WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Senate Rural Broadband Caucus, today joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to adjust requirements of the ReConnect program which currently blocks rural communities across 19 states from accessing federal funding intended to support rural broadband deployment.In the letter, the senators request Secretary Perdue to use his authority to broaden ReConnect eligibility,... Continue Reading »
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden applauded the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) announcement that it will begin issuing a Forever stamp celebrating the 200th anniversary of Maine statehood next month. Last year, on Maine’s 199th birthday, the Maine Delegation wrote to USPS to express their strong support for creating a commemorative postal stamp honoring Maine’s bicentennial.The new stamp features the painting “Sea... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today announced that he is joining a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce the Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act, which would create a permanent reserve fund to enable quick and effective responses to future public health emergencies. The legislation comes as the coronavirus epidemic continues to threaten to develop into a pandemic, and after the administration has abolished or ignored programs designed to... Continue Reading »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
