WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Jared Golden (ME-02) opposed recently announced plans to close the Maine Veterans’ Homes (MVH) in Machias and Caribou. In a letter to the MVH Board, the Members of Congress urged the board to engage with the congressional delegation, the governor, and state lawmakers to identify other options that would allow the facilities to remain open. 

“The closure of these homes will have a devastating impact on the 82 veterans and spouses of veterans who reside in these facilities,” wrote Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden. “Their families, the 123 staff members who currently provide care to these veterans, as well as the surrounding communities and local hospitals will also be adversely affected by these unexpected closures.”

“Furthermore, given the strong support for Maine Veterans Homes from the Governor, the Maine Legislature, as well as its congressional delegation,” continued the lawmakers, “we request that the Board meet with the delegation and Governor Mills, along with leadership from relevant state agencies, to discuss all options to maintain the Machias and Caribou homes.”

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. 

A copy of the letter can be found here.