WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) praised the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote to modernize the Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries, more commonly known as E-Rate. The FCC approved the second phase of an effort to close the rural connectivity gap and boost high-speed Internet access at schools and libraries across America. “Access to high-speed broadband is an essential part of ensuring that students in the United States, no... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congress passed the Fiscal Year 2015 Intelligence Authorization Act including an amendment authored by U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, requiring the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to report to Congress on the Intelligence Community’s efforts to reduce administrative costs. The measure passed the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, the House of Representatives last night, and now heads to the... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate passed a provision supported by U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) that averts an impending onerous permitting requirement for Maine fishermen, recreational boaters, and on-water researchers to operate their vessels. The provision was included in legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Coast Guard that passed the Senate today and is expected to pass the House later this week. Specifically, the provision secured for an additional three years the... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S Senator Angus King today announced that the funding bill agreement, which will fund the government through Fiscal Year 2015, includes full funding of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. This will maintain benefits for all workers currently covered by TAA, including those at UTC Pittsfield and the Verso mill in Bucksport, as well as those certified in FY15. The purpose of... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today praised the successful inclusion of a provision by Senator Susan Collins in the Fiscal Year 2015 federal appropriations bill that will require all fresh fruits and vegetables – including fresh white potatoes – be included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. “With the enactment of this bill, low-income families will... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Maine Department of Education will receive a four-year, $14.8 million federal grant that will allow 13 school districts in the state to create or expand on existing preschool programs. “Early childhood education is an investment in Maine’s future,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We are thrilled the Department of Education has recognized Maine’s efforts... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the declassification of the Findings & Conclusions and Executive Summary of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report regarding the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Detention and Interrogation Program, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement, which he also filed as Additional Views to the report: “I joined the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the foot of the U.S. Capitol in honor of America’s military service members and their families who are separated during the holiday season. The event was led by the Maine State Society in conjunction with Wreaths Across America and the wreath will remain on display throughout the holidays. Both Senators delivered brief remarks during the ceremony. “Since its... Continue Reading »
PORTLAND, ME – Today, on the 73rd anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined with AMVETS Department of Maine at Fort Allen Park on Portland’s Eastern Promenade to remember the more than 2,400 American service-members and civilians who lost their lives as well as those who survived. “Today, we pause to remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the more than 2,400 souls who perished on that fateful day 73 years ago,” said... Continue Reading »
PORTLAND, ME – Today, Educate Maine presented U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) with its Weston L. Bonney Education Leadership Award during the 3rd annual “Pipeline to Prosperity” Symposium and 17th annual Education Leadership Luncheon. The award, named in honor of former Maine State Board of Education member and business leader Weston Bonney, recognizes those who have demonstrated “commitment, vision and courage in support of Maine students.” “Ensuring that... Continue Reading »
PORTLAND, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today in response to the President’s nomination of Ashton Carter to replace Chuck Hagel as U.S. Secretary of Defense: “I applaud the President for moving quickly to fill this crucial position, particularly at such an important time when bold leadership from the United States is necessary to help confront many of the growing threats across the... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) issued the following statement today on the failure of the breakwater at the Port of Eastport early this morning: “The longer we wait to deal with our failing infrastructure, the more people and local economies are put at risk and that, as we saw today, is unacceptable,” Senator King said. “This morning I called Elaine Abbott, the Acting City Manager of Eastport, and Chris Gardner, the Executive Director of the Eastport... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the United States Senate unanimously passed a Resolution they authored and introduced designating Saturday, December 13, 2014 as “Wreaths Across America Day.” On that day, a convoy of Mainers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery with the goal of laying approximately 230,000 Maine-made balsam wreaths at each grave site of our nation's fallen soldiers and veterans. The... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that the final 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, as agreed upon by the leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and released late last night, authorizes several policy and funding measures important to Maine and its defense-related industries. “This bill is a reflection of our defense priorities as a nation, and its priorities demonstrate... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, renewed his call for Congress to consider a new Authorization of the Use of Military Force (AUMF) to wage the war against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Currently, the Administration is justifying American engagement under the 2001 AUMF passed by Congress nearly thirteen years ago following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. “For us to go home, to take a recess,... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today announced his support for the Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2014, a bipartisan bill that would close a problematic loophole that can force homeless or previously homeless students – including veterans – to choose between furthering their education and having a roof over their head. “One of the best avenues for homeless youth and veterans to get back on track is a good education,” said Senator King.... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Climate Action Task Force, released the text of a comment he submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in support of the recently proposed rules to curb carbon emissions in the United States in the coming decades. The comment also offers several recommendations to improve the proposed rules. “First, let me commend you and your agency for tackling one of the gravest threats that we... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will award a total of $190,000 in grant funding to eight organizations in Maine that foster artistic creativity and innovation in their communities. These grants will support a wide range of artistic endeavors including film and folk festivals, stage productions, painting and sculpture classes, and a poetry press, among others. “Maine is fortunate to have many... Continue Reading »
PORTLAND, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined with community volunteers at Preble Street Resource Center in Portland to cap off another successful “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive. Senator King, along with the volunteers, helped unload a bus filled with donated food that will be distributed through Preble Street’s three soup kitchens – Preble Street Resource Center, Teen Center, and Florence House – to help feed hungry Mainers during the holiday... Continue Reading »
BRUNSWICK, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today regarding the resignation of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel: “Our country owes a debt of gratitude to Secretary Hagel for his service and steadfast commitment to protecting our nation and advancing our national security interests during his tenure as Secretary of Defense, and indeed, during a lifetime of public service that began as an Army... Continue Reading »
