url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-king-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter,Senator King Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement after the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter: “President Carter led a life of incredible service, putting country over party and politics,” said Senator King. “From his early days as a sailor with the United States Navy to the White House, President Carter personified our true American values. He was compassionate, unapologetic in his convictions, and forward-thinking — calling out racial discrimination as Governor of Georgia, negotiating the Camp David Accords, and dedicating his post-presidential career to community service. Jimmy Carter’s extraordinary life story epitomized the American Dream and proved that any one of us can go from humble beginnings to President of the United States and human rights champion for the world. Now that’s a legacy to be proud of. May the Carter family, and his beloved Georgia community, find peace and comfort during these difficult times.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-passes-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-veterans-access-to-healthcare-and-benefits,"Congress Passes Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Healthcare and Benefits",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, are applauding the Congressional passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve veterans’ access to healthcare and benefits. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act includes the King, Cramer bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET-TEC) program that helps veterans access high-technology jobs. The VET-TEC program provides tuition at eligible training institutions, housing stipends, and connections with potential employers. Since its start in 2017, VET-TEC has helped thousands of veterans get jobs in the technology sector with an average starting salary of over $65,000 – but current authorization for the program expired earlier this year. “The VET-TEC program has been an exceptional resource for thousands of veterans looking for good-paying jobs in the tech sector,” said Senator King. “The reauthorization of the VET-TEC Authorization Act expands eligibility for both veterans and training institutions and is a commonsense step to give even more veterans access to opportunities in tech. While there is always areas where we disagree, I am glad both chambers and both parties came together to support our men and women who answered the call.” “The VET-TEC program has created effective pathways for veterans to launch their careers in tech,” said Senator Cramer. “Building on its successes, this reauthorization expands eligibility to allow more veterans to participate in the program. Supporting our veterans includes enhancing the employment resources and opportunities available to them. I appreciate Congress’ support of this bill and I look forward to the President signing it into law.” Created in 2017’s Forever G.I. Bill, the VET-TEC pilot program has 31 approved education providers that have trained over 8,000 veterans, and helped thousands start high-tech jobs with an average starting salary of $65,061. The program is currently partnered with 14 employers including the VA’s own Office of Information and Technology, which seeks VET-TEC graduates for filling internal vacancies. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has worked to ensure that veterans have access jobs and training after separating from military service. He recently cosponsored bipartisan legislation to provide veterans with job opportunities in the trucking industry. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsored-bill-restoring-social-security-benefits-for-police-officers-firefighters-and-teachers-to-become-law,"King-Cosponsored Bill Restoring Social Security Benefits for Police Officers, Firefighters, and Teachers to Become Law",2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King is applauding the long-sought Senate passage of a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will repair social security benefits for more than 2 million Americans who have devoted their careers to public service. The Social Security Fairness Act will eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), added to the Social Security Act in 1983, which unfairly reduce or eliminate earned Social Security benefits for more than 2.5 million Americans including police officers, firefighters, teachers, and federal, state, and local government employees. The bill, cosponsored by Senator King, passed the Senate in a 76-20 vote and previously passed the House last month in a 327-75 vote. Currently, the WEP cuts into the earned Social Security benefits of an individual who also receives a public pension. For example, public school educators who do not earn Social Security, but who work part-time, or during the summer, in jobs covered by Social Security have reduced benefits, effectively penalizing them for their public sector work. Likewise, the GPO affects the spousal benefits of people who work as federal, state, or local government employees — including police officers, firefighters, and teachers — if the job is not covered by Social Security. The GPO reduces by two-thirds the benefit received by surviving spouses who also collect a government pension — often offsetting benefits entirely. “Across Maine, firefighters, police officers, teachers and other public servants put the well-being of our communities first; it’s past time they receive the benefits they so rightly have earned,” said Senator King. “Today was an important step towards correcting this injustice– demonstrating how lawmakers can put people over politics to achieve real results. Thanks to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting our public servants and voting for the Social Security Fairness Act. I look forward to keeping the momentum going so we can finally save social security for all Americans.” According to a new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, the WEP currently impacts more than 2.1 million Social Security beneficiaries, and the GPO impacts nearly 750,000 retirees. More than 300,000 American retirees are impacted by both the WEP and the GPO, including more than 21,000 people in Maine. Senator King has long championed reforms to social security to keep the federal government’s promise to all working Americans. Most recently, he was part of a working group with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy to preserve and protect social security for generations to come as the program is set to go insolvent by 2033 without congressional action — resulting in across-the-board cuts to benefits for all recipients. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-to-keep-government-open-with-continuing-resolution,Golden votes to keep government open with Continuing Resolution,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) tonight voted for a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government open until March 14, provide disaster relief funding and extend the must-pass Farm Bill for one year. The deal, approved by the House in a 366-34 vote, excludes provisions Golden opposed in earlier iterations, such as a raise and more generous health care benefits for members of Congress, and a two-year suspension of the debt limit that would have amounted to a blank check for the next Congress to blow up the federal deficit. “This CR strikes the balance that we should have been aiming for all along,” Golden said. “No self-dealing for members of Congress while Americans struggle to pay their bills. No preemptive permission for irresponsible deficit spending next year. Instead, we’re simply ensuring we avoid a disruptive and costly government shutdown, supporting those who have experienced natural disasters — including at home in Maine — and extending the Farm Bill to provide stability for American farmers.” Among other important provisions, the package contains $325 million in disaster relief for Maine, including $79 million in funding to rebuild and restore infrastructure in Acadia National Park that was damaged during extreme weather last winter, $15 million for agricultural disaster relief and economic assistance, and $10.5 million to reimburse Maine for emergency repairs to roads and bridges. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-preserving-american-dominance-in-ai-act,"King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan “Preserving American Dominance in AI Act”",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, along with Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have introduced first-of-its-kind legislation that establishes federal oversight of artificial intelligence to safeguard U.S. national security interests against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cyber threats posed by future developments in advanced AI models. The bipartisan Preserving American Dominance in AI Act, crafted, based on the group’s previously-released framework, would establish the Artificial Intelligence Safety Review Office within the Department of Commerce. The Office would work with industry to defend frontier models against misuse by foreign adversaries looking to exploit the technology for nefarious purposes. The Office’s mission would be to prioritize the national security implications of AI while ensuring the U.S. domestic AI industry remains dominant over our foreign adversaries. This legislation is limited to frontier models — the most advanced AI models that are still yet to be developed. “In the ever-evolving global threat landscape, the United States has to stay one step ahead of new technologies to protect both our national security and interests at home and abroad — and that means moving carefully, warily, and thoughtfully into an Artificial Intelligence future,” said Senator King. “This bipartisan Preserving American Dominance in AI Act provides critical guidelines for federal oversight of AI technology so that it cannot be misused by bad actors looking to cause harm. We must ask important questions now to wisely navigate our next steps and decisions. Thanks to my colleagues for working together on a solution that promotes American development while safeguarding the public against biological, chemical, cyber, and nuclear threats.” Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to dramatically improve and transform society, but also presents a spectrum of risks that could be harmful to the American public, some of which could have catastrophic effects. Extremely powerful frontier AI could be misused by foreign adversaries, terrorists, and less sophisticated bad actors to cause widespread harm and threaten U.S. national security. Experts from across the U.S. government, industry, and academia believe that advanced AI could one day enable or assist in the development of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cyber weapons. The Preserving American Dominance in Al Act would establish the Artificial Intelligence Safety Review Office, housed within the Department of Commerce. The Office would be responsible for working with frontier Al companies, large datacenters, and infrastructure-as-a-service providers (IaaS) to: (a) prevent exploitation of these industries by adversaries; and (b) ensure pre-deployment evaluations similar to CFIUS for the most advanced frontier Al models that pose chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cyber risks. More specifically, the bill would: Establish the Artificial Intelligence Safety Review Office, led by a Senate-confirmed Under Secretary of Commerce for Artificial Intelligence Safety. Direct the Office to: Develop a take-home test for frontier Al model developers to evaluate their models for extreme risks prior to deployment; Collaborate with the Al Safety Institute to provide industry with best practices and technical assistance; and Study future Al-related risks and report findings to Congress. Require the most advanced data centers that train the most advanced Al models to report the owner and location of the facility to the Office. Protect industry from foreign adversarial actors by tasking laaS providers to implement know-your-customer standards for transactions with foreign persons. Safeguard frontier Al models from cyber breaches and intellectual property theft by requiring developers to implement cybersecurity standards. Help frontier Al model developers identify red-teaming best practices to test for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or cyber risks. Provide the Under Secretary a 90-day window to review a frontier Al model's safeguards against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cyber risks. Ensure a presumption of approval to prevent unnecessary roadblocks to deployment. Establish penalties for developers that fail to comply with the Act. As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyber defense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyber strategy that emphasizes layered cyber deterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director. Senator King is also a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, including chair of the subcommittee on Strategic Forces. He has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries and has expressed concern about Russia and China’s emerging “nightmare weapon” hypersonic missiles. Full text of the Preserving American Dominance in Al Act can be found here and a one-pager can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-no-on-continuing-resolution-citing-gop-s-brazen-move-to-abdicate-responsibility-for-national-debt,"Golden votes ‘no’ on Continuing Resolution, citing GOP’s brazen move to abdicate responsibility for national debt",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) tonight voted against a GOP plan to extend government funding for three months while suspending the debt limit for two years. “Given that the last time Republicans had control over Congress and the White House, the deficit grew by leaps and bounds each year, I cannot in good conscience vote to give the incoming trifecta a blank check to blow up the national debt,” Golden said. “This Congress must pass either a clean CR to avoid a government shutdown, or pair any suspension of the debt limit with provisions to ensure we take steps to reduce the budget deficit in the new Congress. I voted no with hopes negotiators will go back to the drawing board while we still have time to get this right.” The current debt-to-GDP ratio is about 98 percent and projected to reach an unsustainable 122 percent within a decade. Congressman Golden has supported increases to the debt limit in the past to address an imminent default crisis, paired with provisions designed to address deficits and prevent future growth in the national debt. The bill put on the floor by the House GOP tonight neither addressed an immediate crisis nor did anything to reduce the debt in the long term. “The incoming Republican trifecta will have to address many challenges, from securing our Southern border to preventing tax increases on working families. These priorities will cost money, and their effort to suspend the debt limit for two years is a brazen attempt to avoid any responsibility for ensuring those needs are paid for,” Golden said. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-secures-congressional-approval-for-cherryfield-fishway,Maine Delegation Secures Congressional Approval for Cherryfield Fishway,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Representative Jared Golden, secured final congressional approval for the replacement and restoration of the Cherryfield Fishway. Passed as a provision of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act, the fishway will allow anadromous fish such as herring, alewives, and the endangered Atlantic salmon to migrate upstream. Previously, the Cherryfield dam which was built in 1961 to address flooding caused by ice jams in the Narraguagus River, blocked passage of the fishway. The removal of the dam will support the Town of Cherryfield in its efforts to conserve local habitats and recreation. The bill passed the House 399-18 last week and the Senate 97-1 last night. It now awaits President Biden’s signature to become law. “Responsible stewardship of Maine’s woods and waters has protected generations of business and recreation,” Collins, King and Golden said. “Opening the Narraguagus back up to fish migration is a recommitment to that responsibility and will benefit both Maine’s ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.” Following a five-year study by the Army Corps of Engineers that concluded a natural fishway should replace the dam, Cherryfield voters approved the move in 2023. The Downeast Salmon Federation received a $9.1 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Fish Passage Grant Program to spearhead the project, and construction is estimated to begin in 2026. “The bipartisan effort to advance the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 is incredible news for the Narraguagus River and the communities connected to it,” Hadley Couraud, Aquatic Restoration Manager for The Nature Conservancy in Maine said. “This bill will support the Town of Cherryfield in its effort to remove this structure and significantly improve access to an astonishing 320 miles of river, creating tremendous opportunities for habitat conservation, restoration and fish passage, while retaining the ice control and alewife harvest important for the town. TNC and our local partners are ready to support the town in replacing the dam with a more resilient, fish-friendly structure that benefits everyone.” “This natural fishway has been decades in the making and will revitalize one of the most ecologically important rivers in the eastern United States,” Jacob van de Sande, Project Manager of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust said. “Getting this project over the finish line has truly been a team effort between the Town of Cherryfield; community partners like Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Downeast Salmon Federation, and the Nature Conservancy; and Maine’s Congressional Delegation. Now, it’s time to make it happen.” “The passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 will greatly support a 10 year effort led in partnership by the Town of Cherryfield, Downeast Salmon Federation, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Atlantic Salmon Federation, and the Nature Conservancy,” Ellie Mason, Habitat Restoration Program Manager of the Downeast Salmon Federation said. “The advancement of this bill is a testament to the dedication of all the project partners and the collaborative nature of restoration work in Downeast Maine. We’re looking forward to supporting the town in their ongoing efforts to replace the dam with a nature-like fishway that continues to allow for alewife harvest and ice control.” More information about the project can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-secures-congressional-approval-for-cherryfield-fishway,Maine Delegation Secures Congressional Approval for Cherryfield Fishway,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Representative Jared Golden, secured final congressional approval for the replacement and restoration of the Cherryfield Fishway. Passed as a provision of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act, the fishway will allow anadromous fish such as herring, alewives, and the endangered Atlantic salmon to migrate upstream. Previously, the Cherryfield dam which was built in 1961 to address flooding caused by ice jams in the Narraguagus River, blocked passage of the fishway. The removal of the dam will support the Town of Cherryfield in its efforts to conserve local habitats and recreation. The bill passed the House 399-18 last week and the Senate 97-1 last night. It now awaits President Biden’s signature to become law. “Responsible stewardship of Maine’s woods and waters has protected generations of business and recreation,” Collins, King and Golden said. “Opening the Narraguagus back up to fish migration is a recommitment to that responsibility and will benefit both Maine’s ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.” Following a five-year study by the Army Corps of Engineers that concluded a natural fishway should replace the dam, Cherryfield voters approved the move in 2023. The Downeast Salmon Federation received a $9.1 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Fish Passage Grant Program to spearhead the project, and construction is estimated to begin in 2026. “The bipartisan effort to advance the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 is incredible news for the Narraguagus River and the communities connected to it,” Hadley Couraud, Aquatic Restoration Manager for The Nature Conservancy in Maine said. “This bill will support the Town of Cherryfield in its effort to remove this structure and significantly improve access to an astonishing 320 miles of river, creating tremendous opportunities for habitat conservation, restoration and fish passage, while retaining the ice control and alewife harvest important for the town. TNC and our local partners are ready to support the town in replacing the dam with a more resilient, fish-friendly structure that benefits everyone.” “This natural fishway has been decades in the making and will revitalize one of the most ecologically important rivers in the eastern United States,” Jacob van de Sande, Project Manager of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust said. “Getting this project over the finish line has truly been a team effort between the Town of Cherryfield; community partners like Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Downeast Salmon Federation, and the Nature Conservancy; and Maine’s Congressional Delegation. Now, it’s time to make it happen.” “The passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 will greatly support a 10 year effort led in partnership by the Town of Cherryfield, Downeast Salmon Federation, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Atlantic Salmon Federation, and the Nature Conservancy,” Ellie Mason, Habitat Restoration Program Manager of the Downeast Salmon Federation said. “The advancement of this bill is a testament to the dedication of all the project partners and the collaborative nature of restoration work in Downeast Maine. We’re looking forward to supporting the town in their ongoing efforts to replace the dam with a nature-like fishway that continues to allow for alewife harvest and ice control.” More information about the project can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-bill-to-expand-access-to-katahdin-woods-and-waters-national-monument,Senate Passes King Bill to Expand Access to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, is applauding his Senate colleagues unanimously passing his legislation to authorize additional access to the Katahdin Woods and Waters (KWW) National Monument. Following meetings with local stakeholders, the refined text of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act authorizes additional access to KWW by giving the National Park Service (NPS) permission to acquire land from willing donors or sellers, either in fee or as an easement. Should NPS exercise its new acquisition authority, it can then use that land to better connect the Monument to the Millinocket region and major roadways. The additional access would only occur with willing landowners and the bill expressly forbids the use of eminent domain. This authorized acquisition is significantly reduced from the 42,000 acres proposed in earlier Congressional sessions, a change made at the request of stakeholders like the Trust for Public Land (TPL), which owns the majority of the potential addition. TPL is separately working to transfer the balance of the adjacent land to the Penobscot Nation, as a working forest. Additionally, since the last introduction the State of Maine has acquired the easement necessary for the ATV trail from Millinocket to Medway ensuring there will be no impact on that important east-west connection for ATVs and snowmobiles. View a map of the proposed parcels HERE. The bill also includes provisions to allow the NPS to acquire buildings for Monument administration and visitor services outside of park boundaries. The legislation also contains provisions that: Protect traditional hunting, fishing, collection of fiddleheads and other outdoor recreation activity on the acquired property. Protect existing access rights and right of ways for the forestry sector. Establish a public safety framework ensuring safe interactions between visitors and timber operations in the region. “Since its establishment, Katahdin Woods and Waters has helped thousands of people from around the world enjoy Maine’s unmatched beauty while bringing important economic opportunity to the Katahdin region,” said Senator King. “The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act will provide additional access, on portions of the Stacyville, Huber and Roberts roadway, so that more people can more easily experience this Maine treasure. The additional access roadways will also bring visitors closer to the heart of the Millinocket community and further expand the Katahdin region’s tourism economy. I’m grateful for the local leaders who helped develop this bill and am pleased that it has now passed the Senate. I hope the House of Representatives will see the benefits of this legislation, the work that was put into it, and pass it expeditiously.” ""On behalf of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the businesses, organizations, and concerned citizens of Millinocket, I am grateful to Senator King for championing S 4209 through the Senate. I am hopeful the House will vote likewise,” said Gail Fanjoy, Board of Directors at Friends of Katahdin Woods &Waters. The bill also received unanimous support from the City of Millinocket. As Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks and a lifelong advocate for conservation, Senator King has spent decades championing environmental stewardship and advocacy. Senator King was an active participant in discussions to ensure that the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument would not be designated against the will of local citizens. After it became clear that the monument had widespread public backing, supported Maine’s longstanding outdoor traditions, and yielded economic benefits to the region, King pushed against a 2017 Department of the Interior review that threatened to roll back the designation. Senator King previously introduced a version of the Katahdin Woods and Waters Access Act in a previous Congress. Senator King also led the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act to address the $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks. For his continued leadership, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation “Hero” Award. Full text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-a-no-vote-on-cr-over-congressional-self-dealing,Golden a ‘no’ vote on CR over Congressional self-dealing,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today announced he will vote against the Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through March, over inclusion of Congressional pay raises and more generous health care benefits for members. The CR, released by Republican leadership last night, omits language freezing Member of Congress cost of living adjustments (COLAs), triggering a pay raise. Members of Congress currently earn $174,000 annually — more than 90 percent of Americans. If enacted, this CR would allow for a 2025 adjustment of 3.8 percent, which would result in a Member salary increase of $6,600. It also includes a provision long sought by Republicans that would allow members to purchase health insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, rather than through the ACA exchanges as has been required for years. The move would have federal dollars fund a larger share of members’ health care premiums, reducing their out-of-pocket health care spending at taxpayers’ expense. Both provisions were inserted into the CR without debate or notice to members. “Congress should be working to raise Americans’ wages and lower their health care costs, not sneaking new member perks into must-pass legislation behind closed doors,” Golden said. “If members can’t get by on our already generous salaries and benefits, they should find another line of work. As long as these provisions are in the CR, I will vote against it.” Golden has long led the charge against congressional pay raises, including successfully blocking COLAs in prior spending bills. He most recently led a bipartisan coalition opposing member raises in June. Because of deflections in his own caucus, GOP Speaker Mike Johnson needs Democratic votes to pass the CR and avoid a shutdown. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/annual-defense-bill-with-king-backed-provisions-to-strengthen-national-security-protect-service-members-from-brain-injuries-passes-congress,"Annual Defense Bill with King-Backed Provisions to Strengthen National Security, Protect Service Members from Brain Injuries Passes Congress",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), lauded the bipartisan Congressional passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will strengthen America’s national security, help protect service members from brain injuries and boost the economies of Maine communities through shipbuilding and manufacturing with the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs. More specifically, the bill includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including support for service members’ health and transition to civilian status, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), an aggressive new military-wide approach to monitoring brain injuries, and stronger measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. The bill passed out of the Senate in a 85-14 vote and now heads to the President’s desk for signature. “For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training, equipment, and resources to carry out their missions. I’m proud that we could continue the tradition this year to pass an annual defense bill that will make our nation safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “As our global community faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in our military’s greatest asset – its people. The legislation supports good-paying jobs and manufacturing in Maine, particularly through its funding for shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. These funds will help the shipyards plan their futures, continue to build the highest-quality ships, and maintain the submarine fleet that our Navy needs to accomplish missions across the globe. “There are many more important provisions in this legislation – including a long-overdue brain injury monitoring program, fighting the opioid epidemic, and deterring Chinese and Russian aggression,” continued Senator King. “All told, this year’s NDAA will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the health and safety of the men and women who fight for our freedoms.” The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 includes King-backed provisions to: INVEST IN MAINE SHIPBUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS — The FY25 NDAA authorizes $700 million for an additional DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that Bath Iron Works will build. Ann additional $85 million is provided in the form of advanced procurement funds for the entire DDG-51 program. The legislation also includes a legislative fix to ensure employees of public shipyards have access to quality lodging for those providing long-term, essential work at our public shipyards. This legislation also supports critical Maine National Guard facilities and authorizes funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) modernization efforts – including the Dry Dock extension that will allow PNSY to increase its capacity to maintain the Navy’s submarine fleet. PREVENT TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBI) AND BLAST HEALTH — Included in this legislation are a majority of the components of the Blast Overpressure Safety Act that Senator King introduced with several colleagues to protect servicemembers from blast exposure and address TBI, which is considered the “signature wound” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill also includes funding for the Special Operations Brain Health and Trauma Program. ENHANCE MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION MEASURES. The bill includes a King-led provision that requires the Defense Department to update its annual suicide prevention report through 2031 and include information about the job specialty of suicide victims. Through the legislation, the Defense Department is exhorted to provide all data. This is important to help address the underlying climate and other potential root causes. In light of the Lewiston tragedy, the bill further requires the Government Accountability Office to review suicide prevention programs for the reserves including any necessary authorities needed for better coordination with local authorities. FUND MAINE INNOVATION AND SMALL BUSINESSES — This legislation addresses modernizing Pratt & Whitney’s important contribution in North Berwick to building F-35 engines, This legislation aids University of Maine-driven research and development in soil stabilization and infrastructure resiliency, textile developments, and digital manufacturing. It addresses Maine’s leadership in the production of tungsten alloys and the importance of Defense Industrial Alliances such as the Maine Defense Industrial Alliance. It further supports the highly technical and unique work of Maine’s composites industry including support for a re-entry vehicle pilot program and expeditionary shelters. Senator King continues to support the Arctic including the Arctic Watch Tower initiative and Arctic research at UMaine. COMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRAFFICKING — The FY25 NDAA includes multiple King-led provisions pertaining to Counter-Transnational Organized Crime and improvements in coordination between the Combatant Commands to address the flow of fentanyl and illicit drugs. PFAS AND THE ENVIRONMENT — The bill includes important provisions protecting the environment, authorizing a total of $343M for Navy environmental restoration, which would go towards cleanup across multiple former naval installations, including the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. SUPPORT AMERICA’S VETERANS, SERVICEMEMBERS AND FAMILIES — All service members will receive a 4.5% pay bump next year. Additionally, troops in the ranks of E-1 through E-4 will get an extra 10% on top of that, for a total of 14.5% for the military's most junior troops. The Committee remained focused on improving the Transition Assistance Program through this legislation and additional measures to improve participation and training. The legislation also includes multiple amendments addressing suicide prevention. DETER AGGRESSION FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARIES — The FY25 NDAA includes a requirement for the Secretary of Defense to submit yearly reports on the directed energy roadmap with cost data to deter aggression from our adversaries like Russia, Iran and China. ENHANCE PUBLIC-PRIVATE CYBERSECURITY READINESS — The bill addresses how small businesses and universities obtain and maintain cybersecurity protections, with direct input from the University of Maine and Maine small businesses. MAINE NATIONAL GUARD AND SERVICEMEMBER READINESS — At Senator King’s request, this legislation includes military construction funding for the Maine Guard at Bangor and Saco. This is essential for modernizing facilities. In addition, the Bill includes a provision that helps protect the Air National Guard, ensuring that as the Air Force modernizes the tanker fleet, it replaces older aircraft on a one-for-one basis. MODERNIZE CRITICAL NUCLEAR DETERRENCE — As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader working to modernize the nation’s nuclear arsenal and address the threats posed by new hypersonic weapons. The bill strengthens the nuclear triad and nuclear command and control including cyber protections and addressing concerns with Artificial Intelligence. The bill also includes important oversight of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and nuclear modernization programs to help address cost and defense industrial base concerns. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-nominates-9-young-mainers-for-us-service-academies,Golden Nominates 9 Young Mainers for U.S. Service Academies,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today announced his nominees to the United States Service Academies. Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet eligibility requirements set by federal law. Golden nominated nine young Mainers from across the state, all of whom were interviewed by a panel of veterans to learn more about their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extracurricular activities and commitment to serving their country. “As a veteran, it’s my honor to be in a position to nominate the next generation of military leaders,” Golden said. “This group of nominees are the best of what Maine has to offer, and I look forward to their future success.” Golden nominated the following students: Bangor High School: Jacob S. Biberstein, Orrington — U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis; U.S. Military Academy, West Point; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs; Fort Kent Community High School Quinn E. Michaud, Fort Kent — U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis; U.S. Military Academy, West Point; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs; Lily D. Oliver, St John Plt — U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs; Lake Braddock High School Nathan Raineault, Mount Vernon — U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis; Maranacook Community High School Ava M. Candage, Manchester — U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point; Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs; Monmouth Academy Nathan P. Lewis, Monmouth — U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis; U.S. Military Academy, West Point; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point. Mount View High School Riley Bryant, Knox — U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis; U.S. Military Academy, West Point; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point. Penquis Valley High School Joshua Stineford, LaGrange — U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis; U.S. Military Academy, West Point; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point. Presque Isle High School Lauren Dugal, Presque Isle — U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-regulators-took-good-first-step-in-allowing-small-harvest-of-maine-shrimp-this-winter,Golden: Regulators took ‘good first step’ in allowing small harvest of Maine shrimp this winter,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement regarding the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) recent decision to allow Maine fisherman to haul 58,400 pounds of shrimp this winter as part of a survey program to help determine the future of the fishery, which has been closed for 10 years: “The men and women who work on the water every day are the most committed stewards of our ocean resources, whose expertise should be respected — not ignored,” Golden said. “Today’s decision by ASMFC to launch an industry-based survey of the shrimp fishery in the Gulf of Maine, and to allocate stock to that survey, is great news for Maine’s working waterfronts. It puts the fishermen right where they should be — at the helm of data collection efforts that will shape their futures and their livelihoods.” Golden wrote a letter to the ASMFC in August (attached), in which he echoed concerns raised by Maine fishermen about federal data collection practices, and encouraged the agency to utilize industry-based data collection to inform future Fishery Management Plans. “I’m glad the ASMFC has listened to Maine fishermen and will follow their lead in surveying this key fishery,” Golden said. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-demands-answers-on-closure-of-bangor-tax-assistance-center,Maine Delegation Demands Answers on Closure of Bangor Tax Assistance Center,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representative Jared Golden today urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reverse its closure of the Bangor Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). In a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel, the Delegation shared the reality that the misguided decision — which went into effect yesterday — would leave Mainers with just two options to meet with the IRS in-person: Augusta or South Portland. “Some of Maine’s most disadvantaged counties rely on the Bangor TAC as their primary service center, and eliminating this staffed office would create significant hardship for hard-working rural Mainers,” Collins, King, and Golden wrote. “Many of these communities have limited Internet and broadband access, making in-person TAC services essential.” TACs provide in-person, personalized tax assistance, can accept tax payments, and even help taxpayers access specific forms and transcripts from previous years. In fiscal year 2023, TACs conducted 782,000 appointments across the country — a 22 percent increase from FY2022. With the former Presque Isle TAC already having been shuttered, taxpayers in northern and eastern Maine have had to travel to Bangor to receive in-person help with preparing taxes — a roundtrip of more than 400 miles for many. Bangor’s closure for the foreseeable future would see some Mainers’ trips increase nearly 150 miles for a nearly ten-hour drive to and from Augusta. Collins, King and Golden’s letter included several questions for Secretary Werfel, including how the IRS plans to provide sufficient services to Mainers with limited internet access, whether affected households will be eligible for an extension on filing their taxes this April, and the agency’s reopening plans for closed Maine centers. The lawmakers’ letter can be found here, and is included below in full: +++ December 17, 2024 The Honorable Daniel I. Werfel Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Commissioner Werfel: We write to express our concerns regarding the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) recent announcement that it will be closing the Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) in Bangor, Maine, for the foreseeable future. Given the significant adverse impacts this decision will have on our constituents, particularly those who reside in our state’s most rural counties in northern and eastern Maine, we urge you to reconsider closing the Bangor TAC and consider all potential alternatives short of closure. Closing the Bangor TAC would exacerbate the service problems rural Mainers are already experiencing, especially as the Presque Isle TAC remains closed. Some of Maine’s most disadvantaged counties currently rely on the Bangor TAC as their primary service center, and eliminating this staffed office would create significant hardship for hard-working rural Mainers. Many of these communities have limited Internet and broadband access, making in-person TAC services essential. Residents of Maine’s most rural county - Piscataquis County - regularly use Bangor as their major service center, and the easternmost county in the United States - Washington County - would see their already lengthy commute to a TAC nearly double. The same is true for Aroostook County, the second largest county east of the Mississippi River by total area, where some Mainers travel over 200 miles to receive assistance from the Bangor TAC. With the tax filing season opening in January, many Americans will have questions regarding their taxes. While we understand the workforce challenges currently facing the IRS, it is unrealistic and unacceptable to require our constituents to travel upwards of 550 miles to speak with an IRS tax professional dedicated to resolving their tax issues. Additionally, the Augusta TAC is only open between 8:30 AM–4:30 PM on weekdays, forcing Mainers to take significant time out of their workdays to receive tax assistance from the only remaining TAC in the area. For these reasons, we urge you to reconsider the closure of the TAC in Bangor. Additionally, our offices would appreciate the opportunity to work with you to find a long-term solution that would reopen a staffed TAC in Aroostook County. To get a better understanding of exactly how this closing will affect our constituents, please provide us answers to the following questions by January 15, 2025: How does the IRS plan to provide sufficient services to rural Mainers with limited or no broadband access? Is the IRS able to reallocate staff from other offices to assist affected Mainers during the upcoming tax filing season? If not, will these residents be eligible for an extension to file their taxes? What remote services are available to rural residents? Additionally, does the IRS measure the quality of remote services compared to in-person services at TACs? How many Mainers have utilized services at the following TACs since 2008: Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, Augusta, and South Portland? Has the IRS considered temporarily reducing the days of service for the Bangor office instead of closing the office temporarily? If the IRS decides to move forward with this temporary closure, what specific steps will be taken to address the workforce challenges and ensure that the Bangor office reopens following the end of the temporary closure on December 15, 2025? What plans, if any, does the IRS have to reopen the Presque Isle location for in-person services? We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision and reject the closure of the Bangor TAC. Thank you for considering our request, and we appreciate your attention to this important matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-demands-answers-on-closure-of-bangor-tax-assistance-center,Maine Delegation Demands Answers on Closure of Bangor Tax Assistance Center,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representative Jared Golden today urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reverse its closure of the Bangor Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). In a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel, the Delegation shared the reality that the misguided decision — which went into effect yesterday — would leave Mainers with just two options to meet with the IRS in-person: Augusta or South Portland. “Some of Maine’s most disadvantaged counties rely on the Bangor TAC as their primary service center, and eliminating this staffed office would create significant hardship for hard-working rural Mainers,” Collins, King, and Golden wrote. “Many of these communities have limited Internet and broadband access, making in-person TAC services essential.” TACs provide in-person, personalized tax assistance, can accept tax payments, and even help taxpayers access specific forms and transcripts from previous years. In fiscal year 2023, TACs conducted 782,000 appointments across the country — a 22 percent increase from FY2022. With the former Presque Isle TAC already having been shuttered, taxpayers in northern and eastern Maine have had to travel to Bangor to receive in-person help with preparing taxes — a roundtrip of more than 400 miles for many. Bangor’s closure for the foreseeable future would see some Mainers’ trips increase nearly 150 miles for a nearly ten-hour drive to and from Augusta. Collins, King and Golden’s letter included several questions for Secretary Werfel, including how the IRS plans to provide sufficient services to Mainers with limited internet access, whether affected households will be eligible for an extension on filing their taxes this April, and the agency’s reopening plans for closed Maine centers. The lawmakers’ letter can be found here, and is included below in full: +++ Dear Commissioner Werfel: We write to express our concerns regarding the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) recent announcement that it will be closing the Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) in Bangor, Maine, for the foreseeable future. Given the significant adverse impacts this decision will have on our constituents, particularly those who reside in our state’s most rural counties in northern and eastern Maine, we urge you to reconsider closing the Bangor TAC and consider all potential alternatives short of closure. Closing the Bangor TAC would exacerbate the service problems rural Mainers are already experiencing, especially as the Presque Isle TAC remains closed. Some of Maine’s most disadvantaged counties currently rely on the Bangor TAC as their primary service center, and eliminating this staffed office would create significant hardship for hard-working rural Mainers. Many of these communities have limited Internet and broadband access, making in-person TAC services essential. Residents of Maine’s most rural county - Piscataquis County - regularly use Bangor as their major service center, and the easternmost county in the United States - Washington County - would see their already lengthy commute to a TAC nearly double. The same is true for Aroostook County, the second largest county east of the Mississippi River by total area, where some Mainers travel over 200 miles to receive assistance from the Bangor TAC. With the tax filing season opening in January, many Americans will have questions regarding their taxes. While we understand the workforce challenges currently facing the IRS, it is unrealistic and unacceptable to require our constituents to travel upwards of 550 miles to speak with an IRS tax professional dedicated to resolving their tax issues. Additionally, the Augusta TAC is only open between 8:30 AM–4:30 PM on weekdays, forcing Mainers to take significant time out of their workdays to receive tax assistance from the only remaining TAC in the area. For these reasons, we urge you to reconsider the closure of the TAC in Bangor. Additionally, our offices would appreciate the opportunity to work with you to find a long-term solution that would reopen a staffed TAC in Aroostook County. To get a better understanding of exactly how this closing will affect our constituents, please provide us answers to the following questions by January 15, 2025: How does the IRS plan to provide sufficient services to rural Mainers with limited or no broadband access? Is the IRS able to reallocate staff from other offices to assist affected Mainers during the upcoming tax filing season? If not, will these residents be eligible for an extension to file their taxes? What remote services are available to rural residents? Additionally, does the IRS measure the quality of remote services compared to in-person services at TACs? How many Mainers have utilized services at the following TACs since 2008: Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, Augusta, and South Portland? Has the IRS considered temporarily reducing the days of service for the Bangor office instead of closing the office temporarily? If the IRS decides to move forward with this temporary closure, what specific steps will be taken to address the workforce challenges and ensure that the Bangor office reopens following the end of the temporary closure on December 15, 2025? What plans, if any, does the IRS have to reopen the Presque Isle location for in-person services? We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision and reject the closure of the Bangor TAC. Thank you for considering our request, and we appreciate your attention to this important matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-celebrate-frances-perkins-national-monument-designation,"Senators Collins, King Celebrate Frances Perkins National Monument Designation",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, the Chairman of the Senate National Parks subcommittee, are applauding the official designation of the Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle as a National Monument. The announcement was made today by President Biden, who signed a proclamation honoring the historic contributions of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a Presidential Cabinet and the country’s longest-serving Secretary of Labor. Perkins served for 12 years under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and briefly under President Harry Truman. Her confirmation to the Presidential Cabinet also made her the first woman to enter the presidential line of succession. She was instrumental in the development and passage of the Social Security Act, minimum wage laws, and working condition improvements. “The Frances Perkins Homestead National Monument ensures that the legacy of a truly remarkable Maine leader is preserved for generations to come,” Collins and King said. “A trailblazer in public service, Frances Perkins’ intelligence and abiding commitment to her work transformed the lives of millions of Americans. From shaping Social Security to championing labor protections, her work continues to govern workplaces today and has bettered American lives for decades. Surrounded by the natural beauty of 57 acres in Newcastle, her ancestral homestead will now serve as a monument to her impressive legacy of service to our country.” According to the Frances Perkins Center, the homestead, built in 1837, is a saltwater farm consisting of 57 acres of woods and fields along the Damariscotta River. The homestead served as a family summer home for Perkins in childhood, and she considered the property her true home. Perkins died in 1965 and is buried in Newcastle, near the site of her homestead. The core area of the homestead has been donated to the National Park Service ensuring its preservation and accessibility as a historic site. In August, Senator Collins sent a letter to the President expressing her support for the National Monument designation for the Frances Perkins Homestead. Earlier that month, Senator King joined the initial campaign launched by the Frances Perkins Center to urge the President to declare the homestead a National Monument. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-celebrate-passage-of-wreaths-across-america-day-resolution,"Senators Collins, King Celebrate Passage of Wreaths Across America Day Resolution",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 14, 2024 as “Wreaths Across America Day.” The annual event honors our nation’s fallen heroes with commemorative Maine-made balsam wreaths laid by millions of volunteers across the globe, including by a convoy that travels from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. “This annual Maine-led tradition unites volunteers to honor our heroes by laying wreaths at locations across the country,” said Senators Collins and King. “We are proud to recognize this important day and the dedication of those who help ensure the legacies of our servicemembers live on for generations to come.” Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,200 locations across the United States and abroad. In 2023, approximately 3 million wreaths were laid by more than 3 million volunteers. Each wreath is crafted in Maine. The general public can register to participate in Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. on December 14th here. The full text of the resolution can be read here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-ndaa-that-includes-golden-led-authorization-for-new-bath-built-destroyer,House passes NDAA that includes Golden-led authorization for new Bath-built destroyer,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today voted to pass the final version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Throughout negotiations, Golden used his position on the House Armed Services Committee to secure substantial investments in Maine’s production economy — including the construction of a new DDG-51 destroyer at Bath Iron Works. The legislation also includes a 14.5 percent pay raise for the most junior enlisted service members. The raise applies to pay grades E-1 to E-4, such as the ranks of private to corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, and is the first substantive increase to the bottom of the military’s pay scale since the 1980s. Today’s vote was on the conference report of the NDAA, which is produced by select House and Senate lawmakers to resolve differences between the two chambers’ proposals. “By passing this bipartisan NDAA, Congress reaffirmed its commitment to keeping America safe and our servicemembers taken care of,” Golden said. “Whether it’s the brave men and women who answer the call of duty or the workers who build the equipment they need, Mainers play a vital role in our national defense — and this bill gets all of them the resources to do their jobs well.” Golden ensured that through the NDAA, Bath Iron Works will continue to play a leading role in the production of naval warships. The bill includes an over $5.4 billion authorization for the construction of three DDG-51 destroyers next year — including one at BIW — and $150.5 million for shipyard research and development to lay the foundation for the next generation of Bath-built ships. The bill also includes over $83 million in advanced funding for the DDG program with an eye toward the construction of destroyers at BIW in 2026, and language to ensure the dredging of the Kennebec River necessary for BIW to get ships to the ocean. The NDAA directs millions in additional federal funds to Maine-based institutions and manufacturers. The University of Maine will receive $4 million to research more resilient soil for military construction and power projection. Lewiston-based Elmet Technologies, a 100 percent U.S.-owned and operated company, will receive $2.5 million to manufacture specialized alloys critical for munitions, reducing U.S. dependence of foreign-produced rounds. The 2025 NDAA also includes the following Golden-led priorities: Support for Maine-based wood products, through a directive to encourage the use of mass timber in military construction projects; A provision to protect positions in the Maine Air National Guard by prohibiting the reduction of KC-135 Aircraft until they can be replaced with next-generation aircraft. A provision to support Brewer-based Compotech, Inc., by encouraging the use of their artificial intelligence and machine learning technology for weapons testing to improve the safety and success of U.S. armed forces. $47.5 million for the U.S.-Israel Future of Warfare Fund and $30 million for U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation. Golden was the lead Democratic sponsor on the bill establishing the Fund, which supports the bilateral research and development of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, directed energy and automation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-study-impacts-of-lower-intensity-weapon-blasts-on-veteran-mental-health,King Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Study Impacts of Lower-Intensity Weapon Blasts on Veteran Mental Health,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, have introduced legislation to help the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) better understand the effect of repetitive low-level weapon blast injuries on veterans’ mental health. The bipartisan Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2024 would direct the VA and other research partners to comprehensively study the impact of these blasts and translate the findings into care and treatment plans. This legislation is designed to be a complement to Senator King’s Blast Overpressure Safety Act that would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to enact a range of measures to help mitigate and protect servicemembers from high-intensity blast overpressure. The legislation builds off the Precision Brain Health Initiative in the Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019. Today’s bill would require the VA to create a ten-year research plan to establish the effects of repetitive low-level blast injuries, where benchmarks must be reported to Congress, in order to develop further legislation for veterans who suffer with the effects of these repetitive blast exposures. “Brain injuries are a common, yet misunderstood and often undetectable, injury — and they can be traced to large blasts in small amounts or smaller blasts that add up over time, so we need to address them in all their forms,” said Senator King. “We have a duty to expand our understanding of the impact these blasts have on mental health, and to protect the long-term health and well-being of our military community. Here in Maine we know all too well the horrible tragedies that can occur when brain injuries are left untreated. This commonsense bill builds off of previous efforts to ensure we deliver on our promise to provide our servicemembers, veterans and their families the very best care and support.” “Recent studies have tied low-level blasts, which servicemembers are exposed to during training and in combat, to high rates of brain and mental health conditions, as well as suicides,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation will help us start to better understand why and how blast exposures are impacting servicemembers and veterans and make certain VA is able to quickly incorporate these findings into clinical care for our veterans to receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan. This legislation will help make certain veterans have the evidence-based health care and benefits they deserve, and I look forward to its passage.” The full text of the bill can be found here. Following the Lewiston shooting, Senator King has been working with his colleagues to increase mental health funding and address brain injuries. This summer he wrote a letter to the Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Lloyd Austin urging the Department to expedite protection of servicemembers from weapon blasts and TBIs. Prior to that letter he urged leaders of the Appropriations Committee to support the strongest possible funding for the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research program within the DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDRMP). Representing a state with one of the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, the John Scott Hannon Act and the introduction of the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act. Last year, King introduced bipartisan legislation to support veterans with mental traumas, as well as celebrated President Biden signing his legislation into law, which increases benefits for veterans and military families. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-commemorates-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day-on-world-war-ii-veterans-101st-birthday,King Commemorates Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day On World War II Veteran’s 101st Birthday,2024-12-07,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices.” In the 16th interview of the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with U.S. Navy veteran Bob Miller of Millinocket, who turned 101 on December 7th. Miller served in the Navy during World War II as a naval aviation mechanic and shipman, operating in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. During the interview, King asked about Miller’s experiences onboard naval ships during the war, as well as his efforts to preserve and share his story as a veteran in Maine. “Bob Miller’s life and service embody the sacrifice and resilience that define the Greatest Generation,” said Senator King. “Bob’s journey through the ranks — from young seaman to seasoned mechanic to flight deck director — tells the story of an individual who not only answered the call to serve, but did so with extraordinary courage and skill. His story embodies the countless sacrifices made during World War II, and it was a privilege to hear him recount his experiences — and reliving the historical significance of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, which is also his birthday. Happy 101st, Bob, and thank you for your incredible service to our nation.” Bob Miller was born in Long Island, New York, to Russian immigrant parents. At 13, he joined the Jr. Naval Reserve, and at 17, with his father’s approval, he enlisted in the Navy. Following boot camp in Rhode Island, Miller served onboard the USS Constellation and later attended machinist school in Illinois. Over the course of his career, Miller went on to serve aboard several ships, including the USS Wyoming and the USS Raven, where he encountered German U-boats for the first time. On his 18th birthday, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor marked the United States’ entry into World War II. Miller was reassigned for aviation mechanic training, and went on to serve onboard the USS Ranger, USS Charger, and USS Suwannee. He participated in major campaigns, including Operation Torch, the Allied Invasion of French West Africa. Later, he served in the Pacific onboard the USS Chenango, where he gained a reputation as a highly-sought after aviation mechanic. He also took on additional responsibilities as a flight deck director and briefly transferred to the Army to assist with their aviation mechanic needs. Miller’s wartime service continued onboard the USS Tulagi, participating in Operation Dragoon, the 1944 invasion of Southern France. The ship was later redeployed to the Pacific, where it took part in the liberation of the Philippines and the battle for Iwo Jima. During this mission, Miller and his fellow seamen endured kamikaze attacks by Japanese forces. Although the ship sustained minimal damage, both it and the crew were ordered back to the United States. After the war, Miller served on the USS Chloris, specializing in aircraft engine repairs. Miller’s final assignment was with the Hurricane Hunters squadron, and he was honorably discharged in January 1947. In civilian life, Miller held various jobs, including positions at Republic Aviation and Herman’s World of Sporting Goods. He married his wife Irene, whom he met on a blind date, and together they raised their family in New York before retiring in Florida. After Irene’s passing in 2004, Miller’s son Steven took his father on a cross-country trip to visit national parks and family. In 2019, Miller moved to Maine to live with Steven in Millinocket. Miller became an active member of the Millinocket American Legion. Miller’s daughter attended the University of Maine, and Steven was briefly stationed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard when he followed his father’s footsteps and joined the Navy. His children helped him compile his World War II experiences into an 85-page memoir, based on the diaries he kept during the war. The digitized memoir will be preserved as part of the Veterans History Project collection. The Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. Senator King joins many other members of Congress who’ve participated in the project. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s service members and veterans. Senator King uses this interview series to learn and share the stories of the lives, service, and sacrifices of Maine’s veteran community. As one of the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, Senator King has repeatedly pressed top Department of Defense officials for action on this issue. This summer, Senator King introduced the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, aimed at reducing suicides among veterans by providing firearm lockboxes and bolstering mental health training for VA caregivers. A committed advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King also held a field hearing focused on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he led a bipartisan letter calling for more support for victims of military sexual trauma, as well as a letter urging greater investment in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. You can watch previous episodes of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices” here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-announces-maine-students-eligibility-for-cyber-service-academy-scholarships,King Announces Maine Students’ Eligibility for Cyber Service Academy Scholarships,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), today announced students at Southern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Augusta and the University of Southern Maine are eligible to apply to the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Service Academy (CSA). The CSA provides scholarships for students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity and related fields in exchange for service with the DoD or Intelligence Community cybersecurity roles upon graduation. More specifically, scholarship recipients will receive full tuition; stipends for books, a computer and housing; Department of Defense (DoD) internship opportunities, and guaranteed post-graduation employment. To be eligible, students must be enrolled at a university or college designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). Southern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Augusta and the University of Southern Maine all meet this qualification. “With cyber threats growing more sophisticated every day, we must strengthen our defenses and build out America’s cybersecurity workforce,” said Senator King. “The Cyber Service Academy offers Maine students an incredible opportunity to advance their education while simultaneously preparing them for careers where they would help protect our nation and infrastructure against cyberattacks and breaches. I am confident that Maine students have the talent and determination to be leaders in this space — keeping both our state and nation safe.” The Cyber Service Academy (CSA) is both a scholarship program for the Department of Defense (DoD) and a capacity-building tool for the nation. The program is a result of commitment from the DoD and Congress to support higher education as a means to prepare the DoD workforce to deal with threats against the Department’s critical information system and networks. To be eligible applicants must: Be 18 years of age or older; Be a citizen of the United States; Be enrolled in or applying to universities designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity and pursuing a course of study in one of the scientific, technical or managerial disciplines related to cyber; Have completed either the first year of an associate’s degree program, the first two years of an undergraduate degree program, or a bachelor’s or master’s degree program; Pass a federal background check. Full eligibility requirements and application details can be found HERE. As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyberdefense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyberstrategy that emphasizes layered cyberdeterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director. Together with Solarium Co-Chair former Representative Mike Gallagher, King previously urged the Biden Administration to better protect the public health sector from cyber threats and called for stronger, collaborative efforts to address the growing threat. Earlier this year, Senator King introduced the bipartisan Strengthening Cybersecurity in Health Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) perform consistent evaluations of its cybersecurity systems, and provide biannual reports on its current practices and progress on future safety procedures it is working to implement. He also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand the cybersecurity workforce by training veterans for in-demand jobs. Most recently, he joined his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act to help address challenges associated with the current patchwork of inconsistent cybersecurity policies between agencies. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-backed-bill-to-protect-mainers-social-security-benefits-passes-house,Golden-backed bill to protect Mainers’ Social Security benefits passes House,2024-11-12,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today voted to pass H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act. The bill would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduce Social Security benefits for millions of public employees such as teachers and first responders. Golden helped force today’s vote by signing a bipartisan discharge petition in September — a procedure that allows a majority of lawmakers to secure a floor vote on legislation that has stalled in committee. While there have been hundreds of discharge petitions throughout U.S. history, few have ever successfully been used to pass legislation out of the House. “When someone spends their life serving the public, they should keep every penny they earned for retirement,” Golden said. “These Social Security cuts were wrong from the start and I’m glad we finally forced the House to vote on it.” After passing the House today 327-75, the Social Security Fairness Act now heads to the Senate, where it will require 60 votes to pass. The Senate’s version of the bill currently has 62 cosponsors. The WEP and GPO were enacted in 1983 to reduce Social Security pensions for public employees who already receive other retirement benefits. The WEP reduces payments by up to half for those receiving both Social Security and outside pensions that were excluded from payroll taxes. The GPO reduces payments by up to two-thirds for beneficiaries that receive both a government pension and spousal or survivor benefits from Social Security. As of 2023, more than 21,000 Mainers were affected by the WEP. Golden has worked to repeal the WEP and GPO since arriving in Congress, cosponsoring legislation to do so during each of his terms. He was one of 330 cosponsors of the Social Security Fairness Act this session. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-honoring-veterans-across-maine-and-the-nation,King Statement Honoring Veterans Across Maine and the Nation,2024-11-11,2024,2024-11,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day: “In 1919, one year after the conclusion of World War I, President Wilson proclaimed the first observance of Armistice Day on November 11, a day for our nation to remember and honor the over 9 million — including 116,000 American — lives lost during that bloody four-year conflict. Nearly a decade after the end of World War II, in 1954, President Eisenhower expanded that celebration to honor all who have served; that day is now known as Veterans Day. To those who returned home safely, those who are still missing in combat and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation — you represent the very best of America and your service is an inspiration and roadmap for generations of Americans to come. “Veterans Day resonates throughout communities across Maine where so many have answered the call to serve our country. With one of the highest rates of veterans per capita across the 50 states, Maine truly lives up to its motto Dirigo, or ‘I lead.” Out of uniform these men and women are business owners, public servants and volunteers, and are part of the tightly knit fabric that helps to form every town and city in our state. To be home to so many selfless men and women instills great pride, but with that comes a great responsibility. While we pause to recognize our veterans today, the work to ensure their service is honored should never stop. “I recognize too many veterans continue to face obstacles and hardships in homelessness, unemployment, poverty, and lack of medical and mental health care. The Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors is one that I take as my duty to fulfill as well — and I have been able to better keep this promise as a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. We owe it to our veterans to put partisanship aside and deliver the support they have earned and deserve. From passing the PACT Act to working to prevent veteran suicide to addressing unseen wounds like those of traumatic head injuries, we have made many strides but there is still much work to be done and I look forward to continuing that work alongside my colleagues. “It is one of the greatest honors and privileges of my public life to honor the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians and Sentinels in Maine and across our great country that served. Today, we join hands with one another to unite with the common purpose of serving these men and women just as they and their families have served us. On behalf of an extremely grateful nation, thank you for your service, and commitment to defending our freedoms and democracy.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-colleagues-urge-the-release-of-untapped-liheap-funding,"Golden, colleagues urge the release of untapped LIHEAP funding",2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) yesterday joined a bipartisan group of House members requesting that U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra release the maximum dispersal of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding made available from the recent government funding package. Golden joined 15 House colleagues in sending a letter to the secretary today, as agencies in Maine are ringing alarm bells about a lack of adequate LIHEAP funds “To prevent a lapse in eligible families’ ability to afford their home energy bills this fall, we urge you to immediately release the highest possible amount of LIHEAP funding made available by the Continuing Resolution,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is vital to ensure our seniors and low-income families are provided sufficient resources as temperatures cool in the months ahead.” Congress passed a temporary spending deal in September to delay a possible government shutdown through December 20. While this agreement included LIHEAP funding at the annualized rate of over $4 billion, none of that money has been dispersed for LIHEAP recipients to date. “As temperatures dip below freezing at night, our agency is inundated with calls from area residents in fuel emergencies. In Aroostook County alone, the number of households qualifying for the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program has increased by 60 percent in five years,”Jason Parent, executive director and CEO of the Aroostook County Action Program said.“At the same time the average household benefit has decreased by nearly $200. This program is a critical lifeline for so many of our vulnerable seniors and families with children in Maine.” “Unfortunately, the demand for this program is more than we can fund. That means more people will have a benefit, but it is going to be a smaller benefit. With higher heating costs, higher grocery and gas costs, that means real people have less money to live,” Megan Hannan, executive director of the Maine Community Action Partnership said. “Our goal is to serve as many households as possible, and to make the benefits worth the work to receive it. We hope Congress understands that people are at risk without enough money to keep their homes warm.” Nationwide, an estimated 5 million households receive assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP, including over 45,000 Maine households. LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. More information on the LIHEAP application process can be found here. Golden has successfully led several efforts to increase Mainers’ access to LIHEAP, including last Congress when he and Senator Collins secured a total of $6.1 billion for the program in FY 2023. Last September, he and the rest of Maine’s Congressional Delegation secured an additional $38 million for Mainers in FY 2024, including $1.4 million for Maine’s tribes. Full text of Golden’s letter can be found here, and is included below in full: +++ October 30, 2024 The Honorable Xavier Becerra Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 330 C Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20416 Dear Secretary Becerra: We write to urge the immediate release of the highest possible amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the September 2024 Continuing Resolution (PL 118-83). As you well know, LIHEAP helps households unable to afford to heat their homes in the winter and cool their homes in the summer, providing assistance to at-risk seniors and families. In Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), more than five million households across the country relied on critical heating assistance from the LIHEAP program. For LIHEAP recipients, this funding is a lifeline, helping prevent them from having to make an impossible choice between staying warm and putting food on the table or affording their medications. With the winter months rapidly approaching, releasing the highest amount of funding from the recent government funding package is critically needed to address the growing number of households unable to pay their energy bills. Continued escalation in the Middle East and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine have increased uncertainty in the energy market and raised concerns about potential spikes in energy prices. These shifts disproportionately harm those who already struggle to heat their homes and underscore the need for robust funding for LIHEAP. Historically, LIHEAP has been an underfunded and oversubscribed program. This remained true in FY23, with only around 15 percent of qualifying households nationwide receiving heating assistance through the program. To prevent a lapse in eligible families’ ability to afford their home energy bills this fall, we urge you to immediately release the highest possible amount of LIHEAP funding made available by the Continuing Resolution. It is vital to ensure our seniors and low-income families are provided sufficient resources as temperatures cool in the months ahead. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to working with you further on this crucial program. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-questions-regulators-over-proposed-reduction-to-herring-quota,Golden questions regulators over proposed reduction to herring quota,2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) questioning the methodology regulators used as the basis for a nearly 90 percent reduction to the Atlantic herring fishery quota for the next three years. The fishery supplies the primary bait used in the lobster fishery. “Once again, Maine fishermen find themselves on the verge of economic ruin due to federal regulations based on incomplete and inadequate data. In my conversations with fishermen, it has always been clear that their top concerns are the sustainability of the stock and the ability for it to be harvested by future generations,” Golden wrote. “That is why these decisions must always be based on scientifically sound, comprehensive data that incorporates the invaluable input of those most impacted — the harvesters themselves.” A July assessment by NOAA claims that the population of herring capable of reproducing is at 26 percent of the agency’s target. This sparked a proposal from NEFMC to reduce the species’ annual catch limit by 89 percent from 2025-2027 — the lowest level in the history of the Council’s Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. However, Maine fishermen have expressed concern that the research vessel used to measure the herring stock is unable to operate in the areas fishermen actually target the species, instead trawling at depths fishermen avoid due to the low concentration of herring. According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, Atlantic herring landings in Maine during 2019 totaled an estimated 13 million pounds and $5.8 million in ex-vessel value. “NEFSA is thankful that Congressman Golden is drawing criticism to the massive, 90 percent cut to the herring quota for the next two years. Very little attention has been given to this action which will eliminate more commercial fishermen from their livelihoods,” commercial fishermen Jerry Leeman and Dustin Delano, CEO and COO of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, respectively, said. “We thank Congressman Golden for his efforts and hope the council will reconsider its egregious decision to further decimate the commercial fishing fleet.” “We're grateful to Rep. Golden for speaking out against this misinformed change to the herring quota. Moving forward with a near total cut would be absolutely devastating for fishermen, the lobster industry, and the coastal communities that depend on them,” Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and director of the Maine Lobstering Union said. “It's more proof that he is not afraid to work across party lines to support fishermen and that matters to me.” Golden’s letter pressed the agencies on whether they also include industry-based surveys like those considered by Canadian regulators, how spawning data is collected if both regulators and fishermen avoid operating in herrings’ spawning waters, and why there was not an economic impact study conducted during the process. “My main concern with this seemingly unreasonable quota reduction is that these fishermen will be forced to switch over to a less desirable species of fish. Next season, when everyone has to substitute herring with something else, the increased demand in these alternative baits will make the already rising cost of doing business hard for these fishermen hard to justify fishing in the spring, early summer, and late fall…” Alex Poke, general manager at the Winter Harbor co-op said. “...I expect there to be more frequent and longer periods where I can't find any bait for the lobster fishermen here at the co-op.” “Thank you to Rep. Golden for highlighting these ill-informed quota reductions. These reductions will have crushing economic impacts on my family and our community,” Branden Loveyjoy, a herring fisherman and bait dealer from Columbia said. “I, too, am concerned about the sustainability of the fishery and the next generation, but these reductions go too far without the data to inform them.” Full text of Golden’s letter can be found here, and is included below in full: +++ October 30, 2024 Michael Pentony Regional Administrator Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office NOAA Fisheries 55 Great Republic Drive Gloucester, MA 01930 Jon Hare, PhD Science and Research Director Northeast Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Cate O’Keefe, PhD Executive Director New England Fishery Management Council 50 Water Street, Mill 2 Newburyport, MA 01950 Dear Administrator Pentony, Dr. Hare, and Dr. O’Keefe: I am writing to seek additional information regarding the action the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) recently took to reduce the Atlantic herring fishery quota by nearly 90 percent for fishing year 2025-2027. Based on conversations I have had with Maine fishermen, I am concerned that this decision by the NEFMC was predicated on inaccurate and incomplete surveys and estimates of spawning stock biomass data that also fails to account for the potential economic impacts on fishing communities. As you know, the Atlantic herring fishery is an essential part of Maine’s marine economy and is the most important pelagic fishery resource in the state. According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, in 2019 Atlantic herring landings in Maine were around 13 million pounds, valued at an estimated $5.8 million ex-vessel. This fishery also supplies the primary bait used in our lobster fishery, one of the most valuable in the nation at $464 million. Together, these fisheries employ thousands of Mainers through dealers and seafood processors, vessel and trap manufacturers, restaurants, and other coastal businesses.. That is why I was alarmed when the NEFMC passed new specifications for the Atlantic herring fishery that will result in the lowest catch limits in the history of the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. This is despite the fact that for some time, I have heard from fishermen who have expressed their concerns about the Henry B. Bigelow (Bigelow), the sole survey vessel used by the federal government to determine the abundance and health of the inshore Atlantic herring stock. While the Bigelow may be a capable vessel – when operational – for conducting trawling operations in depths of 600 feet or greater, due to potential gear conflicts and bottom conditions closer to the coast, it is unable to tow in the areas that Maine’s herring fishermen utilize most. This is particularly true in the interior of area 1A, which is between one and 20 nautical miles from shore. It is here where fishermen are telling me that they are observing herring in volumes they have not seen in recent years, while the Bigelow trawls areas in which they would never consider fishing. Moreover, due to major mechanical issues in the Spring of 2023, the vessel was prevented from conducting tows for the three-year stock assessments for any of the fisheries it samples – including Atlantic herring. The discrepancy between the experience of harvesters and the practical limitations of the Bigelow raises legitimate questions as to whether or not federal regulators are capturing accurate and complete data of the herring stock that is then being used to inform fishing quotas. In order to better understand the methodology behind the NEFMC’s decision-making for setting a 90 percent quota reduction for Atlantic herring, I would appreciate your answers to the following questions: The Canadian herring fishery utilizes industry boats and fishermen who know how to operate the vessels and the gear required to target a particular fish species effectively. Has the NEFMC considered industry-based surveys that utilize the observations of experienced herring fishermen when making quota decisions or to validate assessments conducted by the Bigelow? 2. Fishermen intentionally avoid spawning areas; if they catch spawned herring, they risk being shut down by federal regulators. If the Bigelow is not operating during these spawning seasons or in these areas, and fishermen are prohibited from catching spawned fish, how is this data collected? 3. Based on the Atlantic herring quotas in the motion the NEFMC voted to approve for 2025-2027, we are certain to see crippling economic conditions for those fishermen and other fisheries that are dependent on herring. Why was no shore-side economic impact study conducted to understand the socioeconomic harm these proposed reductions would cause? Once again, Maine fishermen find themselves on the verge of economic ruin due to federal regulations based on incomplete and inadequate data. In my conversations with fishermen, it has always been clear that their top concerns are the sustainability of the stock and the ability for it to be harvested by future generations. That is why these decisions must always be based on scientifically sound, comprehensive data that incorporates the invaluable input of those most impacted – the harvesters themselves. I will continue to monitor this situation closely and appreciate your attention to this important matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-statement-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-lewiston-shooting,Maine Delegation Statement on the One Year Anniversary of Lewiston Shooting,2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today released the following statement on the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting that took place on October 25, taking the lives of 18 innocent people: “One year ago, the unthinkable happened in Lewiston when a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and restaurant — shaking the community and Maine to its core,” said the Delegation. “For days, families sheltered in their homes as law enforcement worked to track down the shooter. We are thankful for the diligence and bravery that put an end to this nightmare and allowed our state to begin working through the agony and devastation. But the seats at the kitchen table remain empty, with 18 Mainers absent from the lives of their friends and families. Others injured on that horrific day are still recovering from their wounds. As we continue to process the pain, we renew our commitment to helping one another, to remembering the victims and the lives forever changed that day, and to healing.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-statement-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-lewiston-shooting,Maine Delegation Statement on the One Year Anniversary of Lewiston Shooting,2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today released the following statement on the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting that took place on October 25th, taking the lives of 18 innocent people: “One year ago, the unthinkable happened in Lewiston when a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and restaurant — shaking the community and Maine to its core,” said the Delegation. “For days, families sheltered in their homes as law enforcement worked to track down the shooter. We are thankful for the diligence and bravery that put an end to this nightmare and allowed our state to begin working through the agony and devastation. But the seats at the kitchen table remain empty, with 18 Mainers absent from the lives of their friends and families. Others injured on that horrific day are still recovering from their wounds. As we continue to process the pain, we renew our commitment to helping one another, to remembering the victims and the lives forever changed that day, and to healing.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-seeking-maximum-h-2b-work-visas-to-support-small-businesses-in-2025,"King, Rounds Seeking Maximum H-2B Work Visas to Support Small Businesses in 2025",2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), alongside a bipartisan group of their colleagues, have written to the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. H-2B visas fill needs for American small businesses when there are not enough able and willing American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions; when the local workforce is insufficient, H-2Bs are seen as a necessary tool to support local economies. With Maine continuing to see a shortage of seasonal and temporary employees, these special visas provide a lifeline for the economy and ensure small businesses can meet the demand for their products and services. “Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that ‘counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers,’” wrote the senators. “The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers,” continued the senators. The letter was also signed by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Teas.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (I-W.V.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) Senators King and Rounds have consistently pushed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) to increase the availability of H-2B visas, and they have worked to ensure that the H-2B visa program is efficient and effective. In 2022, they successfully urged the agencies to release the maximum number of H-2B visas — marking the first time that the Departments issued a single rule making available H-2B supplemental visas for several allocations throughout the entire fiscal year. Furthermore, last summer, Senator King sent a letter sent to DOL Acting Secretary Julie Su requesting an explanation for the extreme delays affecting the processing of labor certifications for H-2B visa applications. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Secretaries Mayorkas and Su: We write on behalf of seasonal businesses in our states—including employers of housekeepers in tourist destinations, landscapers with defined seasons, seafood processors with short harvesting windows, and fairs and carnivals—who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations. In light of these labor shortages, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to utilize the authority provided by Congress in the FY2025 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025, as you did for Fiscal Year 2024. These visas will help employers handle their labor challenges, and provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months. We urge you to promptly publish a temporary rule implementing the release of these supplemental visas. Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that “counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.” The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers. Congress has acknowledged this seasonal labor shortage by providing DHS with the authority to lift the H-2B visa cap for each of the past eight fiscal years. Given the growing demand for H-2B workers as employers continue to struggle with staffing shortages, we encourage you to promptly promulgate a temporary final rule for FY 2025 along the same lines as the FY 2024 rule. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-successful-effort-to-delay-lobster-gauge-increase,Golden statement on successful effort to delay lobster gauge increase,2024-10-21,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement today after the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC) voted to delay for at least six months an increase to the minimum catchable size of lobster in the Gulf of Maine: “This new regulation was based on outdated data and would have benefitted Canadian lobstermen at Mainers’ expense,” Golden wrote. “I’ve worked hard with lobstermen to block it, and today’s decision to delay implementation is an important step forward. I’ll always stand with Maine lobstermen against unfair, unnecessary regulations that threaten their livelihoods and industry.” Lobstermen gauge the size of a lobster by measuring its carapace from eye socket to tail. Lobsters that are smaller than the minimum gauge size must be put back in the water so they can grow, protecting the lobster population for the future. The ASMFC claims lobster stock decline in Lobster Management Area 1 has surpassed 35 percent — the trigger point for an automatic increase in allowable catch size from 3 1/4 inches to 3 5/16 inches. However, Maine fishermen have questioned the data used to justify these changes, including concerns that ASMFC stock data is out of date. Since the proposal was introduced, Golden has written to the commission in April, August, and earlier this month. Golden’s most recent letter noted that moving forward with the gauge increase is estimated to cause the loss of more than 680 jobs and $59.6 million to Maine’s economy. Any such change in the Gulf of Maine would not apply to Canadian lobstermen. In July, Golden introduced a bipartisan amendment to the federal budget that would block any proposed gauge increase for one year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-bill-designates-october-20th-as-early-childhood-literacy-awareness-day,"Collins, King Bill Designates October 20th as Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day",2024-10-20,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) today are recognizing the lifelong impact childhood literacy programs have on the success of Maine children and their communities. In a bipartisan resolution unanimously agreed to by the Senate, October 20th, 2024, has been designated as National Early Childhood Literacy Day. Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.V.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) are also co-sponsors of the resolution. “Fostering literacy in early childhood is crucial for preparing students in Maine and across the country for a lifetime of reading and learning,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan resolution seeks to ensure that students from all social and economic backgrounds have access to programs that promote childhood literacy and language development.” “Fostering a love for reading at a young age helps open young minds to new worlds and ideas, and is also important for early childhood development,” said Senator King. “When we invest in literacy programs and reading skills at a young age, we are setting our children up for continued success both in and out of the classroom. Good readers are good thinkers, and I am committed to advocating for literacy awareness along with the resources that strengthen Maine communities. I am proud to once again co-lead on this resolution recognizing the importance, enjoyment and direct impact of childhood literacy.” “I am so grateful for the efforts of Senators Collins, King, Capito and Manchin for their resolution designating October 20, 2024, as National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day. Highlighting the importance of literacy from the very start of a child's life has great benefit, in particular for our most vulnerable populations,” said Cristina Salois, M.S.Ed., Chair of the Maine Head Start Directors Association. “The resolution applauds the daily work that communities, educators and families do each day to ensure that all children have opportunities to participate in literacy activities and to enjoy books. These efforts result in long-lasting positive impacts. Head Start has a long history of family partnership and community collaboration in efforts to build strong language and literacy foundations for our children. Thank you, Senators, for supporting the precious gift we can give to all children — a lifelong love of reading and books.” “On behalf of all the members of The LITEArary Society, I would like to thank Senator Manchin, as well as Senator Capito, Senator Collins and Senator King for introducing a resolution to designate October 20, 2024 as National Early Childhood Literacy Awareness Day. This bipartisan resolution will raise awareness about early childhood literacy issues at the national level and encourage greater support to help children achieve reading proficiency-one book at a time. I am incredibly grateful for the extraordinary support of the Senators again this year to make this very special day, a reality,” said Rania Zuri, Founder and CEO of The LiTEArary Society, Inc., an entirely youth-led 501 (c)(3 ) nonprofit organization with the mission of ending book deserts for disadvantaged preschool children. Senators Collins and King have been steadfast champions of childhood education and literacy programs for Maine children, and have previously co-sponsored this resolution. Read the full resolution here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-leads-68-lawmakers-pressing-biden-administration-on-threats-to-domestic-shipbuilding,Golden leads 68 lawmakers pressing Biden administration on threats to domestic shipbuilding,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today led a letter to President Joe Biden and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai urging swift action to counter China’s domination of maritime industries. His letter comes as the USTR’s office investigates unfair Chinese trade practices in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors after accepting a petition sent from a coalition of unions. Golden’s letter was co-led by Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04), and Mark Pocan (WI-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Val Hoyle (OR-04). It was signed by 68 representatives. “China’s cheating — and its resulting outsize maritime capacities in the face of our own shipbuilding crisis — has led to our nation’s military leadership sounding the alarm,” the lawmakers wrote. “According to U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, China operates 13 large shipyards, with a single yard representing more capacity than all American yards combined. Even more shockingly, the U.S. Navy estimates that China’s shipbuilding capacity is roughly 232 times greater than the United States.” “Our nation has recently turned the page on decades of inaction, working to rebuild our critical infrastructure and strengthen the supply chains critical to the safety and livelihood of the American people,” the lawmakers wrote. “However, a key component of that infrastructure – our shipbuilding, repair, maintenance, and logistics sectors – has languished in the face of overwhelming efforts by the Chinese government to dominate the global maritime industry. It is time to rectify that.” Specifically, the lawmakers highlighted a March proposal by labor unions to create a U.S. Commercial Shipbuilding Revitalization Fund. This program would support existing measures that incentivize domestic shipbuilding while investing in stronger supply chains and increased workforce development. “Our national security, and thousands of good IAM Union jobs, depends on standing up to predatory Chinese trade practices in the shipbuilding industry,” International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Eastern Territory General Vice President David T. Sullivan said. “As a native Mainer and IAM Local S6 shipbuilder by trade, I have been proud to work with Congressman Golden as we push USTR to take on China’s takeover of shipbuilding. The IAM Union stands ready to defend our national security and the dedicated workforce that makes it possible.” Golden has been an ardent supporter of U.S. shipbuilding and a leading voice for the need to revitalize American manufacturing at large. In addition to securing authorization for Bath Iron Works to build a DDG-51 destroyer in 2025 and ensuring the shipyard continues to be a leader in naval warship production, Golden helped secure authorization for $50 million for shipyard infrastructure and technological improvements and more than $150 million for shipyard research and development in this year’s federal budget. This authorization represents years of additional work for Maine shipbuilding on top of existing orders secured by Golden in the past. In September he introduced legislation that would implement a 10 percent tariff on all imports, which followed legislation in May that would raise tariffs on Chinese-made automobiles and energy components to ensure America’s industrial base, and thus its future, is strong. He published an essay the same month on the importance of a robust production economy for national security and middle-class prosperity. Golden’s newest letter can be found here, and is included below in full: +++ October 18, 2024 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden: We write in strong support of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) investigation into discriminatory and unreasonable trade practices by the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC or China) concerning the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. We urge you to reach a swift conclusion in this investigation and to consider strong and effective remedies to begin to turn the tide on our decades-long domestic shipbuilding crisis. In the face of China’s unfair, predatory and highly discriminatory practices, U.S. shipbuilding and maritime supply chain industries have been forced to compete on an uneven playing field, facing shipyards and order books that have benefited from hundreds of billions of dollars of state-directed funding. China’s industry is insulated from market forces, utilizes state-owned enterprises to provide cheap inputs and cut yard production costs, and strengthens the People’s Liberation Army’s Navy with expansive shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance capacities. Meanwhile, U.S. shipyards have been shuttered or forced to compete for a handful of remaining contracts. While the U.S. produces fewer than 10 ocean-going vessels annually, Chinese yards churned out over a thousand. China’s cheating — and its resulting outsize maritime capacities in the face of our own shipbuilding crisis — has led to our nation’s military leadership sounding the alarm. According to U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, China operates 13 large shipyards, with a single yard representing more capacity than all American yards combined.2 Even more shockingly, the U.S. Navy estimates that China’s shipbuilding capacity is roughly 232 times greater than the United States’. To meet the immense challenge of rebuilding U.S. maritime capabilities, we need a robust, highly-trained workforce. Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost as shipyards have closed and experienced workers have been forced out of the industrial base. The United States needs a healthy and revitalized maritime industry capable of meeting the commercial and defense needs of our nation for years to come. That will require making the investments needed to recruit, train and expand our world-class industrial workforce. Breaking the boom-and-bust cycle that has plagued U.S. shipbuilders is critical to maintaining that workforce and growing critical supply chains. The shipbuilding sector is still enduring the aftershocks from the closure of the Avondale shipyard in Louisiana in 2014. At one time, that yard employed over 26,000 people and was one of the top employers in the state of Louisiana. With that closure, the U.S. lost a key shipyard capable of building, repairing, and maintaining large commercial and specialty vessels. That workforce and capacity loss has yet to be restored. While U.S. workers were laid off and our capacity and know-how were lost, China’s shipbuilders were capturing additional market share and extending their growing domination of the global shipbuilding industry. According to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), in the first six months of this year, their shipyards accounted for almost 75% of the world’s new orders, while holding almost 60% of existing orders on their books. Our nation has recently turned the page on decades of inaction, working to rebuild our critical infrastructure and strengthen the supply chains critical to the safety and livelihood of the American people. However, a key component of that infrastructure – our shipbuilding, repair, maintenance, and logistics sectors – has languished in the face of overwhelming efforts by the Chinese government to dominate the global maritime industry. It is time to rectify that. The March 2024 petition submitted by a coalition of labor unions includes potential measures to revitalize America’s shipbuilding capacity through the creation of a U.S. Commercial Shipbuilding Revitalization Fund to (1) support existing U.S. government programs such as Construction Differential Subsidies, the Federal Ship Financing Program, and small shipyard grants; (2) expand the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program’s enrolled vessels with a premium on enrolling U.S.-built vessels; and (3) implement measures to increase demand for U.S.-built ships including through graduated requirements to transport U.S. energy products on U.S. built, flagged, and crewed vessels; and (4) promote the revitalization of shipbuilding supply chains and invest in training and workforce development. We believe that USTR’s investigation will conclude that China’s predatory actions demonstrate a clear and unambiguous intent to dominate global markets to the detriment of American workers and industry. The result of the investigation, with your help, can lead to measures being put in place to restore American capacity in these sectors. We strongly urge you to swiftly conclude this investigation and to implement resolute measures to remedy decades of unfair and discriminatory policies by the CCP that have harmed our members and the economic and national security of the United States. The remedies must be commensurate in scope and magnitude to the large-scale harm caused to U.S. industry over the past several decades. We look forward to joining you as we commit to a brighter future for the U.S. shipbuilding, maritime, and logistics sector. CC: Ambassador Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-more-than-2-million-to-train-the-next-generation-of-fishermen-and-women,Maine Delegation Announces More Than $2 Million to Train the Next Generation of Fishermen and Women,2024-10-11,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced that two commercial fishing associations have been awarded a combined $2,067,434 in grant funding to support training and workforce development for the next generation of Maine fishermen and women. The grants were awarded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Young Fishermen's Development Program. “Maine is known around the world for our proud fishing heritage thanks to the generations of hardworking men and women who have sustained it,” said Collins, King, Pingree, and Golden. “These investments in youth workforce development will help ensure that young Mainers entering the commercial fishing sector have the skills and support they need to succeed, preserving the strength of this vital industry now and into the future.” “MCFA’s mission of advocating for sustainable fisheries and vibrant fishing communities is focused on doing this work with the goal of building a brighter future for the next generation of fishermen and fishing businesses in Maine. The Young Fishermen’s Development Act, which was identified as a priority by the Fishing Communities Coalition, provides much needed resources to invest in our next generation and we are pleased to be able to deploy funds to created educational tools to advance fishermen wellness,” said Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. “Thank you Senator Collins, Senator King, Representative Pingree, and Representative Golden who co-sponsored this important legislation and who have continued to lead in ensuring it is annually funded.” “Thanks to YFDA support, MCCF's Eastern Maine Skippers Program will be able to continue to meet our next generation where they are, and provide them with very authentic maritime and marine science learning to support future maritime careers, including fishing and science - skills that directly translate into the workforce here in Maine, and elsewhere,” said Alexa M. Dayton, Ph.D., Executive Director of Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries. “The future of lobstering and maritime careers in Maine is bright, and this program is helping to keep kids in school to complete their education, and providing mentorship to help them put it all together for the long run. The great news is, we have demand for the program from teachers, students, families and that's a signal that we're still going strong with a vibrant fisheries economy in Maine.” The funding is allocated as follows: Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association - $1,771,092 to establish an online knowledge hub targeted toward young fishermen and women that will include educational training content focused on career development and caring for your physical and mental wellbeing as part of the commercial fishing industry. Eastern Maine Skippers Program - $296,342 to provide targeted career development opportunities for young fishers. The program will serve eight rural Maine coastal schools and train 80 high school students and 16 post-graduates annually through workshops, vessel-based activities and mentorship. NOAA’s Young Fishermen’s Development Program was established by the Young Fishermen's Development Act, legislation that the entire Maine Delegation helped lead to final passage in 2020.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-bill-to-designate-bradley-museum-as-national-museum-of-forestry-and-logging-history,Golden introduces bill to designate Bradley museum as National Museum of Forestry and Logging History,2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced legislation that would designate the Maine Forest and Logging Museum (MFLM), located in Bradley, as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History. “The forest economy has played an important part in the American story, and Mainers are one of the biggest reasons why,” Golden said. “This national designation would pay tribute to those vital contributions while reaffirming Maine’s continued role as stewards and innovators of the industry.” “The Maine Forest and Logging Museum, a special place in the woods known by many as ""Leonard’s Mills,"" embodies the Great North Wood's heart and soul by showcasing the natural beauty of our state's Northern Forest. And by providing invaluable outreach and educational opportunities, we are proudly planting the seeds to grow careers in forestry stewardship and ensure our sustainable forests benefit both material needs and environmental responsibilities,” Mike Wetherbee, president of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum’s board of directors said. “We are so very grateful to Congressman Golden for helping us work to earn this prestigious status and look forward to many more years of sharing Maine’s amazing forestry and logging heritage with the world. MFLM was incorporated in 1960 to celebrate Maine’s forest heritage. Originally envisioned to preserve forest industry artifacts and documents, plans evolved into the creation of a living history site complete with working machinery and a community of volunteer reenactors. Today, MFLM owns more than 450 acres around Blackman Stream in Bradley and frequently hosts school groups, visitors and interactive public programs. Maine’s forest economy employs more than 14,000 Mainers and generates more than $5 billion in sales. Maine’s 17.7 million acres of forest covers 89% of the state — the highest percentage in the country. Industry and community leaders praised the move: “The Maine Forest and Logging Museum is so important to Maine's rich history of forestry and logging,” Shawn Bugbee, Roads and Infrastructure Manager for Seven Islands Land Company said. “Through the preservation and restoration of tools combined with the knowledge the volunteers bring to the Museum, those who visit get an authentic understanding of how forestry and logging was done by our ancestors. One of the most awe-inspiring things I have ever witnessed has been watching the steam powered Lombard Log Hauler operate in person — and this move will help more people get that same experience.” “The Maine Forest and Logging Museum is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of people involved in Maine's rich timber industry,” Keith Kanoti, forest manager for the University of Maine said. “The combination of working equipment, infrastructure and the natural beauty of the museum grounds site is unsurpassed and truly deserving of national status.” “There’s a strong connection between the forest products industry and our modern society, and the Maine Forest and Logging Museum helps us all celebrate it,” Joe Phaneuf, executive director and publisher of the Northeastern Loggers Association said. “The story of the forest products is one worth telling, and this national designation will strengthen that mission.” “This museum doesn't just honor Maine's past: It stands as a national treasure,” Breanna Wing, director and producer of Axe Women: The Modern Lumberjill said. “At a time when our landscapes are rapidly developing, the Museum is a haven that keeps important history alive — teaching future generations about the resilience of our ancestors, whose grit and innovation through harsh winters built for the growth we see today. This national designation will amplify the importance of understanding and protecting the natural world, for both our material and spiritual well-being.” ""Leonard's Mills has long been a special place in Maine for people to visit and learn about the history and heritage of forestry,” Rick Robertson, president and CEO of Dennis Food Service said. “I have taken my kids there when they were younger in year's past as an opportunity to learn about the mill. It was a great way to learn about the beginnings of thisimportant industry as well as the ingenuity of our past. A visitor of any age will certainly be able to learn something from this treasure in the state of Maine, and elevating it as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History will help so many people do just that."" Full text of Golden’s legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-for-study-on-hidden-costs-of-ageism-on-health-care,King Calls for Study on Hidden Costs of Ageism on Health Care,2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), along with a number of Senate colleagues, is requesting the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) examine the impact of ageism on quality and equity of care, patient safety and health outcomes. Ageism in health care is associated with a decreased likelihood that older adults will receive care that meets medical guidelines, as well as an increased likelihood that they are not properly reimbursed for care, and exclusion from clinical trials and other research that is available to the public generally. On a percentage basis, Maine leads the nation with the largest 65 and older population. “While ageism is often subtle, it is woven into our workforce, our health care system, and our everyday interactions. Ageism undermines older adults and their contributions to our communities. Research shows that 81 percent of adults aged 50-80 report experiencing internal ageism, 65 percent are exposed to ageist messages, and 45 percent face ageism in interpersonal interactions. These staggering statistics demonstrate how ingrained ageism is in our society,” wrote the senators. “Ageism within health care leads to poorer health outcomes, avoidable morbidity, and costly preventable adverse events. Ageism costs the health care system $63 billion annually. In health care, ageism is expressed in our policies, the practices of health care providers, and negative assumptions held by older adults themselves. At the macro level, ageism is complex and reflected in health care access issues which result in older adults being less likely to receive care consistent with medical guidelines, payment policies that do not adequately reimburse for complex care needed for older adults, and exclusion or underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials and other research,” continued the senators. “With AHRQ’s mission to improve the quality, safety, and equity of health care, we believe your organization is well suited to support Congress’ effort to address ageism in health care. Results of the requested review will help inform practice, quality improvement efforts, education of health professionals, and policy,” concluded the senators. In addition to King, the letter was signed by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Representing one of the oldest states in the country, Senator King is consistently working to address the issues facing Maine seniors. In the American Rescue Plan, which passed 50 to 49 in 2021, King secured $10 billion in broadband funding to help more Maine seniors access life-saving services like tele-health. The legislation also contained funding to quickly vaccinate older Americans, and to lower the costs of healthcare. Senator King has also worked to increase prescription drug price transparency, expand tele-health services, and spoke on the Senate floor in support of expanded homecare services in the Build Back Better proposal. He also has introduced bipartisan legislation to help improve critical quality-of-life service and programs for American seniors, and bipartisan legislation to cut costs for volunteers in Maine who deliver meals to seniors. This past fall, alongside Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), he introduced the Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act to help prevent painful and costly falls. He also introduced a ‘Stand Strong’ legislative package that would encourage proactive home modifications and increase access to preventative screenings for older Americans. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Dr. Valdez: We write to express our concern about the complexity and pervasive nature of ageism in health care and request that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) examine the impact of ageism on quality and equity of care, patient safety, and health outcomes. While ageism is often subtle, it is woven into our workforce, our health care system, and our everyday interactions. Ageism undermines older adults and their contributions to our communities. Research shows that 81 percent of adults aged 50-80 report experiencing internal ageism, 65 percent are exposed to ageist messages, and 45 percent face ageism in interpersonal interactions. These staggering statistics demonstrate how ingrained ageism is in our society. Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed towards people on the basis of their age. While ageism is often subtle, it is woven into our workforce, our health care system, and our everyday interactions. Ageism undermines older adults and their contributions to our communities. Research shows that 81 percent of adults aged 50-80 report experiencing internal ageism, 65 percent are exposed to ageist messages, and 45 percent face ageism in interpersonal interactions. These staggering statistics demonstrate how ingrained ageism is in our society. Ageism within health care leads to poorer health outcomes, avoidable morbidity, and costly preventable adverse events. Ageism costs the health care system $63 billion annually. In health care, ageism is expressed in our policies, the practices of health care providers, and negative assumptions held by older adults themselves. At the macro level, ageism is complex and reflected in health care access issues which result in older adults being less likely to receive care consistent with medical guidelines, payment policies that do not adequately reimburse for complex care needed for older adults, and exclusion or underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials and other research. At the micro level, practices such as the use of ageist language and elder speak, exclusion of older patients from plan of care conversations, and variations in treatment practices due to a patient’s age all affect patients’ quality of care. Self-directed ageism can also lead to adverse outcomes for a patient if their beliefs on aging lead them to believe that the symptoms they are experiencing should be considered a “normal” part of aging. For example, while some cognitive decline is expected as we age, memory loss, confusion, changes in behavior, and inability to complete activities of daily living are all signs of changes in cognitive ability that need to be evaluated by a medical professional. Moreover, people who internalize ageist societal messages tend to have poorer physical, cognitive, and mental health. The reverse is also true—individuals who internalize positive aging messages are likely to exhibit benefits in physical, cognitive, and mental health—highlighting the need to promote age inclusivity. We respectfully request that AHRQ examine this issue and provide a synthesis of existing evidence on ageism in health care to inform efforts to reduce ageism within the health care system. Specifically, we request your assistance to answer the following questions: What is the full scope of ageism within health care? What is the impact of ageism and intersectionality on both the micro and macro levels of health care related to health equity and outcomes? What is the evidence for interventions to address ageism and promote age inclusivity in health care? With AHRQ’s mission to improve the quality, safety, and equity of health care, we believe your organization is well suited to support Congress’ effort to address ageism in health care. Results of the requested review will help inform practice, quality improvement efforts, education of health professionals, and policy. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-successful-push-to-pause-eu-point-of-origin-rule-protect-maine-forest-products-industry,"Golden statement on successful push to pause EU point-of-origin rule, protect Maine forest products industry",2024-10-09,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement after the European Union’s (E.U.) decision to delay its point-of-origin regulation that he and 72 other bipartisan House members requested a pause to last month: “Maine’s forest products industry has set the bar globally for sustainability, yet even our own businesses would have been unable to meet the impossibly high standard of this proposal,” Golden said. “I’m glad that the E.U. listened to concerns from both producers and consumers across the world, and I’ll remain focused on ensuring any possible future implementation is workable for Maine businesses.” “We applaud the EU's decision to delay its point-of-origin regulation and Congressman Golden for working to achieve that delay,” Dana Doran, executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast said. “Maine loggers are global leaders in responsible timber harvesting and we are confident the EU can benefit from wood harvested by Maine contractors, grown by Maine landowners and manufactured by Maine mills as long as common-sense prevails in any standards established to regulate those exports."" According to the E.U., the new rule will now go into effect on December 30, 2025 for “large companies” (those employing more than 250 workers) and on June 30, 2026 for “small and micro enterprises” (those employing fewer than 50 workers and 10 workers, respectively). Without a delay, the E.U.’s new rule would have mandated new point-of-origin reporting requirements on December 20 of this year for goods exported to the economic bloc to ensure production does not contribute to global deforestation. This includes exact geographic location coordinates to specific plots of land, despite the fact that current technology is unable to trace the source of blended forest products such as wood chips. Implementation could have prevented American-made forest products from reaching the E.U.’s market — devaluing U.S. timberlands and decimating domestic manufacturing in the process. U.S. forest product exports to the E.U. are valued at $3.5 billion. Full text of the lawmakers’ letter originally requesting a pause can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-urges-regulators-to-adopt-proposed-delay-to-lobster-gauge-increase-calls-for-level-playing-field-with-canadian-lobstermen,"Golden urges regulators to adopt proposed delay to lobster gauge increase, calls for level playing field with Canadian lobstermen",2024-10-09,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) yesterday sent a letter urging the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC) to formally adopt a delay to a lobster gauge increase in the Gulf of Maine until at least July 2025. He called on the Commission to gather more accurate lobster stock data in the meantime while also addressing the unequal regulatory burden between Maine and Canadian lobstermen. “It is my hope that the ASFMC will ultimately support a long-term pause of the amendment to allow additional time for the technical committee to consider the stock’s health more carefully.…” Golden wrote. “...These efforts should coincide with robust engagement with your Canadian counterparts to address the regulatory disparity between American and Canadian lobstermen and create a level playing field for all harvesters in the Gulf of Maine.” Lobstermen gauge the size of a lobster by measuring its carapace from eye socket to tail. Lobsters that are smaller than the minimum gauge size must be put back in the water so they can grow, protecting the lobster population for the future. According to the ASMFC, lobster stock decline in Lobster Management Area 1 has surpassed 35 percent — the trigger point for an automatic increase in allowable catch size from 3 1/4 inches to 3 5/16 inches. However, Maine fishermen have questioned the data used to justify these changes, including concerns that ASMFC stock data is out of date. This new rule — known as Addendum 27 — was originally scheduled to begin in January 2025. Following calls in April and August from Golden and industry leaders, ASMFC voted to approve a delay until July 2025. However, the Commission has yet to formally adopt the measure — Addendum 31 — which means implementation is still currently slated for January. In his letter, Golden noted that moving forward with the gauge increase is estimated to cause theloss of more than 680 jobs and $59.6 million to Maine’s economy. Any such change in the Gulf of Maine would not apply to Canadian lobstermen. “The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association would like to express our gratitude to Congressman Golden for highlighting the problems associated with an increase in the minimum gauge size in area 1 for lobster,” Dustin Delano, a lobsterman and chief operating officer of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association said. “We feel the many negative, unintended consequences in this 'proactive approach' in management were severely overlooked, will cause major disruptions to the market, and place American dealers and harvesters at a major disadvantage from their Canadian counterparts.” “Congressman Golden's support to review data used to regulate the lobster fishery is vital to the fishermen's survival,” Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and director of the Maine Lobstering Union said. “The last thing our industry needs is rules with unintended consequences.” In July, Golden introduced a bipartisan amendment to the federal budget that would block any proposed gauge increase for one year. Golden’s newest letter can be found here, and is included below in full: +++ October 8, 2024 Robert Beal Executive Director Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission 1050 North Highland St, Suite 200 A-N Arlington, VA 22201 Dear Director Beal and Commissioners, I am writing to you again requesting that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the American Lobster Board delay the implementation of the Lobster Management Area 1 gauge increase, Addendum XXVII, currently scheduled to begin in January 2025. While I believe that the proposal as written in Addendum XXXI to delay a gauge increase until July 1, 2025, is the better of the two options presented by the ASMFC, I encourage the Commission to proceed solely based on the full consideration of all data sources and a commitment from Canadian regulators to enhance their conservation measures. As you know, the intent of Addendum XXVII is to mitigate declining stocks of American lobster proactively, a goal shared by harvesters, dealers, and the ASFMC. In my conversations with lobstermen and dealers, it has always been clear that their top concerns are the sustainability of the stock and the ability for it to be harvested by future generations. That is why, as I previously stated in my letter to you on April 29, 2024, I am concerned that the data used to arrive at the trigger index for a gauge increase is overly precautionary and has limitations that do not entirely reflect the current status of the stock. It is my hope that the ASFMC will ultimately support a long-term pause of the amendment to allow additional time for the technical committee to consider the stock’s health more carefully while considering other resiliency measures and incorporating thorough scientific data and objective analysis acceptable to regulators and members of the commercial lobster fishery. Other data that has not been considered or will become available include mandatory harvester reporting, the conservation equivalent from a reduction of overall lobster licenses, and the 2025 lobster stock assessment. These efforts should coincide with robust engagement with your Canadian counterparts to address the regulatory disparity between American and Canadian lobstermen and create a level playing field for all harvesters in the Gulf of Maine. Without a longer-term pause, devastating economic consequences are on the horizon for Maine’s lobster industry. For the latest year data is available, it is estimated that if Addendum XXVII goes into effect, it would decrease the value of lobster landings, resulting in a loss of over 680 jobs and $59.6 million to Maine’s economy. I am deeply concerned about how this economic impact would impact the industry and the hundreds of communities in Maine that depend on a viable lobster fishery. Few involved in the fishery or these communities are adequately prepared for the economic disruption that would likely occur. These decisions must always include those with significant experience, the harvesters themselves. I trust that you, as the regulators, will also consider and incorporate their invaluable input in matters before you. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-over-11-million-to-protect-children-from-lead-poisoning,"Collins, King Announce Over $11 Million to Protect Children From Lead Poisoning",2024-10-09,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the cities of Portland and Lewiston have been awarded grant funding to help protect children from lead poisoning. The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) grant program awards, totaling $11,117,960, will help improve the health of Maine communities by fixing older housing and preserving affordable housing units that pose a lead hazard — such as the use of lead paint, more common in homes built before 1960. Additionally, this grant targets housing where children less than six years of age live. “The majority of Maine’s housing stock was built prior to 1978, the year that lead-based paint was banned, which has resulted in our state having one of the highest levels of lead paint contamination in the country,” said Senator Collins. “This federal investment in lead hazard abatement will increase the safety of housing for families in Portland and Lewiston, helping to further alleviate this public health threat.” “Lead exposure and poisoning can pose extreme health risks, especially for young children who are still growing and developing,” said Senator King. “Even small amounts of lead from paint chips and flakes can build up in the body and cause serious health problems. Families should be focused on helping their children grow and thrive, not worried about whether or not their house is hazardous. This robust funding will help more Maine families and children have a healthy and safe place to call home.” The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction program is funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In addition to the LHR program, HUD also offers the Healthy Homes Supplemental funding that is available to further bolster lead-based paint hazard prevention and control. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-thorough-review-of-department-of-defense-reserve-suicide-prevention-efforts,King Urges Thorough Review of Department of Defense Reserve Suicide Prevention Efforts,2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), has written a letter to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro urging the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to begin work on a report that reviews suicide prevention matters of the reserve component of the Department of Defense (DOD). The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires the GAO to conduct a review of suicide prevention and response policies for reserve personnel, and the extent to which the DOD and military services have coordinated these policies at the federal, state and local levels. Senator King’s letter comes just weeks ahead of the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting that was carried out by an Army reservist, who failed to receive adequate mental health care. Over one-third of U.S. military service members serve in the reserve component, which provides trained units and qualified personnel in times of war or national emergency, or to fill the needs of the Armed Forces whenever more units and personnel are needed. In 2023, the DOD reported that the suicide rate among reserve component personnel was generally similar to that of the U.S. population. However, reserve component personnel offices often have limited access to military suicide prevention resources. “It has been nearly a year since Sergeant First Class (SFC) Robert Card II committed the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history, killing 18 and wounding 13 on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. Since the tragedy, multiple press reports, investigations by the Army, and the Governor of Maine’s special commission have revealed troubling matters. I urge you to consider these investigations and to meet with all stakeholders as you conduct your review,” wrote Senator King. “Service members in reserve status are critical to our Armed Forces and represent nearly one-third of the total force. I am concerned that they experience limited access to military-supported suicide prevention resources. Authorities can be confusing and blurred for service members including commanders at all echelons. Effective coordination between unit commanders and local authorities is misunderstood, yet it is critical to ensuring public safety and that service members receive the care that is needed,” continued Senator King. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Most recently, at the request of Senator King, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a new report breaking down suicide rates in the Armed Service by job function. Additionally, he recently wrote a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that has unfortunately led to a high number of veteran suicides. This past August, he introduced legislation to provide safe firearm storage for veterans in an effort to reduce suicides. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Mr. Dodaro: I am writing to bring to your attention my interest regarding a requirement for you to conduct a review of suicide prevention matters for the Department of Defense. Senate Report 118-188 accompanying the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 4368) requires you to review suicide prevention and response for the reserve component of the United States military. I worked closely with Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Wicker to include this requirement. I request to be updated regarding your work and appreciate you treating it with the utmost urgency. It has been nearly a year since Sergeant First Class (SFC) Robert Card II committed the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history, killing 18 and wounding 13 on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. Since the tragedy, multiple press reports, investigations by the Army, and the Governor of Maine’s special commission have revealed troubling matters. I urge you to consider these investigations and to meet with all stakeholders as you conduct your review. I applaud Governor Mills’ leadership in establishing the “Independent Commission to Investigate the Facts of the Tragedy in Lewiston”. I request you review the findings from the Commission and Army investigations as you formulate recommendations. I further request that, if there are additional authorities or resources needed, you identify those in your report and consider including legislative proposals to address those gaps. Service members in reserve status are critical to our Armed Forces and represent nearly one-third of the total force. I am concerned that they experience limited access to military-supported suicide prevention resources. Authorities can be confusing and blurred for service members including commanders at all echelons. Effective coordination between unit commanders and local authorities is misunderstood, yet it is critical to ensuring public safety and that service members receive the care that is needed. Thank you for the significant work you and your team conduct, and for your continued efforts to inform Congress and assist me in oversight and legislative changes. Please let me know how my staff and I may be of assistance in this matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-bill-for-congressional-oversight-of-postmaster-general-blasts-proposed-rural-mail-delays,"Golden introduces bill for congressional oversight of postmaster general, blasts proposed rural mail delays",2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02) and August Pfluger (TX-11) today introduced the bipartisan Postmaster General Reform Act, which would establish term limits for the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) postmaster general and require nominations to be confirmed by the Senate. Golden’s bill comes after he co-led a new bipartisan letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy criticizing the agency’s announcement that it will further slow mail delivery for rural communities. “The Postal Service should be accountable to the people it serves,” Golden said. “Requiring congressional approval for the head of the agency is a basic yet necessary step to make the postmaster general more responsive and attentive to the communities who justifiably feel ignored by current USPS leadership.” “As Americans across the country experience mail delays and difficulties, especially in rural areas, it is important to uphold standards of efficiency and attention to detail in our postal service,” Pfluger said. “By giving the President and Senate the power to appoint a postmaster general we are holding an incredibly important agency accountable.” Currently, only the Postal Service Board of Governors has the power to appoint or fire the postmaster general, who may serve an unlimited term. The Board of Governors is composed of nine presidential appointees that must be confirmed by the Senate. The Postmaster General Reform Act would move these authorities to the president and require the Senate to approve any postmaster general nominee. After the conclusion of a five year term, the Senate would have the ability to extend the postmaster general’s term to a second and final five year term. A Senate version of the Postmaster General Reform Act is led by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA). “We look forward to more oversight and control over the Postmaster General, as the current system is failing,” Scott Adams, president of the American Postal Workers Union Local 458 said. Golden’s newest bipartisan letter to Postmaster DeJoy — signed by 20 House lawmakers — follows the Postal Service’s announcement that it will lengthen delivery times by at least 24 hours for communities further than 50 miles from a USPS processing center. Maine’s only processing centers are located in Scarborough and Hampden. “While we understand the need for modernization and financial changes across the Postal Service, these changes cannot come at the expense of rural residents who rely on the USPS,” the lawmakers wrote. “Americans, particularly those living in rural areas depend on the Postal Service for medicine, food, paychecks and bills. For many families that we represent, a one-day delivery delay could mean late fees on a bill, a held-up paycheck creating financial stress and increased health risks awaiting critical medication. This is especially important for rural constituents who may not live near a hospital or doctor’s office.” Golden has been a champion of holding the Postal Service accountable to Mainers throughout his time in Congress. Following his outreach to Postmaster General DeJoy earlier this summer,USPS signed a new lease for its West Paris facility, which had been closed for more than three years. USPS reopened its Etna facility earlier this year after pressure from Golden. Last month, USPS announced that it was postponing plans to consolidate the Eastern Maine Processing & Distribution Facility in Hampden after bipartisan efforts led by Golden and other members of Congress. His bipartisan Timely Mail Delivery and Postal Services Protection Act — which he introduced in April — would permanently block the process USPS uses to consolidate mail processing facilities across the country. Text of the Postmaster General Reform Act can be found here. Golden’s letter can be found here, and is attached below in full: +++ September 30, 2024 Postmaster General Louis DeJoy USPS – Headquarters 475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20260 Postmaster General DeJoy: We are writing to express our extreme concern with the United States Postal Service's (USPS) August 22, 2024, announcement that you will be adjusting mail delivery times, resulting in additional delays for our constituents who live in rural areas and areas that are more than 50 miles from a USPS processing center. While we understand the need for modernization and financial changes across the Postal Service, these changes cannot come at the expense of rural residents who rely on the USPS. Americans, particularly those living in rural areas depend on the Postal Service for medicine, food, paychecks and bills. For many families that we represent, a one-day delivery delay could mean late fees on a bill, a held-up paycheck creating financial stress and increased health risks awaiting critical medication. This is especially important for rural constituents who may not live near a hospital or doctor’s office. With this in mind, we ask you to reconsider your proposed changes to service standards, which could result in longer shipping times for those who do not live near a major USPS hub. While we understand that our constituents, regardless of proximity to larger postal facilities, would still be under the existing one-to-five-day service standards, USPS has already been failing to meet these delivery standards for many of our constituents. Adding up to 24 hours of additional delays for rural residents will only exacerbate the existing on-time delivery problems our constituents are facing. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, USPS reported that their on-time quarterly performance fell to 69.9% for three-to-five-day First Class mail delivery, far below USPS’s target of 90.3% on-time delivery for three-to-five day mail. This means that even before these changes take effect, nearly a third of USPS customers who use the three-to-five-day mailing options are not receiving their mail on time. Increased delays for some consumers will only increase delivery issues for our rural constituents and further decrease public faith in USPS’s ability to deliver on-time mail for all constituents, regardless of location. Given the information provided, we strongly urge you to reconsider these plans. We also ask that you provide us with a list of counties, towns and ZIP codes that will face longer wait times for mail as a result of this plan. We request a response in writing by October 18, 2024. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-first-anniversary-of-october-7-terrorist-attack,Golden statement on first anniversary of October 7 terrorist attack,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement marking the first anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel: “Today, we remember the innocent men, women and children killed in the Hamas terrorist attack one year ago today — the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. We also offer our strength to those still reeling from such senseless loss, and prayers and resolve for the safe return of the remaining hostages. “May the memories of those lost be a blessing, and the hope for a future of peace and security provide us with strength in the wake of such tremendous pain.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/after-northern-lighthumana-break-maine-delegation-presses-cms-for-special-enrollment-for-medicare,"After Northern Light/Humana Break, Maine Delegation Presses CMS for Special Enrollment for Medicare",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, in response to Northern Light Health terminating its contract with Humana, have written a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a special enrollment period for Humana Medicare Advantage beneficiaries impacted by this decision. On September 30, 2024 Northern Light Health terminated its contract with Humana, citing administrative issues. It has been estimated somewhere between 2,000 and 4,000 patients will be impacted by this decision. Given the rural nature of the region served by Northern Light Health, the inability to receive treatment at the facility could result in Maine people having to travel long distances to receive care, or forgo care completely. Special enrollment periods (SEPs) are provided by CMS for certain life changing scenarios like moving or emergencies. In the letter, the Delegation writes that given the significant strain this decision puts on a large number of constituents who seek care at Northern Light Heath, a special enrollment period is necessary. If CMS grants the special enrollment period, new plans to bridge care access issues could become effective as early as November 1, 2024 — limiting further disruptions in care by providing an additional 60 days of coverage before any new coverage might begin January 1, 2025 as a result of beneficiaries selecting new plans during open enrollment that begins on October 15, 2024. “We write today to share our concerns about the significant changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) network for thousands of our constituents currently covered through Humana. Effective September 30, 2024, Northern Light Health (NLH) terminated its MA contract with Humana. As a result, many of our constituents now have inadequate or reduced network coverage through the end of this year. To bridge that coverage gap for current Humana customers, we request that CMS create a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for all affected beneficiaries,” began the Delegation. “An SEP would help those affected patients continue to seek treatment from their current doctors with minimal disruption in coverage. It is our understanding that Humana has shared recommendations for alternative in-network hospital sites of care with NLH patients, but such alternatives pose additional challenges. For example, of the seventeen facilities to which our constituents are being directed, only two are a mile or less away from the current NLH facility. The vast majority of suggested alternative in-network facilities are at least 20 miles away, with some as far as 50 miles and one nearly 100 miles away. Furthermore, these alternative facilities may not have the capacity to take additional patients. Maine is a large rural state, and access to emergency, acute, or in-patient care can be challenging,” continued the Delegation. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Administrator Brooks-LaSure: We write today to share our concerns about the significant changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) network for thousands of our constituents currently covered through Humana. Effective September 30, 2024, Northern Light Health (NLH) terminated its MA contract with Humana. As a result, many of our constituents now have inadequate or reduced network coverage through the end of this year. To bridge that coverage gap for current Humana customers, we request that CMS create a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for all affected beneficiaries. The scope of Northern Light Health’s service area is considerable. The system is comprised of ten hospitals and more than 120 locations and provides services throughout seven of Maine’s 16 counties. Its locations span from Maine’s southernmost York County, to the northernmost County of Aroostook, with a number of rural communities in between. Nearly 4,000 Mainers are expected to be affected by this contract termination. Our constituents have told us that that they are anticipating serious challenges, ranging from worries about substantial changes to cost-sharing rates to concerns about maintaining care with current providers, including for complex services like oncology. We understand that Humana has pledged a 90-day window of continuity of care, though we have serious concerns around issues of timely access to care and substandard access to care for affected constituents. An SEP would help those affected patients continue to seek treatment from their current doctors with minimal disruption in coverage. It is our understanding that Humana has shared recommendations for alternative in-network hospital sites of care with NLH patients, but such alternatives pose additional challenges. For example, of the seventeen facilities to which our constituents are being directed, only two are a mile or less away from the current NLH facility. The vast majority of suggested alternative in-network facilities are at least 20 miles away, with some as far as 50 miles and one nearly 100 miles away. Furthermore, these alternative facilities may not have the capacity to take additional patients. Maine is a large rural state, and access to emergency, acute, or in-patient care can be challenging. The timing of the Humana-NLH contract termination has also posed unique challenges that are not adequately addressed by the upcoming MA open enrollment period. Although all beneficiaries will have an opportunity to make changes to their coverage between October 15 and December 7, those new plans will not take effect until January 1, 2025. Having to navigate new care options for the remainder of the year, while also selecting coverage for 2025, is confusing and risks leaving many patients with inadequate coverage or care, or even unaware of these sudden changes. Approving an SEP for all affected Humana-NLH beneficiaries would minimize these challenges during the remaining three months of 2024, while easing the transition to new coverage or a new provider in 2025. Special enrollment periods for MA have been approved by CMS to help beneficiaries maintain access to MA plans when their circumstances change, including when individuals are affected by a significant change in a plan provider network or when other certain exceptional conditions are met. CMS has also approved SEPs to help address changing circumstances that beneficiaries face so that that they have access to the best plans when possible. For example, the Contract Year 2021 notice of Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program made some of the most notable recent changes , with CMS announcing the addition of more than 20 new SEP categories that qualifying MA beneficiaries could use. Additionally, beneficiaries enrolled in MA have the option to use an SEP at any time to enroll in an MA plan offered by an MA organization with a Star Rating of 5 stars. Unfortunately, Maine currently does not have any 5-star plans and thus our affected constituents enrolled in MA cannot use that pathway. MA SEP regulations related to significant changes in plan provider networks could arguably apply to our affected constituents. The Humana-NLH contract termination represents a significant change to the plan provider network, affecting thousands of Mainers. We urge CMS to use its existing authority to authorize an SEP for all Maine MA beneficiaries affected by this change. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-northern-light/humana-break-maine-delegation-presses-cms-for-special-enrollment-for-medicare,"After Northern Light/Humana Break, Maine Delegation Presses CMS for Special Enrollment for Medicare",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, in response to Northern Light Health terminating its contract with Humana, have written a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a special enrollment period for Humana Medicare Advantage beneficiaries impacted by this decision. On September 30, 2024 Northern Light Health terminated its contract with Humana, citing administrative issues. It has been estimated somewhere between 2,000 and 4,000 patients will be impacted by this decision. Given the rural nature of the region served by Northern Light Health, the inability to receive treatment at the facility could result in Maine people having to travel long distances to receive care, or forgo care completely. Special enrollment periods (SEPs) are provided by CMS for certain life changing scenarios like moving or emergencies. In the letter, the Delegation writes that given the significant strain this decision puts on a large number of constituents who seek care at Northern Light Heath, a special enrollment period is necessary. If CMS grants the special enrollment period, new plans to bridge care access issues could become effective as early as November 1, 2024 — limiting further disruptions in care by providing an additional 60 days of coverage before any new coverage might begin January 1, 2025 as a result of beneficiaries selecting new plans during open enrollment that begins on October 15, 2024. “We write today to share our concerns about the significant changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) network for thousands of our constituents currently covered through Humana. Effective September 30, 2024, Northern Light Health (NLH) terminated its MA contract with Humana. As a result, many of our constituents now have inadequate or reduced network coverage through the end of this year. To bridge that coverage gap for current Humana customers, we request that CMS create a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for all affected beneficiaries,” began the Delegation. “An SEP would help those affected patients continue to seek treatment from their current doctors with minimal disruption in coverage. It is our understanding that Humana has shared recommendations for alternative in-network hospital sites of care with NLH patients, but such alternatives pose additional challenges. For example, of the seventeen facilities to which our constituents are being directed, only two are a mile or less away from the current NLH facility. The vast majority of suggested alternative in-network facilities are at least 20 miles away, with some as far as 50 miles and one nearly 100 miles away. Furthermore, these alternative facilities may not have the capacity to take additional patients. Maine is a large rural state, and access to emergency, acute, or in-patient care can be challenging,” continued the Delegation. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Administrator Brooks-LaSure: We write today to share our concerns about the significant changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) network for thousands of our constituents currently covered through Humana. Effective September 30, 2024, Northern Light Health (NLH) terminated its MA contract with Humana. As a result, many of our constituents now have inadequate or reduced network coverage through the end of this year. To bridge that coverage gap for current Humana customers, we request that CMS create a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for all affected beneficiaries. The scope of Northern Light Health’s service area is considerable. The system is comprised of ten hospitals and more than 120 locations and provides services throughout seven of Maine’s 16 counties. Its locations span from Maine’s southernmost York County, to the northernmost County of Aroostook, with a number of rural communities in between. Nearly 4,000 Mainers are expected to be affected by this contract termination. Our constituents have told us that that they are anticipating serious challenges, ranging from worries about substantial changes to cost-sharing rates to concerns about maintaining care with current providers, including for complex services like oncology. We understand that Humana has pledged a 90-day window of continuity of care, though we have serious concerns around issues of timely access to care and substandard access to care for affected constituents. An SEP would help those affected patients continue to seek treatment from their current doctors with minimal disruption in coverage. It is our understanding that Humana has shared recommendations for alternative in-network hospital sites of care with NLH patients, but such alternatives pose additional challenges. For example, of the seventeen facilities to which our constituents are being directed, only two are a mile or less away from the current NLH facility. The vast majority of suggested alternative in-network facilities are at least 20 miles away, with some as far as 50 miles and one nearly 100 miles away. Furthermore, these alternative facilities may not have the capacity to take additional patients. Maine is a large rural state, and access to emergency, acute, or in-patient care can be challenging. The timing of the Humana-NLH contract termination has also posed unique challenges that are not adequately addressed by the upcoming MA open enrollment period. Although all beneficiaries will have an opportunity to make changes to their coverage between October 15 and December 7, those new plans will not take effect until January 1, 2025. Having to navigate new care options for the remainder of the year, while also selecting coverage for 2025, is confusing and risks leaving many patients with inadequate coverage or care, or even unaware of these sudden changes. Approving an SEP for all affected Humana-NLH beneficiaries would minimize these challenges during the remaining three months of 2024, while easing the transition to new coverage or a new provider in 2025. Special enrollment periods for MA have been approved by CMS to help beneficiaries maintain access to MA plans when their circumstances change, including when individuals are affected by a significant change in a plan provider network or when other certain exceptional conditions are met. CMS has also approved SEPs to help address changing circumstances that beneficiaries face so that that they have access to the best plans when possible. For example, the Contract Year 2021 notice of Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program made some of the most notable recent changes, with CMS announcing the addition of more than 20 new SEP categories that qualifying MA beneficiaries could use. Additionally, beneficiaries enrolled in MA have the option to use an SEP at any time to enroll in an MA plan offered by an MA organization with a Star Rating of 5 stars. Unfortunately, Maine currently does not have any 5-star plans and thus our affected constituents enrolled in MA cannot use that pathway. MA SEP regulations related to significant changes in plan provider networks could arguably apply to our affected constituents. The Humana-NLH contract termination represents a significant change to the plan provider network, affecting thousands of Mainers. We urge CMS to use its existing authority to authorize an SEP for all Maine MA beneficiaries affected by this change. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-receives-advocate-for-american-business-award-from-us-chamber-of-commerce,Golden receives Advocate for American Business award from US Chamber of Commerce,2024-10-01,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image Congressman Golden (third from left) with officials from the U.S., Maine, and local Chambers of Commerce. MADISON, Maine — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) joined leaders from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce today at TimberHP, the first wood fiber insulation manufacturing plant in North America. After a tour of the revitalized Madison mill, Golden received the U.S. Chamber’s “Advocate for American Business” award. “Mainers are driven, hardworking, self-starters. They are also no-nonsense, and expect elected officials to put partisanship aside and do what needs to be done to support Maine’s industries and jobs,” Golden said. “While the real credit for any business’s success goes to the entrepreneurs and workers who put their shoulder to the wheel every day, it’s been my honor to work across the aisle to support them in Washington — whether that was investing in infrastructure all businesses need, creating incentives for American manufacturing or funding programs that help small-business owners succeed. I’m grateful to the Chamber for this recognition, and will continue doing my part for Maine’s economy.” The Advocate for American Business award is given to honor those who work on a bipartisan basis to support pro-growth and pro-business legislation aimed to strengthen businesses across the country. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Eastern Region Vice President Stephen McAllister presented the award to Golden, lauding the Congressman for his bipartisan dedication to supporting Maine businesses. “At the U.S. Chamber, we put a premium on working with and recognizing champions of business. Champions are those who advocate and fight for pro-business public policy, while recognizing the need for durable, lasting solutions,” McAllister said. “Those solutions are achieved when legislation is crafted in the spirit of bipartisanship. Congressman Golden exemplifies what this award means, to honor strong leadership and bipartisanship as well as building strong working relationships with the small business community and the local chambers across Maine.” Congressman Golden has worked to promote Maine manufacturing and jobs, including those at TimberHP, during his time serving in the House of Representatives. TimberHP is the first wood fiber insulation manufacturer in North America, with its Madison facility creating a new market for Maine’s wood basket. Wood fiber insulation is an effective, renewable, carbon-negative insulation that has been produced in Europe for two decades. “The capital markets and investors are just not incentivized to support manufacturing and the creation of viable jobs in rural communities,” said Josh Henry, co-founder of TimberHP. “We are tremendously blessed in the 2nd District in particular to have Congressional representation that is focused on business development that makes sense for Maine. From the beginning, TimberHP has benefitted from tremendous support from Congressman Golden and his team in navigating federal programs that have made our success in Madison possible, and we are thrilled to have played a small role in their receiving this much deserved recognition.” More than half of Maine workers are employed at the roughly 15,000 small businesses that are the backbone of the state’s economy, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Roughly 98 percent of those have fewer than 20 employees. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Golden has championed the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. In July, Golden introduced a bipartisan amendment to increase SBCDC funding, and in 2022 the House passed Golden’s bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow and retain workers through SBDCs. Golden has also successfully advocated for the inclusion of funds for Maine manufacturers and industries in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act and pressed for disaster relief funding for small businesses after extreme weather events.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-casey-introduce-homecare-workforce-legislative-package,"King, Casey Introduce Homecare Workforce Legislative Package",2024-09-30,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Bob Casey (D-Penn), Chair of the Senate Committee on Aging, have introduced three bills to better support Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), the workforce responsible for providing homecare and assistance to seniors and people with disabilities who frequently rely on long-term service and support. The three bills would strengthen and support this workforce by creating new programs and modifying current federal funding to support home and community-based services (HCBS). “Over the years, Maine has seen an increased shortage of long-term home health care professionals,” said Senator King. “This has had serious impacts on older Maine people aging gracefully at home and those with disabilities who rely on this critical support. Unfortunately, low wages and difficult working conditions have led to high turnover. This DSP legislative package with Senator Casey would make significant investments into the long-term home care industry to bolster wages and provide more opportunities for workers to pursue additional education and trainings to help them advance in their careers. This is commonsense legislation that will make a tangible difference for both those relying on care and those providing it.” “Our Nation is in the midst of a caregiving crisis, and it’s a crisis that stems from a lack of investment in the caregiving workforce,” said Senator Casey. “I’m proud to introduce these bills with Senator King that would respond to this crisis by improving our national capacity to recruit, train, and retain the care workers that provide essential care to older adults and people with disabilities.” Caregiving is in a crisis across the United States. Caregivers that include DSPs are widely underpaid, earning a median wage of $15.43 an hour and often living in poverty. The result is caregivers are in short supply — a recent survey revealed 92% of nursing home respondents and nearly 70% of assisted living facilities reported significant or severe workforce shortages. Another recent survey of HCBS providers showed all 50 states experiencing home care worker shortages, and 43 states reported that some HCBS providers have closed due to worker shortages. Maine has seen 23 nursing home closures in the last ten years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), DSPs are projected to be one of the fattest growing labor markets. Theoretically this should be a boon for the industry, but labor shortages due to low wages and difficult work conditions have made it difficult for the industry to recruit and retain staff. The Direct Support Worker Training Reimbursement Act would: Provide enhanced federal matching payments for direct support worker training programs at a 75 percent rate. The Mollie Baldwin Upskilling of Personal and Home Case Aides Act would Create funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for demonstration projects to provide individuals already working in the home care workforce with opportunities for education, training and career advancement. The Career Advancement for Direct Support Aid Workers (CADSAW) Act would: Create funding through HRSA to help individuals already working within the home health care field with opportunities to pursue increased education and training to facilitate career advancement. Senator King is a longstanding advocate for the necessity of stable, quality long term care in Maine. Earlier this year, he introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the VA to study the risks to elderly veterans of a proposed rule by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would unsustainably change staffing ratios at nursing homes, especially in rural areas. In an October 2023 letter to the head administrator of CMS, King noted that proposed staffing mandates may inadvertently cause the widespread shutdown of rural nursing facilities, both in Maine and across the country. Most recently, he introduced legislation to help revitalize the American long-term care workforce by making jobs more attractive and better compensated. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cornyn-introduce-legislation-to-cut-costs-for-volunteers-delivering-meals-to-seniors,"King, Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Cut Costs for Volunteers Delivering Meals to Seniors",2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) have introduced legislation that helps cut costs for volunteers driving meals to older Maine people and Americans across the country. The Delivering Elderly Lunches and Increasing Volunteer Engagement and Reimbursement (DELIVER) Act would increase the charitable mileage tax deduction rate of 14 cents per mile to match the standard business rate of 67 cents per mile. By doing so, the legislation would bring equity and fairness to the millions of Americans who volunteer their time and resources to deliver meals and would help ensure that meal delivery programs —such as Meals on Wheels — remain strong and can continue to assist those in need. According to 2022 data from Meals on Wheels America, 102,021 seniors in Maine are living alone while 54,030 are threatened by hunger and 31,756 live in or near poverty. Meal delivery programs can be crucial in allowing seniors to maintain the choice to continue living independently in the comfort and safety of their own home. In addition to promoting a higher quality of life, helping vulnerable individuals remain at home has beneficial financial implications too. According to Meals on Wheels America, it costs less to provide a senior Meals on Wheels for an entire year than it costs to spend one day in the hospital or ten days in a nursing home. Additionally, providing homebound individuals with meal delivery may help reduce mandatory Medicaid and Medicare expenses each year. “Home-delivered meals can a be a lifeline for Maine seniors, allowing them to live independently and comfortably in their homes and communities,” said Senator King. “Meal delivery services not only provide a fresh, healthy meal, but they also provide connection and peace of mind for loved ones. These services are vital for so many Maine people. The bipartisan DELIVER Act would make a small adjustment to our tax code to help ensure delivery programs remain strong and decrease the financial burden felt by those who generously volunteer their time.” “For decades, charitable organizations and faith-based groups have provided meals to seniors in communities across Texas,” said Senator Cornyn. “By removing barriers for folks willing to offer their time and resources to help others, more Texans in need can receive food, and these important charities can grow their network of volunteers."" Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Joe Morelle (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Representing one of the oldest states in the country, Senator King is consistently working to address the issues facing Maine seniors. In the American Rescue Plan, which passed 50 to 49 in 2021, King secured $10 billion in broadband funding to help more Maine seniors access life-saving services like tele-health. The legislation also contained funding to quickly vaccinate older Americans, and to lower the costs of healthcare. Senator King has also worked to increase prescription drug price transparency, expand tele-health services, and spoke on the Senate floor in support of expanded homecare services in the Build Back Better proposal. He also has introduced bipartisan legislation to help improve critical quality-of-life service and programs for American seniors. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-bill-to-restore-american-manufacturing-with-10-percent-tariff-on-all-imports,Golden introduces bill to restore American manufacturing with 10 percent tariff on all imports,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced the BUILT USA Act, to incentivize American manufacturing and job creation and address the nation’s ballooning trade deficit by levying a 10 percent tariff on all imports. “America must once again become a nation of producers, not just consumers,” Golden said. “Decades of globalization have transformed our country from an industrial superpower to one that relies on other countries for basic goods. To secure our future in an increasingly competitive world, we must move toward self-sufficiency, industrial strength and the homegrown innovation that goes hand-in-hand with a strong, productive economy. These tariffs put us on a path to that future.” Upon enactment, the BUILT USA Act (formally the Balance Unequal International Labor and Trade for the United States of America Act) would assess a ten percent tariff to all goods and services imported into the United States. Each subsequent calendar year, this duty would increase or decrease by 5 percent depending on whether America maintains a trade deficit or surplus, respectively. Tariffs have been embraced by presidents of both parties, with former President Donald Trump setting new tariffs on Chinese imports, which were kept on the books and in some cases expandedunder President Joe Biden. “Recent history is bipartisan recognition that the era of free-wheeling free-trade that cost Maine so much must come to an end, as a matter of both national security and economic interest,” Golden said. “We must act to reposition ourselves in the world economy, to a place of strength and self-sufficiency.” The trade balance — the difference between U.S. exports and U.S. imports — has been in deficit since the mid-70s. In recent years, the figure has approached nearly $1 trillion. “America’s ever-expanding trade deficit is a clear sign that the current global trade regime is stacked against U.S. workers, industries, and communities,” Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of American Compass, said. “Rep. Golden’s BUILT USA Act will address this global trade imbalance head on, reassert U.S. economic interests, and help reestablish the industrial base that made America the most innovative, prosperous, and resilient nation in the world.” “This bill is a win for revenue, growth, and the revitalization of our domestic industries,"" Michael Stumo, CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America said. ""The American System of economics is centered around making the middle class wealthier and boosting economic growth by selling to our own middle class. In contrast, countries like China overproduce and displace American workers and manufacturers, leading to massive trade deficits that drain U.S. demand for American-made products. We’ve been trying to compensate for these deficits with fiscal spending that only increases our unsustainable debt. By addressing the trade deficit, we can not only strengthen our domestic industries but also dramatically reduce the nation’s debt burden. Tariffs, like the ones proposed in this bill, are a crucial tool to ensure that our economy works for American workers and producers, not foreign adversaries.” Background: Seventy years ago, employment in manufacturing made up over 40 percent of nonfarm jobs in Maine, according to the Maine Department of Labor. Today, it’s less than 10 percent. The losses accelerated in the 1990s with the signing of NAFTA, after which Maine lost one in three manufacturing jobs — with 25,000 lost to outsourcing alone. Forty percent of those who lost jobs had to take new ones with lower pay. Golden has been a leading voice for reconfiguring U.S. trade policy in favor of American industry and workers. In May, he introduced legislation that would raise tariffs on Chinese imports of automobiles and energy components to ensure America’s industrial base, and thus its future, is strong. He published an essay the same month on the importance of a robust production economy for national security and middle-class prosperity. In 2019, he was one of only 41 House members to vote against the United States-Mexico -Canada Agreement, which he called “a missed opportunity to deliver real and lasting change” to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Full text of his legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-to-designate-september-as-national-recovery-month,King Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Designate September as National Recovery Month,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Shelly Moore-Capito (R-WV) have introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing substance use disorder and the recovery efforts needed to overcome this disease. The challenges posed by substance use disorder have continued to wreak havoc across Maine and the nation. This has been exacerbated in recent years due to limited access to treatment programs and increased isolation. However, there have been positive trends with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that drug overdose deaths nationwide decreased by three percent in 2023 — the first annual decrease since 2018. During that same time period, Maine, saw overdose deaths decrease by nearly 16 percent. This resolution shows a continued commitment to build upon these efforts and further bring down the rates of overdose deaths and substance use disorder. “Maine is one big, spread-out community and we have an obligation to one another to ensure we not only survive, but thrive,” said Senator King. “Tragically, we are losing too many of our loved ones to substance use disorder, leaving families scarred by their absence. The good news is we have started to see declines in overdose deaths, but we cannot let up on our efforts to provide quality care and support. This resolution recognizes our commitment to those struggling with substance use disorder and is another step forward in working together to save lives in Maine and across the country.” “I am proud to join my colleagues again in designating September as National Recovery Month,” said Senator Capito. “While the number of fatal overdoses thankfully has begun to decline in West Virginia and across the nation, far too many individuals are still being impacted by substance abuse. My hope is that by recognizing those who are in recovery — or on the road to recovery — from drug and alcohol addiction, we are providing a path forward those still living with addiction. In addition, the resolution rightfully highlights the vital role family members, friends, and communities play in this process.” Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his highest priorities in Washington. In the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, King secured significant investments to improve drug shipment interdiction, an area where he has long called for more resources. In the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, he secured new federal investments in our nation’s response to the ongoing opioid and substance use disorder (SUD) epidemic. He also secured nearly $1 million for SUD treatment for Maine through the American Rescue Plan. Senator King has also previously introduced the LifeBOAT Act, legislation that would help combat the opioid epidemic. The complete text of the resolution can be read here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-after-voting-for-continuing-resolution-preventing-government-shutdown,"Golden statement after voting for continuing resolution, preventing government shutdown",2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today released the following statement after voting for a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through December 20: “Voting ‘yes’ on this stopgap funding bill was the right call to keep the government open and avoid the chaos of a shutdown. But that is the bare minimum of Congress’ responsibility. When the House returns to pass the full budget, lawmakers should skip the brinkmanship and embrace the only approach that has worked for the past two years: a bipartisan agreement based on the Fiscal Responsibility Act’s spending levels that have already been signed into law.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-celebrate-national-lobster-day,"Senators Collins, King Celebrate National Lobster Day",2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today are celebrating Maine’s world renowned lobster industry after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan resolution recognizing September 25, 2024 as “National Lobster Day.” The resolution recognizes the cultural, economic and environmental impacts and importance of the iconic crustacean. Since 2015, the senators have introduced and sponsored legislation in recognition of National Lobster Day. “There are hundreds of small businesses along our Maine’s coastline that comprise our lobster industry, and their iconic catch is synonymous with Maine’s identity, history and culture,” said Senators Collins and King. “For centuries, the men and women who power the fishery wake up early every day proud to carry on this Maine tradition and ensure the long-term sustainability, resiliency and health of our Atlantic waters. Today, we recognize those lobstermen and women, and communities across Maine, who contribute hundreds of millions to our state and incalculable pride to our people.” ""Lobster is an integral part of Maine's identity, playing a crucial role in the livelihood of our coastal and island communities,"" said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. ""National Lobster Day not only allows us to share our, sustainably sourced product with the nation but also to highlight its significant impact on Maine's economy. We greatly appreciate Senator Collins’ and King's continued support in recognizing this important holiday."" Lobster is a top economic driver for the state of Maine and, in 2023, the industry brought in $611,000,000. Senators Collins and King have been vocal champions for the lobster industry in the U.S. Senate by pushing back against policies that could hinder future growth and successes. In 2022, Senators Collins and King secured a provision in the annual appropriations spending bill which included a regulatory reprieve to protect Maine’s sustainable lobster industry from misguided regulations that would have been devastating for the industry. Read the full resolution here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-colleagues-lead-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-delay-eu-point-of-origin-rule-protect-maine-forest-products-industry,"Golden, colleagues lead bipartisan congressional push to delay EU point-of-origin rule, protect Maine forest products industry",2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) signed a bipartisan letter this week requesting the president call for a twenty-four month delay to the European Union’s (E.U.) new deforestation regulation (EUDR), which threatens untenable data requirements on responsible American businesses. The letter was signed by 72 other House members. “Like you, Congress strongly supports efforts to combat deforestation throughout the globe. However, with less than four months left before enforcement of EUDR many questions from U.S. stakeholders remain unanswered…” the lawmakers wrote. “...While we collect and share an immense amount of data and information already, compliance with EUDR will require significant changes in how we collect, share, and report data – something that cannot happen overnight.” “The United States is a global leader in modern sustainable forest management, and we are deeply concerned that well-intentioned regulations from Europe will disincentivize the huge investments U.S. forest owners have made in the long-term health and sustainability of our forest resources,” they continued. “We all must work together to effectively address global deforestation. However, failure to immediately address stakeholder questions and concerns could have significant negative economic effects on both producers and customers on both sides of the Atlantic.” Starting on December 20, the EUDR will mandate new point-of-origin reporting requirements for goods exported to the E.U. to ensure production does not contribute to global deforestation. This includes exact geographic location coordinates to specific plots of land, despite the fact that current technology is unable to trace the source of blended forest products such as wood chips. Moreover, the E.U. has still yet to provide complete guidance for manufacturers seeking to meet the new standards, leaving questions about the EUDR’s strict geolocation traceability requirements given the pulp and paper industry’s complex supply chain. Implementation could prevent American-made forest products from reaching the E.U.’s market — devaluing U.S. timberlands and decimating domestic manufacturing in the process. U.S. forest product exports to the E.U. are valued at $3.5 billion. “Twin Rivers Paper has a long history of environmental stewardship and steadfast support of sustainable forestry. All papers we produce are certified to Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) fiber sourcing standards and we also ensure compliance with and certification of standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC),” Tyler Rajeski, president and CFO of Twin Rivers Paper in Madawaska said. “Although multiple North American trade and industry resources are actively engaged in the EUDR compliance process, we support and applaud the Congressional request for an extension of time to ensure adequate supply chain and systems exist for all parties to comply.” European leaders have also voiced criticism towards the rule’s rushed implementation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for the EUDR to be postponed earlier this month, while food and agriculture minister Cem Oezdemir warned that it could break critical supply chains. The U.S. supplies 85 percent of the pulp used in sanitary products like tissues and menstrual products worldwide. Full text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-historic-vote-arctic-caucus-co-chair-senator-king-welcomes-first-ambassador-to-the-arctic,"In Historic Vote, Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator King Welcomes First Ambassador to the Arctic",2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, today cast his vote for Michael Sfraga — currently serving as U.S. Arctic Research Commission Chair — to become the country’s first Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs, in a Senate vote of 55-36. Until Sfraga’s confirmation, the U.S. has been the only Arctic Nation that did not have a high-level official to represent the county in Arctic negotiations. With America now having formal diplomatic representation, it sends a clear signal to Arctic partners and foes that the country is fully invested in the High North as a strategic hotspot. The region is especially critical with regard to national security and deterrence efforts against known adversaries like China and Russia. “The Arctic is emerging as a region of enormous potential, and for far too long America has been on the sidelines — not demonstrating the level of commitment and attention shown by the other Arctic nations. That ends today,” said Senator King. “Not only is the High North drawing additional attention and investment by nations like Norway, Canada, and Russia, but China and India are also making moves in the region — investing millions in icebreakers and critical mineral research, laughably passing themselves off as ‘near Arctic nations.' While the Arctic has long been considered a ‘zone of peace,' America has not been represented by a Senate confirmed official bearing the title of ‘Ambassador.’ From now on, when there are conversations had about Arctic affairs, America finally will participate among equals. I thank my Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for her tireless work on this nomination, and now it’s time to truly get to work to advance and defend our Arctic interests.” Sfraga brings over 30 years of experience in Arctic issues, and was the founding director of the Polar Institute and served as the Director of the Global Risk and Resilience program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. As an Alaskan and trained geographer, his work has focused the changing geography of Arctic and Antarctic landscapes, as well as the rapidly changing economic, social, environmental and security implications of the region. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and as Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus, Senator King is an advocate for Maine and America’s interests in the North Atlantic and Arctic region. Along with Caucus co-chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), King introduced the Arctic Commitment Act earlier last year to improve America’s posture and opportunities in the Arctic. He’s been calling for the appointment of an Arctic Ambassador since 2015, and has continued to press the Administration on the effort this year. King also recently laid out the challenges and opportunities of a warming arctic in an article in the Wilson Quarterly, and in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, he successfully secured the inclusion of provisions to increase America’s activity and opportunities in the Far North. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-ease-the-burden-of-student-loans,King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Help Ease the Burden of Student Loans,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to help college graduates reduce the burden of student loans through a tax-free employer contribution. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would permanently extend a provision of the Internal Revenue Code allowing employees to exempt up to $5,250 from tax annually in student loan repayments that employers contribute on their behalf. The original provision was included in the bipartisan CARES Act and later extended through January 2026. Before the expansion of the provision, employers were only allowed to contribute toward continuing educating — not student loan repayments — in a way that is tax-free to the employee. The bill’s original sponsors are Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and John Thune (R-SD). “Student loans are an essential financial tool to help people in Maine and across the nation access and afford higher education,” said Senator King. “However, as we seek to tackle the cost of living in America, if we can cut costs for college graduates, those extra dollars can help them afford apartments, cars or even set aside savings. The bipartisan Employer Participation in Repayment Act is a commonsense step forward to ease the burden of student loan debt, while also creating a valuable recruiting and retention tool for employers. It’s not just smart policy, it’s a win-win for Maine workers and businesses.” According to a report from Federal Student Aid, an office of the Department of Education, it is estimated that Americans owe a combined $1.74 trillion dollars in student loan debt. This debt is a significant financial burden that not only influences the way the American workforce saves and spends, but also has a stifling effect on the economy. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would update an existing federal program so that it works better for employees living with the reality of burdensome student loan debt. From day one in the Senate, Senator King has advocated for student loan borrowers, working to ease the heavy debt burden that impacts thousands of Maine people. Earlier this year, he joined his colleagues in urging Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to consider a pause for student loan borrowers who are nearing their final payments during the Department’s transition to additional student loan servicers. In April 2019, Senator King joined Senators Coons and Portman to introduce Domenic’s Law, bipartisan legislation which would allow a parent whose child develops a total and permanent disability to qualify for student loan forgiveness. After an alarming report in 2019 from National Public Radio (NPR) which found that hundreds of thousands of Americans with qualifying disabilities have not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law, Senator King joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the Department’s Acting Inspector General, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process for Americans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rubio-urge-fda-for-guidance-on-stronger-cheaper-drug-manufacturing-process,"King, Rubio Urge FDA for Guidance on Stronger, Cheaper Drug Manufacturing Process",2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) are urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clarify its approval process for pharmaceutical companies considering advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) — such as continuous manufacturing, a means of production that involves a more uninterrupted process. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, the senators encouraged the FDA to incentivize the pharmaceutical industry to invest in AMTs to help address drug shortages and quality control issues, which contribute to more than 60% of the drug shortage problem. AMTs have great potential to lower the cost of drug production and can increase the possibility of domestic manufacturing. Compared to other industries, the pharmaceutical industry tends to operate in more outdated processes. Currently, much of the industry still employs what is called “batch” process, an active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) production method that takes place at multiple sites and can lead to sterilization issues. By implementing continuous manufacturing, companies can ensure a more sterile process at one single production site and reduce the risk of drug shortages. “For several years, the United States has grappled with a concerning uptick in shortages of key APIs and medications. Quality issues resulting from weak manufacturing standards abroad are the most common cause for shortages. Unsurprisingly, most of these quality issues occur in traditional manufacturing facilities overseas. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the U.S.’ heavy reliance on foreign entities, particularly China, for our drugs and medical supplies. The lack of domestic medical manufacturing has created dangerous vulnerabilities for American public health and national security,” wrote the senators. “We are concerned that the FDA has not yet created a feasible pathway for stakeholders to invest confidently in domestic AMTs. As the FDA continues to evaluate its AMT regulations, we urge you to prioritize domestic manufacturing facilities and commit to frequent engagement with industry and patient stakeholders, ensuring a clear and efficient approval process for AMTs and their products,” continued the senators. “As the FDA works toward finalizing its AMT Designation Program and continues to evaluate and approve AMTs for commercial use, we urge you to ensure that these efforts prioritize domestic supply chain resilience and enforce clear guidelines for manufacturers to take part in this program,” the senators wrote. The full text of the letter can be found here or below. +++ Dear Commissioner Califf: We write to urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promote domestic pharmaceutical supply chain resilience through the implementation of programs to manufacture drugs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) using advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs), such as continuous manufacturing processes. We commend the FDA’s work to issue industry guidance for considerations specific to continuous manufacturing of APIs, but greater action is needed to promote a resilient domestic API supply chain. We are concerned that the FDA has not yet created a feasible pathway for stakeholders to invest confidently in domestic AMTs. As the FDA continues to evaluate its AMT regulations, we urge you to prioritize domestic manufacturing facilities and commit to frequent engagement with industry and patient stakeholders, ensuring a clear and efficient approval process for AMTs and their products. For several years, the United States has grappled with a concerning uptick in shortages of key APIs and medications. Quality issues resulting from weak manufacturing standards abroad are the most common cause for shortages. Unsurprisingly, most of these quality issues occur in traditional manufacturing facilities overseas. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the U.S.’ heavy reliance on foreign entities, particularly China, for our drugs and medical supplies. The lack of domestic medical manufacturing has created dangerous vulnerabilities for American public health and national security. AMTs, such as continuous manufacturing sites, provide a promising pathway to lower the cost of domestic drug manufacturing, and accelerate the reshoring of key API production here in the United States. Yet, the FDA has not yet invested sufficient resources toward developing clear regulatory guidelines for these innovative manufacturing tools. The FDA must quickly finalize and implement the AMT Designation Program, as directed by Congress, to provide companies regulatory clarity as they evaluate whether to invest and seek approval of AMTs for their products. Though the FDA has identified current regulatory barriers that are preventing more companies from adopting AMTs in their manufacturing pipelines, we are concerned that the FDA has not addressed these barriers adequately. A 2021 National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine report found that significant regulatory challenges to implementing advanced manufacturing for drugs include challenges within the FDA’s approval process for each step in the manufacturing process and the lack of guidance and expertise within the FDA related to advanced manufacturing technologies. Industry stakeholders must be able to establish the business case for the use of an AMT, but current ambiguities in the regulatory environment exacerbate challenges for arguing the business incentives for AMTs, deterring investment in these technologies. Though the agency expressed a willingness to address the barriers the report identified, a 2023 GAO report on the status of the FDA’s efforts in supporting investment in AMTs found that only a few drugs manufactured using an AMT are currently approved for marketing in the United States. Between 2015 and 2022, the FDA had only approved 16 out of the 112 applications or supplemental applications that used an AMT. This low rate of approval does not inspire investor confidence and proves that the FDA has considerable work to do to improve the regulatory environment for AMTs. As the FDA works toward finalizing its AMT Designation Program and continues to evaluate and approve AMTs for commercial use, we urge you to ensure that these efforts prioritize domestic supply chain resilience and enforce clear guidelines for manufacturers to take part in this program. As such, we request answers to the following questions: What strategies has the FDA implemented to encourage greater investment by domestic drug manufacturers into AMTs, such as continuous manufacturing? How has the FDA engaged with industry to further refine its regulations and expand opportunities for approval? How is the FDA ensuring that the AMT Designation program will benefit more domestic manufacturing facilities than foreign-based facilities? Based on the current application pool for AMTs seeking FDA approval through currently active pathways, what is the ratio of domestic versus foreign-based facility applications that the FDA has received? What is the ratio of domestic versus foreign based facilities that have been approved? Has the FDA received any new continuous manufacturing applications for generics, especially among pharmaceuticals experiencing domestic shortages? Will the FDA consider a drug or API’s risk for shortage when evaluating applications for the AMT Designation program? How is the FDA communicating about the AMT Designation Program to eligible entities and the public? How is the FDA ensuring the drug manufacturers of all sizes are aware of the program and understand the requirements to apply? How is the FDA ensuring the timely approval of continuous manufacturing technologies? Has the FDA seen continued growth in the number of approved continuous manufacturing products since 2022? What is the implementation status of the AMT Designation Program? Has the FDA made progress on implementing the required program since the draft guidance period, which closed on March 13, 2024? Has the program accepted any designation requests for new technologies? Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-more-than-600000-to-support-recreation-in-the-second-district,"Golden announces more than $600,000 to support recreation in the Second District",2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today announced grants totaling more than $600,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support recreation in the towns of Littleton and Mexico. The funding will be used to renovate existing infrastructure and add new features to the Littleton Playground and Mexico Recreation Park. “Spending time outside is good for the body and good for the soul,” Golden said. “The Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided generations of Americans with access to protected outdoor spaces, and I’m pleased that these grants will help Littleton and Mexico residents enjoy quality outdoor recreation opportunities for years to come.” Littleton’s $102,000 grant will help the town add new equipment and benches to the playground, regrade a gravel entrance driveway and parking lot, add Americans with Disability Act (ADA)-accessible parking spaces and replace fencing on the playground. Mexico’s $500,950 grant will upgrade a tennis court, add basketball and pickleball courts, install lighting, build ADA-accessible picnic infrastructure and add tables, plantings, parking and a new picnic pavilion. The LWCF provides grant funding to local, state and federal agencies to protect natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, as well as provide recreation opportunities. It was established in 1964 and uses zero taxpayer dollars; Instead, it is fully funded by surplus federal property sales, the federal motorboat fuel tax, and revenues from U.S. oil and gas leases, at no cost to the taxpayer. Golden has been an avid proponent of the LWCF during his time in Congress. In his first term, he introduced the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which was signed into law in 2020 and protected the program’s stability for the future. LWCF has delivered $16 million in funding since 2020 to the Second District to conserve working forests and public lands near Perham Stream and Bethel and in Acadia National Park.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-barrasso-daines-team-up-to-combat-workforce-housing-shortage-at-national-parks,"King, Barrasso, Daines Team Up to Combat Workforce Housing Shortage at National Parks",2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Steve Daines (R-MT), chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on National Parks respectively, and John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, have introduced bipartisan legislation to help combat the housing shortage that the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service and other land management agency employees are facing across the country. The Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act would authorize the NPS, U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to expand their authority to secure and build more workforce housing on or close to the federal lands. The legislation is especially needed in Maine; just months ago, a fundraiser was held in Bar Harbor to create additional housing for up to 300 seasonal workers at Acadia National Park. “Every corner of Maine and the country is being impacted by the housing crisis — and our National Parks are no exception,” said Senator King, Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee. “The lack of safe, quality housing that doesn’t break the bank has made it difficult for park employees, and those who are called to preserve our public lands, to live in the communities they serve. The bipartisan Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act is a commonsense step, that allows the National Park Service and Forest Service use new approaches and public-private partnerships to combat the housing shortage. While this bill won’t solve the shortage on its own, it is a key part of a wider strategy to support our Parks and Forest Service employees. Safe, quality, and affordable housing is critical to ensuring that our parks stay staffed and open, and that visitors fully appreciate ‘America’s Best Idea.’” “Wyoming is home to the most beautiful national parks in the country. We are blessed to host millions of visitors from across the country and around the world each year,” said Senator Barrasso, ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “To continue to do so, employees of the National Park Service and the Forest Service need access to affordable and adequate housing on or near the lands where they work. Our bipartisan bill will help address the growing demand for housing by making it possible for these agencies to partner with the private sector to find solutions to the housing shortage. “This legislation will provide much-needed housing relief to Montanans who are living paycheck to paycheck and bearing the brunt of the Biden-Harris administration’s sky-high inflation,” said Senator Daines. “By prioritizing National Park Service workforce housing and supporting local gateway communities, we are one step closer towards addressing the housing shortage both in Montana and across the U.S.” Specifically the Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act would authorize: the National Park Service (NPS) to engage philanthropic partners to address workforce housing needs through matching grants and other cooperative efforts; the Secretary of the Interior to use income from rent for the development, construction, rehabilitation, and management of workforce housing; the Secretary of the Interior to enter into contracts for workforce housing within the private sector; and the secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to hire to fill vacant positions at NPS and Forest Service units if government housing is not available. As Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks and a lifelong advocate for conservation, Senator King has spent decades championing environmental stewardship and advocacy. Senator King was an active participant in discussions to ensure that the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument would not be designated against the will of local citizens. Prior to rising to the position of National Parks Subcommittee Chairman, Senator King also led the Great American Outdoors Act to address the $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks. For his continued leadership, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation “Hero” Award. Senator King has also long been committed to ensuring Maine people across the state can access safe and affordable housing, as well as working with his colleagues on creative solutions to combat the housing shortage. He introduced the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country — including thousands in Maine. He also worked with his Republican colleagues to improve affordability of rural homes and farms through the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act of 2023 and the Farmhouse-to Workforce Housing Act. Additionally, he has worked to expand affordable workforce housing on Mount Desert Island to support the economic development surrounding Acadia National Park. Earlier this year, he co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to expand affordable housing availability in Maine through redevelopment of historic buildings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cramer-introduce-bill-to-revise-cdc-dog-importation-rule,"King, Cramer Introduce Bill to Revise CDC Dog Importation Rule",2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), co-chairs of the American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, are introducing legislation to address a dog importation rule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that has made traveling worldwide more difficult for military and diplomatic families, and those with service animals, living abroad to bring their dog back to the United States. While the rule is intended to lessen the risk of the spread of canine rabies, it has created a cumbersome process when crossing the border — including implanting a microchip in the dog that contains its medical history. The Homeward Bound Act seeks to remove these unnecessary barriers that certain owners and their dogs face when they return from low-risk rabies countries such as Canada. Under the Homeward Bound Act, military, diplomatic families and service dogs would be provided an 18-month waiver from the CDC’s dog importation rule and the restriction required dogs to be at least six months old when imported from low-risk rabies countries would be eliminated. Additionally, it would also remove the microchip requirement for dogs born prior to the bill’s enactment and would only apply to dogs coming from low-risk countries. The bill also grandfathers in dogs born before the introduction of this rule from the microchip requirement. “Many American families enjoy the love and companionship of pet dogs — including those serving our country abroad,” said Senator Angus King. “However, recent rules put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created additional hurdles that make bringing your dog back to the U.S. a needlessly complicated process — creating a burden on military families, diplomats and those who rely on a service dog. The bipartisan Homeward Bound Act would provide more flexibility for these Americans traveling back home from low-risk countries, and help prevent unnecessary separation between owners and their four-legged friends.” “The CDC’s dog importation regulation poses significant and unnecessary burdens,” said Senator Cramer. “Whether it’s Canadians coming to North Dakota to hunt with their dog or Americans going to Canada to pick up their newest pet, cross-border travel is common place. Similarly, individuals with service dogs, members of the military, and diplomats with pets frequently come in and out of the country. Traveling with pets is hard enough without saddling families with the CDC’s newest requirements. The Homeward Bound Act fixes this bureaucratic overreach, while upholding public health protections.” Despite recent revisions to the CDC regulation prompted by public and Congressional feedback, the rule still complicates pet transport from low-risk countries. In July, Senator King joined a bipartisan letter urging the CDC to revise the new border regulations for dogs, which were set to take effect on August 1, 2024 and were seen as flawed with unintended, detrimental consequences. In response, the CDC announced critical revisions, including delaying a key provision on requiring a rabies certification form until at least April 2025 to allow for further review. A companion bill has been introduced in the House by Representatives Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) and Mary Peltola (D-AK). The legislation has been endorsed by the Humane Society Legislative Fund, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, the Canadian Snowbird Association, Signature Pet Transport and Doug the Pug. In addition to launching the ACES Caucus, Senator King has previously supported bipartisan efforts to strengthen the economic and national security relationship between the US and Canada. He has advocated for bolstering northern border security efforts, introduced the Arctic Commitment Act to address Artic warming, and negotiated funding for the modernization of Maine land ports to strengthen security and trade between Maine and Canada. This summer, he celebrated the opening of a new U.S. Port of Entry in Madawaska, which strengthens connectivity between northern Maine and Canada. Senator King has also been a staunch advocate of efforts to bolster public health initiatives and keep Maine people and animals safe. Last summer, he introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the CDC’s mosquito response and control efforts to fight the spread of dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-vote-for-continuing-resolution-and-save-act,Golden statement on vote for Continuing Resolution and SAVE Act,2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement after voting for a Continuing Resolution to fund government for six months that includes the SAVE Act: “My vote reflects two important principles: First, that keeping the government funded and avoiding a shutdown is a basic obligation of any Congress. Second, that citizenship in the United States confers awesome responsibilities and exclusive rights in equal measure — including the exclusive right to vote in American elections. “To me and the people of my district, these principles are noncontroversial. However, it’s been apparent for weeks that this bill was doomed to fail. Now that it has, I call on the House GOP to get serious about passing a CR that can win the support of both chambers and the White House and avoid a costly, unnecessary government shutdown.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-fight-rural-housing-shortage-king-bill-motivates-homeowners-to-expand-construct-properties,"To Fight Rural Housing Shortage, King Bill Motivates Homeowners to Expand, Construct Properties",2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) are introducing legislation to address the housing shortage and make it easier for rural workers to live in the communities they serve. The Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act would expand the existing Housing Preservation Grants (HPG) program so rural home owners can create more housing on their property — such as an attached apartment unit or a small home nearby — to be available for rent. Currently, HPGs are underused and receive limited funding that can only cover small costs and repairs. This legislation would optimize the program for rural housing creation, increasing its funding and expanding eligibility for homeowners who want to participate. The housing crisis has risen dramatically in recent years. A recent study found that Maine is now short more than 80,000 homes, in both urban and rural communities. The study also found Maine faces serious challenges including historic underproduction, aging housing stock, future need, lack of affordability, workforce decrease and a high demand for seasonal homes. The Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act would make it easier for Maine people in rural areas to access housing in the communities where they work. “Both urban and rural communities across Maine and the nation are facing a serious housing shortage,” said Senator Angus King. “Unfortunately, one law that Congress cannot repeal is the law of supply and demand; limited supply will inevitably increase prices. However, through creative solutions, we can increase the housing supply to help meet demand. I thank Senator Moran for working with me on the Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act — it’s a commonsense, bipartisan step that will help us combat the housing shortage and ensure Maine people and residents across the country can live in the communities where they work. Maine is one big small town connected by long roads, and when I drive those long roads I see potentially available properties in the same communities that are facing crisis levels of housing availability. This bill makes it cheaper and easier for Maine people and residents across the country to renovate their homes or build new ones on their land, and ease the shortfall.” “There is a high demand for rural housing across Kansas, and it’s important that our housing programs offer creative solutions to address this issue,” said Senator Moran. “Modernizing the Housing Preservation Grants program will help create new avenues for renovating and constructing homes in smaller communities across the country.” “The Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act of 2024 would provide a significant step forward in addressing workforce housing needs and strengthening our nation’s small farms, the heart of our rural communities,” said Kara Hay, President and CEO of Penquis. “The health of our economy and the wellbeing of American families depend on the availability of affordable housing. I commend Senators King and Moran for introducing this practical solution for our nation’s farmers, farm workers and food system.” “As a dedicated tiny home builder and advocate, I am thrilled to express my wholehearted support for Senator Angus King’s groundbreaking legislation, the Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act of 2024. This bill represents a transformative step forward in affordable and sustainable housing,” Corinne Watson, CEO of Tiny Homes of Maine. “This grant initiative aligns perfectly with the principles of tiny home living by encouraging the development of ADUs, which can serve as additional housing for family members, rental income sources, or simply as a sustainable alternative to traditional housing. Thank you, Senator King, for championing such a forward-thinking and impactful measure.” The Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act specifically would: Allow recipients to use HPG money to construct additional housing units either within or outside their home. Authorize funding for the nationwide program at $200,000,000. Offer grants of up to $100,000 to low- or medium-income recipients. Require the original home to be 25 years or older. Established a required landlord education program to help homeowners learn how to oversee rental housing. Create a five-year ownership and occupancy requirement upon completion to prevent homeowners from flipping their property at increased values and prevent developers from taking advantage of the program. Senator King has long been committed to ensuring Maine people across the state can access safe and affordable housing, as well as working with his colleagues on creative solutions to combat the housing shortage. He recently introduced the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country — including thousands in Maine. He also worked with his Republican colleagues to improve affordability of rural homes and farms through the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act of 2023. Additionally, he has worked to expand affordable workforce housing on Mount Desert Island to support the economic development surrounding Acadia National Park. Earlier this year, he co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to expand affordable housing availability in Maine through redevelopment of historic buildings. He also introduced the bipartisan HELPER Act to unlock home ownership for first responders and teachers. Most recently, he introduced the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act to encourage manufactured home park owners interested in selling their properties to sell to residents rather than developers. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-18-million-for-police-departments-in-maine-s-second-district,Golden announces $1.8 million for police departments in Maine’s Second District,2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today that Maine’s Second Congressional District will receive more than $1.8 million from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office for rural hiring and public safety improvements. “Maine’s police officers play a critical role in keeping our communities safe,” Golden said. “They should get every resource they need to do that job effectively, and today’s awards will make a meaningful difference for departments across the state. I’ll continue pounding the drum for programs like the COPS Office that deliver these kinds of results.” The COPS Office will distribute this funding through its COPS Hiring Program (CHP), School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP), Community Policing Development Program (CPD), and Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program (LEMHWA). Together, these programs offer competitive grants to state, local, and tribal governments to improve public safety. The newly announced awards are as follows: COPS Hiring Program (CHP) CHP funding is awarded directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and retain officers amidst Maine and national shortages. Second District awards include: $125,000 for the Town of Rangeley to hire one additional officer; $250,000 for the Town of Rumford to hire two additional officers; COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) SVPP funding can be used by local districts on a variety of school safety measures, including specialized training for students and staff, deterrence measures such as locks and lighting, and coordination with law enforcement. Second District awards include: $500,000 for the City of Lewiston; $500,000 for the Maine School Administrative District 17, based in Oxford Hills. Community Policing Development (CPD) Program CPD funding supports state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies in administering community policing. Funding can be put towards hiring community policing professionals, implementing new policing tactics, and training stakeholders on these methods. Second District awards include: $250,000 for the Town of Rumford to seek accreditation for their law enforcement agencies. Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program LEMHWA funding helps law enforcement officials provide and access mental health and wellness services. Funding can be put towards increasing understanding of mental health and wellness techniques among law enforcement officials and providing training and resources for officials to administer programs in their communities. Second District awards include: $200,000 for the Indian Township Tribal Government. Golden has led several initiatives to bolster the COPS office, which has dispersed over $20 billion and funded more than 136,000 new officer positions around the country since being established in 1994 — including $344 million and 1,730 new officers in 2023. He was an original cosponsor of the Invest to Protect Act last Congress, which passed the House with 360 votes. He also helped introduce the bipartisan COPS on the Beat Grant Program Reauthorization and Parity Act in multiple Congresses to strengthen the programs funding and expand access to rural grants.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-urges-va-to-take-additional-steps-to-reduce-veteran-suicide,King Urges VA to Take Additional Steps to Reduce Veteran Suicide,2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is urging the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to take additional steps to help reduce veteran suicide. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, King highlights the devasting veteran suicide rate by firearm and outlines his Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, a bill that would provide free firearm lockboxes at the request of any veteran and require VA providers to complete annual training so they are prepared to have basic conversations with veterans about their mental health and safety. Currently, the VA only requires providers complete this training when they start working at the VA, but recently began the process to update their policies to require the training be completed annually, as required by Senator King’s bill. The letter comes in the midst of National Suicide Prevention Month and as VA reports continue to show an increase in veteran suicide nationwide. “September is National Suicide Prevention Month and I write to thank you for the work the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has done to address veteran suicides. While the steps you have taken are important, I believe that there is still more to do. Nearly three-quarters of all veteran suicide deaths involve a firearm and veterans are three times more likely to die by gun suicide than non-veterans. While many factors contribute to suicide, having easy access to lethal means such as a firearm during a moment of crisis can mean the difference between life and death, and with nearly half of all veterans reporting that they own guns (compared to 20% of non-veterans), the high rate of firearm suicide deaths among veterans is impossible to ignore,” wrote King. “This is why I recently introduced the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act. This bill would provide funding to make sure that veterans have voluntary access to free gun safes or lock boxes so that they can safely store their weapons—putting valuable time and space between intrusive, suicidal thoughts and the lethal means to carry them out. Additionally, my bill would require that all providers treating veterans—at the VA and in the VA’s community care network—are trained to discuss lethal means, even if they aren’t mental health professionals,” continued King. “Additionally, my bill would require the VA to partner with veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) to provide information to veterans about lethal means safety and safe storage options. I encourage you to use your existing authority to begin work in this space as soon as possible. I believe that efforts to work with VSOs to provide information to veterans, especially those who do not receive their health care through the VA, about the importance of suicide prevention, safe storage for lethal means (including firearms and medications), and planning ahead will save lives,” wrote King. “Thank you again for all the VA has done to support our veterans, especially those facing mental health struggles. As we mark another National Suicide Prevention Month, I look forward to working together on this issue so that we can reduce the number of veterans dying by firearm suicides,” concluded King. Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Most recently, at the request of Senator King, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a new report breaking down suicide rates in the Armed Service by job function. This summer, King introduced the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing firearm lockboxes and bolstering mental health training for VA caregivers. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Secretary McDonough, September is National Suicide Prevention Month and I write to thank you for the work the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has done to address veteran suicides. While the steps you have taken are important, I believe that there is still more to do. Nearly three-quarters of all veteran suicide deaths involve a firearm and veterans are three times more likely to die by gun suicide than non-veterans. While many factors contribute to suicide, having easy access to lethal means such as a firearm during a moment of crisis can mean the difference between life and death, and with nearly half of all veterans reporting that they own guns (compared to 20% of non-veterans), the high rate of firearm suicide deaths among veterans is impossible to ignore. This is why I recently introduced the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act. This bill would provide funding to make sure that veterans have voluntary access to free gun safes or lock boxes so that they can safely store their weapons—putting valuable time and space between intrusive, suicidal thoughts and the lethal means to carry them out. Additionally, my bill would require that all providers treating veterans—at the VA and in the VA’s community care network—are trained to discuss lethal means, even if they aren’t mental health professionals. This would ensure that veterans can have basic conversations with any doctor about their mental health concerns. I understand that the VA is already working to update policies to require VHA providers complete certain suicide prevention training programs, including the Lethal Means Safety training outlined in my bill, on an annual basis, and I commend you for taking this action. I am hopeful we can find a way to train all our community care providers in the same manner so that veterans have the same opportunities for these mental health discussions, regardless of where they seek care. Additionally, my bill would require the VA to partner with veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) to provide information to veterans about lethal means safety and safe storage options. I encourage you to use your existing authority to begin work in this space as soon as possible. I believe that efforts to work with VSOs to provide information to veterans, especially those who do not receive their health care through the VA, about the importance of suicide prevention, safe storage for lethal means (including firearms and medications), and planning ahead will save lives. Many veterans—particularly those who do not regularly engage with the VA—may be apprehensive if their health care provider is asking about their access to firearms; many immediately worry that their continued ability to own firearms may be dependent on how they answer subsequent questions. In reality, these providers simply want to make sure that their patients are safe, especially during moments of crisis, and understanding what lethal means they might have access to is a crucial part of that planning process. Working with VSOs and having their peers—fellow veterans they know and trust—explain this process ahead of time could ease some anxiety among veterans who worry their right to own firearms might be at risk. Additionally, VSOs can draw on the wealth of experiences of their members to break the stigma associated with mental health struggles. Thank you again for all the VA has done to support our veterans, especially those facing mental health struggles. As we mark another National Suicide Prevention Month, I look forward to working together on this issue so that we can reduce the number of veterans dying by firearm suicides. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-supports-slate-of-bills-to-protect-american-interests-from-foreign-competitors,Golden supports slate of bills to protect American interests from foreign competitors,2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 12, 2024 WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today completed voting for a series of bills scheduled in the House this week, all of which seek to address economic, technological, and national security threats. “These bills take common sense steps to ensure American interests are protected,” Golden said. The bills include: H.R. 1516, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, which would bar the Homeland Security Department from providing any funds to institutions of higher education that have a relationship with a Confucius Institute or certain Chinese universities, which have been linked with espionage, theft of intellectual property, and intimidation of Chinese dissidents in the U.S. H.R. 9456, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act, which would increase scrutiny of foreign purchases of American agricultural land to protect U.S. farms and farmers. H.R. 7980, the End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act of 2024, which would prohibit electric vehicles using batteries or battery components manufactured by companies based in China and other U.S. adversaries from receiving EV tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This bill is substantively similar to an effort by Golden earlier this year to ensure tax credits in the IRA designed to support American manufacturing are not used to prop up foreign competitors. H.R. 1398, the Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2024, which would direct the U.S. Department of Justice to set aside resources for a program aimed at countering espionage specifically by the Chinese Communist Party, in recognition of the disproportionate amount of economic espionage cases prosecuted by DOJ that involve China. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-its-inexcusable-that-military-halts-only-25-percent-of-known-drug-shipments,King: It’s “Inexcusable” That Only 25 Percent of Known Drug Shipments Intercepted,2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, questioned U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey, nominee to be Admiral and Commander of U.S. Southern Command, about the illicit drug trade and the deadly toll it is taking on Maine people and Americans across the country. In the exchange during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), King called the failure to apprehend the illegal drug shipments “inexcusable,” and called on Admiral Holsey to identify what resources are needed for the military to improve their efforts to combat these shipments. According to the Maine Monthly Overdose Report, between January and December 2023 Maine saw 607 confirmed and suspected fatal drug overdoses. During his line of questioning, King pressed Admiral Holsey on why the U.S. military and intelligence agencies have only been able to interdict roughly a quarter of all drug shipments coming into the United States. “Admiral Holsey, you're serving in a war zone. Since we've been sitting here this morning, 10 Americans have died as a result of the work in that war zone. I'm talking about overdose deaths over 100,000 in the country, almost one a day in my state of Maine. Americans are dying,” began Senator King. “And here's what's the problem, or a part of the problem: we are only interdicting 25% of the drug shipments by sea that are coming to this country that we know of, that intelligence tells us are coming and where they are, and yet, 75% of them get through, that's inexcusable. There's something crazy about the fact that we're talking about prospective issues with other countries in the region. This is a real live war zone where people are being killed.” “I just don't understand it. This is, this has been going on for years. I've been asking this question, so I want to understand why we're able to only interdict 25% of the drug shipments that we know about. If it's a lack of ships, let's find them, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and neighboring countries,” continued Senator King. “We’ve got to think creatively about this. I'm tired of coming to this hearing every couple of years, and hearing this same figure of 25% interdiction of what we know of.” “Will you commit to me to do two things? Number one, to look for the resources and the assets that are necessary to execute this mission, and number two, to look at the organization of the mission. There are lots of U.S. government agencies involved, intelligence, DHS, drug interdiction, Navy, Coast Guard — my sense is nobody's in charge. And I'd like you to come back to this committee with an organizational chart that show that shows that somebody is in charge. I never like to hear the phrase ‘all of government.’ Every time I hear that phrase, what I hear is, ‘nobody's in charge.’ Will you make those two commitments, Admiral?” finished Senator King. “Senator, I understand your concern, and even one life is precious. I'll share with you that I commit to looking at this very closely. I believe that we have areas that we can improve. I will advocate for adequate resourcing of air and maritime assets to bolster our presence and to be able to affect interdictions. I think we have to do that. We have to continue to work with intelligence as well as well. But again, it's a very challenging problem set. We will continue to support the lead federal agency, the DEA. Again, we have all those resources, depending where they bring them together — ,” responded Admiral Holsey. “But if you don't have the assets, if you don't have those ships, let us know. That's the business that we're in. Let us know so that we can try to solve this problem. But I want you to think on this as you're flying back today. Bear in mind that one American every five minutes, 24 hours a day is dying as a result of this crisis,” said Senator King. “Yes, Sir,” replied Admiral Holsey. Senator King has made combating the opioid crisis one of his highest priorities in Washington. In hearings of the Armed Services Committee, Senator King has repeatedly and forcefully urged top Pentagon officials to improve efforts to stop drug shipments, and to allocate more resources for the crisis. In the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, he secured new federal investment in our nation’s response to the ongoing opioid and substance use disorder (SUD) epidemic. He also secured nearly $1 million for SUD treatment for Maine through the American Rescue Plan. At the beginning of the 118th Congress, he wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley highlighting the significant threat posed to Maine and the country by the international drug trade. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-create-a-national-falls-prevention-plan,"King, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Create a National Falls Prevention Plan",2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) are introducing bipartisan legislation to help prevent painful — and costly — household accidents. The Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act would create an Advisory Committee on Falls Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which would develop a National Falls Prevention Plan to evaluate falls prevention efforts under the federal government and make recommendations for improving federal policies. Under the National Plan, the advisory committee would develop recommendations for how Medicare could develop a falls prevention pilot or demonstration program that would provide coverage of home modifications such as grab bars or staircase handrails as part of a falls prevention Medicare program. Currently, traditional Medicare does not cover or offer reimbursements for such modifications. On a percentage basis, Maine leads the nation with the largest 65 and older population. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older. In 2021, there were 325 deaths in Maine attributed to older adult falls and Maine ranked 8th highest in the nation per capita on the rate of deaths due to falls. According to the CDC, there are roughly 1 million fall-related hospitalizes and 3 million emergency department visits annually across the country due to falls. For example, a fall in a shower or bathtub can result in a hospital stay and medical bills in the thousands of dollars, while an investment in a grab bar would be a few hundred dollars. The senators’ legislation would study the highest frequency household accidents and study the most cost-effective ways to avoid injuries. “We all know the saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and preventative care is a win-win for Maine patients, families and the taxpayers,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act is a critical step forward in supporting older Maine people and making sure they have the care and dedicated resources at the federal level to thrive. And, not only will this bill create a committee dedicated solely to falls preventing, it will also help to establish home modification pilot programs. Tools like grab bars or handrails can be the difference between a simple installation and an avoidable injury. I am grateful to my friend and colleague Senator Rounds for his continued work to help ensure Americans all the way from Maine to South Dakota stand strong.” “If we can identify areas to reduce the number of falls among the senior population, we can improve their quality of life,” said Senator Rounds. “At the federal level, this would also mean saving taxpayer dollars in treating those falls. This is a step in the right direction.” “We all want to live purposeful, healthy, and engaged lives, and yet something as preventable as a fall can completely derail this goal,” said Jess Maurer, Executive Director, Maine Council on Aging. “Most falls are preventable and the reasons for them can be remedied if the right interventions are employed. The Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act is a critically needed next step in developing a sustainable national program to prevent the causes and conditions that lead to falls.” The Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act is endorsed by AARP, AARP Maine, Alliance for Aging Research, America Public Health Association, American Foundation for the Blind, American Geriatrics Society, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association Geriatrics Academy, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Brain Injury Association of America, Gerontological Society of America, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance, Maine Council on Aging, MaineHealth, Meals on Wheels America, National Association of State Head Injury Administrators, National Center for Healthy Housing, National Council on Aging, National Senior Corps Association, Prevention Institute and the Safe States Alliance As an extension of his longtime focus on prevention efforts, Senator King has been leading the charge in the “Stand Strong” space. Recently, he introduced a legislative package to encourage proactive home modifications and to increase access to preventative screenings for older Americans to keep them thriving while avoiding costly injuries. The package included the reintroduction of the Preventative Home Visits Act and the WELL Seniors Act to expand Medicare benefits to cover home modifications, ensure the accessibility of telehealth services and include comprehensive screenings during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. Earlier this summer, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to protect older veterans from avoidable, costly falls. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-23rd-anniversary-of-the-september-11th-terrorist-attacks,King Statement On the 23rd Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks,2024-09-11,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today released the following statement on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks: “Today, we remember those who perished on September 11th, 2001, and all Americans who have since been killed from those wishing to inflict terror across the globe. It is also an occasion to recall the incredible unity that Americans demonstrated in the aftermath of that horror — so I urge everyone to focus on what unites us, not divides us. It is clear our nation is stronger when we stand together. “And as we look toward the future, we must strive to uphold the American values for which so many made the ultimate sacrifice. We, as a nation, are forever indebted, and they deserve nothing less than our full support. These men and women — from everyday New Yorkers and Pentagon workers, to the passengers on Flight 93 and all those who put on a service uniform — are the embodiment of American patriotism and represent the very best of our nation. “Time and again, Americans have proven that no enemy, foreign or domestic, is able to destroy America’s defining principles of democracy and liberty. May we remember those who passed and honor those who continue to put country first.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-signs-bipartisan-discharge-petition-to-protect-mainers-social-security-benefits,Golden signs bipartisan discharge petition to protect Mainers’ Social Security benefits,2024-09-10,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is pushing to force a House vote on eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduce Social Security benefits for millions of public employees, such as teachers and first responders. Golden today signed a bipartisan discharge petition to bring H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, to the floor. He is one of 326 cosponsors of the bill. “Public workers earned their full retirements after decades of selfless service. Limiting their benefits after they’ve already paid into the system is wrong,” Golden said. “I’ve opposed the WEP and GPO throughout my time in Congress and am proud to take this necessary step to force a vote on protecting Mainers’ full retirement benefits.” The WEP and GPO were enacted in 1983 to reduce pensions for public employees who already receive other retirement benefits. The WEP reduces payments by up to half for those receiving both Social Security and outside pensions that were excluded from payroll taxes. The GPO reduces payments by up to two-thirds for beneficiaries that receive both a government pension and spousal or survivor benefits from Social Security. As of 2023, more than 21,000 Mainers were affected by the WEP. A discharge petition allows a majority of lawmakers to force a floor vote on legislation that has stalled in committee. This petition was filed and opened to signatures today.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-named-2024-legislator-of-the-year-by-wounded-warrior-project,King Named “2024 Legislator of the Year” by Wounded Warrior Project,2024-09-10,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, has been recognized as the 2024 “Legislator of the Year” by Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The prestigious annual award recognizes outstanding legislative efforts and achievements by a member of Congress in improving the lives of post-9/11 wounded, ill and injured veterans. Senator King was selected for this award due to his advocacy for bills to promote smoother military transitions, enhance career training opportunities, and strengthen practices and standards concerning blast injury prevention and care. “Our veterans have made countless sacrifices to defend and serve our nation,” said Senator King. “We have a solemn duty to return that service to them long after they hang up their uniform. From helping our veterans navigate the transition to civilian life to ensuring they have accessible, affordable care, we have made tremendous strides together. But there is still much work to be done to step up for those who wore the uniform. I want to thank the Wounded Warrior Project for this award and will work with anyone in Congress on behalf of our veterans in Maine and across the nation.” “Senator King has been a dedicated advocate for wounded warriors and the entire veteran community, and his leadership is a model for other members of Congress,” said Wounded Warrior Project CEO, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Piatt. “His work supports the Armed Forces and veterans every single day, and WWP is honored to be able to work with him in Congress and recognize his outstanding efforts on behalf of everyone who is wearing or has worn the uniform.” Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and introduced legislation to provide safe firearm storage for veterans. Senator King also contributes to the Veterans History Project, a Library of Congress initiative to collect and preserve the stories of American veterans; he most recently interviewed an Army National Guard veteran from Pittsfield, Maine. Senator King uses this interview series to learn and share the stories of the lives, service, and sacrifices of Maine’s veteran community. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-338-million-to-upgrade-hydropower-infrastructure,Maine Delegation Announces $33.8 Million to Upgrade Hydropower Infrastructure,2024-09-06,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today announced more than $33.8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for hydroelectric projects in Maine. The Department of Energy announced $430 million for hydropower infrastructure upgrades across 33 states, including a total of $33,801,291 for 21 projects in Maine. Administered by the Grid Deployment Office (GDO) and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives program is designed to enhance existing hydropower and pumped storage facilities for capital improvements directly related to grid resilience, dam safety, and environmental improvements. Potential eligible capital improvements include improvements that enable the integration of variable resources, such as wind and solar; improvements for dam safety, such as spillway upgrades and erosion repair; and improvements in environmental conditions, such as fish passage, water quality and recreation. “Hydropower plays a critical role in unlocking Maine’s clean energy future, and is key to increasing energy efficiency and reliability. This $33.8 million investment will not only improve grid resilience and dam safety, but will also make environmental improvements such as enhancing fish passages,” the Delegation said. “These upgrades will help preserve Maine’s natural resources while supporting thousands of jobs across our state. Thanks to the historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re ensuring that hydropower remains both a reliable energy source and providing greater flexibility for achieving environmental solutions going forward.” “As our earliest form of renewable energy generation, hydropower has reliably kept America running for almost 150 years — and the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring these long-standing facilities can continue the steady flow of clean power,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Today’s funding will expand and modernize our hydropower fleet, while protecting thousands of American jobs.” Hydropower currently accounts for nearly 27% of renewable electricity generation in the United States, as well as 93% of all utility-scale energy storage. However, the fleet is aging, with many facilities in need of repair and upgrades. Funded Maine projects include: Hiram Hydroelectric Project: $1,800,000 West Buxton Hydroelectric Project: $2,400,000 Lockwood Hydroelectric Project: $5,000,000 Hydro-Kennebec Hydroelectric Project -Fish Passage: $1,560,075 Pejepscot Hydroelectric Project: $1,140,000 Gulf Island Hydroelectric Project: $1,710,000 Shawmut Hydroelectric Project: $4,800,000 Weston Hydroelectric Project: $4,550,766 Wyman Hydroelectric Project: $900,000 Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project: $392,940 Penobscot Mills Project: $825,000 Jay Hydro – Governor and Exciter Upgrade Project: $450,515 Livermore Hydro – Governor and Exciter Upgrade Project: $503,284 Otis Hydro – Governor and Exciter Upgrade Project: $953,826 Riley Hydro – STATCOM and Capacitor Bank Installation Project: $1,234,442 Ellsworth Hydroelectric Project: $1,800,000 Eel Weir Project: $360,397 Eel Weir Project: $1,592,820 Gambo: $49,500 Mallison Falls: $390,225 Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Project: $1,387,500 The full list of selections can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-statement-on-lewiston-commission-report-governor-mills-support-for-federal-action,"Maine Delegation Statement on Lewiston Commission Report, Governor Mills’ Support for Federal Action",2024-09-06,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today released the following statement, moments after Governor Mills’ press conference on the Lewiston Independent Commission’s final report. “As our state continues to heal from the tragic events in Lewiston, we commend Governor Mills for her leadership in seeking to address many of the issues identified in the Independent Commission’s report. The Governor’s decision to send a letter to the Secretary of Defense, urging swift action on the Commission’s recommendations, will reinforce the urgency of helping to ensure that no community in Maine or across the nation faces such a devastating tragedy again. “The Commission’s report highlights serious shortcomings, particularly in the coordination between military and civilian authorities in managing Reservists’ health. We are fully committed to working alongside the Governor and our colleagues in Congress to advance policies and legislation that would help address these issues. “We remain focused on supporting the families affected by the Lewiston tragedy and ensuring that their voices are heard throughout this process. We are united in our determination to see reforms implemented and to make Maine—and the nation—safer for all.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-338-million-to-upgrade-hydropower-infrastructure,Maine Delegation Announces $33.8 Million to Upgrade Hydropower Infrastructure,2024-09-06,2024,2024-09,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today announced more than $33.8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for hydroelectric projects in Maine. The Department of Energy announced $430 million for hydropower infrastructure upgrades across 33 states, including a total of $33,801,291 for 21 projects in Maine. Administered by the Grid Deployment Office (GDO) and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives program is designed to enhance existing hydropower and pumped storage facilities for capital improvements directly related to grid resilience, dam safety, and environmental improvements. Potential eligible capital improvements include improvements that enable the integration of variable resources, such as wind and solar; improvements for dam safety, such as spillway upgrades and erosion repair; and improvements in environmental conditions, such as fish passage, water quality and recreation. “Hydropower plays a critical role in unlocking Maine’s clean energy future, and is key to increasing energy efficiency and reliability. This $33.8 million investment will not only improve grid resilience and dam safety, but will also make environmental improvements such as enhancing fish passages,” the Delegation said. “These upgrades will help preserve Maine’s natural resources while supporting thousands of jobs across our state. Thanks to the historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re ensuring that hydropower remains both a reliable energy source and providing greater flexibility for achieving environmental solutions going forward.” “As our earliest form of renewable energy generation, hydropower has reliably kept America running for almost 150 years — and the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring these long-standing facilities can continue the steady flow of clean power,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Today’s funding will expand and modernize our hydropower fleet, while protecting thousands of American jobs.” Hydropower currently accounts for nearly 27% of renewable electricity generation in the United States, as well as 93% of all utility-scale energy storage. However, the fleet is aging, with many facilities in need of repair and upgrades. Funded Maine projects include: Hiram Hydroelectric Project: $1,800,000 West Buxton Hydroelectric Project: $2,400,000 Lockwood Hydroelectric Project: $5,000,000 Hydro-Kennebec Hydroelectric Project -Fish Passage: $1,560,075 Pejepscot Hydroelectric Project: $1,140,000 Gulf Island Hydroelectric Project: $1,710,000 Shawmut Hydroelectric Project: $4,800,000 Weston Hydroelectric Project: $4,550,766 Wyman Hydroelectric Project: $900,000 Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project: $392,940 Penobscot Mills Project: $825,000 Jay Hydro – Governor and Exciter Upgrade Project: $450,515 Livermore Hydro – Governor and Exciter Upgrade Project: $503,284 Otis Hydro – Governor and Exciter Upgrade Project: $953,826 Riley Hydro – STATCOM and Capacitor Bank Installation Project: $1,234,442 Ellsworth Hydroelectric Project: $1,800,000 Eel Weir Project: $360,397 Eel Weir Project: $1,592,820 Gambo: $49,500 Mallison Falls: $390,225 Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Project: $1,387,500 The full list of selections can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-pingree-push-to-make-redevelopment-in-former-mills-eligible-for-federal-energy-efficiency-grants,"Golden, Pingree push to make redevelopment in former mills eligible for federal energy efficiency grants",2024-08-30,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today pushed United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack to expand grant eligibility for projects based in former mill sites. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Since 2018, the program has awarded more than $200 million for projects across Maine. “We have seen the success of REAP funding across the state of Maine. They have a significant impact in supporting rural communities with renewable energy…” the lawmakers wrote in their letter. “...We believe that the unique nature of these former mill sites warrant USDA expeditiously reviewing REAP applicant requirements to ensure that projects that both benefit the local area and ensure efficiency improvements are given the opportunity to apply for REAP funding rather than be left out entirely.” REAP applicants must provide data showing how much energy was consumed at the site in the past. USDA uses this data to establish how the applicant’s proposal will improve efficiency or reduce consumption. The problem is that while mills like those that once operated in Skowhegan and Jay required a lot of energy, their net energy consumption was often low — a result of how much heat is produced by large machinery. So entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to redevelop the mills for new purposes are unfairly excluded from REAP grants, even if the proposals would undoubtedly improve energy efficiency. Additionally, mills that have been shuttered for more than five years or that lack historical data are ineligible. Earlier this year, USDA officials told Golden and Pingree that they were considering solutions to better support these types of projects, including potentially changing historical energy usage requirements or establishing a new program for non-operational mill sites altogether. However, the agency has provided no updates since. The lawmakers’ letter can be found here, and is included in full below: +++ August 30, 2024 The Honorable Thomas Vilsack Secretary United States Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 Dear Secretary Vilsack, We write to urge the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expedite its decision-making process relating to certain applicants for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). As currently administered, applicants for REAP energy efficiency funds must demonstrate historical energy consumption from the past 12- 60 months. Applicants that do not meet the historical energy usage requirement have not been permitted to receive funding, which unfairly excludes projects originating from non-operational mills. Former mill sites often generated heat during production, and as such cannot demonstrate historical energy consumption. We believe that changes to this program are essential to ensure increased investment in economic development projects in small and rural communities with out- of-commission mills. We have seen the success of REAP funding across the state of Maine. They have a significant impact in supporting rural communities with renewable energy. We are concerned that REAP’s historical energy data requirement prevents communities such as Jay and Skowhegan, which have ongoing economic development and manufacturing projects converting former mills, from accessing this important funding. We were encouraged to see USDA state they would consider changing the current requirements for historical energy usage or establish a new program set aside specifically for projects based in old mills to ensure that critical economic development projects like those in our districts can receive funding. We believe that the unique nature of these former mill sites warrant USDA expeditiously reviewing REAP applicant requirements to ensure that projects that both benefit the local area and ensure efficiency improvements are given the opportunity to apply for REAP funding rather than be left out entirely. We request an update on the status of amending REAP program to support applicants without historical energy consumption. The federal government and United States Department of Agriculture have an important role to play in supporting rural towns that are willing to reinvest and revitalize their communities, bring in new jobs, and continue to grow their local economy. Thank you for your consideration of our request and we look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-announce-7-million-for-bigelow-laboratory,Senators Collins and King Announce $7 Million for Bigelow Laboratory,2024-08-21,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences has received $7 million to build the Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator. The award will assist with building state-of-the-art research infrastructure which will streamline algae innovation in the agricultural, aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries. Collaborating with Bigelow Laboratory on this effort are Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, University of New England, Colby College, Southern Maine Community College, Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, Gulf of Maine Ventures, and the Maine Technology Institute. This funding was awarded through the National Science Foundation and will be distributed over four years. “Maine is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the aquaculture and biochemistry industry and the addition of Bigelow Laboratory’s algal accelerator is another example of our cutting-edge innovation,” said Senators Collins and King. “This $7 million investment will help scientists and Bigelow Laboratory harness the power of algae — unlocking new potential for Maine’s agriculture, aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries. Not only will this research help drive new approaches to commercial algae use, but it will also open the door to workforce opportunities between local farmers, algal companies and our premier research institutions.” Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is an independent, nonprofit research institute located in East Boothbay. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Bigelow Laboratory scientists use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future for all life on our planet. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-welcomes-first-results-of-drug-price-negotiations,King Welcomes First Results of Drug Price Negotiations,2024-08-15,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today celebrated the White House completing the first round of Medicare negotiations to lower the price of 10 prescription drugs, which will lower out of pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries on eligible drugs and save Medicare — and American taxpayers — billions. The announcement comes nearly two years after the Inflation Reduction Act, which King supported, was signed into law. In addition to the negotiation provisions, the bill also included a cap on the coats in insulin and a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for adults on Medicare. Tens of thousands of Maine Medicare enrollees currently take the 10 drugs included in the negotiations, paying annual out-of-pocket costs up to nearly $5,000 in 2022. “Today’s announcement from the White House is welcome news which has been a long time coming. One of the first bills I ever cosponsored in the Senate was the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act and thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this vision has finally become a reality,” said Senator King. “For many older Maine people on a fixed income, affording lifesaving drugs can be a tremendous financial strain — sometimes forcing folks to choose between their health or putting good on the table. With 30% of Maine people enrolled in Medicare, this is a game-changing step forward toward ensuring our seniors have better access to prescription medications while also reducing the heavy financial burden of high out-of-pocket costs. The savings from these new lower prices will also be a huge boost to the financial strength of Medicare itself, helping to insure its long-term viability. This is a real victory for people across Maine and the nation, and I look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues to advance additional common sense ways to deliver better healthcare at lower costs. Senator King has consistently worked to reduce healthcare costs for Maine people. The Inflation Reduction Act has laid the groundwork for — and in some cases already implemented — long-term changes in federal policy that will keep people healthier and deliver higher quality care at a lower cost to patients and Medicare. These benefits are delivered while simultaneously reducing the deficit by finally allowing Medicare to do what any other large customer in America can do in a free market — negotiate bulk discounts. This will save taxpayers hundreds-of-billions from the Medicare budget. Last spring, Senator King introduced legislation to fast track drug pricing negotiations and continue to lower drug costs for older Maine people. He also has joined colleagues in calling on the Biden Administration to authorize cheaper, generic drugs. Download the Medicare drug negotiation fact sheet here and a breakdown of the impact in Maine here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-encouraged-by-pentagons-new-policy-to-address-brain-injuries-protect-servicemembers,"King “Encouraged” by Pentagon’s New Policy to Address Brain Injuries, Protect Servicemembers",2024-08-12,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, released the following statement after the Department of Defense (DoD) unveiled a new policy to better monitor servicemembers’ exposure to blast overpressure and subsequent risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The policy comes after Senator King wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in July suggesting that the DoD take immediate actions to conduct baseline screenings of servicemembers for brain injuries. “I am encouraged by the new policies being put in place by the Department of Defense to address brain injuries caused by blast overpressure. The more we focus efforts on the effects of blasts, the more we learn about the direct link to brain injury and how we can prevent these injuries in the future,” said Senator King. “By beginning a cognitive test program this year to screen every servicemember upon entry to the military, as well as screen current at risk servicemembers, we can learn how to manage these exposures with the aim of protecting their wellbeing and saving lives. “It is clear this is an urgent issue and I commend the Pentagon for fast-tracking these needed changes. This urgency especially hits home for us here in Maine after reports showed the gunman responsible for the Lewiston shooting was repeatedly exposed to blasts during Army training events, likely causing a brain injury. This new policy marks another positive step toward helping our community heal, while also working to prevent unnecessary harm moving forward to our servicemembers and veterans. We have a solemn duty to protect the well-being of those who served to protect our nation and freedoms.” Following the Lewiston shooting, Senator King has been working with his colleagues to increase mental health funding and address brain injuries. Prior to his letter to the Secretary, he sent a letter to the leaders of the Appropriations Committee urging leadership to support the strongest possible funding for the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research program within the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDRMP). He also recently introduced the Blast Overpressure Safety Act that would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to enact a range of measures to help mitigate and protect servicemembers from blast overpressure. In March, the entire Maine Delegation announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS) would receive $2,048,452 through the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Emergency Response Grant program (SERG). The funding is used for community mental health needs in the greater-Lewiston community, following the shooting that claimed the lives of 18 individuals and wounded 13 others. The delegation also sent a follow-up letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, to further press for a comprehensive review of the facts and events leading up to the October 25 mass shooting. As a result, the U.S. Army Inspector General conducted a subsequent investigation and published its findings in July 2024. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-12-million-for-cd2-airport-infrastructure,Golden announces $12 million for CD2 airport infrastructure,2024-08-08,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today announced that $12 million in federal aviation grants have been awarded to airports across Maine’s Second District over the past month. Most of the grants were funded through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program and Airport Terminals Program (ATP), authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Golden championed through passage in 2021. Golden was a strong advocate for the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has directed billions of dollars to invest in Maine’s roads, bridges, broadband, airports, and much more while creating jobs that build a better Maine. “In Maine’s most rural communities, air travel helps connect people, goods, emergency services, and more,” Golden said. “Once again, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is ensuring that federal resources are being invested right here at home.” The remaining funds were distributed through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) through the normal annual appropriations process. All three grant programs support the necessary infrastructure to keep airports up to date and meet the needs of the regions they serve, from constructing new terminals to rehabilitating taxiways. AIG and ATP grants funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: $6,500,000 to Presque Isle International Airport to construct a larger, safer, ADA-compliant and more energy efficient terminal; $1,124,800 to Eastport Municipal Airport to construct a new terminal to replace the one removed in 2018; $481,117 to Presque Isle International Airport to design and build a new 15,000 square-yard terminal apron to accommodate increased use of larger, scheduled service passenger aircraft; $336,000 to Machias Valley Airport to construct 130 feet of a new taxilane. $225,000 to Augusta State Airport to rehabilitate a runway and taxiways; $220,000 to Greenville Municipal Airport to replace an existing airport rotating beacon; $180,000 to Newton Field Airport to reseal 7,500 feet of runway pavement; $130,530 to Presque Isle International Airport to update pavement management plans; and $100,000 to Bethel Regional Airport to construct a new 500 foot taxilane. AIP Grants funded through the normal appropriations process: $811,000 to Oxford County Regional Airport to reconstruct 25,333 square yards of pavement for the terminal apron; $583,000 to the State of Maine to update a state airport system pavement management plan for eligible nonprimary airports; $433,000 to Caribou Municipal Airport to reconstruct 5,000 square yards of pavement for the terminal apron pavement; $302,000 to Bethel Regional Airport to bring runways up to standards and reconstruct perimeter fencing; $266,000 to Northern Aroostook Regional Airport to build a new 250-foot taxilane to provide airfield access to a hangar development area, bringing the airport up to conformity with current standards; $214,000 to Greenville Municipal Airport for new taxiways; $212,000 to Presque Isle International Airport to rehabilitate taxiways, extending their use; $173,000 to Augusta State Airport to reconstruct 24,000 square yards of the apron pavement; and $85,000 to Lincoln Regional Airport to acquire land adjacent to airport property to use for future Airport Improvement Program development. Cumulatively, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested tens of millions into airport improvements in the Second District since 2022. Full descriptions of the latest round of awards can be found on the FAA’s AIP, AIG and ATP webpages.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-tenney-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-block-unnecessary-dog-importation-rules-protect-sled-dog-racing,"Golden, Tenney introduce bipartisan resolution to block unnecessary dog importation rules, protect sled dog racing",2024-08-08,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to reverse the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new dog importation rule that threatens sled dog racing in northern Maine. The resolution was submitted under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows Congress to override administrative rulemaking. It would require the CDC to rewrite its proposed rule to be practical for mushers and race organizers. “Communities suffer when rulemakers from away don’t consider the full consequences of their actions,” Golden said. “I’m proud of this bipartisan effort to stop the CDC in their tracks and allow for a new, more workable proposal to be crafted.” “The CDC must ease the stringent dog import rules that place an undue burden on families in Western New York,” Tenney said. “We hope that the introduction of this CRA will compel the CDC to reconsider these excessive measures and pursue an approach that safeguards public health without creating significant hardship for pet owners.” The new CDC rule tightens requirements on dogs crossing the border into the United States, jeopardizing the internationally renowned Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races in Fort Kent. Previously, dogs were required only to have up-to-date and documented rabies vaccinations. The new rule adds age restrictions, microchipping requirements and additional paperwork estimated to cost sled dog racers and others who bring dogs into the U.S. between $150 and $300 per dog. For a full team of 14 dogs participating in the Can-Am, that could mean up to $4,200 in additional expenses every year. Last month, Golden sent a letter to CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen highlighting the rule’s negative consequences for northern Maine communities and urged the agency to delay implementation while it explores alternative options. The following week, he and Tenney introduced an amendment to the federal budget that would effectively block the proposal for one year. Following initial advocacy from Golden and others, the CDC agreed to reverse one element of the new rule. But members of communities affected by the stricter regulations say more needs to be done to craft a workable standard. “The relaxing of the CDC's regulations have helped tremendously for the mushers wanting to participate in the 2025 Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race. We are thankful to everyone who has helped with this. However, we are very concerned about what direction the CDC will go after April 2025,” Sarah Brooks, vice president of the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races said. “We realize that a lot more work has to be done to ensure that these regulations continue to be eased and a workable solution can be found to easily cross the border with dogs. The future of the Can-Am races depends on future developments with the CDC. Congressman Golden has done a super job of championing our cause. Thank you Congressman Golden and your staff.” “As a long time competitor in both the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs, plus current Vice President of the Central Aroostook Kennel Club, I appreciate the CDC’s efforts to protect both U.S. citizens and their dogs from rabies and other communicable diseases. However, the CDC’s efforts failed to acknowledge the interconnections and frequent cross border community activities that occur daily.” Kathy Hoppe, vice president of the Central Aroostook Kennel Club said. “The resulting rules are disruptive, flawed and prevent our communities from thriving. We appreciate Representative Golden and his staff’s effort to understand the issues and look for solutions.” Full text of the resolution can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-usps-signing-new-lease-for-west-paris-post-office,Golden statement on USPS signing new lease for West Paris post office,2024-08-06,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has signed a lease to reopen the West Paris post office at the site of the former Ledgeview Living Center on 141 Bethel Road. “This is great news for the people of West Paris,” Golden said. “With this lease signed, residents and small businesses should feel some certainty that now it’s a question of when — not if — their local branch will reopen. After so long, the USPS should pull out all the stops to move as quickly as it can to resume branch services in West Paris.” The USPS closed the former post office three years ago, during which time there were long periods of uncertainty about whether a new post office would open. Golden, joined by postal workers and customers, repeatedly urged USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to assure a new site would be secured and provide clear, transparent updates about the process. Most recently, Golden sent a letter on May 30 demanding answers for why the facility remained closed after the agency estimated it would reopen last month, and requested an update for when residents should expect their post office to reopen. USPS released its original timeline after inquiries from Golden regarding the facility’s future in September 2023 and October 2022. “We would like to thank Rep. Jared Golden and his staff for their persistence with getting our United States Post Office back in West Paris,” Joy Downing, West Paris town manager said.“This is great news, and we are very thankful for their help and collaboration in this effort.” In 2021, USPS said it was closing the West Paris facility while the agency negotiated a new lease for the property. However, it had yet to provide a substantive update since July 21, 2023, when USPS officials said they expected the facility to be “fully operational” by May 2024. May 28 marked the third anniversary of its closure. USPS has yet to announce an official reopening date for the new 141 Bethel Road site. Golden has been a champion of holding the Postal Service accountable to Mainers throughout his time in Congress. Following his outreach to Postmaster General DeJoy last year, USPS reopened its Etna facility, which had also been closed since May 2021. Last month, USPS announced that it was postponing plans to consolidate the Eastern Maine Processing & Distribution Facility in Hampden after bipartisan efforts led by Golden and other members of Congress. His bipartisan Timely Mail Delivery and Postal Services Protection Act — which he introduced in April — would permanently block the process USPS uses to consolidate mail processing facilities across the country.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-more-than-500000-to-improve-rural-healthcare,"Collins, King Announce More Than $500,000 to Improve Rural Healthcare",2024-08-06,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is being awarded grant funding to help improve rural healthcare. The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program award, totaling $504,176, will support Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in quality improvement and establish or expand rural health emergency medical services. The program is funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Critical Access Hospitals are designations given to eligible rural hospitals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CAH designation was created in 1997 in response to over 400 rural hospital closures during the 1980s and early 1990s. Maine has 16 CAHs located across the state. “As one of the most rural states in the nation, Maine people already face many challenges when accessing affordable, quality healthcare,” said Senators Collins and King. “This grant will help our rural healthcare systems provide better care, and work to ensure we do not lose these critical facilities and services to preventable closures. We welcome this funding and are grateful for the continued federal support to help keep Maine people safe and healthy. By investing in the health and well-being of our rural communities, we are making an investment in the future of Maine.” Senators Collins and King have been staunch supporters of bolstering rural healthcare across Maine. Last summer, they joined bipartisan legislation to expand telehealth access through Medicare, making it easier for patients to connect with their providers. They also have advocated on behalf of rural seniors’ access to care and introduced the Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-renews-call-for-regulators-to-delay-us-only-minimum-size-requirements-for-harvesting-lobster,Golden renews call for regulators to delay U.S.-only minimum size requirements for harvesting lobster,2024-08-05,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today continued his effort to stop regulators from moving forward with a U.S.-only gauge increase for catchable lobster. Golden sent a letter urging a pause to Robert Beal, Executive Director of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), ahead of its meeting tomorrow, when commissioners will debate the proposed rule, known as Addendum 27. “Maine lobstermen are staunch defenders of their fishery, and they deserve to make a living on a level playing field,” Golden said. “ASMFC’s unilateral proposal will only hurt our lobstermen while doing nothing to better preserve the resource. It’s clear that regulators need to step back and reevaluate.” Lobstermen gauge the size of a lobster by measuring its carapace from eye socket to tail. Lobsters that are smaller than the minimum gauge size must be thrown back so they can grow, protecting the lobster population for the future. According to the ASMFC, lobster stock decline in Lobster Management Area 1 has surpassed 35 percent — the trigger point for an automatic increase in allowable catch size from 3 1/4 inches to 3 5/16 inches. However, Maine lobstermen have questioned the data used to justify these changes, including concerns that ASMFC stock data is out of date. This new rule is scheduled to begin in January 2025. In addition to questions about the reliability of the data used by ASMFC, Golden and Maine fishermen have raised concerns about how an increased minimum size requirement would put Maine lobstermen at a competitive disadvantage with Canadians, who are not subject to the same restrictions. Last month, Golden introduced a bipartisan amendment to the federal budget that would block federal funding from being used to implement, administer or enforce ASMFC’s proposed gauge increase. “NEFSA is grateful, as always, for Congressman Golden’s continuous support of Maine’s hard-working lobstermen as they continue to navigate through unnecessary Government regulations,” Dustin Delano, a lobsterman and chief operating officer of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, said when the amendment was introduced. “Maine's fishing industry is vital to our coastal communities’ survival,” Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and director of the Maine Lobstering Union, said when the amendment was introduced. “Much work needs to be done between Maine and Canada before any gauge increase is implemented. We thank Congressmen Golden for his continued support.” In April, Golden sent an initial letter to ASMFC calling for a delay to its upcoming gauge increase until it worked with fishermen to consider more accurate, comprehensive stock data — as well as the market impacts of a U.S.-only change. Since Golden’s letter, the agency has provided no indication that it would walk back its proposal, despite widespread concern from Maine’s fishing community. Full text of Golden’s letter can be found here, and is included below in full: +++ August 5, 2024 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Robert Beal, Executive Director 1050 North Highland St, Suite 200 A-N Arlington, VA 22201 Dear Director Beal and Commissioners, I am writing to again request that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the American Lobster Board delay the implementation of the Lobster Management Area 1 gauge increase, Addendum 27, scheduled to begin in January 2025. Additionally, I request that the ASMFC table any consideration of Addendum 30 until Addendum 27 has been thoroughly evaluated for potential economic threats and incorporates thorough scientific data and objective analysis that is acceptable to both regulators and members of the commercial lobster fishery. The intent of Addendum 27 is to mitigate the perceived declining stocks of American lobster proactively. However, it is clear from conversations I have had with harvesters, processors, and dealers that the data used to arrive at the trigger index was overly precautionary and that the index has serious limitations, raising concerns that it does not entirely reflect the current status of the stock. Additionally, despite pleas from the industry, regulators have yet to meaningfully engage with Maine lobstermen and incorporate their observations and invaluable expertise. It is also troubling that Addendum 27, as currently proposed, fails to account for the fact that Maine’s lobster industry is an economic engine for the state, generating more than $1 billion annually and supporting the livelihoods of 4,500 lobstermen and thousands of Mainers employed through lobster dealers and seafood processors, vessel and trap manufacturers, restaurants, and other coastal businesses. Lobster is regularly the highest-value species harvested in the United States — a direct result of strict adherence to conservation measures that sustain the resource. According to a recent study conducted by Colby College’s Laboratory for Economic Studies, Addendum 27 would create significant economic disruption to Maine communities. For the latest year data is available, Addendum 27 would decrease the value of lobster landings, resulting in a loss of over 680 jobs and $59.6 million to Maine’s economy. Without further delay in implementing Addendum 27, I am concerned about how this would impact the industry and the hundreds of communities in Maine that depend on a viable lobster fishery. I also believe that the ASMFC should not proceed with Addendum 30 which has only been deemed necessary as a result of the ill-conceived Addendum 27. Industry stakeholders have continued to tell me that this gauge change hurts the U.S. while benefiting Canada, whose lobstermen fishing in the same waters as American lobstermen would not have to adhere to the same restrictions. We know dealers and processors must have a steady lobster supply to keep their businesses open, which is why proceeding without ensuring that Canadian regulators impose similar requirements is not only economically detrimental but will do nothing to protect the future health of lobster stocks. I would encourage the ASMFC to conduct further studies to understand the market impacts of a U.S.-only gauge increase and to engage further with our Canadian counterparts to ensure all lobstermen are playing by the same rules. Further, a pause would provide ASMFC the time needed to consider more comprehensive data from 2023, gain a full understanding of market impacts, and engage more broadly with fishermen, dealers, and trade associations to address their concerns. A pause would also support, what should be, the ASFMC’S ultimate goal – to ensure that accurate data is collected and used to inform policy and regulatory decisions. These decisions must always include those with significant experience, the harvesters themselves. That is why I will always take the side of our commercial fishermen. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-provide-safe-firearm-storage-for-veterans,King Introduces Legislation to Provide Safe Firearm Storage for Veterans,2024-08-05,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King is introducing legislation to provide firearm storage to American veterans in an effort to reduce suicides among the veteran population. The Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act would create a grant program to provide free firearm lock boxes or gun safes on request to any veteran. The legislation would also require providers from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Community Care Network to complete mental health training on how to have basic conversations with veterans about their safety and access to lethal means, including firearms and medications. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in veterans under age 45 and, according to the most recent National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the vast majority of veteran suicide deaths — 72% in 2021 — involved a firearm. Increasing access to safety training programs and keeping firearms safely stored could be critical in efforts to reduce death by suicide, especially among veterans. “I often say Maine is one big small town connected by long roads and our amazing people are the heartbeat and pulse of this incredible Maine family,” said Senator King. “The Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act would create a grant program making money available to provide safe storage options for firearms. With service-based trauma on the rise, we must provide our veterans with as many resources as possible to keep them safe during their most challenging times. As our veteran community faces some of its greatest hurdles, this bill makes important investments in protecting our country’s best asset — its people.” More specifically, this legislation would: Require VHA providers, including Vet Center counselors, to do annual lethal means safety training. Require providers within the VA’s Community Care Network to do annual lethal means safety training. Require the VA to work with VSOs to provide information to veterans related to lethal means safety and safe storage options. Specifically, efforts would focus on suicide prevention and help veterans understand why their health care providers might ask about their access to lethal means — including firearms and medications — and highlight the importance of planning ahead to put space and time between thoughts of self-harm and access to lethal means. Create a grant program — modelled after a program implemented in Utah by the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs, Utah Department of Health and Human Service, and the Utah National Guard — to provide free firearm lock boxes to any veteran who wants one. The program would be authorized at $2 million annually for five years, and would provide grants of up to $100,000. Grants would be available to states, VSOs, non-profits, and tribes. No names or personal information would be collected and veterans seeking lock boxes will not be asked about their gun ownership status. In order to obtain a lock box, a veteran will only need to present their DD-214 or other approved method of confirming their veteran status. The legislation is supported by DAV, VFW, American Legion, Brady, Everytown, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), NAMI-Maine, Spurwink and the Wounded Warrior Project. ""Veterans who take their own lives overwhelmingly do so with a firearm. The Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act is a welcome step in the right direction that would mandate annual training for VA and community care network providers on safe gun storage and suicide prevention efforts,” said DAV National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “We know that time and space between a veteran and their firearm can be lifesaving, and we thank Sen. King for his leadership in introducing this bill."" “We commend Senator King for introducing the Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Research suggests that one in four Veterans store firearms in an unsafe manner, increasing risk of suicide. By authorizing new federal funding to provide secure firearm storage devices, and requiring lethal means safety training for clinicians, this legislation will meaningfully reduce risk of suicide, protecting Veterans and their families.” ""This legislation plays a crucial role in reducing the stigma around mental health and normalizing conversations about it. By addressing these issues, it also helps bridge service gaps — considering that 35% of individuals who died by suicide had seen their primary care provider within a week of their death, and 64% had done so within the month prior,” said NAMI Maine Executive Director Jennifer Thompson. “By equipping those most likely to interact with veterans with the necessary tools and understanding, we are addressing a critical need in a way that is both approachable and culturally competent for our veteran community."" “Spurwink is dedicated to supporting our service members, veterans, and their families, and fully supports Lethal Means Safe Storage for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act which would ensure that clinicians serving our active military and veterans will receive essential training in lethal means education,” said Spurwink President and CEO Eric Meyer. “Such training would raise competency in delivering care to those at highest levels of risk.” Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Most recently, at the request of Senator King, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a new report breaking down suicide rates in the Armed Service by job function. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King has also held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a bipartisan letter calling for more support for victims of military sexual trauma, as well as a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that has unfortunately led to a high number of veteran suicides. A one-pager of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-make-primary-care-more-affordable,King Introduces Legislation to Make Primary Care More Affordable,2024-08-02,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King is introducing legislation to ensure Maine people have access to affordable and preventative mental health and behavioral healthcare services. The Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act would require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disorder treatment visits, without charging a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible-related fee. This common sense legislation would cover private insurance under Affordable Care Act (ACA) and employer-sponsored plans. Currently, the Federal Reserve estimates one-in-four Americans skip medical care due to cost — though more regular check-ups can often catch health issues early before they become costly problems. On average, primary care visits cost an average of $170 out of pocket and the cost of a single day of outpatient substance use treatment is estimated between $250 and $350. Under existing law, private group health plans, regulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), are not obligated to provide no-cost coverage for primary care, or mental and behavior health services. More than 180 million Americans receive health insurance coverage through employer-sponsored plans regulated by ERISA, who otherwise are not entitled to no or low-cost primary care. Over 46% of Maine people are covered through employer-sponsored plans. “Affordable and accessible healthcare is essential to keeping Maine people healthy,” said Senator King. “However, high or unexpected costs can often deter people from seeking care, such as annual preventative checkups that can identify health issues at an early stage. The Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act would require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three mental health visits — ensuring folks feel confident they can get the care they need without breaking the bank.” Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL) has introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives. The Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Access Act is supported by the American Association on Health and Disability, Lakeshore Foundation, No Health Without Mental Health, Physician Assistant Education Association, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, International OCD Foundation, March of Dimes, American Psychological Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services Inc., Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, Faces & Voices of Recovery, National Behavioral Health Association of Providers, IC&RC and the National Association of Behavioral Healthcare. Senator King has consistently worked to reduce healthcare costs for Maine people. The Inflation Reduction Act has laid the groundwork for — and in some cases already implemented — long-term changes in federal policy that will keep people healthier and deliver higher quality care at a lower cost to patients. These benefits are delivered while simultaneously reducing the deficit by finally allowing Medicare to negotiating bulk discounts on the price it pays for prescription drugs. This will save taxpayers hundreds-of-billions. Additionally, Senator King has worked to reduce prescription drug costs. He has previously introduced legislation to prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses and also introduced bipartisan legislation to require price transparency in prescription drug advertisements. Most recently, he introduced the bipartisan Physician Fee Stabilization Act to protect seniors’ access to healthcare. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cassidy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-offering-tax-credits-to-working-waterfronts-affected-by-natural-disasters,"King, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill Offering Tax Credits to Working Waterfronts Affected by Natural Disasters",2024-08-01,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) are introducing bipartisan legislation to offer a disaster mitigation tax credit to working waterfronts located on the coasts and on navigable waterways. The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually. Senator King has been at the forefront of supporting working waterfronts as they face the effects of sea level rise and storm damage. Last winter, he joined the entire Maine Delegation in writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of Governor Janet Mills’ requests that they treat the multiple devastating winter storms as a disaster event for purposes of damage assessment and federal reimbursement for cleanup. This new legislation would ensure that working waterfront have the financial resources to shore up their infrastructure and prevent the oftentimes devastating consequences of natural disasters. “Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state’s success for generations,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts up and down the coast of Maine with the necessary financial resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. Thanks to Senator Cassidy for working with me to ensure our waterfront businesses have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.” “Let’s empower coastal businesses to invest in flood and disaster prevention before a storm hits,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Doing so protects our way of life, fishing and coastal industries, and the livelihoods of Louisiana families.” Working waterfronts are comprised of physical property (including support structures over water and other facilities) that provide access to navigable waters to persons engaged in commercial fishing, recreational fishing and boating businesses, boatbuilding, aquaculture, or other water-dependent business used for the purpose of supporting a water-dependent business. The tax credit would be available to any small business that operates a working waterfront. For example, a coastal business owner can use this tax credit to invest in business-related infrastructure to protect property so that it does not suffer damage from rising water and storms. “Island Institute is grateful to Senator Angus King for introducing this visionary piece of legislation. Maine’s working waterfront businesses will need all the tools they can get; this tax credit will be an important resource for small business owners, many of whom were affected by catastrophic January storms. This bill assures that small working waterfront businesses can take steps today that will help them to prepare for future impacts of climate change,” said Kimberly A. Hamilton, PhD, President of Island Institute. Senator King is a longtime supporter of working waterfronts and small businesses. He previously introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to reauthorize the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program, which would give small businesses the opportunity to take out low-interest loans for the purpose of proactively implementing mitigation measures that protect their property from future disaster-related damage. Most recently, he was named a 2024 Hero of Main Street for his support of small businesses across Maine. The full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-release-of-wrongfully-detained-americans-from-russian-prisons,King Statement on Release of Wrongfully Detained Americans from Russian Prisons,2024-08-01,2024,2024-08,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement after Bowdoin College graduate, Evan Gershkovich, and former United States Marine, Paul Whelan, were released from Russian custody in a historic prisoner swap involving seven countries: “I am ecstatic to hear the news that Americans, among them Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, have been released from Russia and are on their way home. For far too long, they have both been imprisoned arbitrarily as part of Putin’s global war on democracy and freedom of speech. “Journalism is not a crime — a free press is critical to the foundation of a democratic society and common human rights around the world. Since his graduation from Bowdoin College, Evan Gershkovich has committed himself to responsible, ethical journalism in all corners of the globe. Similarly, Paul Whelan’s attendance at a friend’s wedding in Moscow did not constitute criminality in any sense of the word. “Today, we are celebrating that Americans are coming home, but we must also recommit ourselves to securing the release of all Americans wrongfully detained or imprisoned abroad. As we face some of the greatest challenges on the geopolitical stage, let us remember that diplomacy is oftentimes a quiet, incremental process conducted carefully behind the scenes. It is a joyous day for the family members of the released prisoners and a milestone victory for the international diplomatic corps. On behalf of a grateful state, thank you to the President for bringing Evan and Paul home.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-kings-insistence-dod-releases-report-on-suicide-rates-by-job-function-in-the-armed-forces,"On King’s Insistence, DoD Releases Report on Suicide Rates by Job Function in the Armed Forces",2024-07-31,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Angus King, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is welcoming the results of a newly released report that examines suicide rates by job function in the Armed Forces. The report, requested by Senator King after working with a Maine constituent, identifies key trends to help the Department of Defense (DoD) address suicide risk amongst higher risk job specialties and identify underlying cultural issues affecting the mental health of America’s service members. According to the report, the most at-risk jobs in the Armed Services are infantry, ordnance disposal and diving, combat engineers, medical care specialists, and non-identified technical specialists. The DoD report, mandated by the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), studies rates of suicides in the Armed Forces by military occupational specialty during the time period beginning after September 11, 2001, and continuing to the present day, broken down by military occupational specialty, service, and grade. This legislative provision, and subsequent reports are based on input from a Maine constituent and will now be mandated in all future DoD Suicide Prevention Reports. “Maine has one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the United States, and when I meet with constituents across Maine, I always ask them what I can do better to help our servicemembers and veterans,” said Senator King. “This newly released Department of Defense report, requested at the suggestion of a smart and savvy Maine veteran, will ensure that the DoD has the most accurate information to help address the risk of suicide amongst the highest risk groups of the Armed Forces while addressing underlying cultural challenges. These key findings show trends that will guide the DoD in its efforts to curb suicide rates and hopefully save lives.” The report finds that enlisted service members with the occupation code 101 (Infantry) had higher suicide mortality rates than those from 21 other occupation codes. The Infantry code was followed by service members with the occupation code 143 (ordnance disposal and diving) and occupation code 103 (combat engineers). Medical care specialists and non-identified technical specialists followed. Additionally, 14 occupation codes had evidence of a higher suicide mortality rates as compared to the civilian U.S. adult population. Of these, the three groups with the highest adjusted rates were occupation codes 102 (armor and amphibious), 101 (Infantry), and 103 (combat engineering). Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a bipartisan letter calling for more support for victims of military sexual trauma, as well as a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that has unfortunately led to a high number of veteran suicides. The full report can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kids-online-safety-act-cosponsored-by-collins-king-passes-the-senate,"Kids Online Safety Act Cosponsored by Collins, King Passes the Senate",2024-07-30,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King welcomed the Senate passage of bipartisan legislation they cosponsored to better protect kids online. The Kids Online Safety Act will provide kids and parents with new tools to protect minors online, hold Big Tech accountable for harm to kids, and provide transparency into these companies’ proprietary algorithms. The bill passed in a vote of 91-3. “Far too many children across the nation are at risk online. We must ensure that our laws keep up with constantly evolving technology and provide parents with the tools necessary to protect their children,” said Senators Collins and King. “We thank the Senate for moving quickly to vote on legislation that will spur tech companies to step up their efforts to protect children, and hope the House passes this bill swiftly. As the technology continues to evolve, this bill will also provide insight into online platform algorithms, aligning with the growing consumer demand for transparency.” The Kids Online Safety Act is strongly supported by a broad coalition of parents who have tragically lost their children or whose kids have been severely harmed by Big Tech, young people who want to regain control over their online lives, and hundreds of advocacy groups and experts who study and see the negative effects of social media firsthand in their communities. The growing group of bill supporters includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Nintendo of America, Christian Camp and Conference Association, Microsoft, The Foundation United, Parents for Safe Online Spaces (ParentsSOS), Snap, Street Grace, and X. Senators Collins and King have been a longstanding advocate of protecting children online. Senator Collins was an original cosponsor for the Stop Enabling sex Traffickers Act that was signed into law in 2018. This law helps federal law enforcement combat criminal activities by shutting down websites that host ads for the heinous crime of sex trafficking, including child sex trafficking. Additionally, Senator King is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Kids off Social Media Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act—two pieces of legislation that set safeguards, require transparency reports, and protect children from the non-consensual collection of personal data that could be used to exploit or manipulate them. The bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-named-a-2024-hero-of-main-street-for-support-of-maines-small-businesses,King Named a 2024 ‘Hero of Main Street’ for Support of Maine’s Small Businesses,2024-07-30,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has been recognized as a 2024 “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation (NRF) for his support of small businesses across Maine. The “Hero of Main Street” award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize a bipartisan group of lawmakers for their support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. In Maine, the retail industry supports more than 245,000 local jobs and contributes more than $21 billion in economic activity. “Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s economy — when Main Street succeeds, Maine succeeds,” said Senator King. “When we patronize small businesses and retail entrepreneurs, we are making a concerted effort to energize and strengthen our local and state economies. I truly appreciate this ‘Hero of Main Street’ award and will use this opportunity to continue highlighting the incredible businesses across Maine.” “The retail industry directly impacts every congressional district in the United States, providing goods, services and American jobs,” said David French, NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations. “NRF is honored to recognize Senator King as a ‘Hero of Main Street’ for his continued support of the retail industry through legislative action and leadership.” NRF Hero of Main Street award eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance the industry’s priorities. Senator King has been a champion for Maine’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. In 2020, his bipartisan bill to reform the Paycheck Protection Program to make it usable passed the Senate and was signed into law. He also introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to help small businesses better prepare for natural disasters. Previously, he joined a bipartisan agreement that would improve the U.S. financial regulatory framework, promote economic growth, provide new protections to consumers, and strengthen small financial institutions in Maine. He also led the Reinforcing American-Made Products Act, which would reduce the burden on Maine manufacturers by establishing a national “Made in America” standard. Most recently, he joined his colleagues in urging federal banking regulators to better protect small businesses. This spring, he was also recognized as a 2024 “Fiscal Hero” by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-technologies-win-wars-emphasizes-king-in-armed-services-hearing,“New Technologies Win Wars” Emphasizes King in Armed Services Hearing,2024-07-30,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King called on the Department of Defense (DoD) to fast-track its adoption of new technologies in order to allow America’s armed services to compete on the global stage more effectively. In an exchange with Jane Harman, Chair of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy, King questioned why the DoD’s budget for directed energy has significantly fallen in recent years as the low-cost technology has increasingly been utilized by foes, after highlighting the historical correlation between countries that adapt early to new technologies and their ability to succeed in global conflicts. During his line of questioning, Senator King received strong agreement from Chair Harman about the DoD’s need to move faster than the “speed of bureaucracy.” “The first country to adapt new technologies generally wins wars; Genghis Khan and the stirrup, the long bow at the battle of Agincourt, the tank in World War I, radar in World War II. We are systematically missing technologies — it is one of the great failures of the last 10 or 15 years in our defense structure. Directed energy, hypersonics, AI, cyber, information warfare, we're woefully behind in every one of those,” said Senator King. “We are shooting down $20,000 Houthi missiles with $4.3 million missiles of our own — that’s ridiculous The budget for directed energy in the defense department has fallen by half in the last three years. Representative Harman, is it systematic legacy thinking? What is the problem? Why did we miss these obvious technologies” “Well, you have heard us say that the Pentagon is moving at the speed of bureaucracy,” replied Chair Harman. “I think it is legacy systems, old think, and I think congress is somewhat — ” “I think it’s legacy thinking,” responded Senator King. “Legacy thinking, fine, but I think congress is somewhat complicit in the way the budget process doesn't work and this insistence on requirements and oversight rather than what is the problem set we are solving for which is how the tech sector thinks,” said Chair Harman. “I've been making a comment about DIU — the Defense Innovation Unit that was set up by the late Secretary Ash Carter, that maybe we should outsource the Pentagon to DIU, which is ably headed by someone named Doug Beck, who had 11-years experience in the private sector, because they know how to think about this. I couldn't agree with you more. The budget of DIU is $1 billion out of $850 billion.” “And it's technologies that win wars — new technologies,” replied Senator King. “Right. I'm in violent agreement with you. He says he can leverage that into $50 billion of commercial investment, but that is still a pittance compared to the kind of change we need to undergo, not just at the Pentagon, but the Pentagon lashed up with other government agencies, with the tech sector, and with partners and allies. That is our point about all elements of national power that will win the next war,” agreed Chair Harman. A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues who has also been named a “fiscal hero” by government watchdogs for responsible spending. As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Strategic Forces — which oversees the United States’ strategic forces and missile defense — Senator King has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries. Senator King recently expressed concern about the emerging threats of Russia and China’s development of “nightmare weapon” hypersonic missiles, which he has described as “strategic game-changers.” Earlier this year, Senator King urged the DoD to take advantage of private sector technologies or risk losing access to innovative defense technologies. In a recent SASC hearing, he again encouraged the DoD to adopt smart spending practices when it comes to developing defense technologies and other products. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-bill-fighting-online-deep-fakes-passes-senate-unanimously,King Bill Fighting Online “Deep Fakes” Passes Senate Unanimously,2024-07-29,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) welcomed news that his legislation fighting online “deep fakes” has passed the Senate unanimously. The bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) will protect Americans from sexually-explicit “deepfake” forgeries of their image or likeness, and permit victims to sue perpetrators for up to $150,000. This focuses on fake visual depictions created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), or any other computer-generated or technological means to falsely appear to be authentic. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public and produced without the consent of the person depicted. A 2019 study found that 96 percent of deepfake videos were nonconsensual pornography. “Artificial intelligence has the potential to dramatically improve and transform our way of life, but also introduces next generation threats that could be harmful to the American public, some of which could have catastrophic effects,“ said Senator King. “The DEFIANCE Act will ensure that any American subject to AI-generated, sexually explicit content online can defend themselves and hold the perpetrators accountable. In the ever-evolving world of technology and artificial intelligence, we must be able to protect ourselves from people with bad intentions. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to see the broad support this bill has and pass it swiftly, so we can better protect innocent Americans from having their lives and reputations thrown into chaos.” Extremely powerful frontier AI could be misused by foreign adversaries, terrorists, and less sophisticated bad actors to cause widespread harm to the American public and threaten U.S. national security. While Congress considers how to approach new technology developments, Congress must prioritize AI’s potential implications. New laws or regulations should protect America’s competitive edge and avoid discouraging innovation and discovery. In addition to Senator King, the DEFIANCE Act was cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Mike Lee (R-UT). Senator King has been a leading voice in fighting threats from technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission – which has had dozens of recommendations become law since its launch in 2019. As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees, Senator King has been a strong supporter of increased watermarking regulations. In a September 2023 open Intelligence Committee hearing, King asked Dr. Yann LeCun – a New York University Professor of Computer Science and Data Science at New York University – about what is technologically feasible in terms of implementing watermarks (a small icon or caption) for users to discern between real and artificially created content. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act legislation includes a Senator King-led provision to evaluate technology, including applications, tools, and models, to detect and watermark generative artificial intelligence. Additionally, he had an exchange during a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, where he raised the question of what Congress and the private sector can do to combat fake and misinformation online. Most recently he joined a group of his colleagues in demanding answers from AI research company OpenAI after reports surfaced of safety and security concerns. A one-pager of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-july-podcast-king-discusses-importance-of-rural-access-to-broadband,"In July Podcast, King Discusses Importance of Rural Access to Broadband",2024-07-27,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Co-Chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, today released the July episode of his “Inside Maine” podcast, in which he highlighted the importance of expanding affordable high-speed internet access in rural communities as well as the work being done at the state and federal levels to bolster connectivity. During the podcast, Andrew Butcher, President of the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), joined Senator King to share his perspective on the importance of broadband accessibility and to provide an update on the various federal programs that are supporting broadband expansion across the state. Later in the podcast, Senator King spoke with Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) about federal broadband expansion efforts in his state and the impacts on rural communities in both Maine and West Virginia. “Access to broadband is critically important for Maine people to go to work, attend school and receive medical care,” said Senator King. “In a digital world, high-speed internet is more important than ever — but getting online is not always easy to do, especially for those who live in rural communities. I am proud to work alongside my colleague Senator Manchin to ensure folks in every corner of the country have access to affordable, reliable internet, and want to thank Andrew Butcher for his work to create a more connected Maine.” A graduate of both American University and Carnegie Mellon University, Andrew Butcher moved to Maine in 2017. Since then, he served as the Director of the Maine Broadband Coalition, co-leading the successful effort to pass Governor Mills’ 2020 bond proposal providing $15 million to expand broadband. He also partnered with the Maine Technology Institute, the Connect Maine Authority, and the Maine Community Foundation to oversee data collection to support broadband deployment. In January 2022, after the Maine legislature confirmed his appointment, Butcher was sworn in by Governor Janet Mills as the first President of the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA). He currently lives in Portland with his wife and two children. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin was sworn into the United States Senate on November 15, 2010, after serving as both a state legislator for 14 years and Governor for six years. Much like Senator King, Joe Manchin is committed to restoring the spirit of bipartisanship in Washington. Senator Manchin currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and also serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Born and raised in Farmington, West Virginia, Senator Manchin provides first-hand perspective on the influence of broadband access on rural, U.S. communities. Senator King is longstanding advocate for the expansion of broadband access; his first op-ed as a Senate candidate in 2012 was to tout the potential of statewide connectivity. He introduced the Digital Equity Act of 2021, creating new federal investments toward programs promoting digital equity, and went on to be a key negotiator in securing $65 billion toward broadband infrastructure as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. This year, Senator King cosponsored the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 to continue the ACP and ensure that nearly 100,000 households in Maine can stay connected to the internet. The ""Inside Maine"" podcast airs on the last Saturday of the month on Portland Newsradio WGAN. The podcast aims to keep Maine people informed about issues affecting life in the state and how they factor into Senator King’s work. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-amendment-to-block-consolidation-of-eastern-maine-mail-processing-facility,Golden introduces amendment to block consolidation of Eastern Maine mail processing facility,2024-07-26,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today continued his efforts to hold the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) accountable to Mainers by introducing a bipartisan amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act that would block plans to consolidate the Eastern Maine Processing & Distribution Facility in Hampden. “Congress should do everything in its power to permanently block Mail Processing Facility Reviews,” Golden said. “Extending the Postal Service’s temporary pause through the next fiscal year is the logical next step.” Mail Processing Facility Reviews were launched in 2021 to study the feasibility of relocating certain postal operations from local facilities to larger regional ones. The USPS first announced that it was reviewing consolidation of some mail processing from the Eastern Maine facility into its Scarborough site last November, and its decision to move forward with the plan follows a February public hearing that garnered widespread opposition from Mainers across the state.Consolidation of the Eastern Maine facility would mean mail from the Eastern, Northern, and Western regions of the state — which is currently processed and distributed in Hampden — would instead be sent to its Scarborough facility 130 miles away. USPS announced a temporary moratorium through at least the end of 2024 following Golden’s introduction of bipartisan legislation to freeze Mail Processing Facility Reviews nationwide and his repeated outreach to DeJoy throughout the review of the Hampden facility to express concerns about the agency’s consolidation process. “I am 100 percent in support of Congressman Jared Golden's recent proposal to fight back against the United States Postal Service's 10 Year ‘Delivering for America’ Plan,” Robert Perrochi, President of the Bangor Area Local 536, said. “This proposal is something every elected representative and leader should support to ensure the sanctity of the service the USPS provides to the public. The American Postal Workers Union Local 536 applauds Congressman Golden’s efforts to reject the consolidation of mail processing operations for the Maine people he represents. These consolidations are happening across the country, and we need all of our elected representatives to unite on this issue.” “I'm thankful for Jared Golden's support of postal employees and postal customers in the state of Maine, and very happy to see that he's continuing the fight with this amendment. The people of Maine overwhelmingly opposed this plant consolidation, but the USPS ignored their concerns,” Meghan Zabloski, President of the American Postal Workers Union of Maine, said. “Rural Mainers rely on the mail for medication, voting, running their small businesses, etc. The certain delays in service this consolidation would cause would have a detrimental — if not disastrous — effect on the lives of all Mainers. It's time for Louis DeJoy to remember that the USPS is a service, first and foremost. Employees like me and my co-workers show up every day to serve our local communities — our neighbors, friends, and families — because we know how important this service is to local people and businesses. Congressman Golden has shown that he supports postal customers and employees, and I look forward to working with him to protect mail service in this great state.” Golden’s amendment would block for one year federal funding from being used to carry out Mail Processing Facility Reviews. Prior to taking legislative action, Golden demanded answers about what steps the agency was taking to prevent mail delays and job losses in the Second District. Full text of Golden’s amendment can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-amendment-to-boost-resources-for-small-business-development-centers,Golden introduces amendment to boost resources for Small Business Development Centers,2024-07-26,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced a bipartisan amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Service and General Government Appropriations Act that would increase funding for Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). Congressman Marc Molonaro (R-NY-19) cosponsored the amendment. “Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s economy, and SBDCs have been helping them for decades,” Golden said. “I repeatedly hear from Maine small-business owners how much of a lifeline the SBDC program has been, and these additional resources will help bring these invaluable services to even more Mainers.” There are 149,493 small businesses in Maine — representing over 99% of total businesses in the state — which together employ 55.9% of all Maine workers. For more than 45 years, Maine SBDCs have served tens of thousands of clients. SBDCs help small businesses get off the ground and expand their capacity through low- or no-cost business training and advising in areas such as business plan development, marketing and sales, e-commerce, and small business strategic planning. Maine has a lead SBDC located at the University of Southern Maine, which operates ten outreach locations in Maine’s Second District. Golden’s amendment would increase SBDC funding by $5 million for FY2025. “We are thankful to Congressman Golden for his work on the House Small Business Committee and his continued support of the Small Business Development Center program,” Mark Delisle, State Director of the Maine SBDC, said. “The SBDC is instrumental to the success of entrepreneurs and small businesses and this funding would provide essential support in communities across Maine and the country.” “America’s SBDC strongly supports Representatives Golden and Molinaro in their effort to increase SBDC funding,” C.E. Rowe, Director of America’s SBDC, said. “While we appreciate the pressures of the federal budget, the SBDC program is a net positive for the American economy – producing two dollars for every federal dollar and three dollars in state revenue. SBDCs help small businesses start, create jobs and build their communities. This increase will ensure SBDCs can continue to reach all small businesses in their states and regions.” Golden, a member of the House Small Business Committee, has been a champion of SBDCs throughout his time in Congress. In February, his bipartisan bill to bolster congressional coordination with the National SBDC Advisory Board unanimously passed the Committee. Last September, he introduced legislation — based on bills he passed through the House in 2022 and 2019 — to reauthorize and expand the program. Full text of Golden’s amendment can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-leads-bipartisan-group-in-bold-fight-for-election-reform-integrity,Golden leads bipartisan group in bold fight for election reform & integrity,2024-07-26,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) was joined by Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) to introduce the bipartisan Let America Vote Act of 2024. This critical piece of commonsense legislation addresses two key principles in Rep. Golden’s continued fight for election reform and integrity: The right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any taxpayer-funded election for public office shall not be denied or abridged on the grounds of political party affiliation or lack thereof. Requires States to permit access to unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for Federal Office Withholds Federal Funds if a State does not permit access to unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for State and Local Office Provides additional Federal Funds for States to transition to access to primary elections for unaffiliated voters Protects the information and independence of unaffiliated voters by restricting the use of their voter data No person who is not a citizen shall be permitted or granted the right to vote in any taxpayer-funded election for public office held by or in the United States or any State. Prohibits States from permitting non-citizens to vote in elections for Federal office Withholds Federal funds if a State permits non-citizens to vote in elections for State and local office “Participating in our democracy is a central right of citizens, and voters unaffiliated with any political party deserve to have their voices heard throughout the entire political process,” saidGolden. “This year, Maine opened our primaries to unenrolled voters for the first time. The Let America Vote Act will bring this victory for democracy to the entire country. Across the world, the awesome and exclusive rights of citizens are intrinsically linked to equally awesome and exclusive responsibilities. You cannot have one without the other. So, this bill also affirms that no matter where you live in our country, the right to vote in the United States is a right reserved for citizens alone.” “There is no institution more fundamental to our democracy than our elections, which is why since entering Congress, I have been steadfast in my mission to restore Americans' trust in our electoral process. Today, we take a bold and decisive step forward in advancing this effort with the introduction of my bipartisan Let America Vote Act of 2024. It's simple: every citizen deserves to have their voice heard, and only American citizens should have the right and responsibility to exercise their vote,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “This commonsense reform is not political or controversial. It ensures every US citizen, regardless of political affiliation, has the unequivocal right to vote while reinforcing election integrity by strictly prohibiting non-citizens from participating in tax-payer funded elections. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues as they join me in this essential initiative to fight for all American voices and restore faith in our elections, and implore every legislator in America, whether Federal, State, or Local level, to also stand firmly with us.” “The right to vote is reserved solely for American citizens,” said Rep. Garbarino (NY-02).“I'm pleased to co-lead this legislation to codify this commonsense principle and safeguard our elections from unconstitutional non-citizen voting.” “In Southwest Washington, we value our independence, know that our beliefs don’t always fit neatly into one box, and recognize there’s not a national political party that cares about our community like we do. Good ideas come from both sides of the aisle, so Americans shouldn’t be denied the right to vote for the candidate of their choosing because they aren’t affiliated with a political party,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03). “Additionally, a healthy democracy depends on free, fair, and secure elections. We need to uphold the constitutional ideal that decisions made for our country are made by citizens of our country – and this bipartisan legislation will protect the integrity of Americans’ choices at the ballot box.” ""The opportunity to vote is a sacred right of all American citizens. Regrettably, Independent Americans, who by many measures make up more than 40% of the population, are disenfranchised in many state primaries. This is especially true today due to gerrymandering of safe electoral districts by self-interested politicians. This bill ensures these tens of millions of Americans are able to vote in primaries and brings more competition to our elections,"" said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action. ""This is great for democracy irrespective of one’s political party. With Honor Action fully endorses it and applauds Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus and former FBI agent, and Rep. Jared Golden, a U.S. Marine veteran and former Co-Chair of the For Country Caucus, for leading this Act. Let’s get it passed."" “It’s indefensible that millions of independent and unaffiliated voters can’t vote in party primaries, often the only elections that really matter. The Let America Vote Act can bring more people into the process, reducing the influence of extremists and forcing candidates to appeal to the commonsense majority,” said Ryan Clancy, No Labels Chief Strategist. “The Let America Vote Act would bring the single greatest expansion of voting rights in our country in over a half-century, since the voting age was lowered in 1971. Political independents now comprise 51% of the electorate –– including a majority of veterans who have defended our freedoms; yet 24 million of these unaffiliated Americans have been denied the right to vote in taxpayer-funded primaries in close to two dozen states this year alone. By opening our primaries nationwide, this Act would end taxation without representation once and for all, and ensure every voter, regardless of party, can fully exercise their right to vote,” said Nick Troiano, Executive Director of Unite America. Read the full text of the legislation here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bicameral-legislation-to-prohibit-pharmaceutical-drug-advertising,King Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Prohibit Pharmaceutical Drug Advertising,2024-07-26,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing legislation with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) to prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs. The Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act would prohibit direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of a new drug in the first three years after the drug receives Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The FDA could waive the third year of this prohibition if an affirmative value to public health is determined, or extend the prohibition if the drug has significant adverse health effects. The legislation comes as the world comes together to watch the 2024 Olympics which begins today. Drug advertisers use these tentpole moments, with millions of eyes on TV screens, to persuade and mislead consumers about specific drugs which can be costlier to patients, and hazardous to their health. In fact, NBCUniversal is on track to air more than $1 billion of advertisements in the United States throughout the 2024 Olympic Games. The United States is one of only two developed nations to allow DTC advertising for prescription drugs. “The widespread use of direct-to-consumer advertising by pharmaceutical companies drives up costs and doesn’t necessarily make patients healthier. It is misleading and frankly not safe for Maine people and all Americans looking for specific treatments to their conditions,” said Senator King. “The Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act would prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising of recently approved pharmaceutical drugs to protect people over profits — because all those advertising expenses end up being passed down to consumers. This bill is a great step to ensure that patients are getting the best information possible: we can start by making sure newly-approved drugs aren’t allowed to immediately flood the market with ads before we fully understand their impact on the general public.” “Americans are facing rising costs, and direct-to-consumer advertising exacerbates this,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “In fact, we know drug manufacturers have historically spent more money on advertising new drugs driving up the cost to the consumer. When several of the largest pharmaceutical companies did not pay taxes in 2023, it is despicable that they will continue targeting unsuspecting consumers with non-stop advertising, when they should be informed by healthcare providers, not advertising executives. The Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act would prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising for recently approved drugs for three years — lowering costs for families and ensuring that Americans get the most accurate information possible on new drugs on the market, not self-interested spin from advertisers.” However, companies then started to market their drugs directly to consumers through advertisements. To date, federal law does not require the FDA to approve advertisements before they are released to the public. The only major requirements, as recently finalized through FDA regulations, are that advertised information must be presented in consumer-friendly language that is readily understandable. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Peter Welch (D-VT). Senator King has been a leader in working to reduce prescription drug costs and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the content of their ads. He has previously introduced legislation to prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses and also introduced bipartisan legislation to require price transparency in prescription drug advertisements. Senator King has also supported a number of commonsense bills to drive down the costs of prescription medication in the United States including the historic Inflation Reduction Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-demand-answers-from-openai-following-reports-of-safety-and-secrecy-concerns,"King, Colleagues Demand Answers From OpenAI Following Reports of Safety and Secrecy Concerns",2024-07-25,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following reports from whistleblowers and former employees at OpenAI voicing safety and security concerns, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined four of his colleagues in calling on artificial intelligence (AI) research company OpenAI to honor its “public promises and mission” regarding essential safety standards. Since its founding in 2015, OpenAI has branded itself as a safety-conscious and responsible research organization. In the letter to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the senators highlight recent reporting that OpenAI whistleblowers and former employees have sounded alarms about OpenAI’s focus on ‘shiny products’ over safety and societal impacts, allowing AI systems to be deployed without adequate safety review and insufficient cybersecurity — as well as possible retribution against former employees who publicly air concerns. The senators also ask whether OpenAI’s commitments on AI safety remain in effect and request that the company reform its non-disparagement agreement practices that could deter whistleblowers from coming forward. “We write to you regarding recent reports about OpenAI’s safety and employment practices. OpenAI has announced a guiding commitment to the safe, secure, and responsible development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public interest. These reports raise questions about how OpenAI is addressing emerging safety concerns,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Given OpenAI’s position as a leading AI company, it is important that the public can trust in the safety and security of its systems. This includes the integrity of the company’s governance structure and safety testing, its employment practices, its fidelity to its public promises and mission, and its cybersecurity policies.” According to reports, the company has failed to honor its public commitment to allocate 20-percent of computing resources to AI safety, reassigned long-term AI safety team members, and required departing employees to sign life-long non-disparagement agreements under threats of taking back previously earned compensation. On the letter, Senator King was joined by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Mark Warner (D-VA). Senator King has been a leading voice in fighting threats from emerging technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission — which has had dozens of recommendations become law since its launch in 2019. As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees, Senator King has been a strong supporter of increased watermarking regulations. In a September 2023 open Intelligence hearing, King asked Dr. Yann LeCun — a New York University Professor of Computer Science and Data Science at New York University — about what is technologically feasible in terms of implementing watermarks (a small icon or caption) for users to discern between real and artificially created content. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act legislation includes a Senator King-led provision to evaluate technology, including applications, tools, and models, to detect and watermark generative artificial intelligence. Most recently, he joined the bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) that would allow victims to sue perpetrators for up to $150,000 who create and share fake visual depictions to falsely appear to be authentic. During a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, where he raised the question of what Congress and the private sector can do to combat fake and misinformation online. Most recently, he introduced legislation to combat non-consensual deep fake explicit images online. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Mr. Altman, We write to you regarding recent reports about OpenAI’s safety and employment practices. OpenAI has announced a guiding commitment to the safe, secure, and responsible development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public interest. These reports raise questions about how OpenAI is addressing emerging safety concerns. We seek additional information from OpenAI about the steps that the company is taking to meet its public commitments on safety, how the company is internally evaluating its progress on those commitments, and on the company’s identification and mitigation of cybersecurity threats. Safe and secure AI is widely viewed as vital to the nation’s economic competitiveness and geopolitical standing in the twenty-first century. Moreover, OpenAI is now partnering with the U.S. government and national security and defense agencies to develop cybersecurity tools to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure. National and economic security are among the most important responsibilities of the United States Government, and unsecure or otherwise vulnerable AI systems are not acceptable. Given OpenAI’s position as a leading AI company, it is important that the public can trust in the safety and security of its systems. This includes the integrity of the company’s governance structure and safety testing, its employment practices, its fidelity to its public promises and mission, and its cybersecurity policies. The voluntary commitments that you and other leading AI companies made with the White House last year were an important step towards building this trust. We therefore request the following information by August 13, 2024: Does OpenAI plan to honor its previous public commitment to dedicate 20 percent of its computing resources to research on AI safety? If so, describe the steps that OpenAI has, is, or will take to dedicate 20 percent of its computing resources to research on AI safety. If not, what is the percentage of computing resources that OpenAI is dedicating to AI safety research? Can you confirm that your company will not enforce permanent non-disparagement agreements for current and former employees? Can you further commit to removing any other provisions from employment agreements that could be used to penalize employees who publicly raise concerns about company practices, such as the ability to prevent employees from selling their equity in private “tender offer” events? If not, please explain why, and any internal protections in place to ensure that these provisions are not used to financially disincentivize whistleblowers. Does OpenAI have procedures in place for employees to raise concerns about cybersecurity and safety? How are those concerns addressed once they are raised? Have OpenAI employees raised concerns about the company’s cybersecurity practices? What security and cybersecurity protocols does OpenAI have in place, or plan to put in place, to prevent malicious actors or foreign adversaries from stealing an AI model, research, or intellectual property from OpenAI? The OpenAI Supplier Code of Conduct requires your suppliers to implement strict non-retaliation policies and provide whistleblowers channels for reporting concerns without fear of reprisal. Does OpenAI itself follow these practices? If yes, describe OpenAI’s non-retaliation policies and whistleblower reporting channels, and to whom those channels report. Does OpenAI allow independent experts to test and assess the safety and security of OpenAI’s systems pre-release? Does the company currently plan to involve independent experts on safe and responsible AI development in its safety and security testing and evaluation processes, procedures, and techniques, and in its governance structure, such as in its safety and security committee? Will OpenAI commit to making its next foundation model available to U.S. Government agencies for pre-deployment testing, review, analysis, and assessment? What are OpenAI’s post-release monitoring practices? What patterns of misuse and safety risks have your teams observed after the deployment of your most recently released large language models? What scale must such risks reach for your monitoring practices to be highly likely to catch them? Please share your learnings from post-deployment measurements and the steps taken to incorporate them into improving your policies, systems, and model updates. Do you plan to make retrospective impact assessments of your already-deployed models available to the public? Please provide documentation on how OpenAI plans to meet its voluntary safety and security commitments to the Biden-Harris administration. Thank you very much for your attention to these matters. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-netanyahu-address,Golden statement on Netanyahu address,2024-07-24,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement after attending today’s address to Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: “Israel is one of America’s most important democratic allies and I have always supported them,” Golden said. “I appreciated Netanyahu’s recognition of the Trump administration’s work to pass the Abraham Accords and of the Biden administration’s strong support for Israel after the deadliest attack against Jews since the Holocaust.” “I attended today’s address by the Israeli prime minister out of respect for the people of Israel and in solidarity with the families of the American citizens who to this day are held hostage by Hamas terrorists,” Golden continued. “I pray for their return and the return of all the hostages, and for Hamas to lay down its arms so this deadly conflict can end.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-on-decision-to-not-attend-netanyahu-speech-to-joint-session-of-congress,King Releases Statement on Decision to Not Attend Netanyahu Speech to Joint Session of Congress,2024-07-24,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Angus King, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to a joint session of Congress: “While I am and always have been an unwavering supporter of Israel — and Israel’s right to defend itself and defeat Hamas after October 7 — I strongly disagree with the Netanyahu government’s initial conduct of the war and, especially, its current lack of postwar planning for Gaza and the risks that poses to long-term regional stability. For this reason I have made the decision to not attend today’s Joint Session of Congress. “I did not make this decision lightly. For nearly 10 months, the Israeli people have been fighting a war they did not start and a war that they did not want. And for those same 10 months, Hamas has been using fellow Palestinians as human shields and holding innocent civilians hostage, including several Americans and those of other nationalities. I understand Prime Minister Netanyahu’s frustration and love for country, but I do not agree with his apparent unwillingness to plan for post-war Gaza, and, in fact, believe that his failure to do so has done serious harm to Israel as well as prospects for long-term peace in the region. “It's not an overstatement to say that this is one of the most deep-seated and complex conflicts in the modern world. But its complexity does not eliminate a simple human truth: civilian casualties are always to be avoided to the maximum extent possible, and civilian pain and suffering addressed. “I recognize that the Israeli Defense Forces significantly changed their military approach earlier this year shortly after I met with the Prime Minister and Defense Minister in Tel Aviv and indeed operations in Gaza have been more targeted and less destructive in the last six months of the war compared to the first three months, but the government’s failure to full cooperate in addressing the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza remains deeply problematic. “On the day of the attack, I stood fully beside Israel, saying ‘America's support of our allies must be steadfast and crystal clear, as should our priorities: justice, not revenge, for those who planned and committed these evil acts.’ As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu directly during my visit to Israel in January, however, the way in which he had chosen to conduct the war to that point had harmed Israel on the international stage more than it was working to dismantle Hamas. Further, this approach has not yet been successful in bringing the hostages home. “Under Netanyahu’s leadership, while the war in Gaza has led to the deaths of thousands of Hamas fighters, it has also contributed to the death of thousands of innocent civilians, severe food shortages and dire humanitarian conditions. “My absence today is by no means intended to indicate any wavering in my belief that Hamas must be defeated, but is meant to convey the deep concerns and reservations I have about the lack of post-war planning and concerns that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions have diminished Israel’s standing in the community of nations without providing Gazans with an alternative to their current destructive leadership. “As the only Jewish state, Israel has an existential right and a responsibility to defend itself – which is why I joined 78 of my colleagues in voting for the supplemental defense aid bill to help Israel, as well as Ukraine and Taiwan, protect themselves. But I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s failure to engage on the issues of the status of Palestinian people after Gaza is not serving the interests of Israel’s long-term stability and the region’s interest in a lasting peace. While I will always continue to be a friend of Israel, I cannot support the Prime Minister on his current course and therefore will not be in attendance today.” A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. He has continuously supported Israel’s right to defend itself from the October 7th terrorist attack. Senator King has also stressed the need to reduce civilian casualties in its effort to defeat Hamas. In a November 2023 letter, King and his colleagues pressed for answers on how assistance would advance efforts to engage with Israel, Egypt, and the broader international community to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/at-conclusion-of-army-reserve-and-army-ig-investigations-into-lewiston-shooting-maine-delegation-urges-dod-to-swiftly-implement-recommended-actions,"At Conclusion of Army Reserve and Army IG Investigations into Lewiston Shooting, Maine Delegation Urges DoD to Swiftly Implement Recommended Actions",2024-07-23,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden are urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to immediately implement the actions recommended as a result of the Army Reserve and Army Inspector General investigations following the Lewiston shooting. For instance, in the letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the Delegation calls on the DoD to update its Psychological Health Program Standard Operating Procedures, its assessments of transition programs, and other similar and related programs. Additionally, the letter urges DoD to take immediate steps to determine whether or not the medical facility that treated the gunman provided adequate care. “The U.S. Army Reserve Command’s AR 15-6 investigation and the U.S. Army Inspector General’s subsequent review identified multiple recommendations that—if followed—will benefit the Department of Defense as it provides care for service members. While we continue to press for change, we feel a sense of frustration because, truthfully, recommendations are nothing without action,” the Delegation wrote. The Delegation continued, “Therefore, we are deeply interested in how your office intends to implement these recommendations, as well as the timeline for implementation. This is life and death and, as we have seen over the past few years, delays can be costly. For instance, the AR 15-6 memorandum explains that the U.S. Army Reserve ‘averaged 44 suicides over the past four calendar years, which necessitates a better response to mental health.’ Moreover, the Defense Health Agency has a responsibility to determine if Four Winds, where SFC Card had been a patient, failed to provide adequate treatment and, if so, to take appropriate action.” “Multiple recommended policy changes for the U.S. Army Reserve Command are included in the reports as well,” the Delegation wrote. “Such recommendations include updates to the Psychological Health Program Standard Operating Procedures and initiation procedures for Line of Duty Evaluations, as well as assessments of the Army Reserve Warrior Transition Support Program and the impact of establishing an Army Reserve Behavioral Health Liaison, among others. Additionally, the Inspector General’s report recommends expanding the Army Suicide Prevention Program to encompass broader behavioral health emergencies, as well as policy provisions to better facilitate Reserve commanders’ coordination with military treatment facilities.” “While we cannot undo this tragedy, we can do our best to learn from past errors. We urge you to implement the recommendations from the AR 15-6 and Inspector General reviews immediately, and your office should carefully assess which recommendations should be implemented across the entire force,” the Delegation concluded. Following the October 2023 shooting, the Maine delegation sent two letters to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, calling for a comprehensive review of the events surrounding the shooting. The Inspector General later announced she would conduct a formal, independent investigation into the events leading up to the shooting which has already been completed. This is in addition to the review being conducted by the Army Reserve pursuant to Army regulations. Earlier this year, the delegation announced the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will receive over $2 million in funding for community mental health needs in the greater-Lewiston community. The full text of the letter can be found here or read in full below: +++ Dear Secretary Austin: On October 25, 2023, a senseless act of violence killed 18 civilians and wounded 13 others in Lewiston, Maine. The shooter was Sergeant First Class Robert R. Card, II. The tragedy destroyed families and sent ripple effects across not only the Lewiston community and the state of Maine, but across the entire nation as well. At this critical juncture, we must ensure that we take appropriate action in the wake of such tragedies in the hope that we can prevent them in the future. The U.S. Army Reserve Command’s AR 15-6 investigation and the U.S. Army Inspector General’s subsequent review identified multiple recommendations that—if followed—will benefit the Department of Defense as it provides care for service members. While we continue to press for change, we feel a sense of frustration because, truthfully, recommendations are nothing without action. Therefore, we are deeply interested in how your office intends to implement these recommendations, as well as the timeline for implementation. This is life and death and, as we have seen over the past few years, delays can be costly. For instance, the AR 15-6 memorandum explains that the U.S. Army Reserve “averaged 44 suicides over the past four calendar years, which necessitates a better response to mental health.” Moreover, the Defense Health Agency has a responsibility to determine if Four Winds, where SFC Card had been a patient, failed to provide adequate treatment and, if so, to take appropriate action. Additional recommendations include directed mandatory refresher training on HIPAA. While the review recommends this specifically for Command Teams and Legal Teams of the 108th Training Command, perhaps this (and similar recommendations) should be incorporated across the entire force. Understanding the applicable legal framework is critical to effective decision-making, and we must equip our leaders, at all levels, with the tools to act effectively and decisively. Multiple recommended policy changes for the U.S. Army Reserve Command are included in the reports as well. Such recommendations include updates to the Psychological Health Program Standard Operating Procedures and initiation procedures for Line of Duty Evaluations, as well as assessments of the Army Reserve Warrior Transition Support Program and the impact of establishing an Army Reserve Behavioral Health Liaison, among others. Additionally, the Inspector General’s report recommends expanding the Army Suicide Prevention Program to encompass broader behavioral health emergencies, as well as policy provisions to better facilitate Reserve commanders’ coordination with military treatment facilities. We support these recommendations, among others, as all are critical in taking steps to provide effective care and prevent future violence. These reviews make clear that more could have been done in the case of SFC Card. While we cannot undo this tragedy, we can do our best to learn from past errors. We urge you to implement the recommendations from the AR 15-6 and Inspector General reviews immediately, and your office should carefully assess which recommendations should be implemented across the entire force. We look forward to hearing from you, and we request regular briefings on the actions the Department is taking. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-conclusion-of-army-reserve-and-army-ig-investigations-into-lewiston-shooting-maine-delegation-urges-dod-to-swiftly-implement-recommended-actions,"At Conclusion of Army Reserve and Army IG Investigations into Lewiston Shooting, Maine Delegation Urges DoD to Swiftly Implement Recommended Actions",2024-07-23,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden are urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to immediately implement the actions recommended as a result of the Army Reserve and Army Inspector General investigations following the Lewiston shooting. For instance, in the letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the Delegation calls on the DoD to update its Psychological Health Program Standard Operating Procedures, its assessments of transition programs, and other similar and related programs. Additionally, the letter urges DoD to take immediate steps to determine whether or not the medical facility that treated the gunman provided adequate care. “The U.S. Army Reserve Command’s AR 15-6 investigation and the U.S. Army Inspector General’s subsequent review identified multiple recommendations that—if followed—will benefit the Department of Defense as it provides care for service members. While we continue to press for change, we feel a sense of frustration because, truthfully, recommendations are nothing without action,” the Delegation wrote. The Delegation continued, “Therefore, we are deeply interested in how your office intends to implement these recommendations, as well as the timeline for implementation. This is life and death and, as we have seen over the past few years, delays can be costly. For instance, the AR 15-6 memorandum explains that the U.S. Army Reserve ‘averaged 44 suicides over the past four calendar years, which necessitates a better response to mental health.’ Moreover, the Defense Health Agency has a responsibility to determine if Four Winds, where SFC Card had been a patient, failed to provide adequate treatment and, if so, to take appropriate action.” “Multiple recommended policy changes for the U.S. Army Reserve Command are included in the reports as well,” the Delegation wrote. “Such recommendations include updates to the Psychological Health Program Standard Operating Procedures and initiation procedures for Line of Duty Evaluations, as well as assessments of the Army Reserve Warrior Transition Support Program and the impact of establishing an Army Reserve Behavioral Health Liaison, among others. Additionally, the Inspector General’s report recommends expanding the Army Suicide Prevention Program to encompass broader behavioral health emergencies, as well as policy provisions to better facilitate Reserve commanders’ coordination with military treatment facilities.” “While we cannot undo this tragedy, we can do our best to learn from past errors. We urge you to implement the recommendations from the AR 15-6 and Inspector General reviews immediately, and your office should carefully assess which recommendations should be implemented across the entire force,” the Delegation concluded. Following the October 2023 shooting, the Maine delegation sent two letters to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, calling for a comprehensive review of the events surrounding the shooting. The Inspector General later announced she would conduct a formal, independent investigation into the events leading up to the shooting which has already been completed. This is in addition to the review being conducted by the Army Reserve pursuant to Army regulations. Earlier this year, the delegation announced the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will receive over $2 million in funding for community mental health needs in the greater-Lewiston community. The full text of the letter can be found here or read in full below: +++ Dear Secretary Austin: On October 25, 2023, a senseless act of violence killed 18 civilians and wounded 13 others in Lewiston, Maine. The shooter was Sergeant First Class Robert R. Card, II. The tragedy destroyed families and sent ripple effects across not only the Lewiston community and the state of Maine, but across the entire nation as well. At this critical juncture, we must ensure that we take appropriate action in the wake of such tragedies in the hope that we can prevent them in the future. The U.S. Army Reserve Command’s AR 15-6 investigation and the U.S. Army Inspector General’s subsequent review identified multiple recommendations that—if followed—will benefit the Department of Defense as it provides care for service members. While we continue to press for change, we feel a sense of frustration because, truthfully, recommendations are nothing without action. Therefore, we are deeply interested in how your office intends to implement these recommendations, as well as the timeline for implementation. This is life and death and, as we have seen over the past few years, delays can be costly. For instance, the AR 15-6 memorandum explains that the U.S. Army Reserve “averaged 44 suicides over the past four calendar years, which necessitates a better response to mental health.” Moreover, the Defense Health Agency has a responsibility to determine if Four Winds, where SFC Card had been a patient, failed to provide adequate treatment and, if so, to take appropriate action. Additional recommendations include directed mandatory refresher training on HIPAA. While the review recommends this specifically for Command Teams and Legal Teams of the 108th Training Command, perhaps this (and similar recommendations) should be incorporated across the entire force. Understanding the applicable legal framework is critical to effective decision-making, and we must equip our leaders, at all levels, with the tools to act effectively and decisively. Multiple recommended policy changes for the U.S. Army Reserve Command are included in the reports as well. Such recommendations include updates to the Psychological Health Program Standard Operating Procedures and initiation procedures for Line of Duty Evaluations, as well as assessments of the Army Reserve Warrior Transition Support Program and the impact of establishing an Army Reserve Behavioral Health Liaison, among others. Additionally, the Inspector General’s report recommends expanding the Army Suicide Prevention Program to encompass broader behavioral health emergencies, as well as policy provisions to better facilitate Reserve commanders’ coordination with military treatment facilities. We support these recommendations, among others, as all are critical in taking steps to provide effective care and prevent future violence. These reviews make clear that more could have been done in the case of SFC Card. While we cannot undo this tragedy, we can do our best to learn from past errors. We urge you to implement the recommendations from the AR 15-6 and Inspector General reviews immediately, and your office should carefully assess which recommendations should be implemented across the entire force. We look forward to hearing from you, and we request regular briefings on the actions the Department is taking. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-amendment-to-block-gauge-increase-for-maine-lobstermen,Golden introduces amendment to block gauge increase for Maine lobstermen,2024-07-22,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced a bipartisan amendment to block for one year a proposed gauge increase in the Gulf of Maine by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). Golden submitted his amendment for consideration in the Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) cosponsored the amendment. “Gauge increases are a significant change that must be informed by the best possible science, and both Maine lobstermen and the fishery itself lose when Canada isn’t held to the same standards.” Golden said. “It’s clear that regulators need to work much closer with fishermen to keep the industry sustainable and competitive.” Lobstermen gauge the size of a lobster by measuring its carapace from eye socket to tail. Lobsters that are smaller than the minimum gauge size must be put back in the water so they can grow, protecting the lobster population for the future. According to the ASMFC, lobster stock decline in Lobster Management Area 1 has surpassed 35 percent — the trigger point for an automatic increase in allowable catch size from 3 1/4 inches to 3 5/16 inches. However, Maine fishermen have questioned the data used to justify these changes, including concerns that ASMFC stock data is out of date. This new rule — known as Addendum 27 — is scheduled to begin in January 2025. In addition to questions about the reliability of the data used by ASMFC, Golden and Maine fishermen have raised concerns about how an increased minimum size requirement would put Maine lobstermen at a competitive disadvantage with Canadians. Golden’s amendment would block federal funding from being used to implement, administer or enforce ASMFC’s proposed gauge increase. “NEFSA is grateful, as always, for Congressman Golden’s continuous support of Maine’s hard-working lobstermen as they continue to navigate through unnecessary Government regulations,” said Dustin Delano, a lobsterman and chief operating officer of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association. “Maine's fishing industry is vital to our coastal communities’ survival,” said Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and director of the Maine Lobstering Union. “Much work needs to be done between Maine and Canada before any gauge increase is implemented. We thank Congressmen Golden for his continued support.” In April, Golden sent a letter to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission calling for a delay to its upcoming gauge increase until it worked with fishermen to consider more accurate, comprehensive stock data — as well as the market impacts of a U.S.-only change. Full text of Golden’s amendment can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-amendment-to-protect-sled-dog-racing-in-maine,Golden introduces amendment to protect sled dog racing in Maine,2024-07-22,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today continued his efforts to protect the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races in Fort Kent by introducing a bipartisan amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would block the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new dog importation rule. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) cosponsored the amendment. “Sled dog racing is more than an economic catalyst for northern Maine — it’s a distinct part of the region’s identity,” Golden said. “The CDC’s new rule fails to strike a balance between safety and practicality, and it’s clear we need to force regulators back to the drawing board.” The new CDC rule tightens requirements on dogs crossing the border into the United States. Previously, dogs were only required to have up-to-date and documented rabies vaccinations. The new rule adds age restrictions, microchipping requirements, and additional paperwork estimated to cost sled dog racers and others who bring dogs into the U.S. between $150 and $300 per dog. For a full team of 14 dogs participating in the Can Am, that could mean up to $4,200 in additional expenses every year. Golden’s amendment would block for one year federal funding from being used to implement and enforce the agency’s proposed rule. Last week, Golden sent a letter to CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen highlighting the rule’s negative consequences for northern Maine communities and urged the agency to delay implementation while it explores alternative options. “The future of the Can Am Sled Dogs races are in jeopardy,” Sarah Brooks, vice president of the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races said last week. “The three 2023 races were all won by Canadian women. Seventy-eight percent of our teams in the 100-mile race are Canadian and 78 percent of our racers in the 250-mile race are either Canadian or travel to Fort Kent through Canada. Our races depend on Canadian mushers and teams.” “I am deeply concerned about the CDC’s recent requirements for bringing dogs into the United States. These measures, though well-intentioned for public health, impose significant financial and logistical burdens on our community and those involved in international events like the Can Am,” Fort Kent Town Manager Suzie Paradis said last week. “The prohibitive costs and complexities of these requirements could discourage families and competitors, impacting not only our local economy but also the vibrant community spirit that these events and pet ownership foster. We urge the CDC to consider alternative solutions that safeguard public health while also supporting our unique cultural and economic needs.” Full text of Golden’s amendment can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-introduction-of-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-cybersecurity-in-health-care,King Leads Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Improve Cybersecurity in Health Care,2024-07-22,2024,2024-07,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, is leading the introduction of a bipartisan bill to improve cybersecurity in health care. The Healthcare Cybersecurity Act would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate on improving cybersecurity and make resources available to non-federal entities relating to cyber threat indicators and appropriate defense measures. It would also create a special liaison to HHS within CISA who would coordinate during cybersecurity incidents. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN). Recent reporting has indicated an exponential increase in cybersecurity attacks against healthcare systems across the country, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In 2023, approximately 133 million people had their health data, such as Medicare beneficiary data, social security numbers, and medical records breached. In Maine, Northern Light Health computers were compromised via a server breach, but patient records were not affected. Northern Light Health is one of the latest Maine health care systems, including Mount Desert Island Hospital and others, to become victim to a cyber attack — underscoring the importance of strong cybersecurity efforts to protect Maine patients from bad actors. “Healthcare cyberattacks are a growing threat nationwide, and also hit home for Maine, where several major healthcare systems have been compromised in recent years due to cybercrimes,” said Senator King, co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. “These attacks and breaches of data can literally mean the difference between life and death for patients, significantly impact hospital operations, and — with the average hack costing millions to address — increase healthcare prices across the board. The bipartisan Healthcare Cybersecurity Act will take important steps toward protecting patients’ data and healthcare provider capabilities, and bolstering our cybersecurity infrastructure and response.” “In recent years, hospitals and other health care facilities in Indiana and across America have experienced a dramatic increase in cyberattacks,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan bill will take critical steps to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and better protect patients’ personal data.” “The health care industry is still reeling from recent cyberattacks, and rural and small health care entities in Nevada have been particularly affected,” said Senator Rosen. “It’s imperative that we take measures to improve cybersecurity in the health care sector to prevent data breaches and protect Nevadans, which is why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation. I’ll keep working to strengthen the cybersecurity of this critical sector and keep people safe from malicious actors.” As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyberdefense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyberstrategy that emphasizes layered cyberdeterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director. Together with Solarium Co-Chair Representative Mike Gallagher, King previously urged the Biden Administration to better protect the public health sector from cyber threats and called for stronger, collaborative efforts to address the growing threat. Most recently, Senator King introduced the bipartisan Strengthening Cybersecurity in Health Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) perform consistent evaluations of its cybersecurity systems, and provide biannual reports on its current practices and progress on future safety procedures it is working to implement. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z