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LEWISTON, ME – Today, Senator Susan Collins welcomed former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin to Maine. Senators Collins and Manchin have a longstanding, bipartisan partnership that has helped deliver a number of significant legislative accomplishments for Maine and America.

“I was absolutely delighted to have my dear friend and former colleague Joe Manchin join me in Maine today,” said Senator Susan Collins. “Joe and I were part of every major bipartisan initiative that passed the Senate and became law during the years that we worked together, including the largest investment in our nation’s infrastructure in decades, legislation to clarify the procedures for presidential transitions, critical COVID-19 relief for families and businesses, and reforming the Electoral Count Act. It was a pleasure to introduce Joe to some of Maine’s local businesses and the hardworking people who make our state so special.”

“When Democrats in Washington want to pass important legislation, their first call is always Susan Collins, because Susan doesn’t see party labels; she sees opportunities to make life better for Mainers and all Americans,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “I’ve known Senator Collins for 14 and a half years. I know she’s not a Trump senator, she’s not a Republican’s senator or a Democrat’s senator. She’s an American Senator that represents her state of Maine, and that’s who she is—the most, the most independent-minded person I’ve ever met. I’ve always said that Susan Collins is the soul of the Senate, because she understands that the Senate was designed for people with different views to work together, reach across the aisle, and get things done.”

Senators Collins and Manchin were core members of the bipartisan group that negotiated the landmark Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021. They also worked together to reform the Electoral Count Act to clarify the procedure for presidential transitions, develop the framework for the 2020 COVID-19 relief package, and end government shutdowns in 2013 and 2018 through their bipartisan Common Sense Coalition.

They started their morning at Simones’ Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston, where they shared breakfast with local residents and community leaders. Simones’ is a fourth generation family-owned and operated local landmark in Lewiston known and loved for their famous red snappers. 

Next, they went to Oxford and stopped by Daddy O’s Diner for lunch, another beloved family-owned restaurant. 

Senator Collins brought Senator Manchin on a tour of the New Balance Factory in Norway. They spoke to some of the 125 employees that work at the factory and discussed the Senator’s efforts to support Maine-based manufacturing, including her Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act which would ensure all combat boots worn by U.S. service members are 100% made in the USA. In September, Senator Collins announced that New Balance was awarded a contract by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to provide athletic shoes for members of the U.S. military.

Senators Collins and Manchin also visited the nearby factory store.

After the New Balance visit, Senators Collins and Manchin met Mainers at Smedberg’s Farm Stand and the Oxford Outdoor Comfort Center.

They finished their day at a Happy Hour with local friends and families at the Poland Spring Resort.