WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) applauded a vote by the Maine Veterans’ Homes (MVH) Board of Trustees to keep its Caribou and Machias sites open. The decision comes on the heels of swift bipartisan action from both the Maine Legislature and Governor Janet Mills. Senator King had spoken out against the original decision to close the sites, and joined the full Maine Congressional Delegation in February to urge the board to engage with elected officials to explore options to keep the homes open.

“I’m deeply relieved that the leadership of Maine Veterans’ Homes was able to find a solution allowing the continued operation of their Caribou and Machias facilities,” said Senator King. “Maine’s veterans have made immense sacrifices to defend our nation, and they deserve the absolute best care possible. I’m grateful for this decision, and committed to working alongside state leaders and the veterans community to ensure the long-term success of these sites.”

The Maine Congressional Delegation has shown continued support for Maine veterans and Maine Veterans’ Homes. Most recently, this support has included securing emergency COVID-19 funding for MVH from the CARES Act and working to pass the bipartisan State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, which would allow more veterans, particularly those with early onset dementia, to receive affordable residential care at veterans homes across the country, including in Maine.