Weekly Columns

June 12, 2009

Protecting Maine’s Lakes And Streams

Maine’s lakes are under attack, and we risk losing the battle. Every year, native species of fish and plant life...

June 05, 2009

Harnessing Maine’s Wind Energy

America’s dependence on foreign oil is a serious threat to our economic and national security. Eighty...

May 29, 2009

“Reforming Pentagon Purchasing To Save Money”

Every year, the Department of Defense (DoD) spends billions of dollars on major weapons systems. In fiscal year 2008 alone, DoD spending reached $396 billion, approximately 74...

May 22, 2009

“Remembering And Honoring The Women Airforce Service Pilots”

Memorial Day is our most solemn national observance. It is a day of gratitude and remembrance. It is the day when America pays tribute to those who have given their lives in the...

May 15, 2009

“Preparing For Digital Television Transition”

In less than 30 days, a new era in television will begin with the switch to digital broadcasting. This has been a long and confusing process, but when it is complete, the digital...

May 08, 2009

“Honoring Our Teen Volunteers”

One of the greatest privileges of serving Maine in the United States Senate is the opportunity I have to meet outstanding young people from our state who are devoting part of their...

May 01, 2009

“Responding To Swine Flu”

The outbreak of human swine flu outbreak has caused considerable concern. More than 170 people in Mexico are believed to have died from the virus, which also continues to spread in...

April 24, 2009

“Responsibly Reporting Suspicious Activity”

An alert citizenry is one of our best defenses against terrorist attacks. Signs on the New York City subway system read "If You See Something, Say Something." In...

April 17, 2009

“Our Firefighters Deserve Praise And Assistance”

Our career and volunteer firefighters are among our bravest public servants. It is difficult to imagine the courage it takes to enter a burning building or approach a blazing truck...

April 10, 2009

“Maine’s Shipbuilding Capabilities Boost The Coast Guard’s Mission”

The Coast Guard's motto is "Semper Paratus," which is Latin for "always ready." Whether asked to perform search and rescue missions in challenging weather...

April 03, 2009

“Driving Green Technology”

America's economy moves by truck. Heavy trucks haul approximately 70 percent of all freight in the United States. Some 80 percent of communities throughout the country rely solely...

March 27, 2009

“The Way Forward: An Update From The Alzheimer’s Study Group”

It would seem that a woman like Maria Shriver has it all. She is the First Lady of California, a former network television news anchor, and a member of one of America's most...

March 20, 2009

“Reforming Financial Regulation: An Economic Imperative”

The American people are angry over the country's financial crisis, and rightfully so. We are angry because the current crisis was not created from our own bad investments or...

March 13, 2009

“Beware Of Economic Stimulus Scams”

All of us who live in Maine are particularly proud that, during times of crisis, we come together as neighbors, as friends, and as communities to help others in need. We see this...

March 06, 2009

“Taking Heart”

Nearly 80 million Americans suffer from heart disease, stroke, or some other form of cardiovascular disease. The toll is especially high among women, claiming nearly 350,000 lives...

February 27, 2009

"Celebrate 'Read Across America Day'"

A good book can take us to a place we have never been. It can teach us something we did not know. Reading a book to a child can inspire them or spark their curiosity about the...

February 20, 2009

“Bright Spots In Maine’s Economy”

As our nation meets the challenges of the current economic crisis, much of the focus has been on what government must do to steer America back toward prosperity. While I believe...

February 13, 2009

“The Economic Stimulus: Good For America, Good For Maine”

Job losses in Maine and throughout our nation are mounting, and the pace is accelerating. Our state lost nearly 12,000 jobs in 2008, with roughly a quarter of those losses coming...

February 06, 2009

“Ensuring Health Care For Our Children”

One of the first bills that I co-sponsored when I first came to the Senate in January of 1997 was legislation that established the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or...

January 30, 2009

“Abandoning Six-day Mail Delivery Is Unacceptable”

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has traditionally prided itself on the fact that "neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night" can keep its carriers from...