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.

“The 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

3 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Fetty Wap has a lot to say on ‘Zavier.’ It’s his first album since being released from prison

Fetty Wap is beaming so big, it is almost as if his smile enters the room before he does. And these days, the Paterson, New Jersey-born melodic rapper and singer has a lot to be happy about.

1 day ago in Entertainment

‘Stand by Me’ stars reflect on the movie, Rob Reiner and its return to theaters 40 years later

Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman and Wil Wheaton were already thinking about "Stand by Me" when Rob Reiner died in December. Just a week prior, the trio spent a weekend together attending some screenings of Reiner's beloved coming-of-age film, which was about to turn 40.

1 day ago in Sports, Trending

March Madness: Here’s one thing you need to know about each of the 16 teams remaining in men’s field

Florida isn't around to defend its title anymore, but all the other top seeds in this year's NCAA Tournament are still around. And many of them are winning convincingly.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Stephen Colbert and son will co-write a ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie

Stephen Colbert, famous devotee to J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, is co-writing a "Lord of the Rings" movie with his son. Warner Bros. announced early Wednesday that Colbert will script "The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past" along with series veteran Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee, Colbert's son.

2 days ago in Lifestyle

Here’s how to recycle those old laptops, iPhones and earbuds lying around

Many consumers are guilty of filling drawers or closets with old laptops, cellphones, fitness trackers and other electronic devices once they are no longer needed. It's hard to know where to recycle those items, or it seems costly and inconvenient.