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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King introduced legislation today that would extend the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program for an additional five years.  Absent congressional action, the pilot program will expire on August 7, 2016.