WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after voting for the motion to proceed with the Senate’s budget resolution:

“In the past year, the coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 440,000 Americans and left tens of millions to struggle with financial uncertainty as small businesses closed and unemployment soared. It’s clear that this is a devastating, once-in-a-generation threat that requires immediate and aggressive action. 

“I have long advocated for a bipartisan solution, and continue to support good faith discussions with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to build a package that can both garner bipartisan support and meet the urgency of the moment. But as these negotiations continue and with time of the essence, I feel it’s important to prepare for all outcomes, including the possibility that there are not 10 Republican votes for legislation that sufficiently addresses the needs of the American people. The vote we took today does not preclude a bipartisan solution; if anything, I am hopeful that it could speed up negotiations and expedite an agreement.

“Maine people are crying out for relief – and have been for months. We don’t have any more time to waste; it’s time to come together, and pass legislation that rises to the occasion for our constituents and our country.”

Senator King is an established leader in the Senate in pursuing bipartisan solutions to address America’s challenges. In late 2020, he was a member of the bipartisan, bicameral coalition that crafted a framework for a coronavirus relief package that would help get the nation through the first two months of 2021. In recent weeks, he has resumed negotiations with his Congressional colleagues and the White House to deliver a long-overdue, comprehensive piece of legislation to fully confront the dual health and economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.