Challenges in the Life of Angus King in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Angus King. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Angus Stanley King Jr. is an American politician currently serving as the junior United States senator from Maine since 2013. As an independent, he previously served as the 72nd Governor of Maine from 1995 to 2003. Before entering politics, King worked as a lawyer.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1973: King Diagnosed with Cancer

In 1973, at the age of 29, Angus King was diagnosed with an aggressive form of malignant melanoma.

2012: King Sells Share of Independence Wind

In 2012, Angus King sold his share of Independence Wind to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest after entering the U.S. Senate election.

2014: Opposition to Banning Bear Baiting and Trapping

In 2014, Angus King opposed efforts in Maine to ban the baiting and trapping of bears, including a ballot initiative. He argued such practices are necessary to prevent interaction between bears and people, and are based on science and the views of experts.

2017: Opposition to Republican Tax Bill

In 2017, Angus King opposed the Republican tax bill, criticizing its passage along party lines without hearings. He highlighted that the legislation would add $1 trillion to the U.S. budget deficit over ten years. King's proposal to return the bill to committee failed.

August 2018: Vote Against Protect Interstate Commerce Act

In August 2018, Angus King was among 31 senators who voted against the Protect Interstate Commerce Act of 2018, an amendment to the 2018 United States farm bill. This act would have mandated states to authorize agricultural product sales, even if prohibited under their state laws, as long as they weren't prohibited by federal law.

November 2018: Concerns About Chinese Influence on U.S. Media and Academic Institutions

In November 2018, Angus King joined Senators Chris Coons, Marco Rubio, and other lawmakers in sending a letter to the Trump administration raising concerns about the People's Republic of China's undue influence on media outlets and academic institutions in the United States.

February 2019: Letter on Huawei Inverters and Potential Threats

In February 2019, amid trade disputes between the U.S. and China, Angus King joined nine other senators in signing a bipartisan letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Energy Secretary Rick Perry. The letter asserted that the American government should consider banning Huawei inverters in the United States due to potential threats.

March 2019: Vote Against the Green New Deal

In March 2019, despite his expressed support for action against climate change, Angus King joined Senate Republicans in voting against the Green New Deal.

April 2019: Vote to Confirm David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Interior Department

In April 2019, Angus King was one of four senators caucusing with the Democrats who voted with Republicans to confirm David Bernhardt, an oil executive, as Secretary of the Interior Department.

2020: Disagreement with Trump's Budget Request

In 2020, Angus King and other senators expressed disagreement with President Trump's budget request to combine the two federal programs that do carbon capture research.

March 5, 2021: Vote Against $15/hour Minimum Wage Amendment

On March 5, 2021, Angus King voted against an amendment proposed by Bernie Sanders to include a $15/hour minimum wage in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

2021: King Responds to Capitol Attack

In 2021, Angus King was participating in the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count when Trump supporters attacked the United States Capitol. King called the event a "violent insurrection" and blamed Trump, also supporting the invocation of the Twenty-fifth Amendment to remove Trump from office.