Angus King

Following a trip to Ukraine, Maine Sen. Angus King said he hopes Congress will continue to support providing military aid for that country’s war against Russia and that the U.S. must stay engaged “until Putin is out.”

With a proposal included in a federal government spending package, Maine is on track to receive several million dollars later this year for new gear and research aimed at reducing the risks to endangered right whales.

Congress could vote this week on a bill co-authored by Maine Sen. Susan Collins that would make significant changes to the way presidential electors are counted.

King touted Mills' ability to listen to members of both parties, such as when she used much of this year's budget surplus on $850 "inflation relief" payments to residents.

The proposed legislation could add nearly 43,000 acres to the south of the existing monument and clear a dedicated route for the public to access it from Millinocket, East Millinocket and Medway.

The sustainable seafood program said earlier this week that lobster fishing gear poses a threat to the endangered right whale population. But Gov. Janet Mills and Maine's congressional delegation believe the designation is irresponsible.

The bill, which Sen. Angus King introduced Wednesday, would allow the National Park Service to acquire additional land from local owners who are willing to sell. The proposal envisions adding some 43,000 acres to the national monument, south of the existing boundaries and close to Millinocket.

South Portland is home to two semiconductor manufacturing facilities, which Sen. Angus King said could receive funding to expand their capacity.

Sen. Angus King, who announced the funding along with White House officials Thursday, said the funds should help connect about a quarter of Maine households that currently lack high-speed internet.

The Mills administration says it wants Congress to defer action on a bill from Rep. Jared Golden, and instead give the state time to negotiate its own compromise with Maine tribes.