Senator Collins’ Statement on Executive Orders

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement on President Trump’s executive orders:

“I hope the President’s actions will prompt Democratic leaders to negotiate seriously to reach a much-needed agreement to help struggling families, seniors, schools, businesses, municipalities & the USPS with this persistent pandemic. Three times, Senate Democratic leaders blocked extending extra unemployment benefits to prevent their expiration during the negotiations.  

“The PPP program, which has helped sustain 240,000 jobs in Maine and their small business employers, also expired yesterday and cannot be extended by executive order.  

“Congress must act quickly. There are constitutional limits on what the President can do to help through executive orders.”