WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the Senate early this morning unanimously passed an amendment he authored that would exempt urchins exported from the United States from mandatory inspections by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials, providing important relief for an industry that employs approximately 650 people in Maine. “This is an important step forward in protecting the livelihoods of hundreds of hardworking people in Maine,” Senator... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate early this morning passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, legislation that invests in America’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and authorizes 31 critical Army Corps projects, including the Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project. “Maine’s waters are a crucial... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement tonight after voting in favor of a Continuing Resolution to fund the government: “While I am pleased this bill finally includes long-overdue and desperately-needed funding to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic, the sad fact remains that passing one short-term bill after another is no way to govern,” Senator King said.... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that Bath Iron Works has been awarded a $10,965,890 order against an existing Navy basic ordering agreement related to the testing and evaluation of the USS Rafael Peralta. More specifically, the award will support planning, management, engineering services, and emergent availability and repairs. “This announcement is welcome news for the hardworking and highly-skilled men and women at Bath... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Maine Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Veterans Administration (VA) expressing concern about several long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in Maine. The letter from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin urges the VA to fill those vacancies with qualified staff as soon as possible to ensure that Maine veterans have access to the quality and timely care they deserve. “We... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement today in response to the announcement that President Obama has ordered a review of Russia’s involvement in the U.S. election: “I am pleased to see the President take this step and welcome the growing number of concerned voices – on both sides of the aisle – about Russia’s attempts to interfere with our... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the passing of Bill Townsend: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bill, a dear friend and one of my most treasured mentors,” Senator King said. “He was a man of enormous intellect and even greater character who fought tirelessly to deliver justice for people across Maine and who worked unceasingly to preserve and... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant win for domestic shoe manufacturers including New Balance in Maine, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the U.S. Senate has passed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a provision he championed that will require the Department of Defense to consider athletic footwear subject to the Berry Amendment by providing initial entry service members with American-made athletic shoes upon arrival at basic training. Senator King... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works a contract modification worth $59,417,202. The funding will be used to provide engineering and technical assistance for new construction DDG 51 class ships. “This announcement is welcome news for the hardworking men and women of Bath Iron Works who deliver the highest-quality ships to our Navy, and this contract modification will allow them to continue to make... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the United States Senate today passed the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that will help address some of the most pressing health care issues currently facing America. By promoting innovation and bolstering investment in medical research, the Cures Act will provide vital support for efforts across the country on issues such as the opioid epidemic, mental health reform, tick-borne diseases like Lyme,... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor: “On this day seventy-five years ago, a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor shook our country – a tragic event that claimed the lives of 2,403 Americans, wounded many others, and plunged the United States into World War II. Today, we commemorate this solemn occasion and honor the brave men and women who proudly served in... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explain its decision to delay for more than a year the release of a safety alert that would have notified hospitals and patients of the severe risks associated with the use of a device in heart surgeries. The device, a Sorin 3T heater-cooler, has been used in thousands of heart surgery operations across Maine and has also been shown to put patients at risk of acquiring a dangerous... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to an announcement today from the U.S. Trade Commission (ITC) that it will help protect Maine papermaking jobs by extending existing duties on imports of coated paper from China and Indonesia, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement: “We welcome the International Trade Commission’s decision to maintain its current tariffs on coated paper from China and Indonesia. This decision will support companies in Maine,... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today announced that he has cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would make the Presidential Innovation Fellows (PIF) program permanent, establishing in law a pathway for government to attract experienced technology entrepreneurs and innovators to public service. The Presidential Innovation Fellows program, which was established by the White House in 2012 and enjoys bipartisan support, brings the innovation economy into... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination. “We are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the invitation of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) stayed aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON this weekend where he surveyed the ship’s operational capabilities as it conducted exercises off the coast of North Carolina. While aboard the ship, Senator King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, observed day and night flight operations, toured the ship and met with various crewmembers to gain a better... Continue Reading »
ORONO, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today delivered keynote remarks at the 2016 Maine Food Network Gathering held at the Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine in Orono, where he applauded the years of hard work that have helped grow Maine’s thriving local food movement. “Maine has a rich history of agriculture and fisheries. The broad scope of agricultural production, from small local direct market farms to larger commodity growers, is strengthening our... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have awarded $3,735,439 in grant funding to the State of Maine to continue to expand access to high-quality preschool for children from low-income families. “Early childhood education is an investment in the future of our children,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “This funding will expand... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin announced today that they have sent a letter to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board in support of Maine manufacturer Flemish Master Weavers’ (FMW) trade appeal. The Sanford-based rug manufacturer has applied to the FTZ Board for production authority status that would exempt them from certain tariffs. Currently, textile tariffs that are designed to protect American... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that two tribal communities in Northern Maine will receive a total of $222,453 to promote economic development through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Of that funding, $122,953 will be awarded to the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, and $99,500 will be awarded to the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. “We welcome this funding for Maine’s tribal communities, which will help support vital economic... Continue Reading »
