Susan Collins

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump held last-minute negotiations to avoid 50% U.S. tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian exports, including hockey sticks and liquor, set for a Wednesday deadline. The tariffs, invoked under the rarely-used Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, were paused for three days after progress toward a deal. The dispute stems from U.S. allegations of Canadian trade discrimination in alcohol, autos, and dairy. Existing tariffs already cover Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber.

137 reports · 39 sources · Updated Aug 31, 04:45 AM UTC

President Trump suggested temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis blocked a committee vote. The holdouts demand changes to a $1.8 billion IRS settlement granting Trump immunity from audits. Blanche can remain acting AG, but Trump may wait until the senators leave office next year, risking a Democratic Senate takeover.

91 reports · 15 sources · Updated Aug 11, 02:49 PM UTC

On August 1, 2026, the U.S. Navy christened the future USS William Charette (DDG 130), a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. The ship honors Master Chief Hospital Corpsman William Charette, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War. The ceremony included a bottle-breaking by his daughter, Kathryn Charette Donovan, and was attended by Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, Maine Governor Janet Mills, and other officials. The destroyer is equipped with advanced AN/SPY-6 radar.

8 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 14, 07:18 AM UTC

On July 23, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution (214-208) directing President Trump to end hostilities against Iran. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the non-binding vote, reflecting growing bipartisan concern over rising U.S. casualties—including four troops killed in recent attacks—and the administration’s resumed military operations after a brief truce. The Senate plans a binding vote, though a veto is likely. The conflict threatens key straits and has involved 12 consecutive nights of U.S. strikes.

15 reports · 7 sources · Updated Jul 30, 08:33 PM UTC

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced on Tuesday that the U.S. State Department has committed to reinstating the full $600 million funding for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, after the Trump administration had previously paused the program. Collins stated that the decision followed recent outreach efforts and described it as welcome news. GAVI is a global humanitarian vaccine initiative that works to increase access to immunization in lower-income countries. The reinstatement of funding marks a reversal of the earlier suspension and underscores ongoing bipartisan support for international vaccine programs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:43 AM UTC

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated President Trump’s “patience is running out” with Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the stalled SAVE Act, which would require voter ID and proof of citizenship. Thune pushed back, urging the White House to secure votes themselves amid a 50-50 Senate. The dispute highlights intra-party tensions as the bill faces a 60-vote threshold, with a potential government shutdown looming in September. Trump has tied the bill’s passage to other legislation, causing a broader legislative stalemate.

24 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 31, 03:16 PM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed she secured a halt to such stops from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, ordering ICE traffic stops to resume. The incident highlights Collins's votes for $70 billion in new ICE funding and her opposition to a body camera amendment, making her politically vulnerable. Democrats plan to use the shooting to mobilize voters against Collins, portraying her as responsible for unchecked ICE abuses. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has a history of mental illness and domestic violence, raising questions about ICE recruitment under Trump and Stephen Miller.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed she secured a halt to such stops from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, insisting on continuing the tactic. The incident highlights Collins's political vulnerability, as she voted against requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras and supported $70 billion in new ICE funding without oversight. Democrats plan to use the shooting and Collins's votes against her in the upcoming election, framing her as responsible for enabling abusive enforcement practices. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has been described by relatives as mentally ill and violent, raising questions about ICE recruitment under Trump and Stephen Miller.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed credit for persuading Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to end such stops, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, ordering their continuation. The incident highlights Collins's votes for $70 billion in new ICE funding and her opposition to a body camera amendment for agents. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has been described by relatives as mentally ill and violent. Democrats plan to use the shooting to mobilize voters against Collins in the upcoming election, framing her as responsible for unchecked ICE abuses.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

Congressional leaders are taking early steps to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 4, largely along party lines (220-205). House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Democrats would 'own the chaos' if they oppose the bill, while Democratic leaders called it a premature Republican tactic. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working with Senator Susan Collins on a bipartisan agreement to fund the government past November. Separately, the House Appropriations Committee is revisiting the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would trigger automatic two-week continuing resolutions during funding lapses and require Congress and OMB staff to remain in Washington until a deal is reached. The bill, supported by AFGE, aims to stop using federal employees as bargaining chips. The article notes the longest government shutdown in history occurred last year, followed by a partial DHS shutdown.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:23 PM UTC

Congressional leaders are taking early steps to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, following the longest government shutdown in history last year and a subsequent partial shutdown. The House passed a continuing resolution on Tuesday to fund the government through December 4, largely along party lines (220-205). House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Democrats would 'own the chaos' if they oppose the bill, while Democratic leaders called it a premature Republican abdication of responsibility. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said bipartisan talks are underway to fund the government past November elections. Separately, the House Appropriations Committee is revisiting the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would trigger automatic two-week continuing resolutions during funding lapses and require Congress and OMB staff to remain in Washington until a deal is reached. The American Federation of Government Employees supports the bill, citing concerns that federal workers will again go unpaid.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:23 PM UTC

President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods are facing significant skepticism from Republican senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who said he has not heard the rationale for the move. Senators Mike Rounds and Bill Cassidy expressed concerns that the tariffs will raise prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Senator Susan Collins, facing a tough reelection in Maine, noted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada. Trump is using Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act as legal justification, but Senator Rounds questioned the legal basis after the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. The tariffs exclude energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals. The article notes that while businesses successfully sued to overturn previous tariffs, Republicans in Congress have historically refused to vote to overturn them, raising questions about the upcoming midterm elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:44 PM UTC

President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, excluding energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals, are facing backlash from Republican senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism, saying he hasn't heard the rationale. Senator Mike Rounds questioned the legal basis, noting the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. Trump justified the move as a response to Canadian trade 'discrimination' on cars, alcohol, and dairy, citing Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act. Senators Rounds and Bill Cassidy warned the tariffs would raise prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Senator Susan Collins, in a tough reelection campaign in Maine, highlighted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada. The article notes that while businesses successfully sued to overturn previous tariffs, Republicans in Congress previously refused to vote against them, raising questions about the upcoming midterm elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:44 PM UTC

President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, excluding energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals, are facing significant backlash from Republican senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism, stating he has not heard the rationale for the tariffs. Senator Mike Rounds questioned the legal basis, noting the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. Senator Susan Collins, facing a tough reelection in Maine, highlighted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada, particularly in blueberries, potatoes, lobster, and lumber. Senator Bill Cassidy warned the tariffs would translate into higher prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Trump justified the tariffs as a response to Canadian trade 'discrimination' on cars, alcohol, and dairy, citing Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act. The article notes that while businesses previously sued and overturned similar tariffs, Republicans in Congress have historically refused to vote against them, raising questions ahead of the midterms.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:44 PM UTC

The article covers the chaotic aftermath of Maine's Democratic Senate primary, where left-wing insurgent Graham Platner was disqualified, forcing party insiders to quickly rally behind alternative candidates. The race to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins became a three-week sprint, with candidates like Jordan Wood, Troy Jackson, and others jockeying for position. The piece details Wood's debate preparation, the controversy over debate formats, and the unusual dynamic of televised debates for a contest ultimately decided by only 601 delegates. The shooting in Lewiston shifted focus back to the stakes of the race, with Wood and others arguing Collins could have prevented the tragedy. The article highlights the insider-y nature of the selection process and the candidates' efforts to appeal to both delegates and the broader public.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:15 PM UTC

A new University of New Hampshire poll indicates that former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson (D) holds a slight lead over incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R) in a hypothetical general election matchup. The survey found 49 percent of likely voters supporting Jackson, while Collins trails. The poll highlights a competitive political landscape in Maine, a state known for its independent voters. The results suggest potential vulnerability for Collins, a long-serving Republican senator, as she faces a possible challenge from a well-known Democratic state legislator. The poll's margin of error and other methodological details were not fully provided in the excerpt, but the finding signals a tight race if Jackson decides to run.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:14 PM UTC

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee on July 21 that the Pentagon's cost estimate for the Iran war has risen to $37.5 billion, and without emergency supplemental funding, the military will have to curtail training to cover those costs. The estimate includes military pay, operations, and maintenance through September 30 but excludes infrastructure repair. The White House's $87.6 billion supplemental request includes $67.1 billion for the Pentagon, with portions allocated for munitions, operational costs, and fuel, though some lawmakers argue it contains unrelated priorities. The cost has escalated from $25 billion in April to $37.5 billion, driven by renewed hostilities and large-scale U.S. strikes after the ceasefire collapsed. Hegseth emphasized that training is at risk without urgent funding, while Democrats question whether the supplemental supports the administration's Iran policy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:18 AM UTC

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee on July 21 that the Pentagon's cost estimate for the Iran war has risen to $37.5 billion. He warned that without emergency supplemental funding, the military will have to curtail training to cover those costs. The estimate includes some military pay, operations, and maintenance through September 30, but excludes costs to repair or rebuild damaged infrastructure. The cost has risen from $25 billion in late April to $29 billion in early May and $30 billion in late June. The White House's $87.6 billion supplemental request includes $67.1 billion for the Pentagon, but Democrats argue much of it funds unrelated DOD priorities. Recent large-scale U.S. Central Command strikes in retaliation for Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have further increased costs. Congressional Republicans appear ready to advance the supplemental despite Democratic opposition.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:18 AM UTC

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, publicly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday for removing more than two dozen senior military officers since he took over the Pentagon. During an appropriations hearing, Collins stated she finds the removals 'deeply troubling,' expressing concern over the dismissals of experienced military leaders. The criticism highlights growing bipartisan unease with Hegseth's leadership and personnel decisions at the Department of Defense. The hearing underscores tensions between Congress and the Pentagon over the management of senior military personnel.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:15 PM UTC

Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, the likely Democratic nominee to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in 2024, stated in an interview that he would not support Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as the party's leader in the Senate. Jackson argued that the Democratic Party needs a different approach to win back working-class voters and improve its messaging. This signals potential internal dissent within the party over leadership and strategy ahead of a competitive Senate race in Maine.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:33 PM UTC

The New Republic analyzes the Maine Senate race where Democrat Troy Jackson, a logger and former state senator, has become the presumptive nominee to replace disgraced Senator Graham Platner. Political analyst David Farmer outlines three keys for Jackson to defeat incumbent Republican Susan Collins: 1) boosting Democratic turnout in the midterm, potentially galvanized by the recent ICE killing of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero; 2) winning over independents in Portland and suburbs, where a third-party candidate siphoned votes from Democrat Sara Gideon in 2020; and 3) appealing to undecided female voters by highlighting Collins's role in confirming Justice Kavanaugh, who helped overturn Roe v. Wade. Jackson has consolidated party support after opponents dropped out, but faces an uphill battle against Collins, who overperformed polls in 2020.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:13 PM UTC

The New Republic's analysis focuses on Maine's U.S. Senate race, where Democrats have rallied around former State Senator Troy Jackson as the presumptive nominee to replace disgraced Democrat Graham Platner. Political analyst David Farmer outlines three keys for Jackson to defeat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins: 1) boosting Democratic turnout in the midterm, aided by recent ICE-related killing of a Mexican national in Biddeford; 2) winning over independents in Portland and suburbs, where a third-party candidate siphoned votes from Democrat Sara Gideon in 2020; and 3) targeting undecided female voters by emphasizing Collins's role in confirming Justice Kavanaugh and the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Jackson's quick consolidation of party support and his strong showing in Portland's June gubernatorial primary are seen as positive signs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:13 PM UTC

This analysis examines the collapse of Graham Platner's U.S. Senate campaign in Maine, which ended after a rape accusation surfaced. Platner, a political novice and Marine veteran, had been championed by progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren despite a history of scandals including Nazi tattoos, sexting, and abuse allegations. The article explores how Democratic operatives failed to properly vet Platner, skipping a standard background check due to infatuation with his working-class image. Critics argue the party's embrace of Platner revealed disdain for blue-collar voters, treating his flaws as 'authenticity.' The piece concludes that Democrats need to find a clear purpose rather than just scandal-free candidates, as the race could decide Senate control.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:40 PM UTC

The article analyzes the collapse of Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign in Maine, who withdrew after a rape accusation and revelations of past scandals including Nazi tattoos, sexting, and abuse claims. It critiques Democratic elites for failing to vet Platner properly, being seduced by his 'working-class oysterman' image, and defending his problematic history as 'authenticity.' The piece argues the party must learn lessons about candidate vetting and finding a clear political purpose beyond opposing Trump, as the race could decide Senate control.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:40 PM UTC

The article analyzes the collapse of Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign in Maine. Platner, a political novice and oysterman, was initially celebrated by progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren as an authentic working-class voice. However, his campaign unraveled due to a series of scandals including troubling Reddit posts, a Nazi chest tattoo, sexting, physical abuse allegations, and a rape accusation. The article explores how Democratic operatives failed to properly vet Platner, skipping standard background checks. It critiques the party's tendency to romanticize blue-collar authenticity while overlooking serious character flaws. The piece concludes that Democrats need to find a clear purpose beyond opposing Trump, rather than simply seeking scandal-free candidates.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:40 PM UTC

New data from the Department of Veterans Affairs reveals a 26% surge in reported traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases among veterans enrolled in the VA system between 2021 and 2025, bringing the total since 2001 to 556,502. The increase averages over 28,000 additional cases per year. However, Congress has cut funding for the Pentagon's TBI and psychological health research program by 77%, from $175 million in fiscal 2024 to $40.5 million in fiscal 2026, with no increase proposed for fiscal 2027. Experts from Disabled American Veterans and the Invisible Wounds Foundation note that the actual number of cases is likely higher due to undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases. Rep. Mike Levin and other lawmakers are calling for increased research funding to address the growing crisis.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:52 PM UTC

Maine Democrats are in a monthlong dash to replace Graham Platner, a disgraced oysterman-turned-political-upstart, as their Senate candidate to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The truncated primary race, reduced to one week due to an ICE shooting incident in Biddeford, has left no clear frontrunner among the candidates, many of whom previously lost bids for higher office. National Democratic figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are conspicuously staying away from the process, which local leaders insist should be handled by Mainers. The party is scrambling to collect signatures and assemble delegate slates ahead of a July 25 nominating convention, with progressives hoping to maintain Platner's populist momentum. The stakes are high as Senate control hangs in the balance, but the compressed schedule and lack of contrasts among candidates complicate the party's efforts.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:41 PM UTC

Maine Democrats are in a monthlong dash to replace Graham Platner, a disgraced oysterman-turned-political-upstart, as their candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in November. The truncated primary race, culminating in a July 25 nominating convention, has been further compressed by the fatal shooting of a Colombian immigrant by ICE agents in Biddeford, which has dominated candidate attention. No clear frontrunner has emerged, and most candidates agree on key issues, depriving the race of needed contrasts. National Democratic figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have been conspicuously absent, with local leaders signaling they should stay away. The stakes are high as control of the Senate hangs in the balance, but the rushed process and residual frustration over Platner's downfall have put the party in a bind.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:41 PM UTC

Maine Democrats are in a frantic month-long race to replace Graham Platner, a disgraced oysterman-turned-political upstart, as their candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins. The truncated primary, culminating in a July 25 nominating convention, has been further compressed by a fatal ICE shooting in Biddeford that diverted candidate attention. No clear frontrunner has emerged, and many candidates share a history of unsuccessful bids for higher office. National Democratic figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are conspicuously staying away from the process, which local leaders insist should be handled by Mainers. The party faces high stakes as Senate control hangs in the balance, and progressives hope to maintain momentum from Platner's populist platform despite the chaotic process.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:41 PM UTC

A States Newsroom review found that nearly all shootings by federal immigration officers since President Trump returned to office in January 2025 began with vehicle enforcement. Of 22 shooting incidents, 19 involved traffic stops, resulting in six deaths, including three U.S. citizens. The most recent victim, Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Colombian with legal work authorization, was killed in Maine on July 13. Following the incident, DHS briefly paused traffic stop enforcement, but Trump ordered it resumed. The White House stated officers will continue vehicle stops for deportations. Congressional Republicans allocated roughly $175 billion to DHS for immigration enforcement. An ACLU report identified 432 incidents of force or threats by immigration agents across eight states, including 76 instances where people were pulled from cars and 47 where windows were smashed. In at least five cases, charges against those shot were dismissed after independent video contradicted DHS claims that victims used vehicles as weapons.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:35 PM UTC