Minority News Releases
$14 Million to Combat Spruce Budworm in Maine and New Hampshire Forests Secured by Senator Collins in Disaster Relief Bill
Funding will treat nearly 300,000 acres of Maine forests and prevent further spread Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she has secured $14 million to help combat the spread of spruce budworm in Maine forests in disaster relief legislation. The federal funding will be supplemented by state and private money for spraying. The bill has passed Congress and been signed into law. “Throughout history, spruce budw… Continue Reading
12.21.24
Senate Passes Legislation to Avert Government Shutdown, Provide Disaster Relief
Click HERE to watch and HERE to download. Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor ahead of the Senate’s 85-11 vote to pass the continuing resolution and disaster relief supplemental package. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. A transcript of Senator Collins’ remarks are as follows: “Madam President, I rise to urge passage of the American Relief Act… Continue Reading
12.18.24
$14 Million to Combat Spruce Budworm in Maine and New Hampshire Forests Secured by Senator Collins in Disaster Relief Bill
Funding would help treat nearly 300,000 acres of Maine forests and prevent further spread Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she has secured $14 million to help combat the spread of spruce budworm in Maine forests in disaster relief legislation that was released last night. The federal funding would be supplemented by state and private money for spraying. The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate and the… Continue Reading
12.17.24
Senator Collins’ Statement on Continuing Resolution and Disaster Relief Supplemental Package
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the continuing resolution and disaster relief supplemental package: “Most important, the legislative package released tonight contains a continuing resolution, which will prevent an unnecessary and costly government shutdown that otherwise would occur on Friday, December 20th, at midnight. “Also included is much-needed disaster relief funding. Every st… Continue Reading
11.20.24
Senator Collins Co-Chairs Hearing on Disaster Relief Supplemental Request
Click HERE to watch and HERE to download. Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, co-chaired a full Committee hearing on the President’s disaster relief supplemental funding request for communities affected by recent natural disasters, including Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Today’s hearing featured two panels of witnesses: U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) on Panel I and Secretary of Department of Transportation … Continue Reading
11.14.24
Senator Collins’ Statement on Partisan Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations Act posted by Senate Democratic leadership: “Senate Democratic leadership’s decision to forego bringing bills to the Senate floor and leave committee-reported bills languishing on the calendar is unacceptable. This has unfortunately led to a unilateral decision from the Majority to post a partisan measure… Continue Reading
09.25.24
Senate Passes Short-Term Government Funding Measure
Click HERE to watch and HERE to download. Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor today ahead of the Senate’s 78-18 vote to pass the continuing resolution. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. A transcript of Senator Collins’ remarks are as follows: Now Madam President, I rise to urge passage of the government funding measure that was approved by the House of … Continue Reading
09.18.24
Senator Collins Calls for Action on Government Funding Bills
Click HERE to watch and HERE to download. Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Defense, delivered remarks on the Senate floor today to urge action on the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bills and warn against the dangers of long-term continuing resolutions. A transcript of Senator Collins’ remarks are as follows: Mr. President, I rise today to point out that we are only 12 days from the end o… Continue Reading
08.01.24
Senate Committee Approves FY 2025 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Act, providing support for the administration of the tax code, judicial branch operations, prevention of fraud against consumers and investors, and construction, leasing, and maintenance of most federal office space. The measure, which was advanced by a unanimous vote of 27-0, provides $21.2 billion in discretionary funding, including… Continue Reading
08.01.24
Senate Committee Approves FY 2025 Defense Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Defense Appropriations Act, providing the U.S. military services with the funding needed to deter China and Russia, support service members and their families, and strengthen the defense industrial base. The measure, which was advanced by a unanimous vote 28-0, provides $851.7 billion in discretionary funding - 3.3 percent higher than the FY 2024 enacted budget and 2.3 percent higher than the Pre… Continue Reading
08.01.24
Senate Committee Approves FY 2025 Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, providing support to strengthen America’s workforce and fund important health and education programs. The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 25-3, provides $205.7 billion in discretionary funding. The bill also includes a further $2.8 billion in funding provided through the program integrity funding cap adjustment. “This … Continue Reading
08.01.24
Senate Committee Approves FY 2025 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, providing support to advance America’s energy independence and improve water infrastructure across the country. The measure, which was advanced by a unanimous vote of 28-0, provides $61.5 billion in discretionary funding, including $35 billion in defense funding and $26.5 billion in non-defense funding. “The Energy and Water Development bill will help s… Continue Reading
07.25.24
Senate Committee Approves FY 2025 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year 2025 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, providing critical security assistance to allies, promoting democracy abroad, and continuing lifesaving humanitarian and global health assistance. The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 24-5, provides $61.6 billion in discretionary funding. “Recognizing America’s leadership in the world, this legislation invests in programs tha… Continue Reading
07.25.24
Senate Committee Approves FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act, providing support to improve America’s infrastructure and address housing affordability challenges. The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 28-1, provides $98.7 billion in discretionary funding, including $448 million in defense and $98.3 billion in nondefense funding. “It is critical that we prioriti… Continue Reading
07.25.24
Bill to Fund Key Transportation and Housing Programs in Maine Clears Appropriations Committee
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House. The measure, which was advanced by vote of 28-1, provides $98.7 billion in discretionary funding… Continue Reading
07.25.24
Senate Committee Approves FY 2025 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act, providing support for law enforcement, economic development, scientific research, and other national priorities. The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 26-3, provides $73.7 billion in discretionary funding, including $6.6 billion in defense funding and $67.1 billion in nondefense funding. "The brave men and women that ma… Continue Reading
07.25.24
Bill to Support Maine’s Lobster Industry Clears Appropriations Committee
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced significant funding and key language to support Maine’s lobster industry in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House. “This funding would support Maine’s lobster industry… Continue Reading
07.25.24
Bill to Fund Key Interior and Environmental Programs in Maine Clears Appropriations Committee
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House. The measure, which was advanced by vote of 28-1, provides $41.9 billion in discretionary fundi… Continue Reading
07.25.24
Collins Advances Provision Strengthening Federal Response to Illegal Marijuana Grows in Maine
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, advanced language in the Fiscal Year 2025 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that directs the Departments of State and Treasury to disclose any information on Chinese criminal syndicates involved in illegal marijuana grows and money laundering in Maine and throughout the United States. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee tod… Continue Reading
07.25.24
Senate Committee Approves FY 2025 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, providing support for tribal programs, National Parks, public lands, and federal efforts to suppress wildfires. The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 28-1, provides $41.9 billion in discretionary funding. The bill also includes nearly $2.8 billion in funding provided through the wildfire suppression cap adjustment. “Fr… Continue Reading