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/legislation-protect-patients-surprise-medical-bills-now-law,Legislation to Protect Patients from Surprise Medical Bills is Now Law,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills was signed into law as part of the government funding package.

Americans increasingly pay more out-of-pocket for their health care, so it is crucial that they have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. The health and economic crisis we are currently experiencing due to COVID-19 has underscored the need for Congress to come together to increase the affordability and accessibility of medical care. 

Far too many Americans are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of health care, which places severe strain on family budgets and threatens access to the care and medications they need. The last thing patients should have to worry about while they are sick or recovering is receiving an unexpected bill because they were unaware they were receiving out-of-network care,said Senator Collins. Increasing the affordability and accessibility of health care is one of my highest priorities, and this new law ending the unfair practice of surprise medical billing will help provide significant relief.

The proposal to end surprise medical billing will also allow approximately $18 billion in savings to be used to fully fund Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education, and Special Diabetes Programs for three years. As the lead sponsor of theTraining the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act, Senator Collins has long worked to bolster and expand this successful training program. As the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, she has championed the Special Diabetes Program, which has been instrumental in promoting advances in diabetes care such as the artificial pancreas system. 

The bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including:

 
Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider.
 

 
Prohibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care.
 

 
Creates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient.
 

 
Under the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens.
 

 
If the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties.
 

 
Following an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days.
 

 
Provides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers.
 

 
Empowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status.
 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-500000-maine-housing-authorities-0,"Senator Collins Announces More Than $500,000 for Maine Housing Authorities",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that nine housing authorities in Maine will receive a total of $509,826 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS).

Maine's housing authorities provide an array of vital services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that the housing needs of all Mainers are met. By supporting public housing agencies, this funding will help connect individuals with the resources they need to achieve economic independence.

The funding will be allocated as follows:

Augusta Housing Authoritywill receive $32,484.

Bangor Housing Authoritywill receive $63,709.

City of Caribouwill receive $57,446.

Housing Authority of Brewerwill receive $60,978.

Housing Authority of Old Townwill receive $47,944.

Lewiston Housing Authoritywill receive $58,873.

Maine State Housing Authoritywill receive $62,467.

Portland Housing Authoritywill receive $78,659.

Westbrook Housing Authoritywill receive $47,266.

As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. Earlier this month, sheannounced$120,000 for housing authorities in Aroostook and Sagadahoc Counties. In addition, Senator Collins helped to secure a total of $46.5 million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communities throughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-protect-funding-nearly-200-rural-low-income-school-districts,"Collins, Hassan Protect Funding for Nearly 200 Rural, Low-Income School Districts",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,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 they successfully reversed a Department of Education decision that jeopardized funding for nearly 200 rural, low-income school districts. A provision they negotiated that was included in the year-end government funding bill that was signed into law prevents a funding cliff for the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), the only dedicated federal funding stream to support rural schools.

The Department of Education's abrupt change in eligibility for REAP funding would have forced many ruralschools in Maine and throughout the country to forgo essential activities and services,said Senator Collins.REAP helps deliver an equitable and enriching education to thousands of students living in rural America. This bipartisanprovisionI pushed forwill ensure that students in rural communities continue to have access to these critical programs.

Rural schools in New Hampshire rely on this critical funding coming every year so that they can serve their students, and the bipartisan provision that Senator Collins and I worked on will help ensure that these resources aren't pulled out from under them,said Senator Hassan.This funding is particularly important now amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has presented unprecedented challenges to remote and in-person learning.

REAP was created in 2002 by Senator Collins and former Senator Kent Conrad to help rural schools overcome the increased expenses caused by geographic isolation. It consists of two programs  the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program and the Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program.

Many states have qualified for RLIS because the Department of Education has allowed school districts to measure poverty by the percentage of students receiving free lunch. Earlier this year, however, the Department abruptly announced that it would no longer accept the poverty measurements it had received from participating states in years past, threatening the eligibility and funding for schools without any notification to Congress. This change would have excluded nearly 200 school districts from the RLIS program, creating a funding cliff for rural schools already balancing tight budgets.

In Maine alone, more than 100 of the 149 schools were eligible for RLIS program funding last year. Without this provision, they could have lost a total of $1.2 million in RLIS funding due to the Department of Education's decision.In New Hampshire, 43 school districts received funding this year. Without this provision, more than 30 districts would have lost funding  a nearly $600,000 funding loss statewide.

Senator Collinsfirst raised this problemwith SecretaryDeVosin February. Additionally, Senator Collins and members of the Maine Delegationsent a follow-up letterto SecretaryDeVosurging her to restore this vital funding. In March, Senators Collins and Hassanled a letterto SecretaryDeVosthat was signed by 19 of their colleagues, expressing their strong opposition to this abrupt decision. Following that effort, the Department announced it would delay the change and prevent these cuts from taking effect this year.Earlier this month, SenatorsCollinsand Hassanled a bipartisan letterurging the Appropriations Committeeto support their request to protect state and school district participation in REAP in the government funding bill.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/provision-senator-collins-championed-prevent-medicare-physician-payment-cuts-signed-law,Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
  
  
  
        
                         Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law 
                    
                              
  
    
        
      Posted Wed, 12/30/2020 - 09:18    
    
    
    
  Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the year-end government funding bill that was signed into lawincludesaprovision based onbipartisanlegislation sheco-authoredto prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021.

These reimbursement cutswould have fallenprimarily on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties  from radiology to physical therapy toorthopaedicsurgery andcould have hada devastating effect on health care practices and, most important, patient access to care,said Senator Collins. I am pleased that this provisionincluded in the government funding billwill halt theseill-timedpayment cuts from going into effect at the start of the New Year, helping to ensure that we do not further burden our health care system that is already struggling due to the pandemic.

Senator Collins has long been a champion of improving access to health care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Inaddition tosponsoring legislationto avert destabilizing cuts to medical providers that would have harmed patients' access to health care, Senator Collinssent a letterto Senate leaders in October, urging them to advance legislation to prevent these sharp reductions in payment.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-improving-hope-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-act-signed-law,Bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimers Act Signed into Law,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Shelley MooreCapito(R-WV)and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced that theImproving HOPE (Health, Outcomes, Planning, and Education) for Alzheimer's Actpassed Congress as part of the year-end omnibus package and has been signed into law.
Following the lawmakers' successful bipartisan push in 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in November 2016 that Medicare would begin covering new care plans in 2017. TheImprovingHOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach to make more health care providers aware of this important benefit and to report back on rates of utilization and barriers to access.
""It is imperative that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their families receive the resources they need, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available,said Senator Collins.Fortunately, following our advocacy, CMS implemented a new rule in 2018 that allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive a care planning session.Our legislation will expand access to this service by increasing awareness of this policy change among physicians.As the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimer's Task Force, I will continue to support those living with Alzheimer's diseaseand their caregivers.

Care plans are an important tool to ensure that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones who help care for them every day have the support they need to cope with this devastating disease,said Senator Stabenow.TheImproving HOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill help make sure patients, their families, and their health care providers know about and can take advantage of the available resources.

While we work towards the goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer's by 2025, we must also ensure seniors with Alzheimer's get the best care possible. Developing care plans that assist families, caregivers, and seniors understand diagnosis and available treatments helps make that happen. Enacting the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will mean more seniors will benefit for these plans. This is an important step forward for those suffering from Alzheimer's,said Senator Markey.

Delivering accessible care to those struggling with Alzheimer's is crucial to the foundation of our families and gives hope to our loved ones. Now that certain care plans are offered, we must make sure this information is properly relayed to eligible families. The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act successfully strengthens our outreach strategy and makes resources available to those who need it most. I'm proud to have been part of this movement since 2015 and that our legislation was included in the year-end package,said SenatorCapito.

I know how devastating it can be, not only for our loved ones struggling with Alzheimer's  like my mother did -- but for families trying to understand how to provide the best care possible. Although we fought to provide patients and their caregivers important services  like help in understanding a diagnosis, available treatments, and ways to manage the challenges ahead -- far too many seniors and their doctors have no idea the benefit is available. I'm thrilled to see our bill enacted so we can change that and ensure patients get the resources they need,said Senator Menendez.

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's. TheHOPE for Alzheimer's Actrequires Medicare to pay for an individual care plan for newly diagnosed Alzheimer's patients. This benefit encourages doctors to give a clear diagnosis to patients with Alzheimer's disease, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available.

In 2017, less than one percent of seniors living with Alzheimer's disease received the care planning benefit. TheImproving HOPE for Alzheimer's Actrequires HHS to conduct outreach to health care practitioners about comprehensive Alzheimer's disease care planning services, including education initiatives and materials on appropriate diagnostic evaluations and explanations of the requirements for eligibility.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-covid-19-relief-legislation-becoming-law,Golden Statement on COVID-19 Relief Legislation Becoming Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement today after it was announced that legislation to provide COVID-19 relief and to fund the government through Fiscal Year 2021 had been signed into law by the president:  
	
I'm glad the president has signed the COVID-19 relief bill into law. Millions of families and thousands of small businesses are counting on the relief measures contained in this legislation to survive the next several months of this pandemic.  
	
Provisions in the COVID-19 relief bill will provide additional unemployment assistance for the tens of thousands of Mainers who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. The bill will also direct more support to struggling small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program. In addition, this legislation will prevent many evictions across the country, help hospitals and healthcare professionals to treat those infected by COVID-19, aid school systems, and provide federal assistance to deliver a vaccine as quickly and effectively as possible.  
	
Crucially for our state, the bill also includes first-of-its-kind legislation to provide direct relief to loggers and log haulers as the industry continues to be battered by the pandemic economy. This provision, authored by Senator Collins and me, could be of great importance to many logging businesses and workers. We will continue to work together to see that Maine benefits from this program.  
	
My staff and I remain committed to helping constituents and businesses in our district understand the resources available to them through this relief bill and to working with federal agencies to ensure Mainers receive all the relief for which they qualify. Please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance. - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)  
	
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3579,Pingree Statement on House Override of Trump’s Dangerous NDAA Veto,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Statement on House Override of Trump's Dangerous NDAA Veto  
  
     

  

  
    
        
           
      
          
      
           
        
      
    
  
  
  

  
    
      Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today released the following statement after the House voted to override President Trump'svetoof the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act:
In one of his last acts as president, Trump vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act, a bipartisan, bicameralbill to support our troops and protect our national security.
This move is just another in a long line by the president to sow chaos and discord, leaving our servicemembers in the lurch as a result. His veto put at risk a pay raise for our troops, paid leave, child care, housing,aidfor Bath Iron Works, andbenefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orangeall because he cares more about his personal feuds with social mediaplatformsand racist Confederate monuments.
This veto puts our country at risk.Particularly in the wake of a major cyberattack, this move is shortsighted and irresponsible, and so I voted to override his veto.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3580,Pingree Statement on House Vote to Increase Stimulus Checks,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Statement on House Vote to Increase Stimulus Checks 
  
     

  

  
    
        
           
      
          
      
           
        
      
    
  
  
  

  
    
      Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a standalone bill to increase COVID-19 stimulus checks to $2,000 per person:
""I'm relieved the President signed the COVID relief bill yesterday. Though the bill is far from perfect, it includes much-needed support for struggling Mainers, like increased SNAP benefits and extended unemployment, which lapsed on Saturday.
""Today,I joined my House colleagues to pass a standalone bill that would increase economic paymentsin the billfrom $600 to $2,000 per person.These paymentsare a crucial lifeline for millions of Americans who need to pay rent and put food on their table during this time of uncertainty. This measure recognizes the hardship Maine's families are experiencing during this crisis and offersthefinancial support they need to survive the winter. President Trump must call on Senate Republicans to join him in supporting this measure so we can getmore meaningfuldirect economic relief in the hands of the American people.""

###",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-0,$18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins Advocacy,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
  
  
  
        
                         $18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins' Advocacy 
                    
                              
  
  The bill also makes permanent several beneficial provisions for small brewers that were included in the 2017 tax reform law  
        
      Posted Mon, 12/28/2020 - 11:53    
    
    
    
  Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee,announced that a total of $18.5 million to support breweries in Maine and across the country was signed into law as part of the fiscal year 2021 government funding bill. The legislation also permanently lowers excise taxes to help brewers reinvest in their businesses, employees, and communities.

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.With the economic duress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, beverage producers have been under significant strain. The permanent reduction in excise taxes that I worked to securealong with investments made in the brewing supply chainare critical to helping these small businesses keeptheir doors open and their employees on payroll.

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

Permanent authorization of theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act(CBMTRA)The legislation provides excise tax relief to the growing craft beverage industry by making permanent a measure in the2017 tax reform law.Senator Collinswasa cosponsor of the standalone bill, which reduces taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers.Earlier this month, Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME)joined a bipartisan groupof 55 of their colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Actin the next legislative package.

$15 millionforU.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 ofFusariumhead blight (scab) to the producers, processors, and consumers of wheat and barley.

$3.5 millionfor theSmall Grains Genomic Initiative, which funds important barley, oat, and wheat research to improve quality and breeding.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-bill-advance-energy-storage-technology-signed-law,Collins Bill to Advance Energy Storage Technology Signed into Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Bipartisan legislation to accelerate the development of next-generation energy storage was signed into law. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Tina Smith (D-MN), will support grid-scale energy storage research and development and improve the efficiency of the nation's electric grid, while helping to align research efforts on energy storage technologies.

Energy storage technology holds such great promise in the fight against climate change. Supporting current technology and advancing next-generation energy storage will allow us to integrate more renewables, such as wind and solar, which in turn will help to reduce emissions, Senator Collins said.The BEST Act will advance energy storage technologies, improve the efficiency of our nation's electricity grid, and help align research efforts on energy storage.I am delighted that this bipartisan piece of legislation is now law and will help shape our clean energy future.

As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, advocating for the research and development of long-term energy storage has been a top priority,saidSenator Heinrich.I am proud to see the Better Energy Storage TechnologyAct signed into law so that we can truly invest in reshaping the power industry. This bipartisan effort offers federal agencies and national labs the opportunity to modernize our energy grid with advanced storage technologies that can provide days, even months, of capacity. With advances in solar and wind energy, New Mexico remains a leader in the charge towards a clean energy future. Signing this bill into law adds the extra spark to boost New Mexico power grids  with the potential to do the same around the globe.

When we expand energy storage capabilities, we can increase our use of renewables like wind and solar while contributing to our nation's energy and economic security, said Senator Smith. This is a great step forward for our country and the clean energy future, and I'm pleased that parts of my Promoting Grid Storage Act are included in this bipartisan legislation soon to become law.

We will never realize the promise of a clean energy future without significant advances in our ability to store and access power generated from renewable sources, said Heather Reams, Executive Director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. The BEST Act helps activate our most precious natural resource, America's capability to innovate, in order to develop new energy storage technologies and more secure, more resilient energy grids. Energy storage may not be the most glamorous or exciting clean energy subject, but it is absolutely fundamental to driving the entire industry forward. Congratulations, Senator Collins, for successfully championing this legislation and thank you for doing the hard work it takes to bring us closer to our clean energy future.

The inclusion of the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act as part of the year-end spending and relief package is further proof of the bipartisan, bicameral support for energy storage to improve grid reliability and flexibility, said U.S. Energy Storage Association CEO Kelly Speakes-Backman. Congress has recognized the critical role of energy storage in building a clean energy future. We commend Senator Collins and Senator Heinrich, along with Representatives Casten, Foster, and Herrera Beutler, for their leadership in introducing this important legislation.

Senator Collins has been one of the strongest leaders in the U.S. Senate for clean energy innovation, and her bill, the BEST Act included in the omnibus, will encourage all types of grid-scale energy storage technologies, including those that will address long duration and seasonal duration challenges, said Rich Powell, Executive Director of ClearPath Action. ""By reorienting the federal grid scale storage research, development, and demonstration program we will set ambitious technology goals necessary to facilitate important breakthroughs for the grid of the future with far lower carbon emissions.

Energy storage provides a range of benefits including increased resilience and reliability on the grid. Supporting current and next-generation energy storage devices will complement the growth of clean, renewable resources on the power grid, replacing other sources of energy that release harmful emissions that cause climate change. In addition to these benefits, energy storage systems can help decrease energy costs by reducing the need for expensive peak power.

One of the biggest impediments to the commercialization of energy storage systems is cost. This legislation aims to increase the affordability of this technology by supporting Department of Energy (DOE) research, planning and technical assistance, and demonstration and pilot projects. DOE has successfully demonstrated how federal support for research and development can reduce the cost of innovative technology. For example, DOE's SunShot Initiative reduced the price of solar by approximately 75 percent in less than a decade.

The BEST Act includes the following provisions:

 
Research and Development: Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a cross-cutting energy storage system research and development program with the goal of reducing the cost and extending the duration of energy storage systems.
 

 
Demonstration Projects: Requires DOE to undertake three energy storage system demonstration projects, including a minimum of one project designed to address seasonal variations in supply and demand.
 

 
Technical and Planning Assistance: Establishes a program at DOE to assist electric utilities with identifying, evaluating, planning, designing, and developing processes to procure energy storage systems.
 

 
Joint Long-Duration Demonstration Initiative: Establishes a joint program between DOE and the Department of Defense to demonstrate long-duration storage technologies.
 

 
Recycling Program: Establishes a program at DOE to advance the recycling of critical energy storage materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.
 

The legislation is supported by the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE), American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Bipartisan Policy Center, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), ClearPath, Energy Storage Association, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), National Audubon Society, National Hydropower Association, National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Natural Resources Council of Maine, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Union of Concerned Scientists.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-covid-19-relief-government-funding-package-being-signed-law,Senator Collins Statement on COVID-19 Relief-Government Funding Package being Signed into Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, released this statement following President Trump signing the COVID-19 reliefgovernment funding omnibus into law. Senator Collins and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) co-led the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition that developed the framework for the COVID-19 relief package.

The President's decision to sign the bipartisan COVID emergency relief bill into law is welcome news for the American people.

The agreement that our bipartisan, bicameral group negotiated was the foundation for this much-needed assistance. The law extends the Paycheck Protection Program I coauthored and allows our hardest-hit small businesses, such as restaurants and others in the hospitality sector, to receive a second forgivable PPP loan. This additional assistance will help prevent small businesses from having to shut their doors for good, allow them to continue paying their employees, and cover certain overhead costs, such as modifications to comply with public health guidelines. A new program I authored with Congressman Jared Golden will also provide targeted assistance to loggers for the first time.

The compromise also provides urgently needed housing, nutrition, and unemployment compensation to struggling families; appropriates additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and provider assistance to our stressed health care system; allocates funding for schools that have been challenged to operate safely in a COVID environment; assists the overwhelmed Postal Service; and provides assistance to our airlines, airports, mass transit, and bus and motorcoach companies that keep our country moving.

The package also fully funds our government through September 2021 and provides significant investments including strengthening our defense and assisting our veterans to providing funding for biomedical research and public health to supporting transportation and economic development programs that will help our country as we make progress to defeat the pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/signed-law-funding-appropriations-bill-support-shipbuilders-biw,SIGNED INTO LAW: Funding in Appropriations Bill to Support Shipbuilders at BIW,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2021Defense Appropriations Billhas been signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. This legislation includes provisions Senator Collins championed to support Maine industries that have an indispensable role in our defense, including Bath Iron Works (BIW).

The value and importance of our naval assets and shipyards to our national security have never been greater, which is why it is so critical that we continue to grow the Navy to be able to meet challenges around the world,said Senator Collins. Through my senior position on the Appropriations Committee, I secured funding for two DDG-51 Flight III ships. Funding included in this legislation will also help BIW make investments in the shipyard to ensure their hardworking employees have the cutting-edge tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. BIW is home to the best shipbuilders in the world, and this funding will help them stay competitive far into the future.

The FY 2021 Department of Defense funding bill provides $696 billionan increase of $2.6 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level.

Additionally, the bill includes a number of priorities Senator Collins advocated for:

 
DDG-51 Shipbuilding:Includes funding fortwoDDG-51 Flight III ships. The bill also includes $130 million above the President's budget request of $29 million for DDG-51 advanced procurement specifically for a third DDG-51 in the next fiscal year.
 

 
Surface Combatant Shipyard Infrastructure:Includes $215 million for surface combatant shipyard infrastructure.This funding can be used foryard improvements similar to the $130 millionawarded to BIWearlier in the year.
 

 
DDG-51 Acquisition strategy report language:To ensure stability in the industrial base and shipyards, the bill includes explanatory language requiring the Navy to provide a fully funded strategy for the procurement of large surface combatants (LSC) in next year's budget request.
 

In January, Senators Collins and Angus Kingsent a joint letterto Defense Secretary MarkEsperobjecting to the Navy's proposal to reduce its shipbuilding program.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-group-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-president-trump-sign-relief-package-or-veto-it,"BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL GROUP 908 COALITION TO PRESIDENT TRUMP: SIGN RELIEF PACKAGE OR VETO IT IMMEDIATELY",2020-12-27,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) again urged President Trump to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package.

Mr. President, we are asking you to please sign the emergency relief bill. This act will show your support for the American people who are in need of emergency lifelines like food, shelter, unemployment benefits and small business relief during these challenging times.

However, if your objection to the COVID-19 relief bill will prevent you from signing, please veto it immediately. You've made your position clear and rejecting it quickly will allow those in favor to act before it is too late.

Never before in your personal, professional, or political life have you been characterized as a man of inaction. Now is not the time to sit idly by - please do the right thing and sign or veto this bill immediately.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3578,"Pingree Statement on Future of COVID Relief Bill, Stimulus Checks",2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today released the following statement in reaction to the news that the House GOP blocked a unanimous consent request to provide the American people with $2,000 stimulus checks:
During months of coronavirus relief negotiations, GOP leaders refused to commit to stimulus checks higher than $600/person. Yesterday, President Trump publicly pushed for $2,000 checks to the American peoplethe same amount I have fought for since March.
Today, House Democrats proposed a good-faith effort to quickly pass $2,000 checks, but the House GOP callously blocked it. Passing this proposal through unanimous consent would have meant the American people received survival checks as soon as possible.
The COVID relief bill passed on Tuesday is far from perfect, and we have a lot more work to do come January. However, it includes critical support for the American people during this crisis. If the President vetoes this bill, countless Mainers will go hungry, will be served eviction notices, and will have no financial support. We cannot leave anyone out in the cold.
  
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-urges-president-trump-sign-covid-19-emergency-relief,"BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL 908 COALITION URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SIGN COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE",2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) urged the President to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package:

As members of the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition,' we urge the President to sign the COVID relief package. The legislation would bring desperately needed help to struggling families, unemployed workers, hard-hit small businesses, an overburdened health care system, stressed schools, and so many others. It would provide robust funding for testing and vaccine distribution at a critical time. 

By signing the bill, the President would be providing the best possible Christmas gift to the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-protect-seniors-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-other-dementias-elder-abuse-signed-law,Bill to Protect Seniors with Alzheimers & Other Dementias from Elder Abuse Signed into Law,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Approximately one in 10 seniors aged 60 and older have experienced some form ofelderabuse. For people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the prevalence is much higher, with some estimates putting it at just over 50 percent.

Legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation has been signed into law. ThePromoting Alzheimer's Awareness to PreventElderAbuseActwill ensure that the Department of Justice'selderabusetrainingmaterials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The bipartisan billpassedCongress unanimously earlier this month.

As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, one of my top priorities is protecting our seniors againstabuse,said Senator Collins, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic,there may be increased risk forelderabuse, includingelderfinancial exploitation.This law I co-authored with Senators Menendez and Grassleywill help to ensure that the frontline professionals who are leading the charge againstelderabusehave the training needed to respond to cases where the victim or a witness has Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

I watched my mother struggle and ultimately succumb to Alzheimer's, and it pains me that a growing number of Americans living with Alzheimer's and dementia are at risk of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation,said Sen. Menendez.I am thrilled that our legislation has now become law. With it, we can help ensure that those suffering with AD/ADRD are able to live with dignity in safe and healthy environments, while providing critical education and training to caregivers, health providers and law enforcement. 

We ought to do all we can to ensure the Justice Department is well-prepared to respond to crimes involving Alzheimer's patients and folks with other forms of dementia. These cases can be particularly challenging at each stage, from investigation to prosecution. This legislation will strengthen our collective response to these crimes, which are unfortunately all too common. I'm glad, with the bill now signed into law, that the government can now more effectively handle and address these problems,SenatorGrassley said.

The legislationwassupported by the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Foundation of America,Alzheimer's Impact Movement,ElderJustice Coalition, American Geriatrics Society, American Society on Aging, B'nai B'rith International,GerontologicalSociety of America, International Association for Indigenous Aging, Jewish Federations of North America, Justice in Aging, LEAD Coalition (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease), National Adult Protective Services Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A), National Association ofElderLaw Attorneys, and SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBTElders.

On behalf of the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's I want to thank Senators Collins, Menendez, and Grassley for their leadership on this critical bill,said RobertEgge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) executive director.The bipartisanPromoting Alzheimer's Awareness to PreventElderAbuseActwill help protect our nation's most vulnerable fromabuseand lead to better outcomes for all people living with dementia. 

Specifically, thePromoting Alzheimer's Awareness to PreventElderAbuseActwill:

Require that the NationalElderJustice Coordinator take into account people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias when creating or compilingelderabusetraining materials;

Instruct DOJ to consult with stakeholders, as appropriate, in developing these materials and to review and update existing materials; and

Include information in DOJ's annual report about where to access the publicly available training materials.

Thelawbuilds on theElderAbusePrevention and Prosecution Act, which became law in October 2017 and required DOJ to create training materials to help criminal justice, health care, and social services personnel assess and respond toelderabusecases. It also aligns with the latest recommendations from the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease, which include disseminating information onabuseof those with dementia and educating law enforcement about interacting with these individuals.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-bill-signed-law-curbing-plastic-marine-debris,"Collins, King Bill Signed Into Law, Curbing Plastic Marine Debris",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) are applauding the signing into law of theirSave Our Seas 2.0 Act. The bipartisan bill,introduced in June,seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018.

Countless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters,said Senator Collins. I am pleased to see this legislation become law, which will help to accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come.

Maine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked  meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people,said Senator King.By enacting this bipartisan legislation into law, we are building on our vital work to protect our oceans and allow future generations can access its widespread economic potential and its unparalleled beauty.

Roughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean.

TheSave Our Seas 2.0 Actis also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

Earlier this year, Senator Collinswas honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Awardfrom ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiatives at the organization's annual dinner. To honor his lifelong environmental stewardship and advocacy, Senator King received theinaugural Hero Award last monthfrom the National Park Foundation.


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-34-million-maine-health-care-providers-amid-covid-19,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $34 Million for Maine Health Care Providers Amid COVID-19",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
  
  
  
        
                         Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $34 Million for Maine Health Care Providers Amid COVID-19 
                    
                              
  
    
        
      Posted Wed, 12/23/2020 - 09:15    
    
    
    
  Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that 234 Maine health care providersincluding behavioral health providers such as addiction counseling centers and mental health counselorshave been awarded a total of $34,082,143 in federal funding to support their efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Phase 3 General Distribution funding was provided through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Medical providers are the backbone of Maine's health care system, providing primary and preventive care that is vital to the wellbeing of individuals and families throughout our state,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this additional funding, which will help 234 Maine health care providers continue to safely care for patients amid the pandemic.

Through theCARES Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, HHS has allocated $175 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other health care providers. As Maine continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and providers across the state have received more than half a billion dollars in HHS relief funding. In June, Senators Collins and Kingannouncedthat safety net hospitals in Maine received more than $52 million to support their efforts to combat the pandemic. 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-bill-signed-into-law-curbing-plastic-marine-debris,"Collins, King Bill Signed Into Law, Curbing Plastic Marine Debris",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) are applauding the signing into law of theirSave Our Seas 2.0 Act. The bipartisan bill,introduced in June, seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018. Countless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters,said Senator Collins. I am pleased to see this legislation become law, which will help to accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come. Maine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked  meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people,said Senator King.By enacting this bipartisan legislation into law, we are building on our vital work to protect our oceans and allow future generations can access its widespread economic potential and its unparalleled beauty. Roughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean. TheSave Our Seas 2.0 Actis also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Earlier this year, Senator Collinswas honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Awardfrom ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiatives at the organization's annual dinner. To honor his lifelong environmental stewardship and advocacy, Senator King received theinaugural Hero Award last monthfrom the National Park Foundation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-voices-concern-after-president-trump-vetoes-ndaa,King Voices Concern After President Trump Vetoes NDAA,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BRUNSWICK, ME  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, expressed his frustration after President Trump vetoed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021.The legislation previously passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives by overwhelmingly bipartisan, veto-proof majorities; the legislation will now return to Congress, which will hold a vote to override the President's veto. By vetoing the overwhelmingly-bipartisan NDAA, President Trump is denying a pay raise for our nation's servicemembers, undermining our national security, and threatening Maine jobs at facilities like Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, said Senator King. The President has cited a variety of different reasons to explain why he opposes this bill, but each excuse is either patently false, wholly unrelated to the military, or antithetical to America's values. What should raise grave concern in every American, regardless of political beliefs, is that this NDAA is the single-most comprehensive piece of cybersecurity legislation ever passed by Congress; as we work to determine the harm done by the recent cyber incursion, the provisions in this NDAA would be a shield against future tactics by our foes worldwide. In the days ahead, I hope that the large, veto-proof majorities which initially supported this legislation will come together once again to override the President's veto  for the good of our servicemembers and our nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/collins-golden-announce-200-million-help-loggers-timber-haulers-facing-covid-19,"Collins, Golden Announce $200 Million to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that the COVID-19 relief package that passed Congress and was signed into law included $200 million for logging and log hauling businesses that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introduced and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Pingree (ME-01) co-sponsored logger relief legislation earlier this year, and Senator Collins championed the funding in the final agreement.
Throughout Maine's history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and strengthened rural communities,said Senator Collins. This industry is built on the backs of our dedicated loggers, who sustainably harvest and haul one of Maine's most precious resources. Loggers were already facing significant headwinds due to a changing 21st century economy and unfair trade practices, as well as the explosion at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay and the shutdown of the paper machine at Sappi in Westbrook. COVID-19 has only compounded these challenges. Maine's family logging and log hauling businesses need our support. That's why I worked to secure $200 million in the COVID-19 emergency relief package to provide critical financial assistance to the skilled professionals who work in this industry to help them get through this difficult period.
Between COVID-19 and the Jay Mill explosion, many loggers and truck drivers are seeing work slow down as markets for their products decline. Maine loggers don't want a handout, but they deserve the same support during tough times that we have already provided for farmers and fishermen,said Congressman Golden.Senator Collins and I have worked together to introduce new legislation to provide targeted relief for loggers and log haulers, and we've successfully included it in the COVID-19 package that passed Congress today. Once this bill is law, we'll keep working together to make sure these funds get to Maine loggers and truckers.
For generations, Maine's forest products industry has supported jobs and communities, especially in our state's rural regions,said Senator King.Thanks to our state's abundant forests and our world-class workforce, Maine has been a global leader in this important industry. The sector has faced hard times, and weathered them  but the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily curbed market demand for forest products, and have contributed to the immense challenges facing this industry. For the sake of our logging industry, and all the Maine people who rely on it, I am proud to have worked with my colleague Senator Collins on the inclusion of $200 million in this aid package. This industry is essential to communities across our state, and I will continue to stand behind its workers in the challenging days ahead.
Maine's forests are a vital part of our way of life and our economy, supporting more than 34,000 jobs and serving as the backbone of our rural communities. That's why I've advocated for meaningful relief for the logging industry from the very beginning of this economic crisis. This funding will help to support the forest products industry as they weather this storm,said Congresswoman Pingree. I know this package doesn't solve all of the pressure this industry is facing, and while it certainly doesn't go far enough to support Maine families who are struggling during this crisis, I'm proud that this bill includes targeted funding for the forest products industry as they report historic reductions in their markets.
The significance of this announcement for timber harvesters and haulers in the United States cannot be overstated,Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, said.At no prior time in our nation's history have loggers been offered formal support and relief from our nation's government, and we especially want to thank U.S. Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Representative Jared Golden for leading the effort to secure this aid on behalf of the hard-working small family businesses in the industry here in Maine, and Senator Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree for joining that effort. Loggers and truckers need the same help and recognition farmers and fishermen have received since the pandemic began, now at long last they are getting it.
The logging industry has experienced a steep decline in demand for wood fiber since the coronavirus pandemic began, leading to an estimated 20 percent or more drop in the timber harvest this year.
The $200 million in relief funding will go to timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have, because of the COVID19 pandemic, experienced a loss of 10 percent or more in gross revenue during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 1, 2020, compared to the same period last year. As a co-leader of the bipartisan, bicameral group that provided the framework for the COVID-19 relief negotiations, Senator Collins pushed for the inclusion of the funding in the final package.
The program is modeled afterlegislation Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introducedand Senator King and Congresswoman co-sponsored earlier this year to establish a new program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide direct payments to timber harvesting and hauling businesses. It is similar tothe USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which has been providing direct relief to growers and producers experiencing dramatic drops in prices and overall business activity due to the pandemic.
Maine's logging industry is a linchpin of the state's economy, generating an estimated $619 million in economic output, and providing $342 million in income to around 9,000 Mainers, most of whom live in rural communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-fitzpatrick-successfully-block-pay-raise-congress-government-funding,"Golden, Fitzpatrick Successfully Block Pay Raise for Congress in Government Funding Bill",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) announced today that they had defied party leaders and secured a provision to block a pay raise for members of Congress in the government funding bill that passed Congress last night.
If representatives find it difficult to live on $174,000 a year, they should try supporting a family on a third of that or less, as many of my constituents do,said Congressman Golden.No one should be in Congress to make money; it's about public service, not a paycheck. I'm proud to work across the aisle with Congressman Fitzpatrick to block the scheduled pay raise for Congress. Rather than being outraged that we blocked this pay raise, I encourage party leaders to join me in calling out irrelevant and unnecessary provisions that benefit the wealthy  like tax exemptions for corporations' three-martini lunches  that were allowed to become part of this bill.
Hardworking Americans across the country do not receive automatic raises every year, and neither should Congress. Congress needs a reality check, not a raise,said Congressman Fitzpatrick.For far too long, Congress delayed bipartisan relief during a pandemic to score political points. Gridlock on major issues must not, and will not, be rewarded. We need to be working to help our constituents and fix real issues, not give ourselves a pay raise.
Earlier this year,Golden and Fitzpatrick formally requested the language be included in the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations bill. They alsojointly testified in favor of the provisionbefore the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Affairs, which writes the funding bill language that covers congressional pay. The exact language Golden and Fitzpatrick advocated for can be found inSection 7 of the final bill text.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3576,"Maine Delegation Announce $200 Million to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that the COVID-19 relief package that passed Congress and was signed into law included $200 million for logging and log hauling businesses that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introduced and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and CongresswomanPingree(ME-01) co-sponsored logger relief legislation earlier this year, and Senator Collins championed the funding in the final agreement.
Throughout Maine's history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and strengthened rural communities,said Senator Collins. This industry is built on the backs of our dedicated loggers, who sustainably harvest and haul one of Maine's most precious resources. Loggers were already facing significant headwinds due to a changing 21st century economy and unfair trade practices, as well as the explosion at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay and the shutdown of the paper machine at Sappi in Westbrook. COVID-19 has only compounded these challenges. Maine's family logging and log hauling businesses need our support. That's why I worked to secure $200 million in the COVID-19 emergency relief package to provide critical financial assistance to the skilled professionals who work in this industry to help them get through this difficult period.
Between COVID-19 and the Jay Mill explosion, many loggers and truck drivers are seeing workslow downas markets for their products decline. Maine loggers don't want a handout, but they deserve the same support during tough times that we have already provided for farmers and fishermen,said Congressman Golden.Senator Collins and I have worked together to introduce new legislation to provide targeted relief for loggers and log haulers, and we've successfully included it in the COVID-19 package that passed Congress today. Once this bill is law, we'll keep working together to make sure these funds get to Maine loggers and truckers.
For generations, Maine's forest products industry has supported jobs and communities, especially in our state's rural regions,said Senator King.Thanks to our state's abundant forests and our world-class workforce, Maine has been a global leader in this important industry. The sector has faced hard times, and weathered them  but the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily curbed market demand for forest products, and have contributed to the immense challenges facing this industry. For the sake of our logging industry, and all the Maine people who rely on it, I am proud to have worked with my colleague Senator Collins on the inclusion of $200 million in this aid package. This industry is essential to communities across our state, and I will continue to stand behind its workers in the challenging days ahead.
Maine's forests are a vital part of our way of life and our economy, supporting more than 34,000 jobs and serving as the backbone of our rural communities. That's why I've advocated for meaningful relief for the logging industry from the very beginning of this economic crisis. This funding will help to support the forest products industry as they weather this storm,said CongresswomanPingree. I know this package doesn't solve all of the pressure this industry is facing, and while it certainly doesn't go far enough to support Maine families who are struggling during this crisis, I'm proud that this bill includes targeted funding for the forest products industry as they report historic reductions in their markets.
The significance of this announcement for timber harvesters and haulers in the United States cannot be overstated,Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, said.At no prior time in our nation's history have loggers been offered formal support and relief from our nation's government, and we especially want to thank U.S. Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Representative Jared Golden for leading the effort to secure this aid on behalf of the hard-working small family businesses in the industry here in Maine, and Senator Angus King and U.S. Representatives ChelliePingreefor joining that effort. Loggers and truckers need the same help and recognition farmers and fishermen have received since the pandemic began, now at long last they are getting it.
The logging industry has experienced a steep decline in demand for wood fiber since the coronavirus pandemic began, leading to an estimated 20 percent or more drop in the timber harvest this year.
The $200 million in relief funding will go to timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have, because of the COVID19 pandemic, experienced a loss of 10 percent or more in gross revenue during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 1, 2020, compared to the same period last year. As a co-leader of the bipartisan, bicameral group that provided the framework for the COVID-19 relief negotiations, Senator Collins pushed for the inclusion of the funding in the final package.
The program is modeled afterlegislation Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introducedand Senator King and Congresswoman co-sponsored earlier this year to establish a new program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide direct payments to timber harvesting and hauling businesses. It is similar tothe USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which has been providing direct relief to growers and producers experiencing dramatic drops in prices and overall business activity due to the pandemic.
Maine's logging industry is a linchpin of the state's economy, generating an estimated $619 million in economic output, and providing $342 million in income to around 9,000 Mainers, most of whom live in rural communities.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3577,Pingree Announces $1.2 Million for PPE in Maine,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Announces $1.2 Million for PPE in Maine 
  
     

  

  
    
        
           
      
          
      
           
        
      
    
  
  
  

  
    
      Congresswoman ChelliePingree(D-Maine) today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the State ofMaine$1,191,258 to reimburse the State's purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Front line responders are risking their lives daily to keep us safe and to help fight this virus. Since the start of the pandemic, I've advocated for federal funding to support the distribution of PPE in Mainethis substantial financial burden shouldn't be the sole responsibility of the State or our local hospitals,said Pingree.I'm glad this funding will help alleviate the cost burden of personal protective equipment.
TheMaineDepartment of Administrative and Financial Services received this funding to purchase disposable masks for front line responders, importantPPEto protect essential workers against the spread of COVID-19.


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-feinstein-bill-establish-smithsonian-american-women%E2%80%99s-history-museum-be-signed-law,"Collins, Feinstein Bill to Establish Smithsonian American Womens History Museum to be Signed into Law",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) announced thatTheSmithsonian Women's History Museum Actpassed the Senate as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. This bipartisan legislation will establish a Smithsonian museumin Washington, D.C.honoring American women. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.

As our Women's Suffrage Centennial year draws to a close, I am delighted that Congress was able to work together in a bipartisan way to pass this legislation,said Senator Collins. I look forward tothe creation of a museum in our nation's capital that celebrates the invaluable contributionswomen have madeto our nation.

Women have been a central part of American history from our founding to the present day in every way, whether it's science, business, the arts or politics,said Senator Feinstein. A permanent museum to celebrate those contributions and tell the stories of so many incredible women is long overdue. I'm pleased to see our bill to establish a Smithsonian museum for women's history finally pass.

""On behalf of the Commissioners of the US Commission to study the potential for an American Women's History Museum, we offer our sincere praise and gratitude to Senators Collinsand Feinsteinfortheiryears of leadership on this momentous piece of legislation. The personal energy and drive thattheyput forth was supported by ideas and input from women and men from across the country, of all ages and walks of life, in addition to leading authorities and experts on women's history and the museum community,saidJaneAbraham, chair of theAmerican Museumof Women's History Congressional Commission.We enthusiastically look forward to the day when our citizens and visitors visit the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum and gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the role that women played in building America. Congratulations Senators CollinsandFeinstein!""

In December 2014, Congress created a Congressional Commission to study the potential for an American museum of women's history in Washington, D.C. This bipartisan commission unanimouslyrecommendedthe creation of a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to women's history. Incorporating their recommendations, this bill will establish a national museum to collect, study, and create programs on a wide spectrum of American women's experiences, contributions, and history.

The bipartisan bill is supported by the American Historical Association, the National Coalition for History, the Women's Business Development Center, Women in Aerospace, the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Women in Defense, the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission, and many other organizations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-golden-announce-200-million-help-loggers-timber-haulers-facing-covid-19-economic,"Collins, Golden Announce $200 Million to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that the COVID-19 relief package that passed Congress and was signed into law included $200 million for logging and log hauling businesses that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introduced and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and CongresswomanPingree(ME-01) co-sponsored logger relief legislation earlier this year, and Senator Collins championed the funding in the final agreement.

Throughout Maine's history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and strengthened rural communities,said Senator Collins. This industry is built on the backs of our dedicated loggers, who sustainably harvest and haul one of Maine's most precious resources. Loggers were already facing significant headwinds due to a changing 21st century economy and unfair trade practices, as well as the explosion at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay and the shutdown of the paper machine at Sappi in Westbrook. COVID-19 has only compounded these challenges. Maine's family logging and log hauling businesses need our support. That's why I worked to secure $200 million in the COVID-19 emergency relief package to provide critical financial assistance to the skilled professionals who work in this industry to help them get through this difficult period.

Between COVID-19 and the Jay Mill explosion, many loggers and truck drivers are seeing workslow downas markets for their products decline. Maine loggers don't want a handout, but they deserve the same support during tough times that we have already provided for farmers and fishermen,said Congressman Golden.Senator Collins and I have worked together to introduce new legislation to provide targeted relief for loggers and log haulers, and we've successfully included it in the COVID-19 package that passed Congress today. Once this bill is law, we'll keep working together to make sure these funds get to Maine loggers and truckers.

For generations, Maine's forest products industry has supported jobs and communities, especially in our state's rural regions,said Senator King.Thanks to our state's abundant forests and our world-class workforce, Maine has been a global leader in this important industry. The sector has faced hard times, and weathered them  but the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily curbed market demand for forest products, and have contributed to the immense challenges facing this industry. For the sake of our logging industry, and all the Maine people who rely on it, I am proud to have worked with my colleague Senator Collins on the inclusion of $200 million in this aid package. This industry is essential to communities across our state, and I will continue to stand behind its workers in the challenging days ahead.

Maine's forests are a vital part of our way of life and our economy, supporting more than 34,000 jobs and serving as the backbone of our rural communities. That's why I've advocated for meaningful relief for the logging industry from the very beginning of this economic crisis. This funding will help to support the forest products industry as they weather this storm,said CongresswomanPingree. I know this package doesn't solve all of the pressure this industry is facing, and while it certainly doesn't go far enough to support Maine families who are struggling during this crisis, I'm proud that this bill includes targeted funding for the forest products industry as they report historic reductions in their markets.

The significance of this announcement for timber harvesters and haulers in the United States cannot be overstated,Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, said.At no prior time in our nation's history have loggers been offered formal support and relief from our nation's government, and we especially want to thank U.S. Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Representative Jared Golden for leading the effort to secure this aid on behalf of the hard-working small family businesses in the industry here in Maine, and Senator Angus King and U.S. Representatives ChelliePingreefor joining that effort. Loggers and truckers need the same help and recognition farmers and fishermen have received since the pandemic began, now at long last they are getting it.

The logging industry has experienced a steep decline in demand for wood fiber since the coronavirus pandemic began, leading to an estimated 20 percent or more drop in the timber harvest this year.

The $200 million in relief funding will go to timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have, because of the COVID19 pandemic, experienced a loss of 10 percent or more in gross revenue during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 1, 2020, compared to the same period last year. As a co-leader of the bipartisan, bicameral group that provided the framework for the COVID-19 relief negotiations, Senator Collins pushed for the inclusion of the funding in the final package.

The program is modeled afterlegislation Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introducedand Senator King and Congresswoman co-sponsored earlier this year to establish a new program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide direct payments to timber harvesting and hauling businesses. It is similar tothe USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which has been providing direct relief to growers and producers experiencing dramatic drops in prices and overall business activity due to the pandemic.

Maine's logging industry is a linchpin of the state's economy, generating an estimated $619 million in economic output, and providing $342 million in income to around 9,000 Mainers, most of whom live in rural communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/covid-19-package-includes-collins-cantwell-provision-make-medical-expense-deduction,"COVID-19 Package Includes Collins, Cantwell Provision to Make Medical Expense Deduction Permanent",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,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 that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the government funding legislation that passedCongress and will now be signed into law.Companion legislation was sponsored in the House of Representatives by Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA) and DavidSchweikert(R-AZ).

For those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, this provision, which is based on theMedical Expense Savings Act,Senators Collins and Cantwellintroduced in 2019, will allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill.

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.

The medical expense deduction is a lifeline for Americans struggling with high medical costs, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities,said Senator Collins. By making this deduction permanent, our legislation will help provide certainty for those with pre-existing conditions and support millions of Americans with large medical bills.

The medical expense deduction provides much-needed financial relief for Americans with high medical bills, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The extension we secured is critical for more than 200,000 Washingtonians who claim the deduction in order to lower their health care costs and help pay for unexpected medical expenses and life-saving treatment,said Senator Cantwell.

""The signing of this bill is a victory for the millions of Americans with high out-of-pocket medical expenses,""Congresswoman Porter said.""By making it easier for people to use the medical expense tax deduction, we're delivering much needed help to the far too many Americans facing out of control healthcare costs, including older adults, people with disabilities, and people with chronic illnesses.""

I am very pleased to see Congress providecriticalrelief to taxpayers bypermanently reducing the medical expense deductionincomethreshold,said RepresentativeSchweikert. The pandemic has brought on unprecedented challenges, and this legislation takes an important step forward in helping hard-working Americans, particularlyseniors and individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities, afford theirhealthcareexpenses. I am proud to be a part of this effort, and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to advance solutions to reduce the cost ofhealth care.

AARP applauds Congress for making permanent the 7.5% threshold on medical expenses. This effort has been long in the making. On behalf of the approximately 4.4 million Americans with high health care costs who rely on this deduction, we thank Senator Collins and Senator Cantwell for their bipartisan leadership in the Senate on this important issue,said Megan O'Reilly, Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP.

Senators Collins and Cantwell have long been supporters ofthe medical expense deduction.AARP estimates that nearly 20,000 Mainers already benefit from this deduction.In theTax Cuts and Jobs Act, Senator Collinssecureda provision that provides deductions of medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI) for taxpayers filing in 2017 and 2018, instead of 10 percent of AGI. Following Senators Collins and Cantwell'sadvocacy,another extensionof this provision wassecuredlast year,extending the deduction tothe end of thiscalendar year. Earlier this year, Senator Collinssent a letterto Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling for extending the medical expense deduction as part of the next COVID-19 relief package.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/government-funding-bill-passes-senate-measures-championed-senator-collins,Government Funding Bill Passes Senate with Measures Championed by Senator Collins,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. The Senate passed a bipartisan appropriations package that will fund the government at updated levels through the end of September. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, successfully pushed for a number of provisions that were incorporated in the final bill.

One of Congress' most important responsibilities is to pass an appropriations bill that sets the government's priorities for the year while balancing the need for fiscal responsibility,said Senator Collins. This legislation makes significant investments in our future, from strengthening our defense, to providing funding for biomedical research and transportation infrastructure, to supporting public health and economic development programs that will help Americans as we make progress to defeat the pandemic.

The funding bill makes investments in numerous areas and reflects priorities Senator Collins strongly advocated for, such as:

Biomedical Research

I have long worked to secure significant investments for biomedical research, which will help us conquer so many diseases that take both an emotional and financial toll,Senator Collins said. This funding will help spur important research that is already underway to develop treatments, means of prevention, and cures for diseases that affect nearly every American family.

Biomedical researchand public health provisions include:

$42.9billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH),a $1.25billion increase.Over the past six years, Senator Collins has worked to increase funding for NIHby $12.85 billion.


 
$15 million for theCDC's continuedimplementation of the BOLD Actthat Senator Collins authored to create a national public health infrastructure to combat Alzheimer's.
 

 
$2.13billion for research at the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disorders, a $16.8million increase.
 

 
A total of a $14million increase for research on Lyme and relatedtickbornediseases at NIH and CDC.
 

 
$4million for the implementation of the Tick Act thatSenator Collins authoredto combat tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
 

Opioids

The opioid abuse epidemic is continuing to harm families and communities across Maine,said Senator Collins. This legislation will help alleviate this crisis by providing much-needed resources to boost prevention efforts, expand treatment options, and support law enforcement.

Provisions to fight the opioid crisis include:

 
$4billion, an increase of $85million, to combat the opioid abuse crisis, including new flexibility to address stimulant use.
 


Fishing, Agriculture, and Forestry

The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on many Mainers, particularly fishermen and lobstermen, farmers, and loggers,said Senator Collins. I have strongly advocated for them to receive COVID-19 emergency relief, and these continued investments in research will help these industries emerge from the current crisis.

Provisions to support Maine fishermen and lobstermen, farmers, and loggers include:

 
$2 million for Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank American lobster research priorities. 
 

 
Report language Senator Collins authored encouraging NOAA to work with Canadian and state fisheries officials to develop a cooperative fisheries management plan for the Gray Zone surrounding Machias Seal Island to eliminate confusing, contrasting fishing regulations.
 

 
$20 million for the Potato Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, which supports research atUMaineto help potato farmers protect their crops from pests and diseases.
 

 
Report language authored by Senator Collins directing the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to continue partnering with institutions to research lowbush blueberries.
 

 
$32 million for forest products research, including $20 million for advanced manufacturing with bio-based composites, $5 million for mass timber, $5 million for efficient wood heaters, and $2 million for research on forest-basednanocellulosematerials.
 


Economic Development

Increasing economic opportunities and promoting job creation in rural communities are among my top priorities,said Senator Collins. The government funding bill includes multiple provisions I championed that will improve the availability of high-speed Internet and invest in projects that position rural areas to achieve long-term growth.

Provisions to support economic development include:

 
$550 million to support rural broadband programs.
 

 
$30million for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), which provides grants for projects throughout northern and central Maine, spurring economic and community development.This funding includes $5 million to support rural broadband.In2020, NBRC awardednearly$6 million to projects in Maine.
 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/housing-funding-bill-authored-senator-collins-key-wins-maine-be-signed-law,Housing Funding Bill Authored by Senator Collins with Key Wins for Maine to be Signed into Law,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that theFiscal Year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Billshe authored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has passed the Senate and House and will be signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. The legislation includes Senator Collins' provisions to support vulnerable Mainers and strengthen communities.

Increasing the supply of safe, affordable housing, strengthening our communities, and supporting job creation are among my top priorities as Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee,said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will bolster housing for low-income families and seniors, reduce homelessness, and support community revitalization projects across Maine.

The final appropriation provides $75.4 billion, which is $1.1 billion more than the previous year. Housing provisions secured by Senator Collins that benefit Maine include:

 
Community Development Block Grants.The bill provides $3.45 billion for the Community Development Block Grant 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 temporary housing to those who are in recovery from a substance use disorder.Maine will receive $850,000.
 

 
Funding for youth homelessness.The bill includes $80 million for grants and technical assistance to test comprehensive efforts to end youth homelessness in urban and rural areas.
 

 
Section 8 Vouchers for youth aging out of foster care.The bill includes $20 million for new family unification vouchers to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless.
 

 
Housing Vouchers for Homeless Veterans (HUD-VASH).The bill includes $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. These vouchers have been critical to reducing veterans' homelessness by 50 percent since 2010.Since the program was first established, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans.
 

 
Increased funding for lead grants.The bill includes $360 million to combat lead hazards, $70 million above last year's level. These grants help communities like Lewiston protect children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning.
 

 
Aging in Place Home Modifications for Seniors.The bill includes $10 million for grants for home modifications to enable low-income seniors to age in place' and remain in their own homes.
 

 
Section 202 Housing for the Elderly.The bill includes $855 million for the Section 202 program. Of this total, $52 million is for the development of new senior housing properties, and $25 million is for the expansion of service coordinators to properties that do not have coordinators.
 

 
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS).The bill includes $105 million for the FSS program. This program enables HUD-assisted families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies.
 

This legislation was approved by Congress as part of the annual budget process. Additional, emergency transportation funding Senator Collins secured is also being provided for key transportation needs to help address challenges in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-900-billion-covid-19-emergency-relief-support-families-health-care-system-and,"Senate Passes $900 Billion in COVID-19 Emergency Relief to Support Families, Health Care System, and Small Businesses",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation includes a provision authored by Senator Collins toallow hardest-hit small businesses to receive second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan

Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate passed COVID-19 emergency relief legislation that will help American families, health care providers, small businesses, employees, and students during the ongoing health and economic crisis.

The framework for the legislation was developed by a bipartisan, bicameral groupled by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Mark Warner (D-VA)including Senators Angus King (I-ME),Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and RepresentativesGottheimer(D-NJ-5)and Tom Reed (R-NY-23).

This bipartisan relief legislation is a victory for the American people. Our bipartisan group led the way, working night and day to develop the commonsense plan that was both the foundation and the necessary impetus for this final agreement,said Senator Collins. This legislationalong with the distribution of safe and effective vaccinesfuels hope that we are making progress to defeat this virus and that our country is on course to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.

I am particularly proud that this legislation provides an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program I co-authored, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. This will allow the hardest-hit small businesses to receive a second forgivable loan to help them stay afloat and continue paying their employees,Senator Collins continued.

This is the sixth COVID-19 relief bill Congress has passed this year, bringing the federal government's total response to the pandemic to approximately $4 trillion. To date, Maine has received more than $8 billion in federal funding to protect Mainers' health and jobs.

TheEmergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020will provide $900 billion in immediate relief. Highlights of the bill include:


 
Extension of all pandemic unemployment insurance programs by 11 weeks, with a $300 weekly supplement for 11 weeks.
 

 
A second round of Economic Impact Payments will be provided. They will be $600 a person, $1,200 for joint filers, and $600 per child dependent.These checks would start to phase out for individuals earning more than $75,000, $112,500 for Heads of Households, and couples earning more than $150,000.
 

 
$50.8billion for vaccines, testing, and contract tracing
 

 
$82 billion for education providers
 

 
$25 billion for rental assistance
 

 
$10 billion to provide grants for child care providers.
 

 
$13 billion to provide funding to address COVID-related impacts on farmers, ranchers, growers, timber harvesters and haulers etc., and rural communities
 

 
Includes $300 million for fishery disaster relief and $200 million for loggers.
 

 
$2 billion to support themotorcoachand bus industry as well as others, including passenger ferries and school buses, similar to theCoronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act of 2020.Senators Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI)introducedthe CERTS Act earlier this year andstrongly advocatedfor its inclusion in the COVID-19 relief package.
 


 
$7 billion in total broadband funding.
 

 
$4.25 billion to SAMHSA programs for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, tribal programs, emergency relief, and peer recovery programs",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-expresses-support-covid-19-relief-highlights-small-business-provision-she,"Senator Collins Expresses Support for COVID-19 Relief, Highlights Small Business Provision She Co-Authored",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"ClickHEREto read Senator Collins' floor remarks.
ClickHEREto watch Senator Collins' floor remarks.ClickHEREto download.

Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks from the Senate floor this evening prior to the Senate's vote on agovernment funding bill and $900 billionCOVID-19 emergency relief package.

The COVID-19 relief package was based on the framework developed by a bipartisan, bicameral group led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Collins, and Mark Warner (D-VA). Itincludes a provision SenatorCollinsco-authoredthat will allow the hardest-hit small businesses to receive a second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.

I am proud to have helped lead a bipartisan, bicameral coalition that literally worked, night and day, to develop a common-sense plan that provided the foundation for this final agreement,said Senator Collins.

There are many important components of the package before us, including assistance for struggling families, additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and health care providers resources to help our schools operate safely in a COVID environment, aid for the Postal Service, and for airlines, airports, mass transit, andmotorcoachcompanies that keep our country moving,Senator Collins continued.I come to the floor tonight, however, to focus on one aspect of the agreement. And that is the extension and expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP has been a critical lifeline for more than five million small employers. At one point, helping to sustain the jobs of upwards of 50 million Americans. It was one of the most successful programs in the CARES Act.

Earlier this year,Senators Collins,Rubio, Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)co-authoredthe PPP to help small employers stay afloat and continue paying their workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Maine alone, the PPP has provided approximately $2.3 billion in forgivable loans to three out of four small businessesand helped sustain more than 250,000 jobs.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/transportation-funding-bill-authored-senator-collins-key-wins-maine-be-signed-law,Transportation Funding Bill Authored by Senator Collins with Key Wins for Maine to be Signed into Law,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,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 theFiscal Year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Billshe authored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has passed the Senate and House and will be signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. The legislation includes programs to make critical improvements in Maine's transportation infrastructure and to promote economic and community development.

Improving Maine infrastructure is essential to moving our economy forward,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have secured more than $747 million in competitive grants for Maine to enhance our transportation network. This legislation will build on those investments by funding projects that will enhance safety, move people and products more efficiently, and create jobs in communities across the state.

The legislation will provide $75.4 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion over the previous year. Transportation provisions secured by Senator Collins that benefit Maine in the annual funding bill include:

 
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, Senator Collins has secured $250 million for key transportation investments throughout Maine, including bridges, seaports, and rail projects. This year Senator Collinssecured $45 million in BUILD grantsto rehabilitate and replace seven bridges in Maine. Due to Senator Collins' advocacy, Maine ranks number one on a per capita basis for receiving funding through the BUILD program, and Maine grant applications through this highly competitive program have been successful in every funding round.
 

 
Highway and Bridge Funding Increase:The bill supports $47 billion for Federal-aid highways from the Highway Trust Fund. In addition, $2 billion is provided from the general fund,providing Maine DOT an additional $32 million above the FAST Act funding levels. The bill also provides $16 million for theNational Scenic Byways Program.
 

 
Maritime:The bill provides $390 million to pay for the increased construction cost for the first three training vessels for the State Maritime Academies,including the new training vessel for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), as well as to fully fund the fourth training vessel. In addition, $43 million is provided for assistance to the State Maritime Academies, including MMA.
 


 
Aviation: The bill provides $18 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with increased funding for aviation safety. The bill includes $3.7 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, $10 million for the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP), and $10 million for the Aviation Workforce Development Program. In addition, $165 million is provided for the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program. The EAS program provides commercial air service to Augusta, Bar Harbor/Trenton, Presque Isle/Houlton, and Rockland.
 

 
Amtrak:The bill includes $2 billion for Amtrak, which supports Maine'sDowneasterservice. The bill also provides $375 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants, which have been helpful for theDowneaster,PanAm, and Springfield Terminal Railway Company, which recently received a$16.9 million CRISI grantto improve 75 miles of rail infrastructure in Penobscot, Somerset, Waldo, and Kennebec counties.
 

 
Emergency Responder Grants. The bill includes up to $3 million for Emergency Response grants that are prioritized for rural areas and a $1 million set asidefor the Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grants that are supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
 

Since 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured more than $747 million in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.

This legislation was approved by Congress as part of the annual budget process. Additional, emergency transportation funding Senator Collins secured is also being provided for key transportation needs to help address challenges in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/year-end-appropriations-bill-passes-senate-with-king-backed-initiatives-to-support-maine-jobs-bolster-national-defense,"Year-End Appropriations Bill Passes Senate with King-Backed Initiatives to Support Maine Jobs, Bolster National Defense",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Last night, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of the 2021 omnibus appropriations bill, which funds government programs through next September and advances a number of Senator King's top priorities to support Maine jobs, increase affordability for working families, and invest in our national security. This year-end legislation includes a wide range of provisions that will improve life for Maine people, said Senator King. The bill includes provisions to support good, high-paying jobs for Maine people, whether it be at Bath Iron Works or one of our craft breweries. In addition, the legislation will help working Maine families afford essential needs, including housing and child care, while also encouraging employers to offer paid family leave. Finally, the legislation will take important steps to enhance our national security by funding shipbuilding priorities and reestablishing America's leadership in global public health. The coming year will continue to present challenges as our nation grapples with the impacts of the coronavirus, and this legislation will help our nation confront these difficulties. I'm grateful to see this bipartisan product pass the Senate, and I am eager to continue working across the aisle with my colleagues in the coming year. Provisions supported by Senator King included in the legislative package include: Funding shipbuilding priorities.The legislation appropriates $3.2 billion for the procurement of DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2021, which Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build. It also authorizes $159.3 million to fund future year DDG-51 procurements. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds $78.2 million for the completion of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, all of which are being built at BIW.Funding construction at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.The 2021 NDAA appropriates $160 million for construction of Dry Dock One at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard installation at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. Incentivizing employers to provide paid family leave. The package includes a five-year extension of the Paid Family Leave Tax Credit. Senator King sponsored the Paid Family Leave Tax Credit when it first became law in 2017. This long-term extension of the Credit will help Maine employers provide paid leave to more Maine workers.Supporting Maine's dynamic craft brewers and distillers. The legislation contains the King-cosponsored Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which provides permanent excise tax relief for Maine's hardworking small brewers and distillers.Promoting affordable housing construction. The legislation stabilizes the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which is a key provision of the King-cosponsored Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act. The revitalized credit will lead to the construction of more housing for the Maine people who need it most.Working to prevent future catastrophic pandemics. The legislation provides substantially increased funding for US global health security activities  a key priority for Senator King, whose Global Health Security Act was the first Senate legislation to address the vital challenge of emerging infectious diseases. The bill provides a $193 million to support CDC's efforts to strengthen the capacities of developing countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and outbreaks; this figure represents an increase of $20 million. The bill also increases USAID global health security funding by $90 million, to a total of $190 million, to strengthen the ability of target countries to prevent, detect, and respond to future zoonotic viruses and other infectious diseases, and to identify unknown zoonotic viruses.Supporting research and development work.Senator King successfully pushed for the inclusion of additional funds for Department of Defense Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation programs, including funding for research and development on active protection systems, tungsten manufacturing, and additive manufacturing initiatives. Maine research institutions and companies will be eligible to compete for some of these projects.Providing military personnel with high-quality, Maine-made equipment. The legislation appropriates $1.1 billion in funding for CH-53K heavy lift helicopters, which include components produced at Hunting Dearborn in Fryeburg. The legislation also includes $201.2 million for advance procurement of these helicopters.Increasing military pay.The legislation authorizes a 3 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces.Expanding telehealth for veterans. The agreement provides $1.3 billion to sustain and increase telehealth capacity for veterans, including in rural and highly rural areas. This effort builds on work done during the coronavirus pandemic to improve access to care for veterans, and would help older veterans and those who live in rural areas stay connected to healthcare providers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-passage-covid-19-relief-package-government-funding-bill,"Golden Statement on Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package, Government Funding Bill",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement after the passage of bipartisan legislation to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans and to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year:
Today's vote in Congress is encouraging news at the end of a challenging year. The unwillingness of so many members of Congress to accept compromise throughout the fall has been deeply frustrating for so many people who are facing economic uncertainty and concerns about their health and well-being. This legislation will provide much-needed aid to small businesses and hospitals, the unemployed, and families struggling to put food on the table. It will also provide funds to speed the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In the months ahead, my staff will be prepared to help connect constituents and businesses in our district with the assistance in this relief bill that they are eligible for and will need to make it through the winter and the current COVID-19 spike in our state. If you live in Maine and need help, please call our office.
We shouldn't let the fact that Congress is finally taking action distract from its failure to act sooner. This relief legislation could have and should have happened months ago, and it's sad that congressional leaders let partisan interests get in the way of agreeing to an earlier deal. In 2021, Congress needs to step up and lead the country through this pandemic and get our economy back on track.
Yet again, the process that political leaders have used these past few weeks has lacked transparency, and members of Congress are being asked to again vote on a massive COVID relief bill with only hours to review over 5,000 pages of legislation. Although I supported the bill today in order to get much needed support to my constituents, I will continue to review the details of this legislation and demand accountability for any wasteful or unrelated provisions. Just as we saw with the CARES Act, such a poor process with little transparency empowers Washington special interests and lends itself to the kind of backroom dealing that results in giveaways for the rich and well-connected at the expense of working, middle-class families and small business owners. That's the kind of soft corruption the people I represent hate, and I won't tolerate it. - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)
Following passage of the CARES Act in March, Golden has consistently pressured congressional leaders to work together and come to a compromise deal to provide coronavirus relief to struggling Americans. In September,he led a group of 34 members of Congressto urge House leaders to take up a bipartisan proposal like the one proposed by the Problem Solvers Caucus.
In May, Goldenvoted against the HEROES Act,because he believed the legislation deliberately abandons [a bipartisan, consensus] approach and makes more difficult the type of compromise that will be required to deliver the support our country needs. In August, heled a bipartisan group of 18 membersto urge House leaders to restart negotiations. He has repeatedly pressed for bipartisan solutions to address the effects of COVID, includingsmall business relief, aid forloggersandlobstermen,rural hospitals, andfunding for state and local governments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-and-senate-pass-maine-delegation-bill-prepare-next-generation-maine,House and Senate Pass Maine Delegation Bill to Prepare Next Generation of Maine Fishermen,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  The House and Senate both passed a bipartisan bill this week to help prepare young Americans for careers in fishing. TheYoung Fishermen's Development Act, legislation Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Jared Golden (ME-02) helped introduce last year, would provide federal grant funding for training and education on seamanship, navigation, vessel and engine care, and other essential topics to give aspiring fishermen the tools they need to enter the fishing industry.
There's no doubt we're going to need more young people ready to take the wheel to keepthe fishing industry strong in our state for years to come,said Collins, King, Pingree, and Golden.This legislation will help prepare young Mainers for jobs in the fishing and lobster industries, which will encourage them to stay in Maine to find work and sustain fishing communities and businesses throughout our state. We're proud to work together to pass this bill through Congress and we urge the president to sign it into law without delay.
TheYoung Fishermen's Development Actwould authorize up to $200,000 in competitive grants through NOAA's Sea Grant Program to support new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for young fishermen. The grant program outlined in the bill is modeled on the Department of Agriculture's successful Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program.
Maine's fishermen have been leaders in advocating for theYoung Fishermen's Development Actthrough the Fishing Community Coalition and the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association. After realizing the benefit that the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program had for farmers, it became clear that there was a very real need for a similar program for fishermen.
If you expose Maine kids to the opportunities that exist in the fishing industry and provide them with some of the knowledge they need to be successful, you're going to get some fine fishermen. This work to get young folks interested in commercial fishing has never been more important and I applaud the Maine delegation for making this issue a priority. The resources made available in this bill will help organizations like ours give tomorrow's fishermen their start on the water.- Ben Martens, Executive Director, Maine Coast Fishermen's Alliance
The successful Eastern Maine Skippers program, which has helped prepare high school students for fishing careers for the last nine years, is an example of a Maine-based program that would beeligible for a grant through the legislation.
""Through our Eastern Maine Skippers Program, we at the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries recognize that for young fishermen to succeed in their businesses, they need to know more than just how to catch fish, and this federal legislation will enable training for other important skills that will help the industry to be sustained and coastal fishing communities to thrive.""- Paul Anderson, Executive Director, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
The programs, workshops and services made available under theYoung Fishermen's Development Actinclude: seamanship, navigation, electronics, and safety; vessel and engine care, maintenance, and repair; innovative conservation fishing gear engineering and technology; entrepreneurship and good business practices; direct marketing, supply chain, and traceability; financial and risk management, including vessel, permit, and quota purchasing.
You can read the original releasehere, and the updated billhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3574,PINGREE: COVID Relief Bill’s Increased Food Assistance & SNAP Benefits Will Help Families Survive into 2021,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today released the following statement on the food and agriculture provisions included in Congress' newest coronavirus relief package, which was passed by the House:
Hunger has become an increasingly visible crisis as we've witnessed lengtheninglines at food pantriesaround the country. Nearly 1 in 4 households nationwide have experienced food insecurity this year, due in large part to theCOVID 19 pandemic.Since the earliest days of this crisis,I pushed for Congress and USDA totakemeaningfulactionto protect families from hunger. While the best course of action would have been to provide robust direct supportat the outset, I'm proud the legislation passed today includes a meaningful increase in SNAP, which is both an extremely effective anti-hunger program and acriticaltool for economic stimulus. No one should ever go hungry, especially during a global public health crisis.
The coronavirus relief package passed today includes a 15 percent increase in maximum SNAP benefits until June 30, 2021, assistance to food banks, simplification of P-EBT, and a provision to make it easier for households to qualify for SNAP byexcludingpandemic unemployment benefitsfrom counting asincome.
Pingree, an organic farmer whose work has centered around food system reform, has led her House colleagues in championing increased SNAP benefits and broad support for small, local farmers. She and several other House members introduced the Ensuring Emergency Food Security Act onMarch 11. Pingreewrote to Speaker Pelosion March 16, detailing the impact of COVID-19 on local and regional markets for farmers and urging the Speaker to provide emergency disaster payments to farmers selling fresh, local, and minimally processed foods in community markets.She led aletterin May pushing for direct assistance to small farmers and changes to SNAP to ensure beneficiaries have access to locally grown food, and hassupportedexpanding SNAP eligibility and increased minimum monthly benefits.
Pingree also voted for both iterations of the Heroes Act, which included a second round of stimulus checks, a 15 percent increase in SNAP benefits, and excluded additional unemployment compensation in benefit calculation.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3575,"Pingree Votes to Deliver Pandemic Relief, Fully Fund Federal Government Through September 2021",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding her vote forH.R. 133, an omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021appropriationsbills, coronavirus relief, andadditional authorizations:
While thispackage is insufficient, I will vote yes because half a loaf is better than no loaf at all. Just days before Christmas, thousands of Mainers are in a state of crisisteetering on the brink of eviction, relying on food banks for their next meal, or terrified about how they will find a job after losing their employment or small business. Our neighbors desperately need help. It's incredibly disappointing that this bill caps stimulus checks at half the amount the House passed in May and it does not include comprehensive assistance to state local governments barely treading water. However, it would be irresponsible not to support overdue funding for testing and vaccine distribution, nutrition assistance,supports for students to learn safely, an extension of unemployment, and a new round of funding for Maine's struggling small businessesas well as support for Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and other integral parts of Maine's economy. Our nation needs this boost.
This greatly needed support is nine months late and this crisis will likely continue for months more. I look forward to working with the Biden Administration to pass funding for state and local governments and more direct aid to Americans.
Highlights of the COVID-19 relief package include:
Stimulus checks:An additional round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child.
Unemployment: An additional 11 weeks of eligibility for unemployment insurance, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, and a $300/week federal supplement through March 14th, 2021.
Small Businesses: New and targeted assistance, including:
 
    A second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans targeted toward smaller and harder-hit businesses;
    Deductibility of business expenses paid for with forgiven PPP amounts;
    Additional PPP support for restaurants and hospitality businesses based on payroll;
    $15 billion in grants for independent live venue operators, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, and movie theaters.
 
Public Health: $73 billion to support public health initiatives, including:
 
    $8.75 billion to support vaccine distribution and administration, including $4.5 billion for state and local health departments
    $19.695 billion to support manufacturing and procurement of vaccines, therapeutics, and ancillary supplies
    $22.4 billion for testing and contact tracing activities
    $4.25 billion for mental health and substance use services and support
 
Nutrition: A 15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through June 30, 2021 and additional funding and flexibility in other anti-hunger programs. The package slso includes $175 million in emergency funding for Older Americans Act nutrition programs.
Housing: $25 billion for emergency rental assistance and an extension of the CDC eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021.
Agriculture and Forestry:
 
    $100 millionfortheLocal Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), which Pingree authored in the 2018 Farm Bill, to support local food infrastructure, farmers' markets, and value-added processing
    $200 million for timber harvesters and haulers in line with the Loggers Relief Act, of which Pingree is a cosponsor
    $60 million to support small meat and poultry processors and alleviate bottlenecks in the food supply chain in line with the RAMP-UP Act, of which Pingree is a cosponsor
 
Education
 
    $10 billion for Child Care and Development Block Grants and $250 million for Head Start to provide immediate assistance to child care providers and families
    $82 billion for the Education Stabilization Fund, including flexible funding to support the educational needs of States, school districts, and institutions of higher education and the students they serve.
 
Broadband:$7 billion in investments to increase access to broadband, including a new Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic, $300 million for rural broadband, and $250 million for telehealth.
Transportation: $10 billion for state Departments of Transportation, $2 billion for motorcoach companies, school bus companies, and ferries, and $1 billion for Amtrak.
Coronavirus Relief Fund: An extended deadline to for state and local governments to spend CRF allocations from the CARES Act through December 31, 2021.  

Highlights of the FY 2021omnibusinclude:
 
    $3.2 billion for two DDG-51 destroyers, one of which is to be built at BIW
    $160 million for dry dock modernization at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
    $63.2 million for offshore wind, including $4 million for additive manufacturing work on large wind blades
    $53 million for EPA and partner agencies for scientific and regulatory work to develop drinking water and cleanup standards for PFAS chemicals
    $19.4 million for the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), a program championed by Pingree in the 2018 Farm Bill
    $15.5 million for NOAA's Ocean Acidification program
    $167.5 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-cosponsor-bipartisan-legislation-support-america%E2%80%99s-small-food-processors,"Collins, King Cosponsor Bipartisan Legislation to Support Americas Small Food Processors",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced theStrengthening Local Processing Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide much-needed federal support to America's small meat and poultry processors and help strengthen and streamline their operations. The legislation would give small food processors more access to information that is critical to food safety planning, allow more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and funnel federal dollars toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. In addition to Senators Collins and King, this legislation's original sponsors are Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, including our small farms that raise livestock,said Senator Collins.This bipartisan bill would provide some relief by clearing unnecessary, bureaucratic hurdles, which would ensure that the livestock raised in Maine can also be processed right here in our state by local, family-owned food processors and butchers.

Maine's small family farms and meat and poultry processors are key building blocks of communities across our state, providing healthy, locally raised meat for their neighbors and making important contributions to the local economy,said Senator King.I'm proud to work with Senators Thune and Merkley to empower small processors to do their jobs and grow their businesses. It's our hope that this legislation will act as a helping hand in these difficult times by directing resources and investments to where they can do much good and bolster local economies around the country.

As both a farmer and as an owner operator of a small meat processing facility, I feel reform is greatly needed in the industry,said Jason Tessier of Tessiers Farm in Skowhegan.During a time of continued uncertainty and volatility in the industry, these small plants offer stability, and collectively cushion the supply chain shocks we have experienced due to COVID-19. I feel the proposed bill would offer much needed support to these small businesses, both in the way of financial assistance and also by increasing capacity through training, and streamlining process's, which would allow many of these owner operator facilities to focus more efforts toward food production.

TheStrengthening Local Processing Actwould require the Food Safety Inspection Service to establish a searchable database of peer-reviewed, publicly available studies to establish and maintain Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans. This step would help small food processors develop their own HACCP plans and help expedite the HACCP approval process.

To incentivize more states to establish meat and poultry inspection programswhich small food processors need to approve their productsthe legislation would increase the federal government's cost-share for the programs from 50 percent to 65 percent. The bill would also allow state-inspected meat facilities to operate as federal inspection facilities, allowing more small and local processors to ship their products to other states and countries.

Lastly, the Strengthening Local Processing Act would create a grant program to support small plants by providing reimbursement grants to help cover costs associated with meeting state or federal inspection guidelines, expanding infrastructure to establish or increase harvest and processing capacity, and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and future market needs.

To meet education and training needs in the processing industry, the bill would also establish training grants to support and train small plant operators, small plant employees, and the next generation of meat processors and butchers. In addition, $10 million would be authorized in discretionary funding for higher education training and processor career training.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-covid-19-relief-agreement,Senator Collins Statement on COVID-19 Relief Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.This evening, the final Covid-19 emergency relief package was released, which was based on the framework developed by a bipartisan, bicameral group led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Warner (D-VA). Their group includes Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives JoshGottheimer(D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23).

Senator Collins released this statement on the agreement:

This agreement on an emergency Covid-19 relief package will provide much-needed relief for the American people. Our bipartisan, bicameral coalition led the way, working night and day to develop the commonsense plan and budget recommendations that jump-started these negotiations and provided the foundation for this final agreement. 

This package extends the Paycheck Protection Program I coauthored and allows our hardest-hit small businesses, such as our restaurants and others in the hospitality sector, to receive a second PPP loan to keep them from shutting their doors for good and to allow them to pay their employees and certain overhead costs, such as for modifications to comply with public health guidelines. The compromise also provides urgently needed housing, nutrition, and unemployment compensation to struggling families, appropriates additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and provider assistance to our stressed health care system, allocates funding for schools challenged to operate safely in a COVID environment, assists the overwhelmed Postal Service, and provides assistance to our airlines, airports, mass transit, andmotorcoachcompanies that keep our country moving. From the beginning, I urged the leaders not to adjourn for Christmas without passing COVID relief. I am pleased that we will deliver this vital legislation before going home.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-cosponsor-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-americas-small-food-processors,"Collins, King Cosponsor Bipartisan Legislation to Support America’s Small Food Processors",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide much-needed federal support to America's small meat and poultry processors and help strengthen and streamline their operations. The legislation would give small food processors more access to information that is critical to food safety planning, allow more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and funnel federal dollars toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. In addition to Senators Collins and King, this legislation's original sponsors are Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, including our small farms that raise livestock,said Senator Collins.This bipartisan bill would provide some relief by clearing unnecessary, bureaucratic hurdles, which would ensure that the livestock raised in Maine can also be processed right here in our state by local, family-owned food processors and butchers. Maine's small family farms and meat and poultry processors are key building blocks of communities across our state, providing healthy, locally raised meat for their neighbors and making important contributions to the local economy, said Senator King. I'm proud to work with Senators Thune and Merkley to empower small processors to do their jobs and grow their businesses. It's our hope that this legislation will act as a helping hand in these difficult times by directing resources and investments to where they can do much good and bolster local economies around the country. As both a farmer and as an owner operator of a small meat processing facility, I feel reform is greatly needed in the industry, said Jason Tessier of Tessiers Farm in Skowhegan. During a time of continued uncertainty and volatility in the industry, these small plants offer stability, and collectively cushion the supply chain shocks we have experienced due to COVID-19. I feel the proposed bill would offer much needed support to these small businesses, both in the way of financial assistance and also by increasing capacity through training, and streamlining process's, which would allow many of these owner operator facilities to focus more efforts toward food production. The Strengthening Local Processing Act would require the Food Safety Inspection Service to establish a searchable database of peer-reviewed, publicly available studies to establish and maintain Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans. This step would help small food processors develop their own HACCP plans and help expedite the HACCP approval process. To incentivize more states to establish meat and poultry inspection programswhich small food processors need to approve their productsthe legislation would increase the federal government's cost-share for the programs from 50 percent to 65 percent. The bill would also allow state-inspected meat facilities to operate as federal inspection facilities, allowing more small and local processors to ship their products to other states and countries. Lastly, the Strengthening Local Processing Act would create a grant program to support small plants by providing reimbursement grants to help cover costs associated with meeting state or federal inspection guidelines, expanding infrastructure to establish or increase harvest and processing capacity, and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and future market needs. To meet education and training needs in the processing industry, the bill would also establish training grants to support and train small plant operators, small plant employees, and the next generation of meat processors and butchers. In addition, $10 million would be authorized in discretionary funding for higher education training and processor career training.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-covid-relief-legislation-that-king-bipartisan-coalition-shaped,"Senate Passes COVID Relief Legislation that King, Bipartisan Coalition Shaped",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted in favor of a coronavirus relief package that will increase unemployment benefits, provide another round of support for small businesses, send another economic impact payment to working Americans, and deliver much-needed funds to strengthen our public health infrastructure as vaccines begin to deploy across the country. In addition, the legislation includes a number of other key priorities to bolster the nation's response to the ongoing public health and economic crises. This legislation is based on the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, which was negotiated by Senator King and a bipartisan group of his colleagues earlier this month. For months, the American people have been calling for a new coronavirus relief package. Today, after extensive bipartisan efforts and negotiation, we have reached an agreement to help our citizens in need weather the cold, dark winter ahead, said Senator King. This legislation includes critical unemployment funds to help Americans who've lost work through no fault of their own, along with an economic impact payment to help families make ends meet; an additional lifeline for small businesses who've been hit hard by the economic slowdown; and vital investments in the public health infrastructure that will be essential to controlling and defeating this pandemic. Beyond that, it increases funding to help families struggling to make rent catch up on overdue payments, supports emergency broadband service for low-income families, and increases SNAP benefits so families facing hard times can keep food on the table. This bill will do a lot of good, for a lot of people, but it is not enough for us to fully overcome the health and economic challenges our nation faces when this bill expires, continued Senator King. There is more work to do  for families, for businesses, and for state and local governments who have led the response to this crisis at the local level. It is my hope that this legislation will provide a bridge to the spring, and in the months ahead my House and Senate colleagues will continue to negotiate in a bipartisan spirit to craft another package that will provide additional support to people in need. Over the last several months, Congressional inaction has left too many Americans in a stressful limbo; let us not repeat our mistakes. Specifically, the coronavirus relief aid legislation passed tonight includes: $600 economic impact payments. The legislation includes an additional round of Economic Impact Payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, and partial payments for individuals making up to $99,000 per year and couples making up to $198,000 per year, as well as a $600 payment for each child dependent. This means a family of four will receive as much as $2,400 in direct payments.Renewals for enhanced unemployment insurance. The package will provide an additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits through March 14, 2021. This bill also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, with expanded coverage to the self-employed, gig workers, and others in non-traditional employment, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks of federally-funded unemployment benefits to individuals who exhaust their regular state benefits. The extension will prevent as many as 14 million Americans from losing this economic lifeline at the end of the year.Urgent support for small businesses. The package includes a number of provisions to support America's small businesses, including $284 billion to provide first and second forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. The legislation also includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The bill extends principal and interest relief on SBA loans for at least three more months, ensures that EIDL Grants will not be subtracted from a business' PPP forgiveness, and provides additional PPP funds to seasonal businesses that were not able to receive the full PPP loan for which they were eligible.Investments in public health infrastructure. The bill provides $20 billion for procurement of vaccines and therapeutics, nearly $9 billion to aid the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state efforts to distribute the vaccine, and more than $3 billion to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile.Grants for coronavirus testing, tracing, and isolation. Based on several provisions from Senator King's bipartisan TRACE Act, the bill provides $22 billion and allows those funds as grants that may be distributed directly to states, localities, higher education institutions, schools, laboratories, community-based testing sites, and mobile testing units to support programs that provide coronavirus testing, conduct contact tracing, or offer assistance to individuals who quarantine after a positive test or contact with someone who has contracted the coronavirus. Support for public transportation. Included in today's legislation are provisions to support public transportation, including $1 billion for Amtrak and $2 billion for private motorcoach, school bus, and ferry industries. In addition, the package provides $10 billion in funding for state highways.Rental assistance and eviction moratorium. $25 billion will be used to establish a federal rental assistance program, distributed by state and local governments. The aid can be used to pay past due rent, future rent payments, or utility and energy bills. In addition, the legislation extends the existing CDC eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021.Funds to help provide broadband for low-income families. As the pandemic has underscored the importance of internet access, the legislation includes $3.2 billion in emergency broadband benefits to assist low-income families. In addition, the package offers $250 million to fund telehealth initiatives, and a new $300 million grant program to fund broadband in rural areas. Aid to provide increased support for mental health and substance use disorders. The legislation includes a total of $4.25 billion to support services for mental health and substance use disorders. Included in these funds are $1.65 billion for Substance Abuse and Prevention Treatment Block Grant, $1.65 billion for the Mental Health Services Block Grant, and $600 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Support for schools. The legislation provides $54.3 billion to support public education in primary and secondary schools, as well as $22.7 billion to provide relief to higher education institutions and financial aid grants for students. In addition, more than $4 billion will be sent to the Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund.Increased aid for nutrition and agriculture. The legislation will add an additional $13 billion to SNAP benefits, an increase of 15%, as well as increased support for food banks and senior nutrition programs. In addition, the bill includes $13 billion to aid farmers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic, and a $300 million fund to support fisheries and seafood producers impacted by the economic downturn. This section also establishes a $200 million program to aid timber harvesters, which was included after extensive advocacy from Senator King and his colleagues in the Maine delegation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cyberspace-solarium-commission-statement-on-dual-hat-considerations,"Cyberspace Solarium Commission Statement on ""Dual-hat"" Considerations",2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Congressmen Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Jim Langevin (D-RI), the four legislators serving on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, released the following statement regarding reports that the Department of Defense is considering ending the dual-hat arrangement that sees the Commander of United States Cyber Command jointly appointed to be the Director of the National Security Agency: Congress laid out clear criteria about when it would be appropriate to consider whether to split the dual-hat worn by the commander of USCYBERCOM and the Director of the NSA. To our knowledge, these criteria have not been met. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act requires the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to certify to Congress that splitting of the dual-hat will not pose unacceptable risks to the national security interests of the United States. This certification has not been made, and any attempt to split the dual-hat arrangement before this certification is made would clearly violate the law. Our government is currently responding to a cyber incident where a sophisticated adversary had access to thousands of U.S. networks. Regardless of whether it's better to keep or end the dual-hat arrangement between NSA and CYBERCOM, now is not the time to do it. We believe in continuing policy discussions about this arrangement, but it is unwise for any decisions to be made in the immediate future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-covid-19-emergency-relief-package-based-on-original-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation,"FINAL COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE BASED ON ORIGINAL BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION",2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) applauded the final COVID-19 emergency relief package. Following months of deadlock in Congress while millions of Americans were at risk of losing their lifelines, we put our heads down and worked around the clock for nearly a month to produce a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address the emergency needs of our country. We are relieved Congress has finally agreed on a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Our consensus bill was the foundation of this final package and we applaud Congressional leadership for finishing what we started. Workers, businesses, and families need help right now and we urge our colleagues to quickly pass this bill and President Trump to immediately sign the legislation to provide Americans with relief.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3573,"Responding to Congresswoman Pingree’s Request, GAO Releases Report on Nation’s Recycling Challenges Exacerbated by China’s National Sword Policy",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"In response to a request for informationmadeSeptember 2018by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), alongside Reps. McCollum, Stevens, and Takano, theU.S.Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued a report on how tobuild on existing federal efforts to addressthe nation's recycling challenges, which increased as a result of China's National Sword policy banning foreign waste imports. Thefull GAO report can be found here.
The U.S. generates over268 million tons of household and commercial trash each year, but recycling rates for common recyclables remains low. And after China's banon recycling imports in 2018, Maine municipalities had to spend approximately $16 million todisposeof their recyclable waste,said Pingree.When China banned the import of certain recyclables, it meant that those items ended up in American landfills, worsening the climate crisis and leaving our cities and towns struggling to determine the future of their municipal recycling programs. This GAO report emphasizes the need for Congressional action to reform our recycling system and support municipalities as they confront this challenge.
In Maine's residents, we are fortunate to have an engaged community, invested in the success of our recycling programs,said ecomaine CEO Kevin Roche.We know that recycling is the single-most effective waste diversion strategy over the last 30 years  and strong, sound leadership in policymaking at the federal level is critical to moving these systems toward even greater success.
The report reviewsthe challenges affecting recycling in the U.Sandfederal effortstoadvance recycling in the United States. GAO's report found that only about 25 percent of municipal waste is collected for recycling, leaving an estimated 201 tons (or 52 percent) of municipal waste sent to landfills,13 percent to be incinerated,and 10 percentto becomposted. The report recommends that Congress pass legislation to require the Secretary of Commerce to develop domestic markets for recyclablesto address reduced international demand for recyclables, and recommends that EPA work to developand implementa national recycling strategyto assist in making future resource and policy decisions related to recycling.
Community recycling programs are facing challenges across the country. For decades, the U.S. recycling industry has relied on selling recyclables in international markets to manage municipal waste. However, in 2018, the Chinese government banned imports of various plastics and mixed papers, enacting barriers for U.S. recycled waste. Recycling programs haveincreasinglysuffered since then, causing some communities to limit or stop public recycling programs.
While local governments have the primary role in operating recycling programs, the federal government is an important stakeholder and contributes to these efforts in a variety of ways. This report was requested to learn about efforts currently underway at federal agencies to encourage recycling, to what extent those efforts have changed in recent years, and what additional actions can be taken at the federal level to increase recycling in the U.S.
###



--
Kiara Tringali
Communications Coordinator, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01)
Kiara.Tringali@mail.house.gov | 207-509-5904 | she/hers",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-group-finish-what-we-started,"Bipartisan, Bicameral Group: Finish What We Started",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in calling on Congress to deliver immediate COVID-19 relief to the American people. Earlier this week, the group shared two bills, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package.

The group is led by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Collins along with Senators King, Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23).

Today we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 310,000 Americans, and hours away from a government shutdown that threatens to delay urgent aid to people in need throughout the nation. We must set our differences aside. The American people elected us to govern on their behalf, and at a time when they need us more than ever we must end the partisan games and meet this moment together for the good of the country. On Monday, our bipartisan, bicameral group presented a bill that helps provide for the emergency needs of the millions of families struggling to make ends meet. Once again, we encourage the leaders to finish what we started and deliver immediate assistance to the workers, families and businesses that need it most.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-cyberattack-likely-perpetrated-russians,Senator Collins Statement on Cyberattack Likely Perpetrated by Russians,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
  
  
  
        
                         Senator Collins' Statement on Cyberattack Likely Perpetrated by Russians 
                    
                              
  
    
        
      Posted Fri, 12/18/2020 - 09:08    
    
    
    
  Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued this statement following reports of a cyberattack on the U.S. government and multiple American companies for which Russia was likely responsible:

This cyberattack likely perpetrated by the Russians spotlights the glaring vulnerabilities of our federal cybersecurity system.

The President should immediately sign the NDAA not only to keep our military strong but also because it contains significant cyber security provisions that would help thwart future attacks.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-32-million-maine-head-start-programs,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.2 Million for Maine Head Start Programs",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,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 Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded two organizations in Maine a total of $3,188,676 for their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this investment for families in Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Cumberland counties, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive and support Maine's working families during the current public health and economic crisis.

The funding will be allocated as follows: 

 Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care in Lewiston will receive $1,641,177.

 Midcoast Maine Community Action in Bath will receive $1,547,499.

Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-32-million-for-maine-head-start-programs,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.2 Million for Maine Head Start Programs",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded two organizations in Maine a total of $3,188,676 for their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this investment for families in Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Cumberland counties, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive and support Maine's working families during the current public health and economic crisis. The funding will be allocated as follows:  Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care in Lewiston will receive $1,641,177.  Midcoast Maine Community Action in Bath will receive $1,547,499. Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/bill-expand-access-care-veterans-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans,"Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes to be Signed into Law",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, theState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill be sent to the President to be signed into law. The legislation was ultimately passed as part of a broad veteran benefits improvements package, theJohnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.The bipartisanlegislation, authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced companion legislation in the House. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actalso passed the Senate as stand-alone legislation on December 8.
Maine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care.
In Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide,said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.
Maine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available,said Senator King.For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services.
Bureaucrats in Washington are trying to enforce a misguided rule on Maine Veterans Homes that would not only take away medical care from some veterans, but also the roof over their heads,said Congressman Golden. The consequences for many of these vets, some of whom have dementia, are really serious and unacceptable to myself and my colleagues. I'm proud to work with the Maine delegation to get this bill across the finish line.
No one should be denied the care they need. I'm proud this bill will help Maine veterans who are living with early-stage dementia access care in state veterans' homes. The Maine State Veterans Homes are well-equipped to support veterans with dementia, and I'm glad we're taking steps to correct oversights that have previously prevented important care,said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
MVH provided early dementia care to more than 150 veterans daily for nearly 20 years when these veterans were suddenly deemed ineligible for domiciliary care. While the VA grandfathered existing veterans, nearly 40 veterans have been denied eligibility since January. This legislation will correct a decades old administrative oversight that has negatively impacted Maine veterans and their families. MVH thanks Senators Collins and King and Representatives Golden and Pingree for their advocacy on behalf of Maine veterans, and all of our nation's veterans, by advancing this important legislation through Congress,said Kelley Kash, CEO, Maine Veterans' Homes.
TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill allow the VA to waive certain eligibility requirements to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to be cared for in state veterans' homes when it is in the best interest of the veteran. Specifically, the legislation will require VA to implement a waiver authority, allowing the VA to grant domiciliary care per diem payments for veterans who meet at least half of the VA's current eligibility requirements or if such a waiver would be in the veteran's best interest. This will provide the flexibility to ensure this vulnerable group of veterans do not fall through the cracks and that VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3571,Pingree Statement on Rep. Deb Haaland’s Historic Nomination to be U.S. Interior Secretary,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pingree Statement on Rep. Deb Haaland's Historic Nomination to be U.S. Interior Secretary 
  
     

  

  
    
        
           
      
          
      
           
        
      
    
  
  
  

  
    
      Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statementfollowing reports that President-elect Joe Biden willnominate Congresswoman Deb Haaland to be U.S. Interior Secretary:
I want to congratulate my friend and colleague Congresswoman Deb Haaland on her historic nomination. If confirmed by the Senate, Congresswoman Haaland will be the first Indigenous person to lead the Interior Department.Thismarks a turning point for Native American representationatthe agency that oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs and our public lands. Congresswoman Haaland'snominationis an opportunity to right many past wrongs, especially the badly mismanaged U.S. Treaty obligations to ournativetribes.
As a senior member of the Interior AppropriationsSubcommittee, I look forward to working closely with Congresswoman Haaland. Having worked beside her these last two years, I know her commitment to our public lands and natural resources is deep and unshakeable. After four long years of unqualified, ethically compromised leaders at the Interior Department, Congresswoman Haaland will provide the thoughtful management this critical agency needs.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-expand-access-care-veterans-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-be,"Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes to be Signed into Law",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will be sent to the President to be signed into law. The legislation was ultimately passed as part of a broad veteran benefits improvements package, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. The bipartisan legislation, authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced companion legislation in the House. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act also passed the Senate as stand-alone legislation on December 8.

Maine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care.

In Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.

Maine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available,said Senator King.For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services.

Bureaucrats in Washington are trying to enforce a misguided rule on Maine Veterans Homes that would not only take away medical care from some veterans, but also the roof over their heads, said Congressman Golden. The consequences for many of these vets, some of whom have dementia, are really serious and unacceptable to myself and my colleagues. I'm proud to work with the Maine delegation to get this bill across the finish line.

No one should be denied the care they need. I'm proud this bill will help Maine veterans who are living with early-stage dementia access care in state veterans' homes. The Maine State Veterans Homes are well-equipped to support veterans with dementia, and I'm glad we're taking steps to correct oversights that have previously prevented important care,said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

MVH provided early dementia care to more than 150 veterans daily for nearly 20 years when these veterans were suddenly deemed ineligible for domiciliary care. While the VA grandfathered existing veterans, nearly 40 veterans have been denied eligibility since January. This legislation will correct a decades old administrative oversight that has negatively impacted Maine veterans and their families. MVH thanks Senators Collins and King and Representatives Golden and Pingree for their advocacy on behalf of Maine veterans, and all of our nation's veterans, by advancing this important legislation through Congress, said Kelley Kash, CEO, Maine Veterans' Homes. 

The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will allow the VA to waive certain eligibility requirements to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to be cared for in state veterans' homes when it is in the best interest of the veteran. Specifically, the legislation will require VA to implement a waiver authority, allowing the VA to grant domiciliary care per diem payments for veterans who meet at least half of the VA's current eligibility requirements or if such a waiver would be in the veteran's best interest. This will provide the flexibility to ensure this vulnerable group of veterans do not fall through the cracks and that VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-to-expand-access-to-care-for-veterans-with-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-to-be-signed-into-law,"Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes to be Signed into Law",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will be sent to the President to be signed into law. The legislation was ultimately passed as part of a broad veteran benefits improvements package, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. The bipartisan legislation, authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced companion legislation in the House. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act also passed the Senate as stand-alone legislation on December 8. Maine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care. In Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients. Maine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available,said Senator King.For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services. Bureaucrats in Washington are trying to enforce a misguided rule on Maine Veterans Homes that would not only take away medical care from some veterans, but also the roof over their heads, said Congressman Golden. The consequences for many of these vets, some of whom have dementia, are really serious and unacceptable to myself and my colleagues. I'm proud to work with the Maine delegation to get this bill across the finish line. No one should be denied the care they need. I'm proud this bill will help Maine veterans who are living with early-stage dementia access care in state veterans' homes. The Maine State Veterans Homes are well-equipped to support veterans with dementia, and I'm glad we're taking steps to correct oversights that have previously prevented important care,said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. MVH provided early dementia care to more than 150 veterans daily for nearly 20 years when these veterans were suddenly deemed ineligible for domiciliary care. While the VA grandfathered existing veterans, nearly 40 veterans have been denied eligibility since January. This legislation will correct a decades old administrative oversight that has negatively impacted Maine veterans and their families. MVH thanks Senators Collins and King and Representatives Golden and Pingree for their advocacy on behalf of Maine veterans, and all of our nation's veterans, by advancing this important legislation through Congress, said Kelley Kash, CEO, Maine Veterans' Homes.    The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will allow the VA to waive certain eligibility requirements to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to be cared for in state veterans' homes when it is in the best interest of the veteran. Specifically, the legislation will require VA to implement a waiver authority, allowing the VA to grant domiciliary care per diem payments for veterans who meet at least half of the VA's current eligibility requirements or if such a waiver would be in the veteran's best interest. This will provide the flexibility to ensure this vulnerable group of veterans do not fall through the cracks and that VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-bicameral-group-urges-leadership-to-continue-moving-forward-on-covid-19-emergency-relief-package,"Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward On COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) urged Senate and House Leadership to continue moving forward to finalize a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus shared two bills, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package. This pandemic has been devastating for millions of Americans and without Congressional action they will lose the lifelines that are keeping them afloat. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy to craft an emergency COVID-19 relief package that will help the American people weather the next few months of this pandemic. We know first-hand how hard it can be to find common ground on some of these issues. We encourage the leaders and their staff to continue this important work. By working together, we can and we will deliver immediate assistance to the workers, the families, and the businesses that need it most.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-raises-foster-youths-needs-to-hhs-amid-pandemic-challenges,King Raises Foster Youths Needs to HHS Amid Pandemic Challenges,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined 11 of his Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be sure to have young people in the foster care system in mind as they formulate policies to manage the government's response to the pandemic.In a letter to Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson, the Senators asked that HHS prioritize their engagement with states to extend relief to foster families and implement temporary and long-term changes to help foster youth weather this crisis and secure a better future. Almost all families in the United States have had to make significant adjustments in their daily lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for the children and young adults in our nation's foster care system, periods of change and adjustment are not new,the senators wrote.Foster youth have survived a lifetime of uncertainty before and after entering foster care. The serious health challenges and economic downturn brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have merely exacerbated existing challenges faced by the approximately 424,000 children in the foster care system and the more than 20,400 young adults whoage out'of foster care each year. As of December10, 2020,over 70million applications for unemployment benefits had been filed since March 21, 2020. Given this high unemployment ratethe highest we have seen in the U.S. in recent memorywe are increasingly concerned about the potentially dire consequences foster youth may face during the economic recession brought on by the pandemic,they continued.Even before the public health emergency, only about half of youth aging out of the foster care system each year were anticipated to have some form of gainful employment by the age of 24. We believe that if temporary changes are made to strengthen support and resources for foster youth, they will be better equipped to pursue their goals and become active members of our nation's workforce. In their letter, the senators expressed particular concern about the impact of the digital divide on foster youth, who often lack the proper equipment and internet services needed to participate in virtual learning. Specifically, the senators noted findings from a report indicating that only 21 percent of foster youth have regular access to a computer, with that number dipping as low as five percent for foster youth in rural settings. Specifically, the senators asked HHS to:  Continue to encourage states that have not previously exercised the title IV-E program option to extend foster care programs and extend Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood Program (Chafee Program) services until age 23;  Direct guidance to states regarding additional payments to foster care families and providers as part of states' response to COVID-19;  Provide a temporary moratorium on work and study requirements for foster youth during the pandemic;  Allow title IV-B funds to be used to provide internet and other technology to vulnerable foster youth and families; and  Work with states to address the impact of the digital divide on foster youth. A copy of the letter is availableHERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/me-delegation-urges-feds-reject-petition-undermines-regulatory-process,"ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England.
Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales.
This petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted,said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree.The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery.
The petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen.
The petitioners also fail to acknowledgedata collected by the National Marine Serviceindicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lobster gear entanglements have decreased 90 percent, compared to the thirteen years prior. In fact, there has beenno direct evidencethat a single right whale serious injury or mortality is attributable to the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank lobster fishery since 2004.
Previous rulemaking processes have been successful in part because they follow a public process that allows for input from lobstermen and the fishing industry. An additional federal rulemaking process is currently underway and is set to conclude by May 2021.
Read a copy of the letterhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3568,"ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Chellie Pingree,P000597,pingree.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England.
Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales.
This petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted,said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree.The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery.
The petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen.
The petitioners also fail to acknowledgedata collected by the National Marine Serviceindicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lobster gear entanglements have decreased 90 percent, compared to the thirteen years prior. In fact, there has beenno direct evidencethat a single right whale serious injury or mortality is attributable to the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank lobster fishery since 2004.
Previous rulemaking processes have been successful in part because they follow a public process that allows for input from lobstermen and the fishing industry. An additional federal rulemaking process is currently underway and is set to conclude by May 2021.
Read a copy of the letterhere.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/me-delegation-urges-feds-reject-petition-undermines-regulatory-process-threatens-maine,"ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England.

Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales.

This petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted, said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree. The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery.

The petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen.

The petitioners also fail to acknowledge data collected by the National Marine Service indicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lobster gear entanglements have decreased 90 percent, compared to the thirteen years prior. In fact, there has been no direct evidence that a single right whale serious injury or mortality is attributable to the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank lobster fishery since 2004.

Previous rulemaking processes have been successful in part because they follow a public process that allows for input from lobstermen and the fishing industry. An additional federal rulemaking process is currently underway and is set to conclude by May 2021.

Read a copy of the letter here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-900000-support-drug-free-communities-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $900,000 to Support Drug-Free Communities in Maine",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine communities have been awarded a total of $914,156 to prevent youth substance misuse and foster drug-free communities. This funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)'s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program.

Last year, drug overdoses claimed the life of 380 Mainers, more than one person each day. We must take an all-hands-on-deck approach to stop the drug epidemic, as well as alcohol abuse and concerning increases in youth tobacco usage. said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Maine communities strengthen their efforts to prevent and reduce substance misuse through programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and community involvement.

The work of Drug Free Aroostook over the past five years has shown tremendous progress in reducing alcohol abuse among adolescence in Aroostook County. We are absolutely thrilled to continue this work for the next five years as its importance has only escalated due to the pandemic. Helping young people find healthy ways to manage difficult situations is critical at this time, said Meg Hegemann, Prevention Services Program Manager, Aroostook County Action Program. This federal funding allows us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. The 15 organizations serving this countywide collation understand that it is not enough to just say no, but that this federal funding will allow us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. Working as a countywide collation we are making these healthier options available.

The funding will be allocated as follows:

 Aroostook County Action Program will receive $36,223.

 Mid Coast Hospital will receive $70,845.

 Medical Care Development, Inc. will receive $57,138.

 Cumberland County will receive $29,115.

 Sebasticook Valley Hospital will receive $80,845

 Windham will receive $169,990.

 Presque Isle will receive $125,000.

 Brunswick will receive $125,000.

 Augusta will receive $125,000.

 University of New England will receive $95,000.

Created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, DFC spearheads efforts to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance abuse. The program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/me-delegation-urges-feds-to-reject-petition-that-undermines-regulatory-process-threatens-maine-lobster-fishery,"ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England. Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales. This petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted, said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree. The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery. The petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen. The petitioners also fail to acknowledge data collected by the National Marine Service indicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lobster gear entanglements have decreased 90 percent, compared to the thirteen years prior. In fact, there has been no direct evidence that a single right whale serious injury or mortality is attributable to the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank lobster fishery since 2004. Previous rulemaking processes have been successful in part because they follow a public process that allows for input from lobstermen and the fishing industry. An additional federal rulemaking process is currently underway and is set to conclude by May 2021. Read a copy of the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-900000-to-support-drug-free-communities-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $900,000 to Support Drug-Free Communities in Maine",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine communities have been awarded a total of $914,156 to prevent youth substance misuse and foster drug-free communities. This funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)'s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. Last year, drug overdoses claimed the life of 380 Mainers, more than one person each day. We must take an all-hands-on-deck approach to stop the drug epidemic, as well as alcohol abuse and concerning increases in youth tobacco usage. said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Maine communities strengthen their efforts to prevent and reduce substance misuse through programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and community involvement. The work of Drug Free Aroostook over the past five years has shown tremendous progress in reducing alcohol abuse among adolescence in Aroostook County. We are absolutely thrilled to continue this work for the next five years as its importance has only escalated due to the pandemic. Helping young people find healthy ways to manage difficult situations is critical at this time, said Meg Hegemann, Prevention Services Program Manager, Aroostook County Action Program. This federal funding allows us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. The 15 organizations serving this countywide collation understand that it is not enough to just say no, but that this federal funding will allow us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. Working as a countywide collation we are making these healthier options available. The funding will be allocated as follows:  Aroostook County Action Program will receive $36,223.  Mid Coast Hospital will receive $70,845.  Medical Care Development, Inc. will receive $57,138.  Cumberland County will receive $29,115.  Sebasticook Valley Hospital will receive $80,845  Windham will receive $169,990.  Presque Isle will receive $125,000.  Brunswick will receive $125,000.  Augusta will receive $125,000.  University of New England will receive $95,000. Created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, DFC spearheads efforts to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance abuse. The program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-feinstein-call-inclusion-legislation-establish-smithsonian-american-women%E2%80%99s-history,"Collins, Feinstein Call for Inclusion of Legislation to Establish Smithsonian American Womens History Museum in Year-End Funding Bill",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
  
  
  
        
                         Collins, Feinstein Call for Inclusion of Legislation to Establish Smithsonian American Women's History Museum in Year-End Funding Bill 
                    
                              
  
    
        
      Posted Tue, 12/15/2020 - 12:06    
    
    
    
  
Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) sent a letter calling on Senate and House leadership to include bipartisan legislation to establish a Smithsonian museum honoring American women in the year-end omnibus appropriations package. Senators Collins and Feinstein introduced The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act last year. Cosponsors of companion legislation in the House, Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), also signed the letter.

Additionally, the letter calls for the inclusion of legislation to create a National Museum of the American Latino in the year-end omnibus spending package. It was also signed by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) and Representatives Jose Serrano (D-NY) and Will Hurd (R-TX), lead sponsors of the National Museum of the American Latino Act.

With near universal support from Congress, as well as the public at large, The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act and the National Museum of the American Latino Act would establish museums under the storied umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution. Each museum within the Smithsonian tells a unique part of the collective history of America, but there are still so many parts left to be told, the lawmakers wrote. We thank you for your careful consideration of this urgent request and understand the delicate nature of on-going negotiations. However, we believe this represents our last best hope in seeing these museums become a reality for millions of Americans who lack historical and cultural representation within the Smithsonian.

Click HERE to read the full letter.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-shares-bipartisan-covid-relief-bill-details-with-maine-state-chamber-of-commerce,Senator King Shares Bipartisan COVID Relief Bill Details with Maine State Chamber of Commerce,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHIINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) reconnected with members of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in a virtual Q&A to discuss the challenges that Maine small businesses are facing during the coronavirus pandemic, and his work with fellow Senators to provide additional support and certainty for these community businesses. Today's Zoom comes one day after Senator King joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The legislation includes $300 billion to support small businesses across the nation; King originally briefed the Chamber on his efforts at the outset of the pandemic in March. Maine's small business community is essential to our state, and it is vital that we all work to support them amidst these ongoing challenges, said Senator King. Over the last nine months, our small businesses have been through the wringer, adjusting on the fly to keep customers and employees safe during this pandemic while also changing their business strategies to reflect shifting consumer demands. Their work has been impressive, but these community cornerstones need more help to survive through the long winter ahead. The bipartisan coronavirus package that we negotiated for weeks and unveiled yesterday will provide that assistance, by renewing the Paycheck Protection Program and casting another lifeline to businesses in need. I'm grateful for the time of these business leaders today, and for all they do to make our state so special  and I urge Maine people to shop local this holiday season. Even as the pandemic changes the way we connect, Senator King has made it a priority to engage with Maine people from all walks of life and helpful organizations to address questions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and identify remaining work to be done. In May, he held atele-town hall, inviting all Maine people to call in toll-free, to listen and respond to questions about coronavirus response efforts. Since the Senate passed theCARES Act, he has participated in teleconferences and phone calls with:  Maine healthcare providers and advocates, such as theMaine Dental AssociationandProtect our Care.  Maine students and educators, including the 16Maine 2020 County Teachers of the Year,Maine Jump$tart Coalition's twoFinance Educators of the Year,school psychologists,MLTI Virtual Student Conference,University of Maine System Student Veterans, andcivics and history teachersfrom schools across Maine.  Maine business and community leaders, including members of theHoulton Rotary Club, Maine Arts Commission,Maine Coast Fishermen's Association,Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, theNew England Council,120 of Portland's small business ownersand500 Maine employeesof Sun Life.  Maine nonprofits including theMaine Association of Nonprofits (MANP),United WayandYMCA Youth Advocates from Maine.  Maine seniorsin a call hosted by AARP Maine.  Maine democracy-focused organizations, such as theMaine League of Women Voters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-colleagues-introduce-legislation-stop-medicare-physician-payment-cuts,"Collins, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Stop Medicare Physician Payment Cuts",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), John Boozman (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced legislation to prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021. TheHolding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020would ensure payments to medical physicians are maintained at current levels for the next two years.

These reimbursement cuts primarily fall on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties  from radiology to physical therapy to orthopaedic surgery. If these ill-timed payment cuts go into effect, they could have a devastating effect on providers, health care practices, and, most important, patient access to care, said Senator Collins. Our legislation would halt these payments cuts from going into effect at the start of the New Year, helping to ensure that we do not further burden our health care system that is already struggling due to the pandemic.

Cutting physician payments is the last thing CMS should be doing when we're in the middle of a pandemic. Patients deserve access quality and affordable health care, said Senator Boozman. This legislation is necessary to achieve this.

If our heroes this year are people who wear scrubs, then it is unconscionable to hit them with Medicare cuts as a New Year's gift, said Senator Hyde-Smith.This legislation needs to be passed before the holidays to provide relief to the very healthcare professionals who bear the burden of fighting this pandemic.

Health care providers in North Dakota and across the country face significant financial strain caused by COVID-19. They can't afford these cuts, and we can't afford to lose their services,said Senator Cramer. Our bill helps ensure these providers can continue the admirable service they've displayed throughout the pandemic without having another reason to worry about their bottom line.

Many frontline health care providers face substantial Medicare reimbursement cutsbeginning on January 1st.Our health care system is already under tremendous strain due to the pandemic, said Senator Cotton. Our bill stops these cuts from taking effect and imposing any further burden on our providers during this public health emergency.

The legislation is supported by a number of health care industry groups including the American Medical Association, American Optometric Association, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.

Our nation's physicians are under incredible strain due to COVID-19, and this bill begins to correct a misguided and ill-timed policy that would cut health care spending in the middle of a pandemic. Time is running out to reverse these cuts and protect patients, said David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, American College of Surgeons Executive Director.

Senator Collins has long been a champion of improving access to health care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In an effort to avert destabilizing cuts to medical providers that could harm patients' access to health care, Senator Collins sent a letter to Senate leaders in October, urging them to advance legislation that would prevent these sharp reductions in payment.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) in October.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-share-details-two-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bills-along-bipartisan,"Collins, King Share Details of Two Bipartisan Covid-19 Emergency Relief Bills Along with Bipartisan, Bicameral Group",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE to download.
Click HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. Click HERE to download.

Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The group is led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Collins along with Senators King, Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23).

The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, Portman and Durbin, would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, Romney and Portman, would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House.

We have had a Christmas miracle occur in Washington. We worked night and day for over a month to put together an emergency COVID relief package. My hope is that our hard work will spur our leadership on both sides of the aisle to take our products and use them as the basis for a COVID relief package that is urgently needed by our struggling families, hard-hit small businesses, health care providers, Postal Service, schools, and so many others, said Senator Collins. I'm particularly proud of the $300 billion small business provision that Senator Jeanne Shaheen and I led. It includes an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. Surely we can come together and provide this relief before Christmas. The American people deserve no less.

After weeks of negotiations marked by good-faith efforts on both sides of the aisle to strike a compromise, today we have reached an agreement that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars for Americans who are struggling, said Senator King. This agreement extends unemployment benefits for workers who've lost their jobs due to the pandemic's economic impact; provides another crucial lifeline for the nation's small businesses, and strengthens our public health infrastructure as healthcare providers across the country prepare to deliver vaccine doses in the months ahead. Our agreement is far from perfect; I strongly would have preferred additional funding for unemployment, and would rather that the critical funds for state and local infrastructure were included in the overall package rather than broken out. However, we don't have time to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. When you look at our initial framework, this final agreement isn't a glass that's half full -- this glass is eighty percent full. I support this measure because the American people are in desperate need of relief, and they don't have time for months of Congressional haggling; they need action, now. This legislation should be viewed as a starting point, to get us through the worst of the long winter ahead  and in the next several months, Congress should continue negotiating in an effort to prepare additional relief legislation this coming spring.

The American people are hurting in ways we haven't seen in generations. The next several months are going to the most difficult stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, and we as Members of Congress have a responsibility to act. Food banks are overwhelmed with requests, small businesses are being forced to shut their doors again, we are on the verge of a devastating housing crisis and millions of Americans still find themselves unemployed. The two bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief bills shared today are a compromise that will carry the American people through April 1st of next year to ensure our healthcare crisis doesn't become an economic catastrophe. For Congress to do nothing in the face of a national crisis of this magnitude is unacceptable and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these bipartisan solutions. We're not going home for Christmas until this gets done, Senator Manchin said. 

I will be the first to admit that this deal is imperfect. But these challenges are simply too urgent to allow politics to interfere, and an imperfect deal is better than no deal. With unemployment and other benefits scheduled to run out just before Christmas, the American people cannot afford for us to wait. After several weeks of work, I hope that this bipartisan bill moves us closer to providing real relief to the American people without further delay, said Senator Warner.

COVID infections are rising. Small businesses owners and their employees are afraid of going bankrupt and losing their jobs. Families are wondering how to afford food and rent. This bill reflects weeks of good-faith negotiations from both Republicans and Democrats to find a solution that delivers relief to struggling Americans. This is Congress' last chance to pass a relief bill before Christmas. We must deliver for the good of our country, said Dr. Cassidy. 

300,000 Americans have been taken by COVID-19. As hospital beds fill up, small businesses close their doors and Americans struggle to put food on the table, the urgency to get financial relief to our communities cannot be overstated. The bipartisan legislation we've announced today  written in good-faith and across party lines  are the only relief bills that can clear Congress. Senate and House leaders must act swiftly, said Senator Shaheen. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been overwhelming and no person or industry has been spared. This legislation responds to those who have been hardest-hit, including our small businesses and child care providers, and it addresses pre-existing problems in our society that have been worsened by the pandemic, such as food insecurity and the substance use disorder epidemic. This legislation will help Americans get through the darkest months of this crisis, but our work is not over. We will need to build on this bipartisan effort in the weeks and months ahead to ensure New Hampshire families and all Americans have the assistance they need to recover.

Across the nation, Americans continue to struggle with significant health and economic impacts due to COVID-19. In Alaska, I continue to hear from small businesses who are struggling to keep their doors open as well as many who are uncertain they will be able to pay rent or even feed their family. Congress must fulfill our obligation to the American people by providing emergency relief to those who have been hit the hardest by the impacts of this pandemic. People are looking to Congress for leadership in a time of serious need and these targeted measures will make an immediate difference,said Senator Murkowski. It is time to put partisan differences aside and provide Americans with the relief they so desperately need. I urge my colleagues to support this much needed legislation for the sake of all those who are struggling.

After many weeks of good faith efforts, I'm pleased we were able to reach agreement on a two part relief package that includes emergency relief for small businesses, unemployment insurance, funding for vaccines and health care providers, as well as state and local assistance and a national liability shield for COVID-related lawsuits. This compromise represents the best path forward for Congress and the Administration to provide much-needed relief for the American people before the end of the year, said Senator Romney.

People in New Hampshire, and across the country, urgently need additional COVID-19 relief, said Senator Hassan. We have come together, compromised, and found bipartisan agreement on a strong emergency relief package that will help protect lives and livelihoods  and there is significant bipartisan, bicameral support for it. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line.

The Senate should not adjourn until we have passed a new COVID-19 package to provide the relief Americans need, and I'm pleased to announce this bipartisan effort with my colleagues. Together, we have crafted two packages, one that will support our health care response to this pandemic and, just as important, provide a bridge of additional aid to bolster our economy until vaccines are widely available and Americans feel safe returning to normal life. The second package is focused on ensuring that state and local governments have the funding they need to provide essential services while protecting businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits. I hope all of our colleagues will support these bipartisan products, said Senator Portman.

It is clear that we are at a critical moment. I'm hopeful that with the first shipment of a vaccine arriving today at hospitals across the country, we will be able to turn the corner on this pandemic. But we also know that it will take time and resources to vaccinate enough people, and the winter is going to be hard for many families and businesses. With this in mind, this group of Democrats and Republicans came together and worked on compromise, emergency relief legislation in the areas where we could agree totaling $748 billion. This package does not include everything I think we need. However, it is an honest compromise, Senator Durbin said. While the fight continues over state and local funding and corporate liability immunity, we must provide some emergency relief for the American people before we go home for the holidays. I support the $748 billion bipartisan package. I urge my colleagues to support this package, and I call on the Senate Majority Leader to bring it to the floor for a vote this week.

This team effort is an example of how Congress should, can, and must work together, and a model for governing in a way that the country needs and deserves. This remarkable, bipartisan, bicameral effort from rank and file members has fulfilled our mission to develop an emergency relief down payment that can help our entire nation, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Now, the House and Senate must come together in the spirit of unity, in the spirit of humanity, and in the spirit of America  and pass this emergency relief package before Christmas, so that our country can begin the new year in the spirit of hope and optimism and with much needed relief.

By staying in the room and refusing to give up, we've crafted a comprehensive proposal that directly addresses the short-term economic needs of the nation and ensures millions of American families will go into the holidays with the federal support they deserve, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY). This effort proves working together is not dead, and it is possible to solve problems if by listening in good faith. Let's get emergency relief across the finish line and passed into law without delay.  

Background documents for the bills can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-55-million-costs-mitigating-spread-covid-19-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce $5.5 Million for Costs of Mitigating Spread of COVID-19 in Maine",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine has received an additional $5,570,755 to reimburse the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) including KN95 surgical masks for frontline responders, as well as disposable non-sterile isolation gowns and disposable isolation suits. This funding was awarded to the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that health care professionals across Maine are properly equipped to treat individuals who contract the virus and prevent further transmission, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. We welcome this continued critical support, which helped provide PPE to our frontline workers and ensure the safety of individuals, families, and communities throughout Maine.

In the midst of the pandemic, Senators Collins and King have fought hard to secure federal funding for PPE for Maine. Last month, the Senators announced that Maine received nearly $2.3 million for such medical supplies. In April, the Senators urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor to help Maine more easily access PPE secured by the COVID-19 Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force. As of November 13, FEMA has obligated more than $163 million in federal support to Maine, and as of November 18, FEMA and the Strategic National Stockpile have provided Maine with more than 1,498,514 gloves, 43,525 face shields, 41,290 surgical gowns, 204,393 surgical masks, and 566,775 N95 respirators.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-share-details-of-two-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bills-along-with-bipartisan-bicameral-group,"Collins, King Share Details of Two Bipartisan Covid-19 Emergency Relief Bills Along with Bipartisan, Bicameral Group",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE to download. Click HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. Click HERE to download. Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The group is led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Collins along with Senators King, Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23).  The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, Portman and Durbin, would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, Romney and Portman, would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House.  We have had a Christmas miracle occur in Washington. We worked night and day for over a month to put together an emergency COVID relief package. My hope is that our hard work will spur our leadership on both sides of the aisle to take our products and use them as the basis for a COVID relief package that is urgently needed by our struggling families, hard-hit small businesses, health care providers, Postal Service, schools, and so many others, said Senator Collins. I'm particularly proud of the $300 billion small business provision that Senator Jeanne Shaheen and I led. It includes an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. Surely we can come together and provide this relief before Christmas. The American people deserve no less.  After weeks of negotiations marked by good-faith efforts on both sides of the aisle to strike a compromise, today we have reached an agreement that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars for Americans who are struggling, said Senator King. This agreement extends unemployment benefits for workers who've lost their jobs due to the pandemic's economic impact; provides another crucial lifeline for the nation's small businesses, and strengthens our public health infrastructure as healthcare providers across the country prepare to deliver vaccine doses in the months ahead. Our agreement is far from perfect; I strongly would have preferred additional funding for unemployment, and would rather that the critical funds for state and local infrastructure were included in the overall package rather than broken out. However, we don't have time to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. When you look at our initial framework, this final agreement isn't a glass that's half full -- this glass is eighty percent full. I support this measure because the American people are in desperate need of relief, and they don't have time for months of Congressional haggling; they need action, now. This legislation should be viewed as a starting point, to get us through the worst of the long winter ahead  and in the next several months, Congress should continue negotiating in an effort to prepare additional relief legislation this coming spring.  The American people are hurting in ways we haven't seen in generations. The next several months are going to the most difficult stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, and we as Members of Congress have a responsibility to act. Food banks are overwhelmed with requests, small businesses are being forced to shut their doors again, we are on the verge of a devastating housing crisis and millions of Americans still find themselves unemployed. The two bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief bills shared today are a compromise that will carry the American people through April 1st of next year to ensure our healthcare crisis doesn't become an economic catastrophe. For Congress to do nothing in the face of a national crisis of this magnitude is unacceptable and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these bipartisan solutions. We're not going home for Christmas until this gets done, Senator Manchin said.  I will be the first to admit that this deal is imperfect. But these challenges are simply too urgent to allow politics to interfere, and an imperfect deal is better than no deal. With unemployment and other benefits scheduled to run out just before Christmas, the American people cannot afford for us to wait. After several weeks of work, I hope that this bipartisan bill moves us closer to providing real relief to the American people without further delay, said Senator Warner.  COVID infections are rising. Small businesses owners and their employees are afraid of going bankrupt and losing their jobs. Families are wondering how to afford food and rent. This bill reflects weeks of good-faith negotiations from both Republicans and Democrats to find a solution that delivers relief to struggling Americans. This is Congress' last chance to pass a relief bill before Christmas. We must deliver for the good of our country, said Dr. Cassidy.  300,000 Americans have been taken by COVID-19. As hospital beds fill up, small businesses close their doors and Americans struggle to put food on the table, the urgency to get financial relief to our communities cannot be overstated. The bipartisan legislation we've announced today  written in good-faith and across party lines  are the only relief bills that can clear Congress. Senate and House leaders must act swiftly, said Senator Shaheen. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been overwhelming and no person or industry has been spared. This legislation responds to those who have been hardest-hit, including our small businesses and child care providers, and it addresses pre-existing problems in our society that have been worsened by the pandemic, such as food insecurity and the substance use disorder epidemic. This legislation will help Americans get through the darkest months of this crisis, but our work is not over. We will need to build on this bipartisan effort in the weeks and months ahead to ensure New Hampshire families and all Americans have the assistance they need to recover.  Across the nation, Americans continue to struggle with significant health and economic impacts due to COVID-19. In Alaska, I continue to hear from small businesses who are struggling to keep their doors open as well as many who are uncertain they will be able to pay rent or even feed their family. Congress must fulfill our obligation to the American people by providing emergency relief to those who have been hit the hardest by the impacts of this pandemic. People are looking to Congress for leadership in a time of serious need and these targeted measures will make an immediate difference,said Senator Murkowski. It is time to put partisan differences aside and provide Americans with the relief they so desperately need. I urge my colleagues to support this much needed legislation for the sake of all those who are struggling.  After many weeks of good faith efforts, I'm pleased we were able to reach agreement on a two part relief package that includes emergency relief for small businesses, unemployment insurance, funding for vaccines and health care providers, as well as state and local assistance and a national liability shield for COVID-related lawsuits. This compromise represents the best path forward for Congress and the Administration to provide much-needed relief for the American people before the end of the year, said Senator Romney.  People in New Hampshire, and across the country, urgently need additional COVID-19 relief, said Senator Hassan. We have come together, compromised, and found bipartisan agreement on a strong emergency relief package that will help protect lives and livelihoods  and there is significant bipartisan, bicameral support for it. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line.  The Senate should not adjourn until we have passed a new COVID-19 package to provide the relief Americans need, and I'm pleased to announce this bipartisan effort with my colleagues. Together, we have crafted two packages, one that will support our health care response to this pandemic and, just as important, provide a bridge of additional aid to bolster our economy until vaccines are widely available and Americans feel safe returning to normal life. The second package is focused on ensuring that state and local governments have the funding they need to provide essential services while protecting businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits. I hope all of our colleagues will support these bipartisan products, said Senator Portman.  It is clear that we are at a critical moment. I'm hopeful that with the first shipment of a vaccine arriving today at hospitals across the country, we will be able to turn the corner on this pandemic. But we also know that it will take time and resources to vaccinate enough people, and the winter is going to be hard for many families and businesses. With this in mind, this group of Democrats and Republicans came together and worked on compromise, emergency relief legislation in the areas where we could agree totaling $748 billion. This package does not include everything I think we need. However, it is an honest compromise, Senator Durbin said. While the fight continues over state and local funding and corporate liability immunity, we must provide some emergency relief for the American people before we go home for the holidays. I support the $748 billion bipartisan package. I urge my colleagues to support this package, and I call on the Senate Majority Leader to bring it to the floor for a vote this week.  This team effort is an example of how Congress should, can, and must work together, and a model for governing in a way that the country needs and deserves. This remarkable, bipartisan, bicameral effort from rank and file members has fulfilled our mission to develop an emergency relief down payment that can help our entire nation, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Now, the House and Senate must come together in the spirit of unity, in the spirit of humanity, and in the spirit of America  and pass this emergency relief package before Christmas, so that our country can begin the new year in the spirit of hope and optimism and with much needed relief.  By staying in the room and refusing to give up, we've crafted a comprehensive proposal that directly addresses the short-term economic needs of the nation and ensures millions of American families will go into the holidays with the federal support they deserve, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY). This effort proves working together is not dead, and it is possible to solve problems if by listening in good faith. Let's get emergency relief across the finish line and passed into law without delay.   Background documents for the bills can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-55-million-for-costs-of-mitigating-spread-of-covid-19-in-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce $5.5 Million for Costs of Mitigating Spread of COVID-19 in Maine",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine has received an additional $5,570,755 to reimburse the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) including KN95 surgical masks for frontline responders, as well as disposable non-sterile isolation gowns and disposable isolation suits. This funding was awarded to the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that health care professionals across Maine are properly equipped to treat individuals who contract the virus and prevent further transmission, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. We welcome this continued critical support, which helped provide PPE to our frontline workers and ensure the safety of individuals, families, and communities throughout Maine. In the midst of the pandemic, Senators Collins and King have fought hard to secure federal funding for PPE for Maine. Last month, the Senators announced that Maine received nearly $2.3 million for such medical supplies. In April, the Senators urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor to help Maine more easily access PPE secured by the COVID-19 Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force. As of November 13, FEMA has obligated more than $163 million in federal support to Maine, and as of November 18, FEMA and the Strategic National Stockpile have provided Maine with more than 1,498,514 gloves, 43,525 face shields, 41,290 surgical gowns, 204,393 surgical masks, and 566,775 N95 respirators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-led-bill-improve-fishing-industry-safety-sent-president-s-desk,Golden-led Bill to Improve Fishing Industry Safety Sent to Presidents Desk,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Legislation introduced by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to bolster safety training programs for fishermen is on its way to the president's desk to be signed into law. Golden'sFunding Introduction for Safety, Health, and Security Avoids Fishing Emergencies Act(FISH SAFE) passed the House and Senate this week and would restore important federal funding that supports the work of local organizations to offer safety training to fishermen and research safety practices.
According to the CDC, more than 725 fishermen have died on the job since 2000.
Fishermen go to work every day with the knowledge that they have the most dangerous job in Maine,said Congressman Golden.They do it because they love the work and they want to provide for their families. However, we continue to lose Maine fishermen at sea. The FISH SAFE Act, which we sent to the president today, will help organizations in our state work to protect lives at sea by making more training available to fishermen and researching new approaches to safety.
The bipartisan legislation restores important federal funding that supports the work of local organizations to offer safety training to commercial fishermen and research safety practices. The legislation was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report that passed the House and Senate this week. Golden introduced the bill in 2019 with Republican Don Young (AK-AL).
In Maine, a number of organizations, including the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, the Maine Lobstering Union, and the Maine Lobstermen's Association, already provide limited safety training to commercial fishermen in the state. The FISH SAFE Act would allow the organizations to expand their programs to reach more fishermen with a broader array of trainings.
Maine Coast Fishermen's Association developed our 'Safe at Sea' program to help keep our fishermen safe and healthy on the water and at home. Safety trainings and being prepared saves lives, but we don't have the resources to reach all the fishermen we need to in Maine. This year has been devastating as Maine has lost multiple boats and fishermen to the sea. We hope that the FISH SAFE Act will help us and the other organizations make sure that no other families have to go through what was experienced this year. Congressman Golden understands the risks that our fishermen face as they feed our nation and we're glad to work with him to make this bill law.- Ben Martens, Executive Director, Maine Coast Fishermen's Association",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-strengthen-national-defense-heads-president%E2%80%99s-desk-provisions-championed-0,Legislation to Strengthen National Defense Heads to Presidents Desk with Provisions Championed by Senator Collins,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would authorize $731.6 billion for national defense, passed the Senate by an overwhelmingly bipartisan, veto-proof vote of 84-13 today. Senator Collins urges the President to quickly sign this crucial bill into law.

The NDAA represents one of Congress' most important responsibilities. For the past 59 consecutive years, Congress has come together in a bipartisan manner to craft this annual legislation, said Senator Collins. The NDAA authorizes funding to support our brave military members serving overseas, including a three percent pay raise for our troops in this year's bill, and sets policy for our nation's military and critical national defense priorities. The legislation also contains provisions important to our state, supporting the jobs of the hardworking Mainers who make invaluable contributions to our national security, including at BIW, PNSY, Pratt & Whitney, and DFAS Limestone.

Senator Collins authored an amendment that was adopted in the final bill:

 Strengthening the Navy. An amendment Senator Collins authored and Senator Angus King (I-ME) co-sponsored would prohibit the Navy from reducing its current 104-ship destroyer requirement unless the Secretary of the Navy submits a report to Congress demonstrating that any proposed reduction would not jeopardize our national security. This amendment will help to protect our shipbuilding industrial base, including Bath Iron Works, which will be essential to reach the goal of a 355-ship Navy.


The NDAA also includes a number of provisions Senator Collins strongly advocated for that will benefit Maine:

 Support for BIW. The NDAA authorizes the procurement of nine battle force ships, including two Arleigh-Burke destroyers, one of which will be built by the highly skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works.

 Support for PNSY Employees. Provisions championed by Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) would help PNSY firefighters develop alternative work schedules and exempt public shipyard workers from DOD's government lodging program when it would adversely affect their mission.

 Infrastructure Improvements at PNSY. The NDAA authorizes $160 million for the first phase of funding for PNSY's $715 million Multi-Mission Dry Dock #1 extension military construction project, which will be authorized and funded over three years due to its large size. This project will ensure PNSY is able to support the Navy's Virginia-class submarines for decades to come.

 Support for Defense Contractors in Maine. The NDAA authorizes 93 fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and seven CH-53K King Stallion helicopters. Pratt & Whitney's North Berwick factory manufactures the F-35's top-of-the-line engine, and Hunting Dearborn in Fryberg has been making important contributions to both the F-35 and CH-53K programs for years.

 Support for Semiconductor Industry. An amendment co-sponsored by Senator Collins would make critical investments in commercial and defense-related microelectronics projects to ensure the United States remains a world leader in the industry. This will help keep our national security strong and benefit domestic manufacturers of semiconductors, like On Semiconductor and Texas Instruments that have factories in South Portland.

 Navy Station in Cutler. The NDAA authorizes $26.1 million for the construction of additional perimeter security at the Navy's detachment in Cutler, an important installation that allows Navy commanders to communicate with U.S. and NATO ships, planes, and submarines operating in the Atlantic. This project was the Navy's #1 unfunded military construction priority and was included in the NDAA at Senator Collins' request.

 Coronavirus response. The bill includes numerous provisions related to ensuring servicemembers have adequate diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and personal protective equipment, along with resources and authorities to support overall readiness.

 Pay Raise. Authorizes a three percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces and prioritizes support for family readiness, including spouse employment opportunities and child care.


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/more-50-million-covid-19-financial-relief-has-been-awarded-maine-farmers,More Than $50 Million in COVID-19 Financial Relief has been Awarded to Maine Farmers,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"TODAY is the last day to apply for CFAP funding: Farmers.gov/cfap

Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine farmers have been awarded a total of$50,329,634 to dateto help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19. The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), created through the CARES Act, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America's farmers.

The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation,said Senator Collins.These direct payments, which I worked to include in the CARES Act, will help provide some relief.During this difficult time, I will continue to advocate for Mainefarmers.

In addition to facilitating the Farmers to Families Food Box program, CFAPis providing vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face significant additionalmarketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

The USDA is accepting applications until December 11th.More information aboutCFAP can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) resource page:Farmers.gov/cfap.

To date, the funding has been allocated as follows:

 Dairy farmershave been awarded $13,153,412.

 Livestock farmershave been awarded $2,223,469.

 Non-Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $706,936.

 Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $15,128,560.

 Eggs/Broilershave been awarded $36,519.

 Sales Commoditieshave been awarded $17,800,886.

 Acreage-based crops have been awarded $1,279,852.

CFAP payments are available for eligible producers of specialty crop commodities categorized as either sales commodities or flat-rate crops. Specifically:

 Sales commodities have payment calculations that use a sales-based approach, where producers of eligible commodities are paid based on five payment gradations associated with their 2019 sales. Eligible fruits, vegetables, horticulture, tree nuts, honey, and maple sap are categorized as sales-based commodities.

 Flat-rate crops either do not meet the five-percent-or-greater national price decline trigger noted above or do not have data available to calculate a price change, but will have CFAP 2 payments calculated based on eligible acres of the crop planted in 2020.

+++

Following a push by Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Janet Mills, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)announcedin August that maple syrup producersare now eligible for CFAP's direct financial relief. In June, Senator Collins, along with and Senator King and Representatives Pingree and Golden, senta letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue (PDF)in support ofmaplesyrupproducers' eligibility for direct relief from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). In addition to maple syrup producers, aquaculture farmers were also made eligible for CFAP payments after Sen. Collins and the delegation urged USDA to include them in the program. In April, Senator Collins and the delegation sent aletterto Sec. Perdue in support of aquaculture farmers' eligibility for this direct relief.

In July, Senator CollinsvisitedVan Buren, where 760 food boxes through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program were distributed to members of the community.The food boxes, which contained products from Maine farmers, were purchased through a$2.14 million contractrecently awarded to Maine Farmers Exchange (MFX)to participate in the program.

Additionally, Senator Collins visited Native Maine Produce and Specialty Foodsto meet with managers and employees andcelebratea $1.35 million contract the wholesale food distributor was recently awardedto distribute 45,000 food boxes, each holding 25 pounds of produce, to Maine food banks.

Senator Collins has helped to lead bipartisan efforts in Congress to direct more support to farmers. Sheco-signed a series of lettersto the USDA, urging Secretary Sonny Perdue to prioritize assistance to Maine farmers, including those in the dairy, potato, and blueberry industries.

Senator Collins and Representative Pingreealsowrote to USDAto emphasize the need to provide assistance directly to growers as well as support local producers and their supply chains, andshe joinedSenators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in leading a group of bipartisan Senators in urging the USDA to target COVID-19 relief provisions to reach local farmers.

In aletterto the USDA, Senator Collins elevated the concerns and questions raised by representatives of the potato industry, including the Maine Potato Board, who are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Furthermore, Senator Collins offered recommendations for theCFAPthat would address the supply backlogand called for direct relief for potato growers.

In May, Senators Collins, King, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)introduced the Farming Support to States Act, a bipartisan bill to provide states access to immediate, flexible funding to aid in responding to urgent and emerging issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in America's agriculture economy and food supply chain.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-nominees-us-service-academies,Golden Announces Nominees for U.S. Service Academies,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"LEWISTON  Today, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced his office's nominees to the United States Service Academiesthe U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Air Force Academy at 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 exceptional leadership, high academic standards, and a selfless ambition to help others,said Golden.Whatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves.We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it's an honor to nominate them.
The nominees were interviewed by a panel of four on their academic record, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and demonstrated commitment to serving their country.
The full list of nominations is below.Contact information is available upon request.
United States Naval Academy  Annapolis
Sawyer Carson, Belfast, Belfast Area High School
Anna Drinkert, Orono, Orono High School
Hope Duffy, Brownfield, Fryeburg Academy
Rylee Eaton, Little Deer Isle, Deer Isle-Stonington High School
Emelyn Hatch, Pittsfield, Maine Central Institute
Isaac Worcester, Belgrade, Messalonskee High School
United States Military Academy  West Point
Bryan Frost, Newburgh, Hampden Academy
Isaiah Bowmaster, Turner, Foundation Faith Academy
Garrett Engstrom, Alton, Old Town High School
United States Air Force Academy  Colorado Springs
Paxton Dionne, Bangor, Bangor High School
Garrett Engstrom, Alton, Old Town High School
Andrew Pappianne, Deer Isle, Deer Isle-Stonington High School
Harrison Hartnett, Oxford, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-secures-priorities-nat-l-security-bath-shipbuilders-servicemembers-and,"Golden Secures Priorities for Natl Security, Bath Shipbuilders, Servicemembers and their Families in Annual Defense Spending Bill",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-expand-access-care-veterans-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-passes,"Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes Passes Senate",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) to address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives.

Maine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwould address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care.

In Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan bill would provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.

Maine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available, said Senator King. For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services.

This bipartisan legislation grants much-needed flexibility to the VA system in order to make sure that our veterans get the health care they need and have earnedand State Veterans Homes are a critical part of that health care delivery, said Senator Sullivan. This is good news for Alaska's veterans and those who have served our country across the nation, some of whom are falling through the cracks due to outdated criteria. I was pleased to work with Senators Collins and King and with our veterans community in Alaska on this important bill.

MVH provided early dementia care to more than 150 veterans daily for nearly 20 years when these veterans were suddenly deemed ineligible for domiciliary care. While the VA grandfathered existing veterans, nearly 40 veterans have been denied eligibility since January. This legislation will correct a decades old administrative oversight that has negatively impacted Maine veterans and their families. MVH thanks Senators Collins and King for their advocacy on behalf of Maine veterans, and all of our nation's veterans, by advancing this important legislation through the Senate, said Kelley Kash, CEO, Maine Veterans' Homes. 

This bill would allow State Veterans Homes across the nation to provide much needed care and support to veterans with early stages of dementia and other special needs who are currently deemed ineligible because of outdated and incongruous medical criteria, said Melissa Jackson, President, National Association of State Veterans Homes. It's a win-win-win for the State homes, the VA, and most importantly, for veterans by expanding care options to help meet the growing demand early dementia and memory care services.

The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act would allow the VA to waive certain eligibility requirements to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to be cared for in state veterans' homes when it is in the best interest of the veteran. Specifically, the bill would require VA to implement a waiver authority, allowing the VA to grant domiciliary care per diem payments for veterans who meet at least half of the VA's current eligibility requirements or if such a waiver would be in the veteran's best interest. This will provide the flexibility to ensure this vulnerable group of veterans do not fall through the cracks and that VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.

A companion bill, sponsored by Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME), has been introduced in the House.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-urges-transparency-state%E2%80%99s-covid-19-vaccine-allocation,Maine Delegation Urges Transparency on States COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Goldenwrote to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, urging HHS toprioritize transparent and timely communication with state partners regarding COVID-19vaccinedistribution. Maine'sreportedfederal allocation ofvaccines falls short of initialprojections, leading to considerable public confusion.

The development and fair distribution of a safe and effectivevaccineare critical to successfully containing the COVID-19 pandemic,said the lawmakers in a letter.It is imperative that states have accurate and transparent information aboutvaccineallocations. In recent weeks, Operation Warp Speed significantly changed its projections on the number ofvaccinedoses that states should expect to receive through the Tiberius portal without an accompanying explanation for the changeWe encourage HHS to provide greater public transparency on state-by-state allocations, allocation methodologies, as well as distributions.

Full text of the letter is availableonlineand below:

Dear Secretary Azar,

As the COVID-19 pandemic extends into a second year, we commend the scientific community for its outstanding achievements in developing diagnostic tests, therapeutics, and vaccines. In particular, the development and fair distribution of a safe and effective vaccine are critical to successfully containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring a smooth roll-out will require seamless coordination at every level.

Two promising vaccine candidates have already sought Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other vaccine candidates are on the horizon. As these vaccine candidates move towards FDA approval, it is imperative that states have accurate and transparent information about vaccine allocations. In recent weeks, Operation Warp Speed significantly changed its projections on the number of vaccine doses that states should expect to receive through the Tiberius portal without an accompanying explanation for the change. Regrettably, the lack of a real-time explanation to state officials resulted in considerable public confusion in Maine.

We acknowledge the fluidity of this procurement process. Changes in timelines for the vaccine approval process, supply shortages, and other manufacturing challenges all contribute to a shifting landscape. At the same time, in order for states to better refine their distribution plans and to avoid a misunderstanding of what may be driving those projection changes, states need immediate clarity when major changes are made. Without clear and timely communication, public confidence in the distribution process could waver.

We also encourage HHS to provide greater public transparency on state-by-state allocations, allocation methodologies, as well as distributions. These types of public disclosures will help ensure greater accountability and ensure equitable access.

We appreciate your attention to these concerns. Please reach out if we can be of assistance as this important process continues.

This press release is available onlinehere.

###",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-4,Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,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

Joseph Bergen Yarmouth Yarmouth High School
Paxton Dionne Bangor Bangor High School
Garrett Engstrom Alton  Old Town High School
Harrison Hartnett Oxford Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School
Emelyn Hatch Pittsfield Maine Central Institute
August Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School
Kathleen Hughes Yarmouth Yarmouth High School
Andrew Klein Cumberland Center Greely High School
Jonathan Leal York York High School
Brendan Mailloux Portland Portland High School
Tyler Ormonde Whitefield Erskine Academy
Jaimey-Leigh Weidner Bowdoin Mount Ararat High School


United States Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point

Name Home Town High School

Glory Blethen Boothbay Boothbay Region High School
August Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School
Sumner Rugh Chebeague Island Yarmouth High School


Unites States Military Academy  West Point

Name Home Town High School

Jack Begin Chelsea Cony High School
Garrett Engstrom Alton Old Town High School
Bryan Frost Newburgh Hampden Academy
Charles Fussell Orrington John Bapst High School
Calvin Healey York York High School
Aidan Joyce Scarborough Scarborough High School
Benjamin Keller Falmouth Falmouth High School
Jonathan Leal York York High School
Jacob Lowe Saco Thornton Academy
Daniel Penney Hollis Center Waynflete
Kelby Young Chelsea Erskine Academy


United States Naval Academy - Annapolis

Name Home Town High School

Kylie Bedard Saco Thornton Academy
Patrick Bergen Yarmouth Yarmouth High School
Sawyer Carson Belfast Belfast Area High School
Felix Cutler Winter Harbor Tabor Academy
Anna Drinkert Orono Orono High School
Rylee Eaton Little Deer Isle Deer Isle Stonington High School
Delaney Feeney Winthrop Kents Hill High School
Charles Griebel Hope Camden Hills Regional High School
Emelyn Hatch Pittsfield  Maine Central Institute
Kathleen Hughes Yarmouth Yarmouth High School
Jacob Lowe Saco Thornton Academy
Lily Pires Yarmouth Yarmouth High School
Sadie Skinner Orr's Island Mount Ararat High School
Olivia Tiner Winslow Winslow High School

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-protect-seniors-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-other-dementias-elder-abuse-be-signed-law,Bill to Protect Seniors with Alzheimers & Other Dementias from Elder Abuse to be Signed into Law,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have unanimously passed legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation. The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Their bipartisan bill will ensure that the Department of Justice's elder abuse training materials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Approximately one in 10 seniors age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. For people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the prevalence is much higher, with some estimates putting it at just over 50 percent.

As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, one of my top priorities is protecting our seniors against abuse, said Senator Collins, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic,there may be increased risk forelder abuse, including elder financial exploitation. Our bipartisan bill will help to ensure that the frontline professionals who are leading the charge against elder abuse have the training needed to respond to cases where the victim or a witness has Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

I watched my mother struggle and ultimately succumb to Alzheimer's, and it pains me that a growing number of Americans living with Alzheimer's and dementia are at risk of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation, said Senator Menendez. I am thrilled that our legislation is now heading to the president's desk for his signature. This bill will ensure those with AD/ADRD are able to live with dignity in safe and healthy environments, while providing critical education and training to caregivers, health providers and law enforcement. I applaud the House for passing this bill and hope the president signs it without delay.

We ought to do all we can to ensure the Justice Department is well-prepared to respond to crimes involving Alzheimer's patients and folks with other forms of dementia. These cases can be particularly challenging at each stage, from investigation to prosecution. This legislation will strengthen our collective response to these crimes, which are unfortunately all too common. I'm glad the House passed this important bill and look forward to it being signed into law soon, Senator Grassley said.

The legislation is supported by the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Alzheimer's Impact Movement, Elder Justice Coalition, American Geriatrics Society, American Society on Aging, B'nai B'rith International, Gerontological Society of America, International Association for Indigenous Aging, Jewish Federations of North America, Justice in Aging, LEAD Coalition (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease), National Adult Protective Services Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A), National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, and SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders.

I want to thank Senator Collins for her leadership along with Senator Menendez and Senator Grassley for their efforts to introduce and ensure passage of the bipartisan Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) executive director. Thanks to this important bipartisan work, this new law will better equip emergency personnel and other professionals to work with and support individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementia who are at heightened risk for abuse, leading to higher quality outcomes for individuals with dementia.""

Specifically, the Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act would:

 
Require that the National Elder Justice Coordinator take into account people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias when creating or compiling elder abuse training materials;
 

 
Instruct DOJ to consult with stakeholders, as appropriate, in developing these materials and to review and update existing materials; and
 

 
Include information in DOJ's annual report about where to access the publicly available training materials.
 

The bill builds on the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which became law in October 2017 and required DOJ to create training materials to help criminal justice, health care, and social services personnel assess and respond to elder abuse cases. It also aligns with recommendations from the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease, which include disseminating information on abuse of those with dementia and educating law enforcement about interacting with these individuals.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-pingree-urge-us-army-corps-engineers-address-beach-erosion-camp-ellis-saco,"Collins, King, Pingree Urge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Address Beach Erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
  
  
  
        
                         Collins, King, Pingree Urge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Address Beach Erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco 
                    
                              
  
  To date, 38 homes have been lost to erosion in Camp Ellis  
        
      Posted Wed, 12/09/2020 - 14:04    
    
    
    
  Washington, D.C.  In a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree voiced their support for the City of Saco formally expressing interest in entering into a Project Partnership Agreement with the USACE to address the ongoing beach erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco. A letter of support from the city was required before the USACE could move forward with a project to modify the jetty and renourish the beach.

We were encouraged by the letter of support from the City of Saco, which was backed by the full City Council and the City's newly elected Mayor Bill Doyle, Senators Collins and King and Congresswoman Pingree wrote. To date, 38 homes have been lost due to erosion, along with dunes, a railroad, and four streets. This continuing loss of property prompted the City of Saco to request Federal assistance to mitigate further shoreline impacts we appreciate your willingness to work with the City of Saco to find a solution.

The USACE has been working with Saco to find a solution to address erosion at Camp Ellis through Section 111 of the 1968 River and Harbor Act, which provides authority for the Corps to develop and construct projects for prevention or mitigation of damages caused by Federal navigation work. Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree have championed efforts to resolve the challenges created by the USACE's Camp Ellis Jetty.

Click HERE to read the letter to USACE Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-120000-housing-authorities-aroostook-sagadahoc-counties,"Senator Collins Announces $120,000 for Housing Authorities in Aroostook, Sagadahoc Counties",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that two housing authorities in Maine have received a total of $120,541 to support housing assistance to low-income families. This funding was provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Public Housing Operating Program.

Maine's housing authorities provide vital support to individuals and families with disabilities,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to providing the resources to help meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.

The funding was allocated as follows:

 Housing Authority of Fort Fairfield received $7,314.

 Bath Housing Authority received $113,227.

As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. She helped to securea total of$46.5million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communitiesthroughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-37-million-maine-health-centers-combat-covid-19,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.7 Million for Maine Health Centers to Combat COVID-19",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, and Angus King announced that two Health Centers in Maine have been awarded a total of $3,682,207 to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies, and boost telehealth capacity in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will benefit health centers in Penobscot, Lincoln, Kennebec, Oxford, Somerset, Franklin, Sagadahoc, and Androscoggin counties.

Community health centers provide affordable health care to our nation's most vulnerable citizens.As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, these medical providers are needed now more than ever,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.This important funding will assist the dedicated staff at Maine health centers as they continue to care for COVID-19 patients throughout our state.

The funding was allocated as follows:

 HealthReach Community Health Centers received $2,101,747.

 Health Access Network received $1,580,460.

Senators Collins and Kinghelped tosecurenearly $4 million in September, nearly $13 million in April, and more than $1 million in Marchfor Health Centers across the State of Maine. These facilities provide access to cost-effective primary and preventive care for more than 200,000 people in Maine and are a critical part of the nation's primary care network. Across the nation, Health Centers serve approximately 29 million patients at over 10,000 sites in both rural and urban communities in every state in the nation.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-cosponsored-collins-king-increase-disability-insurance-access-individuals-als-be,"Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Increase Disability Insurance Access for Individuals with ALS to be Signed into Law",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act by voice vote. This bipartisan legislation will eliminate the five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned by contributing into Social Security. Cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), this legislation will build on previous steps by Congress and the Social Security Administration to accommodate the difficult prognosis for those diagnosed with ALS. Last week, the Senate passed the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act by a vote of 96 to 1. The bipartisan bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.

Americans living with ALS, as well as the family members that care for them, should not have to wait to access important benefits that can help mitigate the financial burden that often accompanies this heartbreaking disease, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This bipartisan legislation will help to ensure that those with ALS have the immediate support they need, and we look forward to seeing this bill become law. 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the ability of the brain to control muscle movements. Individuals with ALS progressively lose the ability to speak, walk, and breathe. The intended purpose of a five-month waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse. However, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and some ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act will help alleviate some of the financial hardship that accompanies an ALS diagnosis and support those living with ALS and their families.

The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act was cosponsored by 67 Senators, and the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives was cosponsored by 305 members.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-group-introduces-bill-support-victims-%E2%80%98havana-syndrome%E2%80%99,Bipartisan Group Introduces Bill to Support Victims of Havana Syndrome,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.In a bipartisan effort to support American public servants who have incurred brain injuries from probable microwave attacks, a bipartisan group of 10 Senators introduced a bill today that would authorize additional compensation for injured individuals. The legislation was introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Sasse (R-NE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Burr (R-NC), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Tom Cotton (R-AR).

Last week, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on the more than 40 U.S. diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, and at least a dozen U.S. diplomats at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China, who suffered symptoms consistent with the effects of directed, pulsed, radiofrequency energy. Ailments have included dizziness, tinnitus, visual problems, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties. Although the attacks first began in late 2016, many of the affected personnel continue to suffer from health problems.

Under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), a federal employee may currently receive a schedule award if the employee suffers the loss or loss of use of a part of the body, but not if the impairment is to the brain, back, or heart. The proposed legislation would provide the CIA Director and the Secretary of State additional authority to compensate their personnel who incur brain injuries in connection with war or a hostile act.

Public servants who work in our embassies and consulates overseas make many personal sacrifices to represent America's interests abroad, and they deserve our strong support, said Senator Collins. As we investigate the source of previous microwave attacks and seek to prevent them from occurring in the future, this legislation would provide additional financial assistance to Americans who were injured and continue to experience debilitating symptoms.

As the Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I understand the lengths that our CIA officers go to in order to obtain critical intelligence and keep our nation safe, said Senator Warner. Given the daily risks that these brave men and women endure for the sake of democracy, the least we can do is put financial safeguards in place for those afflicted by these awful attacks.

The mysterious injuries afflicting U.S. public servants and their loved ones are serious and for far too long, these Americans have suffered without the health care they need to manage their symptoms and recover. Providing them access to long-term, emergency health benefits has been a top concern for me, which is why I'm glad to partner with Senator Collins and this bipartisan group of lawmakers to build on that important work, said Senator Shaheen. This legislation will add an important new benefit that the employees with brain injuries can use toward their long-term care and recovery. It also includes my language to ensure that federal retirees continue to have the option of accessing these benefits even after they have left government service. Federal employees impacted by these incidents should be heard, believed and assisted on their path to recovery. I'm encouraged by the bipartisan progress in Congress to address their needs, but more must be done to determine the causation of these attacks and prevent them from affecting any other employees.

The United States has a responsibility to care for any American public servant who sustains serious injuries while working on behalf of our nation, said Senator King. This legislation would ensure that we are fulfilling that duty by providing for U.S. government employees who were afflicted by these mysterious ailments while serving oversees, with some still struggling with the effects to this day. It is imperative that Congress pass this law to support those harmed while representing our nation abroad  and that the United States identify and defend against the source of these injuries, so we can protect our public servants from similar threats in the future.

The men and women serving our nation abroad often do so at the risk of their own health and safety, said Senator Burr. Since 2016, multiple U.S. officials serving in Cuba and in China have been the victims of attacks that cause sudden hearing loss and brain damage. This legislation helps those who have been afflicted with what is now called Havana syndrome' by making sure any brain injuries are covered. I'm proud to work with Senator Collins on this important bill and I look forward to the Senate's consideration.

It's common sense that our public servants should have access to care to treat injuries connected with their service protecting our country, said Senator Bennet. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward modernizing our system to keep pace with the evolving threats we face and ensure that government officials serving in posts overseas who sustain traumatic brain injuries receive the care they need.

CIA agents and Foreign Service Officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe, said Senator Cotton. This bill rightly ensures they're taken care of as they seek treatment and recover from all types of cowardly attacks by our adversaries.

The additional compensation for brain injuries would be provided to injured State Department or CIA employees at the discretion of the agency head. This legislation would also require the CIA and State Department to report to Congress on how this authority is being used and if additional legislative or administrative action is required.

Click HERE to read the text of the bill.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-call-permanent-expansion-telehealth-coverage-end-year-legislation,"Collins, King Call for Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Coverage in End of Year Legislation",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,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, bicameral group of 49 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from the Collins and King-sponsored CONNECT for Health Act that have allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country to utilize telehealth services from their homes, as well as more types of health care providers to provide telehealth, were included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent.

Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe, the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth. Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over.

In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic.

The bipartisan and bicameral Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act was first introduced in 2016. The bill, which is cosponsored by 47 senators including Senators Collins and King, is considered the most comprehensive telehealth legislation in Congress.

In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.), Tom O'Halleran (D-Ariz.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Elise M. Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Ron Kind (D-Wis.).

The full text of the letter is below and available here.

+++

Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Minority Leader McCarthy:

As we near the end of the year and the 116th Congress, we urge you to include provisions in end of the year legislation to make permanent expanded coverage of Medicare telehealth services. Specifically, immediate action to permanently waive geographic restrictions for originating sites, authorize health centers in rural and underserved areas to provide telehealth, and allow beneficiaries to use telehealth in their homes would be key steps to ensure much-needed certainty about Medicare telehealth coverage for health care providers and to improve access to care for patients.

Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe. Telehealth is also important in increasing capacity at health care facilities and reducing health care providers' use of scarce personal protective equipment. For these reasons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance at the beginning of the pandemic advising individuals and health care providers to optimize the use of telehealth services.

The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act included provisions from our bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act to increase access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, waivers of statutory geographic and originating site restrictions have allowed Medicare beneficiaries to use telehealth services in all areas of the country, as well as in their homes. In addition, more types of health care providers including health centers in rural and underserved areas, are authorized to provide distant site telehealth services, among other important flexibilities.

This new authority resulted in a rapid increase in telehealth utilization. An early analysis of the expansion of Medicare telehealth coverage during the pandemic shows that before the public health emergency, about 13,000 beneficiaries in fee-for-service Medicare received telehealth services in a week, but by the last week of April, nearly 1.7 million beneficiaries received telehealth services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also found that beneficiaries are getting care through telehealth at similar rates across demographics. In response to these findings, CMS stated that, The rapid adoption of telemedicine among providers and patients has shown that telehealth is here to stay.

However, the authority for this expanded coverage of Medicare telehealth services is temporary and tied to the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, which is renewed in three-month increments. We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealtheven now during the pandemic. Ramping up telehealth requires significant costsincluding the purchase of equipment such as tablets and webcams, telehealth platforms, additional staff, provider training, and changes to electronic health records, billing, and patient engagement processes. Without more certainty about the future of Medicare coverage, many organizations are not investing in all of these areas to optimize the use and availability of telehealth.

Therefore, Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over. We understand that further data analysis is underway to assess the impact of the telehealth changes that have been available during the public health emergency. However, to fully benefit from telehealth during the pandemic, there are steps Congress should take before the end of the year to expand access to telehealth with appropriate guardrails and beneficiary protections.

In particular, Congress should immediately provide permanent authority to waive or remove the geographic restrictions on originating sites in section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act so that a beneficiary's ability to receive telehealth services is no longer based on where he or she lives. Services that CMS has determined to be clinically appropriate to be delivered through telehealth should be available to all beneficiaries, not just some. CMS concurs, stating that The data have shown that telehealth can be an important source of care across the country, not just for those living in rural areas.

We also urge action to permanently authorize Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics to provide distant site telehealth services and to allow patients to receive clinically appropriate telehealth services in their homes. These actions would address the restrictions on originating sites that CMS has stated are the greatest barriers to the expansion of Medicare telehealth services as well as ensure that health centers can continue their pivotal role in providing health care in rural and underserved areas.

Telehealth is an area of strong bipartisan support, and Congress can, and should, act now to lead the way in ensuring expanded access to telehealth. We appreciate your collaboration on this important issue.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/icymi-senators-collins-warner-pen-op-ed-calling-action-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-package,"ICYMI: Senators Collins, Warner Pen Op-Ed Calling for Action on Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Warner (D-VA) authored an op-ed that appeared in The Washington Post regarding the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework that the Senators unveiled last week. The $908 billion package is being spearheaded by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Rob Portman (R-OH). A breakdown of the COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found here.

We've worked hard to achieve a covid-19 compromise package. We can't afford inaction.
The Washington Post| By: Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Susan Collins

Click HERE to read the op-ed online
As the country stared into the abyss of a once-in-a-generation health and economic crisis earlier this year, Congress responded by passing five bills totaling approximately $3 trillion in relief to stave off disaster. Most economists agree that this prompt action kept millions out of poverty and prevented small businesses across the country from shuttering permanently. But nearly nine months since the pandemic began, at least 280,000 Americans have died, funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has run dry, and up to 12 million people could lose jobless benefits by year's end, portending a miserable Christmas season unless Congress once again acts.

Despite a broad consensus that more relief is desperately needed, for months congressional leaders and the White House have been trapped on a merry-go-round of negotiations that have led only to one stalemate after another. Millions of struggling families watched as Washington dysfunction hijacked a debate with their lives and livelihoods at stake.

We're proud to work across the aisle to solve the most pressing issues facing our nation, even though it has subjected us both at times to criticism from people in our own parties who would rather smear the other side than get things done. At a moment like this, with millions of Americans getting sick or losing their jobs, we felt the stakes were simply too high to allow partisan warfare to prevent us from delivering relief to the people of Maine, Virginia and all of America.

So we began quietly reaching out to like-minded colleagues to explore ways to break the partisan logjam among party leaders. Out of the public eye and off TV, we worked for two weeks over Zoom and socially distanced pizza dinners to negotiate a compromise on emergency funding that senators from both parties could find a way to support. The result is a bipartisan $908 billion relief framework that, if passed, would help Americans at least get through the next four months as vaccine manufacturing and distribution ramp up. The process, too, can serve as a template for progress on other difficult but vital issues in our closely divided Senate.

The framework includes money for small-business loans and another round of much-needed PPP funds, targeted to those small businesses that are suffering most due to covid-19, such as restaurants and live entertainment venues. It will provide $35 billion to help health-care providers struggling under the weight of a record number of cases and hospitalizations, and billions more for testing, contact tracing and vaccine distribution. It also provides billions for rental assistance and unemployment benefits for Americans who have found themselves jobless through no fault of their own, and it relieves student borrowers by allowing them to continue deferring federal loans.

It includes $160 billion to keep state and local governments from laying off teachers, first responders and sanitation workers in the middle of the pandemic, as well as funding for broadband, education, nutrition, agriculture, airlines, motor coaches, Amtrak and mass transit. It also invests in the low-income and minority communities that have been hardest hit by covid-19 by setting aside funding for community-based lenders that have a demonstrated history of getting capital into underserved communities, with the goal of staving off a wave of Black and Latino business closures.

The total package of $908 billion is much smaller than the $2.2 trillion sought by Democrats in the House, and much larger than the $500 billion plan Republicans put on the floor in October. Our package is a common-sense compromise that includes the best ideas from both Republicans and Democrats and focuses on areas where there is consensus.

We fully acknowledge that parts of this agreement  as well as items not included  will be difficult pills for some senators in both parties to swallow. But the cost of inaction is higher if millions of American families are forced into the holiday season wondering whether they will be able to put food on the table or keep a roof over their heads.

At a moment like this  as intensive care units are flooded with desperately sick patients, restaurant workers wonder how they are going to survive the cold weather ahead and parents are forced to send their children to bed hungry  it would be both foolish and heartless not to do something. We believe this compromise is necessary to provide urgently needed relief to the American people ahead of what will be, according to all the experts, a long and difficult winter.

Inaction at this critical juncture would be a self-inflicted wound from which our country would take years to recover.

Click HERE to read the op-ed online.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-hampden-resident-her-bangor-office,Senator Collins Welcomes Hampden Resident to Her Bangor Office,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
  
  
  
        
                         Senator Collins Welcomes Hampden Resident to Her Bangor Office 
                    
                              
  
    
        
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ClickHEREfor a high resolution photo

Bangor, ME- U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Noelle Dana, a resident of Hampden, has been awarded an internship in her Bangor Constituent Service Center. Noelle is the daughter of James Dana.

It is always a pleasure to give Mainers an opportunity to become actively involved in the legislative process and to serve the citizens of Maine,said Senator Collins. Noelle has a strong work ethic and a commendable desire to work in public service, and I am delighted to welcome her to my Bangor office.

Noelle is ajuniorat the University of Notre Dame, where she is majoring in classics and pre-health. She is heavily involved in Student Government and the College Mentors for Kids program at the University. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to attend a fellowship and then pursue an M.D., J.D. dual-degree program.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-shaheen-bill-ensuring-access-national-parks-disabled-veterans-signed-law,"Collins, Shaheen Bill Ensuring Access to National Parks for Disabled Veterans Signed into Law",2020-12-05,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Act bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME)and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) was signed into law. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Actwill ensure free lifetime entry to U.S. national parks and other federal lands for all veterans who incurred or aggravated disabilities while serving in the U.S. military.

Under theFederal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), individuals must be classified as having a permanent disability in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, leaving uncertainty as to whether all wounded veterans have access to this program. The Wounded Veterans Recreation Act clarifies the current statute to ensure that these heroes always have access to America's outdoor recreational lands.

The brave men and women who have served in our military and have been wounded defending our nation should always 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 law will ensure that disabled veterans can continue to access our country's national treasures for outdoor recreation, which can help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war.

This new law is just one way to show our appreciation for our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for this country. Access to our parks and lands is helpful to many veterans with rehabilitation, so I'm very happy to see our bipartisan effort to ensure that access  free of charge  become law,said Senator Shaheen. We owe our veterans the very best when they come home to help them build safe, healthy and happy lives. I look forward to building on the bipartisan spirit that gave way to this new law so we can continue to deliver for our veterans.

The text of theWounded Veterans Recreation Actcan be readhere.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine%E2%80%99s-congressional-delegation-governor-mills-convene-call-covid-19,"Maines Congressional Delegation, Governor Mills Convene Call on COVID-19",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Augusta, METoday, Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden convened a Zoom conference call to discuss COVID-19 and the Congressional Delegation's work in Congress to support the State's efforts.

We had a productive, in-depth discussion this morning regarding Maine's response to the ongoing public health and economic crisis, including our joint efforts to increase testing availability, prepare for vaccine distribution, and deliver additional state and local aid,said Governor Mills, Senators Collins and King, and Representatives Pingree Golden.We all agree that we urgently need an additional federal relief package to support families, small businesses, employees, students, and health care providers who are struggling, and we discussed the latest framework for a COVID-19 relief package proposed by Senators Collins, King, and a bipartisan group of their colleagues. We have stood united in advocating for the resources Maine needs, and we remain committed to working together to help our families and communities weather this storm.

Since March, Congress has passed five bills and provided around $3 trillion in COVID-19 relief, including more than $8 billion for Maine, which is approximately double Maine's annual budget.Under Governor Mills, the State has committed $1.24 of the $1.25 billion in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF), almost half of which has gone to support Maine businesses,including money to replenish the Unemployment Trust Fund. On Tuesday, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan, bicameral group inannouncinga $908 billion COVID-19 emergency relief framework.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-legislation-curbing-plastic-marine-debris-unanimously-passes-senate,"Collins, King Legislation Curbing Plastic Marine Debris Unanimously Passes Senate",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the passage of theSave Our Seas 2.0 Actby the U.S. Senate.The bipartisan bill,introduced in June, seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018.

Countless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters,said Senator Collins. I look forward to seeing this legislation become law, which will help to accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come.

Maine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked  meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people,said Senator King.This bipartisan legislation is a step in the right direction as we work to protect our ocean so future generations can access its widespread economic potential, as well as experience its unparalleled beauty. I'm pleased to see our bill pass the Senate and look forward to the President signing it into law for the benefit of generations to come.

Roughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean.

Earlier this year, Senator Collinswas honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Awardfrom ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiatives at the organization's annual dinner. To honor his lifelong environmental stewardship and advocacy, Senator King received the inaugural Hero Award last month from the National Park Foundation. TheSave Our Seas 2.0 Actis also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Brian Schatz (D- Hawaii), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/irs-implement-collins%E2%80%99-bill-help-prevent-con-artists-stealing-tax-refunds,IRS to Implement Collins Bill to Help Prevent Con Artists from Stealing Tax Refunds,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced this week that, starting in January, the Identity Protection (IP) PIN program will now be expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identities. This expansion was prompted by the Taxpayer Identity Protection Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Doug Jones (D-AL) to thwart identity theft tax refund fraud and prevent American taxpayers and seniors from falling victim. This legislation was signed into law last year as a provision in the Taxpayer First Act.

Each year, tens of thousands of Americans are victims of tax refund fraud, and seniors are particularly vulnerable, said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee. Having an IP PIN has proven to protect against identity theft. This expansion by the IRS is an encouraging, concrete step to help protect taxpayers from being ripped off by criminals and ensure that they receive the refunds to which they are entitled.

The IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. An IP PIN helps the IRS verify a taxpayer's identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return.

Taxpayers who obtain an IP PIN should never share their code with anyone but their trusted tax provider. The IRS will never call to request the taxpayer's IP PIN, and taxpayers must be alert to potential IP PIN scams.

Click here for more information on the IP PIN program: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/national-tax-security-awareness-week-day-3-irs-expands-identity-protection-pin-opt-in-program-to-taxpayers-nationwide",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-bill-cosponsored-collins-king-increase-disability-insurance-access,"Senate Passes Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Increase Disability Insurance Access for Individuals with ALS",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  The U.S. Senate passed the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act by a vote of 96 to 1. This bipartisan legislation would eliminate the five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned by contributing into Social Security. This legislation, cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), would build on previous steps by Congress and the Social Security Administration to accommodate the difficult prognosis for those diagnosed with ALS. The bipartisan bill now awaits consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Americans living with ALS, as well as the family members that care for them, should not have to wait to access important benefits that can help mitigate the financial burden that often accompanies this heartbreaking disease, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This bipartisan legislation would help to ensure that those with ALS have the immediate support they need, and we are pleased that it is one step closer to becoming law. 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the ability of the brain to control muscle movements. Individuals with ALS progressively lose the ability to speak, walk, and breathe. The intended purpose of a five-month waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse. However, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and some ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act would help alleviate some of the financial hardship that accompanies an ALS diagnosis and support those living with ALS and their families.

The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act is cosponsored by 67 Senators, and the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is cosponsored by 302 members.",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-19-2020-%E2%80%9Cwreaths-across,"Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 19, 2020, as Wreaths Across America Day",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,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 19, 2020, as Wreaths Across America Day. Traditionally, a convoy of volunteers travels from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there. 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.

Wreaths Across America is a powerful demonstration of respect and appreciation for our veterans  both those that we've lost and those still with us,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We are so proud that this heartfelt expression of gratitude originated in the great State of Maine and has become an enduring symbol of our nation's gratitude for veterans' valor and sacrifice. This resolution remembers and honors America's veterans this holiday season, while also teaching generations to come of the sacrifices that have been made to secure our freedoms and to defend our liberty.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, precautions will be taken this year to balance health and safety requirements and the desire for families of those interred at Arlington National Cemetery and the Soldier's and Airmen's Home Cemetery to participate in this year's Wreaths Across America event. The event will be closed to the public but a phased schedule has been established to allow for the participation of family pass holders, the Military District of Washington, soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the Wreaths Across America organization. A full statement from the Arlington National Cemetery can be found here.

In 2019, approximately 2.2 million wreaths were laid at more than 2,200 locations across the U.S. and overseas.This included more than 13,300 wreaths placed at the American Cemeteries in Luxembourg and the Netherlands, in remembrance of those lost during World War II.

Senator Collins' father was a World War II veteran who was wounded twice during the Battle of the Bulge.

Read the full resolution HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-funding-combat-youth-substance-use,"Collins, King Announce Funding to Combat Youth Substance Use",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $375,000 to Maine organizations working to support drug-free communities throughout the state. Specifically, HHS awarded $125,000 each to Healthy Communities of the Capital Area in Gardiner, River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition in Rumford, and the Westbrook School Department.

Across our state, the pandemic's economic and social impacts have magnified substance use challenges for too many Maine people, said Senators Collins and King. As necessary health precautions such as social distancing make it harder for Mainers to access support systems, it is more vital than ever that we increase our outreach. These funds will offer significant resources to help support drug-free communities in Gardiner, Rumford, Westbrook, and the surrounding communities. 

This funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)'s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. Created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, DFC spearheads efforts to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance abuse. The program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-push-tax-relief-maine%E2%80%99s-brewers-distillers,"Collins, King Join Bipartisan Group in Push for Tax Relief for Maines Brewers, Distillers",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,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 55 of their colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act in the next legislative package. Making permanent a temporary measure in the 2017 tax reform law, the legislation provides excise tax relief to the growing craft beverage industry, helping these entrepreneurs reinvest more in their businesses and our communities.

It is imperative that the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act be included in the next appropriate legislative package and acted upon before the end of the year,the Senators wrote.As businesses struggle to retain workers and stay open, allowing the current rates to lapse would force many businesses across the country to lay off workers or close their doors permanently. With the support of 77 Senators and 351 Representatives, this bill is a bipartisan priority and an important economic lifeline to thousands of businesses across the country.

In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rob Portman (R-OH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tom Tillis (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Mazi Hirono (D-HI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bob Casey (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

Click HERE to read the full letter.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-650000-support-maine-shellfish-industry,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $650,000 to Support Maine Shellfish Industry",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine Shellfish Developers, LLC, of Walpole received a total of $649,690 to increase the production of low-cost, sustainable oysters and bolster Maine's seafood economy. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.

Small businesses are the backbone of Maine's economy, and helping them to reach their growth potential strengthensour communitiesand creates new employment opportunities, particularly inruralareas of our state,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome USDA's investment in Maine Shellfish Developers, which will foster cutting-edge research and help strengthen Maine's oyster industry.

The SBIR Program encourages the growth of domestic small businesses by offering competitively awarded grants to support high-quality research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture. These small business ventures are recognized as having the potential for larger scale commercialization as well as benefits to the community at large.

Senators Collins and King are steadfast supporters of Maine's marine economy. Earlier this year, they worked to secure funding through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the Seafood Economic Accelerator (SEAMaine), an economic strategic roadmap to diversify markets and strengthen Maine's seafood industry.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-covid-19-emergency-relief-framework,"Collins, King Announce COVID-19 Emergency Relief Framework",2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to watch the full press conference. Click HERE for high-resolution video.
Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks.Click HERE for high-resolutionvideo.
Click HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. Click HERE for high-resolution video.

Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Tom Reed (R-NY-23), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH-16), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Dean Phillips (D-MN-3), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7), and Fred Upton(R-MI-6) of the Problem Solvers Caucus announced a bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework that will help American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis.

This bipartisan, bicameral group worked night and day throughout the Thanksgiving recess because we recognize that families all across America are struggling, that businesses are closing, and that hospitals are overwhelmed, said Senator Collins.I am particularly pleased that this package includes funding for another round of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans, which has helped keep our small businesses afloat. In Maine alone, the PPP has helped sustain the jobs of 250,000 workers.

After nearly nine months of the coronavirus pandemic and far too little federal support, millions of Americans are facing financial ruin. It's past time for Congress to put political arguments aside and step up for those in need, said Senator King. If enacted into law, today's bipartisan package would increase unemployment benefits to help families make ends meet, give essential assistance to small businesses on the verge of closing, provide funds to the state and local governments who've led the response to this crisis, and much more  including support for schools, hospitals, and vaccine distribution. This plan isn't perfect, and will require future Congressional action in order to help our country fully weather this pandemic  but if we pass this bill before the year's end, we'll extend a lifeline to millions of Americans in need just as cases are spiking, CARES Act protections are expiring, and winter is arriving. The American people need us to work together to save lives and livelihoods  so let's get it done.

Millions of Americans have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are hurting, but Congress has been deadlocked for months with both sides unwilling to compromise to help our fellow Americans who are in desperate need, Senator Manchin said. The bipartisan, bicameral framework announced today proves that we can reach across the aisle and create meaningful compromise that will help those who need it most for the next few months. Our $908 billion framework provides our front line healthcare providers, students, families, small businesses, and workers with the support they need and deserve during this devastating pandemic. I urge my fellow colleagues to work with our bipartisan, bicameral group on this proposal so Congress can finally pass an emergency COVID-19 relief package to help Americans and West Virginians during this difficult stretch of the pandemic.

After many days of bipartisan negotiations, I'm proud that we've reached a compromise to help Americans get through the holiday season, while providing much-needed relief for small businesses, local governments, health care providers, and low-income and minority communities, among others, said Senator Warner. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put the months of stalled negotiations behind us, and to support this bipartisan compromise in order to ensure that families across the country are not forced to spend the holiday unable to put food on the table.

This is a bipartisan, bicameral effort that creates a pathway forward to bring relief to those who need it most. Republicans and Democrats in both chambers got much of what we wanted, and neither got everything we wanted. That combination reflects what Congress is supposed to do: reconcile priorities and deliver for the American people, said Dr. Cassidy.

Throughout New Hampshire  from small businesses struggling to make payroll to hospitals fighting to keep their doors open and beds available  I'm hearing from Granite Staters who cannot wait any longer.And they shouldn't. Over a quarter of a million Americans have died from COVID and more than 13.5 million Americans have been afflicted with it. The human toll of this crisis is crushing and that's before we even address the severe economic fallout it created, said Senator Shaheen. Some of those hardest hit have been our small businesses. When this body came together in March, we worked in good-faith to deliver the CARES Act that provided immediate relief through the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.We put our heads together again and have come up with a new bipartisan framework to build on that progress to help small businesses get to the other side of this crisis, and to provide funds for state and local government governments, support for vaccine development and distribution, assistance for our schools and universities, and relief for our health care providers. But this is just step one. We need more leaders on both sides of the aisle to join us so we can finish what we've started and deliver the relief that Americans are calling for.

I am honored to work with an exceptional group of Senators, as well as colleagues in the House, on a bipartisan measure to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In my home state of Alaska, Anchorage is officially going into our third round of hunker-down orders, shutting down businesses, restaurants, bars, hair salons, gymsessentially bringing to a halt the day-to-day life of many people in Anchorage. Many of our rural villages and off road communities are also in various stages of shutdown to control the spread of this awful virus. These lockdowns come at a significant cost. As the long winter approaches, the uncertainties of job loss, food insecurity, and stable housing all continue to grow, said Senator Murkowski. Our response  our responsibility  is to come together not as Republicans with a plan or Democrats with a counter-plan, but coming together with a proposal that will provide for targeted emergency relief for the American people. I am calling on my colleagues to join us in advancing the proposal we offer today, to provide much-needed relief for our nation.

This is not a $1.8 trillion stimulus bill. This is a relief measure half that amount$908 billion, with $560 billion in repurposed funds from the first CARES Act, so the amount of new money is actually $348 billion, Senator Romney said. Included in this measure is a liability provision that provides a temporary suspension of any liability-related lawsuits at the state or federal level associated with COVID-19, giving states enough time to put in place their own protections. I am very pleased to be part of this effort, and urge my colleagues to come together on a deal.

Our bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief framework provides the most viable path forward in months, and we must seize this opportunity now to provide critical relief for the American people,Senator Hassansaid. I am grateful to my colleagues from both parties for coming together on this bipartisan effort, and I will do everything I can to get a deal across the finish line.


The House Problem Solvers Caucus, made up of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, helped draft and endorsed the package.

A breakdown of the COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/king-collins-introduce-legislation-designate-york-river-%E2%80%98wild-and-scenic%E2%80%99,"King, Collins Introduce Legislation to Designate York River as Wild and Scenic",2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, and Susan Collins (R-Maine) will introduce legislation to officially designate the York River as part of the National Park Service's Wild and Scenic River System. Today's legislation comes after a National Park Service study proposed by Senator King determined the river is eligible and suitable for designation. In addition, a number of surrounding communities have expressed their support for this designation through public referendums and town council votes, as the change would open up new funding to maintain and protect the health of the river, while ensuring that land use management is regulated through existing local and state authorities, the same as before the designation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and is cosponsored by Representative Jared Golden (D-Maine).

Generations of Southern Maine people have built their communities around the York River's important ecological benefits and the economic opportunities it creates, said Senators King and Collins. After an extensive process, including a study from the National Park Service, years of engagement with local communities and residents, and working with the state of Maine, we're proud to introduce legislation to designate this important waterway as a partnership Wild and Scenic River. This designation will allow new sources of funding to support both the health of the York River and the economic prospects of the communities that rely on it.

Local voices expressing their support for the Senators' bill include the York Lobstermen's Association, local community leaders, and leading environmental groups:

The York Lobstermen's Association strongly supports the designation of the York River into the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers program, said York Lobstermen's Association President Jeff White. ""We are delighted to learn that this proposed legislation will be introduced by Senator King and Senator Collins. The York River is the lifeblood for the commercial fisheries off of York Harbor and is vital to having a sustainable local commercial fishery. The establishment of the York River into the Wild and Scenic Rivers program helps to ensure that the York River will be preserved for the future and that a robust local commercial fishery will be sustained into the future.  

Few local issues have seen the broad and passionate support that York River designation has, said Judy Spiller, Kittery Town Councilor and Member of the York River Study Committee. The reasons are simple. With the tide, one can float from the headwaters down the River through history from remnants of precontact settlement through marshes and forests that nourish a rich biota ending at the River mouth with stately colonial homes and a thriving lobster fishery. The watershed - a shared York, Eliot, Kittery, and South Berwick resource - buffers us from intense regional development pressure and the pristine forested areas supply clean drinking water. And in the future, if protected, the watershed will provide resilience in the face of rising sea levels. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the York River and its tributaries are at once reassuringly always the same yet always subtly different: inspirationto all those who encounter it. Designation will preserve that for us and our children and our children's children and on.

A Wild and Scenic River designation for areas within the York River would promote better access and protect the river's natural resources that so many communities depend on for clean water and outdoor recreation like fishing, paddling and more, said Lauren Cosgrove, Northeast Senior Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association. As a convergence of salt and freshwater, the York River and its many tributaries are home to rare spawning fish like Smelt, and vast wildlife from spotted salamanders to the long-eared bat. Its wetlands improve the overall health of the watershed and serve as a natural barrier to help absorb storm surges and filter nutrients, combatting the threats of climate change. We welcome the additional protection this designation provides and the benefits it will have for generations to come.

If the York River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River, it will become eligible for increased federal funding and other resources to help maintain the river in its current healthy, natural, and free-flowing state. These funds can be used for education and outreach; historic, scientific, and economic research; and conservation efforts.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-manchin-introduce-resolution-dedicate-november-national-homeless-children-and-youth,"Collins, Manchin Introduce Resolution to Dedicate November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month",2020-11-25,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 19 Senators in introducing their bipartisan resolution to recognize November 2020 as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. The Senators also urged their colleagues to support the Emergency Family Stabilization Act which was introduced in June.

School is challenging enough without students having to worry about where they will sleep each night. Without the proper support, these young people are at risk of dropping out of school and are in greater danger of exploitation. We must make sure our nation's homeless youth have the same opportunity to succeed as their peers, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan resolution recognizes the hard work being done by businesses, organizations, schools, and volunteers to prevent youth homelessness.

Across the United States, over 1.5 million children and youth are currently experiencing homelessness and there are over 10,000 homeless youth in West Virginia alone. It's simply unacceptable. Our children deserve to feel safe with a bed to sleep in night after night and food to fill their bellies. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to help raise awareness about this growing issue and the difficulties so many of our children face every day, said Senator Manchin. This issue isn't going away by itself and the COVID-19 pandemic is making it worse. I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan, bicameral Emergency Family Stabilization Act which will create new, dedicated funding to assist communities that are working with children and youth experiencing homelessness. We have to work together to implement solutions that help our homeless children and youth in need.

The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cantwell (D-WA), Murkowski (R-AK), Hirono (D-HI), Hassan (D-NH), Feinstein (D-CA), Coons (D-DE), Blumenthal (D-CT), Peters (D-MI), Reed (D-RI), Van Hollen (D-MD), Wyden (D-OR), Smith (D-MN), Merkley (D-OR), Klobuchar (D-MN), Sinema (D-AZ), Booker (D-NJ), and Brown (D-OH).

The following organizations have endorsed the resolution: SchoolHouse Connection, National Network 4 Youth, First Focus Campaign for Children, Covenant House, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Education Association, National Head Start Association, National PTA, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, True Colors United and ZERO TO THREE.

Click HERE to read the resolution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-650000-maternal-and-child-health-services-maine,"Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $650,000 for Maternal and Child Health Services in Maine",2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has received $649,998 toimprovethe health of Maine's mothersand children. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Maternal and Child Health Services Programand will support efforts to lower maternal mortality, reduce infant mortality, and enhance the delivery of maternal care.

Maine families deserve access to quality, regular care and a variety of specialized treatment options for mothers andchildren,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.We welcome this funding, which will support a range of programs that care for the evolving health needs of Maine women and children,providing familieswith every opportunity to succeed from the start.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services serves approximately one-third of the people of Maine, providing health care and social service support to children, families, the elderly, the disabled, people with mental illness or substance use disorders, and those living below the poverty level.

Senator Collins is the lead cosponsor of theQuality Care for Moms and Babies Act, a bipartisan bill to provide funding for new community partnerships to address the high rate of maternal and infant mortality. Senator King has cosponsored theRural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (Rural MOMS) Act,a bipartisan bill that 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.The United States has the worst rate of maternal deaths in the developed world and one of the highest rates of infant mortality.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-house-leaders-renew-expiring-cares-act-provisions-now,Golden to House Leaders: Renew Expiring CARES Act Provisions Now,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today sent letters to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy decrying the lack of progress on a larger COVID-19 relief package and urging them to at least develop a plan to address expiring CARES Act provisions before the end of the year.

""Because we have failed to take action, we have now put ourselves in the position of confronting a new challenge on the horizon: the expiration of a range of programs and policies first authorized by the CARES Act,"" Golden wrote. ""Addressing these particular challenges would not all require new funding, but they do require leadership and congressional action. While we should not lose sight of the need for a new round of stimulus, we would be foolish not to prepare for a situation in which the best step we can take in the next several weeks is to ensure that these important programs and authorities do not expire on December 31st.""

Golden's letter comes as talks for a larger coronavirus relief package continue to falter, leaving several CARES Act provisions set to expire at the end of the year. Because of expiration dates in the law, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been unable to accept new small business applications since August.

On December 31st, several other critical programs will expire, including unemployment assistance, a moratorium on evictions for renters, and the ability of homeowners to defer mortgage payments. In addition, current CARES Act rules require that state and local governments must spend all Coronavirus Relief by December 31, 2020, a significant challenge for Maine schools who could better use that funding in the new year.

Today's letters are just the latest in a series of actions Congressman Golden has taken to urge congressional leaders to take bipartisan action to address COVID-19 relief. In October, he voted against the second HEROES Act, a partisan bill that was not designed to gain support in both houses of Congress and argued that House leaders should stop the posturing and get a deal.

In September, he led a bipartisan group of House members to urge House leadership to take action on a bipartisan relief package before the election. In August, he led a bipartisan group of 18 House members to urge House leaders to restart negotiations. And in May, he voted against the original HEROES Act, identifying it as just the first in a series of partisan efforts by House leadership. He has repeatedly pressed for bipartisan solutions to address the effects of COVID, including small business relief, aid for loggers and lobstermen, rural hospitals, and funding for state and local governments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-klobuchar-legislation-crack-down-fraud-targeting-seniors-passes-senate,"Collins, Klobuchar Legislation to Crack Down on Fraud Targeting Seniors Passes the Senate",2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,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, and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that their legislation to crack down on fraud targeting seniors has passed the Senate.A related version passed theHouse last week.

TheSeniors Fraud Prevention Actwould help fight scams designed to rob seniors of their assets by directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create an office to educate seniors about fraud schemes and improve the agency's monitoring and response to fraud complaints. Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Peter Welch (D-VT)led companion legislation in the House.

As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, protecting seniors from fraud and abuse is one of my top priorities,said Senator Collins. TheSeniors Fraud Prevention Actwill enhance fraud monitoring, increase consumer education, and strengthen the complaint tracking system. Raising awarenessparticularly among older Americans who are more likely to be targetedis key to protecting seniors' hard-earned savings.

We must ensure all Americans have safety and dignity in their senior years,especially as we confront the coronavirus pandemic,said Senator Klobuchar. New schemes designed to defraud seniors appear almost daily. These aren't simply a nuisancethese scams can wipe out a person's entire life savings. Passing this bipartisan legislation is a critical step to combat fraud targeting seniors.

TheSeniors Fraud Prevention Actwould help protect seniors from fraud schemes by creating an office at the Federal Trade Commission with themission of helping fight scams designed to strip seniors of their assets by educating seniors about fraud schemes and improving the Commission's response to fraud complaints. The bill would alsorequire the FTC, the agency responsible for handling consumer complaints, to coordinate with other agencies to monitor for fraud schemes targeting seniors. In addition, the bill would require the FTC to distribute information  to seniors, their families, and their caregivers  that explains how to recognize fraud schemes and how to contact law enforcement authorities in the event that a senior is targeted for fraud. The Senators have introduced this bill in the three previous Congresses. In 2016, the legislation passed the Senate Commerce Committee without opposition, and in 2017, the legislation passed the Senate with unanimous consent.

As the Chairman of the Aging Committee, Senator Collins has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers from fraud, and she has championed policies to support seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. Under Senator Collins' leadership, the Aging Committee has held 25 hearings to examine scams affecting older Americans and also releases an annualFraud Bookoutlining the top 10 scams reported to the Committee's Fraud Hotline.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-116-million-puritan-produce-three-million-additional-covid-19,Senator Collins Announces $11.6 Million for Puritan to Produce Three Million Additional COVID-19 Testing Swabs Per Month,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bangor, MEU.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that Puritan Medical Products, a medical supplies manufacturer based in Guilford, has been awarded $11.6 million to expand its COVID-19 testing swab production. This award, which was funded through thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actenacted in April, will be used to increase production of swabs by three million per month.

Increased testing is crucial to tracking and slowing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping our communities safe. Puritan Medical Products has risen to this challenge by exponentially increasing its production of testing swabs, creating hundreds of jobs in Guilford and Pittsfield in the process,said Senator Collins. I am very proud of the dedicated Mainers who have been involved in this manufacturing effort that is so critical to the health of our nation, and I will continue to advocate for the resources that they need to keep up the fight.

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collinsworked to secure a $75.5 million investmentfor Puritan using Defense Production Act funds in April, which increased Puritan's production of testing swabs and helped to build a modern manufacturing facility in Pittsfield.In August, Senator Collinsannounced a $51.2 million grantthat allowed Puritan to retrofit an additional facility in Pittsfield. Together, these contracts brought Puritan's total production of flock tip swabs and foam swabs to at least 90 million per month as well as allowed the company to hire hundreds of additional employees.

The new award will help modify the newest plant in Pittsfield to accommodate additional object flocking machines to make swabs for Cue Health. This funding will cover additional engineering work, changes in utilities, and overtime needed to keep the overall project on schedule. The complete project timeline has not changed, and Puritan will have intermediate operational capacity as a result of this additional funding.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z