At a recent hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Senator Susan Collins questioned Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick about regulations affecting Maine’s lobster industry and Canadian tariffs.
During the session, Senator Collins highlighted the importance of Maine’s lobster industry to the state’s economy. She recalled that in 2022, proposed regulations by the Biden Administration threatened the industry’s existence. The Maine Delegation successfully blocked these regulations temporarily. “Subsequently, the Maine Lobstermen’s Association sued the National Marine Fisheries Service in the Department of Commerce and overwhelmingly won,” she noted.
Secretary Lutnick responded by emphasizing that “this administration views the Maine lobster industry as an American treasure.” He stressed that scientific rigor must guide regulatory decisions to protect industries like Maine’s lobster fishery from arbitrary measures.
The discussion also covered Canadian tariffs. Senator Collins expressed concerns about how these tariffs impact trade between Maine and Canada, noting that many products are processed across borders. She requested an update on tariff status under USMCA guidelines.
Secretary Lutnick explained that products made in either country typically fall under USMCA rules, which exempt them from tariffs. However, he mentioned certain exceptions due to security concerns related to fentanyl trafficking.
Senator Collins has been active on this issue beyond hearings. In April, she supported a resolution by Senator Tim Kaine to end an emergency declaration imposing tariffs on Canada and co-sponsored a bipartisan bill reaffirming Congress’ role in trade policy. Additionally, she joined other lawmakers in urging cooperation with Canada to prevent price increases on essential goods.
