Platner will prioritize public health, which Collins helped to dismantle | Letter
A new television ad (paid for by “America First International Assistance”) portrays Sen. Susan Collins as protecting Maine from the Ebola virus by funding millions in scientific research. While the ad may have historical truth concerning her record (the footage appears to be several years old), Sen. Collins is a member of the Republican Senate majority, which has enabled the Trump administration to dismantle public health guardrails.
- As of January 2026, the administration fully withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization. The WHO is the key player in detecting, monitoring, and stopping the spread of deadly outbreaks such as Ebola.
- The administration has also cut $500 million from mRNA vaccine research designed to protect Americans from emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola.
- Additional executive orders have canceled grants through the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, impacting infectious disease programs in Maine and across the country.
Maine needs a U.S. senator who can provide a counterbalance to this dismantling of public health and fully protect the health of Maine people. Graham Platner recognizes this and has pledged to make healthcare one of his top priorities if elected.
Jennifer Niese
Kennebunk
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Tagged: letter to the editor
