United States Senator Olympia Snowe

Snowe Statement on Postmaster General’s Revised Plan on Rural Post Offices

Wed, 09 May 2012 06:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) announcement today that it would forgo closure of rural post offices for a strategy based on reduced hours at these locations, U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) released the following statement:

“I am pleased to see that Postmaster General Donahoe has reconsidered his ill-advised plan to close thousands of rural postal offices, including 34 in Maine, and instead focus on alternative strategies to ensure these critical links to our nation’s communities stay open, either with reduced hours or through co-location with other businesses. While I will continue to review the details of the plan, it appears to be a step in the right direction. That said, it is vital that the changes to each rural post office match the specific needs of each individual community. Simply put, a one-size-fits-all approach will not work in Maine or anywhere else in the United States.

“I also remain concerned about the fate of the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution plant in Hampden, as this revised plan does not explicitly address the Postal Service’s intentions regarding that essential facility for timely postal mail delivery in northern, eastern, and western Maine. I hope the Postmaster General will heed my April 4^th letter, urging him to delay plans to close and consolidate postal facilities until after Congress completes action on legislation to reform the Postal Service.”

A copy of Senator Snowe’s April 4^th letter can be viewed below.

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GAO Responds to Senators’ Request on Energy Tax Policies

Tue, 08 May 2012 02:15:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report in response to a request from a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators detailing the effects of the United States’ energy policy on the American Public. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) were joined by Max Baucus (D-Montana), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), and John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) in writing to the GAO in November 2009 to request the study to determine the effects of residential energy efficiency tax credits and provide suggestions on improving these policies.

The GAO report indicated that $5.288 billion was claimed in 2009 in total tax credits, significantly above the $2 billion estimated cost for both 2009 and 2010 when the tax credit was enacted in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Senators requested the report to find ways the tax credit can be structured and overhauled to reflect rising energy costs to best reduce CO2 emissions and the nation’s reliance on foreign oil.

“At a time when Americans spent nearly $500 billion on energy alone last year, we must aggressively overhaul our energy tax policies to put the focus on helping Americans reduce their energy bills,” said Senator Snowe. “I have long said our nation lacks a comprehensive energy policy and that it is vital we prioritize energy efficiency as we restructure our tax system for the long term. This approach can immediately cut the use of expensive oil and I am encouraged the GAO report highlights that performance-base tax policies, such as the ‘Cut Energy Bills at Home Act’ that I have introduced can catalyze investments in energy-saving products and ‘better target conservation investment spending.’ Our energy tax policies must singularly focused at responsibly reducing energy bills and I urge my colleagues to join me in overhauling our energy tax code and assisting homeowners investing in energy saving technologies.”

“This GAO report highlights some key ways to improve this important tax incentive when Congress takes up the task of updating our energy tax laws, which it should turn to as soon as possible,” Bingaman said.

To view the GAO report, click here.

A copy of the Senators’ letter requesting the study can be found below.

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Snowe Recognized by United Bikers of Maine with Lifetime Membership

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) was honored by the United Bikers of Maine (UBM) at its annual Governor’s Tea in Augusta today. During the event at the Blaine House, Senator Snowe was presented with a plaque recognizing her “dedicated support of The United Bikers of Maine and the motorcycle community,” and was granted lifetime membership to the organization. Joining Senator Snowe was her husband, former Governor John R. McKernan, Jr., who began the Governor’s Tea tradition 20 years ago.

“I am pleased to join so many friends and familiar faces, including Governor LePage and his wife, Ann, to share in this longstanding tradition of the annual Governor’s Tea, which my husband Jock began during his time in the Blaine House. And I could not be more pleased to receive this recognition from such a generous and kind-hearted organization,” said Senator Snowe. “Since its founding in 1975, the United Bikers of Maine has grown its membership steadily, now numbering over 2,000 Mainers – many of whom I have proudly worked beside on legislation of importance to motorcyclists since my days in the House of Representatives – all the while, raising awareness of the safe and lawful operation of motorcycles on Maine’s roads. Additionally, the United Bikers of Maine has been a powerful force for good in our local communities, most notably through its legendary Annual Toy Run providing holiday gifts to thousands of Maine’s children in need for three decades, the largest event of its kind the country.”

BACKGROUND: Senator Snowe has long supported motorcyclists in the state. In 1992, then-Representative Snowe introduced a proposal ensuring states-rights regarding motorcycle helmet laws. Additionally, Senator Snowe has frequently participated in the organization’s Annual Toy Run held each fall, riding with a UBM member from the Augusta Civic Center to the Windsor Fairgrounds.

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Snowe, Senate Finance Republicans Highlight Economic Priorities as U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue Set to Begin

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:50:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue (S&ED) meetings in Beijing this week, U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) joined her fellow Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee in writing to Obama administration officials to highlight their shared economic priorities during the discussions. In their letter to Secretaries Timothy Geithner, Hillary Clinton, John Bryson, and Ambassador Ron Kirk, the Senators emphasized several key matters, including pressing China on manipulation of its currency, as well as protecting intellectual property rights for American individuals and companies.

Joining Sen. Snowe on the letter are Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).

“It is critical that negotiators understand the importance of setting a new path that will anchor the U.S.-China economic relationship upon a level commercial playing field, a commitment to play by the rules, and a rebalancing of trade and investment between our two nations,” Senator Snowe said. “I am pleased to join with my colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee in reinforcing the necessity of holding our foreign competitors accountable when they violate our trade rules. Indeed, since Congress first began requiring the Treasury to analyze the exchange rate policies of foreign countries in 1988, China has been cited as a currency manipulator five times – all occurring between 1992 and 1994. For more than a decade, China has manipulated its exchange rate by pegging the Chinese renminbi to the dollar. As a result, China’s currency is estimated to be undervalued by anywhere from 12 to 50 percent.

“Furthermore, the theft of American intellectual property in China continues unabated and is unacceptable,” Senator Snowe wrote in the letter with her colleagues. “We cannot allow China – or any country – to steal the value of our intellectual property for their own gain, or we risk losing our greatest advantage in the global marketplace. China’s protection of intellectual property must be measured by the results on the ground, not by the rhetorical or institutional commitments of the Chinese government. Until China demonstrates its commitment to protecting intellectual property rights in this way, the issue will continue to create substantial strain in our economic relationship.”

BACKGROUND: In 2011, Senator Snowe joined Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) in introducing the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act of 2011 (S.328), legislation that will give the government additional tools to address China’s currency manipulation. The key elements of S. 328 are included in the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act (S.1619), which passed the United States Senate by a vote of 63-35 on October 11, 2011.

Senator Snowe has also introduced the Currency Exchange Rate Transparency Act (S. 1238), with Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia) to level the playing field for American workers by requiring the President to certify when sending a trade agreement to Congress that the government of the country the trade agreement is with has not manipulated its currency in the last ten years. Under the bill, this certification would be a precondition for consideration of any bill implementing a trade agreement or extending normal trade relations to another country.

Furthermore, Senator Snowe has worked in Congress and with the Administration to enforce World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and address China’s currency exchange rate manipulation. In September of 2010, Snowe testified before the International Trade Commission and made the case that foreign manufacturers in China were illegally selling their products in the U.S. at unfairly subsidized rates. Amazingly, however, the Commerce Department has refused to investigate.

A recent report estimates that revaluation of the Chinese yuan to its equilibrium level could lead to significant benefits for the American economy, including increasing U.S. GDP by as much as $285.7 billion, increasing U.S. employment by 1.6 percent, and decreasing the U.S. budget deficit by up to $71.4 billion per year.

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Snowe Urges Commerce Department to Declare Disaster for New England Fishermen

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard today urged U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson to declare the Northeast multispecies fishery a failure, which would provide Congress with the strong base needed to pursue further measures that can give a much-needed relief valve to the struggling New England groundfishing industry. The senator’s request follows up on a letter from Maine Governor Paul LePage urging the department to take action in declaring a disaster.

“I am aware that today the New England Fishery Management Council considered a motion to request the Secretary of Commerce declare a fishery disaster declaration, and that the motion was ultimately tabled,” said Senator Snowe. “The dramatic catch reduction in Georges Bank yellowtail flounder that will go into effect on May 1^st will be devastating to the offshore fleet, despite our significant achievement last year to increase flexibility in the management of this stock, which is a shared resource jointly managed by both the US and Canada. I thank the Secretary for taking interim action in 2012 to grant some reprieve for the inshore fleet that depends on Gulf of Maine cod, but the lower catch limits on cod this year will still be difficult for fishermen to bear, and next year the limits will simply be untenably low.

“The Council is demonstrating excellent leadership, working together with groundfish and scallop industry members to identify solutions to these problems in the near term. Congress and the Department of Commerce must follow their lead and come together to seek ways to support this historic industry with economic aid, regulatory reform, and legislative change to provide relief to our nation's fishermen.”

In 2009, Senator Snowe authored the International Fisheries Agreement Clarification Act (S. 2856), which allowed a desperately needed extension of the rebuilding timeline for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder critically important to both groundfishermen and scallopers. Of Senator Snowe’s efforts, Jackie Odell, executive director of the Northeast Seafood Coalition, has said: “To my knowledge, the New England groundfish fishery is the only U.S. fishery to have gained truly meaningful and tangible statutory flexibility under the arbitrary rebuilding provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act since those provisions were enacted in 1996. Senator Snowe was the author and definitive champion of the International Fisheries Agreement Clarification Act of 2010 which provided that unique flexibility.”

A copy of the Senator’s letter is below.

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Snowe, Senators Introduce Bill to Develop 21st Century Ocean Survey Workforce

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, DC. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), the Ranking Member of Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, today joined the subcommittee’s chair, Senator Mark Begich (D-Alaska), in introducing a bill to improve the nation’s ocean survey workforce. Sens. Snowe and Begich were joined by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Lisa Murkowski (D-Alaska), and Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii). The bill reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps and provides mechanisms to help the Corps improve both its diversity and retention of senior female officers. The NOAA Corps is the smallest of the seven uniformed service of the United States, with 318 active commissioned officers.

“It is critical that we reauthorize and enhance the NOAA Commissioned Officers Corps to ensure that this small but critical branch of the uniformed service remains a strong support service for our nation’s fishermen and mariners,” said Senator Snowe, Ranking Member of the Senate Oceans subcommittee. “NOAA Corps provides critical support for NOAA’s missions, from conducting the fish surveys that our stock assessments rely on to performing the charting that ensures safe passage for our mariners – tasks which its skilled officers perform admirably. I am also pleased that our legislation would focus on recruiting and retaining more women and minority officers for this important service.”

The NOAA Corps Amendments Act of 2012 has several provisions to improve the Corps’ diversity, including one modeled on the Coast Guard’s successful “Blue 21” program. It authorizes financial support of highly qualified minority science and engineering college students if they agree to join the NOAA Corps. Another provision will help more senior officers balance the demands of going to sea nine months a year with having a family, by allowing for an unpaid ‘sabbatical’ in which officers can leave the service for a few years to start a family and then return at the rank they had before leaving.

The bill has been endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America, the National Military Family Association and the National Association for Uniformed Services.

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Snowe Votes to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), a co-sponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (S. 1925), hailed passage of the legislation by a 68-31 vote in the United States Senate. The bill, which reauthorizes the landmark 1994 law for four years, provides assistance to states to improve law enforcement and prosecution efforts combating violence against women and funds shelters and services to help women and their families extricate themselves from violent and abusive situations and into safety.

Senator Snowe said:

“For far too long, domestic violence has been an extremely serious and common crime that devastated families and silently took a great toll on our society. Decades ago, domestic violence went largely unreported, in part because the victim viewed the violence as personal, or because of they were afraid of retribution, or they were embarrassed and didn’t want family members, friends, or neighbors to know. So in 1994, Congress enacted comprehensive legislation to combat this violence, and the results thus far are encouraging. Reporting of domestic violence has increased as much as 51 percent according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, while the annual incidence of domestic violence has fallen by more than 50 percent.

“This bill the Senate passed today successfully builds upon past strides at both the state and federal levels. It includes a number of judicial improvements, such as encouraging the use of best practices among law enforcement and court personnel to better assess the risk of domestic violence homicide and to provide immediate, crisis intervention services for those at risk of escalating violence. It also reauthorizes grants to encourage arrest policies and enforce protection orders, and places an increased emphasis on reducing rape kit backlogs which number in the hundreds of thousands. I urge the House to take immediate action, so we can get this critical legislation to the President’s desk.”

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Senators Introduce Legislation to Bolster Small Business Access to Capital

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Mary L. Landrieu (D-Louisiana), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) have introduced legislation, S.2364, that would extend for one year a provision allowing small business owners to use Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans to refinance existing commercial mortgages. The measure, originally enacted as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, did not become operational until February 2012, significantly shortening the period of time that business could use 504 loans to refinance qualifying existing debt. It is set to expire on September 27, 2012.

“Access to capital is lifeblood for our nation’s small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Senator Snowe, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “SBA’s 504 loan program has helped create over 2 million jobs at no cost to taxpayers. Reauthorizing this refinancing provision will allow the measure to aid more business owners for an additional year.”

“Extending the 504 refi program is a common-sense way to help small businesses and create jobs,” said Senator Landrieu, Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “By allowing small businesses to refinance qualified commercial real estate debt, this program lowers their monthly mortgage payments at no cost to taxpayers. At a time when we are still facing high unemployment, this extension is one of many things that we should be doing to put more capital in the hands of America’s job creators.”

“By allowing small businesses to use this program for refinancing, we are giving them access to historically low interest rates and cost stability that will allow them to expand and add jobs,” said Senator Shaheen, a member of the Committee. “Small businesses in New Hampshire need access to capital and this program is achieving that at no cost to taxpayers.”

The 504 loan program is a long-term financing tool for economic development that provides small businesses with long-term, fixed-rate loans to help them acquire major fixed assets for expansion or modernization. Certified Development Companies (CDC) work with the SBA and private sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses under the 504 loan program. A CDC is typically a private, nonprofit corporation set up to contribute to the economic development of its community. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, enacted on September 27, 2010, allowed small businesses to use the 504 loan program to refinance certain qualifying existing debt for two years, but the SBA did not promulgate regulations to implement the refinancing provision until February 17, 2012.

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Snowe to Reid: Cancel Recess and Begin Work on Major Issues Now

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), a senior member of the Senate Finance and Commerce Committees and Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee, today called on Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) to cancel the next recess and instruct the Senate committees to begin debating, marking up, and reporting bills on the major issues of the day now, not after the election in a lame duck session. Specifically, Senator Snowe urged the Majority Leader to ensure the Senate is prepared with thoroughly vetted proposals considered by the committees of jurisdiction regarding tax extenders, the 2001 and 2003 tax provisions, the physician repayment rate, appropriations bills, the planned sequester, and another debt limit increase. All measures will need to be confronted by the Senate by the end of 2012.

In her letter, Senator Snowe said:

“I am writing today because, as you know, there are a number of legislative issues, including tax extenders, the 2001 and 2003 tax provisions, the physician repayment rate, appropriations bills, the planned sequester, and another debt limit increase that the Senate will be confronting in the lame-duck session at the end of 2012. It will be essential that we are prepared for this session with thoroughly vetted, well thought out proposals that have been considered by the appropriate committees of the Senate.

“We have sufficient time over the next months to consider the array of options rather than relegating these issues to the lame-duck session with last-minute, poorly thought out measures assembled by just a relative few. By laying the groundwork now, the committees of jurisdiction can have a thorough, transparent, and accountable process in accordance with the traditions of the Senate. In that light, I urge you to forego the upcoming recess, and instead instruct the committees of jurisdiction to begin their work.”

A copy of the letter is below.

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Snowe Statement on Senate Passage of Postal Reform Legislation

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed S. 1789, the 21^st Century Postal Act, by a vote of 62-37:

“There is no question that tumultuous economic times have forced families and businesses alike to make tough choices when it comes to their finances. However, the current financial challenges faced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) should not preclude the preservation of universal postal service and convenient community access, which together constitute the bedrock of towns, large and small, across the nation. That is why I am pleased the Senate has acted to pass this critical postal reform legislation, which will protect rural post offices – like the 34 in Maine – and ensure the same reliable service which businesses, seniors, and families have come to expect. Additionally, in light of the fact that the USPS has lost over $28 billion since 2007, passage of this legislation would remove the immediate financial pressures facing the agency.

“Of tremendous importance to Maine, the legislation would allow for the Eastern Maine Processing and Development facility in Hampden to remain open due to a provision in the Senate legislation requiring maintenance of some overnight standards. Simply put, the Hampden facility is a lifeline for businesses, families, and individuals across Maine, and I have led the fight to keep the plant open.

“The bill that passed the Senate also includes my commonsense amendment to further strengthen the segment of the postal reform bill governing proposed consolidations for processing and distributing facilities. As a result, the Postal Regulatory Commission will independently verify the Postal Service’s methodology and estimated costs savings from plant consolidations to guard against facilities being closed due to faulty calculations by USPS. Indeed, the Postal Service will no longer be the judge, jury, and executioner when it comes to consolidating these critical facilities, helping save communities from enduring the same uncertainty and inaccuracies that Hampden has faced throughout this process.

“It is now critical that the House of Representatives pass postal reform legislation and that, if necessary, a Conference Committee crafts a bicameral compromise that the President can sign into law soon. The Postal Service has imposed a moratorium on closure of postal facilities and post offices which expires on May 15^th, and I urge Postmaster General Donahoe – as I did in my April 4^th letter to him – to continue the moratorium through August 1^st, allowing Congress time to consider legislation. It is vital that the Postal Service not preempt Congressional action by unilaterally progressing with the elimination of overnight delivery for first class mail, implemented in concert with major shutdowns of mail processing facilities and rural post offices.”

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Snowe Congratulates New UMF, UMPI Presidents

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) today congratulated Drs. Kathryn A. Foster, Ph.D. and Linda K. Schott, Ph.D. on their approval by the University of Maine System’s Board of Trustees to serve as Presidents of the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) and the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI), respectively. Dr. Foster, currently a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. and Dr. Schott, Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, were recommended to the positions by University of Maine Chancellor James H. Page.

Senator Snowe said:

“I join with the entire UMaine community in extending my warmest congratulations to both Linda and Kathryn on their appointments to serve as the next Presidents of the University of Maine at Farmington and the University of Maine at Presque Isle, respectively. UMF and UMPI have been unmistakable beacons of academic excellence and achievement in Maine and I know that Kathryn and Linda’s depth and breadth of experience will prove vital as they continue to build upon the tremendous success of both universities. I welcome them, as well as their families, to Maine and hope they enjoy all that our great state has to offer.

“I also convey my most profound gratitude to Theo Kalikow and Donald Zillman who have been extraordinary leaders during their exceptional tenures as Presidents and I wish them both the very as they embark upon the next chapter of their lives.”

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Snowe Amendment Unanimously Accepted to Postal Reform Bill

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today accepted by unanimous consent an amendment by U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) to the Senate’s postal reform bill which would place the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) in charge of independently verifying the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) methodology and estimated costs savings from plant consolidations. The necessity of this amendment was highlighted earlier this year, when the USPS claimed an “annual management savings” of $797,000 from the elimination of two management positions, but later revised that figure downward to $177,000 after Senator Snowe questioned the agency’s logic.

Senator Snowe said:

“I am very pleased that the U.S. Senate unanimously accepted my commonsense amendment to further strengthen the segment of the postal reform bill governing proposed consolidations for processing and distributing facilities. As a result, the Postal Regulatory Commission will independently verify the Postal Service’s methodology and estimated costs savings from plant consolidations to guard against facilities being closed due to faulty calculations by USPS. Indeed, the Postal Service will no longer be the judge, jury, and executioner when it comes to consolidating these critical facilities.”

BACKGROUND: Senator Snowe has led the charge against the USPS’ consolidation proposal for the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution facility in Hampden, which she visited on December 20, 2011, to meet with the plant’s manager and employees. During the visit, Senator Snowe expressed her opposition to the plan, and questioned the ability of the Postal Service to save money by shifting jobs from Hampden to Scarborough.

On January 11, 2012, Senator Snowe joined over 350 fellow Mainers at a public meeting in Brewer where she voiced her concerns on the proposed consolidation. At the meeting, Senator Snowe highlighted the Postal Service’s questionable math on the overall true costs savings and noted the severe impact the consolidation would have one especially rural areas of the state. Additionally, shortly before the public meeting, when Senator Snowe asked the USPS how it could claim an “annual management savings” of $797,000 from the elimination of two management positions in its December 22, 2011 one-page summary, the Postal Service’s January 9, 2012 summary revised that figure downward to $177,000.

On January 26, 2012, Senator Snowe submitted a formal written comment to the Postmaster General in opposition to the proposed consolidation and requested answers to a number of outstanding questions. In the letter, Senator Snowe noted a concern about an apparent lack of a satisfactory contingency mail delivery plan in the event of a disaster or accident at the Scarborough plan, as well as the effect slower delivery will have on seniors who require a timely delivery for their medications.

Finally, on April 4, 2012, Senator Snowe urged U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to continue its moratorium on closures and consolidations through August 1^st, allowing time for Congress to consider the most effective ways to improve the USPS.

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Snowe Visits New Balance’s Skowhegan Factory

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 05:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) today visited New Balance’s factory in Skowhegan to meet with employees and tour the facility. In a Senate Finance Committee hearing on March 7^th, Senator Snowe highlighted the importance of Maine’s footwear manufacturing jobs with Ambassador Ron Kirk, the Obama Administration’s U.S. Trade Representative. Senator Snowe also sent a letter to Ambassador Kirk inviting the Ambassador to visit New Balance’s Skowhegan facility in order to hear directly from American workers and business owners about the impact the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP) negotiations could have on the footwear industry. New Balance, which recently added 60 new jobs in Maine, has three factories in the state and is the only remaining manufacturer of athletic shoes in the U.S.

Senator Snowe said:

“I applaud New Balance for its extraordinary commitment to keeping American jobs right here in Maine. New Balance has served as a cornerstone of Maine and New England’s manufacturing base and when other companies were relocating jobs overseas, New Balance hired more Americans to produce high quality, Made-in-the-USA lines. Just as Maine’s footwear manufacturing workers have redoubled their efforts to compete with an ever-increasing number of foreign imports, so too have I worked defend these jobs from the type of across-the-board tariff reductions that could open the flood-gates to subsidized imports. I reiterate my call for Ambassador Kirk to visit New Balance’s Skowhegan facility to get a unique glimpse of a business that has not only developed their domestic manufacturing options, but continues to innovatively produce new products while creating additional job opportunities in the Northeast.”

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1906, New Balance began making running shoes in 1938. With manufacturing facilities in Norway, Skowhegan, and Norridgewock, the company employs nearly 1,000 individuals in Maine and more than 4,000 worldwide. Senator Snowe, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, has been a leading advocate for keeping these and other critical manufacturing jobs in the United States.

Snowe Welcomes Commerce Department’s Spectrum Report

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) welcomed a report from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which found 95 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum that could be repurposed for wireless broadband use. Senator Snowe has called on the Administration to find appropriate ways to reallocate spectrum for commercial use and introduced comprehensive spectrum policy reform legislation with Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) in March 2011. According to NTIA, the report proposes to repurpose the spectrum through a combination of “relocating federal users and sharing spectrum between federal agencies and commercial users.” Prior to the report, NTIA had also made a 115 MHz reallocation recommendation.

Senator Snowe said:

“I am pleased the Administration has taken this step in an effort to free up spectrum to meet the growing demand for wireless broadband and radio-based services. With more than 322 million wireless subscribers in the U.S. and an expected 150 million mobile broadband subscribers by 2014 – a 2,900 percent increase from 2007 – it is critical we pursue a multifaceted approach to increase available spectrum for American consumers and businesses. This report is another indication that we require a robust spectrum management policy that fosters spectrum sharing and reuse opportunities, as well as technical innovations that make better use of this vital but limited resource.

BACKGROUND: In March 2011, Senator Snowe introduced comprehensive spectrum policy reform legislation with Senator Kerry to modernize the nation’s radio spectrum planning, management, and coordination activities. The Reforming Airwaves by Developing Incentives and Opportunistic Sharing (RADIOS) Act will set the proper foundation to meet growing demand for spectrum through greater planning and coordination, and by promoting more innovative and efficient use of spectrum resources. The RADIOS Act is intended to compliment the National Broadband Plan and the spectrum provisions in the recently-passed payroll tax extension legislation in an effort to ensure efficient use of spectrum and to create the infrastructure necessary to meet America’s future telecommunications needs.

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Senator Snowe Honors Senator Barbara Mikulski as Longest-Serving Woman in Congress

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) today paid tribute to Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland) who became the longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. Congress. Senator Mikulski surpassed Massachusetts Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers in this distinction, after overtaking Maine’s legendary Senator Margaret Chase Smith as the longest-serving woman in the United States Senate last January. Senator Snowe joined a number of her colleagues on both sides of the aisle in delivering remarks on the floor of the United States Senate this afternoon.

Excerpts of Senator Snowe’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow:

“I couldn’t be more pleased to congratulate our good friend and esteemed colleague – the Dean of the Women of the U.S. Senate, Senator Barbara Mikulski, on overtaking Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers as the longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. Congress.

“As someone who has had the privilege of knowing Senator Mikulski since 1978, when I was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, for me this milestone represents a most watershed moment in the life of American politics.

“For nearly 35 years, I have witnessed Barbara Mikulski summon and harness a seemingly limitless reservoir of energy as a fierce advocate and a champion on behalf of the people of Maryland, and the nation. With equal parts vigor and vigilance, she has demonstrated a devotion to her constituents that has been unerring in its promise and ironclad in its purpose. And it is precisely that caliber of service that the people of Maryland have rewarded time and again.

“As I stated on this very floor at the outset of this Congress when she surpassed the length of service of Maine’s legendary Senator Margaret Chase Smith, Senator Mikulski is synonymous with ‘the special bond of trust that should exist between the governing and the governed.’ She has ‘recognized injustice and acted boldly to quell it, given a voice to the voiceless, and power to the powerless.’ And what Senator Margaret Chase Smith and Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers – both born in Maine, I might add – exemplified as standard-bearers in the last century, Senator Mikulski embodies in this century – that the commitment to advancing the common good is bound neither by geographic region nor political affiliation, but rather by an undaunted desire to serve others.”

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Snowe Honored for Decades of Service to Maine’s Credit Unions

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 01:00:00 EST

Delivers Remarks at Annual Maine Credit Union League Breakfast...

Snowe Joins Greek-Americans in Celebrating 191st Anniversary of Greek Independence

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST

Senate Passes Snowe, Menendez Resolution to Honor Greek Community...

Snowe Testifies on U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals Nomination

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) today testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of the nomination of William Kayatta Jr. to be a Circuit Court Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. If confirmed, he would replace fellow Mainer Kermit Lipez on the bench. Mr. Kayatta was joined at the hearing by his wife, Anne Swift-Kayatta, and their daughter, Katherine. Mr. Kayatta, of Cape Elizabeth, is a nationally recognized trial attorney and currently serves as a partner at Pierce Atwood in Portland.

Senator Snowe said:

“Through his reputation for excellence in handling complicated matters, Bill Kayatta has developed a law practice national in scope. He is admitted to practice in no fewer than five federal circuits, and has been a lead counsel in sophisticated class action liability cases from Maine to Florida to Delaware to California involving both major corporations and individuals. He also has experience in the U. S. Supreme Court where he has argued two cases, submitted merits briefs on three cases, and worked on certiorari briefs in six additional cases.

“This is a case of the President selecting a superbly-qualified nominee, who can and should attract strong, bipartisan support in the Judiciary Committee. A tremendous steward of the common good, especially the cause of access to justice for all, Bill could not be more qualified to be a Circuit Court Judge and I strongly support his nomination.”

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Snowe Initiatives on Downeaster, UMaine’s Bridge in a Backpack, & Veterans’ Commercial Driver’s Licenses Pass Senate

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 01:00:00 EST

Snowe’s Downeaster measure ensures state can use $6 million a year in federal funding for the Maine rail service...

Snowe, Shaheen, Ayotte Welcome Contract Announcement for Modernization Work at Kittery-Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) welcomed an announcement that the U.S. Navy has contracted with Environmental Chemical Corp., a Massachusetts-based firm, to begin structural repairs and modernization work at Kittery-Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). The $38 million contract will allow for energy and structural repairs to the consolidated submarine operations, Building 178, to create a state-of-the-art, energy efficient shipyard industrial material handling facility.

Members of the Maine and New Hampshire delegations have strongly urged the Navy to develop a plan to fund infrastructure improvements at K-PNSY and the nation’s three other public shipyards. The final version of the fiscal year 2012 National Defense Authorization Act included a provision authored by Maine’s and New Hampshire’s Senators that requires the Navy to submit a plan to Congress no later than September 1, 2012.

“I am pleased the Navy is investing resources to ensure key facilities at Kittery-Portsmouth Naval Shipyard are more efficient,” said Senator Snowe. “This type of proactive commitment will further increase the value and efficiency of the shipyard, and will enable the outstanding men and women who work there to continue to set the gold standard in maintaining the nation’s submarines.”

“The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is vital to the region’s economy and our nation’s security. I am pleased the Navy has recognized the crucial work that the men and women of the shipyard do every day and has decided to invest in its infrastructure. This is an important step in equipping the shipyard with the resources it needs and I will work to ensure that these investments continue in the future," said Senator Shaheen, a member of the Armed Services Committee.

"This is good news for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, whose workers set the standard for maintaining our nation's nuclear submarine fleet,” said Senator Ayotte, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Subcommittee on Seapower. “To maintain top-rate readiness levels for the U.S. Navy fleet, we must ensure our nation’s four public shipyards have top-rate facilities. This contract announcement is an important step forward in addressing critical infrastructure and modernization needs at Portsmouth.”

In November 2010, the Government Accountability Office issued a report that found that the Navy's modernization requirements at our nation's four public shipyards were underestimated, even though the Navy has stated that the backlog of facility improvements at Kittery-Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is $513 million. In March 2011, the Navy announced plans to invest approximately $100 million in facility upgrades and modernization at K-PNSY next year. The funding, provided through the Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (SRM) budget, is to be used for energy conservation and repairs to submarine enclosures, building renovations, repair to the waterfront support facility and structural repair and consolidation of the yard's workshops.

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