This is outrageous. Trump just paused leases for *five* offshore wind projects already under construction. Let’s be clear about what this does: It kills good jobs, spikes energy costs, and pulls the rug out from under states (like Maine) that have planned responsibly for a clean energy future.

Trump was “surprised” by the board's vote to rename the Kennedy Center... but the sign was ready to go up today? Does he think we're dumb? He's also: 🤮 Renamed the Institute of Peace after himself 🤮 Bulldozed the East Wing for a vanity ballroom 🤮 Draped federal buildings w/ banners of his face

It's like a court saying you have to pay a fine by a certain date, then paying half and thinking you’re in the clear. If what Blanche says is true, they're breaking the law. The victims deserve justice. The public deserves transparency. The truth deserves to be told. RELEASE *ALL* THE FILES!

🧵 Trump’s erratic primetime address was full of petty grievances and flat-out lies. It was a useless exercise (that derailed the Survivor finale!), and lacked any actual newsworthy announcements. With one exception—cutting $1776 "Warrior Dividend" checks to 1.4 million active servicemembers. (1/3)

Imagine the outrage if the Jefferson Memorial was renamed for Obama. JFK would be appalled to see his legacy twisted into a propaganda vehicle for a president who has shown open hostility to cultural institutions. Putting his name before JFK's is just another example of Trump's profound egomania.

The White House says the Kennedy Center board vote was “unanimous”… BULLSHIT. @repbeatty.bsky.social, a Congressional member of the board, was on the call. They muted her and didn't let her voice opposition. This is beyond absurd, totally illegal, and a disgrace to the memory and legacy of JFK.

🚨BREAKING🚨 The WH just announced the (TRUMP-APPOINTED) board of the Kennedy Center has voted to rename it the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” This is totally outrageous—and illegal to do without Congressional approval. He's running the Kennedy Center into the ground. Ticket sales are plummeting. (1/2)

Massive AI data centers are driving up electricity rates across the country. But communities are pushing back—including Lewiston, whose city council just unanimously rejected a $300 million facility. One councilor said the proposal yielded “by far” the most constituent feedback he’s ever received.

Cutting hundreds of VA Maine Healthcare System jobs is incredibly shortsighted.   Our state is already facing huge challenges to our health care sector. This will only make things worse.   Maine’s veterans have sacrificed too much to be treated as collateral damage in some half-baked reorganization.

The House will be voting soon on a pair of War Powers resolutions that will reassert Congress’s authority on the use of military force—and not let this reckless Administration get us into another intractable war.

Reading this beautiful piece by Stephen King—about his friend and fellow artist, Rob Reiner—it’s hard to not get emotional. King was a little nervous about how his novella would translate to the screen. But when he saw the finished product… well, let’s just say this is more than worth the read.

🚨More chaos in the Republican-led House... Our discharge petition has the signatures to force the ACA extension to the floor. Speaker Johnson doesn't want to do it. The good news: Republicans are feeling the pressure. If you have a friend or relative in a red district, tell them to call their Rep!

HUGE NEWS!!! Things were looking dire, but shockingly, 4 Republicans grew a spine and joined House Democrats in signing a discharge petition to force a vote on extending the ACA tax credits for *three* years. Speaker Johnson: Bring this to the floor ASAP. Millions of Americans are counting on us.

🚨 NEWS 🚨 Speaker Johnson said today he will NOT put any ACA tax credit extension vote to the floor this week. This is unconscionable. 20 million people are about to see their premiums double. Millions more will be forced to drop their insurance entirely.

Nothing like a little friendly hallway competition to bring some holiday cheer to Congress. The Rayburn inflatable showdown is on! @sarajacobs.house.gov showed up big, but let’s be real… Santa Claws, ChristMOOSE, and the VW Bus Santa are tough to beat. 🎄🦞🫎

NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System has long enjoyed broad bipartisan support. Sadly, funding for IOOS has routinely fallen short, forcing it to prioritize systems closer to shore. Now, the Administration wants to eliminate IOOS funding altogether (and reduced NOAA to basically nothing). (1/2)

Reflecting on Rob Reiner’s lasting legacy

Back in DC. Busy and pivotal week ahead. Millions of families are counting on Congress to protect their health care, and the clock is ticking on ACA premium tax credits. I’m not convinced Republicans are taking this seriously. House Democrats are pushing to get this done.

It’s hard to fathom just how disturbing this is. The Reiners were champions of the arts. They brought immeasurable joy, laughter, and light to the world. They believed deeply in our democracy. Their lives deserve to be mourned and honored. Instead, Trump makes it about himself. (1/2)

ICYMI: On Friday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit against the Administration for demolishing the White House without approvals. Trump's plans should follow the proper process. Instead he razed an entire wing in a matter of days. Thank you to the NTHP for fighting this!

I was stuck in DC, sadly, but it was amazing to see so many people brave the cold and stand with their Somali neighbors in the wake of Trump's racist comments. The admin's policies and rhetoric towards immigrant communities are cruel, abhorrent, and antithetical to the story of our nation. (1/3)

Lighting the menorah is one of the most sacred Jewish traditions—a powerful reminder of the hope, resilience, and faith that have bound families and communities together for countless generations.

I’m heartbroken by the horrific attacks this weekend at Brown University and at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Australia. Two cities, half a world apart, have been shattered by senseless acts of violence that have stolen lives, left families reeling, and devastated entire communities. (1/2)

I know the WH demolition feels like a 1,000 news cycles ago, but let’s not forgot how batshit this is. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is stepping up to fight this reckless project. It's not about one building. It's about stopping a man who thinks our history is his to bulldoze.

For years, National Parks passes featured the winner of an annual photography competition. Trump wants his face on them instead. As if that weren’t gross enough, the administration recently announced it would no longer allow free admission on MLK Day and Juneteenth… but will for Trump’s birthday.

🚨 On Monday 12/15, my office will host a constituent services drop-in event at the Falmouth Public Library from 2:30-4:30 PM. Whether you have a question about federal benefits, need help w/ a visa or passport, or want to learn more about available resources + services, our team is ready to assist!

Today's passage of the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act—which I proudly cosponsored—is a *huge* win for labor rights. Back in March, Trump signed an EO stripping union rights from ~1 million federal workers. The PAWA repeals the order + ensures the government honors its union contracts.

Such an honor to receive the Maisch Award from the National Association of State Foresters last night. Mainers know how vital our forests are. That's why, as the top Democrat on the subcommittee that oversees the Forest Service, I've worked to ensure this industry remains strong and resilient.

Last year, Maine exported $1.3B of manufactured items to Canada. Those exports are down 18%. The main culprit: Trump’s tariffs. Yesterday, experts + stakeholders shared their concerns. Mainers deserve better than a reckless trade war that hinders our businesses and makes life harder for families.

After CMMC in Lewiston rescinded its status as a trauma center, Maine now has only *two* such facilities remaining. That’s a huge problem. Especially in a rural state like ours. It’s also a flashing red light for our health care system. Hospitals and other providers are being pushed to the brink.

Just so we’re clear, a guy who: 🔴 Got a "loan" of $1 million from his dad 🔴 Brags about dodging taxes 🔴 Has never stood in a checkout line in his life … thinks affordability is a “hoax.” If he were any more out of touch, he’d be drifting in space. (Which—listening to his rants—maybe he is?)

It’s been a hellish few weeks for immigrant families. The president’s cruel rhetoric—claiming they “contribute nothing” and “run around killing each other”—is abhorrent, offensive and dangerous. It contradicts everything we know about our new neighbors. My latest for @bangordailynews.bsky.social👇

It’s not every day you get to share a flight with a pro basketball team! Turns out, the Maine Celtics—Boston’s G-League affiliate—were on their way to D.C. for a showdown with the Capital City Go-Go. Good luck to the guys in green. If we can get our work done, maybe I'll go check out the game!

🧵 Trump says he’s using “tariff money” to send $12 billion in aid to American farmers. (Remember, Argentina got $40 billion. Guess they're more important!) First of all, let's not forget *why* American farmers need to be bailed out in the first place: Trump's tariffs and trade wars! (1/4)

I toured the Scarborough ICE facility to get answers about why attorneys are being denied access to their clients. The contractor in charge of the check-ins wasn't even there—despite my request. They claimed there’s not enough space for attorneys, but that's bullshit. There's plenty of room. (1/2)

Rising prices and sluggish wage growth are making holiday shopping even more stressful this year. But if there’s one thing Mainers are great at, it’s being resourceful: taking used or forgotten wares and making them new again. Thrift stores + reuse shops are full of gems if you know where to look!

To all our immigrant neighbors: You are wanted. You are valued members of our communities. You belong here. We will continue to fight for you.

PFAS isn't some faraway crisis. Maine farmers are confronting it *right now*. They deserve real federal support. That’s why Sen. Collins and I introduced the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, which would create a USDA program to test for contamination, compensate farmers + improve remediation.

What happened to the Andres is truly awful, and shows just how heartless Trump’s crackdown has become. Seeing hundreds of students march in support of their classmates is so inspiring. “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These kids get it. It's an honor to represent them.

States already provide data to ensure the integrity of SNAP. Now, the USDA is threatening to withhold admin funds if states don't hand over personal info for MILLIONS of people. Maine is among the states fighting this egregious overreach in the courts, which have temporarily blocked USDA’s demands.

Trump loves to talk about how he ended [8? 9? 500?] wars. The one time he helps? He makes it all about himself—affixing his name to the façade of the U.S. Institute of Peace, an independent agency over which the White House has *zero* authority. He’ll do anything to feed his delusions of grandeur.

Maine lost an extraordinary hero today. Charles Norman Shay lived a life defined by courage and service. From landing on Omaha Beach at just 19 years old and saving lives during the war, to preserving Penobscot history and honoring Native veterans, he left an indelible mark on Maine and the world.

The White House is scrambling to rewrite the narrative about the boat strikes off the coast of Venezuela, including a second strike that was ordered on survivors who clung to the wreckage. Congress needs answers.

Rather than confront the growing hunger crisis, the Admin is hellbent on destroying a program 42 million Americans rely on. They want to withhold SNAP funds from states that won't hand over sensitive info—data they want for immigration enforcement, despite a court order blocking that demand.

There’s something about the first big snowfall. Seeing how excited the grandkids get (especially when school’s cancelled!). The way the snow clings to the leafless trees.   It’s one of my favorite times of the year. I just wish I could be up in Maine to enjoy it. Nothing but rain down here in D.C.!

If Hegseth truly issued an order to "kill everybody," that is a grave violation of U.S. and international law that rises to the level of a war crime. Despite our repeated requests, members of Congress have received no evidence justifying these strikes—or the Administration’s broader campaign.

So nice to meet you, @rhyanr.bsky.social! Thanks for saying hi!

On my way to DC after a great Thanksgiving home. We need answers on Trump’s Russia dealings, a real investigation into Hegseth's possible war crimes, and swift action to protect the ACA. We also have 9 bills to finish to keep the government open. No time for ridiculous Republican distractions.

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m grateful to spend today with friends + family. I’m also thinking about the many neighbors feeling stress today instead of comfort. I’m deeply grateful to Good Shepherd Food Bank + orgs across Maine working tirelessly to support families. It truly takes a village.

The Admin should be focused on extending the ACA tax credits and negotiating a fair deal to end the war in Ukraine. Instead we get the “Secretary of War” cutting ties with the Boy Scouts and threatening to court martial Senator Kelly. Just more examples of how petty and dangerous these people are.