Looking Ahead to the Budget Conference
Watch my opening remarks at the first public meeting of the Budget Conference Committee by clicking the image below.
Like most Americans, I was deeply frustrated by the government shutdown in October. I found it shameful that we spent so much time debating whether or not to perform the most basic functions of our jobs: running the government and paying our bills.
That's why I teamed up with a group of my colleagues - seven Republicans, six Democrats, and me, the Independent - to hammer out a bipartisan agreement that would end the shutdown and avert a catastrophic default on our national credit. Out initial discussions enabled the negotiation process to gain greater momentum and resulted in a compromise proposal, parts of which were adopted by the plan that ultimately reopened the government. The personal initiative, leadership, and willingness to put the good of the country ahead of party politics is what the people expect of us - to work on their behalf.
The bipartisan agreement passed by Congress on October 17th also contained an important provision mandating the regular budget process, which has remained stagnated for the past seven months, move forward.
Read my full editorial here.
In Maine
This month I had the wonderful opportunity to join my staff in Maine for our "Your Government Your Neighborhood" outreach initiative. I traveled to Bangor, Augusta, and Portland to meet with local officials, business owners, and members of the Maine media to share what's been going on in Washington and where we need to go from here.
While in Augusta I sat down with Jon Olson, Executive Director of the Maine Farm Bureau, to talk about farming in Maine and the current Farm Bill being reviewed by the House and Senate conference committee in Washington.
I also had the privilege of presenting students at King Middle School in Portland with the American Lung Association's prestigious Healthy Air Leadership Award for their study of air pollution in Maine.
My daughter Molly and I stopped by the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society for the Mega Match-a-thon event where we adopted the newest member of our family - Moxie!
In the News
King Cheers Red Sox, Jeers Gridlock During Video Chat.
MPBN: King Joins USM's Muskie School and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute fall lecture series, "Politics Then and Now, in Maine and the Nation."
Sen. King Reflects on Shutdown, moving forward
King, Ayotte Seek New Budget Deal
Maine Sen. King Offers to be Bridge Between Parties
Senator King Joins CNN's New Day with Kate Bolduan to talk about the budget deal and what it will take for a succesful budget conference.
Please visit https://www.king.senate.gov for more updates and let us hear from you. Our toll free number in Maine is 1-800-432-1599.
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