Sen. Susan Collins

While visiting Lubec yesterday, I stopped to see the future site of the town’s Safe Harbor. As Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I secured funding for this project that will increase fishermen’s safety & help them get their catch to market more quickly. https://t.co/SYG6dEnmnZ

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It was wonderful to see so many Mainers at the Jackman-Moose River 4th of July parade today. I was also honored to participate in the dedication of Jackman’s new veterans memorial that recognizes the many patriots from the region who bravely served our nation in uniform. https://t.co/GIJuDhgc0i

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I enjoyed marching in this year’s 4th of July Parade in Lubec. Despite the harm caused by the current public health and economic crisis, Mainers are resilient. It was truly heartwarming to join the community in celebrating our great nation. https://t.co/GT85gJkXM1

I am continuing bipartisan negotiations on a bill to allow especially hard-hit businesses to be eligible to receive a second forgivable PPP loan.

The Paycheck Protection Program I co-authored is helping small businesses and their employees get through this difficult period. Today, a bill I co-sponsored extending the deadline to apply for the PPP to August 8th was signed into law. https://t.co/IFM8UBsDg3

The Fourth of July is typically the height of Maine’s busy summer tourism season, but near-empty hotels, inns, B&Bs, and restaurants underscore the devastating effects the pandemic has had on many of our state’s small businesses and jobs.

Happy Birthday, America! Today we celebrate the anniversary of our country’s founding and express gratitude for those who defend our freedoms. Our work to achieve the American ideals of equality and justice for all is ongoing. May God continue to bless our nation.

NEW FUNDING: Maine farmers have been awarded $7.75 million to help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19. These direct payments, which I worked to include in the CARES Act, will help provide relief to Maine’s farming communities. https://t.co/FO7O1owyGU

I spoke on the Senate floor today about legislation I am working on with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), & Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to provide a second forgivable PPP loan to the hardest-hit small businesses.

The PPP has been a tremendous success, helping support nearly 75% of small businesses in Maine & sustaining nearly 200,000 Maine jobs. As the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 continues, however, millions of small employers need additional help to stay above water & survive. https://t.co/ePFJHw7fGN

I questioned Dr. Fauci about pool testing, an efficient, cost-effective way to help communities safely reopen. This strategy could help schools identify the presence of COVID-19 & protect students, teachers, staff, & other employees. https://t.co/N1GuxpaIC8

Senators Rubio, Cardin, Shaheen and I will continue our bipartisan negotiations on a bill to allow especially hard-hit businesses to be eligible to receive a 2nd PPP loan. Approximately $130 billion in PPP funding remains available to assist small businesses and their employees.

PPP Update - the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill I cosponsored that will extend the deadline for small businesses to apply for a forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan until August 8th.

COVID-19 has had a disastrous effect on Maine's tourism industry. Increased testing is essential to safely reopening our state & protecting our health. I urged top health officials—including Dr. Fauci & ADM Giroir—to work with states to better align testing supplies with demand. https://t.co/7z5bFVYb05

Waldo Community Action Partners has been awarded more than $2.2 million for Head Start & Early Head Start programs. This funding will support early childhood education, as well as Maine’s working families, during these difficult economic times. https://t.co/aYxbjCTbqK

At a Senate Health Committee hearing this morning, I will question Dr. Fauci & other public health officials about the federal government’s ongoing COVID-19 response & efforts to help states safely reopen our communities & schools. Click here to watch: https://t.co/JoghVTl7mr

Nearly $1 million has been awarded to help ensure that Maine has the resources it needs to combat the opioid crisis. While we continue to respond to COVID-19, we must not relent in our efforts to address the ongoing opioid crisis. https://t.co/Roj581BfIy

COVID-19 poses unique risks to people with diabetes, making affordable access to insulin all the more important. @SenatorShaheen & I are working to improve the lives of patients with this disease. Read our column on @seacoastonline to learn more. https://t.co/BvgvefYHz1

Congress temporarily expanded telehealth services for Medicare as part of the COVID-19 relief effort. In six weeks, telehealth use among beneficiaries climbed more than 11,000%. I pushed to make this policy permanent, & I’m glad CMS has proposed a new rule that would do just that https://t.co/PM8OhuduSC