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 »
BRUNSWICK, ME – In response to the extension of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement: “The threat of a nuclear armed Iran is real and unacceptable. That is why I support Secretary Kerry and our P5+1 partners in their endeavor to achieve this important – and historic – goal to ensure Iran can never develop nuclear weapon... Continue Reading »
BRUNSWICK, ME – As part of his ongoing effort to keep the people of Maine informed of his work in Washington, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) recapped this week’s events in the nation’s capital: The announcement from the Department of Labor that displaced workers from the Verso paper mill in Bucksport are eligible for critical Trade Adjustment Assistance. These benefits include employment training for another job or career, income support, and other services. His... Continue Reading »
PORTLAND, ME – This morning, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, recognized the University of Maine System (UMS) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity. “Our world is more interconnected and reliant on technology than ever before. While this has enabled tremendous progress, it has also given rise to new and complex challenges,” Senator King wrote in a congratulatory letter... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to President Obama’s executive action on immigration reform, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement this evening: “I am a strong supporter of immigration reform and worked hard to pass a bipartisan bill nearly two years ago in the Senate that addressed many of the issues the President discussed this evening. I’m disappointed that the House has failed to even debate this crucial subject, but I am also concerned... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today in advance of this evening’s vote that he will oppose legislation to directly approve the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline: “Congress is not – nor should it be – in the business of legislating the approval or disapproval of a construction project,” Senator King said. “And while I am frustrated that the President has refused to make a decision on the future of the... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance for the more than 500 workers displaced from Verso Paper has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Displaced workers will be eligible for employment training in another job or career, income support, job search allowances, and relocation services for those individuals who obtain jobs outside of their normal commuting area. “The closure of... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources approved a bill cosponsored by U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) that would encourage the research and development of renewable energy generated through waves, currents, ocean tides, and free-flowing water in lakes and rivers, known as hydropower. The Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Act of 2013 would encourage private investment in marine hydrokinetic power technologies by streamlining the... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King, who was in Washington in advance of the upcoming Senate session tomorrow, attended the National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery and placed a wreath at the Maine column of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. Senator King’s staff also attended several Veterans Day events throughout Maine. Senator King released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: “It was at the eleventh hour of the... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today released the following statements applauding an announcement from Expera Specialty Solutions that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets related to the Old Town Fuel & Fiber pulp mill: “This is encouraging news for Maine's forest products industry and for the workers in the Old Town area who lost their jobs earlier this year,” Senator Collins said. “While there is much... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt strong Net Neutrality rules: “An open Internet is so important to the future of this country. It’s the equivalent of this century’s interstate highway system, connecting people and delivering information and data to new places faster than ever before,” Senator King said.... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced more than $6 million in federal grant and loan funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve rural water systems in Maine. The investments announced today are provided through USDA's Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Program, which assists rural communities with water and wastewater infrastructure. “We are pleased that USDA is making this significant... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released a letter from the Senator applauding the announcement of a four-year grant totaling $1,911,849 from the U.S. Department of Education to support arts education in four public schools in Portland. The funding, which was announced today during an event at Howard C. Reiche Community School in Portland that was attended by Senator King's staff, will be used to support Project IMAGINE, a partnership between... Continue Reading »
