Where I Stand

In a rural state, connecting people to one another can be especially difficult, so the strength of the economy and communities relies on the maintenance of ports, roads, railways, airports, and rivers. These resources — and those such as broadband, sewers, and utility lines — play a key role in supporting our businesses and facilitating the high standard of living Maine people enjoy.

As Maine people adjust to modern challenges like population shifts and climate change, the state needs to improve our infrastructure to protect itself from flooding risks and defend ourselves generally against extreme weather events. The state also needs to preserve its infrastructure and transportation systems — an essential component of any long-term path to economic prosperity. It is essential to keep supporting projects that help Maine continue moving forward. 

Increasing access to high-speed broadband, both fixed and wireless, is also key to ensuring the ability to compete in today’s global economy. Expanding affordable broadband access is an important way to increase economic opportunity in rural Maine. Next generation broadband networks are critical to advancing innovation in education, health care, agriculture, and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Maine, regardless of where one lives.

What I've Done

• Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus.
• Passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that has provided a critical, once-in-a-generation down payment on the roads, ports, drinking and wastewater facilities, and other systems to improve “the way life should be.”
• Helped pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and American Rescue Plan which, combined, will deliver more than $400 million to Maine for broadband deployment in the upcoming years.
• Helped secure funding for Maine roads, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, drinking and wastewater treatment facilities, and marine navigation among other projects as part of the Congressionally Directed Spending program.