weekly columns
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March 30, 2021
Meeting the Transportation Needs of Disabled Veterans
Our nation owes American veterans an enormous debt, one that can never truly be repaid. Honoring our commitment to those who served our nation in uniform involves continuing... -
Throughout Maine’s history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and strengthened rural communities. This industry is built on...
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January 15, 2021
Op-Ed: Senators, tell the truth about Trump, Biden and election
On Aug. 24, 1814, the British seized control of the U.S. Capitol in an effort to overthrow the American government. What we witnessed last week — 207 years later — at the hands of... -
Washington, D.C.—In a column published in the Bangor Daily News today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins described the events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, January 6,...
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November 16, 2020
Supporting Maine’s Farmers and Growing our Agricultural Economy
Having been born and raised in Aroostook County, I know how essential agriculture is to our state’s economy and our way of life. Supporting Maine’s dairy, potato, and special... -
October 26, 2020
Supporting Veteran Caregivers, America’s Hidden Heroes
Supporting our veterans and those who serve today is among our greatest obligations. That obligation includes supporting America’s “hidden heroes” – the 5.5 million... -
October 21, 2020
Overcoming the Unique Barriers Women Face to Retirement Security
As a Senator representing the oldest state in the nation by median age, one of my highest priorities is to improve retirement security for older Americans today and for generations... -
October 07, 2020
Bringing Transparency to Health Care and Lowering Costs
In nearly every industry, we are able to shop for goods and services by comparing publicly available price and quality information. From buying shoes to building a house, we... -
September 11, 2020
Commemorating the 19th Anniversary of 9/11
Nineteen years have passed, but the memory of September 11, 2001, remains as vivid as if it were yesterday. We each have our own recollections of where we were and what we... -
August 24, 2020
Supporting Maine’s Forest Products Industry
Throughout Maine’s history, our forest products industry has created good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and sustained rural communities. It is a linchpin of our... -
July 31, 2020
Supporting Maine Farmers and Food-Insecure Families
The effects of COVID-19 on Maine’s families, farmers, and food systems have been serious and are certain to persist for months to come. As part of Congress’ response to the... -
There is an urgent need to repair and replace Maine’s aging bridges. Our State currently has 314 bridges in poor condition, the 7th highest percentage in the country. ...
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The United States Postal Service and its employees are an invaluable part of American society, our economy, and our history. Since it was established in 1775, the Postal...
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February 19, 2020
Strengthening Rural Communities and Preparing Students for Success
Maine is the most rural state in the country. Two out of three Maine schools are in rural communities, and more than half of Maine students attend those schools. While... -
January 10, 2020
Ending the Unfair “Widow’s Tax” to Help Fulfill our Obligation to Military Families
Military commanders often say that you ‘recruit the soldier,’ but you ‘retain the family.’ We have an obligation to make sure that we take care of our military families... -
November 13, 2019
COLUMN: Fighting Back Against Social Security Scam Criminals
It is estimated that America’s seniors lose a staggering $2.9 billion each year to an ever-growing array of financial exploitation schemes and scams. The size and scope of... -
Lead poisoning poses a severe threat to human health, especially to children and pregnant women. Lead paint hazards are a particularly serious problem here in Maine and...
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October 21, 2019
COLUMN: Innovation is Fueling Maine’s Forest Products Industry
Click HERE for a high-resolution photo. Maine just made the Guinness World Records. Not for anything like eating hot dogs or skipping rope, but for leading the world... -
October 07, 2019
Honoring the Brave Firefighters Who Protect our Communities
Oct. 5 was a day of solemn remembrance as firefighters, families, and grateful citizens from throughout our State gathered at the Maine Firefighters Memorial to pay tribute... -
September 19, 2019
Honoring the Timeless Heroism of a World War I Veteran
On July 18, 1918, Private Arthur Labbay was engaged in a fierce battle in France during World War I. During his dangerous assignment of running from one foxhole to another...
