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://web.archive.org/web/20141205234210/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a5034f81-dff4-42d4-91ea-f9ac4a6afd8f,Extending Current Deal with Iran Makes a Good Deal Less Likely; Further Sanctions Necessary,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Following a telephone briefing this afternoon by Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, U.S. Senator Susan Collins today issued the following statement on the Administration’s extension of nuclear negotiations with Iran:              ""An effective, verifiable diplomatic solution would be the best possible outcome for halting the Iranian pursuit of a nuclear weapon.  I am, however, concerned that the Administration's decision to extend the negotiations makes this outcome less likely because it harms U.S. credibility by granting Iran additional sanctions relief in exchange for Iran’s agreement simply to keep talking.  It extends an interim deal that is neither effective nor verifiable.              ""The extension of the status quo exposes the Administration's reluctance to make good on its promises to increase economic pressure if Iran refused to reach a comprehensive agreement.  Even though the President promised to be “the first to call for more sanctions” if Iran failed to reach an agreement, the sanctions relief that was originally intended to be temporary and limited has now become the price the Administration is willing to pay simply to maintain the status quo.  It strains credulity to believe that doing the same thing for seven more months will change the calculus of the Ayatollahs in Iran after they have refused to reach an agreement during the past year.               ""In addition, extending the terms of the interim agreement risks the establishment of a de facto bad deal between the P5+1 and Iran. It fails to require Iran to resolve the specific concerns identified in the multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iran’s nuclear program. It fails to require that Iran enforce the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol, the gold standard for verification and inspection that is already in force in more than 100 countries and necessary to confirm Iran is not proceeding with a covert nuclear program.  It also fails to permit inspectors access to the Parchin facility or to require Iran to fully explain the extent of the possible military dimensions (PMD) of its nuclear program.              ""I stand ready to work with my colleagues in Congress to increase bipartisan sanctions toward the objective of preventing an Iranian nuclear capability.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205234216/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=fb51e285-3038-496a-97a3-674b7791f47e,"Collins Signs Bipartisan Letter Pressing Army Secretary on ""Grave Concern"" Over Retirement Benefits",2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, has joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and a bipartisan group a colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Army Secretary John McHugh over the Army’s treatment of a significant number of captains and majors who are former non-commissioned officers and are being forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank as a result of the Army’s use of Enhanced-Selective Early Retirement Boards (E-SERB). This will result in a significant decrease in lifetime retirement benefits for the impacted soldiers, for some as much as $1,000 per month or more, or just over $1 million over a 40 year retirement in the case of a captain forced to retire as a sergeant first class.      “These former non-commissioned officers answered the Army’s call for volunteers to attend Officer Candidate School as the Army expanded its officer corps to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Now, despite having served for years as commissioned officers and rising through the ranks to become captains and majors, these dedicated soldiers will soon be forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank,” the Senators wrote in their letter. “To demote these soldiers in retirement is an injustice that devalues their service and will materially disadvantage them and their families for the rest of their lives… We strongly urge you to take the necessary steps to rectify this situation in order to allow these soldiers to retire at the rank they have earned and appropriately honor their service to our nation.”   Under current law a soldier must serve at least 8 years of active service as a commissioned officer in order to retire as a commissioned officer.  Soldiers who serve 20 years total, but less than 8 years as commissioned officers are retired at their highest enlisted rank.  During the “Grow the Army” effort the Army dramatically increased the number of officers commissioned via its Officer Candidate School (OCS).  The Army expanded to a post 9-11 peak of 570,000 soldiers in 2010 and is currently executing an aggressive end strength reduction designed to shrink the Army to 450,000 soldiers.  Many of those OCS graduates are now being forced to retire through the E-SERB process as the Army shrinks.  Officers with more than 18 years active service are screened by E-SERB and those selected will be forced to retire on the first day of the month following the month they reach 20 years of service. These former non-commissioned officers stepped up and volunteered for OCS at a time the Army badly needed officers and served honorably for between 6 and 7 years.  Now, many are being retired at enlisted ranks they have not held in years.  This is particularly disturbing because had they ignored the Army’s call for officers most would have been promoted at least once more and been eligible to retire at a higher enlisted rank.   Read a one-page summary of the issue here.   The full text of the letter is as follows:   The Honorable John McHugh Secretary of the Army 101 Army Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-0101   Dear Secretary McHugh:   We write to express our grave concern over the Army’s treatment of a significant number of Army captains and majors who are former non-commissioned officers.   These former non-commissioned officers answered the Army’s call for volunteers to attend Officer Candidate School as the Army expanded its officer corps to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Now, despite having served for years as commissioned officers and rising through the ranks to become captains and majors, these dedicated soldiers will soon be forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank.  This will result in a significant decrease in lifetime retirement benefits for the impacted soldiers, approximately $1,000 per month or just over $1 million over a 40 year retirement in the case of a captain forced to retire as a sergeant first class.  This is simply unacceptable.    These former non-commissioned officers have been placed in this untenable position as a result of the Army’s use of Enhanced-Selective Early Retirement Boards (E-SERB).  Officers selected by the boards are forced to retire as soon as they reach 20 years of service. Unfortunately, under current law a soldier must serve at least 8 years of active service as a commissioned officer in order to retire as a commissioned officer.  Soldiers who serve 20 years total, but less than 8 years as commissioned officers are retired at their highest enlisted rank.  While this requirement makes sense in the case of soldiers who choose to retire, are passed over for multiple promotions, or are forced to retire due to misconduct, none of those cases applies to the soldiers in question.  On the contrary, Army Human Resources Command has explicitly acknowledged that E-SERB will separate fully qualified officers “who have rendered quality service to the nation.”  To demote these soldiers in retirement is an injustice that devalues their service and will materially disadvantage them and their families for the rest of their lives.   Rather than forcing these officers to retire as soon as they reach 20 years of service, the Army could modify its E-SERB policy to delay the mandatory retirement date of affected soldiers until the first month after they become eligible to retire as commissioned officers.  For many of the affected soldiers this would extend their time in service by only a few months.  We strongly urge you to take the necessary steps to rectify this situation in order to allow these soldiers to retire at the rank they have earned and appropriately honor their service to our nation.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205234221/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=64371f3d-72e9-4393-88b7-3b1443f71f64,Statement on Resignation of Defense Secretary Hagel,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins today issued this statement following the resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel:“Although Secretary Hagel is a talented, patriotic individual with much to offer his country, I have never believed that he was a good fit to head the Department of Defense. We face complex national security challenges ranging from the threat posed by ISIL and other terrorist groups, the dangerous instability afflicting the Middle East and the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran, to increasingly confrontational behavior of Russia.  I urge the President to submit a nominee with extensive national security credentials to replace Secretary Hagel as soon as possible so the Senate can consider the nomination. These are dangerous times, and the Department needs a strong, experienced leader.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205234227/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=553c0ebd-57a3-4324-b806-3a29d9d04766,Sen. Collins' Statement on President's Address on Immigration,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Susan Collins tonight released this statement following the President's address on immigration.“There are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States – irrefutable evidence that our immigration and border security systems are broken. That is why I supported bipartisan legislation that passed the Senate last year to reform our immigration laws. The President has said previously that the best way to address this problem is legislatively and that he does not have the authority to act unilaterally.  His actions are contradicting his previous statements.  By acting unilaterally, the President is making it less likely that Congress will act to pass comprehensive reforms.  He is undermining the efforts of those of us who favor immigration reform by diverting energy from that goal.   I am extremely concerned that President Obama’s excessive use of executive orders to circumvent Congress is undermining our constitutional separation of powers doctrine. His unilateral action on such a significant issue is contrary to how our constitutional system is supposed to work.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205234235/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b14d082f-eab2-4707-8c45-df2790b3a496,Sen. Collins' Statement on Vote to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Bipartisan legislation would create jobs, lessen dangerous dependence on Middle East oil             WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement after announcing her intention to vote in favor of bipartisan legislation to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline:               “We must develop reasonable policies to advance the goal of energy independence for our nation, help ensure access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for American families and businesses, and work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.               “More than six years ago, TransCanada's application for a permit was filed with the U.S. State Department to build the Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport crude oil from Canada to refineries in the United States.  The environmental reviews and studies have been completed, and it is past time for the President to have made a decision.                “Canada has made clear it will develop this resource.  I would much rather see our nation receive and refine the oil from our close ally than have it shipped overseas to Asia.  Canada is our nation's largest trading partner, and this pipeline, constructed at the highest safety standards, would create thousands of jobs in our two nations—both in building the pipeline and in the refining of crude oil, one reason why many labor unions support its construction.                “This is also a matter of national security.  This pipeline would help further reduce our reliance on oil from volatile regions of the world, an essential component for our energy security particularly given the ongoing strife in the Middle East.   Moreover, if construction of the pipeline continues to be blocked, the oil would instead be moved by other modes of transportation, such as ships or trains, each of which carry their own risks for accidents, spills, and harmful emissions.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205234240/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4ae7e48e-4e20-411c-b79b-aa6277fd0a64,"Collins, King Announce Trade Adjustment Assistance Approved for Workers Displaced From Verso Paper",2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Press Releases Print WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance for the more than 500 workers displaced from Verso Paper has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.   Displaced workers will be eligible for employment training in another job or career, income support, job search allowances, and relocation services for those individuals who obtain jobs outside of their normal commuting area.   ""The closure of Verso Paper was a significant blow to the workers and to the Bucksport community. This assistance will be critical in helping them as they pursue alternative job opportunities,"" said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We will continue to work together to support the workers, and their families, affected by this layoff to help ensure that they receive the federal assistance and resources that they need to move forward.""   The purpose of the TAA program is to aid workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages decrease as a result of increased imports.  In October, Senators Collins and King sent a letter to Labor Secretary Thomas Perez urging him to quickly approve this assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024004158/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1b0e9b21-7a07-482a-8c5a-69329b87629a,"""Not All Climate Pollutants are Created Equal""",2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Christopher Murphy Publication: Roll Call Not all climate pollutants are created equal. While carbon dioxide shoulders a lot of the blame, it's not the only bad actor when it comes to the climate. Short-lived climate pollutants, or the soot, methane and refrigerants that we call ""super pollutants,"" can warm the climate at a rate thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide. To tackle this important and far-reaching problem, we've introduced bipartisan legislation called the Super Pollutants Act of 2014. Why are these super pollutants important? When it comes to combating climate change, targeting them gets you the biggest bang for your buck. Cutting these pollutants alone could slow climate warming by as much as 0.5 degrees Celsius, avoid 2 million premature deaths each year and save 30 million tons of crops annually. Although they persist in the atmosphere for a short time span when compared to CO2, these pollutants do a lot of damage while they're there. The most common refrigerant compound used in cars and refrigerators warms the climate at 1,300 times the rate of CO2. Soot, including the black carbon emitted from traditional cookstoves, can warm the climate over a thousand times faster than CO2. Methane warms the climate 34 times faster than CO2. As the developing world modernizes, emissions of all three of these pollutants are likely to skyrocket -- unless we do something. These super pollutants can be tackled quickly and effectively. Furthermore, the U.S. is already a leader in the technologies needed to drive reductions. We are well-positioned to employ alternatives to the chemicals used in refrigeration and air conditioning, do a better job of replacing traditional cookstoves and diesel engines that generate soot, and harness fugitive methane seeping out of landfills, wastewater plants and pipelines. Our legislation will help reduce super pollutants in our atmosphere by taking a number of steps to enable federal agencies to work with the business and nonprofit communities to speed the adoption of super pollutant-reducing technologies and policies, all while supporting American-led innovations to reduce these pollutants. Our legislation aims to foster interagency cooperation on super pollutants; prioritize commonsense, emissions-reduction strategies; and employ existing federal authorities and diplomatic programs through the recycling of high-global warming potential refrigerants, the mitigation of methane leaks, and expanding access to diesel-scrubbing technologies. Taking these steps can save money, drive economic growth, and prevent death and disease around the world while helping to jump-start meaningful action on climate change. Calls for exporting clean diesel technologies and access to clean cookstoves are just two examples that have previously drawn bipartisan support. The legislation's approach has been endorsed by interested stakeholders in both the business and nongovernmental organization communities. The director of the Climate and Clean Air Program at the National Resources Defense Council noted the need for ""adding legislative muscle to the fight to curb key pollutants"" such as methane. Similarly, United Technologies Building and Industrial Systems, a leading provider to building systems worldwide, stated that the proposal ""promotes both ozone protection and improved energy efficiency of newer systems."" DuPont said the bill reflects ""the kinds of common sense approaches"" that both businesses and NGOs support. The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy has also lauded the bill's use of ""market-oriented solutions"" to address super pollutants. While we recognize how difficult it is to enact new policies, we hope that our legislation will raise awareness of these harmful super pollutants -- and signal that there's some bipartisan willingness to address them in a common-sense way. LINK: http://www.rollcall.com/news/not_all_climate_pollutants_are_created_equal_commentary-237215-1.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024004216/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=be35e007-fb29-4728-8e83-5dd5583f7fad,"Sens. Collins, King Announce $120, 400 in USDA Funding to Benefit Local Snowmobile Clubs, Promote Businesses",2014-10-21,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Press Releases Print WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding a total of $120,400 in Rural Business Enterprise Grants to two Maine snowmobile clubs to support the state’s snowmobile industry and help promote the development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas.    Moosehead Riders, Inc. in Greenville will receive $75,000 and the Portage Lakers Snow-Mobile Club, Inc. in Portage Lake will receive $45,400 to help acquire snowmobile trail grooming equipment.   “Maine’s snowmobile industry brings thousands of visitors to our state and this funding will have a positive economic impact in these communities and help create and preserve jobs,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement.  “We are pleased that USDA recognizes the importance of supporting economic opportunity in Maine’s rural communities.”    In January, Senators Collins and King wrote to USDA in support of the Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club’s application.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141022115347/http://www.collins.senate.gov:80/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=dc8d97a2-de22-461b-99c0-6ad25759139c,Senator Collins Calls for Stronger Actions to Protect Americans from Ebola,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins today sent a letter to President Obama calling for stronger actions to protect Americans from Ebola, including restricting travel to the United States from countries most affected by Ebola to essential personnel like health care and aid workers.   Below is the full text of the letter:     October 17, 2014   President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500   Dear President Obama: The most effective way to protect Americans from Ebola is to stop the epidemic where it is occurring and to implement appropriate measures in this country as well.  As we continue to support the efforts in countries in Africa where the disease is raging, we must take stronger actions to protect the health of Americans here at home.  Given the spread of Ebola to a second health care worker in Dallas, it is evident that the Administration must put in place more effective policies and communicate those policies not only to health care professionals, but also to the American public.  At this point, I believe the Administration should restrict travel to the United States from the countries most affected by Ebola to essential personnel like health care and aid workers and develop effective quarantine procedures so that anyone traveling from these countries can be monitored for 21 days to ensure that they are not infected with the disease.  The key to fighting Ebola is to identify those infected, isolate them, and trace anyone with whom they have been in contact.  I am, therefore, deeply concerned that the Dallas cases have been so seriously mishandled.  Even though the initial patient was symptomatic and informed hospital officials that he had recently traveled to Liberia, he was not immediately isolated but sent home with only a course of antibiotics.  The second health care worker diagnosed with Ebola was actually advised by the CDC that it was acceptable for her to get on two commercial airline flights after she had cared for an Ebola patient.  She never should have been allowed to travel.  All of this raises concerns that the Administration has failed to prepare our nation’s hospitals to make sure that any potential Ebola cases are promptly isolated and handled appropriately. I would like to gain a better understanding of what your Administration is doing to protect Americans from the risks associated with Ebola and other infectious diseases.  Specifically, I would appreciate clarification of the following issues: 1.    What action is the Administration taking to improve U.S. hospital protocols and training with regard to Ebola?  2.   It is not reasonable to expect that each of the 5,000 hospitals in America will have the resources and properly trained personnel to care for an infected patient.  Is the Administration working with hospitals to designate state or regional centers where hospital personnel have the expertise, facilities, and equipment to quarantine and treat patients with Ebola and other infectious diseases? 3.   Multiple federal departments and agencies – ranging from the Department of Defense, to the Department of State, to the Department of Transportation and multiple agencies at the Departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security – have been involved in the Ebola response.  Whom have you designated to coordinate the response among the multiple agencies involved? 4.   Points of entry into and out of the United States include multiple modes of transportation that are overseen by multiple federal agencies. a)  What is the federal government doing specifically to ensure effective screening at all points of entry into the United States? b)  Has the federal government provided proper Ebola screening tools and protection equipment to points of entry personnel? i. If the federal government has not provided screening tools and protection equipment to points of entry personnel, what procedures are in place to distribute these materials rapidly? c)  Is the federal government coordinating with all sectors of the transportation industry to prevent further introduction of the Ebola virus into the United States? i. If yes, please provide a description of the Administration’s coordinated efforts to detect and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including the Ebola virus.                             ii. If no, why isn’t the federal government coordinating these efforts? d)  What is the federal government doing to coordinate the Ebola screening processes at international transit points between the United States and West Africa with counterpart agencies in other nations? e)  In the event a traveler shows Ebola virus symptoms while in transit to the United States, what interagency response efforts are in place to ensure that travelers, transportation personnel, and response workers are protected? I look forward to understanding what specific actions your Administration is taking to protect Americans from the risks associated with Ebola.   Sincerely,   Susan M. Collins United States Senator",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010003442/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=d5a50115-8268-4a07-9709-ae7aa3de1ea7,"Sens. Collins, King Call for Administration to Consider Rural Impact Before Finalizing Health Care Policies",2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senators Reinforce Importance of Providing Quality Care for Rural Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today joined a bipartisan group of their colleagues in expressing their concern to the Administration that federal rules for health care facilities do not adequately consider the impact these decisions have on rural communities. In a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Director Marilyn Tavenner, the senators pressed for details about how the agency is incorporating rural health care experts earlier in rule-drafting and called for comprehensive information on the rulemaking process. Noting that recent policy decisions have not adequately reflected the reality of health delivery in rural areas, the senators called on CMS to work toward practices and standards that take rural health facilities into account during its initial rulemaking process. Such efforts would help make sure seniors, families, veterans, and others can access services they need in their communities, rather than forcing them to travel long distances for care.   “We remain concerned these policy decisions do not reflect the reality of providing care in rural communities, and we request additional details on these consultation efforts in advance of future rulemaking,” wrote the senators. “The proportion of elderly rural Americans continues to grow, and even small policy changes or incremental payment adjustments have a significant impact on access to care in rural areas. Medicare beneficiaries should be able to obtain care within their own communities when possible, and we are committed to ensuring federal policies recognize and incorporate the unique challenges rural providers face.”   The letter, signed by 34 senators, can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140926001535/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a6a11ebe-f575-4ea9-a91a-c4163ec334d4,GAO: Action Needed to Combat $5 Billion Tax Refund Fraud,2014-09-22,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must take bold and innovative action to combat more than $5 billion in fraudulent identity theft tax refunds, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report, requested by Senator Susan Collins and other leaders of the Senate Finance and Aging Committees as well as the House Ways and Means Committee, finds that the IRS should take additional steps to strengthen its pre-refund and anti-fraud efforts to effectively stop tax refund fraud before it even starts.           ""Despite efforts to prevent tax refunds from being paid to con artists who have stolen the identities of taxpayers, the IRS paid $5.2 billion in refunds based on fraudulent tax returns in 2013,” said U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee. “These fraudulent tax refund payments waste taxpayer dollars and jeopardize the legitimate refunds of taxpayers.  The IRS must do more to prevent fraudulent tax refunds from being paid to fraudsters rather than to their rightful claimant.""          “The American people should be able to trust the IRS to protect their identities, preserve their privacy, and ensure their hard-earned money isn’t being carelessly flushed down the drain.  Sadly, that’s not the case,” said Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). “As the GAO made clear today, there is more that can be done to improve the agency’s anti-fraud capabilities. Moving forward, I hope the IRS will take a serious look at these recommendations and work with Congress to implement smart safeguards that not only better serve the victims of identity theft refund fraud but, ultimately, stop it before it even starts.”             “By the time IRS matches all of the payroll information it collects with the tax returns it receives, billions of dollars in fraudulent refunds have already been sent out the door.  This is a serious and unacceptable issue that must be addressed now,” said Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “This GAO report is an important step forward as it makes a number of important recommendations for verifying that taxpayers are getting the refunds they deserve and that the fraudsters don’t get them instead.   I’m working closely with my colleagues here in the Congress and with the IRS to fight this serious and growing problem that hurts both citizens and the integrity of our tax administration.”             “This problem isn’t going away, unless we go hard after these criminals while also doing what we can to prevent this crime,"" said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), chairman of the Aging Committee and a proponent of various initiatives to curb ID theft and tax fraud. ""Too many Americans already have paid a high price, especially those unfortunate enough to have fallen victim to identity theft.  Many of them sometimes end up waiting years just to get their own tax refund.  The time has come for Congress to act.”             “The IRS is not doing enough to protect Americans from the terrible crime of identity theft and fraud,” said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI).  “In one case, the IRS received over 2,000 returns from a single address – paying out over $3.3 million in refunds.  That is not just a simple error, that is clear mismanagement.  IRS must ensure that all is being done to stop detect fraudulent payments, protect hard-earned taxpayer dollars, and stop the crime of tax fraud.”             Identity theft (IDT) refund fraud occurs when a fraudster files a false tax return using a stolen Social Security number and other personal information and receives a tax refund from the IRS.  The IRS estimates that in 2013, it paid $5.2 billion in fraudulent IDT refunds.              GAO and the IRS both agree that this large problem is an evolving threat as fraudsters are adapting to additional controls the IRS has implemented to combat IDT refund fraud.  Fraudsters are able to take advantage of the IRS’ “look-back” compliance efforts, in which the IRS issues tax-refunds before completing all compliance checks.              GAO recommends that the IRS take additional actions to enhance its pre-refund anti-fraud efforts, as preventing fraud is more effective than “claw-back” recovery efforts. Key findings from the GAO report follow and a full copy of the report can be found HERE: §  Bold Action Needed: According to the GAO report, “IRS estimates it issued at least $5.2 billion in fraudulent IDT refunds in filing season 2013.  Given the size and scope of IDT refund fraud, additional bold and innovative steps are needed from Congress and IRS. ... Given the billions in dollars of successful IDT refund fraud, IRS must strive to stay one or more steps ahead of identity thieves, or the risk of issuing fraudulent IDT refunds could grow.” §  Electronic W-2 Filing Threshold Change: According to the GAO report, “Congress should consider providing the Secretary of the Treasury with the regulatory authority to lower the threshold for electronic filing of W-2s from 250 returns annually to between 5 to 10 returns, as appropriate. ... Cost savings and the ancillary benefits they provide in supporting IRS’s efforts to conduct more pre-refund matching, a change in the e-filing threshold is warranted.” §  Moving W-2 Filing Deadlines to Earlier in the Year: According to the GAO, “The Department of the Treasury proposed that Congress accelerate W-2 [submission] deadlines to January 31. ... Accelerating the W-2 deadline to January 31 – as proposed by Treasury – would provide a powerful tool for IRS to detect and prevent IDT refund fraud. ... IRS should fully access the costs and benefits of shifting W-2 deadlines.”                In May 2013, Senators Collins and Nelson held a hearing to investigate the issue of identity theft refund fraud.  View that hearing here: http://www.aging.senate.gov/hearings/tax-related-identity-theft-an-epidemic-facing-seniors-and-taxpayers   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140926001544/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c87e9b55-f3c9-4fa0-939b-eb762e102f06,"Sens. Collins, Coons, Rockefeller, Isakson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Spur Innovation, Create Jobs in Sustainable Chemistry",2014-09-19,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) on Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill to spur innovation in the field of sustainable chemistry. The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act would encourage the development and commercialization of high-performing chemicals, products, and processes that reduce or eliminate risk to human health and benefit the environment. Sustainable chemistry is an exciting field that can create jobs, keep America competitive, and spur economic growth. “Spurring innovation to create good jobs and protect our health and environment should bring us all together,” said Senator Coons. “We can do much more to develop new ways to ensure the things all around us – from our laundry detergent to our shoes – are produced in a way that maintains their high quality and benefits our health and our planet. By creating a cohesive vision for our nation’s sustainable chemistry research and building new partnerships with the private sector, the bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act is an exciting opportunity to create jobs, maintain our scientific leadership, and make America healthier and cleaner. Both parties can unite behind American health and competitiveness, and I look forward to working hard, together, to see our efforts through.” “This bill promotes research, development and education programs to develop chemical processes that minimize the impact to our environment, and that can often end up saving companies money at the same time,"" said Senator Collins. “By helping encourage innovation in ‘sustainable chemistry’ through improved coordination on research, development, and commercialization, this bill will benefit public health and the environment while educating the next generation of chemistry professionals."" “I am excited to join Senators Coons, Collins, and Isakson in this effort to promote sustainable chemistry,” said Senator Rockefeller. “I know how important it is to develop effective chemicals that minimize hazards to human health and to the environment. By coordinating Federal research efforts in this area, the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2014 will support the American ingenuity needed to help make our industries safer and more efficient, and to stay globally competitive.” The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act would support sustainable chemistry research, development, technology transfer, commercialization, education, and training through federal grants and loans, targeted studies, partnerships with industry, and interagency coordination. Importantly, the bill does not include any regulatory components, nor does it authorize new spending. Its goal, rather, is to increase and coordinate federal activities in sustainable chemistry and encourage the private sector, academia, nonprofits, and the general public to innovate, develop, and bring to market innovative sustainable chemistry products and processes. “The Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA) is committed to fostering sustainable innovation among key stakeholders in the public, private and academic sectors,” said Lori Palmer, President and Board Chair, DESCA. We believe efforts that will incentivize research and development in new technology will enhance economic development. DESCA fully supports the Sustainable Chemistry Act of 2014 as legislation necessary for growing sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship and creating high wage jobs.” “I commend you for introducing this forward-looking bill, which will improve federal coordination and dissemination of green chemistry R&D and facilitate increased federal investment in this area,” said American Chemical Society President Tom Barton, “Your legislation will strengthen the government’s role as a true partner in promoting greener technologies. Such an interagency approach will broaden the focus of green chemistry R&D and make it more attractive to industry sectors.” “EDF applauds Senator Coons for his leadership in promoting sustainable chemistry research and development,” said Richard Denison, Lead Senior Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund. “As we work to ensure that the chemicals in our homes, consumer products, and workplaces are safe for people and for the environment, we need to build our society’s capacity to develop and commercialize safer chemical innovations.” The legislation is supported by the American Chemistry Council (ACC); the American Chemical Society (ACS); the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) Action Fund; the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA); the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF); the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3); the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR); The Renewable Chemicals and Materials Alliance (re:chem); Ashland; Dow Chemical; DuPont; Musea Ventures; Simply Sustain LLC; White Dog Labs; and Dr. Paul Anastas, Yale Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140926001559/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8d69434f-c7bc-4039-abac-a27e2fe7981c,"Collins, Murphy Introduce Bipartisan Super Pollutants Act of 2014",2014-09-19,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Chris Murphy (D-CT) have been joined by several colleagues, including Senator Angus King (I-ME), in introducing the Super Pollutants Act of 2014 –the first bipartisan climate bill of 2014, which aims to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). The legislation will help reduce SLCPs in the atmosphere by taking a number of steps to enable federal agencies to work with the business and non-profit communities to speed the adoption of SLCP-reducing technologies and policies, all while supporting American-led innovations. For example, the legislation would: • Foster interagency cooperation on super pollutants; • Prioritize commonsense emissions reduction strategies, and employ existing federal authorities and diplomatic programs; • Recycle high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants; • Mitigate methane leaks; • Expand access to diesel-scrubbing technologies. SLCPs, referred to as “super pollutants,” are non-carbon dioxide greenhouse pollutants that cause 40 percent of global warming. SLCPs range from methane that is leaked by landfills and oil and gas exploration, to refrigerants leaking from refrigerators and air conditioners, to soot from diesel engines and millions of traditional cookstoves all over the developing world. Studies show that fast action to reduce SLCPs in the atmosphere could cut the rate of sea level rise by 25 percent, almost halve the rate of temperature rise, prevent two million premature deaths each year, and avoid crop losses of over 30 million tons annually. ""Climate change is a significant challenge that requires global solutions in order reduce greenhouse gas pollution worldwide,” said Senator Collins. “The bipartisan legislation that I am introducing with Senator Murphy would address short-lived but significant climate pollutants, an area where the U.S. is already poised to be a leader. With improved interagency cooperation and through commonsense efforts to reduce the emissions of these “super pollutants,” this proposal aims to meaningfully and quickly help slow climate change.” “We have an environmental, economic, and moral imperative to address climate change, and we need to act now,” Senator King said. “It’s becoming more and more evident that SLCPs are responsible for nearly half of the emissions causing global warming, which means we have an easy first target. Our bipartisan bill will make it easier to bring together all the tools at our disposal by encouraging increased interagency cooperation and harnessing the power of new and emerging technologies.” “Short-lived climate pollutants are the problem too few people are talking about, but are doing some of the worst damage to the atmosphere,” said Senator Murphy. “As we work to combat threats to our climate, we can’t leave short-lived pollutants out of the equation. Our bill will take these dangerous pollutants head on by making smarter use of tools already at our disposal here in the United States. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan proposal to address a global threat with Senator Collins and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it and help us reduce these super pollutants.” In addition to Senator King, others who have cosponsored the legislation authored by Senators Collins and Murphy include Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR.), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA.) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919074327/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=73257f8b-5af7-42e1-aa64-8ee34b3d0ef8,Senator Collins' Statement Following Senate Approval of Continuing Resolution,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released this statement after the Senate voted 78-22 to approve a Continuing Resolution and prevent a government shutdown. “Today, I voted to keep the government open and prevent the disruption of federal services so critical to the lives of many Americans. The American people do not want dysfunction in Washington to lead to another harmful government shutdown like the one we experienced last year, and allowing that to happen would only further jeopardize our still struggling economy. “I am disappointed, however, that Senate leaders did not allow a full debate or hold a vote on an Authorization for the Use of Military Force or the President’s overall strategy to confront the terrorist group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL. “ISIL poses a serious threat to Iraq, to the region, to Americans both here at home and abroad, and to our allies as was demonstrated by the Australian plot uncovered today. We need an effective strategy that includes air strikes against ISIL, cutting off the group’s financing, military contributions from other countries in the Middle East, and robust counter-messaging from moderate Muslims around the world. “This bill authorizes for a period of ten weeks just one component of the President’s overall strategy, which is to train and equip moderate, vetted members of the Syrian opposition to fight against ISIL. The provision makes it very clear that it does not “constitute a specific statutory authorization for the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities…” If the President intends to continue U.S. military strikes against ISIL, which he has said he plans to do, he should submit a specific request to Congress to do so. The Congress should then have a full debate with amendments and votes on an Authorization of the Use of Military Force, as it should have done today. “I continue to have many unanswered questions about the President’s strategy, such as whether we can vet Syrian fighters sufficiently to ensure that we are not training, equipping, and arming Islamist extremists, including members of ISIL, who have infiltrated the Syrian opposition. This week, I wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry to express my concerns about the scope of the Administration’s proposal, the process for vetting members of the opposition, and what the Administration is doing to detect and disrupt plots from other terrorist groups intent on harming Americans. “My support for the President’s overall strategy against ISIL will depend upon the answers I receive from Secretary Kerry and the President’s ability to prove that the Administration can build an effective coalition of allies against these terrorists.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210106/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9993fa23-0609-4d9c-a766-2bc47f4d880b,"Collins, King Announce Economic Development Grant",2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded the Maine International Trade Center and Maine Department of Economic and Community Development a grant in the amount of $812,823 to support the development of the “Invest in Maine” program, which aims to attract foreign investment in the fields of renewable energy, aerospace, food production, and life sciences to Maine. “This grant is welcome news for Maine. By leveraging private investments, it will help to create a strategic plan that will promote innovation, support economic development, and lead to the creation of jobs,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. For more information on the “Invest in Maine” program, visit: www.investinmaine.net.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210116/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1da43963-f673-440a-86a7-1f3ba3cd5831,"Bangor, Dover-Foxcroft Fire Departments Receive Federal Grants",2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Susan Collins today announced federal grants for two Maine fire departments.  The Bangor Fire Department will receive $498,532 to fill four firefighter positions, and Dover-Foxcroft Fire & Rescue will receive $63,431 for protective gear and an air refill station.    ""Our career and volunteer firefighters are among our bravest public servants.  These grant programs are an extremely critical source of funds for our fire and rescue personnel,"" said Senator Collins.    These funds are being distributed through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Assistance to Firefighter (AFG) grant programs, which Senator Collins has long championed.  SAFER grants are used for the recruitment, hiring, or retention of firefighters, and AFG grants are used for training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to the departments' facilities.                                                               # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210131/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=d45f2e2e-8351-4fcc-8999-20be6e69bdda,Release: Women Against Alzheimer's to Honor Senator Collins for Efforts to Fight Disease,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Women Against Alzheimer’s, a national non-profit organization that advocates for policies to help fight and find a cure for the devastating disease, is scheduled to honor U.S. Senator Susan Collins tonight as the first recipient of its “Out of the Shadows” award.  The award will be presented to Senator Collins in Washington, DC at an inaugural dinner of the “Out of the Shadows” effort to celebrate leaders in the Alzheimer’s movement and to bring greater attention to Alzheimer’s disease.                   The dinner will also feature the filmmakers behind the film “I’ll Be Me,” a documentary about country music legend Glen Campbell and his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Glen Campbell’s story was featured during a Senate Special Committee on Aging Committee hearing last year on Alzheimer’s disease.  Senator Collins serves as Ranking Member of that Committee and is Co-Chair of the Congressional Alzheimer’s Task Force. Fighting Alzheimer’s disease is among her top priorities in the United States Senate.                   Senator Collins said, “I am extremely proud to be the first recipient of the Women Against Alzheimer’s ‘Out of the Shadows’ award. So many families like mine have experienced the pain of Alzheimer’s, and that number is growing exponentially as our population ages.”  Senator Collins explained that Alzheimer’s disease is a particularly heavy burden on women.  Of the 5.2 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, 3.4 million are women.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210136/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=986763c8-ebda-4f89-aa17-fc4ccf63995f,Senator Collins Expresses Concerns with President's Strategy to Confront ISIS,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Senator Susan Collins today expressed concerns about the President’s plan to confront the terrorist group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, or ISIS.  Writing that she “strongly supports” efforts to address the threat posed by ISIS, Senator Collins, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, raises questions about the scope of the Administration’s proposal to train and equip the Syrian opposition, the process for vetting members of the opposition, and what the Administration is doing to detect and disrupt plots from other terrorist groups.   Following is the full text of the letter:   September 16, 2014   The Honorable John F. Kerry Secretary U.S. Department of State Washington, DC 20520   Dear Mr. Secretary: Last week, President Obama outlined a counterterrorism strategy with the goal of degrading and ultimately destroying the dangerous threat posed by ISIS.  I strongly support efforts to address this threat, but have a number of concerns about the President’s plan. First, I am concerned that the proposed legislative language from the Administration to train, arm, and equip the so-called “moderate” opposition in Syria is too broad because it goes beyond fighting ISIS and is also aimed at the Syrian regime.  It seems logical to expect that the opposition forces are much more likely to direct most of their efforts against the Assad regime rather than ISIS.  Thus, U.S. military training and arming of the opposition for purposes other than fighting ISIS risk greater American entanglement in the Syrian civil war.  Draft language proposed initially by the White House would allow DOD to train and equip opposition forces to combat attacks by the Assad regime and to ""promote the conditions for a negotiated settlement to end the conflict in Syria.""  Given the fact that Assad shows no signs of volunteering to participate in a negotiated end to the civil war in Syria, this language appears to refer to offensive operations against the Assad regime. While the disarray and lack of cohesiveness of Iraqi Security Forces have convinced me that successful operations against ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq require air strikes by a coalition of countries, the Administration does not have the legal authority for the use of U.S. military force against Syrian regime targets.  We should focus on counterterrorism operations against ISIS that directly address the core U.S. national security interests described by the President last week.  Senior Administration officials, including you, have said that the military operations against ISIS could take “years,” not months.  Therefore, the Administration should seek an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) to conduct ongoing U.S. airstrikes against ISIS, and if the Administration also seeks to launch military attacks against the Syrian regime, it should submit specific language for Congress to consider as an AUMF, a significant measure that would require and deserve careful consideration, debate, amendments, and votes. Second, I seek more information on how the military will vet the “moderate” Syrian opposition forces.  Our country spent billions of dollars and more than a decade training, equipping, and arming Iraqi security forces.  Yet, when confronted with the onslaught of ISIS fighters, these forces, with some exceptions such as the Kurdish pesh merga, simply melted away and collapsed.  In addition, while I know our military would do its best to vet opposition fighters, the appalling green-on-blue attacks in Afghanistan demonstrate the imperfect nature of standing up any new security force, particularly when the opposition is believed to be heavily infiltrated by Islamist extremists as is the case in Syria.  What improvements have been made in the vetting process that would lead the Administration to have confidence that the outcome would be any different in this case? Finally, I am concerned that the Administration not lose sight of the fact that most experts believe that AQAP in Yemen and the al Nusrah Front in Syria have considerable capability and the continuing desire to conduct attacks against Americans at home and abroad.  I look forward to hearing from you in response to the concerns I have raised in this letter.       ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210155/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b27b5107-10e6-4443-85c5-963274b8cc47,"Sens. Cantwell, Collins Introduce Legislation to Promote Job Training through Apprenticeships",2014-09-15,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced legislation that would help American workers get training for good-paying, high-demand  jobs and ensure that U.S. companies have a steady supply of highly-skilled workers  to stay competitive in a 21st century global economy.   The bipartisan Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2014 would create a $5,000 tax incentive for employers that use apprenticeship programs to train workers in high-demand fields such as health care, manufacturing and technology. It also would allow veterans in apprenticeships to get credit for previous military training and experience.   In a 2011 survey by the National Association of Manufacturers, 67 percent of industrial companies reported a moderate to severe shortage of qualified workers. More than 65 percent of companies surveyed in a 2009 Urban Institute study thought apprenticeship programs helped raise productivity, strengthen morale and improve worker safety.   “This bill will help close the skills gap and give more American workers the training they need to power economic growth,” Senator Cantwell said. “Building the skills of America’s workers is a strong investment in our nation’s future. Apprenticeships have proven to be a win-win: They help companies find skilled workers and they allow workers to earn a paycheck while learning skills on the job.”   “Few issues are as important to the American people as the availability of good jobs in our communities,” Senator Collins said.  “I have met with many business owners in Maine who have jobs available but cannot find qualified and trained workers to fill these vacant positions.  This bill would help better align the needs of our nation's employers with potential employees to promote hiring and the creation of new jobs.”   “This is a critical bill which addresses one of the manufacturing community’s greatest needs – skilled workers,” said Patrick Shrader, Vice President at Arundel Machine Tool located in Arundel, Maine. “On behalf of all manufacturers in Maine, we thank Senator Collins for her leadership to strengthen manufacturing in America. With so many in our industry set to retire in the coming years, we need to refill the manufacturing pipeline and this bill will help companies in Maine compete globally today and for years to come.”    Apprenticeship programs benefit both the company and employee, and also often lead to higher-paying jobs that help sustain the economy. Those who complete apprenticeships earn an average of $240,000 more in lifetime wages than job seekers with similar backgrounds who don’t, according to a study by the Department of Labor.   The legislation would:   Create a $5,000 tax credit for up to three years for companies that hire and pay employees enrolled in a federal- or state-registered apprentice program.  The apprentice must be employed for at least 7 months before the credit can be claimed.   Allow senior employees near retirement to draw from pensions early if they’re involved in mentoring or training new employees. Workers must be at least 55, and have reduced work hours to spend at least 20 percent of their time training or educating employees or students.   Help veterans get into skilled jobs that match their military experience sooner by allowing credit in apprenticeship requirements for previous military training.  The legislation is designed to address a skills gap that has developed as new technologies emerge and increasing numbers of experienced Baby Boomers retire.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210158/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5d826a3f-db30-4665-b9fc-d422795103cd,"Sens. Collins, King Call For Answers On Behalf of ALS Community",2014-09-12,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting an explanation for recent policy changes impacting millions of Americans living with neurological and degenerative disabilities. They released the following statement on these changes, which limit patient access to speech generating devices (SGDs). “Americans rely on these innovative technologies as their only means to continue communicating with family, friends, and the outside world, but CMS’s recent actions are now limiting their ability to benefit from these tools that help lead to independent, productive lives. After hearing from numerous individuals living with ALS and other degenerative disabilities, we urge CMS to explain its shortsighted policy decisions. Together we stand with the millions of Americans living with degenerative disabilities who are being impacted. We must empower men and women with the opportunity to utilize 21st century technologies that can have a tremendous impact on their quality of life.” These changes by CMS impact patient access to speech generating devices, including eye tracking technology, which is often the only option for those with advanced degenerative conditions. Patients living with cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Rett Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, brain stem stroke, locked-in syndrome, and traumatic brain injury are affected by these changes.  This letter seeks an explanation from CMS for these revisions, which include the prevention of unlocking of SGD devices -- which expand their functionality -- when Medicare is not being asked to cover or pay for those expanded functionalities.   Representatives McMorris Rodgers, Tierney, Paulsen and Senators Collins and King were joined by 200 legislators who signed onto this bipartisan letter to CMS and Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912003527/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=345eafd5-6120-4850-8e1c-4a3197856035,Women Senators Urge NFL Commissioner to Institute Zero-Tolerance Policy for Domestic Violence,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Susan Collins, along with a bipartisan group of 15 other Senate women, wrote to National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell urging the league to institute a zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence.              “We were shocked and disgusted by the images we saw this week of one of your players violently assaulting his now-wife and knocking her unconscious, and at new reports that the NFL may have received this video months ago. Tragically, this is not the only case of an NFL player allegedly assaulting a woman even within the last year,” the Senators wrote. “We are deeply concerned that the NFL’s new policy, announced last month, would allow a player to commit a violent act and return after a short suspension. If you violently assault a woman, you shouldn’t get a second chance to play football in the NFL.”              Along with Senator Collins, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Kay Hagan (D-NC) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).              On Monday, Ray Rice’s contract was terminated by the Baltimore Ravens after video emerged of the NFL player violently attacking his now-wife, knocking her unconscious. The NFL suspended him indefinitely, but in an interview this week, Commissioner Goodell refused to rule out allowing Rice to return to the NFL in the future.               Under the NFL’s current disciplinary policy – announced in August – players who commit a violent crime are subject to a 6-game suspension for a first offense, potentially allowing players who commit violent offenses like domestic violence or sexual assault to return to the field during the same season. Players would only be banned from the NFL after committing a second violent act, and they are allowed to petition for reinstatement after one year.              Just three days after the NFL announced its new league-wide policy on domestic violence, another player was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence. Another player has been convicted of assaulting and threatening to kill a former girlfriend, and another was signed to a new contract even after being arrested and charged for assaulting a woman. Despite the NFL’s new policy, all continue to play with their teams.              The Senators continued, “It is long past time for the NFL to institute a real zero-tolerance policy and send a strong message that the league will not tolerate violence against women by its players, who are role models for children across America.” The full text of the letter follows:   September 11, 2014   Mr. Roger Goodell Commissioner National Football League 345 Park Avenue New York, NY 10154   Dear Commissioner Goodell:   As we mark the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, we call on the NFL to institute a real zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence that will ensure that this type of violence and abuse has no place in the NFL. We were shocked and disgusted by the images we saw this week of one of your players violently assaulting his now-wife and knocking her unconscious, and at new reports that the NFL may have received this video months ago. Tragically, this is not the only case of an NFL player allegedly assaulting a woman even within the last year.  We are deeply concerned that the NFL’s new policy, announced last month, would allow a player to commit a violent act against a woman and return after a short suspension. If you violently assault a woman, you shouldn’t get a second chance to play football in the NFL. The NFL’s current policy sends a terrible message to players, fans and all Americans that even after committing a horrific act of violence, you can quickly be back on the field. It is long past time for the NFL to institute a real zero-tolerance policy and send a strong message that the league will not tolerate violence against women by its players, who are role models for children across America.  We hope the NFL will seize this opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate its commitment to the safety of women and families.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912003528/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a4cc8877-201c-48ad-bef9-8b6b5896987b,Senator Collins' Statement on Campaign Finance Reform Vote,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"“As an original cosponsor of the 2002 bipartisan Campaign Reform law, known as “McCain-Feingold,” I was very disappointed that the Supreme Court struck down so many of its key provisions. Throughout my service in the Senate, I have worked for greater transparency in our campaign financing system, and I continue to believe that this system must and can be further reformed.              “I believe Congress should pass strong legislation to increase transparency and expedite the reporting of campaign donations, but I share serious concerns that many others have raised about the proposed Constitutional amendment before the Senate.  For example, the American Civil Liberies Union wrote a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee “strongly” opposing this Constitutional amendment,  saying that it ""would severely limit the First Amendment, lead directly to government censorship of political speech and result in a host of unintended consequences that would undermine the goals the amendment has been introduced to advance….”             “Meaningful reform of our campaign finance laws is achievable in a manner consistent with the First Amendment. One approach is to strengthen transparency laws to ensure that voters have quick and easy access to information that can help them make informed decisions. That is why I am a cosponsor of a bill introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), the Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act, which would require all election-related designations, statements, and reports to be filed directly with the Federal Election Commission. I also support legislation proposed by Senator Angus King (I-ME) which would require campaigns to notify the FEC within 48 hours of receiving campaign contributions of $1,000 or more, and that would require Senate candidates to file reports directly with the FEC, instead of with the Secretary of the Senate.             ""Unfortunately, it’s clear that the Majority Leader does not intend to allow for a serious debate of alternative proposals to strengthen our campaign finance laws.  Instead of debating this flawed proposal to amend the Constitution, we should be taking up common-sense reforms of the kind proposed by Senators Tester and King. Both of their bills would improve our campaign finance system, and I believe both could get the support they need to become law. Further – and most important – neither would risk eroding the fundamental liberties that are the heritage of the American people.” Read the ACLU letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912003531/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e37936ad-2d3f-42a8-ab46-a219afec1f03,Senator Collins' Reaction to President's Address on ISIS Threat,2014-09-10,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, tonight released this statement following the President's Address to the Nation.           “ISIS has grown in size, strength, and sophistication and has demonstrated the ability to move quickly to seize territory in both Iraq and Syria, killing and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Its brutal murders of two American journalists and its training of radicalized Islamists from our country and Western Europe demonstrate beyond any doubt that it will continue to seek to harm our citizens and disrupt our way of life. The President is correct that ISIS poses a growing threat to the United States, and I support many elements of his long overdue strategy to address this threat.           ""The President’s strategy is based in part upon cooperation with our allies in the region and includes non-military components to complement the military effort. Cutting off ISIS’s financial support and countering the extremists’ perversion of Islam are necessary elements for an effective strategy to achieve the goal of degrading and ultimately destroying ISIS.           ""Ultimately, the effectiveness of the President’s plan will pivot upon his resolve to follow through on the words he delivered tonight. It will also depend upon the contributions of our regional allies like Saudi Arabia, which must do more to combat the terrorist threat posed not only by ISIS, but also by a resurgent al Qaeda that has metastasized and has a presence in more than 20 countries or territories.           “Many questions remain to be answered about the specifics of the President’s plan. The President's plan will not be effective, for example, if it follows the exact models for Yemen and Somalia, two countries in turmoil that remain terrorist safe havens to this day.           ""I participated in the Intelligence Committee’s briefing yesterday and look forward to the briefing tomorrow from Administration officials where I expect to hear in greater detail about what the President is seeking from Congress, the risks and costs associated with the President’s plan, and possible alternatives to counter this very real and growing terrorist threat.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912003533/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b80cd93a-7271-411b-9c56-47179e4f4e80,A Taste of Maine,2014-09-09,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King this evening attended the “Taste of Maine” reception hosted by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.  The event, held in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room, attracted several Senators from other states including New York, Hawaii, Montana, Indiana, and Tennessee, as well Mainers living in Washington. Some of the items served tonight included Maine's world-famous products, like lobster, blueberries, potatoes, wine, beer and spirits, chocolates, and the original Whoopie Pie. “We are delighted that the Maine State Chamber of Commerce has once again organized some of Maine's finest culinary treasures,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We hope everyone came away thinking that Maine truly is the way life should be!” “Mainers take a great deal of pride in ‘Made in Maine’ products and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce is always eager to help get the word out about the abundance of our great state; from our farms to the ocean, to our restaurants and breweries,” said Dana Connors, President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s ‘Taste of Maine’ reception was once again a huge success, and we look forward to hosting this event on Capitol Hill again.”   Featured Vendors Included:   Cold River Vodka Maine Aquaculture Association Maine Potato Board Oats Any Time Maine Lobster Promotion Council Wicked Whoopies Cellar Door Winery Gifford's Ice Cream Wilbur's of Maine Shipyard Brewing Allagash Brewing Little Lad's Bakery Grandy Oats Granola Backyard Farms W.A. Bean & Sons Bluebird Family Ranch Bixby & Co. State of Maine Office of Tourism",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912003535/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=adb8de11-8097-4493-a868-6056088859b2,"Release: Sens. Collins, Blumenthal Ensure Servicemembers and Veterans Have Access to Program to Combat Suicide",2014-09-09,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the Department of Justice issued a new Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulation that includes provisions for which U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have long fought for on behalf of servicemembers and veterans.  The Senators have led a consistent, bipartisan effort to ensure that the new rule will allow Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to participate in prescription drug take-back programs that help combat misuse or abuse of prescription drugs. The provisions in this rule will also help to combat troubling instances of servicemember and veteran suicide that commonly are linked to prescription drug misuse.   “Prescription drug misuse poses a serious threat to public health, and there is substantial evidence that prescription drug abuse is a major factor in many military and veteran suicides,” Senator Collins said.  “This rule finally gives the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs the ability to participate in the DEA’s drug take-back program.  By simply giving our servicemembers and veterans access to facilities where they can dispose of prescriptions that are no longer needed, we can help save lives.”   “Today, the Obama Administration took a crucial step in the fight against prescription drug abuse,” Senator Blumenthal said. “For too long, federal rules actually contributed to the risk of abuse—particularly by servicemembers and veterans. For too long, veterans advocates, colleagues including Sen. Collins, and I have felt like voices in the wilderness calling for commonsense changes that we knew could save lives and protect American heroes from the misery that comes with drug abuse. Those voices became a chorus too loud to be ignored, and today I am proud that the Administration has done the right thing.” ""IAVA applauds Senators Collins and Blumenthal for their persistent advocacy to ensure that the Administration includes DoD and VA in efforts to help reduce suicide among troops and veterans by expanding prescription drug take back programs. IAVA is excited to see this expansion and commends the works of all those involved in ensuring that this change could happen."" In July, Senators Collins and Blumenthal, joined by a bipartisan group of 22 senators, pressed the Administration to release the final rule.  Senator Collins secured report language accompanying the FY 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act that encouraged the Department of Justice to consult with the DoD and VA to expand safe prescription drug disposal for servicemembers and veterans, and Senators Collins and Blumenthal secured language in the report accompanying the FY 2014 NDAA, which emphasized the importance of establishing drug take-back programs at DoD and VA.   The regulation would allow pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other authorized collectors to serve as collection points for unused prescription medication.  A February 2014 report by the DoD Inspector General found that many servicemembers, including high-risk patients such as wounded warriors, do not have a reliable, safe, accessible, and accountable method to dispose of medications.  As a result, many may be at risk for overdose or misuse of unneeded medications that could result in unnecessary hospitalization and even death. The DoD Inspector General further found that, of the 1,000 service members hospitalized for self-inflicted pharmaceutical overdoses in 2010, more than 65 percent involved pain and behavioral health medication.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210240/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3e493da6-090f-46bf-ba61-6498b3e079fa,"Sens. Collins, King Announce $25 Million in Federal Funding for Sarah Mildred Long Bridge Renovation",2014-09-08,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award $25 million in grant funding to the Maine Department of Transportation to replace the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge connecting Kittery, ME and Portsmouth, NH.  Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx notified Senator Collins of the Transportation Investment Generation Economic Recovery (TIGER) VI funding during a phone call this evening.   Senator Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, has spoken personally with Secretary Foxx on multiple occasions to advocate on behalf of Maine’s application for this grant. Senator King has also spoken with Secretary Foxx, and in April of this year, both Senators Collins and King wrote to him in support of the project.    “This is fantastic news for Kittery and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which relies heavily on this bridge for the safe transportation of materials from the shipyard,” Senator Collins said.  “For years I have been pressing the Department of Transportation to fund this renovation.  It is long past due that the bridge, which the Federal Highway Administration has classified as structurally deficient, be replaced.  It is absolutely essential that shipyard facilities and infrastructure match the skill and dedication of the men and women who work there, and this project is an important step toward that end.” “This award is great news,” Senator King said. “The Sarah Mildred Long Bridge is a vital link between Maine and New Hampshire that supports regional commerce, promotes local economic activity, and – with the rail line into Portsmouth Naval Shipyard – serves our national security interests. I am thrilled the Department of Transportation has recognized its importance and, along with the two states, will build a new bridge that can safely and efficiently serve the area for many years to come.”   ""On behalf of the Maine Department of Transportation, I thank Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King for their tireless efforts in recognizing and helping to secure this critical funding for the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge,"" said MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt.  ""As ranking member of the Senate THUD Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins continues to lend her great support to the needs of Maine's infrastructure.""  The $25 million secured will specifically replace Sarah Mildred Long Bridge’s rail component, which supports an important national security need, enabling the safe and efficient transportation of materials from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.  The total project cost is approximately $158.5 million.  The Federal Highway Administration has classified the bridge as Structurally Deficient, and has noted its truss spans are fracture critical, meaning that the failure of steel tension members could result in collapse.   According to the Department of Transportation, DOT received 797 eligible applications totaling $9.5 billion from 49 states, US territories and the District of Columbia, compared to the 585 in 2013.  These applications were competing for the $600 million provided in 2014.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140905002622/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3df0c2c8-5925-433f-9a93-c69f6d352fc0,Release: Senator Collins to be Featured in PBS Documentary on Women in Politics,2014-09-03,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Susan Collins will be featured in an upcoming documentary on women in politics to air nationally on PBS.  The documentary titled, “MAKERS: Women in Politics,” is produced by Rory Kennedy and produced and directed by Grace Lee.Senator Collins, who was interviewed for the documentary earlier this year, was chosen to participate because of her reputation as a bipartisan deal-maker and features her role forming and leading the “Common Sense Coalition,” a bipartisan group of Senators that worked to shape the deal that ended the government shutdown in October 2013.   The documentary is scheduled to air on PBS on Tuesday, November 4th at 9pm.  It will also feature other female leaders including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator Barbara Mikulski, Senator Olympia Snowe, and Senator Elizabeth Warren.  It is narrated by Academy Award-nominated actress Alfre Woodard.   About the filmmakers:   Emmy Award winning filmmaker Rory Kennedy has produced and directed more than 35 documentaries, covering topics from the global AIDS crisis, human rights, domestic abuse, and poverty.  Her most recent project, “Ethel,” featured an inside look at the life of her mother, Ethel Kennedy, wife to Robert F. Kennedy.     Grace Lee is an award winning film producer whose most recent feature film, “Janeane From Des Moines,” premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and takes place during the 2012 presidential campaign.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140905002625/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e6743615-726d-4654-adca-4d5747e5070f,Senator Collins Statement on Murder of American Journalist Steven Sotloff,2014-09-02,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, today issued the following statement regarding reports that the terrorist organization ISIS has beheaded American journalist Steven Sotloff:""I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to the Sotloff family as it faces this tragic loss today. Once again ISIS has demonstrated its inhumanity. What further proof do we need that this terrorist organization is intent on killing Americans? It is long overdue for the Obama Administration to present to the Congress, the American people, and our allies around the world a comprehensive strategy to respond to the horrific threat ISIS poses.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140829004234/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=11b049b4-cab0-42d9-86a0-b3eecf37d1cd,Senator Collins Announces Grant Funding for Two Maine Fire Departments,2014-08-27,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Susan Collins today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded two Maine fire departments grant funding through the “Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.” The Old Town Fire Rescue Department will receive $72,675, and the Monroe Fire Department will receive $61,275.    ""Our career and volunteer firefighters are among our bravest public servants.  The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is an extremely critical source of funds for our fire and rescue personnel,"" said Senator Collins. Funding will be distributed through the Operations and Firefighting Safety Program, which provides for training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to the departments' facilities. Senator Collins has long championed this grant program. These grants are awarded to fire departments across the United States to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, emergency medical service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety programs, and to purchase new fire equipment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140829004255/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=27f0c113-d604-4a4f-82ae-aad8f788e5c3,"Sens. Collins, King Support Request for Trade Adjustment Assistance for Displaced Workers from Old Town Fuel and Fiber",2014-08-26,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-   In a letter sent today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King urged Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez to approve a Petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the 200 workers at Old Town Fuel and Fiber, who have been displaced as a result of a significant drop in demand due to competition with foreign countries. The purpose of the TAA program is to aid workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages decrease as a result of increased imports. If the TAA petition is approved, displaced Old Town Fuel and Fiber workers will be eligible for employment training in another job or career, income support, job search allowances, and relocation services for individuals who obtain jobs outside of their normal commuting area. The full text of the letter follows:   August 26, 2014   The Honorable Thomas E. Perez Secretary United States Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210     Dear Mr. Secretary: We are writing in support of the recently filed Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition to assist approximately 200 workers at Old Town Fuel and Fiber, of Old Town, Maine, who have been displaced as a result of substantially reduced demand for the mill’s products due to foreign competition. The significantly lower cost of Eucalyptus pulp from Brazil, coupled with the high cost of energy and fiber, have made it incredibly difficult for the company to compete in the international marketplace. Given recent layoff announcements at other mills in this region, this further loss of employment is a devastating blow to central Maine. Given the significant loss of jobs throughout Maine’s pulp and paper industry in recent years, the laid-off workers will have to make a tremendous effort to find alternative employment. Since many related wood product manufacturers have already experienced closures as a result of similar declines in business due to foreign trade, it is likely to be very difficult, if not virtually impossible, for these workers to find comparable positions, and they may require retraining for other emerging occupations. Thus, it is crucial that these workers receive certification under the TAA program. We urge that you review Old Town Fuel and Fiber's TAAapplication as expeditiously as possible, consistent with your rules and regulations, to ensure that the workers receive the assistance they need to secure work and maintain their financial stability. Thank you for your consideration on behalf of the workers at Old Town Fuel and Fiber in Old Town, Maine. Sincerely, Susan M. Collins United States Senator   Angus S. King, Jr. United States Senator",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140822012415/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f7f33efe-66cf-433f-9f2f-c83ca52f44b7,Sen. Collins' Statement on GAO Finding Administration Acted Unlawfully in Bergdahl Swap,2014-08-21,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report, which found that the Administration acted unlawfully when it transferred five Taliban commanders from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility without notifying Congress.  A law included in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act requires that the Secretary of Defense notify the appropriate committees of Congress not later than 30 days before the transfer or release of individuals being held at Guantanamo Bay.   GAO conducted this legal analysis in response to a request from Senator Collins and eight of her colleagues on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.   Senator Collins issued the following statement:   “This GAO report confirms my belief that the Administration violated the law when it released and transferred these dangerous Taliban detainees without notifying Congress as the law clearly and unequivocally requires.  It is highly likely that these men will return to the fight against our country after their year in Qatar.  That is the assessment of the Administration’s own intelligence experts. “It is extremely troubling that the President chose to ignore this notification requirement despite the previous bipartisan opposition to this ill-conceived swap.  The Administration’s argument that it couldn’t inform Congressional leaders of the swap because it might have compromised the transfer was completely disingenuous.  Dozens of administration officials knew about the swap well in advance.  It simply doesn’t make sense that Members of Congress, particularly the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee, were not informed.  It’s not hard to imagine that the President didn’t notify us until after the fact because he knew the proposed transfer would have been met with opposition. “The President’s decision is part of a disturbing pattern where he unilaterally decides that he does not have to comply with provisions of laws with which he disagrees.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140822012418/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=cdf43413-d35c-4628-87c6-3d20157b8d78,"In Response to Murray, Collins, Federal Railroad Administration to Fund Short Line Rail Safety Institute",2014-08-20,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the Federal Railroad Administration will award two grants totaling $350,000 to support the development of a Short Line Rail Safety Institute.  This initiative will help the short line and regional rail industry mitigate the risks associated with shipping crude oil and other hazardous materials while improving its overall safety record.  The Short Line Rail Safety Institute has been proposed by Senators Murray and Collins as a way to enhance safety in the short line freight railroad industry, including the transportation of crude oil and ethanol.  On May 15, the two Senators sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx expressing support of the Institute, and in June, the two Senators introduced legislation to authorize the Institute. The Senate Transportation Subcommittee Fiscal Year 2015 bill recommends an additional $2 million for the Institute to conduct safety assessments for rail lines that transport crude oil and other highly hazardous cargo. There are 550 short line railroad companies that operate over 50,000 miles of track, or nearly one third of the national railroad network.  The tracks can be as short as two miles or up to more than 1,000 miles long.  “As we discussed when you testified before our Subcommittee, there is no silver bullet to improving rail safety.  It is a complicated multi-faceted issue involving prevention, mitigation, and response aspects,” Senators Murray and Collins wrote in their letter to Secretary Foxx.  “The proposed Short Line Railroad Safety Institute could be an important part of the larger solution and would help improve the safe transportation of crude oil and other hazardous materials.”   These efforts followed an an April hearing held by Senators Murray and Collins to specifically focus on safety issues related to rail shipment of crude oil.  Secretary Foxx, then-National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah Hersman, Director of the Seattle Office of Emergency Management Barb Graff, and Rangeley, ME, Fire Chief Tim Pellerin, who led emergency response efforts after a train carrying crude oil derailed in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, in 2013, each testified at that hearing.   Today’s announcement includes a $250,000 grant to the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) to begin the pilot phase of safety culture assessments. Pilot testing will begin in January 2015 and will initially focus on the safety of crude oil transportation by rail. With the grant money, ASLRRA will:   Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing safety programs on short line and regional railroads (e.g., compliance requirements of FRA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration);   Use tools developed by the University of Connecticut to identify areas of non-compliance and help railroads develop a culture of commitment to railroad safety; and   Provide access to effective safety training processes, programs and resources.   Develop large libraries of training tools, technical materials and other educational resources to assist small railroads in instilling a culture of safety. The University of Connecticut also received a $100,000 grant to conduct initial work that will focus on the development, testing and validation of safety education, training and development for managers and employees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140815003636/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=642fde4c-011c-4b16-9392-b274564a1c54,"Sens. Collins, King Announce More than $4.7M in Grant Funds to Help End Veterans Homelessness",2014-08-11,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, and Angus King announced today three grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans affairs, totaling more than $4.7 million, which were awarded to three non-profit organizations that assist homeless and at-risk Veterans in Maine.   These funds will have a direct impact on Veterans in the state through the work of organizations including the Community Action Partnership, Veterans Inc., and Preble Street. The grants are provided by the Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) program, which works in collaboration with the VA to promote housing stability by providing services such as mental health care and temporary financial assistance. “Maine is home to one of the highest percentage of Veterans per capita, and we have an obligation to provide these courageous men and women, who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms, with the most comprehensive and accessible assistance programs available,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “The SSVF grants announced today will make a significant contribution to that effort and undoubtedly help hundreds of at-risk and low-income Veterans in Maine improve the stability of their living situation.” More information on the VA’s homeless programs is available at www.va.gov/homeless, and details about the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program can be found at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140815003640/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0db28572-9a1a-4a3e-89e2-426b43133bae,"Sens. Collins, King Announce Emergency Grant for Affected Great Northern Paper Workers",2014-08-11,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor will award a National Emergency Grant in the amount of $284,879 to help serve the workers affected by layoffs at the Great Northern Paper Co. LLC, located in East Millinocket. This federal grant, awarded to the Maine Department of Labor, will provide  additional services to the workers identified for Trade Adjustment Assistance re-employment services that are not available through the TAA program alone.    “As the primary employer in East Millinocket, the layoffs are having serious economic consequences for the community, because the town and surrounding areas are economically dependent on the mill,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement.  “This emergency grant will help to provide eligible workers with re-employment services that aim to improve their financial stability.”   The Tri County Workforce Investment Board will manage the provision of services to meet the needs of these dislocated workers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140801015220/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ed5c4907-8b85-40b4-b288-7123d968f7eb,"Collins, King Announce Grants for Sorrento, Corinth Fire Departments",2014-07-31,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Sorrento Fire Department will receive a federal grant in the amount of $232,750 and the Corinth Fire Department will receive a federal grant in the amount of $142,500 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Specifically, the funding will come through the AFG’s Vehicle Acquisition program. Sorrento will use the funding to purchase a tanker truck, and Corinth will use the funding to purchase a pumper truck.           “These grants are a critical resource for so many Maine fire departments, including those in Sorrento and Corinth, and the dedicated fire and rescue personnel who serve our communities,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “In order for our first responders to perform their duties, it’s essential that they have access to the resources they need, such as vehicles, equipment, and proper training.”                                                          ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140801015223/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5f80bd83-bd34-483f-ad26-0f93072bbd62,Senator Collins' Statement on Senate Passage of Highway Trust Fund Legislation,2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, tonight released this statement following Senate passage of the Highway and Transportation Funding Act to extend the Highway Trust Fund. “While I would prefer a more permanent fix for the highway trust fund, tonight's Senate vote is an essential step to ensure that states continue to have the critical resources they need to build and repair our nation’s highways, roads, and bridges. With more than 700,000 jobs depending upon Congress coming up with at least a short-term solution, time is running out. It is important for the House and Senate to agree on a bill before the August recess and get it to the President quickly. ""I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the months ahead on a fiscally-responsible long-term solution to funding our highways, roads, and bridges.""                                                         ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140801015226/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=95a013e6-5072-40b3-a5d2-c13d02173b02,Senator Collins' Statement on Confirmation of Bob McDonald as VA Secretary,2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, today voted in favor of Robert McDonald’s nomination to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.“As a West Point graduate, former Army Ranger, and expert leader of a large corporation, Mr. McDonald is well aware of the serious challenges facing the VA today,” Senator Collins said.  “I appreciate that he indicated that he is eager to address not only the problems, but also work to improve programs, like the ARCH pilot program in Northern Maine, that are providing critical health care services to our nation’s veterans in their own communities.”   Senator Collins has invited Secretary McDonald to visit Cary Medical Center in Caribou to see first-hand how the ARCH program is working and why it should be a model for the nation with respect to improving access to health care among rural veterans.  Earlier this year, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved Senator Collins’ request for $35 million to extend this successful program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140801015228/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f3876fab-9ad1-4bf0-9aaf-3d486da03bf0,Senator Collins Lauds ARCH Extension Included in VA Reform Bill,2014-07-28,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, today lauded the inclusion of a two-year extension of the Access to Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reform bill’s conference report.  Senator Collins had urged members of the Conference Committee tasked with finding a compromise between the Senate and House versions of the bill to include such an extension.   “I am pleased that the conference report will contain a provision, that I worked hard to include, that would extend the highly-successful ARCH program,” Senator Collins said.  “This program is a literal life-saver, and our Veterans in rural areas such as northern Maine will be well-served by its continuation.” ""The news we learned today that Project ARCH has been extended for two years, thanks in large part to the efforts of our Senator, Susan Collins, is life saving for Veterans living here in Northern Maine,"" said Kris Doody, CEO of Cary Medical Center.  ""So many Veterans have expressed their appreciation for the program that allows them to get specialty care close to their homes here at Cary Medical Center.  We have always believed that the model we have established here at Cary is a model for the nation."" ARCH is a pilot program that provides VA-covered health care services through contractual arrangements with non-VA care providers. The program, which is set to expire later this year, improves access for eligible veterans—especially those in rural areas—by connecting them to health care services closer to home.  Cary Medical Center in Caribou is one of five pilot sites that have been established across the country.  The Togus VA Medical Center oversees treatment provided to veterans at Cary- allowing veterans in Aroostook County to receive quality care without traveling hundreds of miles roundtrip to Augusta.   The ARCH program has been an unqualified success in northern Maine, and Senator Collins has fought hard to ensure that these services continue past the pilot program’s scheduled end date of September 30, 2014.  Her efforts include:   •           On July 21, 2014, Senator Collins met with Bob McDonald, the nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  The first issue she raised with him was ARCH, and she invited him to visit Cary Medical Center to see first-hand how the program is working and why it should be a model for the nation with respect to improving access to health care among rural veterans.   •           On  May 22, 2014, the Appropriations Committee adopted H.R. 4486, the Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which at Senator Collins’ request included a section providing $35 million to extend funding for ARCH in FY 2015.  Senator Collins led a letter on July 16, 2014 to the leadership of the Senate and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee urging them to bring that bill to the floor as soon as possible.   •           Senator Collins joined Senators Jerry Moran and Angus King in introducing the Veterans Health Care Access Received Closer to Home Act of 2014 (S.2095), which would extend and expand the program.  She also introduced similar legislation as an amendment to S. 1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014, which would have made the program permanent.   •           Senator Collins authored a letter in December 2013, expressing strong support for ARCH and requesting that it be continued.  She also authored a June 2014 letter requesting VA take immediate steps to continue ARCH, given the funding she secured in the annual VA funding bill.    •           Senator Collins has repeatedly advocated for continuing ARCH in congressional hearings [2013, 2014], directly with VA leadership, including former Secretary Shinseki, and with her colleagues.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005259/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b33d2794-f6e6-4296-b52e-16b84d4a4332,Senator Collins' Statement on Administration's Rail Safety Standards,2014-07-23,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration’s announcement of new rules regarding rail safety:   “The horrific derailment that occurred in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, last year – just 30 miles from the Maine border – brought to light the importance of ensuring the safe transportation of energy products.  In April, Secretary Foxx testified at a hearing that Senator Murray and I held in the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee specifically focused on safety issues related to rail shipment of crude oil during which we pressed him to propose policies to prevent and better respond to such disasters.  At the hearing, the Chief of the Rangeley, Maine Fire Department, Tim Pellerin, recommended integrated disaster training for first responders so that response can be swift and appropriate.  He also suggested that local authorities be notified of the transit of hazardous fuels through their communities.  Following Chief Pellerin’s recommendations, I worked with Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to include additional funding in the Senate fiscal year 2015 Transportation Appropriations bill to address improved coordination and training.    ""I have continued to press the Administration to ensure that we are taking the necessary actions to prevent another Lac-Megantic, while not overburdening an industry that has a proven track record of safety.   ""Last night, Secretary Foxx called to inform me that the Department of Transportation will strengthen federal oversight to improve the safety of shipping crude oil by rail.  Today, DOT is announcing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and a companion Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to address the safety ramifications of the exponential growth of the transportation of crude oil by rail in our country.  Among other things, this rulemaking will propose enhanced tank car standards;  a classification and testing program for mined gases and liquids; and new operational requirements for high-hazard flammable trains.  In addition, DOT is soliciting input for improving oil spill response plans for trains carrying crude oil.   ""These are significant actions toward improving safety.  I will continue to monitor this situation closely and work with the Administration and all stakeholders to move forward with commonsense measures.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005424/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=af72f285-37da-4074-99ac-98ed3b6444f8,Senator Collins' Statement on 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Commission Report,2014-07-22,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Collins: ""Commissioners are correct in simultaneously calling for urgent reform to address cybersecurity and other threats from terrorism that have emerged since 9/11"" WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who served as Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee when the 9/11 Commission released its landmark 2004 report, today released this statement following the release of a new report by the 9/11 Commissioners on the 10th anniversary of the original report’s publication. “The report released today confirms that many of the Commission’s recommendations that former Senator Joe Lieberman and I included in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 have been turned into a reality and have strengthened our nation’s ability to thwart terrorists’ plots.  The Commissioners are correct in simultaneously calling for urgent reform to address cybersecurity and other threats from terrorism that have emerged since 9/11. “When we created the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), we wanted to establish an effective multi-agency center where the sole focus was the prevention of another catastrophic terrorist attack against the United States.  This report describes the high marks the NCTC is given by senior officials for instilling a “need-to-share” culture among agencies responsible for counterterrorism.  “In the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), our intent was for the DNI to be the ‘quarterback’ of the 16 agencies in the intelligence community, and the 9/11 Commission’s new report has found that the DNI has been accepted as the manager of the IC and is successfully eliciting the cooperation from the federal intelligence agencies. “When we created the Privacy & Civil Liberties Oversight Board, our purpose was to demonstrate our belief, in a concrete manner, that we do not have to choose between security and protecting privacy and civil liberties.  The report has found that the Board is providing an array of voices on the civil-liberties implications of sensitive national security programs. “Nonetheless, this report warns against complacency in the generational struggle against terrorism in the absence of a catastrophic attack on the homeland.  The day after 9/11, few would have never imagined we would go 13 years without another catastrophic attack on the homeland.  As the threat from terrorism evolves, further reforms must be made to address them.  In particular, I strongly agree with the 9/11 commissioners that we must not wait to enact cybersecurity reform until after a crippling cyber attack has occurred to address this known and looming threat.  I continue to call for more urgent action by Congress to address the vulnerabilities in our cybersecurity.”    While serving as Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Senators Collins led the Senate-passage of the 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which implemented many of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005621/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=061428c2-565c-4eb0-9d52-bb492a06a5a5,"Collins, King Announce Nearly $200,000 Grant for Knox County Regional Airport",2014-07-22,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and U.S. Senator Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the City of Rockland a grant in the amount of $198,000 for improvements at the Knox County Regional Airport. ""Maine's large geographic area makes air travel an important transportation option that connects towns and cities across the state,"" said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. ""Maine's small airports, such as Knox County Regional, play a vital role in supporting local businesses, especially in the state's more rural regions. This funding will help the city purchase land to make necessary safety improvements."" Specifically, the DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration says the funding will be used to remove obstructions in the Runway 13 approach and transitional surfaces, and fund the reimbursement for the easement acquisition of 15 parcels for the project. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005803/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2a1fe578-0538-4c2a-8eda-3eaaf9bcd48a,Senator Collins Mourns the Passing of Dr. John Winkin,2014-07-21,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement on the passing of former University of Maine and Husson University baseball coach John Winkin:            “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. John Winkin. Dr. Winkin was an extraordinary coach and his successes are legendary. He was a dedicated educator and mentor of young men. His service to our country in the United States Navy, his commitment to physical fitness, as evidenced by his famous daily runs, and his strong personal faith helped make him a model for generations of Maine student athletes.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005813/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=14b490ad-97ef-41a1-8c1e-bbc337e7548a,Senator Collins Meets With VA Secretary-Nominee,2014-07-21,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, today met with Bob McDonald, former chief executive of Procter & Gamble, who has been nominated by President Obama to become Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).  The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a nomination hearing tomorrow. During their nearly 40-minute one-on-one meeting, Senator Collins discussed the success of the Access Received Closer to Home, or ARCH, program.  ARCH is a pilot program that provides VA-covered health care services through contractual arrangements with non-VA care providers. The program, which is set to expire later this year, improves access for eligible veterans—especially those in rural areas—by connecting them to health care services closer to home.  Cary Medical Center in Caribou is one of five pilot sites that have been established across the country.  The Togus VA Medical Center oversees treatment provided to veterans at Cary- allowing veterans in Aroostook County to receive quality care without traveling hundreds of miles roundtrip to Augusta. Earlier this year, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved Senator Collins’ request for $35 million to extend this successful program.  Today, she invited Mr. McDonald to visit Cary Medical Center, should he be confirmed by the full Senate, to see first-hand how the program is working and why it should be a model for the nation with respect to improving access to health care among rural veterans. ""The ARCH program allows veterans to receive quality care close to home and close to their families,” Senator Collins told Mr. McDonald.   “I have talked to many Maine veterans who praise this highly effective, indeed life-saving, program.  In fact, one veteran from Northern Maine told me that he used this program for emergency surgery for a broken hip.  Had the ARCH program not been in place, he would have had to endure a 500-mile roundtrip ambulance ride to Togus.  The ride would have taken more than eight hours, over bumpy, winter roads, while he was in extreme pain.  Often veterans and their families are forced to stay overnight and miss work as a result of the distance they must travel to receive care.” In addition, they spoke about Senator Collins’ work to help Maine veterans with claims made to the VA that they have suffered health problems as a result of being exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange during military training at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown during the 1960’s.  This Congress, she has introduced legislation to establish a registry of these veterans and direct VA to commission an independent investigation into the linkage between service at Gagetown and the development of negative health impacts.  At Senator Collins’ request, the Senate Appropriations Committee adopted language in its Fiscal Year 2015 Veterans Affairs annual funding bill that directs the VA to bolster its efforts to research the residual impact that the herbicide Agent Orange may have on veterans.  The Committee also approved a Collins amendment that ""urges the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to explore the feasibility of establishing a registry of U.S. veterans who served or trained outside of Vietnam and have subsequently experienced health issues, which may have resulted from exposure to these chemicals, and directs the Secretary to provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of this act detailing any plans the Department may be considering on establishing a policy regarding presumed exposure for these veterans.""             “While I will reserve final judgment on Mr. McDonald’s nomination until his confirmation hearing is complete, I am encouraged that, as a West Point graduate and former Army Ranger, Mr. McDonald is well aware of the serious challenges facing the VA today.  I appreciate that he indicated that he is eager to address not only the problems, but work to improve programs, like ARCH, that are providing critical health care services to our nation’s veterans.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005815/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e5737485-82f9-4fdb-ae86-b1a8bbc5129d,"Sens. Collins, King Request Floor Action on Veterans Affairs Funding Bill",2014-07-18,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Highlighting the important congressional responsibility for helping to reform the VA system, Senators Collins and King led a letter to Senate leadership urging them to bring the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill to the floor.  The bill was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which Senator Collins is a member, on May 22.  The bill includes funding for, and a direction to continue, the services provided through the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) pilot program.    ARCH is a pilot program that provides VA-covered health care services through contractual arrangements with non-VA care providers. The program, which is set to expire later this year, improves access for eligible veterans-especially those in rural areas-by connecting them to health care services closer to home.    “Like all Americans, we remain deeply troubled by the allegations of deception and mismanagement at numerous VA facilities, and we are committed to working together to ensure that our Veterans receive the care, benefits, and services that they have earned.  The Senate Committee-passed FY 2015 MILCON/VA Appropriations bill includes a number of important provisions to help meet this goal,” the Senators said.  “It is crucial that this legislation, including an extension of ARCH, be signed into law before the end of the current fiscal year.”     The text of the Senators’ letter is below:       Dear Senators Reid, McConnell, Mikulski, and Shelby:   We urge you to bring the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MILCON/VA) Appropriations bill to the floor as soon as possible so that it can be passed, reconciled with the House-passed bill, and signed into law by the President before the end of the fiscal year.  Given the acute need to improve the provision of care, services, and benefits for our Veterans, it is imperative that we avoid funding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under a continuing resolution (CR).  A CR, even one lasting only a short period of timeshort-term, could introduce harmful uncertainty into the VA budget process and delays in Veterans disability claims processing, major VA construction projects, and Departmental reforms needed to improve patient care, including updates to the VA medical scheduling system and VA-Department of Defense (DOD) medical record sharing systems.   Like all Americans, we remain deeply troubled by the allegations of deception and mismanagement at numerous VA facilities, and we are committed to working together to ensure that our Veterans receive the care, benefits, and services that they have earned.  The Senate Committee-passed FY 2015 MILCON/VA Appropriations bill includes a number of important provisions to help meet this goal.  For example, the bill would direct the VA’s Office of Inspector General to conduct a nationwide audit of access to care and provide an additional $5 million to help with the increased workload.  It would also fund the development of a fully interoperable joint VA-DOD electronic health record (HER) system to ease the transition from active-duty service, modernization of VA’s HER system to improve efficiencies, and critical infrastructure investments to ensure that VA facilities can deliver the best health care services.  A CR could jeopardize these and other important provisions.    Another measure that could be put at risk under a CR is the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) pilot program, which provides VA-covered care through non-VA providers at rural sites in five states: Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Montana, and Virginia.  This program, due to expire at the end of this fiscal year, would be extended by the Committee-passed bill under existing authorities. We have heard from countless Veterans that ARCH has been an overwhelming success, helping to meet their primary and specialty care needs without the long travel day that can be required to reach the nearest VA Medical Center (VAMC).  Particularly for ailing and elderly Veterans, travel to VAMCs can be more expensive, more time-consuming, and less safe than a trip to the local ARCH location.  The ARCH program is also reducing the cost of mileage reimbursement for the VA.   As Congress continues to consider reform of the VA system to meet the needs of our Veterans, ARCH is a model to follow.  It would be devastating to Veterans accessing care through the ARCH program if it were not continued.  We strongly support Chairwoman Mikulski’s and Vice Chairman Shelby’s efforts to consider the appropriations bills under regular order and urge you to allow the full Senate to consider the FY 2015 MILCON/VA Appropriations bill as soon possible.  It is crucial that this legislation, including an extension of ARCH, be signed into law before the end of the current fiscal year.   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005819/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ca4c1f8c-fec0-49ed-94ca-ba3a11d8511b,Release: Sen. Collins Lauds NTSB Participation In Investigation of Downed Malaysian Airliner,2014-07-18,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, which funds and has jurisdiction over the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), issued the following statement regarding the downed Malaysian airliner in Eastern Ukraine:   “The NTSB informed me today that it is sending an investigator to Ukraine to support the U.S. Government’s response to the downed Malaysian airliner.   It is critically important that our air safety experts are allowed access to the crash site and evidence, including the plane’s black box, so that we can lend our expertise to the investigation and get to the bottom of this horrific and tragic crime.”   Yesterday, Senator Collins called for a cooperative international investigation and access to the plane’s black box by impartial experts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140718021237/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c78889dc-de8a-41e1-aa5b-bac410bfa992,Senator Collins Welcomes Madison Native as Summer Intern in Augusta,2014-07-15,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins is pleased to announce that Kristin Bishop of Madison is serving as an intern in her Augusta Constituent Service Center this summer.  “I am excited that Kristin will be working with my staff to serve the people of Maine,” Senator Collins said.  “She has proven herself to be an exceptional student and dedicated worker, and I am glad she will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process.” Kristin is a 2014 graduate of Madison High School, where Senator Collins delivered the commencement address.  She was the class valedictorian, a four-year class president, a Mitchell Scholar, and the recipient of the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award, and the 2014 Maine Principal’s Award.  Kristin plans to attend Bowdoin College in the fall to pursue a degree in government and legal studies.  She is the daughter of Frank and Vanessa Bishop.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140711004551/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4e281dc1-e589-4ab5-af17-ed18db152b68,"Sens. Collins, Udall Introduce Amendment Praising Accomplishments, Calling for Reauthorization of Land Water Conservation Fund",2014-07-10,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Udall (D-CO) introduced an amendment today to the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act that highlights the many important contributions of the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) over the last 50 years.  The amendment further states that it is the sense of the Senate that the LWCF should be reauthorized with full, permanent, and dedicated funding.    The Senators expressed their disappointment that the amendment was denied a vote before the Senate.   “In 1964, a promise was made to the American people that a small portion of proceeds from natural resource development would be invested in conservation and outdoor recreation,” Senator Collins said.  “Over its 50 years, LWCF has made tremendous contributions to conservation and recreation across the country, and I am deeply concerned that funds continue to be diverted to other purposes.  We will not balance our nation’s books today by shortchanging our future.”                              ""Fully funding and authorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund is essential to ensuring our sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts can more fully access and enjoy the public lands that support our special way of life in Colorado — and across the nation,"" Senator Udall said. ""This bipartisan amendment sends a clear message that not only is the U.S. Senate invested in supporting this critical fund, but also that we will act to ensure the fund can keep faith with its mission when President Kennedy signed it into law 50 years ago.""   ""The Land and Water Conservation Fund is America's most important conservation program, responsible for protecting parks, wildlife refuges and recreation areas at the federal, state and local level,” said Kathy DeCoster, VP of the Trust for Public Land, on behalf of the LWCF Coalition.  “For 50 years, it has provided critical funding for land and water conservation projects, recreational activities and the continued historic preservation our nation's iconic landmarks from coast-to-coast. The LWCF Coalition strongly supports Senators Collins’ and Udall’s bipartisan amendment calling for full funding and reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund in this, its 50th anniversary year.”   DeCoster also said: “LWCF does not use any taxpayer dollars—it is funded using a small portion of revenues from offshore oil and gas royalty payments. Outdoor recreation, conservation and historic preservation activities contribute more than a trillion dollars annually to the U.S. economy, supporting 9.4 million jobs. The LWCF Coalition thanks Senators Collins and Udall for their steadfast conservation leadership, and we urge all Senators to support the Collins and Udall amendment.""   The bipartisan amendment is cosponsored by Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), John Walsh (D-MT), Rob Portman (R-OH), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH).   Below is the full text of the amendment:   SENSE OF THE SENATE ON THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND(a) Findings.—The Senate finds the following: (1) The year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund under section 2 of the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l–5) (referred to in this subsection as the “Fund”), the most successful and enduring conservation and outdoor recreation program of the United States. (2) The Fund will expire in 2015 unless Congress takes action to renew this important program. (3) The Fund has protected outdoor recreation sites in every State and nearly every county in the United States by ensuring access to hunting and fishing areas, protecting the most historic sites of the United States, supporting working forests and ranches, creating national scenic and historic trails, and conserving critical habitats. (4) The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l–4 et seq.) has a 50-year history of bipartisan support as, with the overwhelming support of Congress— (A) support for the Act began during the Eisenhower Administration; (B) the Act was proposed to Congress by President Kennedy; and (C) the Act was signed into law by President Johnson. (5) The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l–4 et seq.) is fully funded, without relying on tax dollars, through the annual collection of $900,000,000 by the Treasury of the United States from a small percentage of royalties from offshore drilling and other Federal energy revenue sources. (6) The Fund honors the principles of fiscal conservatism by reinvesting revenues from the sale of 1 national resource to protect other natural resources and ensure outdoor recreation for all people of the United States. (7) Over the 50-year history of the Fund, more than half the amount credited to the Fund account has been diverted for other purposes. (8) Continued investments in the Fund will stimulate the economy of the United States, create jobs, and strengthen infrastructure. (9) Outdoor recreation and conservation activities are important economic contributors and support jobs in communities across the United States. (10) The Fund drives local economies by growing recreational land to match increases in population and development pressure while also creating and protecting jobs in working forests and on working farms and ranches. (b) Sense of the Senate.—It is the sense of the Senate that— (1) the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l–4 et seq.) should be reauthorized; and (2) full, permanent, and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund would keep the promise that was made to the people of the United States in 1964 to invest a small portion of the proceeds from natural resource development in conservation and outdoor recreation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140718021306/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f042d0f5-778f-48d1-a94b-9b10d9ecf149,E-News: Tourning Maine's Small Business & Job Creators,2014-07-10,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Maine Senator Susan Collins is touring small businesses throughout Aroostook County. The first stop? Houlton--home of Bison Pumps, the 2013 Aroostook County Entrepreneurs of The Year. Collins says if federal lawmakers want to see more businesses grow on American soil, it’s important those same lawmakers show they support small businesses. Sen. Susan Collins says “it is so important that we support small businesses such as this one, and it is great to see that they’re expanding internationally—that they have clients and dealers all over the world.” “It’s incredibly important to have lawmaker support. There are a lot of things that we do for our business that require support from our federal government and state government, and it’s nice that she takes the time to come and see what we’re doing and talk to us about what some of our issues and concerns are,” adds David Harbison, the owner of Bison Pumps. Collins met Bison Pumps’ workers, many of whom graduated from Northern Maine Community College. Harbison says he’s pleased to grow a business and workforce that’s County based. Collins says that makes her especially proud, since she helped launch an innovation program that helped educate many of his staff. Collins adds “it is particularly interesting to meet so many of the graduates of the machinist program at Northern Maine Community College, because, years ago, I helped get the seed money to get that program going, and today we see these very talented skilled machinists working at good jobs.” The first three years of a new business are critical. It’s during that time a business will either sink or swim. Collins says it’s the government’s responsibility to help businesses succeed, and the main way to do that is adequate funding. Collins adds, “Part of it is making sure that they have the financing, the technical support and the advice that they need, and that’s where government can play a limited role.” Harbison says “One thing that lawmakers can do is listen. We have lot’s to talk about, and we have lot’s to offer that can help them make decisions that help us.” Collins says that’s what she’s working in Washington to do: Lend an ear to small businesses and be their voice on Capitol Hill, so that they can succeed and grow.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140711004554/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=cd178526-d968-478a-b275-275711013b87,Sen. Collins' Statement on Resignation of NCTC Director Matt Olsen,2014-07-09,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, former Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and author of the 2004 Collins-Lieberman Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevent Act, today released this statement following the announcement that Matt Olsen, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, will resign later this year.           “Under Director Olsen’s strong leadership, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) has been transformed into the Center that former Senator Joseph Lieberman and I hoped it would become ten years ago when we authored the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which created the NCTC. I want to express my gratitude to him and the previous directors of the NCTC for turning our vision into a reality.           “Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to thank Matt and the other professionals at NCTC in person for their service on the occasion of the 10thAnniversary of the creation of the NCTC. Matt, and many others who work beside him, put in long hours and are dedicated to protecting our country. Even their holidays are frequently anxiety-ridden because they know the real threats this country faces every day increase at large public gatherings.           “Director Olsen’s resignation is a tremendous loss at a time when our nation faces mounting terrorist threats in a very dangerous world. I hope the President will expeditiously nominate a new leader matched to the daunting task of preventing and thwarting terrorist attacks.”                                                     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140711004607/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=86b72ffb-9973-4272-abd6-a482ffa45b0e,"Denmark, Sullivan Fire Departments to Receive Federal Grant Funding",2014-07-09,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Demark Volunteer Fire Department will receive a federal grant in the amount of $157,510, and the Sullivan Volunteer Fire Association will receive a federal grant in the amount of $61,560 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Specifically, the funding for Denmark will come through the AFG’s Vehicle Acquisition program and will help the department purchase a mini pumper fire truck. Funding for Sullivan will come through the AFG’s Operation and Safety program and will help the department purchase 12 firefighter breathing apparatus.           “These grants are a critical resource for so many Maine fire departments, including those in Denmark and Sullivan, and the dedicated fire and rescue personnel who serve our communities,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “In order for our first responders to perform their duties, it’s essential that they have access to the resources they need, such as vehicles, equipment, and proper training.”                                                     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140711004617/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2e718b4d-b18a-498e-91de-a5a101cf6727,Senate Confirms Former Colby President as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities,2014-07-09,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced the Senate’s confirmation of Dr. William “Bro” Adams to be the next chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Dr. Adams previously served as the President of Colby College. “Dr. Adams is a proven leader whose engagement and direction have enriched the State of Maine,” Senator Collins said.  “A Vietnam War veteran, Fulbright Scholar, and Board Member for both the Maine Film Center and Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation, his diverse experiences have prepared him to lead the nation’s cultural agency.  I congratulate him on this appointment.” “Throughout his career, Dr. Adams has demonstrated strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to the humanities,” Senator King said. “I am exceedingly confident that he will build on that legacy as chairman of the NEH and guide the agency with the same ability and character he has shown at Colby.” On April 10th, President Obama announced that he would nominate Dr. Adams to serve as the next Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. In June, Senators Collins and King wrote letters to Senators Tom Harkin and Lamar Alexander, Chair and Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, respectively, in support of his nomination. Dr. Adams had served as the President of Colby College since 2000. He retired at the end of June.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140711004620/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=943e7be0-734d-4bfe-bce4-7099fd6eb8dd,Sen. Collins Mourns the Passing of Maine Children's Author Frances Bloxam,2014-07-08,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement after learning that Maine children’s author, Frances Bloxam, passed away on Saturday. Bloxam, who was 79, died at her home in Bath. “Frances Bloxam was a Maine treasure who captured and sparked the imagination of countless children. Her book Antlers Forever! is one of my favorite children’s books, and I have read it to countless young students all over our state. I will always think of Frannie when I see their smiles as they respond to her delightful rhymes and lessons. ""Just last week, Richard Bloxam invited me to visit Frannie at their home in Bath, and we had a wonderful conversation. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband, her children, and all those who loved her. She lived a truly wonderful life and brought joy to so many.”                                                             ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140711004622/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c1802c04-c6f7-49ca-aa45-70dff7763692,"Shaheen, Collins Introduce Amendment to Expand Access to National Parks For Disabled Veterans",2014-07-08,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Bipartisan amendment to sportsmen’s bill would give all disabled veterans lifetime National Parks pass for hunting, fishing and recreation (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced an amendment to bipartisan sportsmen’s legislation to make all veterans with a service-connected disability eligible for a free, lifetime pass allowing entry to National Parks and other recreational lands and waters held by the United States.  Shaheen and Collin’s amendment is based on the bipartisan Wounded Veterans Recreation Act the Senators introduced in May, which would amend the decade-old Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) to give eligible veterans a lifetime parks pass to enjoy hunting, fishing and other recreation on public lands. “Each of our service-disabled veterans, no matter his or her injury, deserves the opportunity to enjoy the soil they fought to protect and for which they have sacrificed,” Shaheen said. “As we are considering legislation surrounding sportsmen and recreational opportunities, it is only appropriate that we think of our wounded veterans and give them lifetime access to enjoy hunting, fishing and other recreation.”  “As the Senate considers the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act, it is fitting that we also ensure that all our wounded veterans have access to the free, lifetime pass to enjoy our national parks and federal recreational lands,” Collins said. The amendment introduced today would specifically amend the 2004 FLREA law which specifies that veterans need to be classified as having a 100 percent permanent disability by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140711004625/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2ee01e64-197b-45d2-938c-2b26d7acbd5b,"Collins, Shaheen Introduce Amendment to Expand Access to National Parks for Disabled Veterans",2014-07-08,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC– U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today introduced an amendment to bipartisan sportsmen’s legislation to make all veterans with a service-connected disability eligible for a free, lifetime pass allowing entry to National Parks and other recreational lands and waters held by the United States. Collins' and Shaheen's amendment is based on the bipartisan Wounded Veterans Recreation Act the Senators introduced in May, which would amend the decade-old Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) to give eligible veterans a lifetime parks pass. “Each of our service-disabled veterans, no matter his or her injury, deserves the opportunity to enjoy the soil they fought to protect and for which they have sacrificed,” Shaheen said. “As we are considering legislation surrounding sportsmen and recreational opportunities, it is only appropriate that we think of our wounded veterans and give them lifetime access to the national treasures we want them to enjoy.” “As the Senate considers the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act, it is fitting that we also ensure that all our wounded veterans have access to the free, lifetime pass to enjoy our national parks and federal recreational lands,” said Collins. The amendment introduced today would specifically amend the 2004 FLREA law which specifies that veterans need to be classified as having a 100 percent permanent disability by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140711004636/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=aff3c19e-35f0-4c06-a39b-9038c0471d13,"Maine to Receive More Than $421,000 for Parks, Outdoor Recreation Through Land & Water Conservation Fund",2014-07-08,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Department of the Interior will distribute $421,711 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to the State of Maine for outdoor recreation and conservation projects.   “We are strong supporters of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which helps states like Maine and local communities create and revitalize outdoor recreation facilities and parks,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “Maine’s parks are one of our most precious resources, and they help enhance our wonderful quality of life.”This is the 50th anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which was established by Congress in 1964 to help ensure access to outdoor recreation resources for present and future generations.  It is a partnership program that provides matching funds to states and local communities for acquisition, development, and conservation of parks and open space, and is administered by National Park Service in partnership with state governments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140725010719/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5554a010-b6cb-479e-98b1-ee7c86a149c3,"Veterans Update: July 8, 2014",2014-07-08,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senator Collins, the daughter of a WWII Veteran who was wounded twice during the Battle of the Bulge, addressed both the American Legion and VFW state conventions recently in Bangor. Among the topics important to our Veterans, Senator Collins talked about the Veterans' Access to Care Through Choice Act, a bill she cosponsored that would address many of the systemic problems and mismanagement within the VA that recently came to light. The bill passed the Senate on June 11. (Click the play button above or click here to watch the story from the Legion convention) The bill would allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to remove certain employees based upon their poor performance and would facilitate the speedy hiring of doctors and other medical professionals necessary to meet the needs of Veterans nationwide. In addition, the bill would establish a two-year pilot program providing Veterans who have not received an initial appointment within the Department's current wait-time goals with the opportunity to seek VA-covered services through providers outside of the VA network. “I am hopeful that both the House and the Senate will work together quickly to resolve any differences between the two bills so that legislation can be sent to the President to be signed into law,” said Senator Collins.   SENATOR COLLINS REQUESTS IMMEDIATE ACTION TO KEEP ARCH RUNNING Senator Collins sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan Gibson requesting that the VA take immediate steps to continue the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) pilot program in the upcoming year. The program permits the Togus VA Medical Center to oversee treatment provided to Veterans at Cary Medical Center, allowing them to receive quality care without traveling hundreds of miles roundtrip to Augusta. The Senate Appropriations Committee, of which Senator Collins is a member, recently approved its annual Veterans Affairs funding bill for FY 2015 that includes a provision she authored directing the VA to continue the services provided by ARCH and providing $35 million for this purpose. The letter urges Acting Secretary Gibson to take immediate steps to continue the ARCH program given the inclusion of this directive in the Committee-passed bill. ""Loss of the ARCH program would put a great burden on the veterans in Aroostook County who currently use the program,"" said John W. Wallace, Maine President of Vietnam Veterans of America. ""We appreciate Senator Collins' hard work in preserving ARCH in Aroostook.""     MAINE VA HOSPITAL FARES WELL IN AUDIT A May 14 audit found that 99 percent of doctor visits took place in 30 days or less at the Togus facility in Maine, although 664 veterans did have to wait more than a month. The audit is the first nationwide look at the VA network following the recent series of crises in the VA system. (Togus VA Medical Center) Ryan Lilly, director of the VA Maine Health Care System, said that he’s pleased with the overall results. “We’re doing well. The 99 percent figure confirms that,” Lilly said. Regardless, the VA wants to do even better in Maine. It is looking into whether the delayed appointments can be moved up, or transferred to private health care at the VA’s expense, he added.     SENATOR COLLINS SUPPORTS PROVIDING VETERANS WITH MORE LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS Senator Collins joined several of her fellow Senators in urging Acting VA Secretary Gibson to finalize a rule that would authorize the VA to enter into agreements with more long-term care providers, including nursing homes. When implemented, the rule would expand Veterans’ access to long-term care facilities and could allow for many to access these services closer to their homes. Under current law, the VA can enter into contractual agreements with private providers of extended care, but due to the cost of compiling and reporting data under VA procedures, many small providers of extended care are unwilling or unable to admit VA patients. Releasing the rule would allow the VA to make a standard provider agreement with community nursing homes, allowing Veterans expanded access to quality extended care.       VA ANNOUNCES ONLINE VETERANS EMPLOYMENT CENTER This spring, the Administration announced the launch of a new online employment resource for Veterans. The Veterans Employment Center, which can be accessed by clicking here, brings together public and private job postings, a resume-builder, a military skills translator, and career and training resources. If you are a Veteran and have questions about what government resources may be available to you upon separation from the Armed Forces, please do not hesitate to contact one of Senator Collins' six Constituent Service Centers, located all across Maine from York to Aroostook. (Click above to access the Employment Center)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140627041719/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a321b421-6f3d-4bd9-8f65-ef8081c7785b,"Collins, Murphy to Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Address Short-Lived Climate Pollutants",2014-06-26,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today announced their plans to introduce legislation aimed at reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs).  SLCPs, referred to as “super pollutants,” are non-carbon dioxide greenhouse pollutants that cause 40 percent of global warming. SLCPs range from methane that is leaked by landfills and oil and gas exploration, to refrigerants leaking from refrigerators and air conditioners, to soot from diesel engines and millions of traditional cookstoves all over the developing world. Studies show that fast action to reduce SLCPs in the atmosphere could cut the rate of sea level rise by 25 percent, almost halve the rate of temperature rise, prevent two million premature deaths each year, and avoid crop losses of over 30 million tons annually.               These super pollutants can be tackled quickly and effectively. Furthermore, the United States is already a leader in the technologies needed to drive reductions. The United States is well-positioned to employ alternatives to the chemicals used in refrigeration and air conditioning, do a better job of replacing older cookstoves and diesel engines that produce black carbon, and harness fugitive methane seeping out of landfills, wastewater plants, and pipelines.               The proposed legislation will help reduce SLCPs in the atmosphere by taking a number of steps to enable federal agencies to work with the business and non-profit communities to speed the adoption of SLCP-reducing technologies and policies, all while supporting American-led innovations to reduce these pollutants. For example, the legislation would:   Foster interagency cooperation on super pollutants; Prioritize commonsense emissions reduction strategies, and employ existing federal authorities and diplomatic programs; Recycle high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants; Mitigate methane leaks; Expand access to diesel-scrubbing technologies.               “Short-lived climate pollutants are the problem too few people are talking about, but are doing some of the worst damage to the atmosphere,” said Murphy. “As we work to combat threats to our climate, we can’t leave short-lived pollutants out of the equation. Our bill will take these dangerous pollutants head on by making smarter use of tools already at our disposal here in the U.S. This is a bipartisan proposal to address a global threat, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help us reduce these super pollutants.”               “I am pleased to be working with Senator Murphy on this bipartisan legislation to address short-lived climate pollutants, an area where the U.S. is already poised to be a leader,” said Collins. “With improved interagency cooperation and through commonsense efforts to reduce the emissions of these super pollutants, this proposal aims to meaningfully and quickly help slow climate warming.”               David Doniger, Director of the Climate and Clean Air Program at NRDC said, “We applaud Senators Murphy and Collins for adding legislative muscle to the fight to curb key pollutants that are driving dangerous changes in our climate. We have long known that heat-trapping pollutants besides carbon dioxide, such as methane and HFCs, also are worsening the climate. It’s time to start reducing these super pollutants because, if unchecked, they could make up more than 20 percent of our climate-changing pollution by midcentury.”               “There are immediate actions the United States can take to meet its obligations under the Montreal Protocol to reduce ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions,” said John Mandyck, United Technologies Building and Industrial Systems chief sustainability officer. “By closing a loophole that permits the use of ozone-depleting residential air conditioning units, Senator Murphy’s legislation promotes both ozone protection and improved energy efficiency of newer systems. The legislation also recognizes the appropriate role of the Montreal Protocol in advancing ozone protection, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, calibrated to the pace of technology developments and the availability of proven, energy-efficient alternatives.”               Dupont said, “DuPont applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators Murphy and Collins in seeking sensible, cost effective reductions in the use and emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that exhibit high global warming potentials (GWP).  The HFC policies contained in their Super Pollutants Act of 2014 reflect the kinds of common sense approaches that have widespread support in both the business and NGO communities.”               “The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves applauds Senators Murphy and Collins' leadership in addressing rising levels of short-lived climate pollutants and black carbon, and their recognition of the role that clean cookstoves and fuels can play in mitigating emissions of these harmful pollutants,” said Radha Muthiah, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves.  “We look forward to contributing to this effort through the Alliance's market-based approach to the adoption of clean cooking solutions.”               “The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy appreciates the bipartisan leadership of Senators Murphy and Collins in seeking sensible, cost-effective reductions in the use and emissions of HFCs that exhibit a high global warming potential,” said Kevin Fay, Executive Director of the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy. “The HFC policies contained in this legislation emphasize the use of measured, technologically-viable and market-oriented solutions, including the mechanisms of the Montreal Protocol, to answer the growing global call to address HFCs. This legislation recognizes that alternatives to high GWP HFCs should be pursued to provide not only increased benefit to the Earth’s climate themselves, but also enhance the energy efficiency and safety of their application. The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy commends Senators Murphy and Collins for bringing the attention of Congress to this important issue, and encourages other Senators to support these common sense proposals for addressing HFCs.”   The section by section of the Super Pollutants Act can be found here: LINK   The draft bill text of the Super Pollutants Act can be found here: LINK   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140627041817/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=10d8e1f8-7c63-4556-a961-6b7c0a5c639f,Senator Collins Lauds Passage of Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act,2014-06-25,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the strong support of U.S. Senator Susan Collins, today the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), job training legislation that would replace the Workforce Investment Act with targeted reforms that aim to improve services for unemployed and underemployed workers.  “Despite our nation’s unemployment rate remaining unacceptably high, job openings in high-growth industries remain unfulfilled.  This bill would streamline federal job training programs and narrow the ‘skills gap’ by helping those seeking work to learn the skills that are required for the jobs that are available,” Senator Collins said.  “It would reform and improve programs that I have long supported while eliminating others that are ineffective or duplicative, establish new public-private partnerships, and put in place new tough financial responsibility requirements at the Department of Labor  to protect effective programs like Job Corps and YouthBuild.  The bill would also set standard performance measurements for all programs, with a focus on employment outcomes, employer satisfaction, and increased accountability for taxpayer dollars.” A summary of the legislation can be found below:   The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act would improve the workforce development system by: Eliminating 15 existing duplicative programs; Creating nimbler and more strategic state and local workforce development boards; Strengthening program evaluations; Streamlining services and providing additional program flexibilities so local areas can better meet the unique needs of individuals; Empowering local boards to tailor services to their region’s employment and workforce needs; and Supporting access to real-world education and workforce development opportunities.   WIOA would achieve better coordination by: Better aligning workforce development programs with economic development and education initiatives; Enabling businesses to identify in-demand skills and connecting workers with the opportunities to build those skills; and Ensuring individuals with disabilities have the skills necessary to be successful in businesses that provide competitive, integrated employment.   And it would improve outreach to disconnected youth by: Focusing youth program services on out-of-school youth, high school dropout recovery efforts, and attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials; and Providing youth with disabilities the services and support they need to be successful in competitive, integrated employment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140627041819/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e9ebdf5e-01a2-41be-a37c-3d4f9a6706a6,Senate Committee Approves Dr. William Adamss Nomination to Lead the National Endowment for the Humanities,2014-06-25,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee today approved the nomination of Dr. William “Bro” Adams to be the next Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Dr. Adams’s nomination now awaits a vote by the full Senate. “Dr. Adams is a proven leader whose engagement and direction have enriched the State of Maine,” Senator Collins said.  “A Vietnam War veteran, Fulbright Scholar, and Board Member for both the Maine Film Center and Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation, his diverse experiences have prepared him to lead the nation’s cultural agency.” “As Dr. Adams has demonstrated time and again as President of Colby College and in his many distinguished positions throughout his career, he is a true and dedicated leader,” Senator King said. “I am pleased the HELP Committee has recognized his many qualities and agrees that he is well-qualified to lead NEH. I am confident he will prove to be a great advocate of the humanities, as he has been throughout his life.” On April 10th, President Obama announced that he would nominate Dr. Adams to serve as the next Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. In June, Senators Collins and King wrote letters to Senators Tom Harkin and Lamar Alexander, Chair and Ranking Member of the HELP Committee, respectively, in support of his nomination. Dr. Adams has served as the President of Colby College since 2000 and will retire at the end of this month. He was also President of Bucknell University from 1995-2000, Vice President and Secretary of Wesleyan University from 1993-1995, and  Program Coordinator of the Great Works in Western Culture program at Stanford University from 1986 to 1988. Dr. Adams serves on the Board of Directors for both the Maine Film Center and the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140627041947/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=746b8084-1112-4cfc-ac51-e0f24fc3782d,"Collins, King Announce More than $49,000 for Newcastle Fire Department",2014-06-25,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Newcastle Fire Department will receive a federal grant in the amount of $49,400 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Specifically, the funding will come through the Vehicle Acquisition Program and will be used to help purchase a brush truck to aid in grass/woods fires. “These federal firefighter grants are a critical resource for so many small Maine fire departments, including Newcastle, and the dedicated fire and rescue personnel who serve our communities,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “In order for our first responders to perform their duties, it’s essential that they have access to the resources they need, such as vehicles, equipment, and proper training.”                                                         # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140627041949/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=45271a0a-ffb7-49df-a069-0eff8477dd21,"Collins, King Announce Nearly $1.5 Million in Funding for Re-employment and Eligibility Assessments of Unemployment Insurance Recipients in Maine",2014-06-24,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Department of Labor (DOL) will award $1,493,763 in federal funds to be used in Maine for in-person assessments of Unemployment Insurance (UI) beneficiaries. These assessments, which are conducted at American Job Centers across the state, help UI recipients develop an individual re-employment plan and provide for a complete review of their UI eligibility. “These re-employment and eligibility assessments play a pivotal role in helping unemployed Mainers transition back into the workforce,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “The search for employment is often daunting and frustrating, and this funding will help people in Maine as they navigate the process.” DOL announced the funding as part of a larger $68 million award that will be distributed nationally through the Re-employment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) initiative. A total of 44 states have now implemented re-employment and eligibility assessments. The assessments also provide UI recipients with valuable information, including local labor market insights and job skills.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140627041952/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c5834ec1-2867-4b83-bc01-cd0163d51ef7,"Maine Airports to Receive Awards Totaling $450,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation",2014-06-24,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and U.S. Senator Angus King today announced that two Maine airports have been awarded federal grants, totaling $450,000, from the Federal Aviation Administration to be used for general improvements and safety enhancements. “In a rural state like Maine, small airports play a critical role in supporting commerce and local businesses. This funding will help our airports protect vital equipment that maintains a safe operational environment and conduct important research related to future improvements,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. The awards and recipients are as follows: Houlton International Airport in Houlton will receive $300,000 to construct a snow removal equipment building to help extend the life of snow removal equipment by protecting it from adverse weather conditions. Sugarloaf Regional Airport in Carrabassett Valley will receive $150,000 to fund an environmental assessment to evaluate environmental issues related to the proposed terminal area improvements.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140620021325/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=50dfe5c9-1b23-44b8-ace5-9194fade0e8a,"Collins, King Announce New Contract for Maine Military Authority in Limestone",2014-06-19,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that Maine Military Authority (MMA) has officially entered into a contract with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) to overhaul 32 aging, dual mode (electric/diesel) articulated (DMA) buses. This $19 million contract will help sustain and grow jobs at the Limestone facility. In addition to supporting MMA's efforts with MBTA, Senators Collins and King wrote to the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in December in support of MMA’s grant application to the “Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment” program to establish a “Nationally Deployable Mission-Ready Transit Package.” This grant program is intended to help transit agencies quickly recover and restore transit services following natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy. “The goals of FTA for our nation’s transit system equipment dovetail perfectly with the work already being conducted at MMA. MMA has a proven track record of performing vehicle refurbishment work on behalf of the federal government, including the Department of the Army and the National Guard, on time and on budget. This contract is encouraging news for the skilled workforce at MMA. We are confident that the exceptional work performed for the MBTA will lead to further opportunities for the MMA workforce ,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. According to MMA, this contract marks the culmination of years of strategic and deliberate planning to gain access to new markets as military budgets decline. In 2012, MMA completed a major renovation of its facilities specifically designed to support large, and over-sized vehicles. That same year, MMA entered the bus refurbishment market with its School Bus Refurbishment Program. Since, MMA has successfully developed an end-of-life rebuild program for Para-Transit (shuttle) buses and mid-life overhaul for mass-transit buses. MMA has teamed with the SKODA Electric, the original equipment manufacturer of the electric propulsion system used in the DMA buses, to form a team capable of this demanding project. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140620021334/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6ccf061d-d008-441e-a5e0-6aa632bbd297,Senate Aging Committee Examines the Effects of Shuttered Social Security Service Offices on Seniors,2014-06-18,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC— Despite an increased caseload resulting from the retirement of the Baby Boomers and the expansion of the Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI), in the past five years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has closed 64 of approximately 1,245 field offices-- the largest field office reduction in history--and the SSA has shuttered 533 temporary mobile offices and significantly reduced field office hours—this according to findings of an investigation by the Senate Special Committee on Aging. The Committee , led by Chairman Bill Nelson and Ranking Member Susan Collins, held a hearing today titled, “Reduction in Face-To-Face Services at the Social Security Administration,” to examine the effects these closures have on seniors, particularly those living in rural areas.   Tammy DeLong, who is the Medicare Specialist for the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging in Presque Isle, testified before today’s hearing at the invitation of Senator Collins. She explained how crucial the SSA field offices are to helping seniors resolve problems, many of which can be complex, at SSA offices and through personal contact with an SSA employee. She said that, in addition to the difficulty in resolving complicated problems over the phone or through the SSA website, there are a number of impediments to seniors receiving the assistance they need should these local offices be closed. For example, far too many seniors, especially those who live in rural areas, do not have the means or ability to access the Internet; those who have hearing impairments can have difficulty communicating by phone; and language barriers can exist.  In addition, many seniors would not have the ability to travel long distances to alternative field offices.   Ms. DeLong explained that if seniors have questions about Social Security or Medicare, “A handshake still means something. If they want to know and understand something, they don’t want to seek it out online or on the phone. They want to sit and talk with someone in person, where they are a name and not just a number, which is why the local Social Security Office is so important.”   Senators Collins and Nelson were also critical of the process which the SSA has used to determine which offices to close or to reduce hours. The process has not been transparent and has not taken into account the input of affected communities or senior managers of the local offices.   Senator Collins said, “The Social Security Administration has been pushing for years to reduce the face-to-face services it provides through its field offices and to force beneficiaries to interact with the agency online or over the phone. While I don’t object to providing services this way where it’s appropriate, I am concerned that the SSA has not sought public input, and it is not taking into account the impact on the beneficiaries they are supposed to be serving.”   The Senator said that she was particularly troubled to learn of a draft strategic plan prepared for the SSA by the National Academy of Public Administration, which will not be published until this fall, and proposes that the SSA shift from face-to-face services as the primary means of serving beneficiaries over the next 11 years.   Senator Collins described this proposal as “unrealistic.”   While no Maine SSA offices are slated for closure in 2014, Senator Collins remains concerned about the SSA’s strong emphasis on reducing face-to-face services and the effects these closures could have on Maine seniors.   Other witnesses at today’s hearing included: Brenda Holt, Gadsden County, Florida Commissioner; Scott Hale, President, National Council of Social Security Management Associations; and Nancy A. Berryhill, Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Social Security Administration. (Click here for photo of Senator Collins and Tammy DeLong)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140620021344/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b2f397b8-65f4-4288-a796-d38e50d07c5b,"Senators Collins, Murray Introduce Bill to Increase Safety Resources for Short Line Rail",2014-06-17,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Patty Murray (D-Washington), Ranking Member and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Transportation, respectively, today introduced a bill that would authorize a new Short Line Rail Safety Institute to enhance the safety practices and culture of short line railroads. There are 550 short line railroad companies that operate over 50,000 miles of track, or nearly one third of the national railroad network.  The tracks can be as short as two miles or up to more than 1,000 miles long.                 The legislation introduced by Senators Collins and Murray would authorize funding to support grants for research, development, evaluation, and training efforts.                “The horrific derailment that occurred in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, last year – just 30 miles from the Maine border – brought to light the importance of ensuring the safe transportation of energy products,” Senator Collins said.  “We must ensure that we are taking the necessary steps to prevent another Lac-Megantic, while not overburdening an industry that has a proven track record of safety.”               “Whether a train is carrying crude oil on a major rail line or on a short, local route through small towns across America, we need to make sure everyone is safe, both on the train and near the tracks,” Senator Murray said.  “We need to have the right policies in place to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies wherever they happen, and establishing a Short Line Rail Safety Institute is a strong step in the right direction.”               The new Short Line Rail Safety Institute would:           Assess the operations and safety programs of short line railroads;          Develop best practices and work with short lines to implement these practices;          Provide professional on-site safety training  for short line employees;          Purchase and utilize safety training assets (such as locomotive simulators);          Assist FRA in implementing its railroad R&D and outreach programs, and tailor such programs for short line railroad operations; and          Help improve safety culture, including a reduction in the frequency and severity of injuries and incidents, as well as improved compliance with regulatory requirements.                On May 15, the two Senators sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx expressing support for the creation of such an institution.                “As we discussed when you testified before our Subcommittee, there is no silver bullet to improving rail safety.  It is a complicated multi-faceted issue involving prevention, mitigation, and response aspects,” the Senators wrote in the May 15 letter.  “The proposed Short Line Railroad Safety Institute could be an important part of the larger solution and would help improve the safe transportation of crude oil and other hazardous materials.”               Today’s bill follows an April hearing held by Murray and Collins to specifically focus on safety issues related to rail shipment of crude oil.  Secretary Foxx, National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah Hersman, Director of the Seattle Office of Emergency Management Barb Graff, and Rangeley, ME, Fire Chief Tim Pellerin, who led emergency response efforts after a train carrying crude oil derailed in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, in 2013, each testified at that hearing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140620021356/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f6847ce2-433c-4971-aa54-6a08da04f019,Release: Former Federal Highway Safety Administrator Supports Senator Collins' Effort to Improve Safety,2014-06-17,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Press Releases Print WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, the former Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) expresses her strong support for Senator Susan Collins’ effort to improve highway safety.    At issue is an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2015 Senate Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill, adopted by a bipartisan 21-9 vote in the Senate, that would provide temporary relief from two revisions to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations governing truckers that took effect last July that are having unintended consequences.  During this time, the Department of Transportation is required to conduct a comprehensive scientific study assessing the operational, safety, health and fatigue impacts of the current restart provisions.  These new provisions were implemented without sufficient analysis on the impacts of potentially shifting additional truck traffic onto our nation’s roadways during peak daytime congested hours.  All of the other regulations governing truck drivers, including the limits on the total number of hours a driver can work during a day, the amount of time he or she must be off duty, and the mandatory 30-minute rest break during a shift, would remain unchanged and in effect.     In her letter to Senate Appropriators, Annette Sandberg indicates that the revision in the “restart” rule imposed by FMCSA last year was “done without the benefit of proper scientific research, and is hurting highway safety…”  She calls Senator Collins’ proposal “common sense reform.”   Sandberg, who served as Administrator of the FMCSA from 2003-2006 and served Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), has more than 20 years of professional safety and law enforcement experience at Federal and State levels of government.  Her leadership helped to produce a substantial reduction in large truck fatality rates.   A copy of Ms. Sandberg's letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140613025902/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=21fd6aff-f702-42bf-9528-1e7b3718cb3f,Senator Collins' Advocacy for America's Nurses and Their Patients Earns Her Honor From National Nurses Organization,2014-06-12,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Earlier today, the American Nurses Association (ANA), which represents the interests of our nation’s 3.1 million registered nurses, today presented Senator Collins with the “Congressional Nurse Advocate Award.”  This is the first year the award was presented to a U.S. Senator.  Irene Eaton, President of the American Nurses Association-Maine, presented Senator Collins with the award. The ANA commended Senator Collins for her leadership in the areas of health and nursing through her work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, as Ranking Member of the Special Committee on Aging, and as a Member of the Senate Nursing Caucus. The organization applauded her work to strengthen home health care, her support of the Medicare program, and her efforts to address issues related to diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.  Senator Collins has also been an ardent supporter of increased funding for nurse workforce and development programs. Senator Collins is the author of legislation to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries get the home health care they need and when they need it.  Her bill allows advanced practice nurses to order home health services for their patients. Today, even when a nurse practitioner or other advanced practice nurse is the patient’s primary care provider, a physician must still order home health services. The current process can delay important home health services. Upon accepting her award, Senator Collins commended the work of our nation’s nurses. “The nursing profession represents the largest segment of our health care workforce. You work on the front lines of patient care in a wide variety of health care settings. As such, you are the eyes and ears of our health care system and serve as critically important advocates for patients and their families. That is why I have been such a strong champion of the nursing profession.” (Senator Collins with Irene Eaton, President of American Nurses Association-Maine)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140613025906/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9e33e71a-cb7f-4ad1-88b4-431883e51b6f,"Senators Collins, King Pay Tribute to President George H.W. Bush on his 90th Birthday",2014-06-12,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a Resolution, introduced by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, honoring former President, and Kennebunkport resident, George H.W. Bush on the occasion of his 90th birthday.  The Resolution also honors former First Lady Barbara Bush who also celebrated a birthday this week.  Text of the Senate resolution is as follows and can also be viewed by clicking here. RESOLUTION Honoring former President George H.W. Bush on the occasion of his 90th birthday and Barbara Bush on the occasion of her 89th birthday and extending the best wishes of the Senate to former President Bush and Mrs. Bush.   Whereas George Herbert Walker Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts, on June 12, 1924;   Whereas on his 18th birthday, George H.W. Bush enlisted in the Armed Forces of the United States;   Whereas George H.W. Bush was the youngest pilot in the United States Navy when he received his wings;   Whereas George H.W. Bush flew 58 combat missions during World War II, including a mission over the Pacific as a torpedo bomber pilot during which he was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire and later rescued from the water by a United States submarine, the U.S.S. Finback;   Whereas George H.W. Bush was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals for his service during World War II;   Whereas George H.W. Bush was honorably released from active duty in 1945, achieving the rank of Lieutenant;   Whereas in January 1945, George H.W. Bush married Barbara Pierce;   Whereas George H.W. Bush graduated from Yale University, where he was captain of the baseball team and excelled in academics;   Whereas in 1966, George H.W. Bush was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served with integrity for two terms;   Whereas in 1970, President Richard Nixon appointed George H.W. Bush to be the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, a post he held for two years after con-firmation by the Senate;   Whereas in 1974, President Gerald R. Ford appointed George H.W. Bush as chief of the United States Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, where his efforts helped foster the development of positive relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China;   Whereas from January 1976 to January 1977, George H.W. Bush served as the Director of Central Intelligence, and the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters was later designated the George Bush Center for Intelligence in his honor;   Whereas from 1981 to 1989, George H.W. Bush served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States;   Whereas George H.W. Bush was elected the 41st President of the United States in 1988;   Whereas George H.W. Bush directed the negotiation of and signed the Treaty on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed at Moscow July 31, 1991 and entered into force December 5, 1994 (the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty of 1991 (START I)), which required the United States and the Soviet Union to reduce their nuclear arsenals by 1⁄3;   Whereas during his Presidency, George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and Public Law 101-549 (commonly known as the ‘‘Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990’’) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);   Whereas since leaving office, George H.W. Bush has been an international ambassador of United States goodwill and a strong supporter of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, which was named for the former President in 1997;   Whereas George H.W. Bush was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011;   Whereas, on June 8, 2014, former First Lady Barbara Bush, George H.W. Bush’s wife of 69 years, who has dedicated herself to promoting family literacy and improving the lives of the people of the United States through learning, celebrated her 89th birthday; and   Whereas, on June 12, 2014, George H.W. Bush celebrates his 90th birthday: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate—(1) honors former President George H.W. Bush on the occasion of his 90th birthday; and (2) extends the congratulations and best wishesof the Senate to former President Bush and Barbara Bush.   *** In addition, Senator Collins spoke from the Senate floor to pay tribute to the former President and First Lady. Video of Senator Collins' remarks can be viewed by clicking here. Below is the text of her remarks:  I rise today to honor a great American, President George Herbert Walker Bush, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.  As I reflect upon his remarkable life, I am amazed that he has managed to pack so many accomplishments into just 90 short years.  In fact, today President Bush will mark this milestone by doing what he has done on other birthdays so many times: He will jump out of an airplane.  Or, as Barbara Bush once put it, he will jump out of a perfectly good airplane. President Bush has spent every summer of his life, except during the war years, at the family home in Kennebunkport, Maine.  A few years ago, his neighbors in Kennebunkport came together to acquire a Navy ship’s anchor in his honor.  It is a fitting tribute, as President Bush so often describes Walker's Point in Maine as his “anchor to the windward.” It is fitting in another way.  As a Navy aviator in World War II, as a member of Congress, as UN Ambassador, as an envoy to China, as Director of the CIA, as Vice President, and as President, George Bush embodies the values that are the anchor of American society.  Courage, duty, honor, and compassion define our nation and his life. I am sure that it is a great joy for him to share this special day with his First Lady, Barbara Bush—who also recently celebrated a birthday, and who has done so much to promote family literacy in this country.  Last night, our Senate colleagues unanimously passed a resolution that I introduced with dozens of our colleagues, including Maine Senator Angus King, the two senators from Texas, and our two leaders wishing both President and Mrs. Bush the happiest of birthdays and honoring them.  The love within this extraordinary family anchors their commitment to one another, to their community, to their home states, and to their nation.   Another great President, Abraham Lincoln, spoke a great many eternal truths that still inspire us today.  Nothing he said was ever truer than this: “It’s not the years in your life that count.  It’s the life in your years.”  President George H.W. Bush has filled his years with a lifetime of service and contributions marked by integrity and humility.  I wish him and his family many, many more years of celebration, and I thank him for his extraordinary service and dedication to the country he loves so much.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140613030407/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3ce51872-bafa-4cee-bc4f-4b7ec5a9bf57,Senator Collins Supports Veterans Health Care Legislation,2014-06-11,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins voted in support of bipartisan legislation today, which she cosponsored, that would improve the quality of and access to veterans health care and address the crisis at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill, the Veterans’ Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act, would establish a two-year pilot program providing certain veterans with a choice to seek VA-covered services through providers outside of the VA network under some circumstances.  Among other things, the bill would allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to remove certain employees based upon their poor performance.  It also would facilitate the speedy hire of doctors and other medical professionals necessary to meet the needs of veterans nationwide.  In addition, in another bill that would fund veterans’ programs, Senator Collins is working to extend the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) pilot program for three years.  The program is currently set to expire at the end of September; however, last month the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill that includes Senator Collins’ request for $35 million to extend the ARCH program.  That bill must still be approved by the full Senate. The ARCH program operates at five pilot sites around the country, including Cary Medical Center in Caribou.  Through ARCH, veterans in rural areas are able to access VA-covered health care services through non-VA providers. “Maine has one of the highest ratios in the nation of veterans to overall population, and in a large, rural state like Maine, it is critically important that the VA goes the extra mile to see that our veterans have access to and receive the treatment that they need and deserve,” said Senator Collins.  “For veterans in northern Maine, a roundtrip, 500-mile drive, to the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta can take eight hours or longer to complete.  Especially for our ailing and elderly veterans, such a trip can be physically taxing, painful, or detrimental to their health, and we must do all that we can to improve access to health care they receive through the VA.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140613031140/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b45058e9-8a74-4f12-989b-b7b5a7b85da0,"Sens. Collins, King Request Immediate Action to Keep Popular VA Program Running",2014-06-09,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan Gibson requesting that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) take immediate steps to continue the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) pilot program in fiscal year (FY) 2015.  Congressional authorization of this program is set to expire at the end of September.  The Senate Appropriations Committee, of which Senator Collins is a member, recently approved its annual Veterans Affairs funding bill for FY 2015 that includes a provision authored by Senator Collins directing VA to continue the services provided by ARCH and providing $35 million for this purpose.  The letter sent today by Senators Collins and King urges Acting Secretary Gibson to take immediate steps to continue the ARCH program given the inclusion of this directive in the Committee-passed bill. Through ARCH, Veterans in northern Maine are able to access VA-covered specialty health care services at Cary Medical Center in Caribou – one of five pilot sites that have been established across the country.  The Togus VA Medical Center oversees treatment provided to Veterans at Cary, allowing them to receive quality care without traveling hundreds of miles roundtrip to Augusta. Senators Collins and King previously wrote to former Secretary Eric Shinseki last December expressing their strong support for the ARCH program, and they joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) in introducing the Veterans Health Care Access Received Closer to Home Act of 2014 (S.2095), which would extend and expand ARCH. The FY 2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill now awaits consideration by the full Senate. Below is the full text of the letter sent today:   Dear Acting Secretary Gibson: We write in strong support of extending the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) pilot program and the services provided through ARCH at Cary Medical Center.  Rural veterans in northern Maine depend on this program, and any disruption in services would amount to a tremendous hardship for many Veterans and their families.  On May 22, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation directing the VA to continue providing medical care through ARCH in fiscal year 2015 using existing authorities.  In light of this recent action, we urge you to take immediate steps to ensure that veterans who access VA-covered health care services through ARCH do not experience a lapse in access to care. In a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs on March 25, 2014, former Under Secretary of Health Dr. Robert Petzel testified that the VA’s relationship with Cary Medical Center has been very successful in terms of providing specialty care.  He further pledged that the VA would continue its relationship with the hospital, which he dubbed a “wonderful community asset.”  In an April 8, 2014, response to our previous letter on this matter, Dr. Petzel also noted that VA was preparing for the expiration of the Congressional authority for ARCH.  He highlighted the development of a new program, Patient-Centered Community Care (PC3), which he argued would offer essentially the same services as those provided by ARCH. Unfortunately, to date Cary Medical Center has been unable to participate in the PC3 program because the rate of reimbursement offered by Health Net Federal Services is not affordable.  According to Cary Medical Center, Health Net has offered reimbursement rates that would cause the Center to operate at a financial loss.  In contrast, Cary Medical Center has maintained that it would gladly participate in PC3 if reimbursements would allow it to cover costs.  A letter from Cary Medical explains this matter further and is enclosed for your reference.  PC3 has been operational in Maine for two months, but statistics show that it is not meeting the needs of highly rural veterans who are most in need of this program.  According to the VA’s own data, in the first month of its operation not one veteran in Maine had used PC3 during this time period.  We are concerned that the low rate of reimbursement offered by Health Net could preclude PC3 from being an adequate successor to ARCH. We have long known the ARCH program in Maine to be a model for the nation.  Given current recent allegations of widespread mismanagement in the VA, we firmly believe the successes of the ARCH program should be considered as part of any deliberations with respect to reforming VA practices. Again, we urge the VA to take immediate steps to implement the provisions included in the Senate Appropriations Committee-approved Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs funding bill.  We respectfully request that you provide our offices, no later than July 1, with a response detailing the steps VA will take to ensure the continuation of the ARCH program in the coming fiscal year. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140613031143/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f7bcd170-0653-4e3c-8306-b84c049699a5,Senator Collins Presents WWII Veteran with Bronze Star on 70th Anniversary of D-Day,2014-06-06,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins today presented Louis Roberge of Lewiston, a World War II veteran, with the Bronze Star and other medals he earned, but never received, during his service.  The ceremony took place at the Alden M. Gayton Post 31 American Legion Hall in Auburn. Senator Collins presented Mr. Roberge with the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Philippine Liberation Ribbon & Bronze Star Attachment, and Honorable Service Lapel Button, as well as a U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in his honor. Although he earned these medals during his service, he never received them. Earlier this year, his family contacted Senator Collins’ office, which was able to help secure the medals on Mr. Roberge’s behalf.  “It is fitting that we gather on this hallowed day, the 70th anniversary of the Normandy invasion that began the liberation of Europe,” Senator Collins said at the ceremony.  “At that same time, but on the other side of the world, Mr. Roberge and the 96th Infantry Division – the fabled ‘Deadeye Division’ –were preparing for the liberation of the Philippines and led the way at Leyte, the first step in that arduous campaign.” “The Bronze Star and other medals you receive today are powerful symbols of your courage, devotion to duty, and sacrifice on behalf of our grateful nation,” she told Mr. Roberge. Mr. Roberge served in the Cannon Company 381st Infantry Regiment of the 96th Division of the US Army.  He attained the rank of Corporal prior to his discharge in January of 1946.  Mr. Roberge and the “Deadeyes” in the 96th Division fought in the American campaign defending our territorial shores, as well as in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign.  He took part in the Southern Philippines campaign to liberate that nation and the Ryukyus campaign which was, according to the U.S. Army, “the largest and most violent armed conflict in the history of mankind” and included “Operation Iceberg,” which was the invasion of Okinawa, the largest island in the Ryukyu Islands. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Mr. Roberge has lived most of his life in Lewiston and Auburn.  He and his wife, Juliette, have three children, Robert, Roger, and Claudette, who attended the medal ceremony.  Colonel Jack Mosher, Chief of Staff of the Maine Army National Guard, was also in attendance. Mr. Roberge will turn 94 years old later this month.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140606075731/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c6261803-a045-4d25-90c4-8a3623ae057d,"Collins, King Announce $2.5 Million Grant for Casco Bay Line Ferry Improvements",2014-06-02,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award $2,560,000 in federal funding to the Casco Bay Island Transit District in Portland. This project, which was selected on a competitive basis, will receive funding through the DOT’s Ferry Boat Discretionary Program. It will be used to help improve the aging ferry terminal along the waterfront and allow continued, reliable ferry service that connects the islands of Casco Bay with the mainland and each other. “Maine’s ferry services, including Casco Bay Lines, are a critical component of our state’s transportation system and are vital to providing freight and postal service to Mainers, and visitors alike, who live and work in our island communities,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “This federal funding will assist with the ongoing terminal renovation project in Portland, improving its capacity to accommodate additional passengers, and enhancing safety.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140627042135/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2d9ef2c5-3fc4-4673-ae53-e68a1f669bc3,Senator Collins on EPAs Carbon Emissions Proposal,2014-06-02,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Susan Collins today issued the following statement regarding the EPA’s proposed rule pertaining to carbon emissions: ""I will carefully review EPA’s wide-ranging and complex proposal to reduce carbon emissions from existing fossil-fueled power plants that was announced today.  The public comment process will provide states, stakeholders, and the public with the opportunity to evaluate and comment on the new proposal, including its impact on public health, the affordability of electricity rates, the ability to meet state-specific goals, and the effect on our economy. ""Climate change is certainly a significant challenge that requires global solutions in order to reduce greenhouse gas pollution worldwide.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140530012258/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e75dcad8-fb27-4459-8e18-19fce1fd9577,"Senators Collins, King Announce Consensus Reached in Federal Disaster Assistance for New England Groundfishing Industry",2014-05-28,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that State Directors from the six states affected by the New England Multispecies Groundfish Fishery disaster reached agreement on a plan to allocate the $32.8 million that was secured for this disaster in the Fiscal Year 2014 funding bill. This consensus plan comes after many meetings between state directors and the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator John Bullard. The funding will help assist struggling fishermen across New England, including in Maine.  This plan, which was agreed to by all six states, will be divided into three categories: nearly $11 million for immediate direct assistance to local fishermen; nearly $11 million for the immediate discretionary use of states; and $11 million will be reserved for state directors and industry to work together with NOAA to further discussions surrounding a buyout or buyback. Of funds to be immediately distributed, Maine is expected to receive $2.26 million for direct assistance and discretionary grants.        “We commend the hard work of the state fisheries directors, including Maine DMR Commissioner Pat Keliher, in reaching consensus on a plan to deliver much-needed immediate economic assistance to New England’s historic groundfishing industry,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “Maine’s fishermen have struggled to cope with depleted fish stocks, a changing ocean environment, and complex regulations.  This federal funding will not only provide immediate relief to Maine’s struggling groundfishing industry, but will allow states to make targeted investments to help the fishery become more sustainable for years to come and help address the long-term economic benefit to the fleet.” In September 2012, the U.S. Commerce Department declared a disaster in the Northeast groundfishing industry, which opened the door for Congress to appropriate funding to help alleviate the financial hardship caused by dwindling fish stock.  In January, with Senators Collins’ and King’s support, Congress approved the Fiscal Year 2014 federal funding bill that appropriated $75 million for the mitigation of fishery disasters around the country, including $32.8 for the New England Multispecies Groundfish Fishery disaster.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140530012532/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=d320c079-2e83-479a-a8eb-db3367f5e496,"Collins, King Announce Greater Portland Region Selected Among 12 Manufacturing Communities by the U.S. Department of Commerce",2014-05-28,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has selected the Greater Portland region as one of the first 12 designated “Manufacturing Communities” nationwide under the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) initiative. IMCP is designed to accelerate the resurgence of manufacturing in communities around the nation by supporting long-term economic development strategies that help communities attract and expand private investment in the manufacturing sector and increase international trade and exports. “This designation is proof positive that Maine can lead the way in revitalizing the American manufacturing sector,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “With this announcement, the Greater Portland region is poised to leverage federal resources that could help attract manufacturing investment, create jobs, and become an even more powerful economic force for Maine.” From the 70 communities that applied, the Greater Portland region, led by the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG), was selected along with 11 other communities by an interagency panel. Selections were based on the strength of the applicant’s economic development plans, the potential for local impact in the communities, and the depth of partnerships across the public and private sector to carry out the plans. While this was not a grant competition, the 12 designated Manufacturing Communities, including GPCOG, will receive coordinated support for their strategies from across eleven federal agencies (listed below) and programs with $1.3 billion available in federal economic development assistance; a dedicated federal liaison at each of these agencies to help navigate available federal resources; and recognition on a government website, accessible to prospective private foreign and domestic investors, looking for information on communities’ competitive attributes.  Appalachian Regional Commission Delta Regional Authority Environmental Protection Agency National Science Foundation Small Business Administration U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development U.S. Department of Labor U.S. Department of Transportation In order to earn the designation, communities had to demonstrate the significance of manufacturing already present in their region and develop strategies to make investments in six areas: 1) workforce and training; 2) advanced research; 3) infrastructure and site development; 4) supply chain support; 5) trade and international investment; and 6) operational improvement and capital access.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140523021812/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e0fd3c03-6624-46fe-b85f-5363203027e9,"Sens. Collins, Mikulski Applaud Decision to Place Boko Haram on International Terrorist List",2014-05-22,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) applauded the United Nations Security Council's decision to add the Nigerian terrorist groups, Boko Haram and Ansaru, to the al-Qa'ida Sanctions List.  Senators Mikulski and Collins recently led a bipartisan letter, signed by all twenty women Senators, to President Obama requesting that the Administration redouble efforts to secure Boko Haram and Ansaru's addition to the List.  The letter followed Boko Haram's taking responsibility for the kidnapping of nearly 300 school girls in Nigeria. Including Boko Haram to the List would require all 193 U.N. Member States to apply three sanctions measures to the group, including a complete asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.  While the United States, Nigeria, and other countries have already imposed sanctions upon them, this action both brings greater international attention to the group and will compel others to take similar action. ""The decision of the United Nations Security Council to proceed with including Boko Haram to this List will further constrain the group and their ability to terrorize the people of northern Nigeria,"" said Senators Mikulski and Collins.  ""While this effort does not bring home the girls who have been kidnapped, it can hopefully help to prevent such reprehensible attacks in the future by limiting the group's resources, and we will continue to strongly support efforts to secure their safe rescue"" In addition, Senators Mikulski and Collins commended the Administration's decision to deploy 80 U.S. troops to Chad to assist the efforts of the Nigerian government. Last week, Secretary of State John Kerry hosted the women Senators for dinner to discuss women's and children's issues, at which the mass abduction in Nigeria and possible U.S. policy options were point of focus.  Senators Mikulski and Collins also led the Senate women in receiving a comprehensive briefing on the topic last Wednesday with senior officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Defense, the Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and USAID.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140523022050/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=570b1c88-d560-4db5-8385-1fae674c318f,"Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Senator Collins' Request to Include Fresh, White Potato in WIC Program",2014-05-22,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee today approved a bipartisan agreement, authored by Senators Susan Collins and Mark Pryor (D-AR), that would allow families using the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program to purchase all fresh, healthy vegetables, including the white potato, which has been excluded from the program. The agreement, included in the Fiscal Year 2015 Agriculture appropriations bill, would allow all fresh vegetables, including the fresh, white potato to be included in the WIC program immediately upon enactment of the bill. It’s important to note that the language also states that vegetables with added sugars, fats, or oils cannot be purchased using WIC vouchers. The provision also requires USDA to commence the next scheduled regular review of the WIC food package, including an evaluation of the nutrient value of all fresh fruits and vegetables, to determine the long-term inclusion or exclusion of any fresh fruit or vegetable. USDA would be required to report back to Congress with its findings. “USDA’s decision ought to be driven by nutritional facts and food science. In that kind of review, the fresh, white potato wins, hands down. The potato has more potassium than bananas, a food commonly associated with this nutrient, which is important for pregnant women and new mothers. Potatoes are cholesterol-free, fat-free, and sodium-free, and can be prepared in countless healthy ways. A medium baked potato contains 15 percent of the daily recommended value of dietary fiber, 27 percent of the daily recommended value for vitamin B6, and 28 percent of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C,” Senator Collins said. “It also defies logic that WIC participants may purchase fresh white potatoes sold at a farmers’ market but may not purchase fresh white potatoes sold in grocery stores. Potatoes are an affordable and nutrient-dense food that all WIC participants should be able to purchase regardless of the where they are sold.” Currently, fresh white potatoes are the only fresh fruit or vegetable excluded from the approved WIC food package, which sends a message to Americans that potatoes are not nutritious and inappropriately limits the choices of those using WIC vouchers. Potatoes' exclusion from the U.S. Department of Agriculture rule went into effect in December 2009 and is based on recommendations of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans report, which uses consumption data that is nearly 20 years old. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, however, recommends five to six cups of these vegetables per week for women with a daily caloric intake of 1,800 to 2,400 calories — an increase of two to three cups per week from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In addition, the FY 2015 Agriculture funding bill also includes language to benefit Maine dairy farmers by requiring USDA to examine dairy pricing through a pre-hearing procedure long sought by Maine’s dairy farmers. The purpose of the pre-hearing is to consider amendment of the federal Milk Market Order Program’s pricing formula. “Dairy farmers in Maine and across the Northeast region have been under a great deal of financial stress in recent years due to the wildly volatile and fluctuating price of milk,” Senator Collins continued. “The language, supported by Maine’s dairy farmers and Maine’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Walt Whitcomb, prompts USDA to pursue reform of an archaic and convoluted process. Once one of Maine's most important agricultural industries, just 287 dairy farms remain in our state today, and they are threatened because of the way USDA sets dairy prices.” Finally, the FY 2015 Agriculture funding bill continues to support important agricultural research and extension activities, including language and funding on a range of issues, from potatoes to wild blueberries to aquaculture to forest products, important to the state of Maine.                                                            ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140530013820/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5895128b-17a3-4a69-9777-fd2ca93a82e8,Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Senator Collins' Request to Continue Funding for Veterans' Health Care Program,2014-05-22,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"VA funding bill includes funding for ARCH program, other provisions important to Maine veterans Washington, D.C. - The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved the Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs funding bill which includes Senator Susan Collins' request for $35 million to extend the Access Received Closer to Home, or ARCH, program. ARCH is a pilot program that provides VA-covered health care services through contractual arrangements with non-VA care providers. The program, which is set to expire later this year, improves access for eligible veterans-especially those in rural areas-by connecting them to health care services closer to home.  Cary Medical Center in Caribou is one of five pilot sites that have been established across the country.  The Togus VA Medical Center oversees treatment provided to veterans at Cary- allowing veterans in Aroostook County to receive quality care without traveling hundreds of miles roundtrip to Augusta. ""The ARCH program is a model for the nation with respect to improving access to health care among rural veterans.  It allows veterans to receive quality care close to home and close to their families,"" said Senator Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  ""I have talked to many Maine veterans who praise this highly effective, indeed life-saving, program.  In fact, one veteran from Northern Maine told me that he used this program for emergency surgery for a broken hip.  Had the ARCH program not been in place, he would have had to endure a 500-mile roundtrip ambulance ride to Togus.  The ride would have taken more than eight hours, over bumpy, winter roads, while he was in extreme pain.  Often veterans and their families are forced to stay overnight and miss work as a result of the distance they are forced to travel to receive care."" ""The ARCH program can't get any better,"" said Peter Miesburger, MSgt. Retired, U.S. Air Force and Past State Commander of the VFW in Maine.  ""Ever since the ARCH program was established as a pilot program for rural, Aroostook County, veterans have had nothing but positive remarks with regards to the medical care that they have received locally, without having to travel hundreds of miles to the Togus VA Health Care facility.  In the winter, you leave your home in the dark and return home in the dark, or are forced to spend the night due to harsh winter conditions.  The best thing about the ARCH program is the fact that my family was able to visit me while I was hospitalized. If I had to travel to Togus, there was no way my family could have visited me due to travel distance and time. If it were not for Senator Collins' efforts, this program would not continue.  I commend her for her hard work on behalf of Maine veterans."" ""Cary Medical Center is very grateful to our own, United States Senator, Susan Collins, for her tireless efforts in support of Project ARCH and protecting the healthcare of our nation's Veterans,"" said Kris Doody, RN, MSB, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer at Cary Medical Center.  ""It has been a privilege for Cary Medical Center to be part of the ARCH Project and to serve the men and women who were prepared to offer the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom.  Senator Collins' efforts to extend Project ARCH is a victory for all of America's Veterans living in rural, isolated parts of our country.""  ""Loss of the ARCH program would put a great burden on the veterans in Aroostook County who currently use the program,"" said John W. Wallace, President, Vietnam Veterans of America.  ""This would also do the same to the VA hospital in Togus, if these veterans all had to return there. That would cause long waiting times and in some cases require travel to Boston. We, the veterans in rural Aroostook County are happy and pleased with the local care we have been receiving under ARCH.  Why does the VA want to do away with a program that works? Local care and local hospital works.  We appreciate Senator Collins' hard work in preserving ARCH in Aroostook."" In addition, the Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs funding bill also directs the VA to bolster its efforts to research the residual impact that the herbicide Agent Orange may have on veterans.  It includes language, authored by Senators Collins and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), that ""urges the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to explore the feasibility of establishing a registry of U.S. veterans who served or trained outside of Vietnam and have subsequently experienced health issues, which may have resulted from exposure to these chemicals, and directs the Secretary to provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of this act detailing any plans the Department may be considering on establishing a policy regarding presumed exposure for these veterans."" Senator Collins has long been concerned with claims that Maine veterans have made to the VA contending they have suffered from health problems as a result of being exposed to Agent Orange during military training at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown.  Collins and Sen. Angus King have introduced legislation that would direct the VA to establish a registry of U.S. veterans who have served or trained at CFB Gagetown and who have subsequently experienced health problems, which may be related to this chemical exposure.   In addition, the Collins-King bill requires the VA to commission an independent study tasked with investigating the linkage between service at Gagetown and the development of health problems and disease associated with exposure to Agent Orange.  This funding bill also addresses widespread allegations of unacceptable wait times for patients accessing VA-provided care by including several provisions to make VA officials, including the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, accountable for the pervasive mismanagement that has undoubtedly harmed many Veterans and may have even contributed to some patient deaths.  The bill includes $5 million over and above the President's request of $121.5 million, for the VA Inspector General (IG) investigate alleged mismanagement and fraud at VA hospitals around the country. ""Recent allegations, if true, are completely unacceptable, and I fully support strong and immediate measures to ensure that Veterans have unimpeded access to top-quality medical care,"" said Senator Collins.  Other provisions included in the bill to enhance accountability at the VA and reform its practices include: Directing the VA IG to conduct a nationwide, VISN by VISN audit of access to care; Prohibiting bonuses of certain VA officials until the VA IG has completed its audit and submitted its findings to Congress, and the recommendations have been implemented;   Additional Provisions Other provisions important to Maine Veterans include:   $30 million toward construction of a new, joint Army National Guard/Air National Guard headquarters in Augusta.   $1.6 billion for targeted programs to prevent and reduce homelessness among Veterans.  According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Veteran homelessness has reduced by 24 percent since 2010, and the VA intends to eliminate Veterans homelessness by the end of 2015.    Funding for programs to address the unique needs of today's veteran such as: $403 million for women veterans' health care, $278 million for traumatic brain injury and polytrauma medical care services, $588.9 million for the Medical and Prosthetic Research Program, and $7.2 billion for mental health services.   A requirement for the Veterans Benefits Administration to report on the current standard of proof for a service-connected disability based on military sexual trauma.  Senator Collins is a cosponsor of the Ruth Moore Act, which would make it easier for survivors of military sexual trauma to access VA-covered mental health services.   $100 million for grants to help states construct or acquire nursing home and domiciliary facilities.  There are six State Veterans Homes in Maine, and nationally, they have been shown to provide care to more than half of the VA's long-term care population at a cost equal to approximately 16 percent of the VA's long-term care budget.     $46 million for grant to aid states in establishing or making improvements to Veterans cemeteries.  The development of a state Veterans cemetery in Calais has been previously announced by the VA.   $58.7 billion in advanced appropriations for FY 2016 medical services and facilities.  The bill must now be approved by the full Senate.  ## NEW audio from today's full Appropriations Committee hearing can be found here:  http://youtu.be/fqphVNT5kxI",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140523022052/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=45eb94f1-84d9-40cd-acc0-f6bbc8123dfe,Maine Airports to Receive Awards Totaling More Than $4 Million from the U.S. Department of Transportation,2014-05-21,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and U.S. Senator Angus King today announced that several Maine airports have been awarded federal grants, totaling more than $4.7 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to be used for general improvements and safety enhancements. ""Maine's large geographic area makes air travel an important transportation option that connects towns and cities across the state,"" said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. ""Maine's small airports play a vital role in supporting local businesses, especially in the state's more rural regions. This funding will help make necessary improvements and maintain a safe operational environment at our airports."" The awards and recipients are as follows: Bangor International Airport will receive $1,399,346 to install runway sensors; modify the terminal building PA system; rehabilitate the taxiway; and rehabilitate the apron   Steven A. Bean Municipal Airport in Rangeley will receive $200,000 to install perimeter fencing and a vertical/visual guidance system   Belfast Municipal Airport will receive $138,000 to plan for required improvements   Biddeford Municipal Airport will receive $320,000 to install airport beacons and perimeter fencing   Brunswick Executive Airport will receive $150,000 to remove obstructions to the runway approach   Caribou Municipal Airport will receive $150,000 to plan for future airport needs   Central Maine Airport of Norridgewock will receive $150,000 for the acquisition of snow removal equipment   Dewitt Field, Old Town Municipal Airport will receive $50,000 to conduct to conduct an environmental study   Eastport Municipal Airport will receive $150,000 to install weather reporting equipment Greenville Municipal Airport will receive $225,000 for environmental mitigation   Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport will receive $300,000 to install wind cones and replace obstruction lights and poles   Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland will receive $135,000 to rehabilitate the runway   Northern Maine Regional Airport at Presque Isle will receive $300,000 to rehabilitate the runway, taxiway and apron   Pittsfield Municipal Airport will receive $150,000 to plan for future development   Portland International Jetport will receive $484,183 to acquire snow removal equipment   Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport will receive $315,000 to rehabilitate the taxiway to plan for future airport needs  Sugarloaf  Regional Airport in Carrabassett will receive $130,000 to acquire land for development",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140523022057/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2851da9d-7583-4c60-bca3-1e0ded44c42e,Senators Collins and King Announce More than $10 Million in Head Start Funding for Maine,2014-05-21,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that three Maine child development programs will be receiving a combined $10,097,840 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to continue area Head Start programs. Specifically, the funding will be allocated as follows: Aroostook County Action Program in Presque Isle: $3,030,735 Penquis Community Action Program, Inc. in Bangor: $4,278,545 Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation in Farmingdale: $2,788,560 ""Maine is fortunate to have many community development organizations that provide stepping-stones to greater educational opportunities,"" Senators Collins and King said.  ""This funding will support the Head Start programs in these communities and the valuable services they provide young children and their families.""  Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional and social services to eligible four and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. The program has enrolled more than 30 million children since its inception.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140523022059/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f59e5a54-2f35-4ca9-890d-691d2ed83c11,Senate Subcommittee Approves Senator Collins' Request to Continue Funding for Veterans' Health Care Program,2014-05-20,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs, today announced that the Subcommittee has approved a Fiscal Year 2015 funding bill that includes her request for $35 million to extend the Access Received Closer to Home, or ARCH, program. ARCH is a pilot program that provides VA-covered health care services through contractual arrangements with non-VA care providers. The program, which is set to expire later this year, improves access for eligible veterans-especially those in rural areas-by connecting them to health care services closer to home. Cary Medical Center in Caribou is one of five pilot sites that have been established across the country. The Togus VA Medical Center oversees treatment provided to veterans at Cary- allowing veterans in Aroostook County to receive quality care without traveling hundreds of miles roundtrip to Augusta. ""The ARCH program is a model for the nation with respect to improving access to health care among rural veterans. It allows veterans to receive quality care close to home and close to their families,"" said Senator Collins. ""I have talked to many Maine veterans who praise this highly effective, indeed life-saving, program. In fact, one veteran from Northern Maine told me that he used this program for emergency surgery for a broken hip. Had the ARCH program not been in place, he would have had to endure a 500-mile roundtrip ambulance ride to Togus. The ride would have taken more than eight hours, over bumpy, winter roads, while he was in extreme pain. Often veterans and their families are forced to stay overnight and miss work as a result of the distance they are forced to travel to receive care."" ""The ARCH program can't get any better,"" said Peter Miesburger, MSgt. Retired, U.S. Air Force and Past State Commander of the VFW in Maine. ""Ever since the ARCH program was established as a pilot program for rural, Aroostook County, veterans have had nothing but positive remarks with regards to the medical care that they have received locally, without having to travel hundreds of miles to the Togus VA Health Care facility. In the winter, you leave your home in the dark and return home in the dark, or are forced to spend the night due to harsh winter conditions. The best thing about the ARCH program is the fact that my family was able to visit me while I was hospitalized. If I had to travel to Togus, there was no way my family could have visited me due to travel distance and time. If it were not for Senator Collins' efforts, this program would not continue. I commend her for her hard work on behalf of Maine veterans."" ""Cary Medical Center is very grateful to our own, United States Senator, Susan Collins, for her tireless efforts in support of Project ARCH and protecting the healthcare of our nation's Veterans,"" said Kris Doody, RN, MSB, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer at Cary Medical Center. ""It has been a privilege for Cary Medical Center to be part of the ARCH Project and to serve the men and women who were prepared to offer the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom. Senator Collins' efforts to extend Project ARCH is a victory for all of America's Veterans living in rural, isolated parts of our country."" ""Loss of the ARCH program would put a great burden on the veterans in Aroostook County who currently use the program,"" said John W. Wallace, President, Vietnam Veterans of America. ""This would also do the same to the VA hospital in Togus, if these veterans all had to return there. That would cause long waiting times and in some cases require travel to Boston. We, the veterans in rural Aroostook County are happy and pleased with the local care we have been receiving under ARCH. Why does the VA want to do away with a program that works? Local care and local hospital works. We appreciate Senator Collins' hard work in preserving ARCH in Aroostook."" In addition, the Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs funding bill also directs the VA to bolster its efforts to research the residual impact that the herbicide Agent Orange may have on veterans. Senator Collins has long been concerned with claims that Maine veterans have made to the VA contending they have suffered from health problems as a result of being exposed to Agent Orange during military training at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown. Collins and Sen. Angus King have introduced legislation that would direct the VA to establish a registry of U.S. veterans who have served or trained at CFB Gagetown and who have subsequently experienced health problems, which may be related to this chemical exposure. In addition, the Collins-King bill requires the VA to commission an independent study tasked with investigating the linkage between service at Gagetown and the development of health problems and disease associated with exposure to Agent Orange. The Subcommittee also addressed widespread allegations of unacceptable wait times for patients accessing VA-provided care by including several provisions to make VA officials, including the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, accountable for the pervasive mismanagement that has undoubtedly harmed many Veterans and may have even contributed to some patient deaths. The Subcommittee also included $5 million over and above the President's request of $121.5 million, for the VA Inspector General (IG) investigate alleged mismanagement and fraud at VA hospitals around the country. ""Recent allegations, if true, are completely unacceptable, and I fully support strong and immediate measures to ensure that Veterans have unimpeded access to top-quality medical care,"" said Senator Collins. Other provisions included in the bill to enhance accountability at the VA and reform its practices include: • Directing the VA IG to conduct a nationwide, VISN by VISN audit of access to care; • Prohibiting bonuses of certain VA officials until the VA IG has completed its audit and submitted its findings to Congress, and the recommendations have been implemented; Additional Provisions Other provisions important to Maine Veterans include: • $30 million toward construction of a new, joint Army National Guard/Air National Guard headquarters in Augusta. • $1.6 billion for targeted programs to prevent and reduce homelessness among Veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Veteran homelessness has reduced by 24 percent since 2010, and the VA intends to eliminate Veterans homelessness by the end of 2015. • Funding for programs to address the unique needs of today's veteran such as: $403 million for women veterans' health care, $278 million for traumatic brain injury and polytrauma medical care services, $588.9 million for the Medical and Prosthetic Research Program, and $7.2 billion for mental health services. • A requirement for the Veterans Benefits Administration to report on the current standard of proof for a service-connected disability based on military sexual trauma. Senator Collins is a cosponsor of the Ruth Moore Act, which would make it easier for survivors of military sexual trauma to access VA-covered mental health services. • $100 million for grants to help states construct or acquire nursing home and domiciliary facilities. There are six State Veterans Homes in Maine, and nationally, they have been shown to provide care to more than half of the VA's long-term care population at a cost equal to approximately 16 percent of the VA's long-term care budget. • $46 million for grant to aid states in establishing or making improvements to Veterans cemeteries. The development of a state Veterans cemetery in Calais has been previously announced by the VA. • $58.7 billion in advanced appropriations for FY 2016 medical services and facilities. The bill will now go to the full Appropriations Committee for consideration on Thursday and must still be approved by the full Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140530014036/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8ec24149-5ebe-41f9-885c-61ad42ddfd90,AADE Presents Senator Susan Collins with the 2014 Legislative Champion Award,2014-05-20,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"American Association of Diabetes Educators MAY 20, 2014 – CHICAGO and WASHINGTON, DC – The American Association of Diabetes Educators today presented US Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) with its 2014 AADE Legislative Champion Award, in recognition of her efforts to increase access to diabetes education. The presentation was made today on Capitol Hill by Chris Irish, a diabetes educator and AADE member from Maine, in conjunction with a series of visits to legislators urging passage of legislation that would adjust Medicare billing procedures so that more people with diabetes have access to diabetes education. “One out of every three Medicare dollars is spent on people with diabetes,” Senator Collins said. She noted that diabetes has become a healthcare problem of epidemic proportions that could eventually bankrupt Medicare and Medicaid. “It’s imperative that patients have access to a full array of services and providers that help them manage their condition,” Senator Collins said. “We know the huge difference that [diabetes educators]’ efforts can make in preventing life threatening complications.” Sen. Collins is a co-sponsor of “The Access to Quality Diabetes Education Act.” Though Medicare already covers diabetes education, the benefit is significantly underutilized because Medicare does not recognize many credentialed diabetes educators as providers. AADE has been urging Congress pass to this legislative fix, so that more patients can receive diabetes education. Studies have shown that diabetes education reduces the occurrence of many of the serious complications that often result from diabetes, including vascular issues, amputations, heart disease and stroke.  “To me this bill is just a matter of common sense,” Senator Collins said. About the AADE: AADE is a multi-disciplinary professional membership organization dedicated to improving diabetes care through education.  With more than 14,000 professional members including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and others, AADE has a vast network of practitioners involved in the daily treatment of diabetes patients. Learn more: www.diabeteseducator.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140516050522/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=956180b8-4c8b-47d4-988d-e2ba5b1481f4,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $58,000 in Grant Funding for Denmark, Eddington Fire Departments",2014-05-14,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Denmark Volunteer Fire Department and the Eddington Fire Department will receive federal grants totaling nearly $58,000 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Specifically, the funding will come through AFG's Operations and Firefighting Safety Program, which provides funding for training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to department facilities.             Funding will be distributed as follows: $23,228 to the Denmark Volunteer Fire Department $34,675 to the Eddington Fire Department ""These grants are a critical resource for so many Maine fire departments, such as those in Denmark and Eddington, and for the dedicated fire and rescue personnel who serve our communities,"" Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. ""In order for our first responders to perform their duties, it's essential that they have access to the resources they need, such as vehicles, equipment, and proper training,""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140509043250/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=52270f2b-a6dd-4afc-8f4a-8c0362782dc0,"Small Business Council of America Presents Senator Collins with ""Outstanding Congressional Achievement Award""",2014-05-08,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Bruce Johnson, Esq. of Springvale presented the award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. - The Small Business Council of America (SBCA) has presented U.S. Senator Susan Collins with the ""Outstanding Congressional Achievement Award.""  Bruce Johnson, Esq., an SBCA member whose law firm Johnson & Associates is based in Springvale, ME, introduced Senator Collins at the ceremony and presented her with the award. SBCA is a national nonprofit organization which has represented the interests of privately-held and family-owned businesses across America on federal tax, health care and employee benefit matters since 1979.  It represents more than 20,000 small businesses nationwide.  The ""Outstanding Congressional Achievement Award"" is SBCA's highest Congressional honor and has been given out less than five times over the last 30 years.  ""Senator Collins is the recipient of SBCA's highest Congressional Award in recognition of her extraordinary effectiveness as a legislator.  Her deep understanding of issues critical to the nation's small businesses and her dedicated efforts has greatly helped those businesses,"" said Paula Calimafde, Chair of the SBCA. ""Senator Collins is a long-time friend of small businesses in Maine and throughout the nation, and she is a deserving recipient of this award,"" Bruce Johnson said. ""The thing that stands out most about the men and women who run small businesses is their optimism and 'can-do' spirit. They are passionate about their work, and their boundless energy is always directed at creating solutions and overcoming roadblocks,"" Senator Collins said in a speech after receiving the award. ""Here in Washington, we need to feel the same passion about creating a vibrant, just, and prosperous America,"" she continued.  ""To achieve that, we need legislators who not only work hard, but work together."" Senator Collins spoke about how growing up in a fifth-generation family business has had a profound impact on her appreciation of small business and her understanding of the issues they face today.  S.W. Collins, a full-service lumber and building materials supply company, was founded in Caribou in 1844.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140509043251/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a9f327db-51f8-4ec8-92c6-0085375a870b,"Sens. Murray, Collins Urge Action on Merchant Marine Sexual Assaults",2014-05-08,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General urging him to seriously examine the roles that senior leadership at the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and within the Office of the Secretary have played in overseeing the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), which continues to be plagued by allegations of sexual assault and harassment. The DOT Inspector General is currently conducting a formal audit of steps taken by the agency to address the issue. In their letter, the Senators also requested a meeting with the Inspector General as soon as possible to discuss his work on the audit to date. The call for action comes after a series of disturbing, and much-delayed, reports from the MARAD and USMMA about the conditions at the Academy. On March 27, 2014, over a year past its deadline, the Secretary of Transportation released the 2011-2012 Academic Year Biennial Survey and Report on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. From the 2009-2010 to 2011-2012 academic year surveys, the estimated rate of sexual assault more than doubled, and the estimated rate of sexual harassment increased by more than 500 percent. ""The failure to demonstrate measurable progress suggests the reforms the Academy began implementing in 2011 are inadequate,"" the Senators wrote. ""Even more troubling is the fact that, once again, none of the incidents in the latest report were formally reported."" In the previous survey released to Congress in November, 2011 midshipmen reported that 11 assaults and 21 sexual harassment incidents occurred during the 2009-2010 academic year.  In response to these findings, the Secretary developed an action plan to improve prevention, awareness and training. Despite these steps, data from the most recent survey indicate that conditions at the Academy have gotten worse. The most recent survey estimates that 25 assaults and 136 incidents of sexual harassment took place during the 2011-2012 academic year. Last month, U.S. DOT Secretary Foxx appeared before the Subcommittee, where both Senators Murray and Collins expressed their frustration with the delayed action and troubling findings. (Watch video starting at 1:31:00)   The full text of the Senators' letter follows:     Dear Mr. Scovel, On March 27, 2014, the Secretary of Transportation released the 2011-2012 Academic Year Biennial Survey and Report on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.  The findings in this report are very disturbing and demonstrate a need for greater oversight and reform at the Academy.  From the 2009-2010 to 2011-2012 academic year surveys, the estimated rate of sexual assault more than doubled, and the estimated rate of sexual harassment increased by more than 500 percent.  The failure to demonstrate measurable progress suggests the reforms the Academy began implementing in 2011 are inadequate.  Even more troubling is the fact that, once again, none of the incidents in the latest report were formally reported.  In the previous survey released to Congress in November, 2011 midshipmen reported that 11 assaults and 21 sexual harassment incidents occurred during the 2009-2010 academic year.  In response to these findings, the Secretary developed an action plan to improve prevention, awareness and training. Academy policies against sexual assault were revised and updated; a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator was hired;  procedures were changed to improve reporting; and, protocols and additional training were developed to specifically target the at-sea training year, where over half of the incidents were reported to have taken place.  Despite these steps, conditions at the Academy have gotten worse. The most recent survey estimates that 25 assaults and 136 incidents of sexual harassment took place during the 2011-2012 academic year.  While we recognize that changes in the methodology between the 2011-2012 and 2009-2010 surveys may have affected the results, the dramatic increase in the number of incidents makes clear that the actions taken following the first survey did not have the desired effect on behavior or student safety.   We strongly believe the problem requires further attention beyond the steps the Department initiated in 2011. We understand you are currently engaged in an audit of this issue.  We ask that you consider the findings of the most recent survey as you evaluate the implementation of policies and programs designed to prevent sexual assault and harassment at the Academy.  In addition, please examine the roles that senior leadership at the Maritime Administration and within the Office of the Secretary played in overseeing and expediting the implementation of the action plans.  Finally, we respectfully request a meeting with you as soon as possible to discuss your work on this audit to date. We expect the findings in your report will support the Committee's oversight of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.                                                                                                                     Sincerely,   Patty Murray, Chairman United States Senate Subcommittee on Transportation Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies   Susan Collins, Ranking Member United States Senate Subcommittee on Transportation Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140509043305/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e54fe8d2-150a-4d2c-ba2b-6595e5851a75,"Collins, King Statement on Energy Department's Aqua Ventus Project Announcement",2014-05-07,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that the Maine Aqua Ventus I pilot offshore wind project, designed by a University of Maine-led consortium, has been selected as an alternate in the Offshore Wind Advanced Technology Demonstration Project program and that the DOE will continue to invest in the project to help it achieve one hundred percent design completion. After the announcement, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement: “While we are disappointed that the University’s application was not selected for a full award at this point, we are very encouraged that, with this $3 million investment, the Department of Energy clearly recognizes the project’s enormous potential. DOE is pledging to engage in an R&D partnership and continue its investment in the University’s innovative deepwater, offshore wind technology. One hundred percent design completion is no mere consolation prize, but rather an extraordinary investment and proof that the DOE knows what we have long known: that the Gulf of Maine is a tremendous resource for wind energy that could provide an affordable source of renewable energy directly to the country’s population centers on the East Coast while creating thousands of new jobs in Maine. In addition, it would diversify Maine’s electricity supply. “We will continue to support the University as it seeks financing, whether through the Department of Energy or other venues, and we look forward to helping Maine maintain its lead in deepwater, offshore wind power development and innovation.” For more information about the Offshore Wind Advanced Technology Demonstration Project Program, including the University of Maine’s proposal, click HERE.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140509043653/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1d143b70-cc6e-40ee-9b5a-68aa8b653e3e,"Maine's Mary Dempsey, Actress Valerie Harper Appear Before Senate Aging Panel",2014-05-07,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC--  The Senate Special Committee on Aging, led by Chairman Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Ranking Member Susan Collins, today held a hearing titled ""The Fight Against Cancer: Challenges, Progress and Promise.""  At the invitation of Senator Collins, Mary Dempsey, Assistant Director and Co-Founder of the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in Lewiston, testified about the vital need for education and support services for patients and their families.  In addition, award-winning actress Valerie Harper, who rose to fame on ""The Mary Tyler Moore Show"" and ""Rhoda"", testified about her experience with cancer, calling for more federal funding for research to develop better cancer screening methods and treatments.  Dr. Harold Varmus, Director of the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health also testified before the Aging panel. Senator Collins said, ""While survival rates are improving, cancer continues to be the second-most common cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. While cancer affects people at all ages, it poses particular challenges for older Americans. The fact is that aging is the single greatest risk factor for developing cancer.""  Senator Collins said that more robust funding for biomedical research is ""one of the best investments our nation can make."" Mary Dempsey said, ""While physicians and other oncology professionals provide great medical care to treat the disease, cancer patients and their families need additional support to treat the person and those who surround them. Cancer affects the whole person and the whole family.""  She described the free-of-charge support and educational services offered by the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing, which she co-founded with her siblings, including actor Patrick Dempsey.  Their mother, Amanda, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997 and passed away earlier this year. Valerie Harper observed that ""research dollars equal lives,"" and called for more research to develop new treatments and better means of screening for cancer in its early stages. In March 2009, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 lung cancer, which was discovered only after she underwent a routine x-ray in preparation for surgery for an injury on her wrist.   In January 2013, the cancer recurred in a new form of an incurable cancer that occurred in the membrane that surrounds the brain.   She said that biomedical research should be considered a federal investment and not simply a federal expense.  Among other issues, Dr. Varmus explained the need for a sustained and predictable increase in federal funding for cancer research, and for multi-year funding since the vast majority of important research projects cover several years.  Chip Kennett, a young father and professional who served on Senator Collins' staff for two years, also testified.  Chip was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer after seeking treatment for an unrelated eye condition. He talked about the importance of his participation in clinical trials.  ""Thanks to these medical breakthroughs, I have been able to experience many quality-filled days.""  He explained that he is now focused on living with cancer.       Dr. Thomas Sellers, Executive Vice-President and Director of the Moffitt Research Institute at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida also testified. The American Cancer Society estimates that as many as 1.7 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year, including more than 9,200 in Maine.   (Senator Collins with Mary Dempsey)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140509044233/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=572352ba-cdd6-407d-9c3f-937056278b38,"Shaheen, Collins Introduce Bill to Expand Access to National Parks for Disabled Veterans",2014-05-07,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act to amend the decade-old Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) and make all veterans with a service-connected disability eligible for a free, lifetime pass allowing entry to National Parks and other recreational lands and waters held by the United States. Under the 2004 law, veterans need to be classified as having a 100 percent permanent disability by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.  Active military and their families also receive annual free passes. “The military men and women who have fought and sacrificed to protect American land deserve the opportunity to enjoy it,” Shaheen said. “In New Hampshire we are home to some of the most beautiful and well-traveled recreation spaces, and each of our wounded warriors has earned the right to lifetime access to these national treasures.” “It is fitting that those who have defended our freedoms should have free access to our nation’s parks and recreational lands,” said Senator Collins. “From Acadia and the Appalachians to  Yosemite and everywhere in between, our bill would allow Veterans to more easily engage in outdoor activities, which have been shown to help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war.” Shaheen and Collins have worked to support veterans throughout their careers and last year joined a bipartisan letter calling on the White House to address the VA disability claims backlog.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140509044656/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ad3746a6-e08e-4a49-af9a-ecb4729e1164,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $25,000 in Grant Funding for Bucksport Fire Department",2014-05-07,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Bucksport Fire Department will receive a federal grant in the amount of $24,938 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Specifically, the funding will come through AFG's Operations and Firefighting Safety Program, which provides funding for training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to department facilities. ""These grants are a critical resource for so many Maine fire departments, including Bucksport, and the dedicated fire and rescue personnel who serve our communities,"" Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. ""In order for our first responders to perform their duties, it's essential that they have access to the resources they need, such as vehicles, equipment, and proper training,""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140509045017/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c0520b53-70e8-4d15-b01f-1145e73f1c36,"Sens. Mikulski, Collins Lead All Twenty Bipartisan Senate Women Condemning Abduction and Mistreatment of Girls in Nigeria by Boko Haram",2014-05-06,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today led all twenty Senate women in sending a bipartisan letter to President Obama condemning the abduction and mistreatment of more than 200 girls by the terrorist group Boko Haram in Chibok, Nigeria and calling for additional international sanctions against the organization. Boko Haram has threatened to sell the girls as slaves, and some may have already been sold into child marriages. ""We are outraged and horrified that these young women have been kidnapped, sold into slavery, had their education curtailed, and may even have been forced into marriages,"" Senators Mikulski and Collins said. ""Education is a basic right for boys and girls who deserve an equal opportunity to pursue their education without fear of violence or retribution-no matter where they live. The Senate women stand united in condemning this reprehensible crime and are firm in our resolve that it will not be tolerated. We will not stand by and allow the Nigerian people to continue to be terrorized by Boko Haram and will continue to lead the effort to impose tough economic sanctions against this group."" The United States State Department has designated Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and has reported that the group has links to al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb. In their letter, the Senate women urge President Obama to press for additional international sanctions in the United Nations Security Council, compelling a greater number of countries to join the United States and others in imposing their own sanctions.   ""We condemn these appalling actions in the strongest possible terms, and we agree with you that the abduction of these girls is an outrage. The girls were targeted by Boko Haram simply because they wanted to go to school and pursue knowledge, and we believe the U.S. must respond quickly and definitively,"" the Senators wrote. ""In the face of the brazen nature of this horrific attack, the international community must impose further sanctions on this terrorist organization. We urge you to press for the addition of Boko Haram and Ansaru to the United Nations Security Council's al-Qa'ida Sanctions List, the mechanism by which international sanctions are imposed on al-Qa'ida and al-Qa'ida-linked organizations.  Their addition to the List would compel a greater number of countries to sanction Boko Haram, joining several countries, such as the United States, which have already done so."" A copy of the signed letter is available here. Senators Mikulski and Collins were joined by all the Senate women in signing the bipartisan letter to President Obama including Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).   The Senators' letter to President Obama follows:   May 6, 2014   President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500   Dear Mr. President:   As the women of the United States Senate, we are writing to you today deeply disturbed by the abduction and mistreatment of more than 200 girls by the terrorist group Boko Haram from the Government Secondary School in Chibok, Nigeria.  Boko Haram has threatened to sell the girls as slaves, and some may have already been sold into child marriages.  We condemn these appalling actions in the strongest possible terms, and we agree with you that the abduction of these girls is an outrage. The girls were targeted by Boko Haram simply because they wanted to go to school and pursue knowledge, and we believe the United States must respond quickly and definitively.  In the face of the brazen nature of this horrific attack, the international community must impose further sanctions on this terrorist organization. Boko Haram is a threat to innocent civilians in Nigeria, to regional security, and to U.S. national interests. The National Counterterrorism Center has found that Boko Haram has engaged in multiple attacks on Westerners and repeatedly targeted students at schools and universities, threatening the ability of young Nigerians, particularly women, to attend school.  While we applaud the initial U.S. condemnation of the kidnapping, we believe there is much more that the United States government should do to make clear that such an attack will not be tolerated.  We urge you to press for the addition of Boko Haram and Ansaru to the United Nations Security Council's al-Qa'ida Sanctions List, the mechanism by which international sanctions are imposed on al-Qa'ida and al-Qa'ida-linked organizations.  Their addition to the List would compel a greater number of countries to sanction Boko Haram, joining several countries, including the United States, which have already done so.  The Department of State reported that Boko Haram has links to al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb when it designated the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and General David Rodriguez, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, has described these links before Congress. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to working together until girls and women worldwide can pursue an education without fear of violence or intimidation.                  Sincerely,   Barbara A. Mikulski, United States Senator Susan M. Collins, United States Senator Kelly Ayotte, United States Senator Tammy Baldwin, United States Senator Barbara Boxer, United States Senator Maria Cantwell, United States Senator Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator Deb Fischer, United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, United States Senator Kay Hagan, United States Senator Heidi Heitkamp, United States Senator Mazie Hirono, United States Senator Amy Klobuchar, United States Senator Mary Landrieu, United States Senator Claire McCaskill, United States Senator Lisa Murkowski, United States Senator Patty Murray, United States Senator Jeanne Shaheen, United States Senator Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren, United States Senator   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140509045344/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6dc71b5f-9d5e-4b14-882c-4a9a6cdd0309,"Sens. Collins, King Announce More Than $1.3 Million for Maine Veterans' Homes",2014-05-05,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Veteran Affairs Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Angus King today announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will award Maine $1,320,404 to help renovate the electronic medical record system at the Maine Veterans' Homes in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Scarborough, South Paris, and Machias.  ""Maine's Veterans deserve nothing but the highest quality of care, and providing outstanding rehabilitative facilities is central to that important mission,"" Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. ""These funds will help to do that by improving the medical record system at the Veterans' Homes across our state.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140509045345/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9f0728be-743e-4398-91d4-8d8835f2435f,"Sens. Collins, King Announce Nearly $1.5 Million for Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta",2014-05-02,2014,2014-05,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Veteran Affairs Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Angus King announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs is awarding a grant in the amount of $1,483,048 for the expansion and improvement of the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.  The grant will fund the construction of an administration building, committal service shelter, landscaping, irrigation, and other supporting infrastructure.  The project will develop approximately 1.2 acres. ""Preserving the hallowed grounds where our Veterans are laid to rest is a solemn responsibility,"" Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement.   ""This funding will support the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta so that it can continue to serve Maine's Veterans and their families.""  VA Secretary Eric Shinseki informed the Senators of the grant in a letter received this week. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140502014731/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0973542e-6731-422a-bba9-d6620432ee2c,Senate Aging Committee Examines Precious Metal Investment Scams that Target Seniors,2014-04-30,2014,2014-04,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, led by Chairman Bill Nelson and Ranking Member Susan Collins, today held a hearing to examine precious metal investment scams that have in recent years defrauded thousands of consumers, including many senior citizens, out of their hard-earned savings.  The hearing, which is the culmination of a year-long committee staff investigation into unscrupulous precious metals firms, featured testimony from regulators as well as a scam victim and a scam perpetrator.  Senators Nelson and Collins also released a document summarizing the conclusions of the Committee staff investigation. As part of its investigation, the Committee looked at 34 federal cases involving more than 9,100 victims who lost an estimated total of nearly 300 million dollars-an estimate that investigators describe as ""conservative.""  Even though federal and state regulators have worked to penalize those who operate these scams, precious metal fraud in the U.S. remains the sixth most significant form of financial fraud. Senator Collins said that precious metal scams are ""particularly appalling"" because they prey on seniors who are eager to avoid the dangers of the stock market, trying to find a safe haven for their life savings. She explained that a key feature of the scam is to get a customer to pay real money for precious metals-gold, silver, platinum, or palladium-that the scammer never delivers and often doesn't even own. In addition, investors are often subjected to exorbitantly high transaction fees that can all but evaporate the investment. One of the witnesses at today's hearing, Joe Melomo, who is a retired physicist living in Texas, described how he was bilked out of $170,000 by a company that convinced him that his investment was not only safe, but would be profitable within a short period of time. Unbeknownst to him, the company made all of his transactions on leverage, with only a tiny portion of the investment going toward the actual purchase of metals. Approximately 97 percent of his funds went to fees, transaction charges, and interest, resulting in a loss of most of his investment.   Other witnesses, including Karl Spicer, who worked for a company that defrauded investors and has since been convicted of fraud, provided Committee members with some insight into how the complex investment scams are operated.  He described high-pressure sales tactics as well as the uncanny ability of sales persons to gain the trust of potential investors. Federal regulators described public education efforts to help consumers avoid fraud, although Committee Members, including Senator Collins, agreed that more must be done to educate the public about investment scams. Senator Collins also questioned whether federal regulators should consider requiring precious metal investment companies to provide stronger disclosure about the real risks associated with investing. In written testimony that was submitted for the hearing, Maine Office of Securities Administrator Judith Shaw wrote, ""The creativity and guile of fraudsters is limitless. Always on the watch for the next opening, scam artists monitor the markets to watch for trends that can create a chance to target investors, particularly seniors. The crash of the markets and devastating economic downturn presented just such an opportunity for con artists interested in capitalizing on investor's fears and uncertainty."" She further wrote, ""It is my belief that the most effective weapon against any scam artist is an informed investor."" She thanked Senators Nelson and Collins for raising awareness on the issue.  Today's hearing witnesses included:  Joe Melomo, Precious Metal Fraud Victim from Texas; Dama Brown, Director, Southwest Region, Federal Trade Commission; Rosemary Hollinger, Regional Administrator and Deputy Director, Division of Enforcement for the Central Region, Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and Karl Spicer, Former Precious Metals Telemarketer from South Florida.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140502014734/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=55a6cf2e-3334-42f1-9cea-1a54730c1a6b,Senator Collins Continues to Seek Support for Agreement to Raise Minimum Wage,2014-04-30,2014,2014-04,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Collins leads bipartisan discussions on a reasonable compromise WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement after the Senate failed to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to a debate on a bill to raise the minimum wage.  ""I recognize how difficult it is for anyone who is trying to make ends meet on the minimum wage, and I believe it should be increased.  In 2007, the last time the Senate voted on this issue, I supported legislation that raised the federal minimum wage to the current $7.25 an hour. ""It is clear, however, that the President's current proposal - which is considerably higher than the $9 minimum wage he proposed just last year --  does not have the votes it would need to pass the Senate, much less the House.  That's why I have spent the past several weeks in discussions with colleagues on both sides of the aisle about a possible alternative that could raise the minimum wage by a reasonable amount that would not result in the huge job losses caused by a 39 percent increase to $10.10.  Unfortunately, the Majority Leader has already made it clear that he doesn't intend to allow any amendments to his bill - including any possible compromise.  That is disappointing. ""The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found that the proposal to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour could lead to a reduction in total employment of about 500,000 workers. Many of these workers are likely to be low-income employees.   I continue to believe that there is support in the Senate for a reasonable alternative that would raise the minimum wage but avoid the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs that are critical to our state and our economy.  Just today, I had a phone conversation with a Democratic colleague and we agreed to convene a working group to examine the issue. ""Today's vote is an attempt to score a political point, but it doesn't move us any closer to raising the minimum wage.  My focus remains on working together to reach an agreement on a responsible path forward.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140502014737/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=25545c70-0486-43b1-8a21-2666a83dfcc3,"Collins, King Announce Economic Development Grants for Maine",2014-04-30,2014,2014-04,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced several grants totaling $280,000 from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) that will support the development and implementation of comprehensive economic development strategies (CEDS). The CEDS will bring together public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies. “These grants are welcome news for Maine. By leveraging private investments, they will help to create strategic plans that will improve and support economic development in communities across the state and lead to the creation of jobs,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. The awards and recipients are as follows: $70,000 to the Northern Maine Development Corporation to support economic development in Aroostook and Washington counties $70,000 to the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments to support economic development in Androscoggin, Franklin, and northern Oxford counties. $70,000 to the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments to support economic development in Kennebec, Somerset, and western Waldo counties. $70,000 to the Eastern Maine Development Corporation to support economic development in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and eastern Waldo counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140502015434/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7724c9ee-9a64-41a1-9383-7591f49c1d6e,"Collins, King Hail Confirmation of Justice Levy to U.S. District Court",2014-04-30,2014,2014-04,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today applauded the Senate’s confirmation of Maine Supreme Judicial Court Justice Jon Levy to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine by a vote of 75-20. “Justice Levy has had a long career as an attorney and a judge in Maine, and his experience makes him well qualified for Maine’s federal district court,” said Senator Collins. “Justice Levy’s contributions to the Maine legal community and the juvenile justice system will give him a valuable perspective as a federal judge, and his extensive experience in private practice and on the bench makes him well qualified to serve on the federal district court in Maine.” “With today’s strong bipartisan vote, it’s clear the U.S. Senate shares my belief that Justice Levy’s sharp intellect, impartial judgment, and extensive legal experience, both in private practice and as a state judge, make him extremely well-qualified to join the federal bench,” Senator King said. “I, along with the people of Maine, congratulate Justice Levy on his confirmation and wish him the best of luck as he serves our state and nation with the same integrity that has distinguished his outstanding career.” Senators Collins and King spoke on the floor of the Senate earlier today to voice their support for Justice Levy’s nomination. To watch their remarks, click HERE. President Obama nominated Justice Levy to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine in September 2013, and last December, Senators Collins and King testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of his nomination. As Governor, Senator King nominated Levy to the Maine District Court in 1995 and then the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in 2002. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140502015435/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1d6c4e80-1e45-413f-8f15-9b5115cf8876,"Sens. Collins, Brown, Johanns Introduce Bill to Clarify Fed's Role in Regulating Insurers",2014-04-29,2014,2014-04,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Mike Johanns (R-NE) today introduced the bipartisan ""Capital Standards Clarification Act of 2014,"" which clarifies the Federal Reserve's authority to recognize the distinctions between banking and insurance when implementing Section 171 of the Dodd-Frank Act.   ""As I have said, and as experts have testified before the Banking Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, the Federal Reserve already has ample authority to draw distinctions between banking and insurance,"" Senator Collins said.  ""Our bill removes any doubt about the Federal Reserve's authority to draw this distinction and addresses the legitimate concerns raised by insurers."" ""There is broad bipartisan agreement that providing traditional life, property, and casualty insurance is different from banking,"" Senator Brown said. ""Insurers rely on funding from customer premiums, transact long-term investments, and insure against natural disasters and life events. Traditional banking operations - while faced with a different set of challenges - conduct business distinctly different than that of an insurer. That is why the Federal Reserve must recognize the differences between the industries and ensure that institutions engaging in insurance are not held to the same capital requirements as traditional banks."" ""Everyone agrees that banks and insurance companies operate differently, and everyone also agrees that applying the same standards and regulations to two different industries doesn't make sense,"" Senator Johanns said. ""In the effort to eliminate the 'too-big-to-fail' issue resulting from the 2008 financial crisis, those lines got blurred. We need to clarify this issue before these new regulations force companies to mismatch risk profiles and drive up insurance costs for consumers."" Section 171 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which was authored by Senator Collins, requires large financial holding companies to maintain a level of capital at least as high as that required for our community banks, equalizing their minimum capital requirements, and eliminating the incentives for banks to become ""too big to fail""-the problem at the root of the 2008-2009 financial crisis.  Prior to the passage of Section 171, the capital and risk standards for the largest financial institutions were more lax than those applied to smaller depository banks.  Although Section 171 allows the federal regulators to take into account the significant distinctions between banking and insurance, and while the Federal Reserve has acknowledged the important distinctions between banking and insurance, the Fed has repeatedly suggested that it lacks the authority to take those distinctions into account when implementing the consolidated capital standards required by Section 171. Specifically, the ""Capital Standards Clarification Act of 2014"" would: Add language to Section 171 to clarify that, in establishing minimum capital requirements for holding companies on a consolidated basis, the Federal Reserve is not required to include insurers to the extent they are engaged in activities regulated as insurance at the state level; Provide a mechanism for the Federal Reserve, acting in consultation with the appropriate state insurance authority, to provide similar treatment for foreign insurance entities within a U.S. holding company where that entity does not itself do business in the United States; and Directs the Federal Reserve not to require insurers which file holding company financial statements using Statutory Accounting Principles to instead prepare their financial statements using Generally Accepting Accounting Principles.  In March, Sen. Brown chaired a hearing of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection entitled ""Finding the Right Capital Regulations for Insurers."" The hearing, at which Sen. Collins provided testimony, examined whether capital requirements under the Collins Amendment require insurance companies to adhere to the same capital standards as traditional bank holding companies (BHCs).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140502015439/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=986af883-63ec-432d-80fa-60a92c7bd7f5,Senators Collins and King Announce Pentagon Will Ensure Athletic Footwear for New Recruits is American-Made,2014-04-25,2014,2014-04,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Department of Defense (DOD) will require new recruits to use their footwear allowance to purchase athletic footwear that is compliant with the Berry Amendment, such as athletic shoes made by New Balance, once they are available in the marketplace.  For several years, Maine's Senators have urged the Pentagon to buy footwear made in the USA rather than circumventing the Berry Amendment, which has ensured that American soldiers wear and use, to the greatest extent possible, American-made uniforms and equipment since 1941. Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine Fox called both Senators Collins and King to inform them of the decision. ""This decision will create more American manufacturing jobs at no cost to the taxpayer simply by requiring the military to buy American-made athletic footwear for new recruits, just as it does for other uniform items for our troops,"" Senator Collins said.  ""Maine has a long and proud shoemaking history, and officials from the Defense Department have seen first-hand the quality work being done by the talented men and women at New Balance in our state."" ""This is a real victory for Maine and is proof positive of what we already know - that American manufacturers, like New Balance, produce some of the best and most capable footwear in the world,"" Senator King said. ""This decision by the Defense Department is a vote of confidence in the hardworking men and women of New Balance and represents an important commitment to supporting local manufacturing and investing in jobs here at home. Our recruits deserve to wear the finest American-made shoes available, and I am proud New Balance footwear will have a fair shot at serving the men and women of our military."" Senators Collins and King have strongly urged the Pentagon to procure footwear made in the USA rather than circumventing the Berry Amendment.  Last May, Senators Collins and King authored a bill that would require DOD to treat athletic footwear like every other uniform item, including boots, and ensure that such items are bought from American manufacturers, such as New Balance, which manufactures some of its products at factories in Norridgewock, Skowhegan, and Norway, Maine. Last September, senior civilian officials from the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy visited the New Balance facilities in Norridgewock, Maine.  This was in response to Senator Collins' request for Defense Department officials to visit one of the premier domestic athletic shoe manufacturers to see first-hand that the domestic capacity exists to produce high-quality athletic shoes at a cost comparable to what we are already allocating to our service members for such footwear. Senators Collins and King have also written several letters to the President and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel urging them to require the footwear worn by our troops are top quality and made in America. A response from Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine Fox to Senators Collins and King can be viewed here and here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140425023157/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0da60a54-d70b-4178-9098-036ba57c24df,Senator Collins Condemns Distribution of Anti-Semitic Fliers in Eastern Ukraine,2014-04-18,2014,2014-04,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement today regarding reports that anti-Semitic fliers have been distributed in Eastern Ukraine: ""The chilling nature of the anti-Semitic flier distributed in Donestk, Ukraine, is appalling.  Seventy years after the Holocaust, the world must never forget the atrocities committed against the Jewish people and strongly condemn anti-Semitism in whatever form it takes, regardless of the perpetrator or their intent in distributing the flier.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140418022715/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=051ebd38-1af5-483d-b9f0-9c19a8b325af,Senator Collins Announces $1 Million For Maine Ferry Service Improvements,2014-04-14,2014,2014-04,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing $1 million for the Maine State Ferry Service projects that will improve service to Vinalhaven as a result of a new layover berth.  This funding was provided by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, which passed Congress with the strong support of Senator Collins, and was signed into law in 2005. $650,000 is provided for improvement projects in Rockland, and $350,000 is provided for improvement projects in Swan's Island. ""Maine's ferry services are essential not only for tourism, but also for maintaining year-round communities on our islands,"" said Senator Collins.  ""This investment will help provide critical upgrades to our ferry infrastructure and continue to promote economic development in our island communities."" The Maine State Ferry Service provides service to the islands of North Haven, Vinalhaven, Islesboro, Matinicus, Swan's Island, and Frenchboro.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z