Republicans' budget bill cuts federal earmarks for Maine

The Senate approved a Republican budget bill that eliminates federal earmarks for state projects, impacting funding for Maine and other states. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King voted for the bill to prevent a government shutdown. Collins, now leading the Senate appropriations committee, loses the ability to direct earmarks for local projects. The bill will fund the government through September 30 but reduces domestic funding by $18 billion, according to Senator Patty Murray. Despite the loss of earmarks, Collins' spokesperson stated that Maine will still receive funding through other means, including programmatic funding and competitive grants. Collins previously secured over $1 billion for Maine projects since earmarks were restored in 2021.