“I don't like reconciliation, period. … One of my concerns, which unfortunately has been borne out, was that he would fire a lot of very capable military officials, and he has done that. He has blocked promotions for some of our most capable military officers. The number of women and Black people that had been struck from the list was awful. … He also is not the most respectful when it comes to Congress' role.
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SC
Senator • Maine
Senior United States Senator from Maine.
Statements (31)
“Without warning or consultation, Congress just received an $810 million package of pocket rescissions from the Administration. This is the most recent attempt by this Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to undermine Congress's Constitutional power of the purse. … The independent Government Accountability Office has concluded that pocket rescissions are unlawful and not permitted by the Impoundment Control Act. Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law. … OMB is an agency of the executive branch. It does not get to decide which programs are worth funding. … I will work with my colleagues to address these illegal actions.
“We should not have a politicized process for awarding research and biomedical grants to institutions. It needs to be merit-based, and I'm glad that the White House listened to those of us who were making that argument. … What we're hearing — and I've been weighing in with the White House — is that [chief of staff] Susie Wiles is also concerned about what the impact of this would be. And I am hoping … that the executive order won't be issued.
“In 2021, the Biden Justice Department found there was no wrongdoing by anyone on my campaign staff, my office or me. This is absolutely outrageous. It's clearly a political hit job. … It's obvious if you look at ProPublica. It's obvious if you look at the tactics that Chuck Schumer always uses.
“Any attempt to politicize grantmaking at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), or any other agency, by another means — whether an Executive Order or guidance — is contrary to congressional intent. … Imposing a political review on awards that have already been selected through a rigorous scientific and merit-based process undermines the long-standing principle that the government funds awards based on scientific need and merit, rather than political ideology.
“That doesn't help rebuild the good relationship that we once had and that I want us to have again. … I believe that both Canada and the United States should return to the bargaining table. I do not support this tariff war.
“From the few details we have, it seems that the proposed $5,000 dividend would not have an income cap and would be extraordinarily costly. … Tax and spending decisions should be made based on the needs of the American people and the state of the economy, they should not appear to be tied to election results.
“I appreciate the Administration's announcement that it will exempt road salt and cement from U.S. tariffs. In my communication with Ambassador Greer and Secretary Lutnick, I focused on road salt and cement as two products crucial to Maine that would be severely affected by these tariffs. I mentioned in a letter to the Administration that Frenchville, a small Maine town on the Canadian border, would incur $10,000 in extra costs for road salt, threatening the town's ability to provide municipal services. I also shared that I had heard from Maine ready-mix cement company owners, one of whom told me his company would pay $150,000 each month because of this tariff. These additional exemptions follow Canada's announcement that it will carve out American seafood and fish products from its retaliatory tariff list, which would have caused significant harm to Maine's lobstermen. However, significant tariffs – including those on forest products – remain in effect and will lead to higher costs for Maine families and uncertainty for businesses. I urge the Administration to continue to work to deescalate this conflict and reach a trade resolution with our Canadian partners.
“The Administration must consider the negative impact tariffs would have on Maine businesses, communities, and families and work to reach a fair agreement with our Canadian neighbors.
“I still think imposing new tariffs on Canada is a mistake.
“Mail-in ballots are very important to the people of Maine. I do not support restrictions that make it more difficult for seniors to cast votes on Election Day via the mail.
“The on-again/off-again trade talks between the U.S. and Canada lead to higher costs, risk, and uncertainty for Maine businesses. If the Administration proceeds with these tariffs, they will increase costs for Maine families, as most businesses will have no choice but to pass on the tariffs to their customers through higher prices. Maine imports approximately $2 billion in non-petroleum products from Canada each year. Ever since the tariffs were first announced, I have heard from many businesses, farmers, and lobstermen concerned about the cost of navigating the tariffs, the lack of domestic supply chains, and the likely imposition of retaliatory tariffs by Canada. I urge both sides to return to the negotiating table. The Administration must consider the negative impact tariffs would have on Maine businesses, communities, and families and work to reach a fair agreement with our Canadian neighbors.
“After three unnecessary lapses in funding during the fiscal year 2026 cycle, putting the possibility of yet another harmful shutdown off the table should be a priority for each and every one of us.
“While I believe Mr. Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice has become increasingly political. Mr. Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the department’s independence, and that is the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation.
“This CR is straightforward. It continues current government funding levels until December 11th and includes necessary adjustments for programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), vital national security programs, including shipbuilding across multiple vessels, and the Disaster Relief Fund. The CR also avoids any poison pills.
“This CR is straightforward. It continues current government funding levels until December 11th. This measure gives Congress the time we need to continue our work on bipartisan appropriations bills. I am grateful for the work of my colleagues; this CR is a major step toward averting a damaging shutdown.
“I don’t see how you get to 60 votes on it.
“That does not sound appropriate.
“I’m told some military services face near-term solvency challenges.
“While the investigation of the Biddeford shooting is not yet complete, it raises sufficient critical questions that I spoke with DHS Secretary (Markwayne) Mullin last night and urged him to cease all non-urgent vehicle stops.
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