WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to make it easier to attract businesses and create new jobs, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) have introduced legislation to expand the geographic boundaries of HUBzones located at former U.S. military installations closed through the so-called “Base Closure and Realignment,” or BRAC process. The HUBzone, or Historically Underutilized Business Zones, program is administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C.– In an effort to stay connected with constituents while in Washington, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) skyped yesterday from the U.S. Capitol building with employees of the Shipyard Brewery Company in Portland as they gathered for their annual employee meeting. It was the first time Senator King utilized the video-chat program to engage with Mainers at home and he looks forward to using the service more throughout his time in the Senate. During the Skype... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine), a member of the Armed Services Committee, today questioned President Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, former Senator Chuck Hagel, during Hagel’s testimony before that committee. Senator King asked Senator Hagel about a variety of issues, including management of the Department of Defense, multi-year Navy procurement contracts vital to Bath Iron Works, collaboration on counterterrorism efforts, employment... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, DC – In a letter to the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Maine Congressional Delegation today expressed deep concern over the budget shortfall facing the Jobs Corps program and the suspension of all new student enrollees at Job Corps centers across the country. In the letter, Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree ask Acting Secretary Seth Harris for a full explanation of the reasons for... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the following statement after his vote today to suspend the debt limit: “I am pleased that the House and the Senate were able to reach an agreement on the debt limit that not only avoids defaulting on our nation’s obligations, but that sets the Senate up to proceed with the creation of a budget for the first time in four years and holds us accountable if we... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus S. King, Jr. today met with leaders of the Maine National Guard to discuss issues confronting the Maine Army and Air National Guard back in the state. Senators Collins and King sat down with Maine Adjutant General, Brigadier General James Campbell; Maine Army Chief of Staff, Colonel Jack Mosher; and Construction and Facilities Management Officer, Lt. Colonel Dwaine Drummond, this morning in Senator Collins’ Washington,... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME) today announced that two projects in Maine will receive $1.3 million in national coastal wetland conservation grants from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Penobscot River Restoration Trust will receive $1 million for dam removal and the restoration of habitat on nearly 300 acres of the Penobscot River, improving wetland habitats along the river for native sea-run fish. The Harpswell... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) hailed the confirmation of Senator John F. Kerry (D-Massachusetts) to become the next U.S. Secretary of State, thereby succeeding current Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton. Senator King said: “I was honored today to cast my vote in support of Senator Kerry’s nomination and congratulate him on his confirmation by the Senate to become our next Secretary of State. John was one of the first Senators I met... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I–Maine), a member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, met with Chief Counterterrorism Advisor John O. Brennan, who is President Barack Obama’s nominee for Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Senator King was the first Member of Congress that Mr. Brennan visited before his confirmation hearings next week. Following their half-hour meeting, Senator King released the following... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, in a video message to Mainers, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) recapped the historic events of last night, when the U.S. Senate voted in a bipartisan manner to modify the filibuster rules to ease the legislative gridlock that has plagued the institution in recent years. Senator King specifically spoke to the historic significance of the rule change, noting, “I think a lot of the commentators that have talked about the compromise that was... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in his first roll call votes, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) supported a filibuster rule reform package agreed to by Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The package limits filibusters on motions to bring legislation to the floor for consideration, expedites the nomination process for judgeships and executive branch candidates, and makes it easier for bills to enter conference between the House and Senate. “The... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) announced that he has agreed to cosponsor S.47, a bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which was introduced yesterday by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). The bill strengthens existing programs that support victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. “Throughout its history, the Violence Against Women Act has played a vital role in assisting countless... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) met with Gary Allen of Great Cranberry Island, who arrived in the nation’s capital on January 21st after having run seven hundred miles through ten states to raise money for charities. Averaging forty-seven miles per day, the veteran runner braved the winter elements and crushing fatigue to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project, the American Cancer Society, and the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) joined Senators Tom Udall (D-New Mexico), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) in supporting a proposal to reform the Senate’s filibuster rule. The measure, Senate Resolution 4 (S. Res 4), is comprised of the following four components: 1. Eliminating the Filibuster on Motions to Proceed 2. Instituting a “Talking... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with former Senator Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Defense. Following their forty-five minute meeting, Senator King released the following statement: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Senator Hagel this morning and appreciate him taking the time to meet with me. We had an open and positive... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a recent letter, U.S. Senator Angus S. King (I-Maine) strongly urged United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk to maintain current trade protections that are critical to the economic viability of New Balance in Maine. Senator King specifically asked Ambassador Kirk to forego any discussion during the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations of ending rubber and plastic footwear tariffs because of the potentially catastrophic result it could have for New Balance... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) congratulated Jackson Beck of South Portland and Thomas Poblador of Berwick on being selected as Maine’s delegates to the 51st Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C. Jackson and Thomas will join 102 other students from across the nation in spending a week in the nation’s Capital to observe the federal government in action. “I’m pleased to congratulate Jackson and... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) released the following statement regarding the President’s package of proposals to reduce gun violence: “I am pleased the President and Vice President have outlined comprehensive proposals to address our nation’s gun violence epidemic that include expanded background checks, magazine capacity, and improvements in mental health services and resources. I believe many of the proposals are reasonable,... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) announced he will be holding “Capitol Coffee with Angus” on Wednesday, January 23, 2012 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM in Room 562 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The breakfast event, which Senator King plans to hold every Wednesday when the Senate is in session, will offer the opportunity for visiting constituents to meet and speak with the Senator. “I invite all visiting Mainers to join me and my staff... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) announced the hiring of Paula Armstrong to serve as Maine State Scheduler. Armstrong, of Scarborough, formerly served as Director for Verizon Business Sales Call Centers in California, Washington, and Oregon, as well as the Assistant to the Vice President for Verizon Call Centers across the nation. Armstrong has also served on the Saco City Council and worked for Senator William D. Hathaway. “I am pleased... Continue Reading »
