Bill to Fund Key Drug Prevention, Consumer and Taxpayer Protection, and Small Business Programs in Maine Signed into Law

Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured funding and legislative language to support key drug prevention, consumer and taxpayer support, small business, and election security programs in Maine through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Act. The bill, which passed the Senate last week and was approved by the House of Representatives this afternoon, has been signed into law.
“By strengthening drug prevention initiatives and expanding access to services that support taxpayers, consumers, and entrepreneurs, this bill advances practical investments that will benefit communities across Maine.”said Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee.“As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to ensure this funding was included in the final bill.”
Funding and legislative language secured by Senator Collins includes:
Local Projects:Nearly $3 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine.
High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.The bill includes $298 million for HIDTAs. HIDTAs assist federal, state, and local law enforcement entities operating in areas most adversely affected by drug trafficking.
Drug-Free Communities (DFC) and Related Programs.The bill includes $136 million for DFC and related programs. The DFC program supports projects to prevent and reduce youth substance use.
Non-Fatal Overdose Data.The bill includes updated report language relating to ONDCP continuing work to improve the timeliness, accuracy, and accessibility of fatal and non-fatal overdose data from law enforcement, emergency medical services, and public health sources.
FCC Robocalls.The bill includes continued report language directing the FCC to prioritize resources to combat illegal robocalling and spoofing.
IRS Targeting.The bill includes a continuation of bill language Senator Collins originally authored as an amendment to the FY14 FSGG bill. The language prohibits funds from being used to target U.S. citizens for exercising any First Amendment right.
SBA Small Business Development Centers.The bill includes $150 million for SBA’s Small Business Development Centers.
SBA SCORE.The bill includes $17 million for SBA’s SCORE program. SCORE is the nation’s largest nonprofit business mentoring organization whose volunteers provide free business mentoring services to those already in business or looking to start one.
Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Election Security Grants Funding.The bill includes $45 million for the EAC to make payments to States for activities to improve the administration of elections for federal office, including to enhance election technology and make election security improvements.