WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following an announcement by the U.S. Coast Guard that it will suspend the search for survivors of the El Faro at sunset today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement: “I am deeply saddened that no survivors have been found. Like everyone in Maine, my thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the El Faro’s crew members. My heart goes out... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the U.S. Senate today passed the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill includes provisions authored by Senator King that increase authorizations for the construction of DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers, which are built at Bath Iron Works, and that improve the Small Business Administration’s HUBZone program, which helps revitalize former military bases like the former Brunswick Naval Air... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C.—United States Senators Susan Collins, Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, and Angus King announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture has awarded Community Concepts Inc. in Lewiston $793,800 in grant funding to help 30 very-low and low-income families construct their own homes in rural areas across Maine. Through the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program, this funding will help families, through... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $1.35 million in grant funding to the Maine Math and Science Alliance (MMSA) to develop an online learning community that explores the impact of weather and climate along the coast. “The Maine Math and Science Alliance continues to build on innovative science and technology opportunities around the state, and this project will empower students,... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $499,440 to the National Partnership for Environmental Technology Education (PETE) Community College Consortium for Health and Safety Training Program in South Portland. “Investment in health training and occupational safety is crucial to successfully removing and containing hazardous waste across our state,” said Senators... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Congressman Bruce Poliquin, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez urging him to approve the recently-filed petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) to assist the 195 displaced workers who are expected to lose their jobs following Expera’s announcement that it will close its Old Town mill due to foreign competition in the paper industry. “Given the... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the following statement on the ongoing search for the missing crew members of the cargo ship El Faro, four of whom are reportedly from Maine: “My heart goes out to the crew members of the El Faro and their families and loved ones during this difficult time,” Senator King said. “My office has been in touch with the U.S. Coast Guard for additional information and will continue to... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today delivered remarks at the UNITE to Face Addiction Rally held on the National Mall, where he highlighted the importance of raising the profile of addiction in America and underscored how those who have faced addiction are critical to helping fight it today. “Addiction is often a battle that's waged alone, in the recesses of our minds and in the shadows of society. It's difficult and it's painful, but today, we... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that several Maine tribes will receive various grant awards totaling $341,422 to support activities including economic development and treatment and prevention services for methamphetamine abuse and suicide. The grants come from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “We welcome these investments by the federal government in... Continue Reading »
MADISON, ME – In advance of the International Trade Administration’s final determination later this month regarding potentially illegal trade subsidies provided to Canadian exporters of supercalendered paper, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today visited Catalyst’s Rumford Mill and UPM’s Madison Paper to express his support for the workforce and pledge to do all he can to fight for and protect Maine jobs affected by this ongoing... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will award $244,040 to the University of New England to determine best capture-and-handling methods and promote survival for Atlantic cod unintentionally caught in lobster gear in the Gulf of Maine. “Historically dominant in coastal Maine fishing communities, the Atlantic cod fishery is now almost non-existent,” Senators Collins and... Continue Reading »
PORTLAND, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined with Steve Case, AOL co-founder, Revolution CEO, and a member of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, to showcase the important role that startups play in the Maine economy while visiting several local businesses in the Portland area. Senator King joined Case for the final leg of the Rise of the Rest Road Tour, a nationwide effort to highlight and invest in entrepreneurs in emerging startup ecosystems... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After opposing a procedural motion on a bill that drastically underfunds critical veterans’ health care programs, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement calling on his colleagues to draft and pass appropriations legislation that adequately meets and serves the needs of America’s veterans: “America’s veterans deserve the best, highest-quality care... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authorization set to expire tonight, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today renewed his call for Congress permanently reauthorize the program: “Congress should take immediate action to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a valuable program that has for decades protected and preserved land across this country for the benefit of future... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today testified before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in support of former Congressman Mike Michaud’s nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training at the U.S. Department of Labor. In his remarks to the Committee, Senator King highlighted Michaud’s long-standing commitment to supporting veterans in Maine and around the country. “I’ve... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a total of $3,369,200 in grant funding for new construction developments in Presque Isle and Ellsworth. The City of Presque Isle will receive $1,549,200 to support the consolidation of a business from multiple locations and expansion into one industrial building that will allow medical device manufacturing company Acme Monaco to not only retain... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate this morning passed a short-term spending bill that funds the government through December 11, 2015: “While I am pleased the Senate finally came to its senses and passed a bill to avoid another disastrous government shutdown, it’s disappointing that we even had to confront the possibility to begin with,” Senator King said. “Pushing the country to the brink of another shutdown to... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today announced that the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, which was released today, contains several policy and funding provisions important to Maine and its economy, including several he authored as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The final conference report, which reconciles the differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill, includes King-authored measures supporting... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King applauded two Maine schools, Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York and Minot Consolidated School in Minot, that have earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Only 335 schools across the nation were recognized for this achievement. “Here in Maine, we are truly fortunate to have so many dedicated members of the community who work hard to ensure that every child... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) pressed high-ranking officials within the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense to develop a more comprehensive national cyber-security policy. Senator King specifically pressed Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper, Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, and Admiral Michael S. Rogers, the head of U.S. Cyber Command and Director at the National Security... Continue Reading »
