News

Collins, King Vote for Failed Plan to Block Govt Shutdown

Collins, King Vote for Failed Plan to Block Govt Shutdown

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Both Maine U.S. Senators voted in favor of a temporary spending plan on Tuesday, which would have kept the federal government running.

Republican Susan Collins and Independent Angus King voted for the GOP-backed plan – also known as a “continuing resolution – which would have kept the government functioning for seven weeks.

The measure failed to pass, which has sent the government into a partial shutdown that will affect the delivery of federal services to the public.

Senator King notably broke with Democrats, whom he typically sides with, to back the spending plan.

King called his action a “vote of conscience” to oppose the Trump administration’s threat to permanently fire federal employees if the shutdown takes place.

β€œThe irony – the paradox is – by shutting the government, we’re actually giving Donald Trump more power,” said King. “And that was why I voted yes. I did not want to hand Donald Trump and Russell Vought and Stephen Miller additional power to decimate the federal government, to decimate the programs that are so important to so many people.”

The temporary spending plan failed by a 55-45 vote, with Democrats Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania joining King to vote Yes.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was the Republican to vote against the plan. The measure needed a reach a 60 vote threshold to pass.

Latest Headlines

14 hours ago in Local

Police Looking for Missing Washington County Teen

The Washington County Sheriff's Office are looking for 16-year-old Lilyanna Rose Cook, who was last seen in Roque Bluffs, Maine.

1 day ago in Local

Struck-down Maine citizen’s referendum on super PAC donations heads to appeals court

Despite getting over 75% of the vote, a Portland judge deemed the referendum unconstitutional this past summer, citing the ruling made by the Supreme Court on the 2010 Citizen's United case.

2 days ago in Local

Police find missing teen after vehicle pursuit in Skowhegan

A missing teenager was found in the vehicle of a Norridgewock man who police say led them on a chase in Skowhegan on Thursday.

2 days ago in Local

Maine State Police seeking information about bank fraud suspect in Aroostook County and Bangor

A woman is wanted for bank fraud in Bangor and Aroostook County.

2 days ago in Local

What to Know About Maine U.S. Senate Race

Democrats are hoping to unseat Republican Susan Collins.