U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has expressed her opposition to the Department of Labor's (DOL) decision to implement a phased pause in operations at Job Corps centers across the United States.
"I strongly oppose the Department of Labor’s directive to pause operations at Job Corps centers in Maine and across the country," stated Senator Collins. She highlighted the significance of the Loring and Penobscot Job Corps Centers, which serve nearly 500 students in Maine, as essential support structures for disadvantaged young adults.
Senator Collins referenced an Appropriations hearing held last week where she urged Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to resume enrollment at Maine's two Job Corps centers and reconsider plans to eliminate the program entirely. "As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work to support this valuable program," she affirmed.
During a review of DOL's Fiscal Year 2026 budget request last week, Senator Collins discussed Adais Viruet-Torres, an alumnus of Loring Job Corps Center who overcame homelessness and now works as a nurse practitioner after graduating from Husson University.
In April, Senator Collins sent a letter to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer urging for an end to the enrollment halt at both Maine Job Corps centers. Furthermore, yesterday Senators Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent another letter requesting details on Job Corps contracts, background check processing, and evaluation plans from DOL.
