Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 26-3, provides $153.5 billion in discretionary funding, including $19.8 billion in defense funding and $133.6 billion in nondefense funding.
"The dedicated men and women that make up the Maine National Guard and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workforce play an important role in strengthening our national security. This significant investment would help to ensure our military’s readiness and safety while reducing maintenance costs,” said Senator Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
Bill Highlights:
Local Projects: $9 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects that support the Maine National Guard and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Power Reliability & Water Resiliency Upgrades: Nearly $228 million for the first increment of Power Reliability & Water Resilience Upgrades at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The project would increase reliability, resiliency, and capacity of electric and water utility systems that support nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear support facilities.
Multi-Mission Drydock #1: Nearly $221 million for the sixth increment of the Multi-Mission Drydock #1 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP): Report language on the SIOP emphasizing its importance and urging the Navy to prioritize the timely funding of public shipyard infrastructure.
GI Bill Apprenticeship Program: Report language driving attention on the underutilization of apprenticeship and on-the-job training under the GI Bill.
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