WASHINGTON, May 21 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on May 20, 2026: * * * Sen. Collins Defends Essential Air Service, Urges ATC Relocation Bonuses Cites Bangor Airport's Need for Additional Controllers * At a hearing to review the 2027 budget request for the Department of Transportation, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, stressed the importance of the Essential Air Servic  more