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Press Releases

Press Releases

Maine Delegation’s Statement on China’s Exemption for Lobster Tariff

February 25, 2020

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden issued a joint statement in response to reports that China has decided to establish a one-year exclusion process for certain U.S. goods imported into China.  Live lobster is included as one of the 696 US-origin products eligible for a tariff exemption.  “We welcome the promising development for Maine’s lobster industry that China may exclude $300 million worth of U.S.... Continue Reading »


Maine Delegation Calls on Department of Education to Reverse $1.2 Million Cut for Maine’s Rural, Low-Income Schools

February 21, 2020

Washington, D.C.—In response to the Department of Education’s decision to cut $1.2 million from Maine’s rural, low-income schools made available through the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden sent a letter to Secretary Betsy DeVos urging her to restore this vital funding. Senator Collins coauthored the law creating REAP in 2002 as well as the reauthorization in 2015.  REAP... Continue Reading »


In Lewiston, Senator King Continues Campaign on Preventive Healthcare

February 20, 2020

LEWISTON, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) visited health professionals, businesses, and organizations in the Lewiston area to discuss the importance of preventive healthcare – listening to the challenges Maine people face in accessing affordable care. Senator King began his day at SeniorsPlus Education Center by participating in a listening session on the impact of high prescription drug prices on older Americans. He then met with Fatuma Hussein, Executive Director of the Immigrant... Continue Reading »


In Hancock County, King Celebrates Maine’s Marine Economy

February 19, 2020

BUCKSPORT, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) visited several aquaculture and seafood processing facilities in Hancock County to meet with staff and hear their thoughts on the future of Maine’s marine economy. Senator King’s day included tours of Maine Coast Sea Vegetables in Hancock, Maine Shellfish Company in Ellsworth, and Greenhead Lobster and Pemaquid Mussel Farms in Bucksport.“Maine’s working waterfronts and hardworking fishermen have powered our state’s economy for... Continue Reading »


Senators Collins, King Announce up to $6.28 Million to Support Maine Disaster-Relief Jobs in Areas Affected By Opioid Crisis

February 19, 2020

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Labor has been awarded an opioid-crisis National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant of up to $6,281,891—with $2,093,964 released initially.  This funding will support disaster-relief jobs and provide employment services to eligible individuals in Maine communities affected by the health and economic impact of widespread opioid use, addiction, and overdose.“The epidemic of opioid abuse... Continue Reading »


King Salutes Maine Veterans at Togus

February 14, 2020

AUGUSTA, ME – Today, during the week of the VA National Salute to Veteran Patients, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) caught up with several Maine veterans who are patients at Togus VA Medical Center – saluting their service and expressing the gratitude of Maine people. The yearly event takes place during the week of Valentine’s Day, to show appreciation and support for men and women who are being cared for in VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes.“Maine’s... Continue Reading »


In Face of Coronavirus Threat, King Introduces Legislation to Strengthen America’s Public Health Resilience

February 14, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) introduced legislation that would support consistent, proactive American leadership in global public health efforts in order to better protect the health of the American people when infectious disease outbreaks occur. The Global Health Security (GHS) Act, which he is introducing as coronavirus is continuing to spread within China and across the globe, would officially establish an official national policy to create a permanent,... Continue Reading »


Senators Collins, King Announce More than $550,000 for Potato Research Program at the University of Maine

February 13, 2020

Washington D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the University of Maine’s (UMaine) Cooperative Extension Potato Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program has been awarded $553,486 to conduct further research on potato breeding in Maine.  This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).“Maine’s potato industry is an integral part of our state’s heritage and plays a major role in our... Continue Reading »


Senator King Warned of “Nefarious” End Game of China in Arctic, Russian Alliance in Region

February 13, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) pressed top military officials on their intentions in the Arctic and the danger of potential collaboration between China and Russia, and inquired about their plans to ensure that the U.S. keeps up with Russia and China’s hypersonic weapon capabilities. Senator King is a co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus and has repeatedly stressed the need for global cooperation and peaceful operation as new trade routes open in the Arctic. His... Continue Reading »


King: False Choice “Between a Thriving Economy or a Healthy Environment”

February 12, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined 32 of his Senate colleagues to introduce legislation that would put the United States on a path to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050. The Clean Economy Act addresses the need for bold climate action and at the same time boosts American competitiveness, promotes healthier communities and fosters a growing economy that works for everyone.... Continue Reading »


Maine Delegation Welcomes Navy Support for Two DDG-51s in FY21 Budget Proposal

February 11, 2020

WASHINGTON – Responding to the request for two fiscal year 2021 Arleigh-Burke class (DDG-51) destroyers —a ship built at Bath Iron Works in Maine—in the President’s FY 2021 budget request, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden released the following statement:“Maine’s congressional delegation has worked together to authorize and secure funding for robust shipbuilding. We were extremely concerned at reports that the... Continue Reading »


King on Counterterrorism: We Need to Avoid ‘Geopolitical Whack-a-Mole’

February 11, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) questioned expert witnesses during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee focused on U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. During his questioning, Senator King emphasized the diffuse nature of the terrorist threats facing America and sought the witnesses’ opinions on the best long-term ways to deal with terrorist threats in the region.“Let me talk about the ‘haven for terrorism’ argument, because that’s really the fundamental... Continue Reading »


King Introduces Prevention-Based Legislation Empowering Medicare Beneficiaries to Stay Healthy

February 11, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today announced that he has introduced legislation that would improve Medicare’s efforts to support preventive healthcare, encouraging seniors and their physicians to work together and confront health issues before they become more serious. The Wellness and Education for Longer Lives (WELL) for Seniors Act would improve the Annual Wellness Visit – a medical appointment currently covered by Medicare free of cost – by incorporating more... Continue Reading »


In Rockport, King Visits Knox County Homeless Coalition Headquarters

February 7, 2020

ROCKPORT, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) visited the Knox County Homeless Coalition (KCHC) Headquarters in Rockport for a first-hand update on their services – including the Hospitality House, a housing facility for homeless women and children; The Landing Place, a facility that provides a home base to homeless teens; and KCHC’s collaboration with Midcoast Habitat for Humanity.“With Maine facing a statewide shortage of affordable housing in addition to food insecurity affecting... Continue Reading »


Senate Intel Releases Bipartisan Report on Obama Administration’s Response to Russian Election Interference

February 6, 2020

Washington, D.C. – The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, on which U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) serve, today released the third volume in the Committee’s bipartisan investigation into Russian election interference, “U.S. Government Response to Russian Activities.” The report examines the Obama Administration’s reaction to initial reports of election interference and the steps officials took or did not take to deter Russia’s activities.Today’s installment is the... Continue Reading »


Senators Collins and King Announce $750,000 to Help Mainers with Substance Abuse and Mental Illness

February 6, 2020

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced today that the Maine Department of Corrections has been awarded $750,000 to support individuals in the criminal justice system who have mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use issues.  The funding, which was awarded through the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program, is intended to increase collaboration between law enforcement and treatment services.“Mainers deserve access... Continue Reading »


King: “The Precedent We’ve Set Today Will Echo for Generations”

February 5, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voted to find President Donald Trump guilty on both articles of impeachment before the Senate. Article 1, abuse of power, failed by a vote of 48 to 52, and Article 2, obstruction of Congress, failed by a vote of 47 to 53. After the vote, Senator King released the following statement:“So, here we are. The trial has raced towards its pre-ordained conclusion – without relevant witnesses, without concealed documents, without impartial... Continue Reading »


Maine Delegation Calls on NOAA to Protect Right Whales from Ship Strikes

February 5, 2020

WASHINGTON — Maine’s congressional delegation called on the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) this week to take steps to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale from ship strikes and questioned the agency on why it has failed to address the threat ships pose to whales. In their letter, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) noted that ship strikes and fishing gear have... Continue Reading »


Warning of “Turning Point in the American Experiment,” Senator King Announces He Will Vote Guilty on Both Articles of Impeachment

February 4, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he will vote to find President Donald Trump guilty of both articles of impeachment when a final vote is recorded tomorrow. During a speech on the Senate floor, Senator King cited the President’s clearly proven effort to convince a foreign power to investigate a political rival in exchange for the release of Congressionally-appropriated funds, his blanket stonewalling of Congress’s impeachment authority, and the... Continue Reading »


Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $2.8 Million for Research at The Jackson Laboratory

February 4, 2020

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor was awarded a total of $2,791,196 for three separate research projects.  The funding was allocated through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).“The Jackson Laboratory’s leadership in the scientific field and its repeated breakthroughs to find cures for diseases are proof that there is no better investment than biomedical... Continue Reading »