Angus King

Lawmakers want money for National Park maintenance

May 21, 2022 GMT

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Lawmakers from Maine and Colorado are calling on senators to increase funding for infrastructure maintenance on federal lands.

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine and Democratic Rep.

Maine senator joins push to help car dealers during pandemic

May 14, 2022 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine's independent senator has joined an effort to try to help car dealerships cope with supply chain difficulty.

Sen. Angus King said dealerships in his state are facing higher costs and limited inventory due to supply chain disruption.

US intel questioned for misjudging Afghanistan, Ukraine

By NOMAAN MERCHANTMay 10, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top U.S. intelligence officials were questioned Tuesday about why they misjudged the durability of governments in both Afghanistan and Ukraine, and whether they need to reform how intelligence agencies assess a foreign military’s will to fight.

Maine senators call for ratification of Kigali Amendment

May 8, 2022 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine's two U.S. senators want their colleagues to ratify an agreement that would phase out a greenhouse gas linked to climate change.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Sen.

Maine’s longtime leading business advocate to step down soon

April 25, 2022 GMT

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The longtime president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and one of the best known advocates for businesses in the state said Monday that he will soon step down.

Dana Connors has led the chamber for almost three decades.

Senators want to prevent Putin dodging sanctions via crypto

April 9, 2022 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine's independent senator wants the U.S. to try to limit Russian president Vladimir Putin and others in Russia from dodging economic sanctions by using cryptocurrencies.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine tests positive for COVID-19

April 7, 2022 GMT

BANGOR, Maine (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday just hours after voting to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S.

Senators want a digital ‘America the Beautiful’ pass

March 29, 2022 GMT

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Senators from Maine and Montana want the National Park Service to create a digitized version of a pass that provides access to hundreds of protected sites.

Senators want to know impact of national park attendance

March 20, 2022 GMT

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Senators from Maine and Montana want the Biden administration to clarify the impact of more people visiting the country's national parks.

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine and Republican Sen.

Maine Rep. Jared Golden says he tested positive for COVID-19

March 15, 2022 GMT

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — U.S. Rep. Jared Golden announced Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19 and that he's resting at home.

"I have mild symptoms and will remain in Maine this week. While I am home, I will vote by proxy according to House rules,” the Democrat tweeted.

Upgrades coming to entry ports on Maine border with Canada

March 13, 2022 GMT

HOULTON, Maine (AP) — Maine will use more than $150 million to modernize five land ports of entry along its border with Canada.

The state's U.S. senators, independent Sen. Angus King and Republican Sen.

Landmark mill in Lewiston, Maine, closer to renovation

March 11, 2022 GMT

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The federal government is providing $1 million to help renovate a landmark mill building in the state’s second-largest city.

The money, which will be used to fix the roof of Bates Mill #5, was approved by both chambers of Congress, said Maine Sens.

Maine senator joins push to stop Russia from selling gold

March 9, 2022 GMT

BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Maine's independent senator is joining a push to clamp down on Russia's ability to sell gold reserves.

Sen. Angus King is working with Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, and Democratic Sen.

Maine senator introduces bill to cap cost of insulin

March 5, 2022 GMT

BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Maine's independent senator is introducing a proposal to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs.

Sen. Angus King said the bill would build on a Maine law that caps the costs for people with state-regulated commercial insurance.

Defense department to use world’s largest 3D-printed boat

February 25, 2022 GMT

ORONO, Maine (AP) — The world's largest 3D-printed boat will serve as a logistics vessel for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The boat was created by a 3D printer at University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center.

Maine senators want more seasonal worker visas

February 21, 2022 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine's U.S. senators are joining an effort for more seasonal worker visas to help with summer hiring needs.

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine and Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota are leading the push, and have called on the Biden administration to raise the cap on seasonal worker visas.

China accused of failing to buy more Maine lobster

February 19, 2022 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — China has failed to live up to its promise to buy more Maine lobster under a deal that opened the door to an easing of a trade war under former President Donald Trump, Maine's congressional leaders say.

$16M in fish, wildlife restoration programs planned in Maine

February 18, 2022 GMT

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Programs that support fish and wildlife restoration and hunter education are set to receive more than $16 million from the federal government in Maine.

The money is from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program of the U.S.

Senators want more staff at National Parks as visits grow

February 14, 2022 GMT

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Maine's independent senator and a colleague from Montana want more staffing at America's National Parks to keep up with increased attendance.

Sens. Angus King of Maine and Steve Daines of Montana said visitation and workloads have increased in the parks system, but employment numbers have not kept up.

UMaine to help with preventing burnout in medical workers

January 31, 2022 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine's public university system has received $1.5 million from the federal government to help prevent burnout among medical professionals.

The money is part of the American Rescue Plan and is going to the University of Maine System.

Maine dredging projects slated to improve navigation, safety

January 23, 2022 GMT

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Four dredging projects slated for coastal Maine communities will improve safety and navigation for commercial fishermen and others, the state's two senators said.

The projects are in Ogunquit, Scarborough, Milbridge and Bar Harbor.

USDA Maine Farm Service Agency director is appointed

By The Associated PressDecember 17, 2021 GMT

A U.S. Department of Agriculture worker with 29 years of experience in agriculture in Maine has been tapped to guide federal farm policy and oversee agricultural operations in the state.

The Biden administration announced Friday that Sherry Hamel has been appointed executive director of the USDA's Maine Farm Service Agency.

Maine meat processors get help opening new markets

December 5, 2021 GMT

GARDINER, Maine (AP) — Meat and poultry processors in Maine are getting a boost of more than $1.3 million from the federal government.

The funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help the businesses to meet packaging, labeling and food safety requirements, U.S.

UMaine gets help to continue studying baby lobsters

November 14, 2021 GMT

ORONO, Maine (AP) — Maine's flagship university is getting about $400,000 to expand its long-standing research focusing on baby lobsters.

University of Maine scientists, including marine researcher Richard Wahle, have studied larval lobsters for years.

Maine senator backs plan to make sure corporations pay taxes

October 30, 2021 GMT

BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Maine's independent senator has joined with Democrats on a proposal to stop large corporations from avoiding federal taxes.

Sen. Angus King is working with Democrats including Sen.

Maine House Speaker Fecteau tests positive for COVID-19

October 29, 2021 GMT

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau announced Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19, and will be working remotely.

Fecteau said it was a so-called “breakthrough infection” because he'd already been vaccinated.

Maine senators join push to prevent military suicide

October 24, 2021 GMT

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine's U.S. senators have joined a push to try to prevent suicide among members of the military.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King said they're helping introduce the Save Our Servicemembers Act, which is also called the SOS Act.

Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows

October 23, 2021 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — ABC’s “This Week” — Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

NBC’s “Meet the Press” — Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Sens.

Senate GOP again blocks Democrats’ election bill

By BRIAN SLODYSKOOctober 20, 2021 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the third time this year, Senate Democrats on Wednesday tried to pass sweeping elections legislation that they tout as a powerful counterweight to new voting restrictions sweeping conservative-controlled states.

Maine senators join new push to preserve U.S. wildlife

October 14, 2021 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine's two U.S. senators have signed on to a push to try to improve protections for America's wildlife.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King said they're co-sponsoring the Recovering America's Wildlife Act.

Senators propose assistant secretary of state for Arctic

By The Associated PressOctober 9, 2021 GMT

A pair of senators want to establish an assistant secretary of state for Arctic affairs to elevate Arctic issues in U.S. foreign policy.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, and Sen.

Maine to get $1.5M to clean up more brownfields

October 6, 2021 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Three Maine organizations are going to receive about $1.5 million from the federal government to help clean up more of the state's brownfields.

Brownfields are typically former industrial sites that suffer from pollution.

Senate confirms McElwee as Maine’s top federal prosecutor

By The Associated PressOctober 5, 2021 GMT

The U.S. Senate confirmed federal prosecutor Darcie McElwee on Tuesday to serve as U.S. attorney for Maine.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who shares a hometown of Caribou with McElwee, spoke in support of the nomination on the Senate floor.

Judiciary Committee advances nomination of new US attorney

By The Associated PressOctober 4, 2021 GMT

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday advanced the nomination of longtime federal prosecutor Darcie McElwee to serve as U.S. attorney for Maine.

The nomination will likely be acted on by the full Senate this week or next week, officials said.

Maine schools getting help to improve internet access

October 3, 2021 GMT

UNION, Maine (AP) — Maine schools will receive more than $1.6 million in federal money to help improve internet access for students.

The Federal Communications Commission is sending the money to 23 Maine schools and school districts.

Senate passes proposal for uniform “Made in America” labels

September 16, 2021 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The U.S. Senate has passed a proposal from a Maine senator to create a standard for products that carry a “Made in America” label.

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine and Republican Sen.

Mississippi Sen. Wicker says he has recovered from COVID-19

August 31, 2021 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi said Tuesday that he is feeling well, less than two weeks after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

“To everyone who has asked, I have recovered fully from my bout with COVID-19, and I have a clean bill of health,” Wicker posted Tuesday on Twitter.

Sen. King on recovering from COVID: ‘Vaccine saved my life’

By DAVID SHARPAugust 30, 2021 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Sen. Angus King said that his breakthrough case of COVID-19 produced symptoms that were double the worst head cold he'd ever experienced, and he credited the vaccine for keeping him out of the hospital.

Sen. Angus King improving; 95% of Mainers in 70s vaccinated

August 24, 2021 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine health officials have reported that 95% of state residents in their 70s have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Maine is one of the oldest states in the country, and it also has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination.

Three senators test positive for COVID in breakthrough cases

By KEVIN FREKINGAugust 20, 2021 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Three senators said Thursday they have tested positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated, a high-profile collection of breakthrough cases that comes as the highly infectious delta variant spreads rapidly across the United States.

Sen. Angus King of Maine tests positive for coronavirus

August 19, 2021 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Angus King of Maine tested positive for COVID-19 in his home state on Thursday, a day after he began feeling ill, his office announced.

King, an independent, said he's definitely “not feeling great” but said he's doing better than he would if he hadn't been vaccinated.

Maine pols wants government to use only US-grown flowers

August 9, 2021 GMT

BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Maine's independent senator is joining a push to call on the federal government to only procure flowers grown in the United States.

Sen. Angus King said the “American Grown Act” would require the office of the president as well as the U.S.

Youth suicide prevention programs get support in Maine

August 5, 2021 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A project to try to prevent youth suicide in Maine is receiving a nearly $850,000 boost from the federal government.

The effort is called the Maine Comprehensive Suicide Project and it supports youth suicide prevention programs in the state.

Senators eye push to expand broadband in underserved areas

August 1, 2021 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Senators from Maine and Nevada have a new plan to expand access to affordable high-speed broadband in underserved areas.

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine and Democratic Sen.

Turn off, turn on: Simple step can thwart top phone hackers

By ALAN SUDERMANJuly 28, 2021 GMT

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — As a member of the secretive Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Angus King has reason to worry about hackers. At a briefing by security staff this year, he said he got some advice on how to help keep his cellphone secure.

Maine pols: Time to open border for vaccinated Canadians

July 22, 2021 GMT

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (AP) — Maine's governor and congressional delegation believe it's time to open the international border to vaccinated Canadians.

Maine is home to several border communities that have been disrupted by the closed border during the coronavirus pandemic.

Maine senators join push to help intelligence workers

July 21, 2021 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine's U.S. senators have joined a push to help intelligence professionals increase their mobility.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King want to allow the intelligence workers to deduct some moving expenses from federal taxes.

“The president proposes, but Congress disposes, so we’ll have the final word on this budget,” said King, who called the destroyer's attempted removal ”a strategic and financial mistake.”