url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-completes-another-year-senate-service-perfect-consecutive-vote-record,Senator Collins Completes Another Year of Senate Service with Perfect Consecutive Vote Record,2019-12-31,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins extended her streak of not missing a single roll call vote, bringing her total to 7,262 consecutive votes through the end of 2019. She reached the milestone of casting 7,000 votes in June of this year.

Senator Collins holds the longest perfect roll call vote record in Senate history. She has been present for every roll call vote that has occurred in the Senate since she was sworn into office in January 1997. Senator Collins is now 12th in Senate seniority.

Growing up in Aroostook County, I learned the importance of a strong work ethic at a very early age. I am proud to bring the Maine values of hard work and dedication to the U.S. Senate. It is an honor to represent the people of Maine, and I have always believed it is important to show up for every vote and make sure their voices are heard, said Senator Collins. My vote record was inspired by the legendary Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who did not miss a vote for 13 years until surgery forced her to do so.

Senator Collins surpassed Senator Smith's record in 2005. Senator Smith cast 2,941 consecutive votes over 13 years before missing her first vote on September 6, 1968.

Senator Collins' first vote in the Senate was on January 22, 1997, when she voted to confirm Madeleine Albright as Secretary of State. Her second vote, the same day, was to confirm former Maine Senator Bill Cohen as Secretary of Defense. Senator Collins succeeded Secretary Cohen in the Senate.

In addition to not missing any roll call votes, Senator Collins continues to return home to Maine on weekends and during state work periods to meet with constituents and visit communities, businesses, and schools throughout the state.

Senator Collins holds the longest perfect, unbroken record of Senate roll call votes, and she has the third-longest consecutive vote streak. The only other two Senators with longer consecutive vote streaks are former Senator William Proxmire (D-WI) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Senator Proxmire, who was first elected in 1957, cast 10,252 uninterrupted votes between 1966 and 1988 but missed votes earlier in his career. Senator Grassley has not missed a vote since 1993, when he was touring severe flood damage in his home state.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-december-podcast-king-talks-climate-change-with-us-sens-romney-coons-and-college-of-the-atlantic-president-darron-collins,"In December Podcast, King Talks Climate Change with U.S. Sens. Romney, Coons, and College of the Atlantic President Darron Collins",2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,
D.C.  Today, the Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the
December edition of Senator King's monthly Inside Maine podcast. This
month's show highlights the impact of climate change on Maine, as well as
emerging bipartisan solutions to address this existential crisis. In the first
segment, Senator King is joined by Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Chris
Coons (D-Del.), to discuss bipartisan steps Congress can take to mitigate and
adapt to the effects of climate change. Each of the
Senators is a member of the bipartisan
Climate Solutions Caucus. In the second
segment, Darron Collins, President of the College of the Atlantic (COA),
joins Senator King to share his thoughts on the specific challenges facing
Maine and the work COA is pursuing to reduce their impact on our planet.   Climate change
is the most serious global crisis in my lifetime, and it's crucial that we act
quickly to mitigate the toll that it's already taking on our environment; I
want my grandchildren to know that I took the necessary action for them and
their future families, said Senator King. The facts are clear, and
paint a grave picture for future generations, with the Gulf of Maine warming
99% faster than the world's oceans. With bipartisan
initiatives put forth by myself and my colleagues in the Senate  and the
expertise of institutions like the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor  we
can and should take steps towards lasting change.  A forceful
advocate for clean energy solutions wherever they can be found, Senator King is
the lead sponsor on a range of bills that encourage energy efficiency and
research on clean energy technologies, such as the Joint
Long-Term Storage Act, which seeks to speed up deployment of
long-duration energy storage technologies through strategic collaboration
between federal agencies. He is a cosponsor of the Renewable Electricity Standard Act of 2019
which would put the U.S. on a trajectory to decarbonize the power sector by
2050. In July, Senator King took to the Senate floor to urge bold and meaningful action to mitigate the threat of
climate change. He also
continues to
speak out to encourage the administration to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord
and reaffirm U.S. leadership in the fight against global climate change.   The Inside
Maine Podcast with Senator Angus King is a 30-minute program that aims to help
keep Maine people informed about issues of the day, how they affect life in the
state, and how they factor into Senator King's work as one of two independents
in the U.S. Senate. Senator King's podcast builds on his existing radio show
that airs on Newsradio WGAN in Portland, Maine between 10 and 11 a.m. on almost
every last Saturday of the month. The link to the December podcast can be
foundHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3206,Pingree Announces $125k Drug-Free Communities Grant to Westbrook Schools,2019-12-27,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Announces $125k Drug-Free Communities Grant to Westbrook Schools 
    
     

  
  
    
      Washington,
      December 27, 2019
    
    
    
    
  
  

  

  
    
        
           
      
          
      
           
        
      
    
  
  
  

  
    
      Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced the Westbrook School Department is the recipient of a$125,000Drug-Free Communities grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policyin cooperation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
This federal funding will help Westbrook community partners to educate kids and parents about substance use preventionkeeping our kids healthier and safer for their future, said Pingree.With the rise of substance use disorder in Maine, it's critical that we support communities which are proactively working topreventing substance misuse through support.
The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) program supports communities as they mobilize individuals and local organizations to prevent youth substance abuse. The Westbrook School Department received one of 42 new grants to coalitions throughout the country. DFC has awarded nearly $90 million in grants to community organizations throughout the country.
Details of the grant is as follows:
 
    Coalition Name:Westbrook Partners for Prevention
    Grant Recipient Organization:Westbrook School Department
    
        Project Description:
        
            The Westbrook School Department was awarded a FY 2019 Drug-Free Communities Support Program grant in the amount of $125,000 by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in cooperation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The coalition serves Westbrook, Maine, a community of 18,400. The goal of the coalition is to establish and strengthen community collaboration in support of local efforts to prevent youth substance misuse. The coalition will achieve its goal by implementing these strategies: 
            
                Address the use of substances by targeting root causes including social and retail access, community norms, laws and enforcement and parental and peer attitudes toward misuse.
                
            
        
    
 
  
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https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-stress-urgency-of-arctic-policy-through-new-legislation,"King, Colleagues Stress Urgency of Arctic Policy Through New Legislation",2019-12-26,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,
DC  U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Senate Arctic
Caucus and member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and Energy &
Natural Resources Committee, joined Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Lisa
Murkowski (R-Alaska) to introduce Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019. The
bill would direct the federal government to recognize the importance of the
Arctic region to the United States' national and economic security interests,
and to put forward a strategy for the U.S. fleet's ability to operate in the
Arctic and respond to challenges. The Arctic is
an emerging frontier for international commerce and military capabilities
required to protect national interests, which creates new opportunities for the
United States  and for potential adversaries, said Senator King. As
the impacts of climate change continue to affect this vital region, the U.S.
must be forward-thinking to establish and protect our leadership role in the
Arctic, and Maine's people and resources are a key component of this effort. As
the old Latin phrase goes: If you want peace, prepare for war.' The Arctic is
seen as a zone of international cooperation and we should aim to maintain this;
to do so, we need a strategy on how to assert ourselves in a corner of globe
that grows more important by the day, and this legislation is a much-needed
step toward that goal. The Arctic
Naval Focus Act of 2019 would: 
Codify
a series of findings on the strategic importance of the Arctic. 
Declare
that it is the policy of the U.S. to develop and deploy Naval capabilities to
meet the unique and growing challenges in the Arctic.  Require the Department of
Defense and Department of Homeland Security to
develop a detailed plan within one year for taking concrete steps to create an
operational and strategic support system for Arctic Naval surface operations
with set deadlines for implementation. Senator King is an advocate for Maine's interests in the
North Atlantic and Arctic region, and has worked in Washington to advance
Maine's leadership in the High North. In September he invited Senator Sullivan
on his monthly Inside Maine podcast to discuss U.S.
military challenges and opportunities in the Arctic. In July, he spoke at
the Woodrow Wilson International Center on the economic implications of
increased activity in the Arctic. In May 2018, hejoined
University of New England students, faculty, researchers, and staff as well as
leaderson North Atlantic and Arctic policy at the launch of the
Institute for North Atlantic Studies of the University of New England (UNE
NORTH). UNE NORTH is an initiative of the University of New England that aims
to help the next generation of leaders further responsible stewardship and
sustainable economic growth in the region. In 2015, Senator King traveled to Iceland, where he
participated in theArctic
Circle Assembly Plenary Session, speaking to the national security, climate
change, economic issues that make the region a significant policy priority for
the U.S. In October 2016, Senator King joined Maine people and leaders from
around the globe to attend theArctic
Council conferenceat the University of Southern Maine's Portland
Campus. He also visitedGreenland
on a fact-finding missionthat focused on examining the environmental
and security implications of the warming Arctic climate and traveled toIqaluit,
Canadato help usher in the United States' chairmanship of the Arctic
Council in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-dhs-issue-additional-h-2b-visas-0,"Senators Collins, King Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging DHS to Issue Additional H-2B Visas to Support Small Businesses",2019-12-24,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to read the letter

Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) co-led a letter to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, urging him to increase the number of H-2B visas to provide relief to small businesses struggling to fill seasonal job openings in the current tight labor market. Their letter was co-signed by 12 of their colleagues.

The letter calls on Acting Secretary Wolf to increase the existing 66,000 H-2B visa cap to the maximum allowable by law, which is permitted by a provision in the recently-passed appropriations package. DHS used similar authority to provide 15,000 additional H-2B visas in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 and 30,000 visas in fiscal year 2019.

The continued tightening of the labor market warrants this increase, the Senators wrote. When the Department of Labor opened the H-2B visa application window this past January, it immediately received applications for over 96,400 H-2B worker positions, nearly triple the 33,000 H-2B visas available for the second half of the fiscal year. This wave of applications reflected a severe shortage of seasonal workers in a very tight labor marketIn some industries, particularly tourism, we fear that the demand for workers so far outstrips the available supply that businesses could be forced to curtail operations, putting at risk the jobs of American workers who fill year-round positions at these establishments.

We hope that you see the need for these additional visas, and that you understand the economic importance of them to seasonal businesses around the country, the Senators continued. We also ask that you release the additional visas as soon as possible, so that employers can prepare properly for the upcoming season.

H-2B workers support American jobs and small businesses. Bipartisan research has found a direct correlation between increased numbers of H-2B workers and a rise in pay across the board for all employees. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions. H-2B visas fill needs for American small businesses when there are not enough able and willing American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions.

Senators Collins and King's letter was co-signed by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Tom Carper (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Cornyn (R-TX), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

Click HERE to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3204,Deering Student Wins 2019 Congressional App Challenge for Maines First District,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Deering Student Wins 2019 Congressional App Challenge for Maine's First District 
    
     

  
  
    
      Washington,
      December 23, 2019
    
    
    
    
  
  

  

  
  
  

  
    
      Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that Deering High School junior Aidan Blum Levine has won the 2019 Congressional App Challenge for Maine's 1st District. His submission Windition allows users of the app to post up-to-date weather conditions for winter sports.
Year after year, the apps Maine students develop are technically impressive, innovative, and solve problems that Americans face in their everyday lives,said Pingree.Aidan Blum Levine's submission show's he really understands Mainers needsan app that helps them track the areas best for winter exploration. Congratulations to him and my thanks to everyone who participated.
In Levine'ssubmission, he cited his own interest in winter sports as part of the inspiration for creating his app. The app will allow users to post conditions for sports like skiing and sledding so others can have real-time conditions of the locations without having to go all the way there and see it themselves. The app has many Maine locations already built in, but new locations can be easily suggested by users after they create an account. Levine's app also has a map to find new locations for winter sports.
TheCongressional App Challengeis a nationwide competition. Members of Congress must choose to participate for students in their District to be eligible. Winning apps from each District will be displayed and recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. this spring. The Internet Education Foundation coordinates the competition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-criticizes-lack-of-transparency-in-saudi-arabias-khashoggi-trial,King Criticizes Lack of Transparency in Saudi Arabia’s Khashoggi Trial,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the following statement from Sen. King on today's announcement that five unnamed defendants have been sentenced to death for their role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, while a top aide to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was cleared of wrongdoing. When Sen. Young and I visited the Kingdom earlier this year, we made clear that for many in Congress any serious improvement in our bilateral relationship requires justice and accountability on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi  delivered clearly, publicly and without equivocation, said Sen. King. Between the secrecy surrounding the proceedings (including refusing to name those found guilty) and apparently not accounting for the role the Crown Prince's top aide Saud al-Qahtani played in the murder for a lack of evidence, effort, or possibly both  today's announcement does not seem to meet those criteria. If the Crown Prince wishes to truly bring Saudi Arabia into the 21st century and address the trust deficit between our two nations, he must commit to more transparent and complete justice, both now and in the future. I look forward to receiving more information on these developments from US diplomatic and intelligence officials in the near future. In September, Senator King traveled to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman with Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) on the first congressional delegation visit to Saudi Arabia in over a year. In addition to pressing the Crown Prince on the death of Jamal Khashoggi, they also discussed the humanitarian and security crisis in Yemen and releasing pledged humanitarian relief. Following their visit, they wrote an op-ed in Defense News emphasizing the importance of transparency in the ongoing investigation of Khashoggi's murder.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-risch-bill-protecting-energy-grid-from-cyberattacks-becomes-law,"King, Risch Bill Protecting Energy Grid from Cyberattacks Becomes Law",2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), both members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, celebrated the enactment of their bipartisan Securing Energy Infrastructure Act into law. The legislation passed as part of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and willdevelop defenses for the U.S. energy grid through partnerships between the National Laboratories and industry. The partnerships will utilize engineering concepts to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid and the nation's critical infrastructure. The energy grid is central to nearly all facets of 21stcentury life, but remains vulnerable to hackers,said Senator King, co-chair of theCyberspace Solarium Commission.If this critical infrastructure is compromised, our financial transactions, communications networks, healthcare services, and much more will be at risk. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will help defend our energy grid from attacks launched from thousands of miles away  I'm heartened to see this much-needed provision signed into law, and deeply grateful for the partnership of Senator Risch in this effort. The vulnerabilities afflicting our critical infrastructure are deeply troubling and there is strong bipartisan agreement that this issue requires our immediate attention, said Senator Risch. The Securing Energy Infrastructure Act has been many years in the making, and am confident our national laboratories, particularly the INL in my home state of Idaho, will lead this important research aimed at strengthening our grid security and preventing catastrophic cyberattacks. TheSecuring Energy Infrastructure Actaims to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the energy grid through holes in digital software systems. Specifically the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act will direct the Department of Energy to examine ways to replace networked systems with less complex connections limiting paths to attack the systems. The legislation was part of theDamon Paul Nelson and Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020, which was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. This legislation was inspired in part by Ukraine's experience in 2015, when a sophisticated cyber-attack on that country's power grid led to more than 225,000 people being left in the dark. The attack could have been worse if not for the fact that Ukraine relies on older, less networked technology to operate its grid. The senators' bill would build on this concept by studying ways to simplify and isolate the grid's most important control systems. More specifically, the legislation will: Establish a two-year pilot program within the National Laboratories to study covered entities and identify new classes of security vulnerabilities, and research and test technology that could be used to isolate the most critical systems of covered entities from cyber-attacks.Require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the technology solutions proposed by the National Laboratories and to develop a national cyber-informed strategy to isolate the energy grid from attacks. Members of the working group would include federal government agencies, the energy industry, a state or regional energy agency, the National Laboratories, and other groups with relevant experience.Require the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress describing the results of the program, assessing the feasibility of the techniques considered, and outlining the results of the working groups' evaluation.Define covered entities under the bill as segments of the energy sector that have already been designated as entities where a cyber-security incident could result in catastrophic regional or national effects on public health or safety, economic security, or national security. In addition to Senators King and Risch, the legislation was cosponsored by Senators Susan M. Collins (R-Maine), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). A companion bill was introduced by Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and John Carter (R-Tex.) in the House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/10-million-right-whale-research-additional-funding-maine-lobster-industry-fisheries-signed,"$10 million for Right Whale Research, Additional Funding for Maine Lobster Industry & Fisheries Signed into Law",2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, announced that provisions she authored to support Maine's lobster industry and fisheries, as well as the National Sea Grant Program and other ocean research efforts, have been signed into law. Earlier this year, Senator Collins took to the Senate floor to discuss the urgent need to address challenges facing Maine's lobster industry.

Maine's fishermen have been careful stewards of our natural resources for generations, said Senator Collins. This critical funding will build on their efforts by investing in our coastal communities and in the health of ocean ecosystems. This legislation also includes provisions I fought for that will support the lobster industry, which supports the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking Mainers.

The fiscal year (FY) 2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) funding bill allocates $73.33 billion, which is $9.15 billion more than last year's funding level. Provisions championed by Senator Collins to benefit Maine include:

 National Sea Grant Program: The bill includes $74 million for the National Sea Grant Program. Senator Collins has long worked to provide and protect funding for the National Sea Grant Program and was key in securing funding in the FY 2019 appropriations bill, which distributed funding awards earlier this year to advance our understanding of the American lobster and support a regional lobster extension program. In April, Senator Collins joined a bipartisan group of Senators in rejecting the Administration's proposal to eliminate funding for the National Sea Grant Program.

o Lobster Research:Within the funding for Sea Grant, $2 million is included to support Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank American lobster research priorities. This research will focus on stock resilience in the face of environmental changes, including life history parameters, distribution and abundance, and species interactions, with the purpose of informing future management decisions. It will also support research to helpovercome reduced availability of lobster bait.

 Right Whales: The bill includes $10 million for right whale related research, an increase of $2 million, anddirects National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with the Canadian government to reduce risks throughout its range. Such efforts include, but are not limited to, continued collaboration on surveillance, cooperative research on the distribution of the whales and their food sources, and coordinated gear marking efforts across jurisdictions. Furthermore, the bill urges NOAA to prioritize the development of long-term tagging methods for right whales, which would enable scientists to better track the whales' location and distribution. Additionally, the bill directs NOAA to fully evaluate the feasibility and economic implications of any management actions relating to the North Atlantic right whale and requires the agency to incorporate into its rulemaking recent research on the species' primary food source (which has been shown to be decreasing in abundance in the eastern Gulf of Maine).

 Gray Zone: The bill encourages NOAA to work with Canadian and state fishery officials to develop a cooperative fisheries management plan for the gray zone. At a Commerce Subcommittee hearing in April, Senator Collins urged senior administration officials to work to find an agreement with Canada on fishing gray zones.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/185-million-support-breweries-signed-law-following-senator-collins%E2%80%99-advocacy,$18.5 Million to Support Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins Advocacy,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill has been signed into law. The legislation included a total of $18.5 million for breweries in Maine and across the country,

Maine is home to the best craft brewers in the country. In addition to producing exceptional beer, they are a major contributor to our state's economy and a significant source of jobs, said Senator Collins. I worked to secure significant wins for Maine's small brewers in the new tax law and to provide this important extension, and as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I fought for additional funding that will continue to assist Maine's more than 135 breweries in the appropriations package.

Provisions championed by Senator Collins to benefit Maine's craft beverage industry include:

 A 1-year extension of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA)  Senator Collins is a cosponsor of the standalone bill, which reduces taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers. The reduced excise taxes were set to expire at the end of this year after being included in the tax reform law Senator Collins voted for at the end of 2017. 

 $15 milliona $5.5 million increasefor U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, which enhances the product safety and supply of barley and wheat. The goal of the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative is to develop as quickly as possible effective control measures that minimize the threat of Fusarium head blight (scab) to the producers, processors, and consumers of wheat and barley.

 $3.5 millionan increase of $1 million for the Small Grains Genomic Initiative, which funds important barley, oat, and wheat research to improve quality and breeding.

Earlier this year, Senator Collins met with members of the Maine Brewers Association. During the meeting, the members expressed their support for CBMTRA, which Senator Collins co-sponsored. According to the Maine Brewers' Guild, craft beer contributes $260 million to the Maine economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/25-million-northern-border-regional-commission-signed-law-%E2%80%93-5-million-increase,$25 million for Northern Border Regional Commission Signed into Law  a $5 million increase,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that $25 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), $5 million more than last year, was signed into law as part of the appropriations package.

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins worked to secure this $5 million increase in the final bipartisan appropriations agreement. The funding includes $4 million for initiatives that seek to address the decline in forest-economies through the region and $750,000 for the State Capacity Grant Program, which was included in legislation led by Senator Collins that was incorporated in the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Northern Border Regional Commission serves as a critical resource for northern and central Maine, making investments to help increase job growth and boost local economies, said Senator Collins. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I fought to include this $25 million investment, which will support some of the most economically disadvantaged areas of Maine and neighboring states.

NBRC provides grants for projects throughout northern and central Maine, as well as northern New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont, spurring economic and community development. In 2019, NBRC awarded more than $6 million to projects in Maine.

The NBRC was a key partner in the multiagency Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT)  originally requested in March 2016 by Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME)  supporting economic development strategies and efforts that help pave the way for job growth in a region experiencing economic distress. The January 2017 EDAT assessment highlighted the importance of the NBRC and its potential to leverage federal resources to support the viability of impacted mill communities and help grow Maine's rural economy.

Since its creation in 2008, Senator Collins has advocated for the NBRC and introduced a bill to reauthorize it in March 2018 with SenatorsJeanne Shaheen (D-NH),Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/28-billion-secured-senator-collins-support-homelessness-prevention-programs-signed-law,$2.8 Billion Secured by Senator Collins to Support Homelessness Prevention Programs Signed into Law,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill has been signed into law. This bipartisan bill includes more than $2.8 billion to help communities design and implement local solutions to end homelessness.

This important funding will bolster Maine's efforts to assist our state's most vulnerable citizens with additional resources and promote their health, independence, and overall wellbeing. I am particularly pleased that this bill supports new housing vouchers for veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms as well as initiatives to find permanent housing for homeless and runaway youth,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I have championed funding for these important programs, and I will continue to work to prevent and end homelessness in Maine.

Provisions authored by Senator Collins that will benefit Maine homeless programs include:

 Homeless Assistance Grants:The bill includes $2.4 billion in order to fully meet the renewal needs of the Homeless Assistance Grant program and provides an additional $290 million for Emergency Solutions Grants.

 Homeless Youth:The bill includes $80 million in funding for efforts to end youth homelessness in both urban and rural areas. In August, Senator Collinsannounced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)awarded $3,354,677 to the Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) tocombat youth homelessness throughout the State of Maine.

 Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence: The bill includes $50 million for new rapid rehousing projects that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence.

 Section 8 Vouchers: The bill includes $25 million for new family unification vouchers of which $20 million will be used to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless.

 Housing for Veterans: The bill includes $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. Since the HUD-VASH program was first established in 2008, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans. Senator Collins' efforts have contributed to homelessness among veterans declining by 50 percent since 2010. In April, Senator Collinshosted Secretary Wilkie in Maineto visit a veteran-owned small business, participate in the groundbreaking for a new veterans residential care facility, and tour an organization that provides housing for homeless veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-legislation-help-americans-save-retirement-signed-law,"Collins, Hassan Legislation to Help Americans Save for Retirement Signed into Law",2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced that several provisions from the Retirement Security Act of 2019 they introduced earlier this year have been signed into law as part of the final Appropriations agreement.

As the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, ensuring that more people are better prepared for retirement is one of my top priorities, said Senator Collins. The bipartisan provisions Senator Hassan and I authored would significantly improve the financial security of many Americans by reducing the cost and complexity of retirement plans, especially for small businesses, and encourage individuals to save more for retirement. 

According to the non-partisan Center for Retirement Research, there is an estimated $7.7 trillion gap between the savings American households need to maintain their standard of living in retirement and what they actually have. A recent Gallup poll found that only 54 percent of working Americans believe that they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.

The provisions of the Retirement Security Act included in the appropriations agreement would address this issue by:

 Enabling more businesses to join multiple employer plans (MEPs) to offer retirement programs to their employees. The bill would allow businesses to share the administrative burden of a retirement plan, which helps lower costs, without requiring a connection, or nexus, between them.

 Making MEPs a more attractive option for small businesses. The bill would protect members of a MEP from losing their tax benefits if one employer in a MEP fails to meet the minimum criteria necessary for retirement plans to obtain tax benefits.

 Facilitating adoption of retirement plans. The bill would simplify certain safe harbor rules to provide greater flexibility while also improving employee protection.

 Helping more small employers offer retirement plans. The bill would increase the current tax credit for small employer plan startup costs and create a new credit to help with startup costs for new plans that include automatic enrollment.

The Retirement Security Act provisions in the appropriations agreement were included as part of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/funding-secured-senator-collins-improve-maine%E2%80%99s-transportation-housing-signed-law,Funding Secured by Senator Collins to Improve Maines Transportation & Housing Signed into Law,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill was signed into law last night. This legislation will make critical improvements to Maine's transportation infrastructure, promote economic development, and provide housing assistance for the most vulnerable populations.

At its core, this legislation is about creating and sustaining jobs through investments that make critical improvements to our infrastructure and provide housing assistance to low-income families. It also contains key reforms, such as improving oversight of the FAA's aviation safety and aircraft certification programs, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have championed funding for these important programs, and I will continue to work to improve Maine's infrastructure.

Earlier this year, Senator Collinsdelivered remarks from the Senate floorurging her colleagues to support the FY 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill, which provides $74.3 billion in new funding, $3.2 billion more than last year.Provisions secured by Senator Collins that will benefit Maine include:

Department of Transportation:

 BUILD Grants: The bill includes $1 billion for BUILD grants, which provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Since the program's inception in 2009, Maine has received a BUILD grant each year, totaling $205 million, due to Senator Collins' advocacy.

 Aviation: The bill fully funds the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) safety programs to address safety concerns raised by two recent Boeing 737-MAX crashes. An increase of $67 million is provided to hire staff with specialized expertise, such as in human factors, as well as to improve training of aviation safety inspectors. The FAA is also directed to respond to all recommendations issued by the various investigations and audits and to finalize a rulemaking requiring aviation manufacturers to establish a safety management system (SMS). The bill also includes $162 million for the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, which provides commercial air service to Augusta/Waterville, Bar Harbor, Presque Isle/Houlton, and Rockland, and $3.75 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP)to improve ournation's airports. The bill continues to provide $5 million for the FAA's work on a statewide helicopter route system to help LifeFlight of Maine to fly in poor weather conditions under instrument flight rules.

 Highway and Bridge Funding Increase: The bill funds the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at $49.3 billion, of which $2.2 billion is provided from the general fund. Of this amount, $1.15 billion is for bridge repairs and rehabilitation, which will provide $35 million for Maine's bridges; and $781 million for highway formula programs, which will provide $3.6 million for Maine's highways.

 State Maritime Academies: The bill includes $300 million for a new training ship for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), and an additional $5 million in direct support, tuition assistance, ship-sharing and fuel payments for MMA. Click HERE to read more.

 Small Shipyard Grants: The bill includes $20 million for the Maritime Administration's Small Shipyard Grant program, which helps small shipyards improve the efficiency of their operations by providing for equipment and other facility upgrades. Maine shipyards have benefitted from this program, including Rockland Marine Corporation, Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc., of East Boothbay, and Front Street Shipyard of Belfast.

 Port Infrastructure Development Program. The bill provides $225 million for port grants for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of goods at ports. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is directed to prioritize applications that are less than $10 million from small ports, and such applications can receive a Federal cost-share above 80 percent.

Housing and Urban Development: 

 Homelessness Prevention: The bill includes more than $2.8 billion to help communities design and implement local solutions to end homelessness. Of this amount, $2.8 billion is included for the Homeless Assistance Grant program in order to fully meet the program's renewal need, and includes $280 million for Emergency Solutions Grants, $80 million in funding targeted for homeless youth, and $50 million for new rapid rehousing projects that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence. The bill also includes $20 million for new family unification vouchers to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless, and $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. Since the HUD-VASH program was first established in 2008, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans. Click HERE to read more.

 Lead Grants: The bill includes $290 million to combat lead hazards, $11 million above last year's level. This will fund intensive interventions in communities with very high incidences of lead paint. These multi-year projects can dramatically reduce lead-based paint hazards in Maine communities with old housing that are in greatest need for lead remediation. Under Chairman Collins' leadership, funding for the lead hazard program has nearly tripled since 2015.

 Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): The bill includes $3.4 billion for the CDBG program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation.

 Housing during substance abuse recovery. The bill provides $25 million for assistance to States to provide stable, temporary housing to individuals recovering from substance abuse. States including Maine, with high rates of overdose deaths will receive funding. 

 Housing for the Elderly: In addition to fully funding the renewal of existing rental assistance for seniors, the bill includes $90 million for new construction of senior housing and $10 million for grants for home modifications to enable low-income seniors to age in place' and remain in their own homes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-protect-endangered-animals-signed-law,Legislation to Protect Endangered Animals Signed into Law,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) announced that the Rescuing Animals With Rewards (RAWR) Act has been signed into law. This bipartisan bill will help protect endangered animals by combatting wildlife trafficking and poaching. Specifically, the RAWR Act authorizes the State Department to offer financial rewards for information that leads to the disruption of wildlife trafficking networks. The RAWR Act was included as part of the final appropriations packages.

Wildlife trafficking is a transnational crime that requires a coordinated and sustained global effort to effectively combat it, said Senator Collins. Our bipartisan bill is one step closer to becoming law, building upon efforts to deter this illegal activity by allowing the State Department to offer rewards for information to help stop wildlife traffickers.

When wildlife traffickers, poachers, and profiteers kill magnificent animals like elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, they degrade critical ecosystems and rob the world of a piece of our humanity and shared history on this planet,said Senator Merkley. It's time to use every tool at our disposal to crack down on these destructive international crime networks. I'm grateful to our bipartisan coalition for pushing this legislation forward, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.

Wildlife crimes undermine national security and cause immense cruelty to animals, said Marty Irby, executive director at Animal Wellness Action. We applaud Senator Collins for championing a creative solution to crack down on these international crimes and are grateful for her tremendous leadership on animal protection issues across the board.

""The slaughter of wildlife for their parts is one of the greatest threats to rare species across the world,"" said Penny Eastman, deputy director of federal affairs at Animal Wellness Action. ""Sen. Collins has stepped up again with this anti-wildlife trafficking measure to combat the merciless killing of the planet's wildlife.""

Senators Collins and Merkley introduced the RAWR Act in May.

TheRAWR Actis supported by a wide range of environmental and animal welfare groups, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare, National Whistleblower Center, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Humane Society International, NRDC, African Wildlife Foundation, the Environmental Investigation Agency, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, World Wildlife Fund, the Animal Welfare Institute, and the Oregon Zoo.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-supported-senators-collins-king-combat-rising-prescription-drug-prices-signed,"Legislation Supported By Senators Collins, King to Combat Rising Prescription Drug Prices Signed into Law",2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that legislation they cosponsored to combat anticompetitive practices used by some brand-name drug companies to block entry of lower-cost generic drugs has been signed into law. The Creating and Restoring Equal Access To Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act will deter pharmaceutical companies from blocking cheaper generic alternatives from entering the marketplace. The CREATES Act was included as part of the final appropriations package.

Skyrocketing drug prices are making it more and more difficult for Americans to access the treatments they require. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, addressing the rising costs of these medications is one of my top priorities, said Senator Collins. The CREATES Act combats the gaming that some brand companies engage in to unlawfully extend their market power and pricing controls. This bipartisan bill will have an immediate impact on the development and approval of generic and biosimilar drugs.

The rising cost of prescription medication continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing Maine people, Senator King said. Whether it's a senior on a fixed income, or a working family trying to make ends meet, or an employer paying for private insurance, these prices are a serious challenge for Maine people across our state. Increased access togeneric medications will help Maine citizens take care of their health without having to sacrifice other important necessities  because no one should be forced to choose between taking an important medicine or putting food on the table.

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the bill would result in a $3.9 billion net decrease in the federal deficit. Savings to consumers and private insurers likely would be far greater  many billions of dollars more.

The legislation is strongly supported by a broad coalition of groups, including AARP, American College of Physicians, Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs, and many others. A coalition letter in support of the CREATES Act can be found here and a list of supporters here.

In addition to Senators Collins and King, the CREATES Act was introduced by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

An outline of the CREATES Act can be found here, and text of legislation can be found here.

In 2015, Senator Collins and then-Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) launched the Senate's first bipartisan investigation into the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to egregious price spikes for certain off-patent drugs. They released a report on their investigation in 2016. Following their investigation, Senators Collins and McCaskill authored a bill to improve generic competition and lower the cost of prescription drugs that was signed into law as part of the FDA Reauthorization Act. In October 2018, Senator Collins' legislation to prohibit the use of pharmacy gag clauses was also signed into law. Senator Collins is a cosponsor of the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2019, legislation to permit the importation of prescription drugs from approved pharmacies in Canada.

In January, Senator King announced his support for three bills that would reduce the cost of prescription drugs. The first bill, theEnd Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Act, would prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses, and theAffordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Actwould allow patients, pharmacists and wholesalers to import safe, affordable medicine from Canada and other major countries. TheEmpowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Actwouldallow for Medicare to negotiate the best possible price of prescription drugs to cut costs for nearly 43 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D. Current law only allows for bargaining by private plan sponsors and prohibits Medicare from doing so.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-secures-more-4-billion-heating-assistance-weatherization-programs,"Senator Collins Secures More Than $4 Billion for Heating Assistance, Weatherization Programs",2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, announced that $3.74 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and $305 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) were signed into law last night as part of the fiscal year 2020 appropriations package.

Senator Collins strongly advocated for this funding and secured an increase of $50 million for LIHEAP and $51 million for WAP compared to the previous fiscal year. Earlier this month, Senators Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent letters to the leadership of two Appropriations Subcommittees urging them to provide robust funding for LIHEAP and WAP.

The LIHEAP and Weatherization programs are essential to helping thousands of Mainers keep warm during the cold winter months, said Senator Collins. This funding will help ensure that low-income families and seniors do not have to make the impossible choice between paying for heat and paying for food or medicine.

In October, Senators Collins and Reed led a bipartisan coalition of Senators in sending aletterto the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for LIHEAP as quickly as possible under the continuing resolution. In April, Senators Collins and Reed joined Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to introduce legislationthat would reauthorize WAP through 2024.

In 2018, nearly 28,000 Maine households received assistance benefits through the LIHEAP program.

Since 2010, Maine has received $22.1 million in WAP funding and has been able to successfully weatherize nearly 2,500 homes and rental units across the state, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Senator Collins also secured report language encouraging the Department of Housing and Urban Development to continue coordinating its weatherization projects with its efforts to remove lead-based hazards from homes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/legislation-supported-by-senators-collins-king-to-combat-rising-prescription-drug-prices-signed-into-law,"Legislation Supported By Senators Collins, King to Combat Rising Prescription Drug Prices Signed into Law",2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that legislation they cosponsored to combat anticompetitive practices used by some brand-name drug companies to block entry of lower-cost generic drugs has been signed into law. The Creating and Restoring Equal Access To Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act will deter pharmaceutical companies from blocking cheaper generic alternatives from entering the marketplace. The CREATES Act was included as part of the final appropriations package. Skyrocketing drug prices are making it more and more difficult for Americans to access the treatments they require. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, addressing the rising costs of these medications is one of my top priorities, said Senator Collins. The CREATES Act combats the gaming that some brand companies engage in to unlawfully extend their market power and pricing controls. This bipartisan bill will have an immediate impact on the development and approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. The rising cost of prescription medication continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing Maine people, Senator King said. Whether it's a senior on a fixed income, or a working family trying to make ends meet, or an employer paying for private insurance, these prices are a serious challenge for Maine people across our state. Increased access togeneric medications will help Maine citizens take care of their health without having to sacrifice other important necessities  because no one should be forced to choose between taking an important medicine or putting food on the table. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the bill would result in a $3.9 billion net decrease in the federal deficit. Savings to consumers and private insurers likely would be far greater  many billions of dollars more. The legislation is strongly supported by a broad coalition of groups, including AARP, American College of Physicians, Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs, and many others. A coalition letter in support of the CREATES Act can be found here and a list of supporters here. In addition to Senators Collins and King, the CREATES Act was introduced by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.). An outline of the CREATES Act can be found here, and text of legislation can be found here. In 2015, Senator Collins and then-Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) launched the Senate's first bipartisan investigation into the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to egregious price spikes for certain off-patent drugs. They released a report on their investigation in 2016. Following their investigation, Senators Collins and McCaskill authored a bill to improve generic competition and lower the cost of prescription drugs that was signed into law as part of the FDA Reauthorization Act. In October 2018, Senator Collins' legislation to prohibit the use of pharmacy gag clauses was also signed into law. Senator Collins is a cosponsor of the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2019, legislation to permit the importation of prescription drugs from approved pharmacies in Canada. In January, Senator King announced his support for three bills that would reduce the cost of prescription drugs. The first bill, theEnd Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Act, would prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses, and theAffordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Actwould allow patients, pharmacists and wholesalers to import safe, affordable medicine from Canada and other major countries. TheEmpowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Actwouldallow for Medicare to negotiate the best possible price of prescription drugs to cut costs for nearly 43 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D. Current law only allows for bargaining by private plan sponsors and prohibits Medicare from doing so.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-against-tax-bill-wealthy,Golden Votes Against Tax Bill for the Wealthy,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  To protect the interests of working Mainers in the Second District, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted yesterday against repealing a cap on the federal tax deduction for state and local taxes paid. The bill's elimination of the cap on the state and local taxes (SALT) deduction would have disproportionately wealthy states like California and New York, costing the government billions in funding that could instead benefit working Mainers.
Just two years after Congress gave away trillions of dollars to corporations and the wealthy, they want to give away billions more to the rich and well-connected. Removing the SALT deduction cap is just another example of Washington making policies that benefit the powerful in New York and California, but not doing anything for working folks in Maine. This is why people think Congress doesn't work for them and why I voted against it, said Golden. The billions of dollars used to uncap the SALT deduction would be better spent supporting programs that improve care for Maine veterans or by extending tax relief to make health care more affordable and promote renewable Maine energy sources like biomass.
Golden believes the $184.5 billion in tax money lost by uncapping these deductions could be better spent on tax priorities that don't include subsidizing the rich. Examples include:
 
Reinstating the deduction for union dues;
	Permanently extending the Health Coverage Tax Credit to help workers negatively affected by trade and pension difficulties afford their health insurance, and;
	Enacting the BTU Act to incentivize the use of biomass for affordable, energy-efficient heating in homes and businesses and help grow Maine's forest products industry.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-introduced-collins-king-authorize-coins-honoring-george-hw-bush-and-barbara-bush,"Bill Introduced by Collins, King to Authorize Coins Honoring George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Passes Senate",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Senate unanimously passed legislation they co-authored to authorize the U.S. Department of the Treasury to mint $1 coins honoring former president George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush. President and Mrs. Bush, who had strong ties to the State of Maine, both passed away in 2018. The legislation, which they introduced in February along with Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rob Portman (R-OH), now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives to be considered.

I treasured the friendship of President and Mrs. Bush and deeply miss visiting them each summer at their family home at Walker's Point. They loved the State of Maine and its people, and we are so proud to have had them as our neighbors and our friends, said Senator Collins. Courage, duty, honor, and compassion defined their lives and their public service to our nation. I am proud to have led this legislation to create this coin to help pay tribute to President and Mrs. Bush's wonderful legacy and serve as a reminder of their lasting contributions to Maine and our country.

President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush dedicated their lives to public service and to improving the lives of others, and thanks to their special connection to Maine, our state's citizens got to see that dedication firsthand, said Senator King. The former President's remarkable career spanned decades, beginning in the U.S. Navy and leading him to Congress, the CIA, and the highest office in the land. The First Lady's passion for the wellbeing of children helped thousands in Maine at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland, and many more around the country. The Bushes left legacies marked by dignity, generosity, and devotion  I'm proud to have led this bill to honor their service to our nation.

The President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Dollar Coin Act authorizes Treasury to mint $1 coins honoring the former president and first lady for the year 2019. Since these coins would be part of a coin series, they would not count against the current quota limiting commemorative coins to two per year. The coins would have no net cost to the U.S. government.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-calls-secretary-ross-protect-maine-lobster-industry-unfair-right-whale,Maine Delegation Calls on Secretary Ross to Protect Maine Lobster Industry from Unfair Right Whale Conservation Measures,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to read the Maine Delegation's letter

Washington, D.C.In a continuation of their strong, bipartisan advocacy for fair treatment of Maine's lobster industry, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, urging him to take action to protect Maine's lobster industry from unfairly burdensome regulations as the U.S. seeks to protect the right whale population.

The Maine lobster fishery has repeatedly made significant improvements to their practices and modifications to their gear to protect right whales, including the implementation of weak link mandates in 1997 and again in 2007, Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden wrote. Notably, there have been no entanglements directly attributed to Maine lobster gear in more than 15 years. Further, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) data demonstrates that ropes removed from right whales in recent years are not typical of those used in Maine's lobster fishery.

This past summer, alone, eight mortalities were observed in the Canadian Gulf of St. Lawrence, representing the deaths of roughly two percent of the remaining population, the Maine Delegation continued. It has been incredibly frustrating for Maine lobstermen to see that, after implementing multiple effective mitigation measures over the past two decades, they continue to be the primary target of NOAA's burdensome regulations. NOAA's own data identify a number of other sources that contribute to North Atlantic right whale entanglements and serious injury and morality, including ship strikes and Canadian snow crab gear, the latter of which has entangled and killed at least 14 North Atlantic right whales.

The Maine Delegation listed a number of policies the Commerce Department should pursue that would protect right whales while factoring in the true risk posed by various marine industries, including:

 
Resolving the territorial dispute of the Gray Zone surrounding Machias Seal Island to eliminate confusing, contrasting fishing regulations;
 

 
Evaluating whether a potential emergency rulemaking is warranted to ban Canadian snow crab fisheries from exporting fish to the U.S. under the Marine Mammal Protection Act due to evidence that their industry is a chief contributor to right whale entanglements and mortalities;
 

 
Addressing ship strikes, which play a substantial role in the right whale population's decline;
 

 
Reconsidering trawling up requirements that set minimums on the number of traps per buoy line, which creates increased risk to crewmembers of loss of life or limb
 

 
Incorporating feedback from Maine lobstermen to address their serious safety concerns associated with the proposed placement of weak links in the endlines, which in their current proposed form would result in weak links routinely being stressed to or beyond their breaking points during typical fishing activity.
 

As NMFS endeavors to protect this unique marine species, we must do so without endangering human lives or livelihoods, the Maine delegation concluded. We look forward to your response and to working with you to implement right whale conservation measures that are effective and that do not unfairly burden the Maine lobster fishery.

Click HERE to read the Maine Delegation's letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-collins-king-bill-improve-broadband-data-maps,"Senate Passes Collins, King Bill to Improve Broadband Data Maps",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, co-chair of the Senate Rural Broadband Caucus, lauded the passage of the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, a bipartisan bill they co-sponsored. The legislation would increase the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) broadband availability maps by improving the process by which broadband data is collected.

As a native of Aroostook County, I know how important access to high-speed Internet is to the vitality of rural communities, said Senator Collins. Broadband helps unlock the Internet's economic benefits by allowing residents to work from home, upgrade their skills through online education, stay connected to their families as they age in place, and access health care through advances in telemedicine. This bipartisan legislation would help us bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities through improved data collection.

One of my top legislative priorities is expanding high-speed broadband access to rural Maine communities  but if we don't have good data to work from, we won't know where to make the right investments, said Senator King. We need to improve and modernize the FCC's method of data collection so rural communities in need aren't left behind in an increasingly digital world. This is a critically important step that will make sure we'reinvesting in the right places to close the digital divide and bring all of the internet's opportunities to rural Maine people.

Specifically, the Broadband DATA Act:

 Requires the FCC to collect highly detailed service availability data from wired, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband providers.
 Requires strong parameters for service availability data collected from mobile broadband providers to ensure accuracy.
 Asks the FCC to consider whether to collect verified coverage data from state, local, and tribal governments, as well as from other entities.
 Creates a process for consumers, state, local, Tribal governments, and other groups to challenge FCC maps with their own data, and requires the FCC to determine how to structure the process without making it overly burdensome on challengers.

Earlier this year, Senators Collins and Doug Jones (D-AL) introduced the American Broadband Buildout Act of 2019 (ABBA), a bipartisan bill to ensure that rural Americans have access to broadband services.

As a co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, Senator King has been a strong advocate for improved broadband mapping data. Cosponsoring the Broadband DATA Act is his latest effort to improve the accuracy of FCC broadband maps. In September 2018, Senator Kingwrote a letter to the USDAseeking specific provisions in the ReConnect broadband pilot program, including acquiring up-to-date broadband mapping data. USDA incorporated these provisions in itsregulations for the programthat it issued in December 2018. Senator King also renewedhis push for up-to-date broadband mapsin a February 2019 letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, which was co-signed by a bipartisan group of 10 Senators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-historic-funding-increases-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-diabetes-and-other,"Senator Collins Announces Historic Funding Increases for Alzheimers, Diabetes, and Other Biomedical Research",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the Senate approved a $2.6 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)bringing total funding for the NIH to $41.7 billionas part of the appropriations package. The legislation is expected to be signed into law by the President this evening.

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Chairman of the Aging Committee, Senator Collins is a champion for greater investments in biomedical research.

There is simply no investment that promises greater returns for America than our investment in biomedical research. Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's, with their devastating human and financial costs, are powerful examples of the urgent need to keep our momentum in research funding going, said Senator Collins. I am so encouraged that Congress worked in a bipartisan way to provide this transformative funding that will bring tangible hope to so many Americans.

The appropriations bill provides $2.8 billion for Alzheimer's research, a $350 million increase over last year.

This funding builds on significant increases Senator Collins, a founder of the Alzheimer's Task Force in the Senate, has secured in recent years. It also meets the funding level the NIH estimates it will need to find a means of effectively treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias within six years. Senator Collins co-authored the National Alzheimer's Project Act in 2011, which set the national goal of preventing and treating Alzheimer's by the year 2025.

In addition. the appropriations bill includes $26.5 million for the Alzheimer's Disease Program at the Administration for Community Living, a $3 million increase over last year, and $15.5 million for the CDC's Alzheimer's Programs, a $10 million increase. This includes $10 million for the implementation of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, legislation Senator Collins authored to create a public health infrastructure to combat this disease.

The appropriations bill provides $2.1 billion for the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disorders at NIH, an increase of $81.8 million over last year. 

Since founding the diabetes caucus in 1997, Senator Collins has successfully worked to substantially increase funding for diabetes research.

The appropriations bill also provides $27.3 million for the National Diabetes Prevention Program at CDC, a $2 million increase.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-introduced-by-collins-king-to-authorize-coins-honoring-george-hw-bush-and-barbara-bush-passes-senate,"Bill Introduced by Collins, King to Authorize Coins Honoring George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Passes Senate",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Senate unanimously passed legislation they co-authored to authorize the U.S. Department of the Treasury to mint $1 coins honoring former president George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush. President and Mrs. Bush, who had strong ties to the State of Maine, both passed away in 2018. The legislation, which they introduced in February along with Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rob Portman (R-OH), now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives to be considered. I treasured the friendship of President and Mrs. Bush and deeply miss visiting them each summer at their family home at Walker's Point. They loved the State of Maine and its people, and we are so proud to have had them as our neighbors and our friends, said Senator Collins. Courage, duty, honor, and compassion defined their lives and their public service to our nation. I am proud to have led this legislation to create this coin to help pay tribute to President and Mrs. Bush's wonderful legacy and serve as a reminder of their lasting contributions to Maine and our country. President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush dedicated their lives to public service and to improving the lives of others, and thanks to their special connection to Maine, our state's citizens got to see that dedication firsthand, said Senator King. The former President's remarkable career spanned decades, beginning in the U.S. Navy and leading him to Congress, the CIA, and the highest office in the land. The First Lady's passion for the wellbeing of children helped thousands in Maine at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland, and many more around the country. The Bushes left legacies marked by dignity, generosity, and devotion  I'm proud to have led this bill to honor their service to our nation. The President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Dollar Coin Act authorizes Treasury to mint $1 coins honoring the former president and first lady for the year 2019. Since these coins would be part of a coin series, they would not count against the current quota limiting commemorative coins to two per year. The coins would have no net cost to the U.S. government.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backs-bill-to-help-rural-mothers-access-healthcare,King Backs Bill to Help Rural Mothers Access Healthcare,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of Bipartisan Policy Center's Rural Health Task Force, announced his cosponsorship of the Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (Rural MOMS) Act. The bipartisan bill would improve data collection, expand services, and award funding to help ensure that new and expecting moms living in rural communities get the care they need. New and expecting mothers deserve access to high-quality care, no matter where they live, said Senator King. Unfortunately, rural communities are lagging behind on access to this vital, life-saving care  and that's unacceptable. As one of the most rural states in the nation, this challenge is uniquely pressing in Maine, which is why I'm proud to cosponsor this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to protect the health of women during and after pregnancy. TheRuralMOMSActwould: Improve Rural Maternal and Obstetric Care Databy directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to coordinate efforts with respect to maternal mortality and morbidity, report on women's health conditions according to sociocultural and geographic contexts, and emphasize research on pregnancy-related deaths.Award New Rural Obstetric Network Grantsto establish regional innovation networks to improve maternal mortality and morbidity as well as birth outcomes.Expand Existing Federal Telehealth Grant Programsto include birth and postpartum services as part of telehealth networks and to allow federal funding to be used for ultrasound machines, fetal monitoring equipment, and other pregnancy-related technology.Establish a New Rural Maternal and Obstetric Care Training Demonstrationto support training for family medicine physicians, obstetricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, midwives, doulas, and other professionals to provide maternal care services in rural community-based settings.Report on Maternal Care in Rural Areasto identify the locations of gaps in maternity care,disparities in maternal health in rural areas by race and ethnicity,recommendations to standardize data collection on maternal mortality and morbidity, and activities to improve maternal care in rural areas. During his time in the Senate, Senator King has been a strong advocate for accessible and affordable rural healthcare. In October, he helda panel discussion in Bangor with local healthcare providers and public wellness expertson the best ways to use prevention strategies to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. In November, Senator King announced his support for the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act. In late July, he joined a bipartisan group of senators tourge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to delay their proposed Rural Health Care (RHC) Programreport and order to better address the concerns of rural healthcare providers and medical communities. In theJune edition of his Inside Maine podcast, Senator King welcomed both U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Kris Doody, CEO of Cary Medical Center to discuss rural healthcare policy and ways to improve access to care across the country. Last year, Senator King and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)applaudeda draft proposal from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai that significantly increased funding for the Universal Service Fund's Rural Health Care (RHC) Program. This increase in the RHC funding cap followed bipartisan letters Senator King led calling for the RHC program to bemodernizedandstrengthened. Also in the 115th Congress, Senator King cosponsored legislation such as theRural Emergency Acute Care Hospital Act, thePreserve Access to Medicare Rural Home Health Service Act, and theRural Hospital Access Act, all of which work to better healthcare services in Maine and the United States. In addition to Senator King, this bill is supported by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). The RuralMOMSActis endorsed by:Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs; Every Mother Counts; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; National Birth Equity Collaborative;March of Dimes; Nurse-Family Partnership; and the National Rural Health Association.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-secretary-ross-to-protect-maine-lobster-industry-from-unfair-right-whale-conservation-measures,Maine Delegation Calls on Secretary Ross to Protect Maine Lobster Industry from Unfair Right Whale Conservation Measures,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.In a continuation of their strong, bipartisan advocacy for fair treatment of Maine's lobster industry, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, urging him to take action to protect Maine's lobster industry from unfairly burdensome regulations as the U.S. seeks to protect the right whale population. The Maine lobster fishery has repeatedly made significant improvements to their practices and modifications to their gear to protect right whales, including the implementation of weak link mandates in 1997 and again in 2007, Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden wrote. Notably, there have been no entanglements directly attributed to Maine lobster gear in more than 15 years. Further, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) data demonstrates that ropes removed from right whales in recent years are not typical of those used in Maine's lobster fishery. This past summer, alone, eight mortalities were observed in the Canadian Gulf of St. Lawrence, representing the deaths of roughly two percent of the remaining population, the Maine Delegation continued. It has been incredibly frustrating for Maine lobstermen to see that, after implementing multiple effective mitigation measures over the past two decades, they continue to be the primary target of NOAA's burdensome regulations. NOAA's own data identify a number of other sources that contribute to North Atlantic right whale entanglements and serious injury and morality, including ship strikes and Canadian snow crab gear, the latter of which has entangled and killed at least 14 North Atlantic right whales. The Maine Delegation listed a number of policies the Commerce Department should pursue that would protect right whales while factoring in the true risk posed by various marine industries, including:   Resolving      the territorial dispute of the Gray Zone surrounding Machias Seal Island      to eliminate confusing, contrasting fishing regulations;    Evaluating      whether a potential emergency rulemaking is warranted to ban Canadian snow      crab fisheries from exporting fish to the U.S. under the Marine Mammal      Protection Act due to evidence that their industry is a chief contributor      to right whale entanglements and mortalities;    Addressing      ship strikes, which play a substantial role in the right whale      population's decline;    Reconsidering      trawling up requirements that set minimums on the number of traps per      buoy line, which creates increased risk to crewmembers of loss of life or      limb    Incorporating      feedback from Maine lobstermen to address their serious safety concerns      associated with the proposed placement of weak links in the endlines,      which in their current proposed form would result in weak links routinely      being stressed to or beyond their breaking points during typical fishing      activity. As NMFS endeavors to protect this unique marine species, we must do so without endangering human lives or livelihoods, the Maine delegation concluded. We look forward to your response and to working with you to implement right whale conservation measures that are effective and that do not unfairly burden the Maine lobster fishery. Click HERE to read the Maine Delegation's letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-collins-king-bill-to-improve-broadband-data-maps,"Senate Passes Collins, King Bill to Improve Broadband Data Maps",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, co-chair of the Senate Rural Broadband Caucus, lauded the passage of the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, a bipartisan bill they co-sponsored. The legislation would increase the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) broadband availability maps by improving the process by which broadband data is collected. As a native of Aroostook County, I know how important access to high-speed Internet is to the vitality of rural communities, said Senator Collins. Broadband helps unlock the Internet's economic benefits by allowing residents to work from home, upgrade their skills through online education, stay connected to their families as they age in place, and access health care through advances in telemedicine. This bipartisan legislation would help us bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities through improved data collection. One of my top legislative priorities is expanding high-speed broadband access to rural Maine communities  but if we don't have good data to work from, we won't know where to make the right investments, said Senator King. We need to improve and modernize the FCC's method of data collection so rural communities in need aren't left behind in an increasingly digital world. This is a critically important step that will make sure we'reinvesting in the right places to close the digital divide and bring all of the internet's opportunities to rural Maine people. Specifically, the Broadband DATA Act: Requires the FCC to collect highly detailed service availability data from wired, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband providers.Requires strong parameters for service availability data collected from mobile broadband providers to ensure accuracy.Asks the FCC to consider whether to collect verified coverage data from state, local, and tribal governments, as well as from other entities.Creates a process for consumers, state, local, Tribal governments, and other groups to challenge FCC maps with their own data, and requires the FCC to determine how to structure the process without making it overly burdensome on challengers. Earlier this year, Senators Collins and Doug Jones (D-AL) introduced the American Broadband Buildout Act of 2019 (ABBA), a bipartisan bill to ensure that rural Americans have access to broadband services. As a co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, Senator King has been a strong advocate for improved broadband mapping data. Cosponsoring the Broadband DATA Act is his latest effort to improve the accuracy of FCC broadband maps. In September 2018, Senator Kingwrote a letter to the USDAseeking specific provisions in the ReConnect broadband pilot program, including acquiring up-to-date broadband mapping data. USDA incorporated these provisions in itsregulations for the programthat it issued in December 2018. Senator King also renewedhis push for up-to-date broadband mapsin a February 2019 letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, which was co-signed by a bipartisan group of 10 Senators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3203,Pingree Statement on USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today released the following statement regarding the House of Representatives vote on the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA):
The last NAFTA upended Maine's economy, causing our mills to shutter and thousands of good jobs to be outsourced.Though Democrats improved the deal originally handed to us by the Trump administration, this agreement ultimately does not do enoughto keep Maine jobs from being sent abroad or to bring back morethan 24,000 jobs Mainers lost because of NAFTA.
USMCA also ignores the reality of the climate crisis and does not hold global polluters to account. It's foolishly shortsighted to not even mention the words climate change' in this major trade agreement. This omission will have major implications for Maine, which breathes the prevailing winds from the west and already has the highest rates of asthma in the nation. Our state is also grappling with the fastest warming waters in the world and rising sea levels. Without environmental protection in the agreement, the climate crisis will only accelerate and irreversibly damage Maine.
It's been two decades since the original NAFTA, and the new agreement will likely be in place for years. We were given an incredible opportunity to negotiate the significant issues in the original NAFTA and prioritize both people and the planet. Unfortunately, USCMA does neither. For the future of our workforce and environment, I will vote no.
Pingree was joined in opposing USMCA by several Maine stakeholders:
NAFTA was a bad deal for Maine workers. While this new deal contains some improvements, it does nothing to prevent future outsourcing of manufacturing jobs and won't effectively enforce labor standards, which is why we ultimately can't support it.Mark Vigliotta, Maine Machinists Union Council President
The new NAFTA fails to include even baseline environmental standards or to address climate change. It outsources jobs and pollution to Mexico and ignores the threat that climate change poses to the United States and to the world, said Maureen Drouin, executive director of Maine Conservation Voters. U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree's vote shows once again her commitment to protecting U.S. workers, clean air and clean water, and is an example of strong political leadership on climate change. We can no longer tolerate trade agreements that let polluters off the hook or fail to address the climate crisis.Maureen Drouin, Maine Conservation Voters",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/300-million-senator-collins-secured-new-mma-training-ship-passes-senate,$300 Million Senator Collins Secured for New MMA Training Ship Passes Senate,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE for additional photos of the future ship for MMA

Washington, D.C.  Following months of negotiation and advocacy by U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, the Senate voted to pass the final Appropriations agreement, which includes $300 million for the construction and acquisition of a new training vessel for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA). Senator Collins wasthe Chairman of the negotiating Committee that brokered the agreement between the House and the Senate for the Transportation and Housing appropriations bill.

The agreement now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.

This ship is a critical training asset for Maine Maritime Academy, which is why I fought to include this funding throughout the Appropriations process, said Senator Collins. Maine Maritime Academy provides an exceptional education that fully prepares students to excel in the Navy, Coast Guard, and the maritime industry. This new ship will help provide rigorous instruction and crucial maritime training for MMA students for decades to come.

This appropriation demonstrates that Congress believes in the value of our State Maritime Academies and our role in support of economic and national security. I am especially pleased with the level of support we have received from Senator Susan Collins who, as Chair of the Senate's Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, has had the laboring oar in approving funding for this huge accomplishment, said Dr. William J. Brennan, President of Maine Maritime Academy.

Senator Collins strongly opposed the Administration's proposal earlier this year that requested $205 million to construct a smaller training vessel for MMA. It would have been inferior to a ship funded in fiscal year (FY) 2019 for Massachusetts Maritime Academy despite the fact that Maine Maritime Academy has nearly the same number of Coast Guard-licensed graduates and the same need for at-sea training. In addition, changing the design would have required the U.S. Maritime Administration to start from scratch in designing a brand new ship. At a Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee hearing she chaired in March, Senator Collins obtained the commitment of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to secure additional funding.

It was my goal from the beginning to ensure that Maine Maritime Academy received the exact same kind of ship as Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Senator Collins continued. MMA students and instructors are exceptional, and they deserve full and equal resources to continue to do their jobs effectively.

The $300 million for the new training ship at MMA was included in the FY 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill authored by Senator Collins. In addition, the bill provides $5 million in direct support and tuition assistance for the Maine Maritime Academy, as well as fuel payments for their current training ship, the State of Maine.

In 1997, Senator Collins served as the sponsor of the training ship State of Maine when it was acquired by Maine Maritime Academy. Approximately 1,000 undergraduates are enrolled at the institution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-co-sponsored-collins-king-crack-down-illegal-robocalls-headed-president%E2%80%99s-desk-be,"Bill Co-Sponsored by Collins, King to Crack Down on Illegal Robocalls Headed to Presidents Desk to be Signed into Law",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Amidst ever-increasing numbers of robocall scams, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously today to pass legislation co-sponsored by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to increase federal law enforcement's authority to put a stop to these illegal calls. The Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act makes it easier for regulators to find scammers, increases civil forfeiture penalties for those who are caught, promotes call authentication and blocking adoption, and brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally flout laws. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Americans are being inundated with illegal robocalls that are not only a major nuisance, but also a tool that is often used by con artists to perpetrate crimes, said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee. Over the course of the two dozen hearings I have held to expose and examine scams, it is clear that a coordinated approach is necessary to put a stop to these illegal calls. The TRACED Act is a significant step forward that will help prevent fraudulent calls and put criminals on notice that they will be caught and brought to justice. I am pleased that the final version of the legislation was improved by including an extension of the statute of limitations for caller-ID spoofing' violations, which I advocated for.

At best, illegal robocalls are a major annoyance  at worst, they're scams that target our most vulnerable citizens, said Senator King. Today's overwhelmingly bipartisan vote reflects the obvious: Republicans, Democrats and Independents can all agree that it's time to hang up on illegal robocalls once and for all.

The TRACED Act will:

 Broaden the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to levy civil penalties of up to $10,000 per call on people who intentionally flout telemarketing restrictions;

 Extend the window for the FCC to catch and take civil enforcement action against intentional violations to three years after a robocall is placed. Under current law, the FCC has only one year to do so, and the FCC has said that even a one-year longer statute of limitations for enforcement would improve enforcement against willful violators;

 Require telephone companies to adopt call authentication technologies, enabling a telephone carrier to verify that incoming calls are legitimate before they reach consumers' phones;

 Requires telephone companies to provide robocall blocking technology at no additional charge; and

 Direct the FCC to initiate rulemaking to help protect subscribers from receiving unwanted calls or texts from callers.

Asone reportestimated, nearly half of all calls made to mobile phones will be spam by the end of this year. The TRACED Act would give the FCC more flexibility to enforce rules in the short term, while setting in motion consultations to increase prosecutions of violations, which often require international cooperation.

As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, one of Senator Collins' top priorities is to combat scams that target seniors. Earlier this year, she introduced a bill that would extend the statute of limitations on spoofing. The TRACED Act includes a provision extendingfrom the current two years to four yearsthe amount of time law enforcement can bring charges against criminal robocallers who use spoofing to mask their identity. Senator Collins has held 24 hearings over the past seven years on issues related to fraud and scams targeting older adults. Additionally, the Aging Committee published the 2019 Fraud Book, which details the top 10 scams reported to the Committee's toll-free Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470) last year.

Since signing on to the TRACED Act in March, Senator King has used the legislation to raise awareness on the topic and push for Congressional action to protect vulnerable Americans from these scams.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-cantwell-provision-help-americans-high-health-care-costs-be-signed-law,"Collins, Cantwell Provision to Help Americans with High Health Care Costs to be Signed into Law",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced today that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the appropriations package that passed the Senate today. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.

For those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, Senators Collins and Cantwell's provision, which is based on the Medical Expense Savings Act they introduced earlier this year, would allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill when they file in 2020 and 2021.

Millions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction. The burden of high medical expenses falls disproportionately on seniors and those with disabilities. The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance.

Medical debt is a serious challenge facing millions of families in our country, and as we endeavor to reduce health care costs, we should also make every effort to ensure that we lower their tax burden as well, said Senator Collins. My provision temporarily restoring the income threshold to 7.5 percent for all taxpayers became law in 2017, and the bipartisan legislation we passed today will extend this vital deduction to help improve the affordability of health care for nearly 20,000 Mainers and millions of Americans.""

More than 200,000 Washingtonians claim the medical expense deduction to lower their health care costs, Senator Cantwell said. Extending this provision will help families with high medical bills pay for unexpected medical costs and life-saving treatment.

The medical expense deduction provides important tax relief that helps offset the cost of acute and chronic medical conditions for older Americans, children, and individuals with disabilities, said Megan O'Reilly, Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP. For many, the medical expense deduction can help them manage their high out-of-pocket health care expenses including money paid for diagnosis, treatment, equipment, prescription medicine, long-term care services, and long-term care insurance premiums.

Several years ago, the income threshold for taxpayers to deduct their medical expenses increased from 7.5 percent to 10 percent. In 2017, Senator Collins secured a provision to temporarily restore the income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 7.5 percent as part of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, but it expired at the end of 2018. Now that Congress has taken action, taxpayers will be able to deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of their income then they file their taxes over the next two years.

According to AARP, nearly 70 percent of taxpayers who will take the medical expense deduction in 2019 have an income of $113,000 or less. In Maine, 19,400 residents are eligible for this deduction. 4.4 million taxpayers will benefit from the medical expense deduction. A 2016 survey of cancer survivors showed that one-third go into debt and of those more than half incurred more than $10,000 in expenses.

Earlier this month, Senators Collins, Cantwell, Martha McSally (R-AZ), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) sent a letter to Senate leadership urging them to extend the medical expense deduction in any end-of-year funding package.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-smith%E2%80%99s-bill-combat-lyme-and-other-tick-borne-diseases-headed-president%E2%80%99s-desk-be,"Collins, Smiths Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases Headed to Presidents Desk to be Signed into Law",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that legislation they authored to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases passed the Senate today as part of the appropriations package. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.

The Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, which have risen exponentially from approximately 30,000 cases in 2003 to an estimated 450,000 last year. Senators Collins and Smith renamed the bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan, who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus.

In Maine alone, there were approximately 1,400 new cases of Lyme disease in 2018, a sharp increase from the 752 cases in 2010. Far too many Americans with Lyme disease experience a complex diagnostic odyssey that takes months or even years, while suffering severe and debilitating symptoms. In addition to the physical and emotional toll that Lyme disease takes, it is also expensive. Medical costs of Lyme disease are estimated at $1.3 billion per year. When accounting for indirect medical costs, including loss of work, the annual costs balloon to $75 billion per year.

Congress' passage of the Tick Act is a major victory for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who contract Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses each year. I am grateful for the countless advocates who shared their struggles with these diseases and conveyed the urgent need for this comprehensive, bipartisan bill, said Senator Collins. With a national effort the Tick Act would establish, we can slow the spread of these devastating tick-borne illnesses and protect our health.

I've said that for the sake of Americans' health and well-being, we need to get this bill over the finish line, said Senator Smith. The number of Lyme disease cases is on the rise, and we need to address this so Minnesotans can continue to enjoy spending time outside exploring our parks, swimming and boating in our lakes, and hiking in our forests safely.

I was misdiagnosed by 23 doctors and specialists to the tune of $250,000 before getting an official diagnosis and proper treatment, said Paula Jackson Jones, President and Co-Founder of Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education. Enacting the Tick Act that Senator Collins introduced will provide a lifeline not only to patients but to medical providers. With funding available for research and education, we can get medical providers on the same page not only with improved diagnostic tools but better, more effective treatment options for their patients. With the Tick Act, and Senator Collins' support in Washington, we can stem the growing threat of tick-borne disease.

""Lyme is a frustrating and debilitating disease, but it's a problem we can solve,"" said Bonnie Crater, co-founder and board member at Center for Lyme Action. ""What is needed is dedicated and sustained effort by the federal government to address this growing public health threat. Senators Collins and Smith's legislation, the Kay Hagan Tick Act is a wonderful first step and is supported by more than 150 Lyme foundations and associations around the United States.""

Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens continue to have significant impacts on public health in Maine and throughout much of the United States. The advancement of The Kay Hagan Tick Act signals a commitment from Congress to tackle the threats associated with ticks and to dedicate resources to managing tick-borne diseases on a national scale. This coordinated approach, focusing on research and education, will be critical in reducing the severe health and financial burdens associated with tick-borne diseases, said James F. Dill, PhD, Pest Management Specialist and Coordinator, Diagnostic and Research Lab at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

All of us at Global Lyme Alliance extend our heartfelt thanks to Senators Susan Collins and Tina Smith for their dedication to changing the outcome for suffering patients. It has been a long-haul for many of them, especially the kids who were forced to grow up with this poorly diagnosed and treated medical illness. Patients need real solutions, which the Kay Hagan Tick Act will bring! said Scott Santarella, CEO, Global Lyme Alliance.

My life was forever changed at age 6 when I was bitten by a tick the summer after first grade, said 15-year-old Olivia Goodreau, founder of the LivLyme Foundation and TickTracker. ""Children are especially vulnerable to tick borne illnesses, but everyone is at risk. I am so grateful to Senator Susan Collins, her staff, the amazing Lyme advocates, and all those who've fought for passage of the Kay Hagan Tick Act. It will save lives by raising awareness and supporting early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease the summer of 1986 when I was 14-years-old. Since then, my life has never been the same. I developed Bell's palsy that paralyzed half my face, a heart murmur, and many other symptoms. To this day, I continue to fight this disease, said Heather Hearst, Founder of Maine-based Project Lyme and Advisory Board Member of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. Over the years, I have watched Lyme grow from something that was rare and unknown to a threat that has affected thousands of Mainers, many of whom now suffer from chronic health issues. With the Kay Hagan Tick Act, we can finally put an end to the suffering and slow the spread of tick-borne diseases. I am so grateful to Senator Collins, Senator Smith, and the bipartisan coalition that worked together to make this a national priority

Using a three-pronged approach, the Tick Act would:

1. Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a National Strategy. This would help expand research, improve testing and treatment, and coordinate common efforts across federal agencies including with DOD, USDA, EPA, the VA, and the Departments of Interior and Homeland Security

2. Reauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years at $10 million per year. Funding for these centers, which was allotted in 2017, expires in 2021. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S. There are five centers located at universities in New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin.

3. Authorize CDC Grants at $20 million per year that would be awarded to State Health Departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness. These awards would help states build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other tick and vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships.

In September, Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, convened a field hearing at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory Tick Lab in Orono, where experts and witnesses discussed the critical need to pass the Tick Act.

In 2016, Congress took a critical step forward with the enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act, which created a federal Tick-Borne Diseases Working Group. This Working Group released its first report in November 2018, which created several recommendations for next steps. With the findings of this report in mind, this legislation puts key recommendations into practice.

The Tick Act is supported by more than 155 organizations, including the Center for Lyme Action, the Entomological Society of America, National Association of Vector-Borne Disease Control Officials, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Organization in Maine, the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, the LivLyme Foundation, the Global Lyme Alliance, and The Avril Lavigne Foundation.

Senators Collins and Smith's Tick Act was cosponsored by 32 Senators including Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R- MS), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), John Boozman (R-AR), Margaret Hassan (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Thom Tillis (R- NC), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-co-sponsored-by-collins-king-to-crack-down-on-illegal-robocalls-headed-to-presidents-desk-to-be-signed-into-law,"Bill Co-Sponsored by Collins, King to Crack Down on Illegal Robocalls Headed to President’s Desk to be Signed into Law",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Amidst ever-increasing numbers of robocall scams, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously today to pass legislation co-sponsored by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to increase federal law enforcement's authority to put a stop to these illegal calls. The Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act makes it easier for regulators to find scammers, increases civil forfeiture penalties for those who are caught, promotes call authentication and blocking adoption, and brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally flout laws. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Americans are being inundated with illegal robocalls that are not only a major nuisance, but also a tool that is often used by con artists to perpetrate crimes, said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee. Over the course of the two dozen hearings I have held to expose and examine scams, it is clear that a coordinated approach is necessary to put a stop to these illegal calls. The TRACED Act is a significant step forward that will help prevent fraudulent calls and put criminals on notice that they will be caught and brought to justice. I am pleased that the final version of the legislation was improved by including an extension of the statute of limitations for caller-ID spoofing' violations, which I advocated for. At best, illegal robocalls are a major annoyance  at worst, they're scams that target our most vulnerable citizens, said Senator King. Today's overwhelmingly bipartisan vote reflects the obvious: Republicans, Democrats and Independents can all agree that it's time to hang up on illegal robocalls once and for all. The TRACED Act will:  Broaden the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to levy civil penalties of up to $10,000 per call on people who intentionally flout telemarketing restrictions;  Extend the window for the FCC to catch and take civil enforcement action against intentional violations to three years after a robocall is placed. Under current law, the FCC has only one year to do so, and the FCC has said that even a one-year longer statute of limitations for enforcement would improve enforcement against willful violators;  Require telephone companies to adopt call authentication technologies, enabling a telephone carrier to verify that incoming calls are legitimate before they reach consumers' phones;  Requires telephone companies to provide robocall blocking technology at no additional charge; and  Direct the FCC to initiate rulemaking to help protect subscribers from receiving unwanted calls or texts from callers Asone reportestimated, nearly half of all calls made to mobile phones will be spam by the end of this year. The TRACED Act would give the FCC more flexibility to enforce rules in the short term, while setting in motion consultations to increase prosecutions of violations, which often require international cooperation. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, one of Senator Collins' top priorities is to combat scams that target seniors. Earlier this year, she introduced a bill that would extend the statute of limitations on spoofing. The TRACED Act includes a provision extendingfrom the current two years to four yearsthe amount of time law enforcement can bring charges against criminal robocallers who use spoofing to mask their identity. Senator Collins has held 24 hearings over the past seven years on issues related to fraud and scams targeting older adults. Additionally, the Aging Committee published the 2019 Fraud Book, which details the top 10 scams reported to the Committee's toll-free Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470) last year. Since signing on to the TRACED Act in March, Senator King has used the legislation to raise awareness on the topic and push for Congressional action to protect vulnerable Americans from these scams.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-house-vote-to-advance-articles-of-impeachment,King Statement on House Vote to Advance Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump: The House's vote to impeach the President means that I will soon join the rest of the Senate in swearing a special oath that states: I solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of Donald Trump, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help me God.' The word solemn captures the moment correctly  this is an immense responsibility and a monumental event in the history of this nation. When the trial begins in the Senate I will do everything I can to fulfill this new oath as well as my core oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. I hope and expect that each of my colleagues will do the same.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-priorities-king-initiatives-included-in-federal-budget-bills,"Maine Priorities, King Initiatives Included in Federal Budget Bills",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today cast his vote for appropriations bills that will fund the government through September 30, 2020. The appropriations package funds a number of King-backed policy priorities for Maine, and includes language from numerous King-backed bills. This appropriations package supports much needed national priorities: it works to cut prescription drug costs, support Gold Star families, boost rural health, and much, much more. It makes one wonder: why aren't we doing more legislating like this? said Senator King. The answer, of course, is that the Majority Leader is blocking nearly all legislation from the floor. This obstruction is holding Congress back from enacting bipartisan, commonsense policies that will make life better for the American people  let's stop playing political games, and recommit ourselves to the work we were sent here to accomplish: coming together around shared goals and doing the work of the American people. King-backed provisions included in today's bills include: Health, Wellness, and Public Safety Lowering Drug Prices. Senator King is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Creating and Restoring Equal Access To Equivalent Samples Act, which is included in the appropriations package. The legislation closes anti-competitive loopholes used by brand-name pharmaceutical companies to block lower-cost generic drugs from entering the marketplace.Fighting Opioid Abuse. The legislation provides $3.8 billion to fight opioid abuse, focused on improving treatment and prevention efforts. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Washington, and several of his provisions were included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act which passed in October 2018.Researching Gun Violence. The legislation includes $25 million for gun violence research at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Senator King is a cosponsor of the Gun Violence Prevention Act, which would authorize up to $50 million in funding for gun violence prevention research at the CDC. This is the first federal funding for gun violence research in 20 years. Supporting Rural Health. The package provides $318.3 million for rural health program, including $29 million for telehealth. Senator King is a co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center's Honorary Congressional Task Force on Rural Health, and is a cosponsor of the CONNECT Act to expand telehealth services through Medicare. Boosts for the Maine Economy Extending Paid Family Leave Tax Credit. The legislation extends a tax credit for employers who voluntarily offer up to 12 weeks of paid family leave. The credit, based on Senator King's Strong Families Act, is the first nationwide paid family leave program. Initially included in the 2017 tax bill as a two-year tax credit, this package extends the provision for an additional year. This is the second King-backed win for paid family leave in less than two weeks; last week, the Senate passed paid parental leave for federal employees in the National Defense Authorization Act after Senator King's advocacy.Bolstering Workforce Development: The spending bills provide $2.82 billion for Workforce Investment Opportunity Act Training Grants to support a range of locally-led efforts to bolster workforce readiness and in-demand skills. Promoting Tourism: Senator King is a cosponsor of the BrandUSA Extension Act, which is included in the package. The legislation will provide an additional seven years of funding to BrandUSA, a public-private partnership that works to draw international visitors to the United States. Additional Priorities Reversing Tax Increase for Gold Star Families. The appropriations package includes the Gold Star Families Tax Relief Act, legislation cosponsored by Senator King that reverses a provision included in the 2017 tax act that imposed massive taxes on the families of U.S. servicemembers who died while on active duty.Funding Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Research & Development. The legislation provides a record $2.84 billion in funding for the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program. King, a member of the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, has backed a bill to increase energy efficiency capabilities across the nation by 2035. The bill provides $7 billion to Office of Science for programs that conduct research on new and clean energy technologies.King has long advocated for the need on new scientific research into energy technology development.Preserving Nonprofit Status of Rural Electrical Co-Ops. The spending bills include the King-cosponsored RURAL Act, which would preserve the nonprofit status of rural electric co-ops that accept disaster aid or support for rural broadband initiatives. The RURAL Act corrects a provision in the 2017 tax bill that threatened the nonprofit status  and, accordingly, the viability  of rural electric co-ops.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-young-bill-improve-safety-training-maine-fishermen-passes-house,"Golden, Young Bill to Improve Safety Training for Maine Fishermen Passes House",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"VIDEO: Golden cites story of Maine fisherman injured on the job, calls for passage of FISH SAFE Act
WASHINGTON To better train fishermen to protect themselves from injuries and fatalities on the job, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Congressman Don Young (AK-At Large) passed theFunding Introduction for Safety, Health, and Security Avoids Fishing Emergencies(FISH SAFE)Actthrough the House yesterday. The bipartisan legislation restores important federal funding that supports the work of local organizations to offer safety training to commercial fishermen and perform safety research.
Whether they work in a mill, a lobster boat, or somewhere in between, I'm focused on keeping Maine workers safe on the job so they can continue to provide for their families,said Congressman Golden.Fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in our country, but Maine is lucky to have local organizations training our fishermen and lobstermen to minimize risks and protect themselves. The FISH SAFE Act restores funding to support this kind of training, as well as research new fishing safety practices. I'm proud to partner with Republican Don Young of Alaska to pass this commonsense bill through the House and I'll continue to work with our senators to make sure it advances in the Senate.
In 2018, the federal share of fishing safety training and research grants was reduced to 50 percent from 75 percent, leaving local organizations with higher costs to run these important safety programs. Golden and Young's bipartisan bill would raise the federal share for the grants back up to 75 percent. The FISH SAFE Act would also reauthorize the safety training and research programs for $6,000,000 a year for 2019-2021.
Organizations in Maine benefitting from the safety training and research grants include: IAMAW Maine Lobstering Union Local 207, Maine Coast Fisheries Association, Maine Lobstermen's Association, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, and Fishing Partnership Support Services.
A commercial fisherman is 23 times more likely to die on the job than other workers. From 2000 to 2016, an estimated 204 fishermen have died, and that number has risen to at least 224 in the past three years.
You can read Congressman Golden's previous release about the FISH SAFE Act's introductionhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3202,Pingree Statement on House Vote on Articles of Impeachment Against President Donald J. Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement in advance of the US House of Representatives vote to approve two articles ofimpeachmentagainst the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump:
Among the vast powers assigned to the Congress by our Founders, the impeachment of a chief executive is without question our gravest responsibility with the exception of a declaration of war. Sincethe beginning of the impeachment inquiry, I have been mindful of this responsibility every day.
Although the President and his staff have obstructed the work of Congress at every opportunity, the process carried out by the House has been scrupulously thorough and fair. That process has uncovered a mountain of evidence that President Trump has committed serious crimes. The evidence revealed in public hearings, provided by witness after witness issuing sworn testimony under oath, was consistent, powerful, and incontrovertible. The fact is that President Trump directly extorted a foreign government and an ally of the United States by withholding vital defense assistance in order to target a political rival. The efforts of the White House and its allies to distort this fact have not succeeded.
The Constitution demands that a President be removed for 'high crimes and misdemeanors.' It does not define such crimes and leaves the matter up to the Members of Congress. I believe President Trump's actions meet that threshold. For that reason, I will vote today to impeach Donald Trump on both articles of impeachment before us. I will vote to impeach Donald Trump for abusing his power and I will vote to impeach him for obstructing our investigation into that abuse. I will cast these votes with a heavy heart but without hesitation. Our failure to hold President Trump to account will not only embolden him to continue to work with foreign governments to interfere with our political process and the next election, it will provide an invitation for his successors to do the same. For the health of our presidency, to uphold our rule of law, and to preserve American democracy, I will vote to impeach this President.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-rural-broadband-king-urges-fcc-make-it-a-top-priority,"On Rural Broadband, King Urges FCC Make it a Top Priority",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, joined dozens of his Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prioritize sustainable rural broadband networks as the FCC considers new rules to govern the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program. In the bipartisan letter, the senators push the FCC to exercise proper oversight over RDOF funding, and ensure that projects are maximizing the long-term impact of their efforts to improve broadband access throughout rural America. If our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas, the senators write. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come. Digital connectivity in rural regions is a key priority ofSenator King's economic agendaandrural broadband roadmap, to help modernize and grow Maine's rural economy, support innovation, and create jobs. In July, he cosponsored theBroadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, which will increase the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) broadband availability maps by improving the process by which broadband data is collected. In May, Senators King and Capito reintroduced legislation tomeasure the economic impact of broadbandso state and federal policymakers can understand the return they will receive on any investments in digital infrastructure. The legislation had previouslypassed the Senate in December, but was not taken up by the House.In April, Senator King joined his colleagues to introducelegislation to promote digital equityso Americans of all background can have equal access to the opportunities created by the internet. In addition to Senator King, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.V.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (D-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Martha McSally (Ariz.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Jacky Rosen (D-N.V.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). The full letter can be read below or downloaded HERE   +++  The Honorable Ajit Pai  Chairman, Federal Communications Commission  445 12th Street Southwest  Washington, D.C. 20554                                                                                                              Dear Chairman Pai: As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we write to emphasize the importance of sustainable networks that meet the needs of consumers now and in the future. Given that the FCC plays a critical role in connecting rural communities to high-speed internet through the universal service fund (USF), we encourage the FCC to make the most efficient and effective use of those funds. Any large-scale infrastructure project requires reasonable planning that takes account not only of current needs, but also of projected demands over the life of the asset being funded; and the distribution of USF should be no different. For broadband specifically, this requires that networks, built using USF, must be capable of delivering speeds, latency, and usage capacity according to what the FCC deems necessary to meet the needs of consumers over the next decade. If our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come. Similarly, we believe it is important for the FCC to be responsible for USF resources and ensure that those parties receiving such support can deliver on the commitments they make. This requires monitoring and reporting once USF support is received to guarantee it is being used as intended. The FCC should also make sure before the auction occurs that the participants in the auction can successfully deliver on their promises. If a party is incapable of delivering broadband as promised, the American ratepayer loses twice over  first for having contributed sums that did not go toward the deployment of broadband as hoped, and then again for those ratepayers who reside in the area that ended up not receiving the promised service. It is therefore critical that any use of an auction to distribute USF support include meaningful processes upfront to prequalify bidders. This should apply to all bidders, regardless of the technology they propose to use or the performance levels they promise to deliver. Thank you for your work to deploy reliable broadband networks in rural America. We look forward to working with you to help close the digital divide and provide rural American consumers with the same kinds of digital opportunities that many others take for granted.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3199,Maine Delegation Urges USDA to Heed Maine DACFs Comments on Interim Final Hemp Rule,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) wrote to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging the agency to heed the formal comments and concerns of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) on the interim final rule on domestic hemp production. A signed copy of the letter can be foundhere.
As you know, theAgriculture Improvement Act of 2018created a legal pathway for domestic hemp production. We appreciate that [USDA] published an interim final rule on October 31, 2019 to implement those farm bill provisions, providing much needed certainty for hemp growers and businesses in Maine and across the country.said the Maine delegation in the letter.As [USDA] works on drafting a final rule, we respectfully request your consideration of DACF's comments and concerns.
Hemp, which is grown in every Maine county,contains less than .3% THC and can be used for a variety of products, including rope, textile, and paper. Thestate's hempindustry has seen massive growth over the past year;more than2,000 acres were planted in 2019, up from 550 acres in 2018. Much of that acreage is cultivated for CBD use.
The interim final rule was released by USDA on October 31, 2019. Public comment is open on the hemp rule untilDecember 31, 2019.
In addition to supporting DACF's comments on USDA's interim rule establishing a Domestic Hemp Production Program, the delegation has also worked to address the financing obstacles that hemp-producing businesses have encountered.Despite the 2018 Farm Bill'slegalization ofhemp, the lack of clarity in federal banking regulations has created major barriers for hemp businesses. Pingree and Golden firstwrote to USDAon April 30, 2019 to ask for expedited hemp regulations and clarity for Maine farmers.
The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (HR 1595), passed the House with support from Pingree and Golden in September. The bill wouldallowfinancial institutionsto servecannabis-related businessesin states where it has been legalized.Senator King is acosponsor of the Senate version of the SAFE Banking Act (S 1200), andin Novemberwrote a letter to the Senate Banking Committee expressing his supportfor the House-passed bill.
Pingree and Golden againwrote to USDAon October 23, 2019, urging expedited rules for hemp in light of the news that Sheepscot Farman organic u-pick strawberry farm that also grows hemphad lost accounts at both their bank and insurance company due to uncertainty in federal regulations and a lack of guidance by USDA. Pingree held a roundtable with farmers on USDA's interim final hemp rule at Sheepscot General yesterday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3200,Pingree Votes to Pass FY2020 Funding Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today voted to pass two legislative packages that comprise alltwelveFY2020 funding bills. H.R. 1865 andH.R. 1158, together will fund the federal governmentthrough September 30, 2020.
The bills make historic investments inmany ofPingree's priorities,including local and organic agriculture, election security, early childhood education, medical research including gun violence prevention, and shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works. The bills also prevent many disastrous cuts proposed in the Trump administration's FY 2020 budget, including slashing environmental protection and safety net programs.
Pingree released the following statement after the vote:
Today's vote reflects a historic investment in the lives of Mainers. Withthese spending bills, Congress is investing in thehealth, safety, and livelihoodsof the American people, including$425 million for election securitygrants, $25 million for gun violence prevention research, record-high funding for Head Start, and major support for economic development and infrastructure programs. I hope to see swift action from the Senate and President. Mainers are relying on us to provide certainty and protect our country from another senseless government shutdown.
This isn't a perfect bill by any meansthough we blocked theWhite House and Republican-controlled Senatefrom enactingdevastating cuts to programs we care deeply about,I'm disappointed to see some importantprovisionsleft out of the final bill, including those prohibiting offshore drilling in the Gulf of Maine, addressing the Trump administration's gutting of Title X and international family planning assistance, and the disastrous and cruel border policies of the Trump administration. Still, I believe this billdelivers critical investments toMainers, and so I voted in favor.
Highlights of H.R. 1865 include:
 
    $495.1 million for Land and Water Conservation Fund, a $56 million increase from FY19
    $2.57 billion for National Park Service operations, a $74 million increase from FY19
    $162.25 millioneach for theNational Endowment for the ArtsandNational Endowment for the Humanities, up $7.25 million since FY19, the largest increases since FY10
    $28 million for Combined Sewer Overflow Grantsto help municipalities adapt to rising sea levels and climate change
    $20 billion to EPAfor state-levelPFASclean ups, and a requirement for EPA to report to Congress within 60 days on its work on PFAS
    $20.4 million for the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), a new umbrella program championed by Pingree in the 2018 Farm Bill tostreamlineand support local and regional food system programs
    $20 million for the National Organic Programto enforce organic standardsand fight against import fraud, an $8 million increase over FY19 funding levels
 
 
    $400,000 to implement the Food Loss and Waste Liaison at USDA, a new position championed by Pingree in the 2018 Farm Bill
    $30 millionfor Arts in Education grants
    $25 million for gun violence research, split between National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control
    $730 million for Education and Cultural Exchange programsat the Department of State
 
Highlights of H.R. 1158 include:
 
    Full funding for DDG-51, DDG-1000 and FFG(X), all ships important to Bath Iron Works
    3.1% COLA raise for federal employees, including those atPortsmouth Naval Shipyard
    Language allowing DHS to issue moreH-2B visas
    $262 million for Community Development Financial Institutions(CDFI)
    $169.5 million in NOAA Climate Research, up from $159 million in FY19, including set-aside funding to study marine debris, algal blooms, and ocean acidification
 
Pingree has served on the House Appropriations Committee since 2013. She currently sits on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, and Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3201,"Pingree Votes for FY2020 Funding Bills, Including Support for Local and Organic Agriculture, Food Waste Prevention",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today voted forthe passage of the FY2020 appropriations bills, including agricultural funding which she pushed for with her seat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. The FY2020 agreement included funding for programs Pingree helped to create in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Farmers feed America, and they deserve support from Congress during these difficult economic times. With this bill's passage, we will help make our food system better for farmers, consumers, and our environment,said Pingree.This bill will invest inruralcommunities acrossMaine andthe country, helping producers fight against climate change, meet consumer demand for organic food, sell products locally in their communities, and access the research and data they need to thrive. As an organic farmer with many small growers selling into local and organic markets in my district, I've seen firsthand how important investments like these can be to farmers' success.
Funding for agriculture was included in the domestic priorities and international assistance bill, one of two appropriations bills passed by the House today. Highlights inH.R. 1158include:
 
    $20.4 million for the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), a new umbrella program championed by Pingree in the 2018 Farm Bill to streamline existing local and regional food system programs
    $20 million for the National Organic Programto enforce organic standards and fight against import fraud, an $8 million increase over FY19 funding levels
    $6million for the Organic Transition Program, up from $5 million in FY19
    $400,000 to implement the Food Loss and Waste Liaison at USDA, a new position championed by Pingree in the 2018 Farm Bill
    $1 million for USDA composting pilot, new money to implement provisions Pingree authored in the 2018 Farm Bill
    Ensures the term climate change is preserved in USDA's publications
 
The bill requires USDA to issue a final origin of livestock rule 180 days after the bill's passage, based on the Obama-era proposed rule. Pingree hasrepeatedly pushedUSDA for a final origin of livestock rule andquestionedUSDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Undersecretary Greg Ibach on the delay in the origin of livestock rulemaking in July. Secretary Perdue has claimed that there has been division in industry on the origin of livestock rulemaking; Pingree has pushed the USDA to provide information about any opposition to the rulemaking because the organic community has expressed widespread support for the final ruleand serious concerns of financial losses without the rule in place.
H.R. 1158 does not include funding for NIFA/ERS relocation, which was included in the Senate agriculture appropriations bill draft. The bill also prohibits USDA from reorganizing agencies without Congress' approval. Pingree has filed theAgriculture Research Integrity Act of 2019, legislation to ensure USDA research agencies stay in the Capital region.
Pingree is an advocate for reforming federal policy to better support the diverse range of American agriculture, including sustainable, organic, and locally focused farming.She has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 2013 and sits on the Subcommittee on Agriculture. She retook her seat on the House Agriculture Committee at the start of the 116thCongress.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/appropriations-package-includes-legislation-support-volunteer-firefighters-first-responders,"Appropriations Package Includes Legislation to Support Volunteer Firefighters & First Responders Authored by Collins, Cardin",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), a Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced that several provisions from the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) they introduced earlier this year were included in the final Appropriations agreement. The agreement was passed by the House today. Once passed by the Senate, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Across our nation, volunteer firefighters play a critical role in helping to ensure the safety of our communities and the well-being of our neighbors. Maine is largely a rural state, and more than 90 percent of firefighters are volunteers. Without these public-spirited citizens, many smaller communities would be unable to provide firefighting and other emergency services at all, said Senator Collins. These bipartisan provisions Senator Cardin and I authored would protect cost-effective incentives that support the brave men and women who volunteer to protect their communities.

Local communities depend on the public service of volunteer firefighters to stay safe and secure. These modest changes will make it easier for communities across Maryland and nationwide to recruit and retain the bravest men and women who are ready to defend against whatever might come next,said Senator Cardin.Protecting our communities from harm is one of the most basic functions of government and I am proud to partner with Senator Collins on this bipartisan effort.

In order to bolster recruitment and retention, many fire and EMS agencies now provide benefits, including non-monetary gifts, reductions in property taxes, per-call payments, stipends, or retirement benefits. The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act would allow communities to provide volunteer firefighters and EMS workers with up to $600 per year of property tax reductions or other incentives, without those benefits being subject to federal income tax and withholding. This would ease the administrative burden that local departments sometimes face when they reward their volunteers with minor benefits.

The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act provisions in the appropriations agreement were included as part of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-legislation-help-americans-save-retirement-included-year-end-appropriations,"Collins, Hassan Legislation to Help Americans Save for Retirement Included in Year-End Appropriations Package",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced today that several provisions from the Retirement Security Act of 2019 they introduced earlier this year were included in the final Appropriations agreement. The agreement was passed by the House today. Once passed by the Senate, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.

As the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, ensuring that more people are better prepared for retirement is one of my top priorities, said Senator Collins. The bipartisan provisions Senator Hassan and I authored would significantly improve the financial security of many Americans by reducing the cost and complexity of retirement plans, especially for small businesses, and encourage individuals to save more for retirement. 

This bipartisan measure that I worked on with Senator Collins will help small businesses provide retirement plans to their employees, which will make it easier for workers to save enough to maintain their standard of living after they retire, Senator Hassan said. I look forward to seeing this measure signed into law.

According to the non-partisan Center for Retirement Research, there is an estimated $7.7 trillion gap between the savings American households need to maintain their standard of living in retirement and what they actually have. A recent Gallup poll found that only 54 percent of working Americans believe that they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.

The provisions of the Retirement Security Act included in the appropriations agreement would address this issue by:

 Enabling more businesses to join multiple employer plans (MEPs) to offer retirement programs to their employees. The bill would allow businesses to share the administrative burden of a retirement plan, which helps lower costs, without requiring a connection, or nexus, between them.

 Making MEPs a more attractive option for small businesses. The bill would protect members of a MEP from losing their tax benefits if one employer in a MEP fails to meet the minimum criteria necessary for retirement plans to obtain tax benefits.

 Facilitating adoption of retirement plans. The bill would simplify certain safe harbor rules to provide greater flexibility while also improving employee protection.

 Helping more small employers offer retirement plans. The bill would increase the current tax credit for small employer plan startup costs and create a new credit to help with startup costs for new plans that include automatic enrollment.

The Retirement Security Act provisions in the appropriations agreement were included as part of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-smith%E2%80%99s-bipartisan-bill-combat-lyme-and-other-tick-borne-diseases-advances,"Collins, Smiths Bipartisan Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases Advances",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that legislation they authored to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases was included in the Appropriations agreement unveiled today. The agreement must now receive a vote in both the House and the Senate. Once passed by both chambers, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.

The Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, which have risen exponentially from approximately 30,000 cases in 2003 to an estimated 450,000 last year. Senators Collins and Smith renamed the bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan, who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus.

In Maine alone, there were approximately 1,400 new cases of Lyme disease in 2018, a sharp increase from the 752 cases in 2010. Far too many Americans with Lyme disease experience a complex diagnostic odyssey that takes months or even years, while suffering severe and debilitating symptoms. In addition to the physical and emotional toll that Lyme disease takes, it is also expensive. Medical costs of Lyme disease are estimated at $1.3 billion per year. When accounting for indirect medical costs, including loss of work, the annual costs balloon to $75 billion per year.

The inclusion of the Tick Act in the appropriations agreement is a major victory for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who contract Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses each year. I am grateful for the countless advocates who shared their struggles with these diseases and conveyed the urgent need for this comprehensive, bipartisan bill, said Senator Collins. With a national effort the TICK Act would establish, we can stop the spread of these devastating tick-borne illnesses and protect our health.

I've said that for the sake of Americans' health and well-being, we need to move this bill forward. My hope is that our bipartisan bill quickly passes the House and Senate so it can go to the President's desk and be signed into law, said Senator Smith. The number of Lyme disease cases is on the rise, and we need to address this so Minnesotans can continue to enjoy spending time outside exploring our parks, swimming and boating in our lakes, and hiking in our forests safely.

I was misdiagnosed by 23 doctors and specialists to the tune of $250,000 before getting an official diagnosis and proper treatment, said Paula Jackson Jones, President and Co-Founder of Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education. Enacting the Tick Act that Senator Collins introduced will provide a lifeline not only to patients but to medical providers. With funding available for research and education, we can get medical providers on the same page not only with improved diagnostic tools but better, more effective treatment options for their patients. With the Tick Act, and Senator Collins' support in Washington, we can stem the growing threat of tick-borne disease.

""Lyme is a frustrating and debilitating disease, but it's a problem we can solve,"" said Bonnie Crater, co-founder and board member at Center for Lyme Action. ""What is needed is dedicated and sustained effort by the federal government to address this growing public health threat. The Kay Hagan Tick Act is a wonderful first step and is supported by more than 150 Lyme foundations and associations around the United States.""

Using a three-pronged approach, the Tick Act would:

1. Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a National Strategy. This would help expand research, improve testing and treatment, and coordinate common efforts with DOD, USDA, EPA, the VA, and the Departments of Interior and Homeland Security

2. Reauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years at $10 million per year. Funding for these centers, which was allotted in 2017, expires in 2021. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S. There are five centers located at universities in New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin.

3. Authorize CDC Grants at $20 million per year that would be awarded to State Health Departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness. These awards would help states build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other tick and vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships.

In September, Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, convened a field hearing at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory Tick Lab in Orono, where experts and witnesses discussed the critical need to pass the Tick Act.

In 2016, Congress took a critical step forward with the enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act, which created a federal Tick-Borne Diseases Working Group. This Working Group released its first report in November 2018, which created several recommendations for next steps. With the findings of this report in mind, this legislation puts key recommendations into practice.

The Tick Act is supported by more than 155 organizations, including the Center for Lyme Action, the Entomological Society of America, National Association of Vector-Borne Disease Control Officials, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Organization in Maine, the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, the LivLyme Foundation, the Global Lyme Alliance, and The Avril Lavigne Foundation.

Senators Collins and Smith's Tick Act is cosponsored by 31 Senators including Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R- MS), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), John Boozman (R-AR), Margaret Hassan (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Thom Tillis (R- NC), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Gary Peters (D-MI).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-urges-usda-heed-maine-dacf%E2%80%99s-comments-interim-final-hemp-rule,Maine Delegation Urges USDA to Heed Maine DACFs Comments on Interim Final Hemp Rule,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) wrote to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging the agency to heed the formal comments and concerns of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) on the interim final rule on domestic hemp production. A signed copy of the letter can be foundhere.

As you know, theAgriculture Improvement Act of 2018created a legal pathway for domestic hemp production. We appreciate that [USDA] published an interim final rule on October 31, 2019 to implement those farm bill provisions, providing much needed certainty for hemp growers and businesses in Maine and across the country.said the Maine delegation in the letter.As [USDA] works on drafting a final rule, we respectfully request your consideration of DACF's comments and concerns.

Hemp, which is grown in every Maine county,contains less than .3% THC and can be used for a variety of products, including rope, textile, and paper. Thestate's hempindustry has seen massive growth over the past year;more than2,000 acres were planted in 2019, up from 550 acres in 2018. Much of that acreage is cultivated for CBD use.

The interim final rule was released by USDA on October 31, 2019. Public comment is open on the hemp rule untilDecember 31, 2019.

In addition to supporting DACF's comments on USDA's interim rule establishing a Domestic Hemp Production Program, the delegation has also worked to address the financing obstacles that hemp-producing businesses have encountered.Despite the 2018 Farm Bill'slegalization ofhemp, the lack of clarity in federal banking regulations has created major barriers for hemp businesses. Pingree and Golden firstwrote to USDAon April 30, 2019 to ask for expedited hemp regulations and clarity for Maine farmers.

The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (HR 1595), passed the House with support from Pingree and Golden in September. The bill wouldallowfinancial institutionsto servecannabis-related businessesin states where it has been legalized.Senator King is acosponsor of the Senate version of the SAFE Banking Act (S 1200), andin Novemberwrote a letter to the Senate Banking Committee expressing his supportfor the House-passed bill.

Pingree and Golden againwrote to USDAon October 23, 2019, urging expedited rules for hemp in light of the news that Sheepscot Farman organic u-pick strawberry farm that also grows hemphad lost accounts at both their bank and insurance company due to uncertainty in federal regulations and a lack of guidance by USDA. Pingree held a roundtable with farmers on USDA's interim final hemp rule at Sheepscot General yesterday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-approves-military-widow%E2%80%99s-tax-repeal,Senate Approves Military Widows Tax Repeal,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' floor remarks. Click HERE for high-resolution video.
Click HERE to read Senator Collins' floor remarks. 

Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Doug Jones (D-AL) announced that their legislation to repeal the Military Widow's Tax passed the Senate as a part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill now goes to the President to be signed into law. Prior to the vote, Senator Collins delivered remarks from the Senate floor.

Legislation to repeal the widow's tax has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate for nearly two decades to roll back the law, which was enacted in 1972. Since introducing the bill in March, Senators Collins and Jones have worked tirelessly to garner support among their colleagues in both the Senate and House, as well as makethe case on behalf of the 67,000 surviving spousesincluding more than 260 in Mainewho are impacted by the military widow's tax. Under their leadership, the bill earned a record-high 78 total cosponsors in the Senate.

This provision we secured in the NDAA is a major victory for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted. The Military Widow's Tax was an unfair offset that prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spousesincluding more than 260 from Mainefrom receiving the full benefits they deserve, said Senator Susan Collins. This problem goes back decades, but this year we finally solved it once and for all. I appreciate the overwhelming support we received from our colleagues as well as veterans advocates who helped make this possible.

When we introduced this legislation, we knew we were fighting an uphill battle on behalf of these surviving spouses. Together, we were undeterred by the task and committed to them that this was the year it would finally get done. There is no more noble of a cause than to do the right thing for our military families who have lost their loved one in service to our country. It is for these surviving spouses and their families that we took up this fight, and I am honored to be standing with them as we finally put this injustice behind us, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Southern Maine Chapter, Military Officers Association of America salutes Senator Susan Collins for being a leader in the Senate to repeal what is known as the Military Widow's Tax in the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). She understood the injustice of taking away a significant portion of a military retiree's pension when they died, especially when it was a service-related death and for many years after retirement that the military member paid into the program. The program in effect was a slap in the face, while every other federal survivor segment receives concurrent benefits. Thank you, Senator Collins, for making a difference in the lives of our American Heroes, and especially their families, said CDR Richard H Tetrev, USN (Ret.), President of the Military Officers Association of America's (MOAA) Southern Maine Chapter.

MOAA has long fought for the repeal of the widow's tax, and we are so pleased that it is finally becoming a reality. MOAA is especially grateful to Senators Collins and Jones for championing this bipartisan effort in Congress and for seeing it to the finish line. Military spouses will no longer be forced to forfeit part or all of their Survivor Benefit Plan when they are awarded the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, ensuring that veterans' surviving family members will receive the benefits they deserve, said Jim Settele, CAPT, USN (Ret.), MOAA member, former President of MOAA Pine Tree Chapter of Maine. 

Earlier this year, Senators Collins and Jones hosted a press conference and sat down for an interview with CBS to highlight the urgent need to pass legislation to address this issue.

In June, Senators Collins and Jones led a bipartisan colloquy on the Senate floor calling for the Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2019 to be voted on as an amendment to the FY2020 NDAA. In August, Senators Collins and Jones sent a letter, signed by nearly two-thirds of the Senate, urging leadership of the Committee on Armed Services to include language in the FY2020 NDAA to repeal the widow's tax.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-secures-225-million-port-improvements-final-appropriations-agreement,Senator Collins Secures $225 Million for Port Improvements in Final Appropriations Agreement,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the final Appropriations agreement unveiled yesterday provides $225 million to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our nation's ports. The legislation also prioritizes small grant applications for ports like Portland, Eastport, and Searsport.

Senator Collins was the Chairman of the negotiating Committee that brokered the agreement between the House and the Senate for the Transportation and Housing appropriations bill. The ports provision was the culmination of months of negotiation and advocacy by Senator Collins. The agreement must now receive a vote in both the House and the Senate. Once passed by both chambers, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Maine's seaports are utilized daily by businesses and customers across our state, helping to facilitate the sale of Maine products and creating jobs here in our state, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked hard to secure this funding, which will have a lasting impact on these economic engines along our coast. By helping to upgrade and improve the competitiveness of Maine's ports, these investments will provide a boost for the entire state.

Federal port infrastructure funding is critical to developing maritime assets throughout the State of Maine, said Jon Nass CEO of the Maine Port Authority. This type of grant funding secured by Senator Collins in recent years has helped create and support ports across Maine's coastline, stimulating its economy and making Maine competitive in a global economy. Senator Collins' continued support for maritime infrastructure is incredibly valuable for all of Maine. The Maine Port Authority looks forward to working with Senator Collins to make use of this program.

Eligible projects for the $225 million for port funding include road and rail connections, docks, wharves, piers, and landside structures. Small grant applications, defined as those less than $10 million, are required to be prioritized for small ports, which will be beneficial to ports in Maine. Small grant applications are also eligible for a federal cost-share above 80 percent.

This funding could be used to construct infrastructure to support the growth of Maine ports and the efficient movement of freight. Piers, warehouses, multi-modal connections and specialized infrastructure to handle new types of freight could all be supported under this grant program.

In addition, Senator Collins has asked the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Maritime Administration to provide technical assistance to Maine's ports on developing grant applications to compete in the program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-casey-introduce-bill-reauthorize-older-americans-act,"Senators Collins, Casey Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Older Americans Act",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks on the introduction of the OAA. Click HERE to download high-resolution video.

Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Aging Committee, introduced the Modernization of the Older Americans Act Amendments. Their legislation would reauthorize and strengthen the Older Americans Act (OAA), the nation's preeminent law focused on the wellbeing of seniors.

Since 1965, the OAA has supported and improved the lives of seniorsparticularly those who are low-incomethrough programs that promote nutrition (e.g. Meals on Wheels), improve transportation options, support caregivers, offer employment and community service opportunities, and prevent abuse and neglect. This critical law was last reauthorized in 2016.

For more than half a century, the Older Americans Act has served as a lifeline for millions of seniors by enriching their lives and improving their overall health, said Senator Collins. The bipartisan legislation we introduced today will help ensure that the OAA continues to match the goals we set to permit seniors to age with dignity, respect, and community. Getting this bill across the finish line to strengthen the OAA's programs while providing more flexibility for states to meet local needs is one of my highest priorities as Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee. I urge all of our colleagues to support its swift passage and enactment.

The Older Americans Act serves more than 11 million Americans each year, including 400,000 people throughout Pennsylvania. It represents our commitment to the generations who made us who we are today and lifts up the seniors who need our help the most, said Senator Casey. This bill, which is the culmination of five roundtables with 34 Area Agencies on Aging representing 63 percent of the counties in Pennsylvania, and includes provisions to provide more support for grandparents raising grandchildren, to strengthen innovation to better show the value of Older Americans Act programming and to direct resources for multigenerational engagement. These provisions, combined with other updates to the Act, will ensure that our Area Agencies on Aging are prepared to meet seniors where they are  in their homes and communities.

On behalf of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), we appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Senators Collins and Casey advancing the long-term reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA), said Debra Whitman, Chair of LCAO, the coalition of national nonprofit organizations representing America's older adults. Older Americans all across the country depend on the OAA's critical home and community based services and the aging network to stay healthy and engaged in their communities. We look forward to legislators from both parties working together to quickly pass legislation to support our growing aging population and help assure their healthy longevity.

Too often, people living with younger-onset Alzheimer's have been unable to access fundamental programs and services because of their age, said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and AIM executive director. ""The resources available under the OAA are a critically important support system for older individuals with Alzheimer's and will improve the quality of life for individuals and their families.""

AARP applauds the bipartisan leadership of Special Committee on Aging Chair Susan Collins and Ranking Member Bob Casey in developing the Modernization of the Older Americans Act Amendments,said Megan O'Reilly, Vice President for AARP Government Affairs, Federal Health and Family.This legislation reaffirms our nation's commitment to the well-being of older Americans and their caregivers. We look forward to working together on a prompt reauthorization to ensure that our loved ones have the support they need to live at home with independence and dignity as they age.

Administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the OAA authorizes an array of services through a network of 56 State Units on Aging and more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).

In the last year alone, OAA programs:

 Served more than 700,000 caregivers; and

 Provided seniors across the country with 358 million meals.

In addition to supporting seniors, OAA programs are cost effective. The average cost of serving one senior Meals on Wheels for the entire year is $2,828, compared to the average of $2,424 it costs to stay for a single day in the hospital and the approximately $2,450 it costs to stay just ten days in a nursing home. By providing seniors with a hot meal, the Older Americans Act improves nutrition and keeps seniors out of the hospital, allowing them to age in their homes and communities. In fact, every $1 invested into the Older Americans Act generates $3 to help seniors stay at home and out of the hospital through low-cost, community-based services.

Specifically, Senators Collins and Casey's bill would:

 Reauthorize the Older Americans Act for seven years with funding levels that better meet the growing needs, including a 7 percent increase in the initial year, and 6 percent increase annually for the remainder of the authorization;
 Extend the RAISE Family Caregivers Act for five years;
 Extend the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Council for one year;
 Improve the availability of transportation resources to seniors;
 Enhance flexibility for states to better address the needs of grandparents raising grandchildren;
 Ensure that those living with younger onset Alzheimer's disease are included in key OAA services;
 Increase the focus on addressing detrimental impacts of social isolation; and
 Advances support for age-friendly communities.
 Improves elder abuse prevention activities through increased outreach and education activities.
 Increase transparency of home-modification opportunities for eligible older adults.
 Streamlines transferring process between nutrition programs.
 Upgrades data collection methods to understand unmet need in nutrition programs.
 Prioritize existing resources towards multigenerational programming.
 Bolster innovation in the OAA through thoughtful evaluation of demonstrations and existing programs.

In May, Senators Collins and Casey held an Aging Committee hearing to highlight the importance of reauthorizing the OAA.

This reauthorization is supported by dozens of organizations including the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, AARP, the National Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), Advancing States, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), National Alliance for Caregiving, Meals on Wheels America, the West Health Institute, the Jewish Federations of North America, and the Alzheimer's Association.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-usda-to-heed-maine-dacfs-comments-on-interim-final-hemp-rule,Maine Delegation Urges USDA to Heed Maine DACF’s Comments on Interim Final Hemp Rule,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) wrote to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging the agency to heed the formal comments and concerns of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) on the interim final rule on domestic hemp production. A signed copy of the letter can be foundhere. As you know, theAgriculture Improvement Act of 2018created a legal pathway for domestic hemp production. We appreciate that [USDA] published an interim final rule on October 31, 2019 to implement those farm bill provisions, providing much needed certainty for hemp growers and businesses in Maine and across the country.said the Maine delegation in the letter.As [USDA] works on drafting a final rule, we respectfully request your consideration of DACF's comments and concerns. Hemp, which is grown in every Maine county,contains less than .3% THC and can be used for a variety of products, including rope, textile, and paper. Thestate's hempindustry has seen massive growth over the past year;more than2,000 acres were planted in 2019, up from 550 acres in 2018. Much of that acreage is cultivated for CBD use. The interim final rule was released by USDA on October 31, 2019. Public comment is open on the hemp rule untilDecember 31, 2019. In addition to supporting DACF's comments on USDA's interim rule establishing a Domestic Hemp Production Program, the delegation has also worked to address the financing obstacles that hemp-producing businesses have encountered.Despite the 2018 Farm Bill'slegalization ofhemp, the lack of clarity in federal banking regulations has created major barriers for hemp businesses. Pingree and Golden firstwrote to USDAon April 30, 2019 to ask for expedited hemp regulations and clarity for Maine farmers. The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (HR 1595), passed the House with support from Pingree and Golden in September. The bill wouldallowfinancial institutionsto servecannabis-related businessesin states where it has been legalized.Senator King is acosponsor of the Senate version of the SAFE Banking Act (S 1200), andin Novemberwrote a letter to the Senate Banking Committee expressing his supportfor the House-passed bill. Pingree and Golden againwrote to USDAon October 23, 2019, urging expedited rules for hemp in light of the news that Sheepscot Farman organic u-pick strawberry farm that also grows hemphad lost accounts at both their bank and insurance company due to uncertainty in federal regulations and a lack of guidance by USDA. Pingree held a roundtable with farmers on USDA's interim final hemp rule at Sheepscot General yesterday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-backed-priorities-for-maine-nation-in-defense-bill,"Senate Passes King-Backed Priorities for Maine, Nation in Defense Bill",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today cast his vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, by a vote of 86-8. The legislation includes key policy wins to ensure national security, support Maine jobs, strengthen energy security and provide paid parental leave for federal employees. Each year, the National Defense Authorization Act is example of how legislating should work: thoughtfully crafted, with an emphasis on bipartisanship and national security, said Senator King. This year is no exception. This NDAA will make America safer, support Maine people protecting our nation, and provide much-needed benefits for public servants including a pay increase for and paid parental leave for federal employees. It's a monumental piece of legislation, and I look forward to seeing the President sign it into law. Senator King successfully advocated for the inclusion of many provisions that will improve national security and support Maine jobs, including: FUNDING SHIPBUILDING PRIORITIES.The legislation authorizes more than $5 billion for the procurement of 3 DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2020, which Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build. It also authorizes $484 million to fund future year DDG-51 procurements. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds for the completion of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, all of which are being built at BIW.PRIORITIZING CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY.The legislation emphasizes the importance of building the capabilities of the United States to prevent and respond to cyberattacks by bad actors.Senator King has long been an active voice urging additional focus on cyber threats, and as co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, he is leading a bipartisan group to review the threats facing America in cyberspace and provide strategic guidance and policy recommendations on how to defend ourselves against cyberthreats.INCREASING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FUNDING.Senator King successfully pushed for the inclusion of additional funds for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation programs, including funding for research on advanced manufacturing, electric propulsion, advanced planning hulls, and hybrid composite structures. Maine research institutions and companies will be eligible to compete for some of these projects.PROCURING MILITARY TECHNOLOGY THAT SUPPORTS MAINE JOBS.The legislation authorizes funding to procure six CH-53K helicopters, which include components produced at Hunting Dearborn in Fryeberg. In addition, the legislation includes provisions backed by Senator King to support military personnel, including: INCREASING MILITARY PAY.The legislation authorizes a 3.1 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces.ADDRESSING THE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS IN PRIVATIZED MILITARY HOUSING.The legislation authorizes an additional $301.8 million to oversee private military housing and creates new mechanisms of accountability for private military housing companies. Additionally, the legislation includes a King amendment that provides for the creation of a pilot program to explore alternative approaches that can improve the experience for families living in military housing. In last week's SASC hearing,Senator King pressed top military officialsto address the ongoing challenges facing military families who in privatized housing. Finally, Senator King successfully pushed for provisions to support DOD efforts to protect the environment and public health, and ensure energy security, including: ADVANCING CLEAN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS:Senator King successfully pushed for the legislation to authorize $10 million in funding for on-base long duration energy storage projects that will last for at least 100 hours. He also secured a provision authorizing $10 million to be spent on the development, demonstration and validation of secure microgrids for both installations and forward operating bases.IMPROVING ENERGY RESILIENCY:The 2020 NDAA authorizes funds to support military programs aimed at improving defense-wide energy resiliency work, including $150 million for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program and an additional $25 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program. These programs not only increase resiliency, but also advance groundbreaking innovation to help keep our military personnel safe and reduce costs.PROHIBITING DOD FROM ACQURING FIREFIGHTING PRODUCTS CONTAINING PFAS.Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are dangerous chemicals linked to a number of adverse health and environmental effects that have long been used in products like firefighting foam. The NDAA prohibits DOD from procuring firefighting foam that contains PFAS after October 1, 2024. In addition, Senator King successfully advocated for an amendment that provides $15 million to develop new, safer tools to fight fires.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-support-resolution-recognizing-critical-role-2020-census,"Collins, King Support Resolution Recognizing Critical Role of 2020 Census",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined their colleagues on a bipartisan resolutionto emphasize the importance of a fair and accurate 2020 Census. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted.

The Census is a central part of America's democracy that dates back to our nation's founding, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Census data provides critical information to ensure accurate representation in Congress, and is a major factor that determines federal funding for much-needed local investments into roads, schools, and more. We urge Maine people to take all necessary steps to ensure they are properly counted when this process begins in 2020.

The 2020 Census is a constitutionally-mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities.

The resolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible by counting everyone once, only once and in the right place.

For a PDF copy of the resolution, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/funding-secured-senator-collins-improve-maine%E2%80%99s-transportation-housing-advances,Funding Secured by Senator Collins to Improve Maines Transportation & Housing Advances,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill unveiled today makes critical improvements to Maine's transportation infrastructure, promotes economic development, and provides housing assistance for the most vulnerable populations. The legislation now awaits a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

At its core, this legislation is about creating and sustaining jobs through investments that make critical improvements to our infrastructure and provide housing assistance to low-income families. It also contains key reforms, such as improving oversight of the FAA's aviation safety and aircraft certification programs, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have championed funding for these important programs, and I will continue to work to improve Maine's infrastructure.

Earlier this year, Senator Collinsdelivered remarks from the Senate floorurging her colleagues to support the FY 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill, which provides $74.3 billion in new funding, $3.2 billion more than last year.Provisions secured by Senator Collins that will benefit Maine include:

Department of Transportation:

 BUILD Grants: The bill includes $1 billion for BUILD grants, which provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Since the program's inception in 2009, Maine has received a BUILD grant each year, totaling $205 million, due to Senator Collins' advocacy.

 Aviation: The bill fully funds the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) safety programs to address safety concerns raised by two recent Boeing 737-MAX crashes. An increase of $67 million is provided to hire staff with specialized expertise, such as in human factors, as well as to improve training of aviation safety inspectors. The FAA is also directed to respond to all recommendations issued by the various investigations and audits and to finalize a rulemaking requiring aviation manufacturers to establish a safety management system (SMS). The bill also includes $162 million for the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, which provides commercial air service to Augusta/Waterville, Bar Harbor, Presque Isle/Houlton, and Rockland, and $3.75 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP)to improve ournation's airports. The bill continues to provide $5 million for the FAA's work on a statewide helicopter route system to help LifeFlight of Maine to fly in poor weather conditions under instrument flight rules.

 Highway and Bridge Funding Increase: The bill funds the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at $49.3 billion, of which $2.2 billion is provided from the general fund. Of this amount, $1.15 billion is for bridge repairs and rehabilitation, which will provide $35 million for Maine's bridges; and $781 million for highway formula programs, which will provide $3.6 million for Maine's highways.

 State Maritime Academies: The bill includes $300 million for a new training ship for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), and an additional $5 million in direct support, tuition assistance, ship-sharing and fuel payments for MMA. Click HERE to read more.

 Small Shipyard Grants: The bill includes $20 million for the Maritime Administration's Small Shipyard Grant program, which helps small shipyards improve the efficiency of their operations by providing for equipment and other facility upgrades. Maine shipyards have benefitted from this program, including Rockland Marine Corporation, Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc., of East Boothbay, and Front Street Shipyard of Belfast.

 Port Infrastructure Development Program. The bill provides $225 million for port grants for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of goods at ports. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is directed to prioritize applications that are less than $10 million from small ports, and such applications can receive a Federal cost-share above 80 percent.

Housing and Urban Development: 

 Homelessness Prevention: The bill includes more than $2.8 billion to help communities design and implement local solutions to end homelessness. Of this amount, $2.8 billion is included for the Homeless Assistance Grant program in order to fully meet the program's renewal need, and includes $280 million for Emergency Solutions Grants, $80 million in funding targeted for homeless youth, and $50 million for new rapid rehousing projects that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence. The bill also includes $20 million for new family unification vouchers to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless, and $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. Since the HUD-VASH program was first established in 2008, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans. Click HERE to read more.

 Lead Grants: The bill includes $290 million to combat lead hazards, $11 million above last year's level. This will fund intensive interventions in communities with very high incidences of lead paint. These multi-year projects can dramatically reduce lead-based paint hazards in Maine communities with old housing that are in greatest need for lead remediation. Under Chairman Collins' leadership, funding for the lead hazard program has nearly tripled since 2015.

 Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): The bill includes $3.4 billion for the CDBG program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation.

 Housing during substance abuse recovery. The bill provides $25 million for assistance to States to provide stable, temporary housing to individuals recovering from substance abuse. States including Maine, with high rates of overdose deaths will receive funding. 

 Housing for the Elderly: In addition to fully funding the renewal of existing rental assistance for seniors, the bill includes $90 million for new construction of senior housing and $10 million for grants for home modifications to enable low-income seniors to age in place' and remain in their own homes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/funding-secured-senator-collins-support-homelessness-prevention-programs-advances,Funding Secured by Senator Collins to Support Homelessness Prevention Programs Advances,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill includes more than $2.8 billion to help communities design and implement local solutions to end homelessness. The legislation now awaits a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

This important funding will bolster Maine's efforts to assist our state's most vulnerable citizens with additional resources and promote their health, independence, and overall wellbeing. I am particularly pleased that this bill supports new housing vouchers for veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms as well as initiatives to find permanent housing for homeless and runaway youth,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I have championed funding for these important programs, and I will continue to work to prevent and end homelessness in Maine.

Provisions authored by Senator Collins that will benefit Maine homeless programs include:

 Homeless Assistance Grants: The bill includes $2.4 billion in order to fully meet the renewal needs of the Homeless Assistance Grant program and provides an additional $290 million for Emergency Solutions Grants.

 Homeless Youth: The bill includes $80 million in funding for efforts to end youth homelessness in both urban and rural areas. In August, Senator Collins announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $3,354,677 to the Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) tocombat youth homelessness throughout the State of Maine.

 Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence: The bill includes $50 million for new rapid rehousing projects that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence.

 Section 8 Vouchers: The bill includes $25 million for new family unification vouchers of which $20 million will be used to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless.

 Housing for Veterans: The bill includes $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. Since the HUD-VASH program was first established in 2008, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans. Senator Collins' efforts have contributed to homelessness among veterans declining by 50 percent since 2010. In April, Senator Collins hosted Secretary Wilkie in Maine to visit a veteran-owned small business, participate in the groundbreaking for a new veterans residential care facility, and tour an organization that provides housing for homeless veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-resolution-cosponsored-senator-collins-commemorating-75th-anniversary-battle,Senate Passes Resolution Cosponsored by Senator Collins Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins' father, Don Collins

Washington, D.C.  In recognition of the Battle of the Bulgebeginning 75 years ago today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Senator Susan Collins and a bipartisan group of her colleagues commemorating this anniversary.

This resolutionhonorsthe valiant efforts of theAlliedForces inDecember 1944, as well as those who made the ultimatesacrifice in thislast major German offensive in Western Europeduring World War II.There were 89,000 American casualties in this 38-day battle, and 19,000 American soldiers lost their lives. The Allied victory in this battle helped make possible the final defeat and surrender of Germany in May 1945.

Seventy-five years ago today, when the Allies were on the cusp of victory in Europe in World War II, Nazi troops launched a major counteroffensive in the Ardennes Forest that, if successful, could have altered the outcome of the war. Exhibiting tremendous bravery, approximately 100,000 Americans initially slowed the advance of an enemy force that greatly outnumbered their own, said Senator Collins. America's triumph came at a high price, with more than 89,000 casualties by the end. One of those soldiers was my father, who was wounded twice and earned two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. On this 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, let us honor the sacrifices made by the thousands of Americans who perished in battle, those who survived but have since passed on, and those living today.

The resolution was also supported by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joe Manchin (D-WV),Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelley Moore Capito (D-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jim Risch (R-ID), Todd Young (R-IN), John Boozman (R-AR), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Barasso (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Doug Jones (D-AL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD).

Last week, the Senate also passed a resolution introduced by Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME) designating Saturday, December 14, 2019, as Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths were laid at Arlington National Cemetery, all 50 states, and two American Veteran Cemeteries in Luxembourg and the Netherlands in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.

In June, Senator Collinswas part of the official, bipartisan Senate Delegationthat commemorated the 75thanniversary of the D-Day invasionat the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. During her visit, Senator Collinsmet with Maine World War II veteransas well aswith Madawaska native Scott Desjardins, the superintendent of the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Previously, Mr. Desjardins was the superintendent of the American cemetery in Luxembourg, which commemorates the Battle of the Bulge.

Click HERE to read the resolution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-successfully-negotiates-300-million-new-mma-training-ship-final,Senator Collins Successfully Negotiates $300 Million for New MMA Training Ship in Final Appropriations Agreement,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE for additional photos of the future ship for MMA

Washington, D.C.  Following months of negotiation and advocacy from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, the final Appropriations agreement unveiled today includes $300 million for the construction and acquisition of a new training vessel for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA). Senator Collins wasthe Chairman of the negotiating Committee that brokered the agreement between the House and the Senate for the Transportation and Housing appropriations bill.

The agreement must now receive a vote in both the House and the Senate. Once passed by both chambers, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.

This ship is a critical training asset for Maine Maritime Academy, which is why I fought to include this funding throughout the Appropriations process, said Senator Collins. Maine Maritime Academy provides an exceptional education that fully prepares students to excel in the Navy, Coast Guard, and the maritime industry. This new ship will help provide rigorous instruction and crucial maritime training for MMA students for decades to come.

This appropriation demonstrates that Congress believes in the value of our State Maritime Academies and our role in support of economic and national security. I am especially pleased with the level of support we have received from Senator Susan Collins who, as Chair of the Senate's Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, has had the laboring oar in approving funding for this huge accomplishment, said Dr. William J. Brennan, President of Maine Maritime Academy.

Senator Collins strongly opposed the Administration's proposal earlier this year that requested $205 million to construct a smaller training vessel for MMA. It would have been inferior to a ship funded in fiscal year (FY) 2019 for Massachusetts Maritime Academy despite the fact that Maine Maritime Academy has nearly the same number of Coast Guard-licensed graduates and the same need for at-sea training. In addition, changing the design would have required the U.S. Maritime Administration to start from scratch in designing a brand new ship. At a Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee hearing she chaired in March, Senator Collins obtained the commitment of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to secure additional funding.

It was my goal from the beginning to ensure that Maine Maritime Academy received the exact same kind of ship as Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Senator Collins continued. MMA students and instructors are exceptional, and they deserve full and equal resources to continue to do their jobs effectively.

The $300 million for the new training ship at MMA was included in the FY 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill authored by Senator Collins. In addition, the bill provides $5 million in direct support and tuition assistance for the Maine Maritime Academy, as well as fuel payments for their current training ship, the State of Maine.

In 1997, Senator Collins served as the sponsor of the training ship State of Maine when it was acquired by Maine Maritime Academy. Approximately 1,000 undergraduates are enrolled at the institution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-support-resolution-recognizing-critical-role-of-2020-census,"Collins, King Support Resolution Recognizing Critical Role of 2020 Census",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined their colleagues on a bipartisan resolutionto emphasize the importance of a fair and accurate 2020 Census. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted. The Census is a central part of America's democracy that dates back to our nation's founding, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Census data provides critical information to ensure accurate representation in Congress, and is a major factor that determines federal funding for much-needed local investments into roads, schools, and more. We urge Maine people to take all necessary steps to ensure they are properly counted when this process begins in 2020. The 2020 Census is a constitutionally-mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities. The resolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible by counting everyone once, only once and in the right place. For a PDF copy of the resolution, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-nominates-12-mainers-service-academies,Golden Nominates 12 Mainers for Service Academies,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) has announced his office's nominees to the United States Service Academiesthe U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.
This group represents some of Maine's most talented, skilled and accomplished students. They have all demonstrated great leadership, high academic standards, and most importantly, a desire to serve, said Golden. These nominees should be proud of all they've accomplished. I would be honored to have these talented candidates represent the Second District, and it's my privilege to nominate them.
Nominees were interviewed by a panel of five about their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extracurricular activities and commitment to serving their country.
The full list of nominations is below.  
	
United States Naval Academy  Annapolis
Kristina Cornelio, Auburn, The Taft School
Rowan Andrews, Brewer, Bangor High School
Alyssa Day, Kenduskeag, Central High School
James Belleau II, Lewiston, Kent Hills School
Logan Tribou, Hampden, Hampden Academy
Joshua Watson, Glenburn, Bangor High School  
	
United States Military Academy  West Point
Helen Shearer, Hampden, Home-Schooled
Alexander Look, Jonesboro, Machias Memorial High School  
	
United States Air Force Academy  Colorado Springs
Halle Pelletier, Greenville, Greenville High School
Bailey Mallory, Winterport, Hampden Academy
George Grindle, Orono, Orono High School
Logan Tribou, Hampden, Hampden Academy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3196,Representatives Massie & Pingree Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Allow Interstate Traffic of Raw Milk,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced the Interstate Milk Freedom Act (H.R. 5410) today. This bill prohibits federal interference with the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk products that are packaged for direct human consumption. It's legal to drink raw milk in 50 states. It is legal to sell raw milk in 28 states. Congress has never passed a ban on raw milk. Yet, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did so in capitulation toa lawsuit.
Federal agencies, such as the FDA, that are part of the executive branch do not and should not have the power to shut down trade between peaceful farmers and willing consumers. It is Congress's job to legislate, said Rep. Massie. Our Interstate Milk Freedom Act would make it easier for families to buy milk of their choice by reversing the criminalization of specific dairy farmers.
So many people across the country want to make sure their food is fresh and localincluding fruits, vegetables, and even their milk, said Rep. Pingree. Raw milk is currently the only food banned for interstate commercean onerous regulation that hurts small farmers for selling milk straight from their cows to the consumer.
American families can best decide what milk will best serve their sons and daughters, said Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL). The FDA has no Congressional directive or safety regulation that justifies interfering in a decision between a consumer and dairy farmer.This is an issue best left up to states and consumers.
Raw milk is a niche product highly valued by educated consumers who understand any risks associated with its consumption. This industry is vital economically for many small family farms in my district, who survive and thrive by selling directly to the consumer. Farmers throughout Pennsylvania's 11th District and the nation work tirelessly to ensure safe, nutritious dairy products are available to everyone, Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) said. Small family farms have been consuming and distributing raw milk safely for hundreds of years. This bill rightly gets the federal government out of the way and decriminalizes farmers and producers who choose to sell or take unpasteurized milk and other dairy products to willing customers throughout the nation.
This legislation was introduced as an amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill. It was also introduced as a standalone bill in 2015 and 2014.
The Interstate Milk Freedom Act simply says that if two states have legalized the sale of unpasteurized milk, then no federal department, agency, or court may take any action to prohibit or restrict the interstate traffic of milk between those two states. This bill would prohibit the federal government from interfering with the interstate traffic of raw milk products between states where distribution or sale of such products is already legal.
Original cosponsors of H.R. 5410 include Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Ted Budd (R-NC), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Justin Amash (I-MI), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chip Roy (R-TX), and Matt Gaetz (R-FL)
Massie owns 50 head of cattle on his off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky. Pingree raises grass-fed beef and chickens on her island farm in North Haven, Maine.
  
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-more-600000-13-maine-businesses-make-energy-efficiency-improvements,"Collins, King Announce More Than $600,000 for 13 Maine Businesses to Make Energy Efficiency Improvements, Install Renewable Energy Systems",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a total of $606,696 to help 13 businesses throughout Maine lower their energy costs through solar panel installations. This funding is awarded through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Renewable energy installations not only have an important role in reducing harmful emissions, but can also save businesses money by substantially lowering their heating and electricity costs, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this important funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will allow 13 Maine businesses to install solar panel systems, helping them save thousands of dollars per year in energy costs.

The funding is allocated as follows:

 Balfour Farm, LLC, in Pittsfield has been awarded $11,362 to purchase and install a 9.6 kW solar PV array. This project will replace 7,538 kWh (4.93) and save $10,347 per year.

 Brooks, Inc., in Thomaston has been awarded $50,000 to purchase and install a 115.9 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 123,877 kWh (86%) and save $16,104 per year.

 Brown Enterprises, LLC, in Monmouth has been awarded $27,500 to purchase and install a 56.88 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,706 per year and generate 66,968 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.

 Cranberry Isles Fishermen's Co-op in Islesford has been awarded $31,047 to purchase and install a 45.36kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,020 per year and generate 51,088 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.

 Edwin Pelletier and Sons, Inc., in Frenchville has been awarded $37,710 to purchase and install a 61.6 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will replace 74,237 kWh (95%) and save $10,393 per year.

 Leavitt Farms, LLC, in Limestone has been awarded $89,615 to purchase and install a 153 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $35,900 per year and generate 274,963 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.

 Lubec Brewing Company, LLC, in Lubec has been awarded $34,456 to purchase and install a 42 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $5,485 per year and generate 50,220 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy need.

 Maine Beer Company, LLC, in Freeport has been awarded $90,878 to purchase and install a 193.71kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 223,762 kWh (51%) and save $33,027 per year.

 Morningstar Marble and Granite, Inc., in Topsham has been awarded $60,000 to purchase and install a 161.28kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will replace 171,112 kWh (92%) and save $22,245 per year.

 Pol, Inc., in Millinocket has been awarded $92,839 to purchase and install a 171 kW Solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $18,515 per year and generate 205,420 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.

 Sheepscot General, LLC, in Whitefield has been awarded $26,750 to purchase and install a 54.6 kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will replace 70,856 kWh (74%) and save $9,636 in per year.

 The Baker Company, LLC, in Sanford has been awarded $18,146 to purchase and install a 219.52kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 241,958 kWh (15%) and save $31,455 per year.

 The Milkhouse, LLC, in Monmouth has been awarded $36,393 to purchase and install a 72kW Solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will save $10,249 per year and generate 71,410 kWh annually, replacing all the business' energy needs.

Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation, and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-reed-introduce-legislation-help-make-higher-education-more-affordable-accessible,"Collins, Reed Introduce Legislation to Help Make Higher Education More Affordable & Accessible",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Seeking to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students and to help make postsecondary education achievable for more Americans,U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced the Partnerships for Affordability and Student Success (PASS) Act.Thisbipartisan billwouldamend the Higher Education Act of 1965 toreestablish a federal-state partnership for increasingneed-based aid,providegrants to institutions to improve student outcomes and reduce college costs, andbuildpublic accountability for institutions of higher learning.

Education plays a vital role in opening the doors of opportunity to all Americans, but the rising cost of a college education threatens to close those doors to many families across the country,said Senator Collins. This bipartisan bill would help alleviate such financial strains by creating a federal-state partnership program to improve state educational attainment, college access, affordability, and completion. It would also increase need-based financial aid.

College is expensive. Today, too many hard-working young people and their families are falling behind as they try to pay for their degrees that were supposed to help them get ahead. The PASS Act will help make a college degree more affordable and accessible by reinvigorating thefederal-state partnership for higher education with an emphasis on need-based grant aid,said Senator Reed. During the sixties and seventies,a combination of low in-state tuition and federal and state need-based grants meant students did not have to mortgage their future to earn a college degree. That is not true today. Over 43 million Americans now owe more than $1.5 trillion in student loans.Today's students should have the same opportunity as previous generations.

According to the latestState Higher Education Finance reportpublished by the State Higher Education Executive Officers, public colleges and universities have become more reliant on tuition dollars for their operations. Today, in 27 states, tuition accounts for more than half of all higher education revenue. Moreover, the only federal-state partnership program for need-based financial aidthe Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) program  has not received appropriations since fiscal year 2010.

Under the PASS Act, in exchange for new federal investment, states must make a commitment to maintain their investment in higher education and have a comprehensive plan for higher education with measurable goals for access, affordability, and student outcomes. At least half of the funding must be dedicated to need-based student financial aid. States also have the option of awarding grants to colleges and universities or partnerships between institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations to improve student outcomes, including enrollment, completion, and employment, and to develop innovative methods for reducing college costs.

The PASS Act is supported by the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs, the Center for Law and Social Policy, the Institute for Higher Education Policy, the Association of Community College Trustees, and the National Skills Coalition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-shaheen-and-isakson-introduce-legislation-make-combatting-gender-based-violence-top,"Collins, Shaheen, and Isakson Introduce Legislation to Make Combatting Gender-Based Violence a Top U.S. Diplomatic Priority",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced theInternational Violence Against Women Act(IVAWA), bipartisan legislation to ensure combatting gender-based violence around the world remains a top diplomatic and development priority for the United States.

In addition to being a pressing human rights issue, violence against women and girls contributes to inequality and political instability, making it a security issue as well as a moral issue for us all. Our bipartisan bill would ensure that the U.S. continues to take a leadership role in combatting such violence around the world, said Senator Collins.I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues to end gender-based violence and to provide the assistance and resources necessary to achieve this goal.

""One in three women and girls around the world will report experiencing gender-based violence in their lifetimes. By denying women and girls the chance to rise to their full potential, gender-based violence stunts economic, political and social progress in our communities, said Senator Shaheen. The International Violence Against Women Act will ensure combatting gender-based violence around the world remains a top diplomatic and development priority for the United States. This not only means stopping sexual abuse and trafficking, domestic violence, early and forced marriages and other forms of gender-based violence, but also changing societal views and norms in places around the world where women and girls are not agents of their own future.

The United States must continue to be a leader in the fight to end gender-based violence around the world. The consequences of violence against girls and women at home and abroad are far-reaching, and the International Violence Against Women Act will help us better coordinate these important efforts, said Senator Isakson. Ensuring that women and girls around the world have the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from the threat of violence, must remain a priority for all of us.

Specifically, theInternational Violence Against Women Actwould:

 Require the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop and implement a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence;
 Permanently authorize the State Department Office of Global Women's Issues and the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues to head that Office;
 Permanently authorize the USAID Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment; and
 Require interagency coordination, monitoring and evaluation of programs and regular briefings to Congress.

Earlier this year, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution authored by Senators Collins and Shaheen recognizing International Women's Day 2019. In November, Senators Collins and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Girls Leadership, Engagement, and Advocacy in Development (LEAD) Act of 2019, legislation to promote girls' leadership and participation in civic and political processes through U.S. foreign assistance.

Read the bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/committee-advances-collins-and-hassan%E2%80%99s-efforts-support-grandfamilies-and-relative,"Committee Advances Collins and Hassans Efforts to Support Grandfamilies and Relative Caregivers, Prevent Child Abuse",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  The Health Committee voted to advance the reauthorization of the bipartisanChild Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA),which includes measures that U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) fought to include to ensure that family members caring for children are eligible for necessary support services. CAPTA is the only federal program dedicated exclusively to the prevention, assessment, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

A growing consequence of the opioid crisis is an increasing number of grandparents raising their grandchildren because the children's parents overdosed or are absent due to substance use disorders. Earlier this year, Senators Collins and Hassan introduced the bipartisanHelp Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act, legislation that provides greater support services to meet the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, including exposure to substance misuse.

Throughout the United States, the opioid epidemic continues to devastate families, and grandparents increasingly are being called on to become the primary caregivers of their grandchildren. Although this caretaker role can be a source of tremendous comfort and stability for families, it also presents several challenges, said Senator Collins. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act will help ensure that grandparents have access to important resources they need to help their grandchildren succeed.

Grandparents and other relatives who areprimary caregivers for children impacted by the opioid crisis are taking on an enormous and crucial responsibility, and they need additional support,Senator Hassansaid. I am pleased that the reauthorization of theChild Abuse Prevention and Treatment Actrightfullymakes sure that grandfamilies and other caregivers are eligible for child services under this bill, which helps ensure that both caregivers and children have what they need to thrive.

As the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Collins authored key legislation that created a one-stop-shop of resources to support grandparents raising grandchildren. The Supporting Grandparents Raising Children Act was cosponsored by Senator Hassan and was signed into law last June.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-sinema-introduce-bill-help-asylum-seekers-obtain-jobs-more-quickly,"Senators Collins, Sinema Introduce Bill to Help Asylum Seekers Obtain Jobs More Quickly",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.In a bipartisan effort to allow asylum seekers find employment more quickly and become self-sufficient, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced legislation today to shorten the waiting period before asylum seekers are allowed to file for work authorizations. 

The change proposed by our bill will lessen the burden on the budgets of communities hosting asylum seekers while allowing these individuals and their families to support themselves as they want to do, bringing needed skills to the cities and towns in which they settle, said Senator Collins. I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation to permit these individuals to work and contribute to the local economy while their asylum claims are being adjudicated.

Our commonsense proposal allows individuals to stand on their own two feet and ensures women, children, and families fleeing violence and seeking asylum are treated fairly and humanely, said Senator Sinema.

The Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2019 would allow asylum seekers to file for work authorizations 30 days after applying for asylum. Since asylum seekers cannot currently work to provide for themselves or their families for six months according to existing law, cities and towns where asylum seekers live are under pressure to support them, often by using local general assistance from taxpayers and volunteer contributions.

Click HERE to read the text of the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-advocating-for-paid-parental-leave-king-applauds-inclusion-of-new-policy-for-all-federal-employees-in-fy2020-ndaa,"After Advocating for Paid Parental Leave, King Applauds Inclusion of New Policy for All Federal Employees in FY2020 NDAA",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the inclusion of paid parental leave for federal workers in the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation will allow new parents to take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after the birth, adoption or fostering of a child, effective October 1st, 2020. Earlier this year, Senator King joined 21 of his Senate colleagues in urging the inclusion of paid leave in the conference report of the NDAA. Paid parental leave strengthens our economy by helping keep folks in the workforce and promotes strong families by giving parents the opportunity to stay with their child without sacrificing financially, said Senator King. The policy just makes sense  but for some reason, America is the only industrialized nation that doesn't guarantee paid leave to new parents. That's got to change. The inclusion of this provision to support federal workers is a major step in the right direction on the path creating a new standard that supports both America's workers and economy. Senator King has been outspoken in his support for the Family and Medical Leave Act, and has worked to build on its legacy to support paid family and medical leave legislation. He is a cosponsor of theFamily and Medical Insurance Leave Act(FAMILY) Act,legislation that would create a social insurance program to provide up to 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid family and medical leave for all private-sector members of the American workforce who have sufficient work history.Senator King is also an original sponsor of theStrong Families Act,bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would create a five-year, 25 percent tax credit for employers who voluntarily offer up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to employees.A version of the Strong Families Act with a two-year window wasenacted into lawin December 2017 as part of the tax bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-600000-for-13-maine-businesses-to-make-energy-efficiency-improvements-install-renewable-energy-systems,"Collins, King Announce More Than $600,000 for 13 Maine Businesses to Make Energy Efficiency Improvements, Install Renewable Energy Systems",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a total of $606,696 to help 13 businesses throughout Maine lower their energy costs through solar panel installations. This funding is awarded through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Renewable energy installations not only have an important role in reducing harmful emissions, but can also save businesses money by substantially lowering their heating and electricity costs, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this important funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will allow 13 Maine businesses to install solar panel systems, helping them save thousands of dollars per year in energy costs. The funding is allocated as follows: Balfour Farm, LLC, in Pittsfield has been awarded $11,362 to purchase and install a 9.6 kW solar PV array. This project will replace 7,538 kWh (4.93) and save $10,347 per year.Brooks, Inc., in Thomaston has been awarded $50,000 to purchase and install a 115.9 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 123,877 kWh (86%) and save $16,104 per year.Brown Enterprises, LLC, in Monmouth has been awarded $27,500 to purchase and install a 56.88 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,706 per year and generate 66,968 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.Cranberry Isles Fishermen's Co-op in Islesford has been awarded $31,047 to purchase and install a 45.36kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,020 per year and generate 51,088 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.Edwin Pelletier and Sons, Inc., in Frenchville has been awarded $37,710 to purchase and install a 61.6 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will replace 74,237 kWh (95%) and save $10,393 per year.Leavitt Farms, LLC, in Limestone has been awarded $89,615 to purchase and install a 153 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $35,900 per year and generate 274,963 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.Lubec Brewing Company, LLC, in Lubec has been awarded $34,456 to purchase and install a 42 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $5,485 per year and generate 50,220 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy need.Maine Beer Company, LLC, in Freeport has been awarded $90,878 to purchase and install a 193.71kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 223,762 kWh (51%) and save $33,027 per year.Morningstar Marble and Granite, Inc., in Topsham has been awarded $60,000 to purchase and install a 161.28kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will replace 171,112 kWh (92%) and save $22,245 per year.Pol, Inc., in Millinocket has been awarded $92,839 to purchase and install a 171 kW Solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $18,515 per year and generate 205,420 kWh annually, replacing all of the business' energy needs.Sheepscot General, LLC, in Whitefield has been awarded $26,750 to purchase and install a 54.6 kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will replace 70,856 kWh (74%) and save $9,636 in per year.The Baker Company, LLC, in Sanford has been awarded $18,146 to purchase and install a 219.52kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 241,958 kWh (15%) and save $31,455 per year.The Milkhouse, LLC, in Monmouth has been awarded $36,393 to purchase and install a 72kW Solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will save $10,249 per year and generate 71,410 kWh annually, replacing all the business' energy needs. Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation, and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-opens-new-constituent-service-office-on-main-street-in-biddeford,King Opens New Constituent Service Office on Main Street in Biddeford,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIDDEFORD, ME Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined members of his staff, local officials, and Maine people for the ribbon cutting of his new Biddeford office, located at227 Main Street. The new office, which is centrally located and available via public transit, will improve Senator King's efforts to be accessible to his constituents. When it came time to look for a new office in Southern Maine, the old adage stuck in my mind: location, location, location,'said Senator King.This office is located on the heart of Biddeford's Main Street, meaning we're more visible and more accessible to Maine people. Whether you're looking to share your opinion on the latest Washington happenings or need help navigating the federal bureaucracy, just know that we're open for business in Biddeford! Constituent services available at the Biddeford location include navigating issues with federal agencies, listening to concerns regarding government policies and programs, and providing updates on Senator King's positions and work in the U.S. Senate.In addition to the Biddeford location, Senator King also has offices in Augusta, Bangor, and Presque Isle, and is evaluating options to add at least one more office in the near future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-backed-bill-lower-prescription-drug-costs-seniors-passes-house,Golden-Backed Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Seniors Passes House,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  The House passed legislation today cosponsored by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to address rising prescription drug costs. H.R. 3, theLower Drug Costs Now Act, would limit out-of-pocket prescription drug costs paid by seniors, fund the expansion of Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing, and lower prescription drug prices for thousands of Mainers.
Pharmaceutical corporations have taken home record profits while Mainers, especially seniors, have struggled to pay higher and higher prices for their medications,said Golden.TheLower Drug Costs Now Acttakes long-overdue action to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors, negotiate down the prices of many expensive medications, and get skyrocketing prescription costs under control. The Senate is working on their own version of this legislation, which means there is an opportunity to come together and make real, bipartisan progress on this issue for the American people.
In October, Golden joined AARP and hundreds of its members for a town hall on H.R. 3 and other efforts to lower prescription drug prices. He also pennedan op-eddefending the legislation and calling out spending against the bill by dark money groups tied to Big Pharma.
According to Ways & Means Committee analysis, H.R. 3 could lower medication costs for Mainers with:
 
Arthritis by $30,000 a year;
	Diabetes by $15,000 a year;
	Asthma by $1,100 a year;
	Breast cancer by $45,000 a year;
	Leukemia by $66,300 a year;
	Prostate cancer by $72,100 a year.
 
Find aMaine-specific fact sheet about H.R. 3 here.
In addition to lowering prescription drug costs, H.R. 3 uses budgetary savings from those provisions to fund the expansion of Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing benefits, expand the healthcare workforce, invest in biomedical research and drug development, combat the opioid epidemic, and increase funding for Community Health Centers. The legislation also includes provisions from two bills that Golden has cosponsored: theRemoving Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2019and theLymphedema Treatment Act of 2019.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3191,"On 4th Anniversary of Paris Accord Signing, Pingree Decries 220 days of Senate Inaction on H.R. 9",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement on the fourth anniversary of President Obama signing the international Paris Agreement on Climate Change on December 12, 2015:
More than 220 days ago, the House approved H.R. 9 to recommit the United States to the Paris Climate Agreement and require the Trump administration to develop a serious plan for how our country will address climate change. It's outrageous that this legislation is one of 400 bills stalled in the U.S. Senate. Congress must look beyond petty politics and face the reality of the climate emergency we're in.
Maine is already grappling with the widespread effects of climate change. Sea levels are rising. Weather patterns are unpredictable. Our ocean is acidifying. The Gulf of Maine is warming 99% faster than anywhere else on the planet. The health and well-being of our state is on the line.
Four years after the U.S. joined the most visionary global climate changeagreementto date, President Trump and Senator McConnell's cowardice is jeopardizing our children's futures. The Senate must take up H.R. 9 immediately and move to protect our planet.
TheParis Agreement, signed by President Obama, set to strengthen the global response to climate change by keeping anincrease in global temperatures below 1.5Cabove pre-industrial levels. Thisagreement requires all signatories to report their emissions levels regularly so the UN can assess the collective progress to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
President Trump formally began the process of withdrawing from the agreement in November 2019, despite the fact that more than 1,000 businesses and nearly 200 nations are still in support of the commitment. These businesses included Adobe, BP, General Mills, Apple, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Google, Intel, Walmart, Facebook, Unilever, National Grid, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. Without bold, transformative action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures willcontinue torise, exposing an estimated 350 million people to drought andpushing120 millionpeople into extreme poverty by 2030.  

Pingree has previously condemned the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the agreement. She was an original cosponsor of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, which would prohibit any federal funds from being used to take any action to advance the withdrawal of the U.S. from the landmark Paris Agreement and calls on the President to develop and make public a plan for how the United States will meet our commitment toreduce emissions.Pingreetook to the floorof the House of Representatives on May 1, 2019 to deliver a speech in favor of its passage. The bill arrived in the Senate on May 6, 2019, where it has been ignored by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.Pingreesigned onto a resolutioncondemning Trump's formal departure from the Paris Agreement.
Maine is experiencing major changes as a result of the climate crisis. The state has warmed about 3F since 1900. Sea levels are rising and severe storms are increasing coastal flooding. Warming ocean waters haveshifted lobster populations northward. The number of Lyme disease cases in Maine has increased twentyfold inless than 20 years.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3193,"With Vote for H.R. 3, Rep. Pingree Reaffirms Decades-Long Commitment to Reducing Rx Drug Costs",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today voted forH.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The bill allowsMedicareto negotiate prescription drug prices,limitsout-of-pocket spendingon prescription drugsfor seniors, and reinvests savingsby establishing significantdental, vision, and hearingbenefitswithin Medicare.
I don't know a single person in Maine who hasn't felt the burden ofoutrageouslyhigh prescription drug prices. No one should have to skip a dosage of life-saving medication while pharmaceutical companiesreapenormous profits,said Pingree.Big Pharma has been left unchecked for far too long, and it's well past time we deliver urgent relief to patients. This bill is a fundamental step in that direction and I'm proud to support it  especially since it invests hundreds of billions in savings into making Medicare more comprehensive and affordable.Since my earliest days in the Maine State House and into this Congress, I've been fighting to make prescription drugs more affordable, and I'm going to keep fighting until every last Mainer can afford the medications they need.
Since 1960, the United States has experienced the most rapid and significant drug cost increases in the world. Adjusting for inflation, annual American spending on prescription drugs per personhas surgedfrom $90 in 1960 to $1,025 in 2017. Prices for lifesaving drugs that have already been on the market for decades have continued to skyrocket. Insulin is just one shocking example, withprices increasing by 700%over the last 20 years. Prescription drug companies are charging Americans prices that are three, four, or even ten times higher than what they charge for the same drugs in other countries.
H.R. 3 will give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies; make the negotiated lower prices available to all Americans, on private insurance or Medicare; stop drug companies from charging Americans more than other countries and limit the maximum price for negotiated drugs; create a $2,000 out of pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries; and reinvest an estimated $456 billion in savings to expand Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing.
Lowering the cost of prescription drugs is one of Pingree's signature issues.AsMaine Senate Majority Leader in 2000, Pingree sponsored one of the nation's first prescription drug pricing bills, MaineRX. After a legal fight that led all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, the bill became law, and has since been a model for states around the country working to lower prescription drug prices. Pingree has also proposed theCURE High Drug Prices Actand theSafe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Actin the 116thCongress, which would address price gouging and prescription drug importation from Canada, respectively.
A recent report from AARP Maine found thatone in four Mainers will stop taking prescribed medicine because they cannot afford it.In Maine's First Congressional District (ME-01), which Pingree represents, there are 117,265 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan and 511,728 enrolled in private health insurance, all of whom stand to benefit from the passage of H.R. 3. In ME-01, Medicare doesn't provide coverage for about 75% of beneficiaries' oral exams, 68% percent of eye exams, and 84% of hearing exams. About 95% of Maine's Medicare beneficiaries (154,000) stand to gain from adding a dental benefit; 92% (149,000) from adding vision; and 93% (150,000) from hearing.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bill-expand-wind-energy-research-and-development-introduced-senators-collins-0,"Bipartisan Bill to Expand Wind Energy Research and Development Introduced by Senators Collins, Smith Advances",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Today, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) to reauthorize and expand the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Wind Energy and support competitive grants to improve the efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind energy generation. The Wind Energy Research and Development Act now heads to the floor for consideration by the full Senate.

Within 50 miles of the U.S. coast, there is enough offshore wind capacity to power our country four times over. Offshore wind projects, such as Aqua Ventus at the University of Maine, have the potential to support more than 2,000 good-paying jobs in our state, said Senator Collins. Our bipartisan bill would encourage and accelerate the excellent wind energy research being done on new technologies that will enable businesses to continue to develop this clean source of power, including off the coast of Maine.

Today's committee action shows that both sides of the aisle recognize the importance of investing in wind energy, said Senator Smith. As a national leader in wind energy, Minnesota knows that it offers large economic and environmental benefits. We're home to the two largest wind construction companies in the country, and nearly 20 percent of our state's electricity last year was generated from wind turbines. Senator Collins' and my bipartisan bill makes sense because wind energy is a rural economic engine, it's good for the environment and it's the cheapest way to add new electricity to the electrical grid.

The wind energy sector supports more than 114,000 American jobs and provides more than $1 billion in revenue each year for states and local communities. Federal support for wind research and development has already delivered significant results, and the Wind Energy Research and Development Act is a big part of a larger effort to accelerate innovative technologies, educate local communities, create more jobs, and enhance the economy in rural areas.

The Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2019 authorizes and expands DOE's Office of Wind Energy for five years and directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive grants to:

 Improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind energy generation;

 Improve land-based and offshore blade, generator, tower, and support designs and transformational technologies for harnessing wind energy, including airborne wind energy generators;

 Increase recycling and reuse of wind-energy components;

 Reduce cost of permitting, construction, operation & maintenance of wind energy systems;

 Conduct a wind energy technology validation and market transformation program;

 Reduce barriers to widespread adoption of wind power; and

 Develop new wildlife impact mitigation technologies.

The Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2019 is supported by the American Wind Energy Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Defense Fund, Distributed Wind Energy Association, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute.\

Click HERE for a summary of the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-56-million-investment-caribou-utilities-district,"Collins, King Announce $5.6 Million Investment in Caribou Utilities District",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Caribou Utilities District received a grant of $1,400,000 and a loan of $4,200,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development to upgrade Caribou's wastewater treatment facility and collection system. The project will help prevent overflows of untreated or partially treated wastewater during wet weather.

Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of communities,saidSenators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this significant funding for Caribou to improve its wastewater treatment system, which will help to preserve water quality and public health, increase operation efficiencies at the treatment facility, and protect the surrounding environment.

The improvements at Caribou's wastewater treatment facility will include removing sludge, removing and replacing old aeration piping and equipment, replacing lagoon liner, improving hydraulic connectivity between lagoons and the chlorine contact tank, increasing the capacity of lagoons, and replacing blowers and controls.

The Water and Waste Disposal grant program aims to help rural communities establish best practices that can save tax dollars, improve the environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to establish or expand operations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-authored-senators-collins-casey-increase-number-geriatric-doctors-nurses-and,"Legislation Authored by Senators Collins, Casey to Increase Number of Geriatric Doctors, Nurses, and Other Health Professionals Advances",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, announced today that the Senate Health Committee has voted to advance the Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act, legislation they introduced earlier this year to increase the number of geriatric health professionals to support our aging population. Their bill now heads to the floor for consideration by the full Senate.

This bipartisan bill would reauthorize the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) for the next five years and also reinstate the Geriatrics Academic Career Awards program (GACA).

For Maine, with an aging population of more than a quarter million Mainers over the age of 65, and only 43 geriatricians, there is an acute need to quickly train more geriatric health professionals to meet the growing demand, said Senator Collins. Our bipartisan bill would ensure geriatric education for our current workforce, while optimizing resources to bolster academic careers in geriatrics, helping to attract the best and the brightest into the field. Together, GWEP and GACA would develop a high-quality geriatric workforce ready to provide care for Americans as we grow older.

Currently, there are fewer than 7,300 physicians that are board-certified geriatricians. The United States needs to train more than 2,000 geriatricians per year over the next 11 years to reach the 30,000 geriatricians that will be needed by 2030. The number of health professionals and direct service workers trained to care for older adults must increase significantly in order to meet the needs of the growing population of Americans age 65 and older.

GWEP is the only federally funded program that exists to educate and train health care professionals in geriatrics. Today, there are 48 GWEP programs in 35 states, including a new GWEP program at the University of New England (UNE), which Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME) worked to secure earlier this year. GWEP programs help integrate geriatrics into primary care, train providers to address the needs of older adults, deliver community-based programs, and provide Alzheimer's disease education.

GACA programs, which were established in 1998, increase the number of faculty engaged in geriatric education by supporting health care professionals' transition from clinical practice to academic roles. Following a restructuring of the geriatric workforce program, the GACA program needs to be formally reinstated. 

The Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act is supported by leading organizations in gerontology and geriatrics, including the Eldercare Workforce Alliance, the American Geriatrics Society, the Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Impact Movement, and the National Association of Geriatric Education Centers.

Earlier this year at a Senate Health Committee, Senator Collins, a member of the Committee, questioned specialists on the urgent need to grow our geriatric workforce and how an increased focus on geriatric care could also reduce unnecessary health care costs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-authored-senators-collins-shaheen-increase-access-national-parks-federal-lands,"Legislation Authored by Senators Collins, Shaheen to Increase Access to National Parks & Federal Lands for Disabled Veterans Advances",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
    
    
      
      
  
        
                         Legislation Authored by Senators Collins, Shaheen to Increase Access to National Parks & Federal Lands for Disabled Veterans Advances 
                   
      
                              
  
    
        
      Posted Thu, 12/12/2019 - 12:19    
    
    
    
  Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has voted to advance the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act, legislation they introduced earlier this year that would make all veterans with service-connected disabilities eligible for a free, lifetime entry to United States national parks and other federal lands. Their bill now heads to the floor for consideration by the full Senate.

The brave men and women who have served in our military and have been wounded defending our nation should have free access to our national parks and recreational areas  the American land they fought to protect, said Senator Collins. From Acadia to Denali, and everywhere in between, this legislation would allow disabled veterans to more easily access our country's national treasures for outdoor recreation, which can help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war.

Under the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), veterans need to be classified as having a 100 percent permanent disability in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The Wounded Veterans Recreation Act would amend this law so all veterans with service-related disabilities would be eligible for a free, lifetime pass to national parks and federal lands.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-56-million-investment-in-caribou-utilities-district,"Collins, King Announce $5.6 Million Investment in Caribou Utilities District",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Caribou Utilities District received a grant of $1,400,000 and a loan of $4,200,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development to upgrade Caribou's wastewater treatment facility and collection system. The project will help prevent overflows of untreated or partially treated wastewater during wet weather. Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of communities,saidSenators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this significant funding for Caribou to improve its wastewater treatment system, which will help to preserve water quality and public health, increase operation efficiencies at the treatment facility, and protect the surrounding environment. The improvements at Caribou's wastewater treatment facility will include removing sludge, removing and replacing old aeration piping and equipment, replacing lagoon liner, improving hydraulic connectivity between lagoons and the chlorine contact tank, increasing the capacity of lagoons, and replacing blowers and controls. The Water and Waste Disposal grant program aims to help rural communities establish best practices that can save tax dollars, improve the environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to establish or expand operations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-bill-preventing-future-government-shutdowns,King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill Preventing Future Government Shutdowns,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  As the federal government approaches another budget deadline on December 20th, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) is joining a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act. If signed into law, the commonsense bill would set up an automatic Continuing Resolution (CR) at the current spending level until an agreement is enacted, preventing a government-wide shutdown, continuing critical services and operations, and keeping federal employees at work while Congress negotiates. In addition to Senator King, the bill is supported by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). When Washington's dysfunction repeatedly hurts hardworking Americans, it's clear that something needs to change, said Senator King. We've seen the impacts of shutdowns too many times: families left struggling, local small businesses seeing stark declines in their traffic, and Americans scrambling to receive the federal services they rely on. We can fix this  let's come together on a bipartisan basis and make government shutdowns a thing of the past. The bipartisan proposal is a simple solution to address the threat of government shutdowns. If all appropriations bills are not passed by Congress and signed by the President by October 1, no official travel will be allowed for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) leadership or staff, Members of Congress, or their committee and personal staffs. The bill requires that during a period of lapsed appropriations, there will be: No taxpayer-funded travel allowances for official business (except one return flight to Washington, DC) for the following: White House OMB staff and leadership; Members of the House and Senate; Committee and personal staff of the House and SenateOfficial travel permitted within the national capital region (DC metro-area)No travel reimbursement (meals, per diem, or any type, including for state and district staff)No use of campaign funds by congressional offices to supplement official duties or travel expensesNo other votes will be in order in the House and Senate unless they pertain to passage of the appropriations bills or mandatory quorum calls in the SenateNo motions to recess or adjourn the Senate or House for more than 23 hours are in order No other matter can be considered on the floor of the Senate unless it relates to: General appropriations measures (including a CR); Daily mandatory quorum calls;Implementation of an automatic continuing resolution (CR) on October 1 at last year's spending levels until passage of a law to appropriateall remaining lapsed spending for that fiscal yearExpedited consideration of bipartisan appropriations bills is provided for after 30 days to ensure that each chamber is further incentivized to process spending bills and fund the governmentA required recorded quorum call vote each day at noon in the House and Senate to confirm attendance, which keeps Members in town for mandatory votesAn effective date of September 30, 2020.   During the 35-day partial shutdown at the beginning of 2019, Senator King made reopening the federal government his top priority. His January podcast featured Senator Kaine and Kristen Miale, President of the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn, discussing the effects of the shutdown on federal employees in Maine and around the country. Senator King also participated ina bipartisanappeal on the floor of the U.S. Senate, and ina video messageemphasizing the negative impact the government shutdown is having on people across Maine  including U.S. Coast Guard personnel and families. In addition, Senator King has worked to reduce the impact of the 2019 shutdown on federal workers. He was a cosponsor of theGovernment Employee Fair Treatment Act, a bipartisan bill to ensure that affected federal workers will receive back pay when the government is reopened, and was a cosponsor of theFair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act,a bill which wouldhave secured back pay for the federal contractor employees who went without pay during the government shutdown.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3185,"Pingree Says Trumps Homelessness Council Pick is Unqualified, Will Undermine Mission to Provide Stable Housing",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), along with Representatives Clay,Moore, and Jayapal, wrote to President Donald Trump in opposition to his recent pick of Robert Marbut, a consultant who has urged cities to stop feeding homeless individuals, to lead the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). Full text of the letter can be foundhere.
Mr. Marbut is, among our may concerns, unqualified, unprepared, and disdainful of the mission of the critically important federal agency which he has been appointed to lead,said Pingree in the letter.Marbut has encouraged cruel policies because he believes that municipalities efforts are making living on the streets too comfortable, which he derisively calls goodies'. He often says that he does not believe criminalization is the answer to homelessness, but he is a strong proponent of criminalizing much of the behavior and activity that makes being homeless and living on the street bearable.
The letter continued,Homelessness has always been a bipartisan issuewith leaders on both sides of the aisle working to end this solvable crisis. We are very concerned that the Trump administration would pick someone whose professional work is based on practices that are such cruel, punitive, ineffectual and expensive to run the only federal agency tasked with ending homelessness.
For 32 years, USICH has been the only federal agency to ensure a coordinated federal response to homelessness. Trump recently fired the Executive Director of USICH, Matthew Doherty, who was named by President Obama, and named Robert Marbut as his replacement. Marbut is to be confirmed by the council at their December 10 meeting.
The Trump administration has also been critical of the popular and effective Housing First model , which is backed up by over a decade of research, practice, and bipartisan agreement and has been found to effectively reduce homelessness, reduce costs within the criminal justice system, and ensure safety and stability for homeless adults and children alike. The Administration released areporton homelessness in September, where they suggested increased policing and efforts to arrest the homeless as potential tools to combat homelessness.
Marbut previously served as a consultant advising cities on how to reduce homelessness, where he advocated for policies like putting the homeless in 24/7 programming to treat addiction, as well as outlawing street feeding programs run by churches and charitable organizations. He has repeatedly criticized Housing First policies.
Homelessness is a serious problem in the United States, with over half a million people homeless on a single night in the United States. According to USICH as of January 2018, Maine had anestimated 2,516 people experiencing homelessnesson any given day.
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https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3189,"Pingree Votes For BIW Funding, Paid Parental Leave, Climate Readiness Provisions in FY2020 NDAA Compromise",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) todayvoted forHouse passage oftheNational Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).The final NDAA conference report included provisions toauthorizeshipbuilding at Bath Iron Works (BIW), repeal the so-called widow's tax on military death benefits, and promote climate change resiliency at the nation's military installations. Text of the final FY2020 NDAA can be foundhere.
This NDAA is a true compromise. Although this spending package isn't perfect, I'm grateful that it fully funds shipbuilding work at BIW, will help prepare our military to address the climate crisis, repeal the onerous tax burden on military families, and establish paid parental leave for federal workers,said Pingree.I believe provisions tomore strongly regulate PFAS and require cleanup ofthese chemicalsshould have remained in the conference report, but I will keep working to supportthese efforts through the House Appropriations Committee.
The NDAA is the annual bill whichauthorizesexpenditures for the U.S. Department of Defense. The bill has several progressive achievements, including12 weeks of paid parental leave for two million federal employeesacross the countryand arepeal of the widow's tax,an unfair deduction of benefits which is placed on surviving spouses of service members when their spouse passes away during active duty.
Pingree expressed her disappointment that critical provisions in the House-passed bill were lost in negotiations with the Senate. In particular, Senate Republicans refused to accept the House provisionstoregulate PFAS in drinking water and require cleanup of the chemicals under the Superfund law.In addition, the conference report failed to include important checks against endless and unauthorized wars, such as the repeal of the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force, a block against deportation for DACA and TPS servicemembers, and a repeal of the transgender military ban.
The FY2020 NDAA includes several priorities for Mainers, including fullauthorizationfor DDG-51, DDG-1000, and FFG(X); a shipbuilding workforce study; and a pilot program to develop skilled technicians in the shipbuilding industry. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Pingree worksannuallyto secure funding forsurface ship constructionin HouseDefense Appropriations bills.
In June, a Government Accountability Office (GAO)climate resilience reportfound more than 30 percent of military installations did not have a plan to deal with extreme weather or climate change. The Department of Defense's domestic real estate is worth $1.2 trillion, which, the GAO report states, poses a major economic imperative for climate readiness. Pingree offered anamendment to the House NDAAwhich would require the military to work with agencies like NOAA and NASA that track our changing climate, to incorporate flooding and sea level rise projections into their plans for building new military installations and fortifying current ones.
Pingree advocated for the House version of the FY2020 NDAA to include provisions to protect survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). She successfully secured anamendmentto the House NDAA to require the Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Responsecoordinators and advocates to advise servicemembers who report sexual trauma of their eligibility for VA services and benefits.
Pingree is a vocal advocate for the cleanup and regulation of PFAS chemicals, commonly known as forever chemicals. Pingree serves as the Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. On this committee, she helped tosecure funding for scientific and regulatory workon PFAS in the FY2020 Interior Appropriations bill. Pingree has co-sponsored thePFAS Action Act, to consider PFAS as hazardous substances. Sheled a letter to the NDAA conference committeein October to include strong PFAS provisions in the final bill.  

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3190,"Pingree Votes for Bipartisan Immigration Bill to Support Farmers, Farm Labor",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today voted to passH.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, of which she is a cosponsor. The bipartisan bill isimmigration reformlegislationdesigned to support farmbusinesseswho rely on H-2A visas to fill positions in a tight labor marketand allow long-time agricultural workers in the U.S. to earn legal status.
Maine farms, which are overwhelmingly small and mid-sized, are suffering from a labor shortage. There simply are not enough workers available to fill open positions and it takes a toll on our farms. The local food movement, which is helping attract much-needed residents to our state, is being driven by small farms who simply cannot survive without adequate workforce,said Pingree. This bill is a great example on how we can come together and achieve meaningful reform that both supports American industry and protects workers. I hope the Senate takes this bill up quickly and that President Trump signs this bill, which would bring much-needed relief to farmers and the laborers who help put food on our tables.
Farmers and ranchers across the United States are in desperate need of a high-quality, reliable workforce and are struggling under the weight of a growing labor crisis.In Maine, the unemployment rate is historically low at 2.8%, underscoring the challenge for Maine businesses to find workers.Fewer American workers are willing to perform farm labor, and thus U.S. farmers are increasingly dependent on foreign workers to meet labor demands.
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act reforms the H-2A agricultural guestworker program and creates a merit-based visa program designed specifically for the agricultural economy, providing stability to one of the pillars of America's economic health. H.R. 5038 establishes a path to legal permanent residence for undocumented farmworkers through continued agricultural employment, provides more flexibility for employers while ensuring protections for workers, and mandates E-Verify for all agricultural employment. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would help dairy farmers and other producers who need year-round labor by providing an additional 40,000 green cards for farmworkers and granting three-year visas for workers in certain sectors.
The bill has the support of more than 300 agricultural groups and labor organizations, including Farmworkers Justice as well as the United Farmworkers, and was cosponsored by 25 Republicans and 28 Democrats. Full text of the bill can be foundhere.
  
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https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-212-million-health-centers-cumberland-and-piscataquis-counties,"Collins, King Announce $2.12 Million for Health Centers in Cumberland and Piscataquis Counties",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
    
    
      
      
  
        
                         Collins, King Announce $2.12 Million for Health Centers in Cumberland and Piscataquis Counties 
                   
      
                              
  
    
        
      Posted Wed, 12/11/2019 - 14:33    
    
    
    
  Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $1,492,719 in funding to Greater Portland Health in Cumberland County and $635,688 for Sebasticook Family Doctors in Piscataquis County.

Access to quality, affordable health care is crucial to the well-being of Maine communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Greater Portland Health and Sebasticook Family Doctors continue to provide cost-effective primary and preventive care that is critical to many Mainers in Cumberland and Piscataquis counties.

This funding was awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Health Center Cluster Program at HHS, which is tasked with improving access to health care by building healthy communities, strengthening the health care workforce, and achieving health equity. HRSA's programs target the economic and medically vulnerable as well as the geographically isolated.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-senators-letter-un-convention-support-global-efforts,"Collins, King Join Bipartisan Group of Senators on Letter to UN Convention in Support of Global Efforts to Combat Climate Change",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined a bipartisan group of Senators in sending a letter to Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in support of its global efforts to thwart climate change. The 25th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) is underway in Madrid to convene a meeting on the historic Paris Climate Agreement.

Failing to address the worsening crisis of climate change will wreak damages on all Americans for centuries into the future. Now more than ever, the American people are demanding action on climate change from our federal government and our international partners, wrote the Senators. In a moment where the commitment of the United States to address climate change seems threadbare, we, the undersigned, assure you that we are working diligently to respond to this global threat and we support your efforts in Madrid.

In their letter, the Senators urged the UNFCCC and all international participants in the convention to explore all solutions and paths forward to combat the effects of climate change. In closing, the Senators reiterated there is bipartisan support in Congress to take action. 
  The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).

The letter can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-unanimously-passes-resolution-led-collins-stabenow-honoring-first-all-female,"Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Led by Collins, Stabenow Honoring First All-Female Spacewalk",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Last night, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution led by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and cosponsored by all 23 of their female colleagues congratulating astronauts Dr. Jessica U. Meir and Christina H. Koch for the historic accomplishment of completing the first all-female spacewalk. The bipartisan resolution also supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) efforts to fully integrate women into the astronaut corps and ensure that one of the next humans to walk on the moon will be a woman.

On October 18, 2019, Dr. Meir and Ms. Koch conducted a seven hour and seven minute spacewalk to replace a power controllerthe first all-female spacewalk in history, and the 14th and 15th women, respectively, to conduct a spacewalk.

Dr. Jessica Meir's and Christina Koch's completion of NASA's first all-female spacewalk marked an incredible moment in our nation's history and will be venerated for generations to come, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan resolution, supported by all 25 female Senators, recognizes Jessica and Christina for their extraordinary accomplishments. They continue to inspire students throughout the country to pursue their dreams.

Jessica Meir and Christina Koch made history this year when they completed the first all-female spacewalk. This important milestone will leave a lasting impression on our space program and on young women across the country. Jessica and Christina have showed us what the future looks like and I look forward to following their careers and the careers of other women as they continue to make our nation proud,said Senator Stabenow.

Dr. Meir is a native of Caribou, Maine. She has a degree in biology from Brown University, a master's in space studies from the International Space University, and a Ph.D. in marine biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Jessica is the first woman from Maine  and only the third person from Maine ever  to go on a space flight.

Ms. Koch is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has a degree in electrical engineering and physics, as well as a master's degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University.

In 2013, Dr. Meir and Ms. Koch were among the four women and four men selected from 6,100 applications for NASA's 21st class of astronauts and began training for future space flights. NASA first began to admit women into its astronaut program in 1978.

Last month, Senator Collins talked with Dr. Meir on the phone to congratulate her on completing the first all-women spacewalk. In October, Dr. Meir spoke via a live video with hundreds of Caribou students in grades 3-12 and answered questions. In June, Senators Collins and Angus King and Representative Jared Golden sent a letter to NASA in support of Eastern Aroostook RSU 39 and Caribou's request to participate in this videoconference with Dr. Meir while she was in orbit.

In 2016, Senator Collins and Dr. Meir were two of the six inaugural inductees of the Caribou High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

Click HERE to read the resolution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-honored-council-scientific-society-presidents-2019-cssp-support-science,Senator Collins Honored by Council of Scientific Society Presidents with 2019 CSSP Support of Science Award,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  The Council of Scientific Society Presidents (CSSP) announced U.S. Senator Susan Collins as recipient of the 2019 Support of Science Award. Presentation of the award was given on 10 December during the CSSP Winter Leadership Workshop in Washington, DC. Senator Collins was nominated for this award by Dr. Deborah Bronk, the CEO of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

This award honors an individual who merits recognition for outstanding and dedicated support of U. S. science, free scientific communication, and support of basic research. Past recipients include President Barack Obama and science leaders in education, government, and industry.

Senator Collins has been a constant and strong supporter of science. Beginning with her work in Maine, she continues to be a recognized advocate, beneficial to science on a broader basis. Her interest in science extends to health care. She is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus and a founder and co-chair of the Alzheimer's Task Force in the Senate. Senator Collins has led the effort to more than triple federal funding for diabetes research. Last year, she secured the largest funding increase for Alzheimer's research in history, bringing the total to $2.34 billion. Additionally, Senator Collins' commitment has been evidenced in removing a provision to tax tuition waivers and stipends for graduate students as income in a proposed tax bill.

For more than four decades, the Council of Scientific Society Presidents has been bringing the scientific community together, helping to foster sound public policy to address such complex issues as climate change, cybersecurity, and health care. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have worked to secure vital increases in funding for biomedical research and key science programs. Additionally, I have championed policies that support the next generation of researchers,said Senator Collins. Investments in science are advancing knowledge, improving lives, and creating jobs of the future. The Council of Scientific Society Presidents is part of a great partnership that improves our understanding of the world around us and develops leaders who develop cutting-edge research and solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.

First elected in 1996, Senator Collins has earned a national reputation as an effective legislator, working across party lines to seek consensus on important issues. She serves on several committees, including the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.

CSSP is committed to advancing leadership in science and technology and to establishing policies and programs that will ensure a bright future for 21st century science. Founded in 1973, the society has served as a center for national science leadership development, a strong voice in support of science in the nation's capital, and the premier forum for national science policy development through open, substantive exchanges on current issues encompassing the full spectrum of science, engineering, and mathematics. CSSP represents the breadth of science and engineering research disciplines through its member societies and federations. CSSP-member societies are represented by their presidents, presidents-elect, and past-presidents with combined membership that has historically approached nearly a million scientists.

The CSSP Spring 2020 Leadership Workshop will take place at the American Chemical Society, 1155 16th Street NW in Washington, DC, over the dates of 2-5 May. For more information about the workshop or CSSP, please contact info@sciencepresidents.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-212-million-for-health-centers-in-cumberland-and-piscataquis-counties,"Collins, King Announce $2.12 Million for Health Centers in Cumberland and Piscataquis Counties",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $1,492,719 in funding to Greater Portland Health in Cumberland County and $635,688 for Sebasticook Family Doctors in Piscataquis County. Access to quality, affordable health care is crucial to the well-being of Maine communities, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Greater Portland Health and Sebasticook Family Doctors continue to provide cost-effective primary and preventive care that is critical to many Mainers in Cumberland and Piscataquis counties. This funding was awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Health Center Cluster Program at HHS, which is tasked with improving access to health care by building healthy communities, strengthening the health care workforce, and achieving health equity. HRSA's programs target the economic and medically vulnerable as well as the geographically isolated.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-of-senators-on-letter-to-un-convention-in-support-of-global-efforts-to-combat-climate-change,"Collins, King Join Bipartisan Group of Senators on Letter to UN Convention in Support of Global Efforts to Combat Climate Change",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined a bipartisan group of Senators in sending a letter to Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in support of its global efforts to thwart climate change. The 25th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) is underway in Madrid to convene a meeting on the historic Paris Climate Agreement. Failing to address the worsening crisis of climate change will wreak damages on all Americans for centuries into the future. Now more than ever, the American people are demanding action on climate change from our federal government and our international partners, wrote the Senators. In a moment where the commitment of the United States to address climate change seems threadbare, we, the undersigned, assure you that we are working diligently to respond to this global threat and we support your efforts in Madrid. In their letter, the Senators urged the UNFCCC and all international participants in the convention to explore all solutions and paths forward to combat the effects of climate change. In closing, the Senators reiterated there is bipartisan support in Congress to take action.  The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV). The letter can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-celebrates-wins-for-maine-priorities-in-finalized-defense-authorization-bill,King Celebrates Wins for Maine Priorities in Finalized Defense Authorization Bill,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that the House-Senate conference committee's bicameral agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 included key policy and project wins for Maine. Senator King served on the conference committee that reconciled the differences between the Senate's version, which passed by a vote of 86-8, and version advanced by the House of Representatives. The conference report now must be voted on and passed in both chambers of Congress. The conference committee has crafted a bill that makes our nation safer, updates policies and safeguards that needed reforms, provides much-needed benefits for our military personnel, and supports Maine jobs, said Senator King. This is a good piece of legislation, and I look forward to seeing it move through Congress and to the President's desks in short order. Senator King successfully advocated for the inclusion of many provisions that will improve national security and support Maine jobs, including: FUNDING SHIPBUILDING PRIORITIES. The legislation authorizes more than $5.1 billion for the procurement of 3 DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2020, which Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build. It also authorizes $484 million to fund future year DDG-51 procurements. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds for the completion of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, all of which are being built at BIW.PRIORITIZING CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY. The legislation emphasizes the importance of building the capabilities of the United States to prevent and respond to cyberattacks by bad actors.Senator King has long been an active voice urging additional focus on cyber threats, and as co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, he is leading a bipartisan group to review the threats facing America in cyberspace and provide strategic guidance and policy recommendations on how to defend ourselves against cyberthreats.INCREASING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FUNDING. Senator King successfully pushed for the inclusion of additional funds for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation programs, including funding for research on advanced manufacturing, electric propulsion, advanced planning hulls, and hybrid composite structures. Maine research institutions and companies will be eligible to compete for some of these projects.PROCURING MILITARY TECHNOLOGY THAT SUPPORTS MAINE JOBS. The legislation authorizes funding to procure six CH-53K helicopters, which include components produced at Hunting Dearborn in Fryeberg. In addition, Senator King successfully pushed for provisions to support DOD efforts to protect the environment and public health, and ensure energy security, including: ADVANCING CLEAN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS: Senator King successfully pushed for the legislation to authorize $10 million in funding for on-base long duration energy storage projects that will last for at least 100 hours. He also secured a provision authorizing $10 million to be spent on the development, demonstration and validation of secure microgrids for both installations and forward operating bases.IMPROVING ENERGY RESILIENCY: The 2020 NDAA authorizes funds to support military programs aimed at improving defense-wide energy resiliency work, including $150 million for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program and an additional $25 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program. These programs not only increase resiliency, but also advance groundbreaking innovation to help keep our military personnel safe and reduce costs.PROHIBITING DOD FROM ACQURING FIREFIGHTING PRODUCTS CONTAINING PFAS. Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are dangerous chemicals linked to a number of adverse health and environmental effects that have long been used in products like firefighting foam. The NDAA prohibits DOD from procuring firefighting foam that contains PFAS after October 1, 2022. In addition, Senator King successfully advocated for an amendment that provides $15 million to develop new, safer tools to fight fires. Finally, the legislation includes provisions backed by Senator King to support military personnel, including: INCREASING MILITARY PAY. The legislation authorizes a 3.1 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces.ADDRESSING THE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS IN PRIVATIZED MILITARY HOUSING. The legislation authorizes an additional $301.8 million to oversee private military housing and creates new mechanisms of accountability for private military housing companies. Additionally, the legislation includes a King amendment that provides for the creation of a pilot program to explore alternative approaches that can improve the experience for families living in military housing. In last week's SASC hearing, Senator King pressed top military officials to address the ongoing challenges facing military families who in privatized housing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-legislation-protecting-energy-grid-from-cyberattacks-included-in-finalized-2020-defense-authorization-bill,King Legislation Protecting Energy Grid from Cyberattacks Included in Finalized 2020 Defense Authorization Bill,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, today announced that the House-Senate conference committee's version of the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators King and Jim Risch (R-Idaho). Both Senators are members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR). The legislation will develop defenses for the U.S. energy grid through partnerships between the National Laboratories and industry. Specifically, the partnerships will utilize engineering concepts to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the grid through holes in digital software systems. The energy grid powers our financial transactions, communications networks, healthcare services and most of our daily life so if this critical infrastructure is compromised by a hacker, these building blocks of American life are at risk, said Senator King. Protecting our energy grid is commonsense, bipartisan, and vital to national security, and I'm happy this year's NDAA will enshrine this needed provision into law. TheSecuring Energy Infrastructure Actaims to remove vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access the energy grid through holes in digital software systems. Specifically, it will direct the Department of Energy to examine ways that replacing automated systems with low-tech redundancies, like manual procedures controlled by human operators, may be helpful in adverting cyberattacks. This approach seeks to thwart even the most sophisticated cyber-adversaries who, if they are intent on accessing the grid, would have to actually physically touch the equipment, thereby making cyber-attacks much more difficult. The Securing Energy Infrastructure Act was part of theDamon Paul Nelson and Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020, which was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. This legislation was inspired in part by Ukraine's experience in 2015, when a sophisticated cyber-attack on that country's power grid led to more than 225,000 people being left in the dark. The attack could have been worse if not for the fact that Ukraine relies on manual technology to operate its grid. The Senator's bill would build on this concept by studying ways to strategically use retro technology to isolate the grid's most important control systems. More specifically, the legislation would: Establish a two-year pilot program within the National Laboratories to study covered entities and identify new classes of security vulnerabilities, and research and test technology  like analog devices  that could be used to isolate the most critical systems of covered entities from cyber-attacks.Require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the technology solutions proposed by the National Laboratories and to develop a national cyber-informed strategy to isolate the energy grid from attacks. Members of the working group would include federal government agencies, the energy industry, a state or regional energy agency, the National Laboratories, and other groups with relevant experience.Require the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress describing the results of the program, assessing the feasibility of the techniques considered, and outlining the results of the working groups' evaluation.Define covered entities under the bill as segments of the energy sector that have already been designated as entities where a cyber-security incident could result in catastrophic regional or national effects on public health or safety, economic security, or national security.In addition to Senators King and Risch, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Susan M. Collins (R-Maine), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). A companion bill has been introduced by Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and John Carter (R-Tex.) in the House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-delivers-maine-priorities-final-defense-funding-bill,Golden Delivers Maine Priorities in Final Defense Funding Bill,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) delivered Maine priorities in the bipartisan, bicameral legislation that authorizes programs and funding at the U.S. Department of Defense for FY2020. Golden's success is the product of nearly a year of work to ensure that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) supports America's national security and Maine's shipyard workers, National Guardsmen, manufacturers, and universities. Golden was named to the conference committee, composed of House and Senate leaders, responsible for reaching a compromise on the legislation.
For the last ten months, I've worked with Democrats and Republicans in the House and the Senate to make sure the defense authorization bill keeps our country safe, looks out for our servicemembers and their families, and supports Maine jobs,said Golden.I'm proud that we've worked together to strike a bipartisan compromise that delivers on these priorities. This legislation will ensure our military is prepared to provide for our national security in a dangerous world and takes care of our servicemembers and their families 
Included in the final version of the NDAA is FY2020 authorization to build three DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, perform maintenance and upgrades for DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, and to begin building the FFG(X) Navy Frigate. Bath Iron Works (BIW) will build at least one of the DDG-51s, perform continued work on the DDG-1000s, and is one of four shipyards competing to build the FFG(X) frigate. The NDAA also includes aprovision authored by Goldenwhich directs the Navy to develop a plan to grow and train the workforce necessary to achieve their 30-year shipbuilding plan.
The Congressman secured a provision requiring the Defense Department to ensure labels detailing prescription drug information be included with medications dispensed at DOD medical facilities. This provision will protect servicemembers and their families by ensuring DOD medical personnel have access to hard-copies of essential prescription drug information, such as directions for use, health, and safety warnings. Twin Rivers Paper in Madawaska is a leading manufacturer of these prescription labels.
Significantly, Golden helped ensure that the NDAA included a repeal of the widow's tax, an issue that has been affecting the families of servicemembers for more than a decade. Repealing the tax would prevent the reduction of Survivor Benefit Plan payments by an average of $11,000 a year for family members of fallen servicemembers.The repeal provision originated in the House version of the bill andGolden was part of a group that pushed House and Senate conferees to maintain the provision in the final bill.
Golden also worked to include provisions in the FY2020 NDAA to:
Protect servicemembers and their families:
 The legislation, for the first time ever, makes all federal employees eligible for 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the case of birth, adoption, or fostering;
	The legislation makes federal funds accessible to the Bangor Air National Guard Base and other National Guard facilities for the cleanup of dangerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals. PFAS chemicals have been used on military installations for several decades as a firefighting material, but have recently been linked to increased risk of cancer, birth defects, developmental delays in children, and other serious health conditions. Making clean-up funding available to National Guard facilities like the one in Bangor is a priority for the Maine National Guard, as Golden heard from Maj. Gen. Douglas Farnham, the state's National Guard adjutant general;
	The legislation includes a pay raise for members of the military, the largest pay raise for uniformed servicemembers in ten years;
	The legislation establishes a tenant bill of rights that protects families in privatized military housing.
 Prepare our armed forces for the future:
 The legislation includes requirements for the Department of Defense to plan for potential threats posed by climate change;
	The legislation includes measures to protect the American military from cyber threats;
	The legislation authorizes important research performed at the University of Maine and other institutions, including research into cutting-edge composites, thermoplastics, lasers, and other materials.
 Congressman Golden is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. He sits on the Seapower and Projection Forces and Tactical Air and Land Subcommittees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3186,"Pingree Announces $245,774 in USDA Rural Development Grants Coming to Maine",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Announces $245,774 in USDA Rural Development Grants Coming to Maine 
    
     

  
  
    
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      Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Rural Development Program will grant five Maine organizations with a total of $245,774. The grants, from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants, go towards transitioning rural small businesses to renewable energy sources, like solar panels on the roof of their establishment.
As a member of the House Agriculture and Appropriations Committees, I've advocated for federal funding to support small businesses that want to lower their costs by transitioning to renewable, more efficient energy sources,said Pingree.I applaud these local Maine businesses for applying for these federal grants, which are a win-win for their small businesses and our environment.
Congresswoman Pingree sits on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, which oversees discretionary funding for USDA programs like REAP.
Full details of the grant awards are as follows:
 
    The Baker Company Inc., Sanford, ME ($18,146.00)
    
        This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 219.52 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 241,958 kWh (15%) and save $31,455 per year.
    
    Morningstar Marble and Granite Inc., Topsham, ME ($60,000.00)
    
        This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 161.28kW solar photovoltaic roof-mounted system. This project will replace 171,112kWh (92%) and save $22,245 per year.
    
    Sheepscot General, LLC, Whitefield, ME ($26,750.00)
    
        This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 54.6 kW solar photovoltaic roof-mounted system. This project will replace 70,856 kWh (74%) and save $9,636 in per year.
    
    Brooks Inc., Thomaston, ME ($50,000.00)
    
        This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 115.9 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 123,877 kWh (86%) and save $16,104 in per year.
    
    Maine Beer Company LLC, Freeport, ME ($90,878.00)
    
        This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 193.71 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 223,762 kWh (51%) and save $33,027 per year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3187,Pingrees Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Americas Working Waterfronts Passes House,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine)'s bipartisan bill,H.R. 3596, the Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act, today passed the House of Representatives ona262-151 vote.
More than 30,000 Mainers rely on marine-related industries for their livelihoods. Yet out of five thousand miles ofcoastline, just 20 miles of workable waterfront remains in the state,said Pingree.Coastal communities across the country are feeling the same squeeze. Further reducing our usable coastline will adversely impact everything from aquaculture and boatbuilding, to coastal tourism and commercial fishing.
Watch Pingree's full floor speech on H.R.3595here.
Pingree's bill seeks to preserve the character of coastal communities by protecting jobs, commercial activities, and public access to America'scoast.H.R. 3596would:
 
    establish aWorkingWaterfront Grant Program to provide matching, competitive grants to coastal states to help preserve and expand access to coastal waters for water-dependent businesses
    create a five-year pilot for a loan fund for waterfront preservation, modeled after state drinking water loans
    authorize $12 million each for both the loan and grant programs
    organize aWorkingWaterfront Task Force at the Department of Commerce to identify and prioritize critical needs forworking waterfronts, especially in the face of the climate crisis and increased trade threats.
 
Pingree's bill passed as a part of H.R. 729, a package often bipartisan bills aimed at protecting vulnerable coastal and Great Lakes communities impacted by the climate crisis.
Pingree haslong advocated for federal resources to help Maine communitiespreserve and expand shoreline access and infrastructure for water-dependent industries, such as fishing, boat building, and aquaculture.Her bill to study and combat ocean acidification,H.R. 1716, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act, unanimously passed the House of Representatives on June 5, 2019.
SUPPORT FROM MAINE STAKEHOLDERS
The Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act will help Maine's coastal communities preserve, improve, and protect waterfront infrastructure vital to the state and the nation's coastal economy. Working waterfronts are critical, around that nation, for access to coastal and marine resources, from fish and shellfish to offshore wind. The Working Waterfront Grant Program would provide essential support for coastal communities, including recreational and commercial businesses throughout Maine and the US, to plan for and adapt to changing economic and environmental conditions.Gayle Zydlewski, Director of Maine Sea Grant
We support LD 3596, Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act. As a nonprofit dedicated to improving and protecting the health of Casco Bay, Friends of Casco Bay understands that globally we must reduce the causes of climate change, and locally we must find solutions to the inevitable consequences of our climate crisis. LD 3596, Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act, properly supports and funds localized solutions that can help keep Maine's marine waters and economy healthy and vital.Ivy Frignoca, Casco Baykeeper, Friends of Casco Bay
Fishermen are a crucial part of our food system and supply our nation with high quality sustainable seafood from wild harvest and aquaculture sources. Much like we invest in local agriculture and infrastructure, we must to find ways to invest in our working waterfront to ensure access and opportunity for fishermen, families, and the next generation. This is a step in the right direction towards that end.Ben Martens, Executive Director, Maine Coast Fisherman's Association
Representative Pingree's bill provides critical support needed by our coastal communities in the face of new challenges. These areas are on the front line of climate change every day, facing rising sea levels, ocean acidification, continuing loss of shoreside infrastructure and shifting fisheries resources due to warming waters. It is essential that we back these working waterfronts as they are vital to our coastal and marine economy. With valuable resources and thoughtful planning for America's seaside, Pingree's bill prepares our coastlines to sustain and support coastal businesses and industries well into the future. This legislation, coupled with conservation-minded fisheries policy that promotes both healthy fish populations and community-based fishing interests, will ensure continuous access to locally important wild-caught seafood and rewarding recreational experiences for everyone. We encourage the Senate to quickly take up and pass this package of crucial shoreline protections.Rob Vandermark, Executive Director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network
As chair of the Legislature's Marine Resources Committee, I know how crucial our working waterfronts are to Maine's culture and economy, said Sen. Miramant. I'm grateful for Congresswoman Pingree's work on this bill, which will help ensure that our working waterfronts continue to thrive for future generations. She and I will always do everything we can to protect our fisheries, natural habitat, and recreational areas up and down the coast.State Senator Dave Miramant, Chair of the Marine Resources Committee
The future of Maine's coastal communities is closely tied to the future of working waterfronts. As working waterfront infrastructure and associated businesses face a variety of external threats, additional support is warranted. Representative Pingree's long time dedication to preserving working waterfronts highlights Maine's ability to lead in modeling coastal community sustainability.Rob Snyder, President of the Island Institute
The National Working Waterfront Network (NWWN) supports H.R. 3596, the Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act.The NWWN increases the capacity of those who rely on, support, and enhance our nation's working waterfronts and waterways to ensure continued viability.Keep America's Waterfronts Working Actwill provide opportunities for meaningful dialogue, funding and planning for our working waterfronts.Nicole Faghin, National Working Waterfront Network
New England'scoastal communities are on the frontlines of climate change. This bill is a step toward keeping Maine's waterfront economy and culture alive. We appreciate Rep.Pingree's leadership on this important issue.Sean Mahoney,Executive Vice President and Director of CLF Maine
Full text of Pingree's remarks on the House floor is as follows:
I rise today in support of H.R. 729, which includes my bipartisan bill to protect America's working waterfronts at a time when environmental pressures and rapid development threaten their future.
More than 30,000 Mainers rely on marine-related industries for their livelihoods. Yet out of five thousand miles ofcoastline, just 20 miles of workable waterfront remains in our state.
Coastal communities across the country are feeling that same squeeze.
Further reducing our usable coastline will adversely impact everything from aquaculture and boatbuilding, to coastal tourism and commercial fishing.
My bill will help to reverse this disturbing nationwide trend of shrinking waterfronts. It will protect jobs and preserve the character of coastal communities.
It establishes a WorkingWaterfront Grant Program and a five-year loan fund pilot program for waterfront preservation.
It sets up a Task Force within the Department of Commerce to identify and prioritize critical needs forthe nation's working waterfronts.
Through the task force, the bill will also help communities identify and mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.
At a time when 42 percent of Americans live in coastal communities, this Task Force is not only a vital planning measure for today, it will support the generations who will follow us.
For eight years, the House leadership on the other side stalled critical initiatives like this one to address the climate crisis.
The scope and severity of this crisis requires comprehensive action. And though my bill addresses just one small piece, it will make all the difference for communities in my state and across the country.
I urge my colleagues to join me in support of working waterfronts and vote yes on this bill and I yield back.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-cantwell-mcsally-and-sinema-lead-bipartisan-push-legislation-help-americans-high,"Collins, Cantwell, McSally, and Sinema, Lead Bipartisan Push for Legislation to Help Americans with High Health Care Costs",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chairman of the Aging Committee, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Martha McSally (R-AZ), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) sent a letter to Senate leadership urging them to extend the medical expense deduction in any end-of-year funding package.

Without action, millions of Americans with high medical costs will see a tax increase when they next file their taxes. The 2017 and 2018 threshold, which allowed for the deduction of medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI), will give way to a threshold of 10 percent of AGI if an extension is not enacted

This issue reflects strong bipartisan and bicameral consensus. None of us wants to see an increase in the tax burden for those with high medical expenses. This extension is low-cost but has an incredibly high impact, the Senators wrote. About 3.6 million taxpayers, including 1.4 million who are ages 65 and over, will benefit from the medical expense deduction remaining at the 7.5 percent income threshold. Moreover, over two-thirds fall into the middle sixty percent of the income distribution.

This deduction provides needed financial relief for Americans with high medical expenses, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities or serious medical conditions, the Senators continued. As Congress works to complete action on a number of must-pass items before the end of the year, we urge you to extend the current medical expense deduction for future tax years.

The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance.

The support for this deduction is widespread in the medical community, including organizations such as the AARP, American Heart Association, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, LeadingAge, Fight Colorectal Cancer, Medicare Rights Center, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Triage Cancer, Family Voices, Well Spouse Association, American Health Care Association, National Center for Assisted Living, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Alliance for Aging Research. These groups have written a coalition letter in support of the 7.5 percent threshold.

Earlier this year, Senators Collins and Cantwell introduced the Medical Expense Savings Act, legislation that would provide financial relief for households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses by allowing them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bills.

Several years ago, the income threshold for taxpayers to deduct their medical expenses increased from 7.5 percent to 10 percent. In 2017, Senator Collins secured a provision to temporarily restore the income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 7.5 percent as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but it expired at the end of 2018. Unless Congress takes action, taxpayers will only be able to deduct medical expenses that exceed 10 percent of their income then they file their 2019 taxes next year.

Click HERE to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-jones-announce-military-widow%E2%80%99s-tax-repeal-included-final-defense-bill,"Collins, Jones Announce Military Widows Tax Repeal Included in Final Defense Bill",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Doug Jones (D-AL) announced the inclusion of their bipartisan Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act in the final annual defense bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This marks a significant step in the 18-year effort to pass legislation to repeal the law that penalizes our nation's military widows and widowers. The NDAA will now go to the House and Senate for final consideration, where it will receive an up-or-down vote with no further amendments allowed.

This provision we secured in the NDAA is a major victory for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted. The Military Widow's Tax was an unfair offset that prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spousesincluding more than 260 from Mainefrom receiving the full benefits they deserve. Its repeal is a step toward fulfilling our obligation to military families who have sacrificed so much for our country. I am glad that Senator Jones and I, along with a bipartisan group of our colleagues, were able to correct this glaring inequity, said Senator Susan Collins.

Words cannot begin to express the gravity of this news for the tens of thousands of Gold Star families who have been hurt by this policy for four decades, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I am grateful to the leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees  Senators Jim Inhofe and Jack Reed and Congressmen Adam Smith and Mac Thornberry  who have heard our voices and are doing right by our military widows. A great deal of credit must also go to the widows themselves, so many of whom have been coming to Capitol Hill year after year to bring attention to this gross injustice on behalf of their fellow surviving spouses. Today, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am more hopeful than ever that we can finally end this injustice and show our military families how much their sacrifices truly mean to our country.

The Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act would repeal the unfair law that prevents as many as 67,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. Currently, military widows and widowers who qualify for the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are forced to take a dollar-for-dollar offset from the Survivors Benefits Plan (SBP) benefit, even though their retired spouses elected to pay into the program.

Legislation to repeal the widow's tax has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate for nearly two years. Since its introduction in March, Senators Collins and Jones have worked tirelessly to garner support among their colleagues in both the Senate and House, as well as make the case on behalf of the 67,000 surviving spouses who are impacted by the military widow's tax. In June, Senators Collins and Jones led a bipartisan colloquy on the Senate floor calling for the Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2019 to be voted on as an amendment to the fiscal year (FY) 2020 NDAA. In August, Senators Collins and Jones sent a letter, signed by nearly two-thirds of the Senate, urging leadership of the Committee on Armed Services to include language in theFY2020 NDAA to repeal the widow's tax.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-14-2019-%E2%80%9Cwreaths-across,"Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 14, 2019, as Wreaths Across America Day",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 14, 2019, as Wreaths Across America Day. On December 14, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there.

Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks from Maine down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement officers, and first responders. International Paper, which has a corrugated packaging facility in Auburn, is donating 7,500 boxes and helping to purchase wreaths and transport them to Arlington National Cemetery. Tens of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition.

Each year through Wreaths Across America, tens of thousands of Americans take time out of the busy holiday season to pause and pay tribute to those who served in defense of our nation. This Maine-led tradition of placing wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes has become an inspiring and enduring symbol of our nation's gratitude for veterans' valor and sacrifice, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We are grateful for all of the volunteers who Remember, Honor, Teach' through Wreaths Across America.

Last year, approximately 1.8 million wreaths were laid at more than 1,700 locations in all 50 states. In addition, more than 9,300 wreaths were laid at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Senators Collins and King took part in the official, bipartisan Senate delegation to this cemetery in June to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

This year, in addition to the wreaths that will be laid at Arlington and all 50 states, nearly 15,000 wreaths were laid at two American Veteran Cemeteries in Luxembourg and the Netherlands in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Senator Collins' father was a World War II veteran who was wounded twice during the Battle of the Bulge. 

The text of the resolution is availableHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-united-states-military-service-3,Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination.

We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation's distinguished service academies, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character.

The following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King:

United States Air Force Academy  Colorado Springs

Name Home Town High School

Samuel Edborg Saco Thornton Academy
George Grindle Orono Orono High School
David Hamme Lebanon Noble High School
Michael Luna Portland Cheverus High School
Bailey Mallory Winterport Hampden Academy
Nathan Mars Scarborough Scarborough High School
Rory McPherson Kittery The Governor's Academy
Halle Pelletier Greenville Greenville High School
Sara Scrapchansky Brunswick Brunswick High School
Michael Simmons Union Medomak Valley High School
Logan Tribou Hampden Hampden Academy
Kelly Yoon Falmouth Falmouth High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy  Kings Point

Name Home Town High School

David Hamme Lebanon Noble High School
Aidan Kehoe Rockport Camden Hills Regional High School
Madeline Marks Falmouth Falmouth High School
Nathan Mars Scarborough Scarborough High School
Benjamin Jacobs Damariscotta Carrabassett Valley Academy

Unites States Military Academy  West Point

Name Home Town High School

Grace Casey Brunswick Brunswick High School
Ryan Connors Kennebunk Kennebunk High School
David Hamme Lebanon  Noble High School
Alexander Look Jonesboro Machias Memorial High School
Nathan Mars Scarborough Scarborough High School
Helen Shearer Hampden Home Schooled
Michael Simmons Union Medomak Valley High School
Savannah Weston Winthrop Lawrence High School
Kelly Yoon Falmouth Falmouth High School

United States Naval Academy  Annapolis

Name  Home Town High School

Rowan Andrews Brewer Bangor High School
John Bassett Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School
James Belleau II Lewiston Kents Hill School
Tyler Carpenter Wells Wells High School
Grace Casey Brunswick Brunswick High School
Kristina Cornelio Auburn The Taft School
Alyssa Day Kenduskeag Central High School
Madeline Marks Falmouth  Falmouth High School
Rory McPherson Kittery The Governor's Academy
Morgan Sharp Kennebunkport Kennebunk High School
Kelly Sullivan Berwick St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Logan Tribou Hampden Hampden Academy
Joshua Watson Glenburn Bangor High School
Lucas Wright Scarborough Scarborough High School",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-14-2019-as-wreaths-across-america-day,"Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 14, 2019, as “Wreaths Across America Day”",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 14, 2019, as Wreaths Across America Day. On December 14, a convoy of volunteers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks from Maine down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement officers, and first responders. International Paper, which has a corrugated packaging facility in Auburn, is donating 7,500 boxes and helping to purchase wreaths and transport them to Arlington National Cemetery. Tens of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition. Each year through Wreaths Across America, tens of thousands of Americans take time out of the busy holiday season to pause and pay tribute to those who served in defense of our nation. This Maine-led tradition of placing wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes has become an inspiring and enduring symbol of our nation's gratitude for veterans' valor and sacrifice, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We are grateful for all of the volunteers who Remember, Honor, Teach' through Wreaths Across America. Last year, approximately 1.8 million wreaths were laid at more than 1,700 locations in all 50 states. In addition, more than 9,300 wreaths were laid at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Senators Collins and King took part in the official, bipartisan Senate delegation to this cemetery in June to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. This year, in addition to the wreaths that will be laid at Arlington and all 50 states, nearly 15,000 wreaths were laid at two American Veteran Cemeteries in Luxembourg and the Netherlands in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Senator Collins' father was a World War II veteran who was wounded twice during the Battle of the Bulge.  The text of the resolution is availableHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/amid-npr-investigation-collins-king-join-push-department-education-investigate-permanent,"Amid NPR Investigation, Collins, King Join Push for Department of Education to Investigate Permanent Disability Loan Forgiveness Program",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the Department's Acting Inspector General, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process forAmericans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD). Themembers' letter comes after an alarming report fromNational Public Radio (NPR), posted earlier this week, which found that hundreds of thousands of Americanswith qualifying disabilitieshave not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law. In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) along with U.S. Representatives Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Don Young (R-Alaska).

We are alarmed by the findings in thisNPRinvestigation, the reported extremely low rate of loan discharges for eligible borrowers, and the contrast between theNPRreport and the information previously provided by ED,wrote the senators.We are also concerned by ED's lack of transparency with Congress and failure to provide timely, verifiable information. Most importantly, it appears that ED's process for TPD loan discharges is failing to provide student loan relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including veterans, who are entitled to this relief under the law.

The full letter can be read below, or downloaded HERE.
+++

The Honorable Sandra D. Bruce
Acting Inspector General
Office of Inspector General
U.S. Department of Education
550 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202

Dear Acting Inspector General Bruce:

We write with serious concern about the Department of Education's (ED) process to discharge federal student loans for totally and permanently disabled Americans, including veterans.

Under theHigher Education Act of 1965, individuals who are totally and permanently disabled (TPD) are eligible to have their outstanding federal student loans forgiven. Under theTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, federal student loans that are discharged due to death or TPD are exempt from federal income tax. ED currently utilizes data provided through matching agreements with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify disabled federal student loan borrowers who may be eligible for TPD loan discharge. In August 2019, the Trump Administration announced that borrowers identified through VA data would automatically have their loans discharged. Yet borrowers matched with SSA data, including veterans with non-service-connected disabilities, still must submit a discharge application. As we have said before, despite the existing legal benefit for loan discharge and the removal of the federal tax penalty two years ago, many borrowers, in applying for relief, face significant challenges that are both administratively burdensome and unnecessary.

We wrote to ED on a bipartisan basis several times urging the Administration to automatically discharge these federal student loans, including in letters sent on February 15, 2018, and October 9, 2019. Our letter in October cited data provided to our staff by ED that as of March 2019, only 40% of eligible borrowers identified in the SSA match have had their loans discharged. However, according to aNational Public Radio(NPR)report that aired on December 4, 2019, that is not the case[1]. The investigation found that between March 2016 and September 2019, 555,000 borrowers were identified through the SSA data match as eligible for TPD discharge and were sent a letter in the mail. Ultimately, only 156,000, or 28%, of those borrowers had their loans discharged or are on track for that to happen. These numbers do not include borrowers matched through VA data, information we still have not seen.

We are alarmed by the findings in thisNPRinvestigation, the reported extremely low rate of loan discharges for eligible borrowers, and the contrast between theNPRreport and the information previously provided by ED. We are also concerned by ED's lack of transparency with Congress and failure to provide timely, verifiable information. Most importantly, it appears that ED's process for TPD loan discharges is failing to provide student loan relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including veterans, who are entitled to this relief under the law. We urge ED's Office of Inspector General to investigate the TPD loan discharge process immediately and answer the following questions:

1. How many individuals in total have been identified through ED's data match with the SSA and the VA since March 2016? Please list the numbers for SSA and VA separately.
2. How many of these matched borrowers have received a loan discharge?
3. Of those borrowers who were matched but ultimately did not receive a loan discharge, what are the reasons the discharge did not occur? How many borrowers are associated with each reason, including income monitoring?
4. Why has the Administration rejected bipartisan calls to pursue automatic discharge for Americans with non-service-related disabilities?
5. How can ED improve its data system for the TPD process and ensure this information is communicated with Congress in a transparent and timely manner?
6. What steps does ED need to take to make this process automatic, meaning once a borrower is flagged as eligible, the discharge is not contingent upon administrative work by the borrower at the point of discharge or any point thereafter?

Enclosed are the cited letters from February 15, 2018, and October 9, 2019. We appreciate your attention to this important matter and request a commitment to investigate these questions by December 31, 2019.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-reed-call-full-funding-heating-assistance-weatherization-programs-fy-2020,"Collins, Reed Call for Full Funding for Heating Assistance, Weatherization Programs in FY 2020 Appropriations Bills",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Seeking to help vulnerable populations afford their heating and air conditioning during months of extreme temperatures, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent letters to the leadership of two Appropriations Subcommittees urging them to provide robust funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

In a letter to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee leadership, the Senators asked for their continued support of LIHEAP and their adoption of the highest possible funding level for the program in the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months, the Senators wrote. LIHEAP assistance is an indispensable lifeline, helping to ensure that recipients do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and affording other necessities like food and medicine. Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors.

In a separate letter to Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee leadership, Senators Collins and Reed asked for their continued support of WAP, which helps low-income households make energy efficiency improvements, and the State Energy Program (SEP), which funds state initiatives to improve energy security, increase local energy efficiency, and boost economic growth.

Energy savings are only a portion of the benefits from weatherization, the Senators wrote. Children in weatherized households miss less school, improving educational outcomes. Adults miss less work, increasing both their own incomes and their contributions to economic growth. Families also experience fewer asthma symptoms and emergency room visits, decreasing out-of-pocket medical expenses by an average of $514. WAP also leverages additional non-federal funds, while supporting over 8,500 jobs and increasing national economic output by $1.2 billion.

+++

Senators Collins and Reed have worked to block attempts to pare back funding appropriated for LIHEAP and WAP, securing $3.7 billion for LIHEAP and $254 million for WAP in the FY 2019 funding bill. In October, Senators Collins and Reed led a bipartisan coalition of Senators in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for LIHEAP as quickly as possible under the current continuing resolution. In April, Senators Collins and Reed, as well as Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), introduced legislation that would reauthorize WAP through 2024.

Nearly 28,000 Maine households receive assistance benefits each heating season. The average annual LIHEAP benefit to Maine households that use the program is $918. Benefit amounts are based on each household's income level, family size, whether they live in subsidized or non-subsidized housing, and the type of fuel used for heating.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-stabenow-lead-resolution-cosponsored-all-25-women-senators-honoring-first-all,"Collins, Stabenow Lead Resolution Cosponsored by All 25 Women Senators Honoring First All-Female Spacewalk",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) led all 23 of their female colleagues in introducing a resolution congratulating astronauts Dr. Jessica U. Meir and Christina H. Koch for the historic accomplishment of completing the first all-female spacewalk. The bipartisan resolution also supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) efforts to fully integrate women into the astronaut corps and ensure that one of the next humans to walk on the moon will be a woman.

On October 18, 2019, Dr. Meir and Ms. Koch conducted a seven hour and seven minute spacewalk to replace a power controllerthe first all-female spacewalk in history, and the 14th and 15th women, respectively, to conduct a spacewalk.

Dr. Jessica Meir's and Christina Koch's completion of NASA's first all-female spacewalk marked an incredible moment in our nation's history and will be venerated for generations to come, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan resolution, supported by all 25 female Senators, recognizes Jessica and Christina for their extraordinary accomplishments. They continue to inspire students throughout the country to pursue their dreams.

Jessica Meir and Christina Koch made history this year when they completed the first all-female spacewalk. This important milestone will leave a lasting impression on our space program and on young women across the country. Jessica and Christina have showed us what the future looks like and I look forward to following their careers and the careers of other women as they continue to make our nation proud,said Senator Stabenow.

Dr. Meir is a native of Caribou, Maine. She has a degree in biology from Brown University, a master's in space studies from the International Space University, and a Ph.D. in marine biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Jessica is the first woman from Maine  and only the third person from Maine ever  to go on a space flight.

Ms. Koch is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has a degree in electrical engineering and physics, as well as a master's degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University.

In 2013, Dr. Meir and Ms. Koch were among the four women and four men selected from 6,100 applications for NASA's 21st class of astronauts and began training for future space flights. NASA first began to admit women into its astronaut program in 1978.

Last month, Senator Collins talked with Dr. Meir on the phone to congratulate her on completing the first all-women spacewalk. In October, Dr. Meir spoke via a live video with hundreds of Caribou students in grades 3-12 and answered questions. In June, Senators Collins and Angus King and Representative Jared Golden sent a letter to NASA in support of Eastern Aroostook RSU 39 and Caribou's request to participate in this videoconference with Dr. Meir while she was in orbit.

In 2016, Senator Collins and Dr. Meir were two of the six inaugural inductees of the Caribou High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

Click HERE to read the resolution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/amid-npr-investigation-collins-king-join-push-for-department-of-education-to-investigate-permanent-disability-loan-forgiveness-program,"Amid NPR Investigation, Collins, King Join Push for Department of Education to Investigate Permanent Disability Loan Forgiveness Program",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the Department's Acting Inspector General, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process forAmericans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD). Themembers' letter comes after an alarming report fromNational Public Radio (NPR), posted earlier this week, which found that hundreds of thousands of Americanswith qualifying disabilitieshave not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law. In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) along with U.S. Representatives Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Don Young (R-Alaska). We are alarmed by the findings in thisNPRinvestigation, the reported extremely low rate of loan discharges for eligible borrowers, and the contrast between theNPRreport and the information previously provided by ED,wrote the senators.We are also concerned by ED's lack of transparency with Congress and failure to provide timely, verifiable information. Most importantly, it appears that ED's process for TPD loan discharges is failing to provide student loan relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including veterans, who are entitled to this relief under the law. The full letter can be read below, or downloaded HERE. +++ The Honorable Sandra D. Bruce Acting Inspector General Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Education 550 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202 Dear Acting Inspector General Bruce: We write with serious concern about the Department of Education's (ED) process to discharge federal student loans for totally and permanently disabled Americans, including veterans. Under theHigher Education Act of 1965, individuals who are totally and permanently disabled (TPD) are eligible to have their outstanding federal student loans forgiven. Under theTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, federal student loans that are discharged due to death or TPD are exempt from federal income tax. ED currently utilizes data provided through matching agreements with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify disabled federal student loan borrowers who may be eligible for TPD loan discharge. In August 2019, the Trump Administration announced that borrowers identified through VA data would automatically have their loans discharged. Yet borrowers matched with SSA data, including veterans with non-service-connected disabilities, still must submit a discharge application. As we have said before, despite the existing legal benefit for loan discharge and the removal of the federal tax penalty two years ago, many borrowers, in applying for relief, face significant challenges that are both administratively burdensome and unnecessary. We wrote to ED on a bipartisan basis several times urging the Administration to automatically discharge these federal student loans, including in letters sent on February 15, 2018, and October 9, 2019. Our letter in October cited data provided to our staff by ED that as of March 2019, only 40% of eligible borrowers identified in the SSA match have had their loans discharged. However, according to aNational Public Radio(NPR)report that aired on December 4, 2019, that is not the case[1]. The investigation found that between March 2016 and September 2019, 555,000 borrowers were identified through the SSA data match as eligible for TPD discharge and were sent a letter in the mail. Ultimately, only 156,000, or 28%, of those borrowers had their loans discharged or are on track for that to happen. These numbers do not include borrowers matched through VA data, information we still have not seen. We are alarmed by the findings in thisNPRinvestigation, the reported extremely low rate of loan discharges for eligible borrowers, and the contrast between theNPRreport and the information previously provided by ED. We are also concerned by ED's lack of transparency with Congress and failure to provide timely, verifiable information. Most importantly, it appears that ED's process for TPD loan discharges is failing to provide student loan relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including veterans, who are entitled to this relief under the law. We urge ED's Office of Inspector General to investigate the TPD loan discharge process immediately and answer the following questions: 1. How many individuals in total have been identified through ED's data match with the SSA and the VA since March 2016? Please list the numbers for SSA and VA separately. 2. How many of these matched borrowers have received a loan discharge? 3. Of those borrowers who were matched but ultimately did not receive a loan discharge, what are the reasons the discharge did not occur? How many borrowers are associated with each reason, including income monitoring? 4. Why has the Administration rejected bipartisan calls to pursue automatic discharge for Americans with non-service-related disabilities? 5. How can ED improve its data system for the TPD process and ensure this information is communicated with Congress in a transparent and timely manner? 6. What steps does ED need to take to make this process automatic, meaning once a borrower is flagged as eligible, the discharge is not contingent upon administrative work by the borrower at the point of discharge or any point thereafter? Enclosed are the cited letters from February 15, 2018, and October 9, 2019. We appreciate your attention to this important matter and request a commitment to investigate these questions by December 31, 2019.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3184,Pingree Announces Award of Almost $950k from USDA to Strengthen Local and Regional Markets for Maine Agricultural Products,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is awarding $948,019.04 to three Maine institutions to increase consumption of and access to local and regional agricultural products. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, the Sustainability Lab in Yarmouth, and Maine Federation of Farmers Markets in Belfast will receive funding from the Local Food Promotion Program and the Farmers Market Promotion Program, respectively.
The local and regional food industry has experienced massive growth in recent yearsboth in Maine and across our countryand shows no sign of slowing down. As farmers cope with the uncertainty of trade wars, they know they can rely on their local communities to support their business,said Pingree.I fought hard for this incredibly important funding to be included in the 2018 Farm Bill, and I'm thrilled to see the results come to local Maine farmers. With these USDA resources, Mainers will be able to access to locally grown, healthy foods and support their neighborhood farms.
The funding is made possible through USDA's Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, a part of the Local Agriculture Marketing Program (LAMP) authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. Pingree was instrumental in securing LAMP in the 2018 Farm Bill,leading a bipartisan letter of 43 House membersurging leadership of the Farm Bill conference committee to include LAMP in the legislation's final text. LAMP was a provision of H.R. 3941, theLocal FARMS Act, Pingree's bipartisan bill to boost access to local and regional food markets and support local economies.
""This funding from the USDA will give us the opportunity to implement a suite of region-wide quality handling improvements that will ultimately increase the value of seafood harvested in New England. These improvements are critical for our region's seafood industry to grow and to compete with high quality imported seafood, which is currently the largest barrier to market access for much of the finfish harvested in New England's waters,said Kyle Foley, Sustainable Seafood Program Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
We're pleased to be receiving a USDA FMPP grant to help promote farmers' markets across our state. This grant project is rooted in community and place, by facilitating partnerships between farmers' markets and local employers that will help introduce more Mainers to the amazing benefits of shopping at farmers' markets. We've seen positive results from a recent pilot with the City of Bangor, and we're excited to bring this marketing model to more Maine communities from Portland to Presque Isle,said Jimmy DeBiasi, Director of Programs at Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets.
""This grant is the cornerstone for allowing Fork Food Lab to move to a new location with more space and equipment to better serve our 45 current and future food entrepreneurs. This will allow members to grow, hire more workers and in turn source more local products and help grow the local food economy,""said Bill Seretta, President, The Sustainability Lab.

Details of the grant are as follows:
Recipient:Gulf of Maine Research Institute Portland, ME
 
    Project Type: Implementation
    Total Project Amount: $612,791.00
    
        Award Amount:$487,791.00
        Match Amount:$125,000.00
    
    Project Title:A Regional Effort to Improve Quality and Market Opportunities for New England Finfish
    
        The goal of this project is to implement a suite of region-wide quality and food safety improvements that will improve the market demand and value for seafood harvested by New England fishermen. This project will increase local access to and consumption of local seafood, as well as give local fishermen an opportunity to capture more value for their catch. This project will facilitate coordination and collaboration across the seafood value chain to improve food safety, quality handling, and waste reduction. We will partner with a key aggregator in the region to improve handling and develop best practices at the processor level of the supply chain. Improvements to the availability and access to ice for fishing vessels in four New England ports, a critical and basic issue that impacts quality and safety will be made. A series of workshops to increase awareness and understanding of a range of quality, food safety, and waste reduction issues in order to collaborate on region- wide standards will bring together fishermen, processors, and buyers. These improvements are critical for our region's seafood industry to grow and to compete with high quality imported seafood, which is currently the largest barrier to market access for much of the finfish harvested in New England's waters.
    
 
Recipient:The Sustainability Lab Yarmouth, ME
 
    Project Type: Planning
    Total Project Amount: $129,335.60
    
        Award Amount:$99,997.82
        Match Amount:$29,337.78
    
    Project Title:Fork Food Lab 2.0
    
        Home to 45 enterprises, Fork Food Lab, Maine's premier commercial kitchen incubator, is nearing full capacity. As a result, the Sustainability Lab will develop the Fork Food Lab 2.0 Plan, a roadmap for a physical expansion that will 1) enable exploration of new food sectors, such as meat, fish, dairy, fermented products, and craft beer, wine and spirits; 2) help manufacturers access specialized equipment necessary to scale production; and 3) provide scaling businesses with dedicated space for manufacturing. By expanding the capacity of Fork Food Lab, will facilitate the development of value-added products from $1 million in Maine fish, meat, dairy, eggs, grains, and produce, resulting in the creation of 246 jobs and $15 million in economic impact by 2025.
    
 
Recipient:Maine Federation of Farmers Markets Belfast, ME
 
    Project Type: Capacity Building
    Total Project Amount: $205,892.44
    
        Award Amount:$160,111.00
        Match Amount:$45,781.44
    
    Project Title:The Workplace To Market Project
    
        Workplace to Market is a collaborative, multi-faceted project that aims to cause consumer behavior change through targeted incentives to working-age adults at their workplace. Project partners will trial and monitor the impact of shopping incentive models that drive new customers to farmers' markets. The findings will be shared through online and print resources, serving as a new marketing strategy for farmers' markets across the country to use. The project goals are to 1) increase the number of new shoppers patronizing farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer outlets across Maine through workplace incentives with local employer-partners; 2) create a toolkit resource in print and online for farmers markets to utilize in cultivating new business partners; and 3) conduct a promotional campaign to educate consumers and cultivate new partnerships among employers and farmers markets. Outcomes include an increase in farm sales and an increase in the number of new and returning customers at farmers' markets over the long haul. A toolkit, based on the piloted models and the findings of various partnerships across Maine, will be developed and distributed as a resource for farmers to develop their own partnerships with employers in their communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-bipartisan-group-fight-protect-veterans-predatory-pension-poachers,"Collins, Bipartisan Group Fight to Protect Veterans from Predatory Pension Poachers",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jon Tester (D-MT), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced legislation this week that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to systematically track victims, scammers, and trends to proactively protect veterans and survivors across the country from predatory pension poachers. 

Our nation's aging veterans represent a segment of vulnerable individuals increasingly targeted by bad actors preying on the VA pension benefits they've earned. While veterans are often victims of scams including being overcharged for home care, charged for services they did not receive, or given bad investment advice, a recent report from the non-partisan Government Accountability Office found that VA has not taken an aggressive approach to prevent this exploitation.

Veterans and their families have a right to expect that the nation they protected will fight to protect them from criminals seeking to rob them of the benefits they have earned through their service, said Senator Collins.I recently chaired a hearing to raise awareness about the disproportionate number of scams targeting veterans.This bipartisan bill would address several issues raised at our hearing by requiring the VA to strengthen its fraud response as well as to educate veterans on ways to identify scams.

Last month, Senator Collins held a hearing titled, Veterans Scams: Protecting Those Who Protected Us. Senator Collins also led a letter to VA Secretary Wilkie signed by nearly every member of the Aging Committee urging the Department to alert veterans to the risk of scams and seeking information on steps the VA has already taken to protect veterans.

The Veteran Pension Protection Act would:

 Require VA to collect information on potential financial exploitation from all departments within the VA then create a plan to address trends apparent within this data.

 Call for VA to regularly update guidance and training curriculum to claims processors regarding the definition and examples of questionable medical expenses in pension claims.

 Require VA to develop a mechanism for tracking the number of individuals receiving pension benefits for which they are not eligible and provide an annual report to Congress.

 Require a report on additional steps that can be taken to verify direct deposit information.

 Create an annual report on the number of pension recipients that are identified by the Department as likely or proven victims of financial exploitation.

 Require VA to report on the result of referrals of financial exploitation that they submit to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Sentinel network, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

 Require any educational or application material created by the Department to inform applicants that the Department does not charge fees in connection with applying for pension benefits.

 Require an educational outreach plan, in collaboration with Veterans Service Organizations, for reaching individuals vulnerable to financial exploitation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z