Collins accuses top Senate Dem of blocking protections for Maine lobstermen as Cruz vows action

Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, says fellow Senator Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, has stood in the way of shielding Maine's lobster fishery from federal rules adopted under President Biden. Collins contends Cantwell worked against the Maine delegation's 2022 push to stop those rules and has this year held up a bill to lengthen the pause secured that year. Cantwell is now planning a trip to Maine to meet with lobstermen, according to Fox News.

The measure, sponsored by Representative Jared Golden, a Maine Democrat, and Representative Mike Lawler, a New York Republican, cleared the House in September. It would keep a hold on new rules aimed at safeguarding the endangered North Atlantic right whale in place through 2035, delaying restrictions that could be expensive for the industry.

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, has promised to move the bill forward once Congress reconvenes in November. He praised Collins's role as "instrumental" and said he wants it sent to President Donald Trump without amendments or more delay. Collins and Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine, had urged the committee in September to act.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →