Senators Collins, Manchin and Representatives Walz, Mast Lead Resolution Supporting Purple Heart Day
Click HERE to read the text of the resolution
Today, nearly 22 million Americans hold the distinguished title of Veteran, and more than 127,000 of those individuals live in our great State of Maine. As the daughter of a World War II Purple Heart recipient, Senator Collins learned first-hand of the sacrifice that these heroes and their families make to advance the cause of freedom. Fighting on behalf of our nation’s Veterans, Senator Collins has worked to support the needs of Veterans nationwide by protecting access to rural health care, holding the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable in the wake of scandal, and expediting the process for disabled veterans to get the services they need.
Senator Collins Presses the VA to Preserve Access to Care for Northern Maine Veterans at Senate Appropriations Hearing
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At Appropriations Hearing, Senator Collins Pushes VA to Promptly Pay Claims to Providers
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Senators Collins and King’s Statement on Death of Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Kyle Milliken
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King issued this statement following the announcement by the Department of Defense that Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Kyle Milliken, a Falmouth, Maine, native, was killed during an operation against al-Shabaab in Somalia.
Collins, King Urge Robust Funding for State Veterans’ Homes
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined a bipartisan group of their Senate colleagues to write to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies urging them to support robust funding for State Veterans’ Homes that help provide long-term care to American veterans. Federal funds provided by the State Veterans’ Home Construction Grant Program allow states to make critical facility upgrades or construct new facilities to serve aging veteran populations.
Maine Delegation Warns of Fraudulent Veterans Choice Program Phone Line Trying to Steal Veterans’ Personal Information
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin are warning Maine veterans to beware of a scam where imposters attempt to imitate the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) phone line.
Through this scam, a phone line has been set up by an unknown party to potentially mimic the VCP phone line. The imposter phone line may be intended to reach veterans who inadvertently dial the VCP number incorrectly.
Maine Delegation Encouraged by Inspector General’s Report on the VA Maine Healthcare System
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin were encouraged by the findings in a report released today by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) on mental health consults and access to care issues at the VA Maine Healthcare System (VA Maine).
Senators Collins, Murray Reintroduce Bill to Expand Veteran Caregiver Services to Veterans of All Eras
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand a successful program that helps those who care for wounded, ill, or injured veterans. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act would open the program to veterans of all eras, making resources available to more of the family members and other loved ones who have taken on a caregiver role for veterans.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Honors U.S. Senator Collins with Prestigious 2017 Congressional Award
Click HERE to watch Senator Collins deliver remarks at the VFW reception
Washington, D.C. — The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) honored Senator Collins at a legislative reception this evening for her steadfast support of veterans and commitment to strengthening America’s national security. VFW is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of nearly 1.7 million veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Bestows 2017 Congressional Award upon Senator Collins
Washington, D.C. — In recognition of her “unwavering support of veterans, service members and their families,” as well as for “strengthening America through strong national security programs,” Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander Brian Duffy bestowed the 2017 Congressional Award on U.S. Senator Susan Collins today. Both Maine and national members of the VFW attended the ceremony, including Maine Commander Steven SanPedro.
From Senate Floor, Senator Collins Announces Strong Support for VA Secretary Nominee Dr. Shulkin
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins spoke from the Senate floor today to express her strong support for the nomination of Dr. David Shulkin to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
VA Exempts Critical Personnel from Hiring Freeze Following Pressure from Collins, King
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) took action today to exempt critical personnel from the recently announced federal civilian hiring freeze. Previously, U.S.
Sens. Collins, Warner Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Authorize Delayed VA Medical Leases
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) led a bipartisan group of 15 Senators, including Senator Angus King (I-ME), to reintroduce the bipartisan Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act. The legislation would authorize pending leases for 24 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities, the majority of which have been awaiting Congressional approval for more than a year. These medical facilities—located in 15 states, including Maine—are necessary to improve veterans’ access to vital health care services.
Collins, King to President-Elect: Nix VA From Hiring Freeze to Ensure Veterans Receive Health Care Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President-elect Donald Trump considers a 100-day hiring freeze for civilian federal employees, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) today urged him not to include critical personnel from the Department of Veterans Affairs who work to provide care and support to veterans in Maine and across the nation.
Senate Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 17, 2016, as “Wreaths Across America Day”
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution designating Saturday, December 17, 2016 as “Wreaths Across America Day.”
Senator Collins Leads Bipartisan Push to Address Technicality That is Harming Veterans’ Access to Timely and Quality Health Care, Including Veterans in Southern Maine
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led a bipartisan letter with Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) urging that all pending VA medical centers be authorized before Congress adjourns. The issue affects 24 facilities in 15 states, including the proposed Portland community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) lease for which Senator Collins secured funding earlier this year.
Collins, Warner Lead Bipartisan Group of 18 Senators in Push to Waive Technicality That is Harming Veterans’ Access to Timely and Quality Health Care
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Mark Warner (D-VA) led a bipartisan letter yesterday urging that 24 pending VA medical centers in 15 states be authorized before Congress adjourns. The letter, which was addressed to Senate leadership as well as the leadership of the Senate Appropriations and VA Committees, was signed by 18 Senators.
Senator Collins’ Veterans Day Statement
Washington, D.C. — In recognition of Veterans Day today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement:
“Like so many, the gratitude I feel for our veterans is steeped in more than history. It also is personal – I am one of the millions of Americans who have the privilege to call a veteran 'Dad.’
“Yesterday, I had the great pleasure to speak at the Rotary Club of Portland’s Veterans Appreciation Luncheon and join them and other Mainers to honor our state’s veterans and thank them for their service.
Following Advocacy from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, President Signs Bill into Law with Nearly $75 Million for PNSY & $6.9 Million for Portland CBOC
Washington, D.C. — Following advocacy from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the President signed a bill into law this week that provides $74.9 million for three projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) and $6.9 million for the Portland Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) to lease a new facility.
Collins, King Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Authorize Delayed VA Medical Lease for Outpatient Facility in Portland
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today joined Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) in introducing the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, bipartisan legislation that would authorize leases for 24 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities in fifteen states, including an outpatient facility in Portland, Maine.
Senators Collins, King Announce $117,872 to Support Adaptive Athletic Training for Disabled Veterans
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that two Maine organizations – Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman and Pineland Farms in New Gloucester – will receive a total of $117,872 to develop adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces in partnership with other local organizations.
Collins, King Urge Action On Delayed VA Medical Leases
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined a bipartisan group of thirteen other Senators on a letter urging the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to authorize leases for eighteen major medical facilities across twelve states that have been awaiting congressional authorization for over a year, including a potential outpatient facility in Portland, Maine.
Veterans Affairs, Cary Medical Center Sign Provider Agreement to Preserve Access to Care for ARCH Veterans in Northern Maine
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Bruce Poliquin announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Cary Medical Center in Caribou have signed a provider agreement that will allow eligible veterans in northern Maine to continue to receive the medical services currently offered through the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program. In addition, through this agreement, veterans will now have access to podiatry, ophthalmology and pain management services at Cary Medical Center.
Senators Collins, Heitkamp’s Legislation to Improve Mental Health Resources for Rural Veterans Unanimously Approved by Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Legislation to promote better access to needed mental health resources for veterans in rural areas was unanimously approved by the Senate and will be included in a spending bill the U.S. Senate is currently considering and is expected to pass. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and cosponsored by Senator Angus King (I-ME).
Senator Collins Encouraged by Proposed Solution to Preserve Vital Success of ARCH Program for Northern Maine Veterans
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited Cary Medical Center in Caribou with Representative Bruce Poliquin and Veterans Affairs (VA) Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin to discuss the vital importance of the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program that provides our northern Maine veterans with local access to health care. Senator Collins invited Dr. Shulkin to tour Cary Medical Center so that he could learn more about the highly successful, popular, and cost-effective ARCH program.
Senator Collins Encouraged by Proposed Solution to Preserve Vital Success of ARCH Program for Northern Maine Veterans
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited Cary Medical Center in Caribou with Representative Bruce Poliquin and Veterans Affairs (VA) Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin to discuss the vital importance of the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program that provides our northern Maine veterans with local access to health care. Senator Collins invited Dr. Shulkin to tour Cary Medical Center so that he could learn more about the highly successful, popular, and cost-effective ARCH program.
Senator Collins Announces More than $81M in Funding for Maine Veterans & PNSY, Two-Year Extension of ARCH
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following successful advocacy by U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved important funding for Maine’s veterans and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Kittery, Maine. The Committee also approved a two-year extension of the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.
Senate Appropriations Committee Approves $6.9 Million for the Portland Community-Based Outpatient Clinic to Lease New Facility
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the fiscal year (FY) 2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs spending bill included $6.9 million in funding for the Portland Community-Based Outpatient Clinic to lease a new facility.
Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Two-Year Extension of ARCH Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the fiscal year (FY) 2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs spending bill included a two-year extension of the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) Program. Senator Collins has strongly advocated for the extension of this vital, successful, and cost-effective program that provides critical health care to Northern Maine veterans.
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