In January Podcast, Senator King Discusses the Impacts of the Defense Bill on Maine's Economy, Security

Statement

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the January episode of Senator King's "Inside Maine" podcast featuring a discussion about the benefits to Maine and the country of the recently passed annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator King was joined by U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Dr. Habib Dagher, Executive Director of the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC). During the conversation, Senator King and his guests highlighted the importance of the bipartisan legislation to America's men and women in uniform, the nation's security, and Maine communities' contributions to the cause through shipyards and research projects like those being done at the ASCC.

"While it may not make frequent headlines, the National Defense Authorization Act is a critical piece of legislation for America's national security and Maine communities," said Senator King. "For more than 60 years, the Senate has put aside its differences to pass a bipartisan bill to make our nation safer and stronger. This year was no different, from pay raises for our servicemembers, to investments in Bath Iron Works shipbuilding and University of Maine research, the legislation will make a real difference for Maine people. It was a pleasure to discuss the importance of this legislation with Senator Rounds and Dr. Dagher, and I look forward to our continued work together to strengthen our national security and our communities."

Senator Michael "Mike" Rounds was sworn into the United States Senate in 2015 representing South Dakota. Senator Rounds serves on five committees: Senate Armed Services; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Foreign Relations; Indian Affairs; and Veterans' Affairs. On the Armed Services Committee, Rounds serves as the ranking Republican member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, and has made protecting America from threats seen and unseen one of his top priorities in the Senate. Rounds previously served as the 31st governor of South Dakota from 2003 -- 2011, where he was known for his common-sense leadership.

Dr. Habib Dagher is the founding Executive Director of the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC). Under his leadership, the Center has grown from 4 to 260 personnel and is now housed in a 100,000 ft2 laboratory, the largest university-based research Center in Maine. Dr. Dagher is a world-leading advocate for developing sustainable infrastructure and energy systems which simultaneously optimize structures, materials, manufacturing, construction and maintenance. Dr. Dagher initiated a number of major research programs which have gained ASCC national and international reputation, such as the large- scale bio-based additive manufacturing program, floating offshore wind technology research program, and transportation Infrastructure Durability Center.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King works every year to ensure the NDAA will strengthen America's national security, support our men and women in uniform, and boost Maine communities. King secured numerous priorities in this year's bill, including a 2.7% pay raise for military servicemembers and DOD civilian workforce, 12 weeks of parental leave for military personnel, several new national cybersecurity policy provisions, and funding for three DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that Bath Iron Works will compete to build. He spoke on the Senate Floor in support of the NDAA before its passage, highlighting the importance of the bipartisan legislation.

The "Inside Maine Podcast with Senator Angus King" is a 30-minute program that aims to help keep Maine people informed about issues of the day, how they affect life in the state, and how they factor into Senator King's work as one of two independents in the U.S. Senate. Senator King's podcast builds on his existing radio show that airs on Newsradio WGAN in Portland, Maine between 10 and 11 a.m. typically on last Saturday of the month.

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