Minority News Releases
Senator Collins Opposes USDOT’s Attempts to Undermine Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Washington, D.C.—At a hearing today to review the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) fiscal year 2024 budget request, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, pressed Secretary Pete Buttigieg to explain why USDOT has proposed to eliminate funding for RAISE grants and the Bridge Formula Program. RAISE grants provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country, while the Bridge Formula Program is essential for bridge rehabilitation and replacement, with funding prioritized for bridges in poor condition.
Continue Reading03.23.23
Senator Collins to Administration: Build Public Support for Ukraine by Making U.S. National Security Case
Washington, D.C.—At a hearing to review the Department of State’s fiscal year 2024 budget request, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, pressed Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Biden Administration to make a much more forceful argument for supporting Ukraine in order to reverse declining public support. Senator Collins explained that in addition to protecting Ukraine from the horrific human rights violations committed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, providing humanitarian and military assistance is firmly in the United States’ national security interest and will dissuade other potential aggressors, such as China, from attacking their neighbors. Last May, Senator Collins traveled to Kyiv and met with President Zelensky for two hours.
Continue Reading03.23.23
Senator Collins Blasts CMS’ Refusal to Cover FDA-Approved Alzheimer’s Treatment, Calls on HHS Secretary Becerra to Change Course
Washington, D.C.—In a continuation of her efforts to expand Alzheimer’s patients’ access to treatments, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, urged U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reconsider its unfair coverage decision that is blocking a FDA-approved drug for Alzheimer’s patients. Secretary Becerra was testifying today at a Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to justify HHS’ fiscal year 2024 budget request.
03.22.23
Senator Collins Urges Secretary Blinken to Prioritize Reducing Flood of Fentanyl That is Killing Americans
Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the limited funding increase requested by the State Department for a program intended to disrupt the deluge of deadly fentanyl coming into the United States. Overdose fatalities have surged in recent years, claiming the lives of more than 100,000 Americans annually.
02.15.23
Senator Collins Named Top Republican on Defense Appropriations Subcommittee
Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins was named the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees and sets the annual budget for the Department of Defense. Senator Collins will serve in this new leadership role on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in addition to serving as the Vice Chairman of the full Appropriations Committee. “As the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will work hard to ensure that the highly skil… Continue Reading
02.15.23
Murray, Collins Announce Appropriations Subcommittees Leadership and Rosters for 118th Congress
(Washington, DC) - Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee respectively, announced the Appropriations Subcommittees chairs, ranking members, and full rosters for the 118th Congress. “There are so many critical challenges our country faces right now, and we are glad to have this capable and committed group of Senators to lead our subcommittees this Congress and work to solve problems in people’s lives th… Continue Reading
12.22.22
Shelby: Senate Passes FY23 Omnibus Package
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In the final act of the 117th Congress, the Senate has passed (68-29) the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) omnibus appropriations package containing all 12 appropriations measures, as well as $47 billion in emergency funding to support Ukraine's valiant efforts to repulse Russian invaders and bring the conflict to an end and $38 billion in much-needed emergency disaster assistance. The legislation, filed in the Senate, will now move to the House, where a vote on the package is expecte… Continue Reading
12.20.22
Shelby: FY23 Omnibus Package Strengthens National Defense
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) omnibus appropriations package containing all 12 appropriations measures was filed today in the U.S. Senate. In addition to the annual funding bills, the legislation includes $47 billion in emergency funding to support Ukraine's valiant efforts to repulse Russian invaders and bring the conflict to an end. It also includes $38 billion in much-needed emergency disaster assistance. The Senate and House are expected to vote on the package this week p… Continue Reading
12.15.22
Senate Passes Continuing Resolution Through December 23
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released the following statement regarding Senate passage of the Continuing Resolution to maintain government funding through December 23, 2022: "This Continuing Resolution will keep the government open and functioning for an additional week, allowing us time to complete our work on FY23 appropriations bills. We are making progress under our omnibus framework, but there's still a lot of work to be… Continue Reading
12.13.22
Shelby: Agreement in Principle Reached on Omnibus Framework
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released the following statement regarding Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus negotiations: "I am pleased to confirm that Chairman Leahy, Chair DeLauro, and I have reached a bipartisan, bicameral framework that allows us to begin the difficult work of reaching agreement across twelve separate bills. If all goes well, we should be able to finish an omnibus appropriations package by December 23rd." ###… Continue Reading
09.29.22
Senate Passes Continuing Resolution, Funds Government Through December 16
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released the following statement regarding Senate passage of the Continuing Resolution to maintain government funding through December 16, 2022: "The Senate has passed a Continuing Resolution ensuring the government will remain open and functioning. Now, with very little time remaining, we must complete the full year appropriations bills. My colleagues must quickly accept a bipartisan framework t… Continue Reading
09.26.22
Shelby Responds to Continuing Resolution
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released the following statement on the continuing resolution (CR) released by the Democrat majority: "We have made significant progress toward a Continuing Resolution that is as clean as possible. But, if the Democrats insist on including permitting reform, I will oppose it. "Passing a clean CR will allow us to focus on completing the FY23 appropriations process before the end of this year," … Continue Reading
07.28.22
Shelby: Democrats' Partisan Bills Threaten FY23 Appropriations Process
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released the following statement regarding Senate Democrats' posting of partisan Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) appropriations bills. "Here we go again. Like last year, Senate Democrats have unveiled partisan appropriations bills that spend billions more than even the Administration's wasteful request. These drafts fail to appropriately allocate resources to our national defense, remove important legacy… Continue Reading
07.20.22
Shelby Statement on Braun Budget Resolution
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released the following statement regarding the upcoming Senate vote on S. Con. Res. 43: "I've long been a champion of balancing the federal budget, but not at the expense of our national defense. Senator Braun's proposal, while well-intentioned, essentially follows the Biden Administration's plans to cut defense spending over the next decade. As the world becomes increasingly dangerous, we need t… Continue Reading
06.14.22
Shelby Highlights Global Security Concerns, Stresses Need for Strong Intelligence Apparatus
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and its subcommittee on defense, today considered the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) funding request and budget justification for the Intelligence Community during a defense subcommittee hearing.
Continue Reading06.07.22
Shelby Reviews FY23 Budget Request for National Guard and Reserves
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and its subcommittee on defense, today during a defense subcommittee hearing reviewed the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) funding request and budget justification for the National Guard and Reserves.
Continue Reading05.26.22
Shelby Reviews FY23 Navy, Marine Corps Budget Request
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and its subcommittee on defense, today considered the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) funding request and budget justification for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during a defense appropriations subcommittee hearing.
Continue Reading05.17.22
Shelby Reviews Air Force, Space Force FY23 Funding Request
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and its subcommittee on defense, reviewed the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) funding request and budget justification for the Air Force and Space Force during a defense appropriations subcommittee hearing today. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., and Chief of Space Operations, General John W. Raymond, testified before the subcommittee.… Continue Reading
05.12.22
Shelby Urges Support for Aid to Ukraine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released a statement in support of H.R.7691, the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022.
Continue Reading05.10.22
Shelby Considers FY23 Budget Request for U.S. Army
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and its subcommittee on defense, today considered the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) funding request and budget justification for the Department of the Army during a defense appropriations subcommittee hearing. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Army Chief of Staff, General James McConville, testified today during the hearing.
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