Minority News Releases
Senator Collins Questions Secretary of the Air Force on Alarming Leak of Classified Document
Washington, D.C.— At a hearing to review the fiscal year 2024 budget request for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, questioned the Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall about the alarming leak of classified documents by a junior member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. The disclosures allegedly contained highly sensitive national security information, which has been widely reported in the press.
Continue Reading03.31.23
Senator Collins Strongly Criticizes DHS’ Decision to Reallocate Funding for Houlton Border Station
Washington, D.C.—At a hearing to review the fiscal year 2024 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, expressed to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas her opposition to DHS’ decision to reallocate funds that were intended to replace the Houlton Border Patrol station.
Continue Reading03.29.23
Senator Collins Questions USDA’s Strict Nutrition Standards for School Meals
As one Maine school nutrition director told Senator Collins, ‘an uneaten meal is not nutritious’ Click HERE to watch Senator Collins’ Q&A with Secretary Vilsack on school nutrition; Click HERE to download. Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack about a proposed rule that would impose strict new nutrition standards for meals served through the school lunch and brea… Continue Reading
03.29.23
Senator Collins to DHS Secretary: Achieve ‘Win-Win Situation’ by Helping Asylum Seekers Work Sooner
Washington, D.C.—At a hearing to review the fiscal year 2024 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, touted legislation she introduced with Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, which would shorten the waiting period before asylum seekers become eligible to receive work authorizations.
Continue Reading03.29.23
Senator Collins Continues to Press USDA for PFAS Research to Assist Farmers
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, once again raised the issue of PFAS with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, encouraging him to continue to focus on additional research to assist farmers who have been harmed by these forever chemicals. Secretary Vilsack was testifying at an Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget request for the USDA.
Continue Reading03.28.23
Senator Collins Questions Administration’s Request to Hire Just 4 New Drug Enforcement Agents Amid Opioid Crisis
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, questioned Attorney General Merrick Garland at a hearing to review the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) budget request for fiscal year 2024.
Continue Reading03.28.23
Senator Collins Underscores Importance of Larger Naval Fleet to Deter China
Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, questioned top Navy and Marine leaders about their shipbuilding plans for the next fiscal year. Under the Administration’s proposal, the size of the Navy would actually shrink to 291 ships over the next five years. By contrast, China’s fleet is projected to grow to 440 ships by 2030.
Continue Reading03.23.23
Senator Collins Questions Secretary Yellen about Treasury’s Actions on Banking Crisis
Washington,
D.C.—U.S.
Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, asked
Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen to justify why the Treasury Department,
Federal Reserve, and FDIC chose to insure all the deposits at Silicon Valley
Bank. Senator Collins noted that this creates an unfair situation for
well-managed community banks, which will be forced to shoulder the cost of this
action.
03.23.23
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