Connecting with Maine People Through the Pandemic
Members of the Maine Potato Board
In the midst of a global pandemic, it becomes even more important to stay connected. It was great to catch up with members of the Maine Potato Board this past week, and to be up in "the County" if only virtually! Maine’s potato farms are a source of state pride, and are economic engines in our rural communities – we need to make sure they continue to thrive. It was invaluable to get the views and opinions from those with their boots on the ground – or soil, in this case! Also on the call, I congratulated Dominic LaJoie of Van Buren for his appointment as President of the National Potato Council for 2021. I’ve long been impressed by Dominic’s passion, knowledge, and hard work – I know he’ll be successful in this new role.
Discussing Climate Change and Arctic Opportunities with Edward Little High School
Earlier this month, I joined nearly 60 students at Edward Little High School in Auburn and others connecting statewide to discuss Maine’s strategic importance in U.S./Arctic relations and answer questions about my work on the topic in the Senate. Over the past semester, the students have been studying “Geopolitics of the Arctic” as they relate to U.S. national security, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship. And let me add, that I’m incredibly impressed and inspired by students taking such an interest in a vital part of our state’s future in their young years.
Right now, changes in the Arctic are presenting Maine with great challenges and new opportunities. The risks are severe, and unfolding before our eyes – the effects of climate change can lead to rising sea levels, endangered coastal communities, and destroyed ecosystems. I also laid out consequences of delaying the nation’s transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy during a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on climate change earlier this month. It is critical that America take every available step to confront this global crisis and protect our planet for the next generation.
Here's a photo from my 2015 fact-finding mission to Greenland that focused on examining the environmental and security implications of the warming Arctic climate:
At the same time, changes that have already occurred in the Arctic create new possibilities that we should consider to improve our state’s economic prospects, as well as heightened national security threats that can be exploited by our adversaries. With so much at stake, it is critical that the next generation of leaders understands the complexity of the challenges we face.
Read more from the Sun Journal HERE.
February Policy Update
I joined MSNBC's Morning Joe last week to discuss security failures that led to the Capitol Insurrection, and how we can ensure that it never happens again. WATCH HERE
Congressional Hearings
Committee work is one of the most important parts of my work here for all of you. I enjoy the chance to ask questions to witnesses, generate information for the American people, and hold officials accountable. Last Tuesday was somewhat of a record – I bounced back and forth between 4 different committee hearings, including 3 that were happening at the same time! Here's what we discussed:
- Intelligence. In Tuesday's hearing, I questioned SolarWinds CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna and top cybersecurity industry experts about the risks posed by the recent cyber intrusions into key American systems – within both the public and private sectors – and the importance of strengthening America’s cyberdefenses to support national security. READ MORE
- Energy and Natural Resources. I pressed Congresswoman Debra Haaland (D-N.M.), nominee to serve as Secretary of the Interior, on a number of environmental priorities that are essential to advancing the nation’s clean energy potential, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving national parks. READ MORE
- Rules and Administration. The Senate Rules Committee joined with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) to question former and current top law enforcement officials on the multiple failures that occurred during the January 6th breach of the U.S. Capitol – putting lawmakers, their families, Capitol Police Officers, and Congressional and Capitol Complex staff at risk. READ MORE
- Senate Armed Services Committee. I asked Brad Smith, President of the Microsoft Corporation, about what additional steps we can take to be sure that we are monitoring our systems and networks to protect them from cyberattacks. WATCH MORE
Impeachment Trial
On February 13, 2021, I voted to convict former President Donald Trump for his part in fomenting the violent insurrection at the Capitol on January 6th. You deserve to know exactly how I came to this difficult decision.
A cloudy sky over Washington during the trial.
(via @anguskingmaine on Instagram)
During his four years in the Oval Office, former President Trump made a number of decisions that I disagreed with – decisions that made America less safe, less prepared for the challenges of the future, and less connected to the values that have defined our nation since its founding. But in my eyes, the former President’s effort to delegitimize a free and fair election was his most dangerous failing.
Looking ahead, the only way that we can combat these lies and heal our nation is by embracing truth and accountability. We need all future political leaders to know that they cannot fan the flames of an insurrection without consequences; we need all Americans to know that our political differences are solved at the ballot box, not through brute force. The Senate’s failure to convict former President Trump is a step backwards – but our work to steward American self-governance for the next generation must continue.
My full statement can be read HERE.
Top Legislative Priorities
In addition to my committee work and listening to arguments during the impeachment trial, further progress was made on several issues. As you read this, I am working with a number of my moderate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come to an agreement on a COVID-19 relief package that confronts the virus and stabilizes our economy – from households to small businesses nationwide.
As a reminder, you can read more on my regularly updated press release page at king.senate.gov. Here are some other things I’ve been working on:
- Urged the FCC to use COVID broadband programs to help close the digital divide. I joined Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) on a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), urging the Commission to administer the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) in a way that helps address the longstanding digital divides that block too many Americans from securing a reliable, affordable broadband connection. Read more HERE
- Encouraged investment in overdose prevention. I joined 18 Senate colleagues to urge President Biden to request robust funding and increase the federal investment in our nation’s response to the ongoing opioid and substance use disorder (SUD) epidemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the opioid and SUD prevention, treatment and recovery landscape in this country. Read more HERE
- Cosponsored a bill to expand healthcare access and provide federal funding to states. I cosponsored the SAME Act, legislation to incentivize Medicaid expansion nationwide, bring needed federal dollars to states, and promote healthcare access for low-income Americans amid the current health and economic crisis. Read more HERE
- Pushed to spotlight dark money in the political process. cosponsored the Spotlight Act, which aims to identify the dark money political donors that seek to influence political debate anonymously. The Spotlight Act would require certain political non-profit organizations to disclose their donors to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), reversing a rule that eliminated the requirement and allowed such organizations to keep their donors secret. Read more HERE
- Encouraged adoption of electric vehicles in the federal government. I joined a group of colleagues to urge the Biden Administration to adopt forward-looking proposals aimed at ramping up the electrification of the federal vehicle fleet. Read more HERE
Highlighting the Importance of the USPS with Sen. Peters and Mark Seitz
I welcomed Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Mark Seitz, President of the Maine State Association of Letter Carriers, to join me on the February Edition of Inside Maine, which focused on the critical importance of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) during the coronavirus pandemic.
The USPS is an essential service that helps facilitate important economic activity, connects our citizens, and delivers important lifesaving medications to the American people. During the pandemic, the USPS has become more important than ever – but at the same time, misguided policies from the Postmaster General have led to deteriorating service and increased challenges for our postal workforce.
I’m proud to stand alongside my colleague, Senator Peters, in the fight to defend the post office and support the workers like Mark Seitz who ensure that the USPS fulfills its duty to the American people.
Senator Peters and Mr. Seitz provide great perspective to this timely issue. Listen HERE
Press Box
Additionally, this month I joined The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker and NBC News reporter Leigh Anne Caldwell for a fun conversation about covering and reporting on the U.S. Senate, and what it's like being a U.S. Senator. We also talked about my years hosting “Maine Watch” and how that taught me a lot about asking questions – and leadership. Listen HERE
Left Right and Center
I was thrilled to join KCRW's Left Right and Center to talk with David Dayen, Josh Barro and Helen Andrews about COVID-19 negotiations and partisanship in Congress. Listen HERE
In the News
Photo taken from the old swinging bridge over the Androscoggin River between Brunswick and Topsham during a head-clearing walk
(Via @anguskingmaine on Instagram)
Thanks for subscribing to my monthly newsletter! I would love to hear your ideas for how we can make Maine and our country a better place. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns by visiting: https://www.king.senate.gov/contact —we look forward to hearing from you.
***PLEASE NOTE***
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, my staff in Washington, D.C. are working remotely – but we’re still at work, ready to help you navigate any challenges you’re facing during this challenging time.
All the best, and stay healthy!
To unsubscribe to this e-Newsletter click HERE.
|