campbell, a Houlton native – and long-time resident of Presque Isle - has been a public servant for Maine since 1999 when she began her tenure in the Presque Isle office of Senator Olympia Snowe. She worked for Snowe until 2013, covering the Aroostook County region. When Senator King was elected to office, Campbell continued her work for Maine as his Regional Representative for Aroostook County. Her primary responsibilities are to ensure that the constituents of Maine have both access to their elected Member of Congress and an advocate working on their behalf as issues with federal agencies arise. Prior to her service in the Senate with Senator Olympia Snowe, she worked for 10 years as a court advocate for victims of domestic violence in northern Maine. Through that work, she connected with court officials, law enforcement, social service agencies, and state and federal government to affect policy changes on behalf of the victims. Outside of her professional career, Campbell has been the past president of the Presque Isle Rotary Club, and an avid supporter of literacy efforts and aging issues within the community. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-celebrate-todays-100th-anniversary-of-the-us-border-patrol,"Collins, King Celebrate Today’s 100th Anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol",2024-05-28,2024,2024-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the United States Border Patrol (USBP). Last week, they cosponsored a bipartisan Senate resolution with their colleagues to recognize today, May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of USBP. “The United States is nation of immigrants and also a nation of laws,” said Senators Collins and King. “The U.S. Border Patrol is responsible for protecting the American way of life, stopping people and drugs from unlawful entry into our country. On this 100th anniversary of Border Patrol, we commend the frontline men and women who are keeping our nation safe — ultimately, ensuring that the United States remains true to its values of security and opportunity.” U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX) Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), James Lankford (R-OK), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Kennedy (R-LA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Gary Peters (D-MI) cosponsored this resolution. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here. +++ “Recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol and commending the service of the U.S. Border Patrol to the United States people. Whereas the Mounted Guard was assigned to the Immigration Service under the Department of Commerce and Labor from 1904 to 1924; Whereas the founding members of this Mounted Guard included Texas Rangers, sheriffs, and deputized cowboys; who patrolled the Texas frontier looking for smugglers, rustlers, and people illegally entering the United States; Whereas, following the Department of Labor Appropriation Act of May 28, 1924, the Border Patrol was established within the Bureau of Immigration, with an initial force of 450 patrol inspectors, an annual budget of $1,000,000, and $1,300 in annual pay for each patrol inspector, with each patrolman furnishing his own horse; Whereas changes regarding illegal immigration and increases of contraband alcohol traffic brought about the need for this young patrol force to have formal training in border enforcement; Whereas, during the U.S. Border Patrol’s 100-year history, Border Patrol agents have been deputized as United States Marshals on numerous occasions; Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol’s highly trained and motivated personnel have also assisted in controlling civil disturbances, performing national security details, aided in foreign training and assessments, and responded with security and humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of numerous natural disasters; Whereas the present force of over 19,000 agents and 3,000 professional staff, located in 129 stations and 35 permanent checkpoints under 22 sectors, is responsible for protecting more than 8,000 miles of international land and water boundaries; Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol has also been assigned additional interdiction duties, and is the primary agency responsible for drug interdiction between ports of entry; Whereas Border Patrol agents have a dual role of protecting the borders and enforcing immigration laws in a fair and humane manner; and Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol has a historic mission of firm commitment to the enforcement of immigration laws, but also one fraught with danger, as illustrated by the fact that 155 Border Patrol agents and pilots have lost their lives in the line of duty: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— recognizes the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol on May 28, 2024; applauds the significant achievements of the U.S. Border Patrol; commends the tens of thousands of men and women who have served in the ranks of the U.S. Border Patrol; remembers the 155 agents and pilots who have lost their lives in the performance of their duties; and offers its support for policies to improve the working conditions, hiring processes, and retention of Border Patrol agents.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-commemorate-memorial-day-king-interviews-army-helicopter-mechanic,"To Commemorate Memorial Day, King Interviews Army Helicopter Mechanic",2024-05-27,2024,2024-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On this Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices.” In the 14th interview of the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with Leslie Brown of Presque Isle. Brown was a U.S. Army jet engine mechanic who served for nearly three decades and faced two deployments during Operation Enduring Freedom. During the interview, King asked Brown about her experiences serving at Army installations across the world and her work today supporting veterans in northern Maine. “Leslie’s story is one that inspires and embodies the selfless service of so many of our veterans,” said Senator King. “Following in the footsteps of her father, an Air Force mechanic, Leslie succeeded in her field and became a highly respected leader. Today, she still continues to serve by supporting her fellow veterans back home in Maine. As we commemorate Memorial Day, we honor and recognize all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as thank our heroes back here at home, like Leslie. It is a privilege to share these stories of unwavering dedication to our country.” Leslie Brown grew up in Woodland, Maine, the daughter of an Air Force mechanic. After graduating Caribou High School, Leslie briefly attended the University of Maine Fort Kent and later went on to enlist in the Army where she began training to become a jet engine mechanic, following in the footsteps of her father. After completing training, Brown was sent to Germany where she served as helicopter mechanic for nearly six years. During her tour in Germany, she witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, met her husband and welcomed two children. After her tour ended in Germany, the family moved back stateside to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After leaving Kentucky, Brown’s career took her all across the country: Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia; Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawai’i; Fort Drum in Jefferson County, New York and Fort Irwin in San Bernardino County, California. She also was stationed twice in South Korea — both times were considered “hardship tours” where she went alone and her family remained stateside The first tour was in the late 1990s, and, during her second tour a few years later, she was in charge of a helicopter engine shop but also had additional duties such as teaching English to Korean soldiers who assisted the Army. During her career, Brown was deployed two times to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. The first time she was deployed to Forward Operating Base Salerno where she helped with humanitarian aid efforts and her unit was awarded humanitarian medals for their work. During her second deployment, Leslie received news that her husband had passed away. She immediately returned to the states where her son was finishing high school and her daughter had recently enlisted in the Army. After her son graduated high school, Brown returned to Afghanistan to finish out her deployment. After her tour in Afghanistan ended, she made the decision to retire and moved back to northern Maine. Today, Brown serves as a veterans outreach program counselor with the Maine Department of Labor where she has opportunity to work directly with veterans like herself — connecting them to support and resources at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and within the northern Maine community. The Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. Senator King joins many other members of Congress who’ve participated in the project. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Senator King uses this interview series to learn and share the stories of the lives, service, and sacrifices of Maine’s veteran community. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a bipartisan letter calling for more support for victims of military sexual trauma, as well as a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. You can watch previous episodes of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices” here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-may-podcast-king-discusses-the-importance-of-paid-family-and-medical-leave-for-maine-workers-and-businesses,"In May Podcast, King Discusses the Importance of Paid Family and Medical Leave for Maine Workers and Businesses",2024-05-25,2024,2024-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today released the May episode of his “Inside Maine” podcast, in which he discussed the importance of paid family and medical leave. During the podcast, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) joined Senator King to discuss how they are working together to extend existing federal paid family and medical leave policies. Later in the podcast, Drew Wyman, Executive Director of the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, joined Senator King to highlight how paid family medical leave is helpful to those caring for family members suffering from memory loss diseases. Senators King and Fischer, who recently introduced the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act, led the original effort to establish the country’s first ever nationwide PFML policy. Their legislation created a two-year general business tax credit for employers that voluntarily offered up to 12 weeks of PFML to employees below a certain income level. The current credit, included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and implemented in 2018, is scheduled to expire in 2025. King and Fischer want to make the tax credit permanent. Paid family leave legislation is not just important for parents to take care of their children. In Maine, there are nearly 30,000 people age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s Disease. As a result, thousands of Maine people need to take time off work to care for their loved ones. “I have often said that Maine is one big town — big community — with long roads. And when a member of our community is hurting, we drop everything to take care of our own. However, no one should have to choose between caring for our families or receiving the next paycheck to put food on the table,” said Senator King. “I am proud to be working with my colleague, Senator Deb Fischer, on legislation that will support Maine people when they need to take care of a loved one — whether that’s a child or an elderly family member suffering from a memory loss illness and want to thank both Senator Fischer and Drew Wyman for coming on ‘Inside Maine.’” A lifelong Nebraskan, Deb Fischer is the senior senator from Nebraska. Senator Fischer was first elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2012, becoming the first Nebraska woman elected to a full term and the first Nebraska state senator elected directly after service in the state legislature. Six years later, in November 2018, Nebraskans voted overwhelmingly to send her back to the U.S. Senate for a second term. Senator Fischer recently joined the Appropriations Committee, which helps shape the federal government’s spending policies. Drew Wyman is the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, serving in this role since 2020. He leads efforts to provide education and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias throughout the state, including people living with the disease, caregivers, families, and health care professionals. In addition, the Association advocates for the needs and rights of those facing dementia and advances critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention, and, ultimately, a cure. Drew has worked for the Maine Chapter since 2009, serving in other roles including Director of Communications. Previously, he worked for the Maine Island Trails Association. The ""Inside Maine"" podcast airs on the last Saturday of the month on Portland Newsradio WGAN and aims to keep Maine people informed about issues affecting life in the state and how they factor into Senator King’s work. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-non-consensual-digital-deepfake-porn,"King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Combat Non-Consensual, Digital Deepfake Porn",2024-05-24,2024,2024-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), is introducing bipartisan legislation to impose criminal penalties on individuals who create and share non-consensual, intimate deepfake images online—often referred to as deepfake porn. The Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act would not only establish a new criminal offense for distributing these images, but it would also allow victims to file a lawsuit against someone who intentionally distributes these images. Under the legislation, the criminal penalties can include a fine and up to two years in prison, and the civil penalties can include a fine up to $150,000. The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA). “Artificial intelligence is rapidly helping to advance critical components of society, but it’s also being used maliciously to victimize innocent Americans,” said Senator King. “The Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act would ensure that Maine people, and Americans nationwide, have legal civil and criminal recourse in the event they become victims to fake content posted online. In the age of digital ingenuity and innovation, legislation is needed to protect individuals from bad actors exploiting new technology.” “The sharing of intimate images without consent can cause extraordinary emotional distress and harm and can put victims at risk of stalking and assault. Especially as technology advances to the point where it is hard to tell which photos and videos are real and which have been entirely faked, we need stronger guardrails that protect people’s safety, privacy, and dignity and prevent non-consensual intimate images from proliferating across the internet,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill provides tools to hold accountable – both financially and criminally – the people and websites who are knowingly sharing these images without consent, and I urge my colleagues to support it.” “While there are many benefits to artificial intelligence, the use of deepfake technology to generate nonconsensual and realistic intimate images of actual people poses a growing threat,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation will help safeguard against the malicious use of this technology by closing loopholes in revenge porn laws and criminalizing the creation and spread of nonconsensual intimate deepfakes.” “As artificial intelligence continues to advance, we must take steps to prevent its misuse,” said Senator Butler. “That’s why we need this legislation to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.” Using advanced technology, like artificial intelligence, it is easier than ever to make fake images and videos that are convincingly real. Bad actors have been using this technology to create intimate, sexualized imagery of people without their knowledge. Several public figures, have been victimized by deepfake images posted online without their consent. Senator King has been a leading voice in fighting threats from technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission – which has had dozens of recommendations become law since its launch in 2019. As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees, Senator King has been a strong supporter of increased watermarking regulations. In a September 2023 open Intelligence hearing, King asked Dr. Yann LeCun – a New York University Professor of Computer Science and Data Science at New York University – about what is technologically feasible in terms of implementing watermarks (a small icon or caption) for users to discern between real and artificially created content. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act legislation includes a Senator King-led provision to evaluate technology, including applications, tools, and models, to detect and watermark generative artificial intelligence. Most recently, he joined the bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) that would allow victims to sue perpetrators for up to $150,000 who create and share fake visual depictions to falsely appear to be authentic. Additionally, he recently had an exchange during a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, where he raised the question of what Congress and the private sector can do to combat fake and misinformation online. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chairman-king-touts-defense-benefits-of-3d-printing,Chairman King Touts Defense Benefits of 3D Printing,2024-05-23,2024,2024-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing of the Senate Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Chairman Angus King made clear to Admiral William Houston, the Deputy Administrator for Office of Naval Nuclear Reactors for the National Nuclear Security Administration, his support for utilizing 3-dimensional (3D) printing within the Department of Defense in order to be more cost-efficient and flexible with maintenance. During the exchange, King highlighted the Advanced Structures and Composite Center at the University of Maine, home to the world’s largest 3D printer. U-Maine’s 3D printing, also referred to as ‘additive manufacturing’, was responsible for the Center printing two large-scale boats for the U.S. Department of Defense in 2022. “Well, I'm glad to hear about the additive manufacturing. My belief is that there should be a 3D printer on every ship and in every hanger, and that we should be buying the intellectual property (IP) when we buy a platform. So, that we can maintain and build parts in a much, much more efficient way,” said Senator King. “I absolutely agree. The carriers do have printers on them. Some of our submarines have actually deployed with printers, and they've actually additively manufactured some components already for that. We need to expand that,” said Admiral Houston. “And it's more about speed now than it is so much about the process you use. And we find with additive manufacturing that it takes — it's faster than some of the just pure casting, pouring molten metal into sand and then removing all that excess metal — is all that work that you have to do is taking away from actual production time that you could be using for other things. And, so, I absolutely see it the same way as you do and we just have to keep on leading the way.” “I appreciate that and I can't resist mentioning that the University of Maine has the largest 3D printer in the world, and last year they printed a house. So, it's an amazing technology that I think is going to change everything. But it could also help us with maintenance of our of our naval and, in fact, air and armed forces assets,” replied Senator King. A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Strategic Forces — which oversees the United States’ strategic forces and missile defenses — Senator King has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries. He was also named a “fiscal hero” earlier this month by a government watchdog for responsible spending. Senator King has also been a strong advocate for the use of 3D printing. He previously supported a $2.8 million congressionally-directed spending award to UMaine for 3D print wind turbine blades, as well as the use of the 3D printer to create two logistics vessels for the U.S. Department of Defense. Last January, he toured the BioHome3D at UMaine, the world’s first 3D printed house made entirely with bio-based materials. In 2019, he also celebrated a partnership between the University of Maine (UMaine) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to advance research in additive manufacturing and 3D printing using bio-based products. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-education-department-to-consider-pause-for-student-loan-borrowers-as-tech-transition-occurs,"King, Colleagues Urge Education Department to Consider Pause for Student Loan Borrowers as Tech Transition Occurs",2024-05-23,2024,2024-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is leading a group of his colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to consider briefly pausing student loan payments for borrowers in Maine who are nearing their final payment. Their letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona comes as the Department announced in April that it would be transferring the sole administration of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA)—the program’s current exclusive servicer—to other additional student loan servicers for the Department of Education housed under StudentAid.gov. As a result, processing for all PSLF forms will temporarily be paused beginning in May 2024 through July 2024. Until the announcement from the Department of Education that some of the PSLF borrowers would be transferred to other federal student loan servicers, MOHELA was the sole servicer that administered the PSLF for all Direct Loan borrowers. However, MOHELA has had many processing errors and borrowers were not receiving credit for their qualifying payments. Borrowers approved for forgiveness also experienced very long wait times to obtain funds that they were entitled to receive. Therefore, MOHELA’s request to transfer these accounts is a welcome step in ensuring borrowers receive adequate support. “Historically, borrowers have faced many administrative hurdles and challenges in accessing relief they are entitled to under the PSLF program. Not only are there borrowers who will have—or already have—completed payment during this window, but there are also borrowers who are still awaiting approval and experiencing months-long delays. Further, mass transfers of borrower accounts among servicers have oftentimes left borrowers in the lurch,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “We urge ED to provide clear communication to borrowers on when they can expect their applications to be processed, prioritize processing the backlog of applications once the processing pause ends, and communicate to borrowers plainly about how to contact their new servicer. Borrowers currently being left in payment status during the processing pause fear they will be forced into making payments on loans that should have already been forgiven. These are the very borrowers who are often facing hardships and already have exhausted household budgets. We urge you to use every tool at your discretion to ensure borrowers do not face undue harm or burden while their applications are waiting to be processed.” “Lastly, while considerations for a smooth transition during the temporary PSLF processing pause is our top concern, we would be remiss if we did not take the opportunity to address ongoing concerns regarding the significant delays in communication or response when congressional staff reach out with questions and concerns regarding borrower issues. Congressional offices are eager to help disseminate information to constituents from ED that can help borrowers more easily manage and navigate repayment. Additionally, constituent services staff can help ensure no borrower is left in the dark when any significant changes, updates, or issues are announced by ED that could impact the status of a borrower’s student loan,” the Senators concluded. “However, congressional staff are often unable to get through to a representative from ED or receive timely responses on questions or concerns, which can create a significant backlog that harms borrowers and creates confusion.” Joining King on the letter are Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Corey Booker (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Senator King was a sponsor of the landmark Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act, which was signed into law in 2013 and has lowered student loan interest rates for all students who have taken out a loan after July 1, 2013. The law has helped American students and families save tens of billions of dollars. Throughout his Senate career, Senator King has advocated for student loan borrowers – particularly those who endure the extraordinary hardship of a permanent disability. In April 2019, Senator King joined Senators Coons and Portman to introduce Domenic’s Law, a bipartisan legislation which would allow a parent whose child develops a total and permanent disability to qualify for student loan forgiveness. After an alarming report in 2019 from National Public Radio (NPR) which found that hundreds of thousands of Americans with qualifying disabilities have not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law, Senator King joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the Department’s Acting Inspector General, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process for Americans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD). +++ Dear Secretary Cardona: We write about the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) ongoing efforts to streamline federal student loan repayment for millions of borrowers nationwide. Specifically, as you work to transition the sole administration of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA), we urge you to provide ample, clear guidance and communication to borrowers during this process. We are particularly concerned about borrowers who have reached or are nearing completion of their 120 qualifying payment obligations and could become eligible for forgiveness over the course of the PSLF processing pause. On April 3, 2024, ED announced that it would be transferring the administration of the PSLF program from MOHELA—the program’s former exclusive servicer—to ED housed under the new Unified Servicing and Data Solution (USDS) system. As a result, processing for all PSLF forms has been temporarily paused beginning May 2024 through July 2024. During this time, borrowers have been told to either seek forbearance through MOHELA customer service or continue making payments beyond the required 120. Borrowers have also been told that their servicer will no longer be able to answer any questions related to their PSLF progress and have been instructed to “save screenshots and correspondence” for their personal records in order to keep track of their PSLF progress. Historically, borrowers have faced many administrative hurdles and challenges in accessing relief they are entitled to under the PSLF program. Not only are there borrowers who will have—or already have—completed payment during this window, but there are also borrowers who are still awaiting approval and experiencing months-long delays. Further, mass transfers of borrower accounts among servicers have oftentimes left borrowers in the lurch. We urge ED to provide clear communication to borrowers on when they can expect their applications to be processed, prioritize processing the backlog of applications once the processing pause ends, and communicate to borrowers plainly about how to contact their new servicer. Borrowers currently being left in payment status during the processing pause fear they will be forced into making payments on loans that should have already been forgiven. These are the very borrowers who are often facing hardships and already have exhausted household budgets. We urge you to use every tool at your discretion to ensure borrowers do not face undue harm or burden while their applications are waiting to be processed. Since the April 3rd announcement, we have learned that while MOHELA will not be administering the PSLF program, they will, in fact, continue to service some PSLF borrowers. Borrowers remain confused and concerned about how the transfer and pause will affect their payment records and progress toward forgiveness. In recent months, ED has withheld millions of dollars in payments from MOHELA due to servicer errors, and constituents continue to report payment counts and billing statements that reflect changing or inaccurate monthly amounts. Consequently, we request answers to the following questions by May 29, 2024: As of May 1st, what was the number of PSLF borrowers that have forgiveness applications pending without approval? What is the average wait time that those applications have been pending? How does ED determine which borrowers will be transferred to other servicers, and what metrics will ED be tracking to ensure those PSLF borrowers get quality servicing at their new servicer? Once the pause is lifted, how quickly will ED process pending PSLF applications once the pause is lifted? Many borrowers wait months to receive PSLF forgiveness. Will USDS provide quicker time to forgiveness for borrowers? Will ED provide training to other servicers on how to manage PSLF borrowers? Will all call center personnel receive updated training on how to answer questions for PSLF borrowers? How often will ED provide updated information to call center employees when changes are made or announced to the PSLF portfolio (e.g., payment count adjustments, administrative forbearances due to servicer error)? How often does ED plan to communicate to borrowers whose loans are getting transferred to other servicers? Should borrowers expect to hear from both MOHELA and their new servicer that they have been transferred? What quality control measures does ED have in place to ensure all borrowers’ information is accurate and up to date after their loans are transferred? Now that the processing pause is underway, will ED require MOHELA to retain PSLF borrowers’ records after they are transferred to a new servicer? Lastly, while considerations for a smooth transition during the temporary PSLF processing pause is our top concern, we would be remiss if we did not take the opportunity to address ongoing concerns regarding the significant delays in communication or response when congressional staff reach out with questions and concerns regarding borrower issues. Congressional offices are eager to help disseminate information to constituents from ED that can help borrowers more easily manage and navigate repayment. Additionally, constituent services staff can help ensure no borrower is left in the dark when any significant changes, updates, or issues are announced by ED that could impact the status of a borrower’s student loan. However, congressional staff are often unable to get through to a representative from ED or receive timely responses on questions or concerns, which can create a significant backlog that harms borrowers and creates confusion. We urge you to consider providing an additional email portal for urgent or unique case inquiries and potentially a second email address for follow up on cases that have been acknowledged but not resolved. Currently, congressional constituent service caseworkers only have access to one portal with no opportunity to escalate or distinguish time sensitive or unique cases. We look forward to working with you on ways to better assist our constituents and borrowers. We request your prompt review of these inquiries, and we look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-wildly-successful-debut-in-limited-trial-king-encourages-irs-to-offer-free-filing-services-to-more-americans,"After “Wildly Successful” Debut in Limited Trial, King Encourages IRS to Offer Free Filing Services to More Americans",2024-05-22,2024,2024-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—After a successful pilot program used during the 2023 tax filing season was reported to have saved Americans in 12 states $5.6 million in fees, U.S. Senator Angus King is encouraging the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offer its new free filing services to more taxpayers. In a bicameral letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel, King and his colleagues are encouraging the IRS, in consultation with the Department of Treasury, to expand the free filing services to taxpayers in more states. Thus far, the pilot has only been rolled out to Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. With the successful trial under its belt, the Members of Congress are encouraging the IRS to expand its availability to all Americans. They are also encouraging the IRS to expand the program to support additional sources of income, offer more flexible identification verification procedures, and accommodate additional refundable tax credits—like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit—for low and middle income Americans. “With the 2024 tax filing season at its end, we write to commend you on the historic and resoundingly successful launch of Direct File, the first free, public, electronic federal tax filing tool in U.S. history. Taxpayers want and deserve a free and easy filing option, and thanks to this year’s pilot, taxpayers used Direct File to claim over $90 million in tax refunds and save $5.6 million in estimated filing fees, with 90 percent of surveyed users rating their experience positively and 86 percent saying their experience with the tool increased their trust in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).[1] We applaud your leadership and Direct File’s incredible success this year, and we call on you to make Direct File a permanent program, expanding it and improving it further next year and in the years to come,” the Members wrote. They continued, “The IRS’s delivery of this new, wildly successful filing tool less than 18 months after receiving significant new funds from the Inflation Reduction Act[14] demonstrates the huge returns from investing in the IRS and in government technology in general. As the Atlantic wrote: “That Direct File exists at all is shocking. That it’s pretty good is borderline miraculous… It’s a glimpse of a world where government tech benefits millions of Americans.”[15] “It is beyond doubt that the Direct File pilot – launched as a phased, limited-scope rollout in line with tech industry best practices – was a success. We now call on you to make Direct File a permanent program and to expand its functionality and scope, eventually making it available to most taxpayers, further increasing its impact,” the Members concluded. “Specifically, we hope Direct File will support additional sources of income, integrate with more states, offer more flexible identity verification procedures, and accommodate additional tax benefits, with a focus on refundable credits available to low- and middle-income families.” Senator King has worked to make the burdensome annual tax filing process easier for Maine people. He was an original cosponsor of the Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2022 that directed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to develop a free, easy to use, online tax filing software, and eliminate unnecessary red tape for all taxpayers. The successful pilot program served 140,803 taxpayers with simple tax returns in 12 pilot states. Taxpayers saved an estimated $5.6 million in filing fees and were quite pleased with the service that they received. Among surveyed users, 90 percent ranked their Direct File experience as “Excellent” or “Above Average” and 86 percent said that their experience with Direct File increased their trust in the IRS. Prior to the introduction of this filing tool, Americans spent on average 13 hours and $240 to file their taxes, with only 3% of taxpayers accessing free filing services. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary Yellen and Commissioner Werfel, With the 2024 tax filing season at its end, we write to commend you on the historic and resoundingly successful launch of Direct File, the first free, public, electronic federal tax filing tool in U.S. history. Taxpayers want and deserve a free and easy filing option, and thanks to this year’s pilot, taxpayers used Direct File to claim over $90 million in tax refunds and save $5.6 million in estimated filing fees, with 90 percent of surveyed users rating their experience positively and 86 percent saying their experience with the tool increased their trust in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).[1] We applaud your leadership and Direct File’s incredible success this year, and we call on you to make Direct File a permanent program, expanding it and improving it further next year and in the years to come. In May 2023, the IRS and Treasury Department announced plans to pilot a Direct File tool in 2024, noting that the pilot would allow “the IRS to test functionality for some taxpayers, evaluate success, and use lessons learned to inform the growth of the tool.”[2] At the time, many of us wrote to you in support of Direct File.[3] The Direct File pilot has been a clear and resounding success. Over 140,000 taxpayers used the tool across the 12 pilot states, with a survey of 11,000 users finding that 90 percent ranked their experience with Direct File as “Excellent” or “Above Average,” and 90 percent of survey respondents who used customer service similarly found the experience “Excellent” or “Above Average.”[4] Another survey found that 82 percent of Direct File users would recommend it, and 74 percent prefer it to the previous filing method they used.[5] Individual users also raved about the time and money they saved and the quality of the service they received: “I don’t want to call myself a dummy, but this is taxes for dummies right here,” said the first Direct File user, an HR specialist in Texas who saved nearly $400 in tax prep fees.[6] “The way that it was laid out was just so darn easy to understand and I just see it being helpful for so many millions of people.”[7] “It was the fastest I’ve ever done my taxes,” said one taxpayer in California.[8] “I didn’t have to worry about someone upselling me.”[9] “There were no random ads, like ‘What am I clicking on?’” said another taxpayer in Texas, who saved the $80 she typically sends to file her taxes.[10] “It was the most convenient way I’ve ever filed my taxes,” said a taxpayer in Washington State.[11] “I got to be honest, it surprised me how simple it was.”[12] “It was a walk in the park,” said another Californian, who “basically did my taxes on my lunch break” and saved $100 that he would have otherwise spent to file his taxes.[13] The IRS’s delivery of this new, wildly successful filing tool less than 18 months after receiving significant new funds from the Inflation Reduction Act[14] demonstrates the huge returns from investing in the IRS and in government technology in general. As the Atlantic wrote: “That Direct File exists at all is shocking. That it’s pretty good is borderline miraculous… It’s a glimpse of a world where government tech benefits millions of Americans.”[15] Direct File’s success is even more notable given the failures of the U.S. tax filing system to date. The average American spends $150 and nine hours to file their taxes each year.[16] Free File – the IRS’s partnership with private tax preparation companies to offer free online filing – has failed, reaching only 2% of taxpayers while 70% qualify.[17] Meanwhile, Intuit (the owner of TurboTax) and H&R Block have misled taxpayers into paying for tax preparation services they are supposed to receive for free, according to the Federal Trade Commission.[18] A recent analysis also found paid preparers targeting low-income Black and Brown communities, often making costly errors and marketing predatory payday lending products.[19] This broken filing system blocks millions of families from accessing critical tax benefits enacted by Congress like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). [20] It is beyond doubt that the Direct File pilot – launched as a phased, limited-scope rollout in line with tech industry best practices – was a success. We now call on you to make Direct File a permanent program and to expand its functionality and scope, eventually making it available to most taxpayers, further increasing its impact. Specifically, we hope Direct File will support additional sources of income, integrate with more states, offer more flexible identity verification procedures, and accommodate additional tax benefits, with a focus on refundable credits available to low- and middle-income families. Direct File should also continue streamlining the filing process by using taxpayer data that the IRS already has. As Secretary Yellen recently said: “If [taxpayers] like [Direct File], it would be very natural to continue to build on it… One day we hope, for example, information that taxpayers receive W-2s and other things could be used to pre-populate the program, making it even more usable and friendly.”[21] The pilot has already shown the value of this approach, with an April 8th update to Direct File that allowed users to import previous-year adjusted gross income data required to validate their current year returns.[22] Such expansions will turbocharge Direct File’s usefulness. In fact, a recent report by the Economic Security Project finds that a fully-fledged Direct File – including the functionality referenced by Secretary Yellen – could save taxpayers $11 billion per year, while also delivering up to $12 billion a year in unclaimed benefits, generating over $100 of value for taxpayers for every dollar spent.[23] Again, we congratulate you on the success of the Direct File pilot and stand ready to work with you on making the program permanent and expanding it. We believe that the IRS can offer free and easy tax filing to every American taxpayer who wants it — and that, with Direct File, it will. We also applaud your broader efforts to invest funding that we passed in the Inflation Reduction Act to improve taxpayer services and to ensure the wealthy and large corporations pay what they owe, and we will continue to fight to protect the funding that makes this progress possible. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chairman-king-stresses-importance-of-collaborating-with-allies-on-space-defense,Chairman King Stresses Importance of Collaborating With Allies on Space Defense,2024-05-21,2024,2024-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— In a hearing of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee focused on America’s space defense systems, Chairman Senator Angus King asked Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, Frank Cavelli, and General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations, about the importance of both collaborating with allies and prioritizing deterrence as a cornerstone of America’s national defense. The hearing comes as the Space Force submitted its Defense budget authorization request for Fiscal Year 2025 and the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). The FYDP projects DOD funding, manpower, and force structure needs over a five-year period. To begin the conversation, Senator King asked General Guetlein about how the United State Space Force is collaborating with our allies on technology development – receiving confirmation that it remains a component of America’s space posture. “General, you have talked about working with allies. That is one of our asymmetric advantages. Are we working with allies in terms of development of these technologies?” Senator King asked. “In other words, all wisdom on technology does not necessarily reside here. We have allies like Japan, the EU, Scandinavia that we could get more out of our dollars if we were working jointly with these close allies.” “Yes, Senator, we are. We are building collaborative projects, for example, SATCOM with Luxembourg and SATCOM with Norway, PNT with Japan so we are broadening out those partnerships on a daily basis. Building ground-based radars in Australia as well as in the U.K., collaborating a launch with New Zealand so we are across the board trying to embrace our allies and I will give kudos to our folks in policy that were able to break down those classification barriers that once we put those into place, it will also allow us to have broader conversations with our with some of our allies,” General Guetlein replied. Senator King then asked General Guetlein and Cavelli about the importance of deterrence against our adversaries, hearing that the General considers strategic reveals an effective method of keeping foes at bay. “All of what we have been talking today about in terms of defense has been largely about resiliency and proliferation. The cornerstone of our defense strategy for 70 years however has been deterrence. That is the adversary fears the consequences of an aggressive action against this country. Is deterrence part of our strategy in space?” Senator King asked. Calvelli responded, “Absolutely, yes, but one of the challenges is the classification levels.” “But it’s not deterrence if the adversary doesn’t know about it,” Senator King interjected. Calvelli replied, “You are correct. I will defer to General Guetlein with the Space Force on deterrence.” “Senator, Integrated deterrence is a foundation of our strategy. We do balance on a day-to-day basis what capabilities we decide to reveal and conceal to make sure the adversary knows we are intent on maintaining that capability gap of protecting and defending our capabilities on a day to day basis. So deterrence is the cornerstone of everything we are trying to do. If you think back to one of the core themes, it is competitive endurance,” General Guetlein concluded. “Under competitive endurance, we would rather be in a state of constant competition and to deter aggression than be in a state of conflict.” A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Strategic Forces — which oversees the United States’ strategic forces and missile defenses — Senator King has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries. Senator King recently expressed concern about the emerging threats of Russia and China’s development of “nightmare weapon” hypersonic missiles, which he has described as “strategic game-changers.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:12:30Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-bipartisan-ai-legislation-to-protect-online-users-from-sexually-explicit-deep-fake-images,King Joins Bipartisan AI Legislation to Protect Online Users from Sexually-Explicit “Deep Fake” Images,2024-05-21,2024,2024-05,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has joined bipartisan legislation to protect Americans from sexually-explicit “deepfake” forgeries of their image or likeness. The bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) would allow victims to sue perpetrators for up to $150,000. This focuses on fake visual depictions created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), or any other computer-generated or technological means to falsely appear to be authentic. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public and produced without the consent of the person depicted. A 2019 study found that 96 percent of deepfake videos were nonconsensual pornography. The DEFIANCE Act is led by Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Josh Hawley (R-MO). Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is also a cosponsor. “Artificial intelligence has the potential to dramatically improve and transform our way of life, but also presents a spectrum of risks that could be harmful to the American public, some of which could have catastrophic effects,“ said Senator King. “The DEFIANCE Act will ensure that any American subject to AI-generated, sexually explicit content online can defend themselves and hold the people responsible accountable. In the ever-evolving world of technology and artificial intelligence, we must be able to protect ourselves from people with bad intentions.” Extremely powerful frontier AI could be misused by foreign adversaries, terrorists, and less sophisticated bad actors to cause widespread harm to the American public and threaten U.S. national security. While Congress considers how to approach new technology developments, Congress must prioritize AI’s potential implications. New laws or regulations should protect America’s competitive edge and avoid discouraging innovation and discovery. Senator King has been a leading voice in fighting threats from technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission – which has had dozens of recommendations become law since its launch in 2019. As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees, Senator King has been a strong supporter of increased watermarking regulations. In a September 2023 open Intelligence hearing, King asked Dr. Yann LeCun – a New York University Professor of Computer Science and Data Science at New York University – about what is technologically feasible in terms of implementing watermarks (a small icon or caption) for users to discern between real and artificially created content. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act legislation includes a Senator King-led provision to evaluate technology, including applications, tools, and models, to detect and watermark generative artificial intelligence. Additionally, he recently had an exchange during a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, where he raised the question of what Congress and the private sector can do to combat fake and misinformation online. A one-pager of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:12:30Z