From all of us at Team King, Happy Holidays

Each year comes with renewed hope — a chance to celebrate each other’s successes and also care for each other in times of need. I am thankful to each town in Maine for their commitment to their communities, to their citizens, and to this country. We always work together to get things done. This past year was no different. 

Throughout my travels around the state this past year, I heard many concerns about the cost of living and affordability of housing. Many of you also shared your concerns about access to medical and mental health services. The Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed in 2022, has been incredible for older people in Maine. Thanks to that bill, Medicare is finally negotiating lower prices for prescription drugs, on top of the $35 per month cap for insulin that took effect in 2023 and capping the rise in all drug prices to the rate of the inflation. We have an opportunity to build on what we have in common and do what Maine people do best; we will continue to help each other and lead through example.

I am also thankful to my incredible constituent services team located throughout Maine available to you for hurdles you may face with the federal government. Whether it be veteran issues, social security problems, student loans, immigration, IRS and more, please do not hesitate to reach out to my offices in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, Portland and Biddeford. My team and I are always glad to assist in any way we can.

As we celebrate the holiday season and look ahead, I know we can continue to build a stronger, brighter future for our great state. Thank you for being one of the reasons Maine is so special; it is not only a pleasure to serve you — it is a pleasure to know you. Mary, my team, and I wish you a happy and safe 2025.

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Taking Care of Our Veterans

Our veterans and servicemembers have made countless sacrifices to defend and serve our nation. We have an obligation to return that service to them after they hang up their uniforms. That means ensuring they have the support and resources needed not only to live healthy lives, but to thrive.

Most recently, I have been working on legislation to help veterans deal with the long term adverse health effects of brain injuries. Through many years of studies and research, we know that these injuries can be traced to both large blasts and consistent small blasts that cause injury over time. 

Unfortunately, in Maine, we know all too well the horrible tragedies that can occur when brain injuries are left untreated. So to address these injuries in all their forms and to better understand how these blasts can harm the mental health and well-being of our veterans, I have teamed up with my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation that will tackle brain injuries from all angles.

In the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), I helped to secure several provisions that will study and treat brain injuries caused by large blasts. More to come on these wins in the new year...stay tuned!

Additionally, Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and I recently introduced the Precision Brain Health Research Act to direct the VA and other research partners to comprehensively study lower-intensity blast effects on mental health and then translate these findings into care and treatment for our servicemembers and veterans. This bill will focus on the cumulative impact of small blasts on brain health and would be another strong step forward in doing right by those who serve and their communities. 

Speaking of supporting our veterans — one of my favorite parts of being a Senator is the opportunity to meet with our veterans and listen to their stories. For Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and on his 101st birthday, I sat down with Bob Miller of Millinocket in an interview for the Library of Congress' Veteran History Project. Mr. Miller is a Navy veteran who served during World War II as an aviation mechanic and shipman, operating in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. 

Mr. Miller's life and service embodies the sacrifice and resilience that define the Greatest Generation. It was a privilege to hear him tell his story — I hope you can take the time to hear more about his service here.

Another veteran I want to take a moment to recognize is David Whitten, a Portland native who served as an infantryman in the Vietnam War. During his service, he was injured multiple times, but continued on his mission. Despite his heroics, the military failed to acknowledge his bravery and sacrifice. Until now. This year, 57 years after returning home from war, he finally received his long overdue recognition.

Last month, Mr. Whitten was honored with ten awards, including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. I was honored to attend his award ceremony and am tremendously grateful to my staff who worked alongside Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars to correct this oversight. 

To Mr. Miller, Mr. Whitten and all the brave men and women across Maine who have answered the call to serve, thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice. 

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