Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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182 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "ME" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending
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| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/federal-regulators-agree-request-congresswoman-chellie-pingree-revise | Federal regulators agree to request from Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to revise important food safety rules | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree, farmers argued that smaller growers would have been be forced out of business Federal regulators made a major announcement today about new food safety rules, withdrawing proposed regulations that Congresswoman Chellie Pingree had said would threaten small farmers around the country. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said they would spend the winter making "significant changes" to the proposed rules and release new regulations for comment next summer. "This is a major victory for farmers in Maine and across the country," Pingree said. "The one-size-fits-all approach the FDA was pursuing was overkill for thousands of small farmers and would have put many of them out of business. The size of the regulation just didn't match the size of the risk." Pingree said she's reserving judgment until the new rules come out, but said the FDA's announcement today is a good sign. "We will have to wait and see what the rules look like next summer, but it's clear the FDA has heard what we've been saying and took it seriously," Pingree said. "The farmers and consumers around the country who made their voices heard on this issue deserve a lot of credit for today's announcement." The FDA has agreed to withdraw proposed rules about water quality testing, standards for using manure as compost and regulations affecting mixed-use facilities. New rules will be proposed early next summer followed by a comment period. In a statement announcing the changes, the FDA said "we have learned a great deal, and our thinking has evolved" on food safety regulations. The FDA's statement can be found here. Pingree helped organized a public hearing in Augusta last summer in which over 150 farmers and producers turned out to urge top FDA officials not to follow through with rules that would cripple smaller operations. Pingree has been a strong proponent of making sure the voices of small farmers were heard during this process. (Video of Chellie's testimony is here) The FDA had estimated that a medium-sized farm with annual gr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-group-reps-agree-do-not-import-unsafe-chinese-chicken | Bipartisan Group of Reps. Agree: Do Not Import Unsafe Chinese Chicken | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined thirteen other bipartisan members of the House of Representatives today to call on their colleagues to ensure unsafe chicken from China does not make its way to US shelves. Their letter asks that the 2014 Agriculture Department (USDA) funding bill ensure Chinese-processed chicken is kept out of the school lunch and other child nutrition programs. It also asks that the bill prevent poultry slaughtered in China from being exported to the US. Consider the impact of China's weak enforcement of food safety laws and regulations they wrote to the Chairmen and senior Democrats of the subcommittees responsible for funding the USDA.More than 300,000 Chinese children fell seriously ill, with some dying, from melamine-tainted milk powder; dangerously high levels of mercury found in Chinese baby formula; the sale of more than $1 million worth of rat and other small mammal meat passed off to consumers as lamb; and more than 16,000 diseased pig carcasses dumped in a river to rot. Last year China Central Television revealed that a Chinese poultry supplier provided Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants with chicken fattened by large quantities of illegal drugs. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced that,since 2007, pet treats imported from China containing contaminated chicken have killed 600 dogs and cats in the United States, and sickened 3,600 more. According to the World Health Organization, so far 45 of the 136 people whocontracted the H7N9 bird flu in China this year have died. The letter can be read in its entirety here. Numerous advocacy and consumer safety groups support the representatives' letter, including: Food and Water Watch, Consumer Federation of America, National Farmers Union, Consumers Union and the Center for Foodborne Illness. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-releases-county-county-breakdown-effects-ending-unemployment | Pingree releases county-by-county breakdown of effects of ending unemployment insurance coverage | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | At least 3,300 in Maine set to lose coverage statewide by end of the month Today Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released a new county-by-county breakdown of the number of people who would immediately lose all of their unemployment insurance on Dec. 28 if Congress fails to extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Republicans last week blocked an effort by House Democrats to extend the program into 2014. The county-by-county breakdown, an estimate of the minimum number of people who will lose benefits, is below. The information was provided by the Maine Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. "If unemployment insurance runs out for these people, there will be thousands of families across the state who are suddenly going to find it much harder to pay for basic necessities like food and heat," Pingree said. "There is never a good time for something like this, but the middle of a cold winter is about the worst possible time to do this to these people." Overall, at least 3,300 people in Maine are set to lose their insurance coverage immediately on Dec. 28. An additional 8,900 people in Maine will lose their coverage in the first six months of 2014 if Republicans continue to block an extension of the program. Emergency unemployment insurance took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times as Americans continue to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Despite the real progress the economy has made since its near collapse in 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs than there were before the recession began and long-term unemployment as a percentage of the unemployed is 37 percent, near historic highs. Failure to extend federal unemployment insurance would also hurt job growth throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). The CEA estimates that in Maine alone, failing to extend the program will cost 675 jobs. Below are county-by-county estimates the number of current recipients … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/feds-regulation-antibiotics-farm-animals-good-start-much-more-needs-be | Feds' regulation of antibiotics for farm animals a good start but much more needs to be done | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree supports legislation that cracks down on the use of drugs in feed Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today she's glad the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is beginning to regulate the use of human antibiotics in animal feed, but says the rules need to be much tougher. Today the FDA proposed two new regulations that are aimed to limit the use of those drugs on farms. "The use of antibiotics to fatten up animals on big factory farms has gotten out of hand and has become a threat to human health. The practice should be stopped and the rules the FDA are proposing today fall far short of that," Pingree said. "But at least it's a start and a recognition that this is a problem. The Obama Administration has a three-year plan to limit the use of antibiotics in animal feed and I hope this is the first step in that effort." Pingree is a cosponsor of a bill that would crack down on the use of the drugs for healthy animals while still allowing for the treatment of sick animals. (Specifically, the bill would withdraw eight classes of antibiotics that are essential to human health from use on food-animal farms unless animals or herds are sick with disease, or unless drug companies can prove that their routine use does not harm human health.) The use of antibiotics to stimulate rapid growth in animals and fight off diseases when they are kept in close quarters has increased dramatically. In 2011, farmers used nearly four times as much antibiotics in feed as doctors prescribed for humans. Scientists say the overuse of antibiotics is resulting in new superbugs in humans that don't respond to drug treatment, like the antibiotic resistant form of Salmonella that was found in chicken this fall and infected almost 400 people. Some drugs that were originally developed to fight infections in people are now being marketed as promoting growth in farm animals. The regulations the FDA proposed today ask drug companies to voluntarily stop making that claim and require prescriptions from veterinarians. Pingree, an organic … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/remembering-pearl-harbor | Remembering Pearl Harbor | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, marking the 72nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor: Today we pause to remember the thousands of Americans who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor and the millions more who sacrificed during the war that followed. They successfully defended our country from the forces of tyranny and oppression. We owe them our thanks and gratitude. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-nominates-23-maine-students-united-states-servic-0 | Congresswoman Pingree nominates 23 Maine students to United States Service Academies | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has announced her office's nominees to the United States Service Academiesthe U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. This group of students represents some of Maine's best and brightest. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic standards, and a passion for helping others, said Pingree. Whatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves. We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it's an honor to nominate them. The nominees were interviewed by a panel of six on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and exemplified commitment to serving their country. More information on applying for nominations is available here. Pingree nominated several students to more than one academy. The full list of nominations is below. United States Naval Academy Paul Babirak, Scarborough, Grove City College Andrew Benger, Cumberland, Greely HS John Bennett, Chelsea, Cony HS Emily Cox, Topsham, Mt. Ararat HS Wesley Crawford, Yarmouth, Yarmouth HS Tyler Davidson, South Berwick, U.S. Naval Academy Prep School Erin Donlon, Saco, Maine Maritime Academy Liam Mahoney, Yarmouth, Yarmouth HS Grace Rabinowitz, Brunswick, Brunswick HS Robert Runnells, Saco, Thornton Academy United States Military Academy Andrew Benger, Cumberland, Greely HS John Bennett, Chelsea, Cony HS Emily Cox, Topsham, Mt. Ararat HS Wesley Crawford, Yarmouth, Yarmouth HS Angus Ferrell, Falmouth, Falmouth HS Christian O'Connor, York, York HS Kyle Robinson, York, Brandeis University Robert Runnells, Saco, Thornton Academy Matthew Webber, York, St. Tho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-nominates-23-maine-students-united-states-service | Congresswoman Pingree nominates 23 Maine students to United States Service Academies | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has announced her office's nominees to the United States Service Academiesthe U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. This group of students represents some of Maine's best and brightest. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic standards, and a passion for helping others, said Pingree. Whatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves. We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it's an honor to nominate them. The nominees were interviewed by a panel of six on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and exemplified commitment to serving their country. More information on applying for nominations is available here. Pingree nominated several students to more than one academy. The full list of nominations is below. United States Naval Academy Paul Babirak, Scarborough, Grove City College Andrew Benger, Cumberland, Greely HS John Bennett, Chelsea, Cony HS Emily Cox, Topsham, Mt. Ararat HS Wesley Crawford, Yarmouth, Yarmouth HS Tyler Davidson, South Berwick, U.S. Naval Academy Prep School Erin Donlon, Saco, Maine Maritime Academy Liam Mahoney, Yarmouth, Yarmouth HS Grace Rabinowitz, Brunswick, Brunswick HS Robert Runnells, Saco, Thornton Academy United States Military Academy Andrew Benger, Cumberland, Greely HS John Bennett, Chelsea, Cony HS Emily Cox, Topsham, Mt. Ararat HS Wesley Crawford, Yarmouth, Yarmouth HS Angus Ferrell, Falmouth, Falmouth HS Christian O'Connor, York, York HS Kyle Robinson, York, Brandeis University Robert Runnells, Saco, Thornton Academy Matthew Webber, York, St. Tho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/if-congress-doesnt-act-thousands-maine-families-would-lose-access | If Congress doesn't act, thousands of Maine families would lose access to unemployment insurance at end of month | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Loss of benefits would hurt local businesses, slow economic growth Congresswoman Chellie Pingree warned Congressional leaders today that letting emergency unemployment benefits expire at the end of this month would slow the economic recovery and make it harder for workers looking for a job to get by. "If Congress doesn't act, 3,000 people in Maine will lose their unemployment checks at the end of the month and nearly 9,000 more will by next summer. Not only will that be a devastating blow to families struggling to make ends meet but will have a real impact on economic growth," Pingree said. "Unemployment checks don't sit in someone's bank account, they get spent on gas, groceries, clothes, home heating oil and other essentials at local businesses. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) unemployment checks are the most effective benefit, dollar-for-dollar, to drive local economic activity. At issue are benefits under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, which was passed in 2008 and signed into law by President Bush. The program extends unemployment benefits beyond the basic 26 weeks. According to a new report out this week from the White House Council of Economic Advisors, if Congress doesn't act to extend the program before December 28, 3,000 Maine workers would lose their benefits immediately and another 8,900 would lose them during the first half of nextyear. Already in Maine, the length of benefits available to unemployed workers has been cut back by over a third since 2011. Pingree has been a strong supporter of continuing these extended benefits. "Face it, the economy is still weak in Maine and around the country and it often takes awhile for someone to find a job," Pingree said. These emergency benefits have already been scaled back as the economy slowly improves but letting the program end altogether would be like pulling the rug out from under families who are struggling to stay afloat in the middle of the winter." According to the report out this week, failing t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/state-department-decides-review-any-changes-portland-pipeline | State Department decides to review any changes for Portland Pipeline | 2013-12-04 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on news that the U.S. State Department has said it would review and consider any change of use for the Portland Pipeline, including the reversing of its flow. I'm glad the State Department is taking this seriously. The Portland Pipeline passes through the hearts of many Maine communities and along some of our state's most valuable natural resources, like Sebago Lake. Any change in the pipeline's useincluding the transport of Canadian tar sandsshould be reviewed closely at the federal level. While there are currently no plans to make changes, I think it's important that the State Department has said that none could go forward unchecked. In February of this year, Pingree wrote a letter signed by 17 House and Senate members asking the State Department to require a new permit and full environmental review before allowing the owners of the Portland Pipeline to reverse its flow to transport tar sands. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/50th-anniversary-kennedy-assassination | 50th Anniversary of Kennedy Assassination | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. "For those of us who are old enough to remember the shooting, we will be thinking about where we were when we heard President Kennedy hadbeen shot. But for everyonewhether you were alive then or nottoday is a chance to reflect on the vision that President Kennedy had for the country he loved so much. President Kennedy believed in public investment in education, research and health care. He believed in public service, especially for young people. And he believed that we all have a role in ending poverty and helping those who need help the most." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-announces-100000-farm-school-grant-kennebec-county-organization | Pingree announces $100,000 Farm to School grant for Kennebec County organization | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Funds will help Maine schools overcome barriers to purchasing food locally Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that Healthy Communities of the Capital Area in Kennebec County will receive a $100,000 Farm to School grant from the USDA. Maine schools today want to buy more food locally, but there aren't many systems in place to help them do it easily. This investment will help fund innovative efforts to help schools overcome those barriers, said Pingree. Maine schools have shown such an incredible commitment to supporting local farmers and connecting students with the food they eatand the results have been strengthened economies and healthier school meals. I'm excited that Healthy Communities of the Capital Area has this opportunity to help strengthen and expand those impacts. The K-12 Eating Local Foods project aims to develop systems to better link local farms to schools. The two-year project will streamline ordering, delivery, and processing through links to existing online local food buying clubs. The project will also develop a local purchasing guide that includes contacts, product availability, sample contracts, and food safety protocol. Healthy Communities of the Capital Area is a Healthy Maine Partnership. Attached is a copy of the letter Pingree wrote to support the grant application. In a recent survey by the USDA, 85 percent of Maine schools said they participate in Farm to School efforts, which included buying locally, serving food from school gardens, and bringing farmers into the classroom. The participation rate is one of the highest in the nation. The results are at http://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/census#/state/me. Pingree's package of reforms to the Farm Billthe Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Actincludes a provision to help schools purchase more food locally by allowing them to use a portion of their commodity funding to do so. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-chellie-pingree-announces-10-million-investment-bath | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announces $10 million investment in Bath assisted living facility | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Federal loans will allow Plant Home to new facility that will more than double capacity Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the Plant Home in Bath will be getting $10 million in federal funding to build a new, 50,000-square-foot facility to provide assisted living facilities for seniors in the Midcoast area. "We all age and we all get older, but not everyone can stay in the home they've lived in," Pingree said. "That's why it's so important to have a place like the Plant Home, where you can get care when you need it in your community, around people you know and near your family." The funding, a combination of a direct loan and a federal guaranteed loan, comes from the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development Administration. "USDA Rural Development has a strong commitment to supporting essential community facilities like the Plant Home because of the impact they have on our rural Maine communities. They create construction jobs, additional staff positions and, most importantly, benefit the lives of our rural residents in very meaningful ways like expanding quality, affordable senior housing," said Virginia Manuel, Maine USDA Rural Development State Director. This critical funding will assist the historic Plant Memorial Home in the construction of a 50,000-square-foot addition with 45 units of quality senior care. This more than doubles the facility's capacity to assist the area's aging population, as they currently have 37 units. The Plant Memorial home was constructed in 1917 and its mission is to deliver to its residents, regardless of their ability to pay, the highest quality independent elder housing and assisted living services, professionally, compassionately, and efficiently; and to support community involvement in the Midcoast Maine area. "This is the culmination of a community working together. We've been working on this project for five years and have had tremendous support from the entire community," said Don Capoldo, Executive Director of the Plant… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/administration-agrees-extend-comment-period-new-food-safety-rules | Administration agrees to extend comment period on new food safety rules | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Comments were to end today, Congresswoman Pingree urged delay because of website problems Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to her request to extend the comment period for new proposed food safety rules that could have a big impact on small and medium sized farms. The comment period had been scheduled to close today, but FDA has agreed to extend it by a week to November 22. "I've talked to plenty of farmers and consumers who want to weigh in on these rules, but because of problems with the FDA website, somepeople haven't been able to make their voices heard," Pingree said. Pingree, along with ten of her colleagues, wrote to the FDA this week asking for a one-week extension in the comment period. Pingree has been critical of the proposed food safety rules and how they will apply to smaller, diversified farms like the ones we have in Maine. "One-size-fits-all regulations will put New England farmers out of business. The size of regulation must match the amount of risk, and the loss of hundreds of farms cannot be an unintended consequence of the food safety rules," Pingree said at an FDA hearing this summer. Go here for more information about the rules and links to submit comments. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fema-preliminary-flood-insurance-rate-maps-cumberland-and-york-counties | FEMA Preliminary flood insurance rate maps for Cumberland and York Counties | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | As part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's nationwide program to modernize Flood Insurance Rate Maps, new Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for York and Cumberland Counties were released on November 5, 2013, and are now available online. Additionally, there will be meetings with community officials and a 90-day comment/appeal period which is expected to take place over the late winter and early spring of 2014 to present and review the maps. Property owners have the right to appeal FEMA's findings concerning any changes to flood zones. Flood hazard maps, also known as Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps, indicate whether properties are in areas of high, moderate or low flood risk. Many property owners may find that their risk of flooding is higher or lower than they thought. If the risk level for a property changes, so may the requirement to carry flood insurance. To look at the new preliminary flood maps, please click here - FEMA Map Service Center. Click here for more information on Adoption of Flood Insurance Rate Maps by Participating Communities. For information on the appeal process, go here - Criteria for Appeals of Flood Insurance Rate Maps. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/uss-zumwalt-launched-bath | USS Zumwalt launched in Bath | 2013-10-28 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Christening of destroyer delayed until spring because of shutdown Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said the USS Zumwalt was launched at Bath Iron Works today. The destroyer was floated off the BIW dry dock into the Kennebec River today and was tied up at the yard while work continues to complete construction. "This is a big day for the men and women of BIW who have launched the most technologically advanced ship the Navy has ever built," Pingree said. "And they did it on time and on budget. This is another reminder of why BIW is home to the best ship builders in the world." The Zumwalt is the largest destroyer the Navy has ever built, and first in its class. The ship is innovative, featuring electric propulsion and a design that makes it hard to detect on radar. Even though the ship is bigger than previous generation destroyers, it operates with a much smallercrew of 178. Pingree says the christening, or naming ceremony, will take place in the spring. "With the government shutdown it was impossible for the Navy to do what it needed to get the Zumwalt family to Bath and put on a christening ceremony," she said. The ceremony in the spring will feature the two daughters of Admiral Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt, served on destroyers in World War II and was Chief of Naval Operations under President Nixon. "Not only did Admiral Zumwalt serve bravely in combat, but as head of the Navy he fought to allow women to serve on ships and worked to overcome racial inequality in the service," Pingree said. The Zumwalt is over 600' long, about 100' longer than the current class of destoryers. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tester-pingree-question-intelligence-director-over-security-clearance | Tester, Pingree question Intelligence Director over security clearance reversal | 2013-10-24 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Lawmakers vow to continue fighting to protect survivors of sexual assault Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) are demanding that the U.S. Director of National Intelligence once again eliminate a requirement that forces survivors of sexual assault in the military to declare whether they sought counseling for sexual trauma when applying for a security clearance. Tester and Pingree successfully overturned the policy in April after hearing from veterans and service members from Montana and Maine, but the government reversed course in the final version of the security clearance questionnaire released this summer. Before the change, job applicants seeking a security clearance had to list whether they had received mental health counseling as a result of a sexual assault, and if so, allow an investigator full access to their health records. Veterans and veterans' advocacy groups told Tester and Pingree the policy discouraged qualified service members from applying for important national security positions and discouraged them from getting the counseling they need. The Defense Department estimates that there may have been as many as 26,000 instances of unwanted sexual contact in 2012, with the vast majority of cases reported by women. We strongly urge you to reconsider this matter and reinstitute the explicit exemption for survivors of sexual assault, Tester and Pingree told Intelligence Director James Clapper. As you recognized in April, we need to do everything we can to support survivors of sexual assault not keep them from getting the care they need or jeopardizing their ability to provide for themselves and their families. Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) is grateful to Senator Tester and Congresswoman Pingree for their dedication to ensuring military sexual assault survivors' careers are not stunted or adversely affected because they sought counseling to cope with the assault, said Anu Bhagwati, SWAN executive director and former Marine Corps captain. SWAN has already he… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-votes-infrastructure-bill | Congresswoman Pingree votes for infrastructure bill | 2013-10-23 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pushed for provisions that would help small harbors get funding The US House passed a bipartisan bill tonight that allows the Army Corps of Engineers to develop dredging plans around the country. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree pushed for provisions that were included in the bill that will make it easier to get dredging approved for small harbors like those along the Maine Coast. "Small harbors have significant dredging needs keep them open for fishermen and recreation boaters and they just haven't gotten the funding they need for a long time. By putting more money into dredging overall and setting aside money specifically for small harbors it will be more likely that these harbors get the attention they need," Pingree said. Pingree had pushed for provisions that would increase funding levels for dredging and specifically to set aside a portion of that funding for use in small harbors. "Harbors like Yarmouth and Wells need dredging just as bigger harbor like Boston or New York," Pingree said. "But the current formula has meant that small harbors just never make the cut. This bill will change that." The bill, H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013, passed the House by a vote of 417-3. Pingree voted for the bill. Pingree also fought to include a provision that deauthorizes a disused navigation channel in Rockland Harbor. The location of the channel was making it difficult for marine business that supplies the local fishing industry to keep a barge tied to a pier that is used to load lobster bait. The channel couldn't be discontinued without Congressional action. The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out its missions to develop, maintain, and support the Nation's vital port and waterways infrastructure needs, and support effective and targeted flood protection and environmental restoration needs. Historically, Congress has passed such legislation every two years to provide clear direction to the Administration and the Corps, but no bill has been signed into law sinc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/major-federal-investment-coming-former-brunswick-naval-air-station | Major federal investment coming to former Brunswick Naval Air Station | 2013-10-22 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | TechPlace will provide low-cost space for start-up tech manufacturers, create hundreds of jobs Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said this morning that the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) will receive a $750,000 "Make it in America" grant to help convert a hanger at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station into a tech center that will host advanced manufacturing companies. The new facility, called TechPlace, will provide low-cost office, shop, lab and workspace for aerospace, aviation, advanced materials, renewable energy and biotechnology manufacturing. "This is exactly the kind of investment that is helping bring manufacturing jobs back to Maine and develop new industries for our state. It will give the redevelopment efforts at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station a big boost," Pingree said. "Converting this building into a tech hub will help create good-paying manufacturing jobs right here in Maine. It's a very exciting opportunity." As well as providing a low-cost space for manufacturing and technology start-ups, MRRA is working with several partnersincluding Southern Maine Community College, Coastal Counties Workforce, Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Maine Technology Instituteto offer training, supply-chain research, and technical assistance to support the developing businesses. The business incubator will help create or support an estimated 300 jobs in the Brunswick area in its first three years. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-deal-reached-end-government-shutdown-and-avoid-default | Bipartisan deal reached to end government shutdown and avoid default | 2013-10-17 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | After voting for a bill to reopen the federal government and avoid a default on the federal debt, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement: "Although I'm pleased that there was a bipartisan deal to get the government open and avoid a default on the debt, we could have voted on this same bill two weeks ago. Instead, hundreds of thousands of workers have been furloughed and many more have gone without pay. Meanwhile seniors and veterans have had to worry about getting the benefits they have earned. All of this because an extreme faction of the Republican party held the economy and the country hostage over their obsession with undermining affordable health care." "Now that we passed a bill to reopen the government and avoid a debt default, it's time for Congress to focus on what's really important to Americansjobs and the economy, and avoid any more of these manufactured crises." The bill Pingree voted for tonight includes language that requires state workers paid with federal funds who had been furloughed to receive their full pay from October 1st. In addition, the bill guarantees that states will be reimbursed if they paid the salaries of workers (who are normally paid with federal funds) who stayed on the job during the shutdown. The bill passed tonight will also provide back pay for federal workers. Pingree had previously co-sponsored a bill that would have also guaranteed back pay. That bill passed the House unanimously (407-0) but was not brought up in the Senate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/feds-agree-keep-boat-launch-cobscook-bay-open | Feds agree to keep boat launch at Cobscook Bay open | 2013-10-16 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Reps. Michaud and Pingree asked Obama Administration to make sure boat ramp remains open Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that the boat launch ramp at Cobscook Bay State Park will remain open, despite the closure of the surrounding National Wildlife Refuge as a result of the federal government shutdown. "It just didn't make sense that this boat launch be closed, so Congressman Michaud and I got in touch with the White House to try and work something out. I really appreciate that officials at US Fish and Wildlife agreed that the boat launch could stay open and we resolved this situation. I'm hopeful we get a deal to open the entire government today but in the meantime at least those fishermen in Washington County who use this facility will still have access to the water," Pingree said. The boat ramp is near Cobscook Bay State Park, but the park and boat launch are on land owned by the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge has been closed during the government shutdown. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norwegian-energy-company-pulling-out-proposed-offshore-wind-power | Norwegian energy company pulling out of proposed offshore wind power project in Maine | 2013-10-15 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement after the Norwegian energy company Statoil announced they are pulling out of a proposed offshore wind power project in Maine. "It's extremely disappointing to hear that Statoil is pulling the plug on what would have been a multi-million dollar investment in our state. It's unfortunate that this major international company was made to feel unwelcome in Maine and I'm hopeful that this won't be a major setback in the future development of a new offshore wind industry in our state. The University of Maine has a strong record on clean energy technologies, and I'm optimistic that their continued efforts can help make great progress in establishing Maine as a real leader in the renewable energy sector." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-proposal-limit-subsidies-rich-farmers-moves-forward | Pingree proposal to limit subsidies to rich farmers moves forward | 2013-10-12 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congress takes up reauthorization of major farm programs that expired October 1 As Congress debates measures that will end the government shutdown, the House and Senate are also negotiating a Farm Bill--a major piece of legislation that would set the nation's farm policy for the next five years. The current Farm Bill expired on October 1st and House and Senate negotiators will be working next week on a new version of the bill that they hope to pass and send to President Obama. In a vote last night, the House endorsed a proposal originally submitted by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree that would limit crop subsidies for farmers who have an adjusted gross income ofover $750,000 a year. "The whole idea of crop subsidies was to help struggling farm families make it through difficult years but the program has turned into a windfall for big, wealthy agribusinesses. There is no justification for sending big premium subsidy checks to farmers making three quarters of a million dollars a year," Pingree said. "There are better ways to help farmers get through tough times." Video of Pingree speaking on the floor of the US House last night in support of the bill Pingree's proposal to limit crop insurance subsidies to the wealthiest producers first surfaced in an amendment that she sponsored along with Republican Congressman Richard Hanna of NY. Today the House unanimously endorsed that proposal as negotiators began the process of finalizing the Farm Bill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/government-shutdown-cancels-public-christening-destroyer-biw | Government shutdown cancels public christening of destroyer at BIW | 2013-10-11 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | USS Zumwalt was scheduled for christening next weekend Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that the Navy has informed her they are delaying the christening of the USS Zumwalt at Bath Iron Works. The christening ceremony had been scheduled for October 19. "The christeing of the Zumwalt is a big deal, but the government shutdown just made it impossible for the Navy to pull off the ceremony next weekend," Pingree said. "Obviously it will be rescheduled but it is a bit of a disappointment for the men and women at BIW who have worked so long and so hard to get the Zumwalt ready for launch and were undoubtedly looking forward to the christening ceremony." The ship is expected to be launched on schedule without a public ceremony, and an in-water christening ceremony will be scheduled for a future date. The USS Zumwalt is the first of the Navy's next generation destroyers, and has beenunder construction at BIW since early 2009. The christening, or naming ceremony, was to take place the morning of October 19. After the ceremony is completed the ship is slowly floated in the Kennebec River. "This is an inconvenience and a disappointment but is also another example of how the government shutdown is impacting Maine," Pingree said. "The shutdown is having a real effect on our economy through layoffs, a decline in tourism, a cutback in small business lending and in countless other ways." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-says-nearly-10000-va-workers-furloughed-starting-today | Pingree says nearly 10,000 VA workers furloughed starting today | 2013-10-08 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Veterans likely to see delays in processing of benefits if shutdown doesn't end soon Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said this morning 9,800 workers from the Department of Veterans Affairs have been sent home as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. "The shutdown has already slowed down the claims process and these furloughs can only make things worse. For veterans who have been waiting months or even years for the benefits they deserve, that's outrageous," Pingree said. The furloughs mean that local offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration will be closed to the publicalthough offices and employees involved in medical care will remain open and on the job. Also, the national benefits processing centers and their toll-free numbers will continue to operate. (800-827-1000) "This is the latest example of the real pain that the shutdown is causing to families all across the country," Pingree said. "It's outrageous that Republican leaders are keeping the government closed because of their obsession with repealing the Affordable Care Act, and now veterans are paying the price." The House passed a VA spending bill earlier this year on a bipartisan basis but then last week passed another stop-gap spending bill that cut the VA's budget by $6 billion. Pingree opposed those cuts. Pingree said she is also concerned about what could happen to VA benefits if the shutdown continues. "The VA has made it clear that if the shutdown goes into late October there could be a delay in disability payments," Pingree said. "That would be a real hardship for veterans and their families." The furloughs announced today include 7,000 workers at the VA's benefits division and about 2,800 in the Office of Information Technology, which is playing a key part in addressing the backlog in VA claims. Here in Maine, the regional benefits office is located at Togus. "Not only is this a hardship for veterans, but also for the men and women at the VA who work every day to process claims for our veterans," Pingree said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bill-provide-back-pay-public-employees-passes-house | Bill to provide back pay for public employees passes House | 2013-10-05 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Pingree co-sponsored bill that would employees furloughed during shutdown A bill co-sponsored by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree that would provide back pay for federal employees furloughed during the government shutdown passed the House this morning. "There are thousands of public employees in Maine who have been furloughed because of the government shutdown. They have mortgage and car payments to make, groceries to buy and bills that need to be paid, but through no fault of their own they have been put out of work," Pingree said. "When the government shutdown is over they deserve their back pay. They shouldn't have to pay the price for the inability of Congress to keep the government open." The bill, the "Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act" (H.R. 3223), ensures all federal employees receive retroactive pay for the duration of a federal government shutdown. The bill now goes to the Senate. President Obama has indicated he will sign the bill. Pingree said this bill is an important protection for public workers, but it's even more important for Congress to pass a spending bill to reopen the government. "We could reopen the government this afternoon if Republican leaders would just allow us to vote on a spending bill. The Senate has already passed it, the President will sign it and the votes are there in the House, but they just won't let us take that vote," Pingree said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shooting-incident-outside-us-capitol | Shooting incident outside the U.S. Capitol | 2013-10-03 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement after a shooting incident outside the US Capitol. "The Capitol Police and the Secret Service reacted swiftly and professionally to contain the situation and we are grateful that they were able to keep the public safe. My thoughts and prayers are with the officer who was injured during the incident." "Although my staff was not in danger during this incident, being told to lock down inside an office and stay away from windows while a shooting situation unfolds outside is traumatizing. I'm once again grateful for their dedication and professionalism." Pingree had just voted in the Capitol and was not in the immediate area of the shooting when it occurred. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/government-moves-closer-shutdown | Government moves closer to shutdown | 2013-09-29 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement after House Republicans pushed through a government funding bill that included provisions intended to undermine Obamacare early this morning. "This was a reckless and irresponsible move on the part of House Republicans that has taken us one step closer to a government shutdown. We spent a year debating Obamacare, fought two presidential elections over it and the Supreme Court ruled on it. It's the law of the land but the Tea Party cannot let go of its obsession with repealing it and have put their radical ideology and their hate for President Obama ahead of the needs of the country." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-visits-preble-street-resource-center-meet | Congresswoman Pingree visits Preble Street Resource Center to meet constituents affected by sequestration | 2013-09-25 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Indiscriminate federal cuts mean fewer homeless individuals can make it off the streets Congresswoman Chellie Pingree met with several homeless individuals today whose access to housing vouchers has been jeopardized or already lost due to indiscriminate federal cuts known as the sequester. The meeting took place at Preble Street Resource Center, which has been working with the Portland Housing Authority to distribute housing assistance to the chronically homeless. Forty people were originally in the programit has been cut to 20 because of the lack of funding sequester has created. "The stories I heard today show how important housing programs are to helping people get back on their feet, hold down a job, and keep their families together," Pingree said. "It's absolutely heartbreaking that Congress is closing the path out of homelessness for Mainers like Everett and Sam because it won't do its job." (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); "In the budget debates that have been going on, Republicans are more concerned with their obsession over repealing health care than reaching a responsible budget that meets the needs of the country and its people," Pingree said. "And housing is just one piece. Everything from shipbuilding contracts for BIW to our children's enrollment in Head Start has been threatened by these across-the-board cuts." Here are some of the individuals whom Chellie met, along with their stories. Tabitha: having access to housing vouchers has meant that she can be reunited with her two children. She currently works two jobs. Everett: a disabled man who has been homeless off and on since he was 15. He has been placed on a waiting list for a voucher. Sam: has been able to get a housing voucher but could lose it if he can't find an apartment in the next 30 days. He has been … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-terrorist-attack-kenya | Statement on terrorist attack in Kenya | 2013-09-23 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | The attack on a shopping mall in Nairobi is a brutal act of terrorism and my heart goes out to the people of Kenya and all the victims of the attack. Those responsible should be brought to justice swiftly. We have all heard reports that one of the terrorists may have connections to Portland, but it's important not to jump to conclusions or assume the reports are necessarily true. And whether or not the reports are true, we should not forget the many positive contributions the Somali community has made to our state, and we should continue to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Pingree has been in touch with the FBI, State Department, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice as she follows the situation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-votes-against-republican-bill-would-double-down-harmful | Pingree votes against Republican bill that would double down on harmful sequester cuts | 2013-09-20 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voted against a Republican bill that would extend damaging sequester cuts, threaten the economy and defund health care reform. "We can see the effects of the sequester already in Maine on seniors, children and working families. If these indiscriminate budget cuts continue, it will threaten shipbuilding at BIW and the shipyard in Kittery and will cost this country over a million and a half jobs," Pingree said. "But instead of focusing on creating jobs, this bill doubles down on the sequester and makes it permanent at least through the end of this year." According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, if the sequester is kept in place through next year it will eliminate 1.6 million jobs nationwide. The bill Pingree opposed today also included a provision to defund health care reform, just days before health care exchanges around the country are set to start signing up millions of people in new health insurance programs. "Health care reform was debated in two presidential elections, in Congress and at the Supreme Court. And it's the law of the land, but Tea Party Republicans can't seem to let go of their obsession with repealing and undermining it," Pingree said. "And now they are holding the economy hostage to try and get what they want." The bill, which passed the House by a vote of 230-189, now goes to the Senate. Senate leaders and President Obama have made it clear they will not support a repeal of health care reform, so the House will have to vote again next week on another bill to keep the government from shutting down on October 1st. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-praise-nomination-jon-levy-district-court-judge | Michaud & Pingree Praise Nomination of Jon Levy for District Court Judge | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Michaud, Pingree and King forwarded name to White House WASHINGTON, DC Today, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree praised the White House announcement that President Obama has nominated Justice Jon Levy of Maine to be a District Court Judge in the District of Maine to replace the Honorable George Z. Singal, who took senior status on July 31st. Additional biographical information provided by the White House on Justice Levy can be found below. "The diverse screening panel we convened did a thorough job, and we're pleased that the President has chosen one of the names we forwarded to him for consideration. All three of the candidates we recommended to the White House have extraordinary legal backgrounds. Jon Levy is extremely well qualified to follow in the respected tradition of Judge George Signal, and we're hopeful the Senate will move forward with the confirmation process as soon as possible," said Michaud and Pingree. In February, Michaud, Pingree and Senator Angus King formed a judicial screening panel that interviewed fourteen applicants for the judgeship vacancy. This process led to three recommendations: Jon Levy, an Associate Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in Portland; William Robitzek, an attorney with Berman & Simmons in Lewiston; and Jeffrey Young, an attorney with McTeague Higbee in Topsham. On March 20th, Michaud, Pingree and King forwarded the three names to the White House. The full text of the letter they sent to President Obama can be found here. Justice Jon David Levy: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maine Justice Jon David Levy has been an Associate Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court since 2002. Justice Levy previously served as a Maine District Court Judge from 1995 to 2002, during which time he served as Deputy Chief Judge from 2000 to 2001 and Chief Judge from 2001 to 2002. Prior to joining the bench, Justice Levy worked in private practice in York, Maine from 1983 to 1995. From 1981 to 1982, he was appointed by Judge Wi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-vote-against-drastic-food-stamp-cuts | Pingree to vote against drastic food stamp cuts | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree had harsh words today for a Republican proposal to slash $40 billion from the SNAP program (formerly known as food stamps). The U.S. House is expected to vote on the proposal late this afternoon. "The average family in Maine on food stamps gets less than $1.50 per person to spend on a meal. But somehow the Republicans think the program is too generous and they want to slash it. These cuts would mean kids, seniors and veterans would go hungry," Pingree said. In Maine, the average SNAP benefit is about $125 per month. According to a 2012 Gallup poll, the average American spends $150 per week on food. Nationally, 900,000 veterans get SNAP benefits, but an estimated 170,000 would lose those benefits under theRepublican plan. Altogether an estimated 4 million people would lose benefits. "The Republicans say private charities will pick up the slack but they've already done everything they can do. In Portland, Preble Street has seen demand at their soup kitchen jump by 60% in the last three years. They are already serving over 1,000 meals every day to people who are out of work or can't afford to feed their families even with their jobs," Pingree said. "If SNAP cuts send more people to soup kitchen, I just don't know where the money is going to come from to feed them." Just over 250,000 people get SNAP benefits in Maineabout 1 in 5 residents. Two-thirds of the families getting benefits have children and half have at least one person working full time. More statistics on SNAP benefits in Maine are available here and here. House Republicans have introduced a bill this week to cut $40 billion in food stamp benefits, which would force 4 million people off the program next year, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Traditionally the SNAP program has been part of the Farm Bill, but this year House Republicans split the Farm Bill into two pieces. The first part of the bill was passed earlier this year, but conservatives have been opposing the portion containing the SNAP progra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-england-delegation-sends-letter-epa-opposing-changes-clean-air | New England Delegation Sends Letter to EPA Opposing Changes to Clean Air Funding | 2013-09-18 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC All 20 of New England's Representatives in the U.S. House sent a letter to Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, expressing their concern that proposed funding changes to clean air programs would have a negative impact on the region. "Given New England's long established history of working to provide its citizens with clean air and a healthy environment, we are concerned that the proposed changes would undermine these accomplishments," the letter reads. In June, the EPA announced changes to the way the agency plans to distribute air quality funds. These revisions would reduce New England's funding in order to send money to other regions that have not done as much to improve air quality. If fully implemented, these changes could decrease New England's funding by 30%-40%, forcing state governments to make up the difference. In addition, other proposed changes would require more matching funds from states to support programs aimed at monitoring air quality. This would create a substantial burden on New England and could cripple the monitoring programs these states use to keep their air clean. "We strongly encourage you to ensure that the air quality programs in New England are at least level funded by the EPA through FY 2014," the delegation wrote. The letter was organized by Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and was signed by Representatives Capuano, Cicilline, Courtney, DeLauro, Esty, Himes, Keating, Kennedy III, Kuster, Langevin, Larson, Lynch, McGovern, Michaud, Neal, Pingree, Shea-Porter, Tierney, Tsongas, and Welch. Full text of the letter can be found below. +++ September 17, 2013 The Honorable Gina McCarthy Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460 Dear Administrator McCarthy: We write to you today because it has been brought to our attention that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to implement a new funding formula for federal air quality programs that may have a significant negative imp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/proposed-cuts-food-stamp-program-outrageous | Proposed cuts to food stamp program 'outrageous' | 2013-09-18 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Pingree to oppose drastic cuts; one in five people in Maine currently getting assistance Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that big cuts to SNAP benefits (formerly the food stamp program) would have a drastic impact on thousands of working Maine families. Pingree says she'll vote against a proposed $40 billion cut to the program later this week. "These cuts would hurt seniors, children and working families who struggle to pay the bills and put food on the table. Already the average recipients only gets less than $1.50 per meal from SNAPit's outrageous that the Republicans think there is some room to cut further. It just can't be done without making people go hungry," Pingree said. Just over 250,000 people get SNAP benefits in Maineabout 1 in 5 residents. Two-thirds of the families getting benefits have children and half have at least one person working full time. "The Republicans want to change the rules to encourages to state to kick families off food stampsit actually gives states a big financial incentive by telling them they can keep half of the benefits of every family they kick out of the program," Pingree said. "That's the wrong message to send to state governments." House Republicans have introduced a bill this week to cut $40 billion in food stamp benefits, which would force 4 million people off the program next year, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Traditionally the SNAP program has been part of the Farm Bill, but this year House Republicans split the Farm Bill into two pieces. The first part of the bill was passed earlier this year, but conservatives have been opposing the portion containing the SNAP program because the cuts haven't been drastic enough. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stop-slashing-snap | Stop Slashing SNAP | 2013-09-17 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | This week, Republicans are proposing an additional $40 billion in cuts to SNAP benefits, the critical program that helps millions of Americans put food on the table and generates huge returns for economic growth. Graphic courtesy of the Center for American Progress. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-about-washington-dc-shooting | Statement about Washington, DC shooting | 2013-09-16 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement about the mass shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC. It is sad and tragic that we once again find ourselves trying to grapple with another mass shooting. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the survivors. This tragic and senseless loss of life isonly made worse by the fact that it appears at least some of the victims were serving the country in uniform. Although we may learn more details about the shooting and the motives behind it in the days ahead, thebigger question is what can we do to bring an end to these senseless acts of violence in the future. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-and-russia-reach-agreement-chemical-weapons-syria | US and Russia reach agreement on chemical weapons in Syria | 2013-09-14 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the US-Russian agreement on chemical weapons in Syria. Pingree has opposed military intervention in Syria. "This diplomatic solution may accomplish what military intervention never would have: the complete destruction of Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons. I congratulate Secretary Kerry and the Obama Administration on this major diplomatic achievement.." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-gives-national-address-syria | President gives national address on Syria | 2013-09-11 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement in reaction to President Obama's address to the nation tonight: "It was important that the President took the time to lay out his case to the American public tonight as well as asking the Congress to delay any votes. But, I continue to believe that military intervention in Syria is not in the best interest of the United States and nothing I heard tonight changes my view of that. I am encouraged by the proposal to put Syria's chemical weapons under international control, so they can be secured and destroyed. I continue to believe that an international, diplomatic solution and not a military intervention, is the best response to the threat posed by these weapons." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-about-developments-syria-situation | Statement about developments in Syria situation | 2013-09-10 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statementabout a proposal to put Syria's chemical weapons under international control. The proposal to put Syria's chemical weapons under international control is a potentially positive development that could avoid US military intervention and guarantee that those weapons are secured and destroyed. The calls I am getting from my constituents continue to be overwhelmingly opposed to military intervention and I think we would all rather see a diplomatic solution to the crisis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/summer-snapshots | Summer snapshots | 2013-09-10 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | 2 Portland Fish Pier, Suite 304 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brunswick-airport-get-11-million-create-general-aviation-terminal | Brunswick airport to get $1.1 million to create general aviation terminal | 2013-08-30 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA)the agency that is redeveloping the former Brunswick Naval Air Stationwill be getting $1.1 million to help renovate a former Navy Air Operations Center and turn it into a general aviation terminal. "This federal funding helps move the Brunswick Executive Airport one more step forward toward becoming a full service general aviation airport," Pingree said. "Replacing the economic impact that the BNAS had on the area will take time, but MRRA has been doing a great job with that transition and this federal grant helps them with their long term redevelopment plans." The general aviation terminal will provide passenger waiting space, pilot planning areas and a facility for a fixed base operator (FBO) to do business. (FBOs typically sell fuel, provide aircraft maintenance, flight instruction or other aviation-related services.) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-tidal-power-company-getting-nearly-5-million-federal-grants | Maine tidal power company getting nearly $5 million in federal grants | 2013-08-29 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today announced a major new federal investment in clean energy in Maine. The Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) in Portland has won two Department of Energy grants for a total of nearly $5 million to help them further developtheir tidal power technology. "This was a highly competitive grant program. The fact that ORPC won 2 of the 17 awards is an indication of how successful their technology is. This funding will help Maine continue to be a leader in developing new sources of clean energy that create good paying jobs right here at home," Pingree said. Chris Sauer, President of ORPC, said these grants will help the company further develop their technology. "We've proven the technology but this federal investment will give us the boost we need to take it to the next level. And it's going to mean more jobs and investment in Maine," Sauer said. ORPC became the first company to connect tidal power generators to the electric grid with a project currently underway near Eastport. One of the DOE grants for $1.9 million will help ORPC develop new ways to monitor tidal current and develop new ways to get more energy out of that current. The other grant for $3 million will help them study the components that convert water currents into electricity and develop more efficient equipment that can be used in tidal, wave and river current generators. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/444600-announced-federal-grants-brunswick-executive-airport | $444,600 announced in federal grants for Brunswick Executive Airport | 2013-08-27 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) would receive $444,600 to make improvements at the Brunswick Executive Airport, located on the site of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. "Converting and improving facilities at the former base so they can be used by Brunswick Executive Airport is a crucial step in the site's redevelopment," said Pingree. "I'm glad MRRA will be able to use these funds to support the airport's growth and competitiveness. In only two years since the base's closure, new businesses at the redeveloped site have created over 200 jobs and are poised to hire hundreds more. It's important that we keep that momentum going with this investment." MRRA is receiving three grants from the Department of Transportation's Military Airport Program: $189,510 for repairing the roof on Hangar 5; $181,350 for designing a snow removal equipment building; and $73,800 to design improvements to the airport's drainage system to handle storm-water runoff. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-announce-funding-local-first-responders-prepare-oil-and | Michaud, Pingree announce funding for local first responders to prepare for oil and chemical spills | 2013-08-26 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree said today that the federal government is making over $137,000 available to local first responders to help them better prepare for accidents involving oil or chemical spills. "The recent disaster just across the border in Quebec is a stark reminder of the need for communities to be prepared to deal with a hazardous material spill. If an accident happens, it's the local first responders who are called on to minimize the damage and keep the public safe, and the more training they have the betterable they are to do that important job," Michaud said. "Local budgets are tight and this funding helps first responders get the training they need without asking local taxpayers to foot the bill," Pingree said. "All of this funding comes from fees paid by hazmat shippers who move oil or chemicals through our state." The funding comes from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration, and is entirely from registration fees paid by hazmat shippers. Local communities that wish to apply for funding should contact the Maine Emergency Management Agency. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-welcome-strongly-worded-letter-montreal-maine-and | Michaud, Pingree welcome strongly worded letter to Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway | 2013-08-22 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree praised Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Joseph Szabo for sending a strongly worded letter to the president of Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway encouraging the company to change their operating procedures to use two-person crews in the United States. The company previously announced that they were making that change only in Canada. "We agree with Administrator Szaboit makes no sense to put two-person crews on trains operating in Canada and not in the United States. All of the communities that their trains pass through deserve the same protection that comes from increasing crew size," said Michaud and Pingree. In the letter to MM&A President Ed Burkhardt, Szabo wrote, "I was shocked to see that you changed your operating procedures to use two-person train crews in Canada, but not the United States. Because the risk associated with this accident also exists in the United States, it is my expectation that the same safety procedures will apply to your operations here." On August 2nd, Michaud introduced "The Safe Freight Act," a bill that requires a minimum of two-person crews for freight trains. Pingree is an original cosponsor of the legislation. Following the rail accident in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, Canada issued an emergency directive implementing several safety enhancements, including requiring a minimum of two-person crews for trains carrying hazardous materials. While no such requirement exists in the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation recentlyannounced support for multiple person crews, and theFRA's Railroad Safety Advisory Committee will examine the issue later this month. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-testifies-hearing-food-safety-rules | Pingree testifies at hearing on food safety rules | 2013-08-19 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Tells top Obama Administration official 'one-size-fits-all' rules will put farmers out of business At a public hearing in Augusta today attended by over 150 people, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree urged a top Obama Administration official to create food safety rules that don't place an unnecessary burden on smaller farmers that grow a variety of crops. "One-size-fits-all regulations will put New England farmers out of business. The size of regulation must match the amount of risk, and the loss of hundreds of farms cannot be an unintended consequence of the food safety rules," Pingree said. The hearing featured Michael Taylor, the Deputy Commissioner for Food Safety at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who agreed to come to Maine to hold a listening session with farmers and producers. At issue are new rules that the FDA will issue as a result of a new food safety law passed by Congress. While Pingree said food safety standards are critically important, they shouldn't result in rules that put farmers out of business. Pingree cautioned Taylor not to make smaller farmers follow the same rules designed to regulate large, single crop farms. "These are not factory farms, or single commodity operations, they are family run, diversified farms. They are diversified because that has traditionally been the most successful way to yield even amodest profit that is what enables them to stay on the land for another generation," Pingree said. "I remain very concerned about the impact of the rules on small producers and processors." The FDA estimates that a medium-sized farm with annual gross sales of $250,000 to $500,000 would spend $13,000 a year in compliance costs. For farms with sales over $500,000 that cost jumps to over $30,000 a year. "Let me be clear: for operations of that scale, these additional costs will put farms and processors out of business, and it will permanently change the landscape in states like Maine," Pingree said. Officials heard testimony today on two propos… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-decision-navy-not-repair-uss-miami | Statement on decision by Navy not to repair USS Miami | 2013-08-06 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement tonight on the decision by the Navy not to repair the USS Miami, the submarine damaged in a fire at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in May, 2012. "I am deeply disappointed by the decision not to repair the Miami. I had a long conversation with Admiral Hilarides this afternoon and he made it very clear that both the deep budget cuts and the uncertainty caused by the sequester had a significant impact on that decision. It is shameful that this ill-conceived law has contributed to the loss of work at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. I know the men and women at the yard in Kittery would have not only repaired the Miami but made it better than it was before the fire. They deserved the chance to do that work and the Navy needed that ship. It's outrageous that that the yard won't get the chance to put the Miami back in service because of sequestration." Hilarides is the Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command and oversees the Navy's workforce. Pingree voted against the Budget Control Act, which created the sequester mechanism. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/national-farmers-market-week-aug-4-10 | National Farmers Market week, Aug. 4-10 | 2013-08-05 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Sunday, August 4, to Saturday, August 10, is National Farmers Market Week. In Maine, we are lucky to have dozens of markets around the state where local farmers can sell healthy foods and products directly to consumers. The markets not only offer tasty food, but a fun experience and the satisfaction of seeing exactly who is producing what you and your family eat. To find the market nearest you, go tohttp://www.mainefarmersmarkets.org/shoppers/ Chellie's tour of her local farmers market For information on Congresswoman Pingree's legislative efforts to support farmers markets and other local food efforts, go to pingree.house.gov/localfood. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/contract-awarded-portland-harbor-dredge | Contract awarded for Portland Harbor dredge | 2013-08-02 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a contract for the dredging of Portland Harbor. "With so many large ships coming in and out of Portland, it's absolutely critical to have a navigable harbor," said Pingree. "The cruise ships, tankers, fishing boats, cargo freighters, and more that bring millions of dollars into the local economy every year depend on a deep port. I'm glad this project can move forward so we can maintain the channel and keep our waterfront working." "This step forward is welcome news," stated Portland Mayor Michael Brennan. "Just like our roads, bridges, and rail lines, the shipping channel through the Portland Harbor is a critical component of our transportation infrastructure and supports our regional economy. Thanks to our federal partners, this planned dredging will ensure that our port is navigable for many years to come, even for the largest ships sailing the seas." The contract was awarded to Cashman Dredging and Marine Contracting Company in Quincy, Massachusetts, for $9,231,250. Work is expected to be completed by March 15, 2014. The Army Corps estimates that the maintenance dredge will remove about 700,000 cubic yards of materials from the 35-foot-deep channel. The channel was last maintained in 1999. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-cosponsors-bill-requiring-two-person-train-crews | Pingree Cosponsors Bill Requiring Two-Person Train Crews | 2013-08-02 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Representative Mike Michaud introduced "The Safe Freight Act," a bill requiring a minimum of two-person crews for freight trains. Representative Chellie Pingree is an original cosponsor of the bill. Following the rail accident in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, Canada recently issued an emergency directive implementing several safety enhancements, including requiring a minimum of two-person crews for trains carrying hazardous materials. However, no such requirement exists in the United States. "After meeting with federal agencies and hearing from Mainers and experienced train operators, it's clear to me that there is a significant safety advantage in having two or more people operating a freight train," said Michaud. "Trains can be a mile or more long and carry volatile shipments such as ethanol and oil. With a single person crew, what if the operator suffers a heart attack or another health related problem? What if there is an accident and the operator is unable to perform his or her duties? I'd hope technological backups would work, but to me it's commonsense that having another person on that train is going to be better than just one." "This legislation is a good first step in addressing some of the safety concerns that we have heard in meetings with officials since the tragedy in Lac-Megantic," said Pingree. "With freight trains' potentially hazardous cargo and sheer size, it makes sense on many levels to have at least two people on a crew at all times. Having only one person onboard who is responsible for a train's safe operation simply allows too much room for errors to go uncorrected." Over the last three weeks, Michaud and Pingree have met with the heads of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) following their request for a safety review of Maine's rail infrastructure in the wake of the Lac-Megantic tragedy. After hearing the serious safety concerns raised by the NTSB over D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-urges-veterans-take-advantage-free-legal-clinic | Pingree urges veterans to take advantage of free legal clinic | 2013-08-01 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree urged veterans in southern Maine who need help with VA forms and appeals to take advantage of a free legal clinic this Saturday at the Portland Public Library. The clinic will be staffed with volunteer lawyers and will run from 10 am 2 pm. No appointment is necessary. "Unfortunately, navigating the system of veterans benefits can be daunting and sometimes some good legal advice is necessary. And some veterans give up in the face of that complicated system. I'm hoping that veterans who are hesitant to apply, have had a claim denied, have a complexclaim or just need a little advice will take advantage of the clinic," Pingree said. The clinic is being put on by the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project, Pine Tree Legal Assistance and the Maine Commission for Community Service. Pingree urged veterans who take advantage of the clinic to bring their DD214 and any VA correspondence they have. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-reports-republican-food-stamp-cuts | Statement on reports of Republican food stamp cuts | 2013-08-01 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on reports that a Republican working group led by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor has come to an agreement to propose $40 billion in cuts to SNAP (formerly the food stamp program). According to reports, Republicans plan to put that proposal up for a vote in the House next month. "This is an outrageous and offensive proposal that would have a devastating impact on million of Americans. Too many people are still struggling to make ends meet in this economy and for many of them SNAP benefits are the only way they can put food on the table every day. The Republicans already tried to cut $20 billion in benefits for hungry Americans and that couldn'tpass the House. It's disappointing that they seem to think the only way to pass a SNAP bill is to double down on slashing benefits." A recent report found over 5 million would lose SNAP benefits under the previous Republican proposal, which called for $20 billion in cuts. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/federal-agencies-review-hazmat-rail-rules | Federal Agencies to Review Hazmat Rail Rules | 2013-07-31 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Michaud, Pingree meet with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration WASHINGTON, DC Today, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree met with Cynthia Quarterman, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). In addition to PHMSA, Michaud and Pingree have also met with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) following their request for a safety review earlier this month in the wake of the Lac-Megantic rail accident. After hearing the serious safety concerns raised by the NTSB over DOT-111 tanker cars, which were among the ruptured cars in the Quebec tragedy, Michaud and Pingree encouraged PHMSA to issue a new rule enhancing the design of these cars as soon as possible. "After the accident in Quebec, there have been a number of safety concerns raisedboth specifically in response to it and others that are longstanding. While it is still too early in the investigation to determine exactly how this tragedy could have been prevented, the design flaws of DOT-111 tank cars are well documented. We appreciate the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's efforts to advance a rule to update the design of these cars, but progress is frustratingly slow given the initial delay. The federal rulemaking process is a cumbersome one, but we need to avoid any further delays, especially given the exponential growth of hazardous material shipments. Whether its oil, ethanol, or some other hazardous material travelling on our nation's tracks, the American people deserve to know that these shipments are being carried in tanker cars that are designed to the highest safety standards," said Michaud and Pingree. Last night, the FRA joined PHMSA in announcing a public meeting to review federal regulations that apply to the transportation of hazardous materials by rail. According to the agencies, in an effort to continually improve hazardous materials safety, they are seeking input from stakeholders and intereste… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-announces-11-million-portland-fire-department | Pingree announces $1.1 million for Portland Fire Department | 2013-07-30 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that Portland would receive a federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant for $1,111,188 to fund firefighter positions on its special hazards response team. "With municipal budgets tightening across the country, the SAFER program is critical in helping cities and towns keep their communities safe," said Pingree. "I'm glad the Portland Fire Department will be able to meet its staffing needs without adding an extra burden on local taxpayers. The highly trained team this grant supports is critical to protecting Portland residents and businesses in especially unique and challenging emergencies." The grant will fund firefighter positions on the department's Rescue 1 apparatus, which responds to confined space fires, hazardous material emergencies, and other special hazards. It is the second time the city has received the grant for these positions. "During these challenging budget years, federal support through the COPS and SAFER grants have been a real lifeline for the community as they have helped Portland maintain critical public safety services. We are incredibly appreciative of our Congressional Delegation's support and advocacy for these programs," said Portland City Manager Mark Rees. "Today's announcement is welcome news not only for the financial relief it will provide the city this year, but also for the opportunity it presents the Fire Department in their continuing effort to provide highly skilled and specialized emergency response to the region." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-meet-ntsb-chairman-rail-safety | Michaud, Pingree Meet with NTSB Chairman on Rail Safety | 2013-07-24 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Today, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree met with Deborah Hersman, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency with responsibility for investigating transportation accidents; conducting transportation safety studies; issuing safety recommendations; aiding victim's families in aviation disasters; and promoting transportation safety. Today, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree met with Deborah Hersman, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency with responsibility for investigating transportation accidents; conducting transportation safety studies; issuing safety recommendations; aiding victim's families in aviation disasters; and promoting transportation safety. On July 11th, Michaud and Pingree sent a letter to the NTSB, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in the wake of the Lac-Megantic rail accident. They met with the FRA last week and will be receiving periodic updates from the agency on the progress of its inspections in Maine. In addition to the meeting today, Michaud and Pingree also received a letter from NTSB formally responding to their inquiry. In the meeting and the letter Chairman Hersman highlighted the agency's cooperation with Canada's Transportation Safety Board as well as their safety concerns with DOT-111 tank cars, which were among the ruptured cars in the Quebec tragedy. "We appreciate the responsiveness of the NTSB and all they are doing to help their Canadian counterparts put together the pieces in the aftermath of this tragedy," said Michaud and Pingree after today's meeting. "We need to get to the bottom of exactly what happened in order to truly prevent such an accident from happening here in Maine. Weshare Chairman Hersman's concerns over DOT-111 design flaws, and we call on the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to issue a new rule enhancing the design o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-airports-getting-over-2-million-buy-snow-removal-equipment-and | Maine airports getting over $2 million to buy snow removal equipment and improve facilities | 2013-07-23 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Federal grants will help Portland and Rockland airports keep runways open during storms Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said this morning that two airports in Maine will be getting a total of $2.2 million in federal investment to buy snow removal equipment at the Portland International Jetport and Knox County Regional Airport in Owls Head, as well as to install a perimeter fence around the Knox County Airport to keep wildlife off the runways. "Maine airports are used to dealing with snow and ice storms and they do a good job keeping runways open during winter storms, but snow removal equipment is expensive and this federal funding will help these twoairports acquire up-to-date equipment," Pingree said. Jetport Manager Paul Bradbury said two of the sweepers the airport currently has are nearly twenty years old. "These are massive pieces of equipment that are in near-continuous operation from the time the first snowflake falls," Bradbury said. "Replacing these sweepers will allow us to be more efficient and maintain our reputation forstaying open even during severe winter storms." The grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will provide approximately $1.4 million to the Portland International Jetport to buy two front-end loaders, two snowplows and a snow sweeper vehicle. Grants to the Owls Head Airport total about $850,000 and will fund the purchase of a new plow truck; however, the majority of that grant will pay for a perimeter fence around the airport to keep wildlife off runways. The airport has needed a fence for sometime, said Jeff Northgraves, manager of the Knox County Regional Airport, but recently wildlife activity has increased. "In the last few years, we've had more instances of animal versus aircraft. There hasn't between any serious damage to aircraft but this is clearly something that will improve safety at the airport," Northgraves said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-meet-federal-railroad-administration-washington | Michaud, Pingree Meet with Federal Railroad Administration in Washington | 2013-07-18 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Today, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree met with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Joseph Szabo in Michaud's Washington office. In a July 11th letter, Pingree and Michaud requested that the federal government review Maine's rail infrastructure. FRA has since announced that it will conduct inspections in Maine and New England. Today's meeting was a chance for Michaud and Pingree to hear directly from FRA on their plans and to stress the importance of ensuring Maine's rail infrastructure is safe. "I want to commend the FRA and Administrator Szabo for their responsiveness and collaboration since the explosion. Following the incident and our request letter, they immediately took action to conduct thorough safety reviews of rail operations in Maine. Those inspections are expected to continue throughout the summer and will help to identify and correct any deficiencies found. We all want immediate answers, but we need to allow investigators time to do their jobs. Canadian crews continue to do all they can to sift through and clean up the wreckage, and they are still working to locate and identify victims," said Michaud, a member of the Railroad Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "I appreciate Administrator Szabo providing us an update on FRA's efforts in Maine," Michaud continued. "They are conducting a thorough review of the rail operations in Maine, including operating practices, equipment, signal and train control, hazardous materials, and the track itself. While those inspections will take some time, I look forward to reviewing FRA's findings once they are complete." "I know that federal authorities have been doing regular inspections but we need more than thata comprehensive, top to bottom review of the entire system to see where the vulnerabilities are and how safe it is to transport oil by rail through Maine. It was good to talk to Administrator Szabo face to face about that today, and I know he got the message that we really need a thorough s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pingree.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1057:affordable-care-act-resources&catid=3:issues&Itemid=97 | Affordable Care Act Resources | 2013-07-17 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) advocated today for increased federal resources to help states preserve their working waterfronts at a hearing on her bipartisan bill, HR 1176, the Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act. The hearing was held by the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-death-amanda-rowe | Pingree statement on death of Amanda Rowe | 2013-07-16 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on Amanda Rowe, the wife of former Maine Attorney General Steve Rowe. She passed away Sunday at the age of 58 after a long struggle with breast cancer. "I'm terribly saddened by the passing of Amanda Rowe, whom I've always admired for her strength, passion, and tireless devotion to the health of our children. Whether battling breast cancer or advocating for the best interests of our kids, she never shied away from a fight. We all have something to learn from that kind of resolve and conviction. We've lost Amanda much too early, but nevertheless will continue to feel her contributions long into the future. My thoughts and prayers are with Steve Rowe and his family during this very challenging time." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/federal-railroad-administration-inspect-montreal-maine-and-atlantic | Federal Railroad Administration to inspect Montreal, Maine, and Atlantic Railways in Maine this week | 2013-07-15 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree today welcomed news that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) would inspect Montreal, Maine, and Atlantic Railways' (MMA) tracks, operations, and equipment this week, following the tragic derailment in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, on July 6. "Following the tragedy in Lac-Megantic, safety must be our railroads' top priority," said Michaud. "Over the last week the Federal Railroad Administration has been in regular contact with my office. I appreciate their willingness to inspect Maine's rail infrastructure for any safety weaknesses. I look forward to continued collaboration with the FRA to ensure we are doing all we can to prevent another disaster from occurring." "With such a terrible loss of life not far from the border, I'm relieved the Federal Railroad Administration has stepped up to identify and address any safety issues here in Maine," said Pingree. "The amount of oil being shipped through Maine by rail has skyrocketed over the last year. We owe it to the communities on those lines to make their safety a top priority." This week, the FRA will inspect equipment, operations, and track of MMA lines in Maine, using both in-person inspections and an automatic track inspection car. Last week, Michaud and Pingree wrote to the FRA, as well as the National Transportation Safety Board and Department of Transportation, asking for a thorough review of rail infrastructure used to transport oil through Maine. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-ask-federal-government-review-way-oil-transported | Michaud, Pingree ask federal government to review the way oil is transported by railthrough Maine | 2013-07-12 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | In the wake of the tragic train accident in Quebec, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree asked the federal government today to review the rail infrastructure that transports oil through Maine. This week, Michaud and Pingree wrote to the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Railroad Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation, saying: "An event like this requires a full accounting of the vulnerabilities of existing rail infrastructure in Maine. We all have an obligation to ensure that any safety issues are identified and dealt with quickly. This is even more important at a time when crude oil shipments through Maine are skyrocketing. In the last year alone crude oil shipments have increased fifteen times over. For example, nearly 30,000 barrels per day crossed Maine via rail in March, compared to only 2,000 barrels per day a year earlier. In addition, there have been three derailments of trains carrying hazardous materials in Maine just during the last six months." Full text of the letter is below. July 11, 2013 Dear Chairman Hersman, Administrator Szabo, and Administrator Quaterman, We write in response to the tragedy at Lac-Mgantic, Quebec, to request a thorough review of the rail infrastructure network that is being used to transport petroleum products through the State of Maine. In the aftermath of the derailment of a freight train carrying crude oil from the Bakken shale fields of North Dakota through the State of Maine to a St. John, New Brunswick refinery, we believe an appropriate response to this tragedy is to gain a full and complete understanding of the existing infrastructure being used to transport crude oil and gas in Maine. The route of the Montreal, Maine, and Atlantic Railway train that derailed in Lac-Mgantic would have taken it directly through Maine and into New Brunswick. Other trains routinely transport crude oil and other hazardous materials through southern Maine and into Canada. An event like this requires a full accounting of the vulnerabilities of ex… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/17-million-federal-funding-coming-maine-homeless-and-risk-veterans | $1.7 million in federal funding coming to Maine for homeless and at-risk veterans | 2013-07-11 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said this morning that the Preble Street Resource Center will get nearly $1.7 million in federal funding to help homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless. "The problem of homeless veterans is a national shame," Pingree said. "These men and women have served our country, they have risked their lives and for them to end up living on the street is unacceptable. Preble Street has done great work in helping veterans find housing and in helping those that are at risk of being homeless. This federal funding is going to go a long way toward helping veterans and their families keep a roof over their heads." The funding, from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is part of the Supporting Services for Veteran Families Program. Last year, nearly 90% of the veterans who participated in the program nationally transitioned to permanent housing. Preble Street will use funding to hire case workers and housing counselors to help veterans find jobs, find housing and get back on their feet. Mark Swann, Executive Director of Preble Street, said it's thebiggest grant the organization has ever gotten. "This is going to make a huge difference in the work we are doing with veterans. We've been doing this work in southern Maine but this grant means we are going to be able toexpand to a statewide presence by adding offices in Lewiston and Bangor so we can reach the whole state," Swann said. Pingree has pushed the VA to provide better services for homeless veterans. For example, she has requested that the VA ask all veterans applying for benefits if they are homeless to make it easier to identify those who need services and expedite their benefits claim. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-opposes-republican-farm-bill-vote | Pingree opposes Republican Farm Bill vote | 2013-07-11 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree had harsh words for House Republicans, who pushed through a version of the Farm Bill today that completely ignores the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAPformerly food stamps). "The Republican leadership in the House decided the only way they were going to get their members to support a Farm Bill was to completely abandon the nearly 50 million Americans on food assistance," Pingree said. "For over sixty years Congress has been able to pass a bill that combines farming and food stamp programs. Until now it had been a bipartisan process but a minority of Tea Party Republicans in the House have found a way to bring that long-standing agreement to an end." Last month the Senate passed a bipartisan version of the legislation but today, House Republicans rammed through a bill that repeals the 1949 law that included SNAP as part of the Farm Bill. A previous attempt last month to pass a Farm Bill in the House failed when conservative Republicans attached amendments to the legislation that made it harder for low-income families to access food assistance. "The last version of the Farm Bill we voted on already had extreme, drastic cuts to food stamps," Pingree said. "But I guess even that wasn't enough for some of the more extreme Republicans in the House. Sometimes I think the only thing that would make them happy is to eliminate the SNAP program altogether." House Republicans now say there will hold a separate vote on the SNAP program, but haven't revealed any details of how deeply that bill would cut benefits. Pingree voted against the bill that passed the House today. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/head-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-comes-maine | Head of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau comes to Maine | 2013-07-10 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | The head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will be leading a hearing focusing on debt collection this morning in Portland, and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said she's glad the agency is giving the public a chance to be heard on problems related to debt collection services. "The whole point of the CFPB is to stick up for the consumer when it comes to the financial industry, especially when companies aren't following the rules," Pingree said. "So it's important for them to hear first-hand from consumers and this hearing in Portland is a good opportunity to do that." Today the CFPB is announcing tools they are making available to consumers who believe they are being pursued by debt collectors who aren't following the rules. The Bureau will begin taking complaints about debt collection services and will publish a series of letters consumers can use in dealing with debt collectors, including one that instructs the debt collection company to end all attempts to contact the consumer. CFPB Director Richard Cordray will be attending the hearing, which will also include panels representing consumers and other stakeholders. The hearing, at 11 am at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, is open to the public but individuals have to first RSVP at cfpb.events@cfpb.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/leading-veterans-groups-join-call-change-benefit-standards-survivors | Leading veterans groups join call to change benefit standards for survivors of military sexual assault | 2013-07-03 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | The Vietnam Veterans of American (VVA) and Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) have joined the call for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make it easier for survivors of military sexual assault to get benefits. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has introduced legislation (the Ruth Moore Act) to make those changes, and meanwhile the two groups have filed a petition requiring the VA to change their policy without waiting for the legislation to pass. "This is all about leveling the playing field so survivors of sexual assault have the same access to benefits that veterans who suffer from combat-related PTSD have," Pingree said. "The petition that VVA and SWAN filed with the VA helps make the case that they should make this policy change without waiting for Congress to act." Recently the VA agreed to Pingree's request to review claims related to sexual assault that may have been improperly denied, but she has been critical of the way the VA handled the appeals process and said they have done a poor job communicating with veterans about their rights. Resources on the process are available at pingree.house.gov/mstclaims | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-says-congressional-republicans-blocking-plan-keep-student-loan | Pingree says Congressional Republicans blocking plan to keep student loan rates low | 2013-07-03 | 2013 | 2013-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree slammed the failure of Congressional Republicans to pass legislation that would have prevented student loan rates from rising and instead passing a bill that would make the interest rate onstudent loans adjustable up to 10.5%. Because Congress has failed to act, interest rates for federal student loans went from 3.4% to 6.8% today. "Congress could have done the right thing and kept student loan rates at 3.4% but instead House Republicans pushed through a bill thatwould drive up loan payments, make the cost of college unpredictable and would profit off of students and their families in the name of deficit reduction," Pingree said. The bill passed by House Republicans would generate $3.7 billion for the government over ten years, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Pingree has joined a number of her colleagues in an attempt toforce a vote on a bill that would keep student loan rates at 3.4%. Student loan debt has doubled in the last ten years, to over $19,000 on average. It's now the second biggest source of household debt behind home mortgages. Pingree signed a discharge petition for a bill that would freeze federal student loans at the current 3.4% rate. House leadership would be forced to hold a vote on the bill if at least 218 Representatives sign the petition. Currently there are 186 signatures. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/2013-maine-summer-food-service-program | 2013 Maine Summer Food Service Program | 2013-06-27 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Funded by the USDA's Summer Food Service Program, 250 locations across the state offer free lunch to anyone under 18 every weekday during the summer school break. To find the site nearest you, look on the spreadsheet below or call 2-11, the state's information hotline. (This spreadsheet was updated on June 27, 2013--a copy can be downloaded here (pdf). Go here for the most current version, put together by the Maine Department of Education.) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/supreme-court-overturns-defense-marriage-act | Supreme Court overturns Defense of Marriage Act | 2013-06-26 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | "DOMA was a bad law to begin with and the Supreme Court did the right thing in striking it down. As voters and legislatures in Maine and states throughout the country have shown, the government has no business telling two people in a loving, committed relationship that they can't get married. Although there is still a long way to go for true marriage equality in all fifty states, as of today the federal government won't be standing in the way of that goal." Pingree, along with Congressman Mike Michaud and Senator Angus King, signed on to a "friend of the court" brief in this case, arguing that the Supreme Court should overturn the Defense of Marriage Act. Pingree, a strong and vocal advocate for marriage equality, has also cosponsored the Respect for Marriage Act, which would have overturned DOMA if the Supreme Court had not acted to do so. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-soldier-killed-afghanistan | Maine soldier killed in Afghanistan | 2013-06-25 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Army Sergeant Corey Garver of Tophsam, 26, died of injuries sustained when an IED went off near his patrol in Paktiya Province in Afghanistan Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the death of Army Sergeant Corey Garver of Tophsam. Garver's mother lives in Louisiana and his father and stepmother in New Mexico. Garver was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. "Sergeant Garver died defending his country and we owe him and his family a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice. I know words can't ease the pain that his family is feeling, but I hope they know that the thought and prayers of the people of Maine go out to them during this most difficult time." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-deeply-disappointed-court-ruling-voting-rights-act | Pingree 'deeply disappointed' by Court ruling on Voting Rights Act | 2013-06-25 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | "I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court's ruling today. Congress did the right thing by putting the Voting Rights Act into place in the first place and by reaffirming it time and time again over the last fifty years. Voting discrimination still existsCongress has repeatedly come to that conclusion and the Supreme Court itself acknowledged it. By gutting the Voting Rights Act, the Court has dealt a major setback for voting rights and the decision will have a real and detrimental impact on voters." In a 5-4 ruling today, the Supreme Court ruled Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) as unconstitutional. Section 4 identifies state and local governments with a history of voting discrimination, and Section 5 requires them to get approval from the Department of Justice before making any changes to their voting laws or procedures. Congress passed the VRA in 1964, and reauthorized it several times since then, most recently in 2006. In its consideration of that last reauthorization, Congress found overwhelming evidence that discrimination in voting was still a problem in the jurisdictions covered by Section 4 and reauthorized the Act by a vote of 390-33 in the House and 98-0 in the Senate. Between 1982 and 2006 the Department of Justice blocked over 700 voting changes based on a determination that the changes were discriminatory, and more than 800 more proposed changes were modified or abandoned after the Department of Justice asked for more information about them. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/presidents-launches-climate-change-initiative | President's launches climate change initiative | 2013-06-25 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on President Obama's climatechange plan announced today. I'm glad the President is going to take bold action to address global warming. Already we are seeing the effects of climate change in more powerful storms, droughts and wildfires. And addressing climate change by focusing on pollution from power plants is going to encourage the development of new sources of clean energy produced right here at home, like wind and tidal power. Maine and other northeastern states have already taken the lead by reducing and regulating greenhouse gas pollution from power plants as part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) so itwill be good to have a national approach to this pollution, which will ensure that Maine is on a level playing field with the rest of the country. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/va-agrees-pingree-request-reopen-claims-process-sexual-assault-survivors | VA agrees to Pingree request to reopen claims process for sexual assault survivors | 2013-06-25 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | For resources on the review process, go to pingree.house.gov/mstclaims Congresswoman Chellie Pingree welcomed the news that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has agreed to her request to reexamine previously denied disability claims from sexual assault survivors, but says the VA is doing a poor of job communicating that policy to veterans. "It's pretty clear that there are thousands of survivors of sexual assault who should have been getting benefits but had their claims denied," Pingree said. "The VA has admitted they have made mistakes and agreed to take another look at these claims. But they haven't done a very good job of telling veterans they have another shot and I don't think they have even communicated this change effectively to their own staff." Pingree had been pushing the VA to reopen cases in which victims of sexual trauma have suffered from PTSD and have applied for benefits but had their claims denied. Last summer General Allison Hickey, Undersecretary for Benefits in the VA, said the Department was agreeing to Pingree's request but it wasn't until late this spring that letters started to go out to veterans who have had their claims denied. "That letter has only gone out to about 2,000 veterans who have had claims deniedthat's leaving out a lot of survivors. And you can't even find that letter on the VA's website, so we put it on our website to make sure any veteran who wants to can see it, print it out, and take it to their local VA service center to make sure the staff there is aware of this review process," Pingree said. Pingree created a page on her website that includes the letter and tips on how veterans can get their claims reviewed. (pingree.house.gov/mstclaims) "The VA is telling veteranssome veteransthat they can have their claims reconsidered. But they don't give them a number to call. We will do our best to make sure that veterans get the info they need, but the VA has to do a better job too," Pingree said. The VA is supposed to accept circumstantial evi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-failure-house-pass-farm-bill | Pingree statement on the failure of House to pass a Farm Bill | 2013-06-20 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the failure of the Farm Bill in the U.S. House today: Failure to pass the Farm Bill is a failure of leadership in the U. S. House. Millions of Americans--including farmers, school children and working families--depend on the programs that are included in the Farm Bill, and Congressional leadership failed them today. House Republican leadership rejected numerous bipartisan amendments that would have generated more support for the bill, including provisions to increase support for local foods, restrict subsidies for the richest corporate farms in America, and address the GMO issue. Instead, they took cruel, drastic cuts to the SNAP (food stamp program) and made them even worse by adding provisions that would have made it even harder for struggling families to access those benefits. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-failure-house-pass-farm-bill-0 | Pingree statement on the failure of House to pass a Farm Bill | 2013-06-20 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the failure of the Farm Bill in the U.S. House today: Failure to pass the Farm Bill is a failure of leadership in the U. S. House. Millions of Americans--including farmers, school children and working families--depend on the programs that are included in the Farm Bill, and Congressional leadership failed them today. House Republican leadership rejected numerous bipartisan amendments that would have generated more support for the bill, including provisions to increase support for local foods, restrict subsidies for the richest corporate farms in America, and address the GMO issue. Instead, they took cruel, drastic cuts to the SNAP (food stamp program) and made them even worse by adding provisions that would have made it even harder for struggling families to access those benefits. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-joins-effort-force-vote-student-loans | Pingree joins effort to force vote on student loans | 2013-06-18 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has joined a number of her colleagues in an attempt to force a vote on a bill that would prevent federal student loan rates from doubling in less than two weeks. "College debt levels have been on the rise steadily for years and doubling the interest rate on that debt is just about the worst possible thing we could do to students and families struggling to pay for college," Pingree said. "It's time to stop playing politics and do the right thing for college students and their families." Student loan debt has doubled in the last ten years, to over $19,000 on average. It's now the second biggest source of household debt behind home mortgages. Pingree signed a discharge petition for a bill that would freeze federal student loans at the current 3.4% rate. House leadership would be forced to hold a vote on the bill if at least 218 Representatives sign the petition. Currently there are 186 signatures. Without action, the student loan rate will double to 6.8% on July 1. Earlier this year House Republicans passed a bill that would remove the subsidy for student loans and make the interest rate variable. "The Republican bill is worse than doing nothing," Pingree said. "Under their plan, college graduates would have no idea what their loan payments would be from one year to the next, and they could face an adjustable interest rate of up to 10.5%. That sounds like a pretty bad deal for college students and their families to me." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-oppose-radical-anti-abortion-bill | Pingree to oppose radical anti-abortion bill | 2013-06-18 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Latest proposal would criminalize constitutionally protected medical care Congresswoman Chellie Pingree had harsh words today for a Republican bill that would create a nationwide ban on abortion after 20 weeks. The bill is up for a vote in the U.S. House today and Pingree says she will oppose it. "The bill is an attempt to insert Congress into a complex and difficult decision that should be between a woman and her doctor," Pingree said. "And it would put the safety of women at risk because it doesn't even have an exception for woman who learns that a pregnancy will jeopardize her health." Originally the bill didn't contain an exception for rape or incest either, but Republican leaders have added a very narrow exception after the Republican sponsor of the bill created a firestorm of controversy with comments about rape and pregnancy. Congressman Trent Franks of Arizona said last week that rape rarely results in pregnancy, and this week Republican leaders added a provision to the bill that allowed for an exception if a woman could prove she had reported a rape or incest to legal authorities. "Not only is the rape and incest exception in this bill far too narrow, it is demeaning by making women prove they reported an assault to police. That's a choice that the victim of a sexual assault should be allowed to make on her own," Pingree said. "It's as if Republican leaders don't consider rape legitimate unless the victim has paperwork to prove it." The ban is widely considered unconstitutional and many observers believe that this bill and other similar proposals are designed to be appealed to the Supreme Court, in an attempt to get the Court to overturn some of the protections contained in the landmark Roe v Wade decision. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-pingree-tsongas-help-ensure-military-sex-assault-victims-have | DeLauro, Pingree, Tsongas Help Ensure Military Sex Assault Victims Have Access to Accurate Records | 2013-06-14 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Niki Tsongas (D-MA) announced today that their amendment ensuring military victims of sexual assault have access to accurate records will be part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill is expected to pass the House of Representatives later this morning. For more information on the issue of military sexual trauma, go to pingree.house.gov/mst "We must turn the tide against this scourge of sexual assault, but we must also ensure we are caring for those who have already been victims of this violence," DeLauro said. "Currently, Veterans Affairs providers often only receive Defense Department records if the veteran brings them. Further, those records often do not document sexual assaults that occurred while on activeduty. Long-term preservation of these records can help veterans seek necessary assistance. We ask a lot of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. The least we can do to honor their service is provide them with the care and benefits they need." Pingree said: "Time and time again we have heard from survivors of sexual assault who have run into a brick wall when they try to claim the benefits they are owed. Lost records or insufficient records are used as an excuse to deny benefits that a veteran has earned, and it's time to make sure the Department of Defense starts doing abetter job preserving personnel records and making them available to veterans." "Sexual assault in the military pervades our ranks and accountability is needed at every level, from the top down, active duty and veterans. Aftercare for the men and women who serve our nation is a vital part of supporting sexual assault survivors, and streamlining access to records is a much-needed part of that process. We have a responsibility to provide veterans who have endured this horrific crime with the best resources and an effective system," said Tsongas The amendment requires each branch of the armed services to report to Congress on steps taken to ensure the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/federal-money-way-help-expenses-february-blizzard-maine | Federal money on the way to help with expenses from February blizzard in Maine | 2013-06-14 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said this morning that Maine communities and some non-profits will be reimbursed for the costs of cleaning up after a record breaking blizzard struck the state in early February thisyear. "It's town meeting season in Maine and all over the states communities are struggling to balance their budgets and keep property taxes from rising," Pingree said. "This money will help towns that experienced unusual expenses after that massive blizzard hit thestate in February." The $1.5 million in emergency assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse local governments and some non-profits for 75% of eligible costs. The aid, which was authorized by a federal disaster declaration, will be available in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, Sagadahoc, Washington and York counties. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/standing-potatoes | Standing up for potatoes | 2013-06-14 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Pingree pushes for amendment in spending bill that allows continued access to fresh potatoes for WIC recipients Congresswoman Chellie Pingree spoke out in favor of potatoes this week, supporting a bipartisan amendment that would guarantee that beneficiaries of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program would be able to continue to use their benefits to buy fresh potatoes. For more information on Pingree's efforts to help consumers access more healthy food, go to pingree.house.gov/localfood "A moderate serving of fresh potatoes can be an affordable and nutritious addition to a balanced diet," Pingree said. "Families trying to provide healthy meals on a tight budget should be able to use their WIC benefits to buy potatoes." Pingree joined with Republican Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho to fight for an amendment in the House Appropriations Committee that would put potatoes back on the list of approved vegetables for WIC beneficiaries. "Fresh potatoes shouldn't be lumped into the same category as processed potato products," Pingree said. "But I think that's what regulators were doing and were not looking at the nutritional value of fresh potatoes." The amendment, to the Fiscal Year 2014 Agriculture Appropriations bill passed the Committee and is expected to go the full House for a vote later this month. White potatoes, high in potassium and vitamin C, are already approved for purchase with WIC vouchers at farmers markets in many states, including Maine, but the USDA had taken them off the list of approved purchases in grocery stores. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-pingree-introduces-amendment-protect-survivors-sexual-assault | VIDEO: Pingree introduces amendment to protect survivors of sexual assault seeking security clearance | 2013-06-13 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree introduced an amendment today to a major defense bill that would instruct the Pentagon to inform military personnel that they don't have to report counseling for sexual assault whenapplying for or renewing a security clearance. Pingree said she's heard from military personnel around the country and overseas who say they don't seek counseling after a sexual assault because they knew they would have to disclose it on the national security questionnaire. Pingree pushed for a change in policy that would allow those survivors not to disclose the counseling. Speaking on the floor in favor of the amendment "Knowing that question was there and believing that answering 'yes' might jeopardize their chances at a security clearance, survivors of sexual assault often decided not to get the mental health counseling they so desperately need," Pingree said. "The Director of National Intelligence has listened to us on this, and has issued guidance saying survivors of sexual trauma do not have to report counseling related to that assault. But that change won't do the survivors any good unless they know it has taken place." Pingree has been pushing the Director of National Intelligence to allow sexual assault survivors to answer "no" to Question 21 on the Questionnaire for National Security Positions. Recently the Director announced that the new question will be focused on behavior instead of treatment, but in the interim those victims are allowed to answer "no" to the question. A similar accommodation had previously been made for service members who suffer from combat-related PTSD. Pingree's amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act instructs the Department of Defense to inform all service members of the change. The Service Women's Action Network (SWAN)endorsed the amendment, saying, "It is imperative that all military personnel understand that they are able to answer NO to the question. Your common-sense amendment would require that all personnel would be informed of the policy … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-get-21-million-affordable-care-act-help-keep-seniors-and-people | Maine to get $21 million from Affordable Care Act to help keep seniors and people with disabilities living at home | 2013-06-12 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that Maine will get $21.2 million under the Affordable Care Act to help seniors and people with disabilities get longterm care at home. "If people can get the care they need at home, they can remain more independent and continue to live in their communities," Pingree said. "It's better for the individual and in most cases results in lower health care costs." Maine is the 16th state to receive funding under the program, called the Balanced Incentive Program. Maine had to demonstrate that less than 50% of Medicaid (MaineCare) expenditures for long term care were currently being spent on home and community-based care but with the additional funding that portion would rise to above 50%. The program is designed to encourage states to make sure people stay in their homes and communities aslong as possible. "Taking advantage of this expanded federal funding under the ACA is a great way to provide better health care for Maine people without putting further demands on a very tight state budget," Pingree said. "It's a concrete example of how the health care reform law can help people here in Maine." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/50th-anniversary-equal-pay-act | 50th anniversary of Equal Pay Act | 2013-06-10 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | "Despite all the progress we've made, American women still face a fundamental inequality: for the same work, they make less than their male counterparts ..." Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement today, on the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy signing the Equal Pay Act: "Despite all the progress we've made, American women still face a fundamental inequality: for the same work, they make less than their male counterparts. A typical woman in this country makes only 77 cents for every dollar a man earns, and that really adds up. In the course of a year, on average, that's $11,000 less a yearor enough money to pay for 3,000 gallons of gas or a year of rent. Over the course of her career, a typical workingwoman loses almost a quarter of a million dollars in wages, simply for being female. Unequal pay hurts working women, their families, our communities, and our economy." Pingree is a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which expands the Equal Pay Act and closes some loopholes in current law. Among other things the Paycheck Fairness Act makes it legal for workers to share salaryinformation with one another and would require employers to prove that pay disparities are based on job performance and not gender. Since the Equal Pay Act was signed into law, the gender gap in pay has closed by less than a half-cent per year. At that rate, it will take another 50 years for women to make as much as men. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-recognizes-kennebunk-museum-congressional-record | Congresswoman Pingree recognizes Kennebunk museum with Congressional Record Statement | 2013-06-10 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | The Brick Store Museum has recently received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums Last week, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree submitted the following statement into the Congressional Record to recognize the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk, which has recently achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. SPEECH OF HON. CHELLIE PINGREE OF MAINEIN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESTHURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2013 Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Brick Store Museum, located in historic Kennebunk, Maine, for achieving accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. Since 1936, the Brick Store Museum has offered generations of locals and visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history of one of Maine's most iconic communities. The Brick Store Museum's focal point is a building constructed in 1825 as a dry goods store by William Lord. The exterior remains much the same as when it was built, giving today's visitors a glimpse of what life was like nearly 200 years ago. I am proud of the museum's commitment to preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting Kennebunk's important role in our history. Many students have passed through its rooms, gaining knowledge, understanding, and a stronger attachment to the area where they have grown up. I share the Brick Store Museum's belief that the history of our oldest towns is crucial to understanding where we are now and where we are headed. As Maine continues to advance into the future, the Brick Store Museum offers an important tether to our past. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senate-passes-farm-bill-includes-local-food-and-farm-reforms | Senate passes farm bill that includes local food and farm reforms | 2013-06-10 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | "Local farming is good for the economy because the money consumers spend on food ends up staying in the community," Pingree said. "And local food is also good for families who can put healthy, high quality food on the table." Pingree first introduced the Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act in the House in 2011 with Senator Sherrod Brown. Since then, many of the proposals in her bill were adopted as part of the Farm Bill, the 5-year funding bill that determines national farm policy. For more information on Pingree's local food bill, go to:pingree.house.gov/localfood. Next week, the House is expected to take up the House version of the 5-year FarmBill. During consideration, Pingree expects to offer additional local food and farming provisions to the bill. Some of the local food reforms contained in the Senate version of the Farm Bill passed today include: Increasing access to local food for SNAP (food stamp) recipients, including a program to provide electronic benefit card readers to farmers markets at no cost; a double-voucher program to increase the buying power at direct-to-consumer outlets; and a provision to make it easier for SNAP dollars to be spent on Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs). Diversified crop insurance, which will insure a whole diversified farm, not just insurance per row crop. Organic crop insurance, which treats organic farmers more equitably and will give organic farmers a fair price for their food. Value-added producer grants, which will significantly assist in re-establishing food system infrastructure in ruralareas. The grants will help target and strengthen the profitability and competitiveness of family farms. Establish a Food Corps program for community service members to connect schools to local farms and engage K-12 students in experiential learning about agriculture, gardening, nutrition, cooking, andwhere their food comes from. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-69th-anniversary-d-day-invasion | Statement on 69th anniversary of D-Day invasion | 2013-06-06 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | "The D-Day invasion 69 years ago today stands out as an incredible testament to the courage, sacrifice, and sheer will of American veterans .... " Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the 69th anniversary of the D-Day invasion during World War II "The D-Day invasion 69 years ago today stands out as an incredible testament to the courage, sacrifice, and sheer will of American veterans. Whether from the sea, the air, or the beach, those men set out that day knowing that June 6, 1944, might be their lastand for many it was. Today, we remember their incredible role in turning the tide of WWII, and making history in the process." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-congratulate-mainer-appointed-regional-sba-administrator | Michaud, Pingree congratulate Mainer appointed as regional SBA administrator | 2013-06-04 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree congratulated Seth Goodall of Richmond today on his appointment as Regional Administrator for the Small Business Administration, which includes Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Michaud and Pingree put Goodall's name forward to the Obama Administration for the position. "Seth Goodall's leadership skills and small business experience make him an excellent choice to be the next Regional SBA Administrator. His experience starting, financing, and growing a business position him well to fight for our entrepreneurs. He's been in their shoes and he knows what it takes to get them to the next level. Seth's firsthand experience and depth of knowledge in business policy will serve Maine and New England well, and I look forward to working with him," said Michaud. "Seth is just what we need at the SBA," Pingree said. "He knows what it's like to have to meet payroll, raise capital and grow a business. The SBA can play an important role in helping small businesses and I'm confident Seth will be able to put those resources to work in New England. I can't think of a better person for this job." Goodall is an attorney and State Senator and previously co-owned a landscaping company that he helped grow into a multi-million dollar business that now employees 15 year-round and 30 seasonal employees. Goodall will leave his State Senate seat at the end of the current legislative session to assume his new position at the SBA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/photos-waterville-open-house | PHOTOS: Waterville Open House | 2013-06-04 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | 2 Portland Fish Pier, Suite 304 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-major-legislation-help-veterans-who-are-victims-sexual-assault | VIDEO: Major legislation to help veterans who are victims of sexual assault is approved | 2013-06-04 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | House unanimously passes the Ruth Moore Act For more information on the bill, go to pingree.house.gov/mst The U.S. House today unanimously passed a bill written by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree aimed at making it easier for veterans who survive military sexual assault to get benefits. "The Ruth Moore Act will make a big difference in the lives of tens of thousands of veterans who are survivors of sexual assault in the military and are struggling to get the benefits they are owed. Almost every day we hear from another veteran who is fighting for their benefits and has been repeatedly turned down because they are being held to an unreasonably high standard of proof," Pingree said after the vote. Video of Chellie's statement before the vote Pingree's bill pushes the VA to make a policy change that would make it easier for veterans to qualify for benefits. Under Pingree's proposal, veterans would only have to show a medical diagnosis of a mental health condition and a link between an assault and that mental health conditionsimilar to standards applied to veterans who file claims for combat-related PTSD. The bill is named for Ruth Moore, a Maine veteran who fought for 23 years for disability benefits after her sexual assault. "Veterans who have suffered this horrific crime must be completely confident the Department of VeteransAffairs will provide the care, assistance and support these victims deserve. VA's approach to military sexual trauma claims requires immediate andthoughtful review, and that is precisely what the Ruth Moore Act aims to ensure. I'm proud to join Rep. Pingree, Ranking Member Michaud and a bipartisan majority of Congress in supporting this bill," said Republican Congressman Jeff Miller, the Chair of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "This is an incredibly important day for the thousands and thousands of veterans who have been fighting for the benefits they are owed," Moore said. "Since this bill was introduced I've heard from over 15,000 veterans who h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bath-iron-works-wins-contracts-four-destroyers-worth-28-billion-option | Bath Iron Works wins contracts for four destroyers, worth $2.8 billion, with option for fifth ship | 2013-06-03 | 2013 | 2013-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree says the Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works contracts to build four Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers. Altogether, the contracts are worth over $2.8 billion. The contract also includes an option for a fifth ship, which, if exercised, would bring the total value of the contract to over $3.5 billion. Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, talked to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus about the contracts this afternoon. "Although four ships represent a lot of work for BIW, we need to keep fighting to get the remaining funding necessary for one more," Pingree said. "Secretary Mabus was clear to me that these ships are a backbone of the fleet and absolutely what we need to be secure in future conflict." Pingree also said Mabus blamed sequestration for any uncertainty around the construction of a fifth ship. "The Secretary was very clear that the money to build a total of ten DDG 51s, including five in Bath, was there. But because of sequestration Congress has left the Navy with a $304 million shortfall for that last ship," Pingree said. "Now it's up to us to find that money and so that fifth ship can be built at BIW." Pingree voted against the legislation that created the sequestration cuts last year. "BIW's reputation for quality and efficiency is unmatched and the Navy knows that," Pingree said. "I'm hopeful we can secure the funding for an additional ship to help maintain employment levels at the yard." BIW is also currently under contract to build three Zumwalt-class destroyers, the first of which is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy late next year or early in 2015. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congratulations-camden-windplanners-and-teacher-margo-murphy-receiving | Congratulations to Camden Windplanners and teacher Margo Murphy for receiving EPA awards | 2013-05-29 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today congratulated Camden Hills Regional High School on receiving two prestigious awards from the EPA for its successful efforts to build a full-size wind turbine at the schoola 2012 Presidential Environment Youth Award and, for teacher Margo Murphy, the advisor for the student group responsible for theproject, a 2013 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Education. I'm so glad Margo and the school are getting the national recognition they deserve. Planning, funding, and building a wind turbine is a challenging task for anyonebut with students as the driving force behind this project, the accomplishment is simply amazing, said Pingree. I have to applaud the school and Margo for thinking out of the box and making the commitment to see the project through over the last nine years. This will be something that Camden Hills students will always be proud of, and it has given them the kind of learning experiences that are hard to come by in the classroom. My sincere congratulations andappreciation to everyone involved. Since 2004, a student group called the Windplanners has worked to cut the school's energy use and build the 155-foot turbine. After raising a half-million dollars, the group finished the turbine last yearover its first year of operation it has been estimated to produce 10 percent of the school's electricity. Murphy has been a science teacher for 27 years. The Windplanners also recently became the one of seven finalists (and the only one from the United States) in the international Volvo Adventure Awards. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-introduce-bill-require-american-made-military-uniforms | Michaud, Pingree Introduce Bill to Require American-made Military Uniforms | 2013-05-23 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Bill could help companies like New Balance that manufacture in the USA Maine-made sneakers New Balance gave to President Obama WASHINGTON, DC Today, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree introduced a bill to reverse the Department of Defense's (DOD) avoidance of the Berry Amendment, which requires DOD to purchase American-made military uniforms. For decades the military issued servicemembers American-made uniforms, including athletic footwear. Since 2002, DOD has skirted the law when it comes to footwear by issuing new recruits cash allowances for training shoes. The bill introduced today requires DOD to comply with the Berry Amendment by treating the purchase of athletic footwear in the same way as other uniform items. The introduction of today's bill builds on legislation Michaud introduced in 2011 to accomplish the same goal and could help companies like New Balance that manufacture footwear in the United States. "This is something the Obama Administration can do right now to boost the economy and ensure that our military is outfitted from head to toe in American-made uniforms," said Michaud. "It's long past time that the Defense Department complies with the letter and spirit of the law. It's not only the right thing to do, it could provide a shot to the arm to companies like New Balance that employ hundreds of Mainers in Norway, Norridgewock and Skowhegan." In addition to introducing legislation, Michaud has brought the United States Trade Representative to Maine to visit a New Balance facility. He has also given both President Obama (photo above) and First Lady Michelle Obama a pair of New Balance sneakers made in Maine to drive home the point. Michaud has also pressed his case with executive branch and military officials in Washington. "This legislation is good for American workers and in particular good for athletic shoe manufacturers here in our state," said Pingree. "Congressman Michaud has been a real leader on this issue and it's a cause that Maine's entire congressional delegation is behin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-reintroduce-york-river-bill-would-lead-federal-investment | Pingree to reintroduce York River Bill; would lead to federal investment, protect local environment | 2013-05-23 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | For more information and updates on the bill, go to pingree.house.gov/yorkriver Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is reintroducing a bill today that would authorize a study of the York River, an important step toward a special federal designation that would lead to federal investments to protect the economic and environmental value of the river. "I've heard from lots of people in the community who use the riverfishermen, hunters, recreational boatersand they've all made it clear that they want to recognize and protect the unique benefits and characteristics of the York River. And giving it a special federal designation is a great way to do that." Pingree's bill calls for a multi-year study of the York River. The study, in conjunction with community input, would determine if the river is eligible for designation as a Wild and Scenic Partnership River by the National Park Service. The House unanimously passed Pingree's bill last year, but because the Senate failed to take it up, Pingree must resubmit the bill this year. If, based on the study and community support, the York River is designated as a Wild and Scenic Partnership River, it makes it more likely that federal funding will come to the area for activities like preserving and restoring fish and wildlife habitat, for example. The study would find whether the river merits one of the designations under the Wild and Scenic River program: wild, scenic, or recreational. Then community members would be able to offer their input on whether the designation should move forward. "The study will be an excellent opportunity to find out more about the value of the York River, while giving a critical boost to the local organizations and businesses who will do the research," Pingree said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/work-begin-design-new-cargo-vessel-portland | work to begin on design of new cargo vessel for Portland | 2013-05-22 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | NOTE: Although design work for the vessel that would service Portland has not yet begun, you can see an example of this type of vessel here. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said this morning that a maritime shipping company has been selected to design a new vessel that would provide cargo service between Portland and New York, with a possible stop at another port in Southern New England. The design contract, for an articulated tug-barge, was funded by a $150,000 federal grant that Pingree had pushed for. "The design of this vessel is the key to bringing increased domestic cargo service to Maine," Pingree said. "This type of vessel will suit the needs of shippers in Maine and New York. It could cost between 1/3 and 1/2 what a more traditional container ship would cost and use fewer crew, thus reducing capital and operational costs that could then be passed on to shippers." The agreement between the Maine Port Authority and McAllister Towing and Transportation, calls for the initial design work to be completed by fall. Last year Pingree hosted a tour of the International Marine Terminal in Portland for U.S. Maritime Administrator David Matsuda. She told Matsuda that a new tug-barge design was the best option for starting a service that would movecargo between the Port of New York/New Jersey and Portland and urged him toapprove federal funding for the design. Matsuda is leaving his post at the end of this month and Pingree said she hopes his replacement takes advantage of investments in projects like this one. "This is an excellent example of the use of amarine highway to lower costs and create jobs," Pingree said. "I hope the next Administrator will be committed to these kind of investments and use the private-public partnership that has developed in Maine as an example of what can be accomplished." Recently an Icelandic company, Eimskip, started a container service operating between Portland and Europe. Pingree said the new tug-barge design could help restore regular container service between Portland and the Port o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-backs-legislation-would-block-fast-track-approval-tar-sand-oil | Pingree backs legislation that would block fast-track approval for tar sand oil in Portland Pipeline | 2013-05-21 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | As Congress gets set to take up a controversial bill that would allow the backers of the Keystone XL pipeline project to bypass numerous environmental and regulatory requirements, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree isbacking legislation which would make sure those same shortcuts would not apply to the Portland-Montreal pipeline. The operators of the pipeline have talked about reversing the flow so tar sands oil from Canada could be pumped to Portland Harbor. "The bill we are taking up this week is irresponsible and risky and sets a dangerous precedent by letting the company behind the Keystone XL pipeline skip important environmental regulations," Pingree said. "I'm adamantly opposed to the bill but if Republicans succeed in getting it through the House it should at least include language that makes it clear that it doesn't apply to the Portland Pipeline." Pingree is backing an amendment written by Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter of New Hampshire to H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, that clearly states that nothing in the bill should be construed to apply to the Portland-Montreal Pipeline. Congresswoman Annie Kuster of New Hampshire is also cosponsoring the bill. The Keystone approval bill that House Republicans will bring up for a vote this week would short-circuit a number of key requirements, including the need for a Presidential Permit. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-tester-president-back-words-action-military-sexual-assault | Pingree, Tester to President: Back up words with action on military sexual assault | 2013-05-17 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | With President Obama saying that actions not words are needed to combat sexual assault in the military, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) are telling the President that immediate steps are available to better support survivors of sexual assault. Pingree and Tester want the President to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to help sexual assault survivors experiencing a mental health condition get the benefits they need by making it easier for them to prove their condition is the result of an assault they suffered while in the military. The VA took similar action to relax evidentiary standards for combat veterans suffering from PTSD in 2010. Pingree and Tester say the President should immediately apply the same standard to survivors of sexual assault. "You have the ability to provide justice for thousands of survivors of service-related sexual trauma by calling for more fairness in the VA disability claims process," Pingree and Tester told the President in a letter. "Legislation is not necessary to keep faith with these veterans. The VA made it easier for combat veterans suffering from PTSD to get the disability benefits they need. It is past time the VA make a similar change for MST survivors. And you can direct them to do so." More than 85 percent of all military sexual assaults go unreported, which means veterans have a hard time meeting the burden of proof when applying for benefits. According to the Defense Department, while about 26,000 sexual assaults occurred in 2012, survivors reported fewer than 3,000 attacks. If the President does not take action, Pingree and Tester will continue to push their Ruth Moore Act that requires the VA to reduce the burden of proof for assault survivors seeking benefits. The bill is named for Ruth Moore, a veteran from Maine who was raped twice after enlisting in the Navy at age 18. Moore reported the attacks, but the attacker was never charged or disciplined. Recent high-profile reports of increased numbers of sexual assaults in … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-congratulates-new-secretary-energy | Pingree congratulates new Secretary of Energy | 2013-05-16 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree congratulated Ernest Moniz after his confirmation as Secretary of Energy today, and invited him to come to Maine to see development in offshore wind and tidal power. In a letter to Secretary Moniz, Pingree wrote: Maine has a unique landscape that lends itself perfectly for testing deepwater offshore wind due to its deepwater sites, at very short distances from the coasts, as well as the top-notch scientists working at its labs. The University of Maine is working on one of the many exciting projects in the state, and I would welcome the opportunity to show you firsthand how these scientists and entrepreneurs are working hand in hand to create the next generation of renewable energy development and work towards a strong and stable green economy. Pingree went on to invite Moniz to see the work being done at the University of Maine as well as work being done on ocean tidal energy off the coast of Maine. Full text of the letter is below: Dear Secretary Moniz: Congratulations on your recent confirmation. This is an exciting time at the Department of Energy, and I am confident you will continue much of the good work already underway. I share your enthusiasm for creating a new green economy that will be both diverse and sustainable, and I look forward to working with you. I had the opportunity to work with your predecessor, former Secretary of Energy Chu on the exciting renewable energy developments happening in Maine. As we move toward meeting aggressive renewable electricity objectives over the next several years, I am confident that Maine's deep-water offshore wind resource will play an integral role. Additionally, recent Department of Energy investments in tidal power further demonstrate Maine's ability to develop innovative power alternatives. As you may know, Maine has a unique landscape that lends itself perfectly for testing deepwater offshore wind due to its deepwater sites, at very short distances from the coasts, as well as the top-notch scientists working at its labs. The Univers… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senate-and-house-committees-approve-pingrees-local-food-reforms | Senate and House committees approve Pingree's local food reforms | 2013-05-16 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Find more local food policy updates at pingree.house.gov/localfood A number of significant reforms that Congresswoman Chellie Pingree authored as part of her Local Farms Food and Jobs Act were adopted this week by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. The Committees, controlled by Democrats in the Senate and Republicans in the House, voted in favor of two versions of a Farm Bill that contain Pingree's reforms designed to open new markets for sustainable farmers and increase consumer access to local food. The Farm Bill passed the Senate Committee on Tuesday and the House Committee late last night. "Farm policy in this country has been skewed in favor of big agribusinesses but in the last year we've made some significant progress in reforming it in favor of local, sustainable farms," Pingree said. "These ideas are rapidly becoming more mainstream as consumers realize that local food isn't just good for their families but it's good for the local economy too." Pingree first introduced the Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act in the House in 2011 with Senator Sherrod Brown. Since then, many of the proposals in her bill were adopted as part of the Farm Bill, the 5-year funding bill that determines national farm policy. Some of the local food reforms contained in either or both versions of the Farm Bill include: Farm-to-school programs that will allow schools to use their federalcommodity funding to buy food from local farmers. The Portland PublicSchool System has been involved in a pilot program to buy local food for school lunches for a number of years. Increasing access to local food for SNAP (food stamp) recipients, including a program to provide electronic benefit card readers to farmers markets at no cost; a double-voucher program to increase the buying power at direct-to-consumer outlets; and a provision to make it easier for SNAP dollars to be spent on Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs). Diversified crop insurance, which will insure a whole diversified farm, not just insurance per row crop. Organic crop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/army-sergeant-accused-sexual-misconduct | Army sergeant accused of sexual misconduct | 2013-05-15 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement about reports that an Army sergeant responsible for handling sexual assault cases at Fort Hood, Texas, is underinvestigation. Pingree said the male sergeant allegedly encouraged a female soldier to engage in prostitution and engaged in abusive and inappropriate sexual contact. Pingree also said a second female solder refused to engage in prostitution and was allegedly assaulted. That soldier reported the activity to her commanding officer, who opened an investigation. If these allegations are true, it's hard to find the words to describe how outrageous, disgraceful and offensive this kind of behavior is. When the very people who are supposed to be protecting military personnel from sexual assault are actually committing these crimes, you begin to get an idea of how deep and pervasive this problem is in the military. Given the stories I have heard from military personnel across the nation, I would not have believed that the failings of the military to prevent and respond to sexual assault could get any worse. But if this sergeant actually was forcing subordinates to engage in prostitution it only makes this particular case more shameful, if that's even possible. Certainly the sergeant involved in this should be held accountable, if these allegations are true. But the chain of command also bears responsibility and should answer for the sergeant's behavior. Stories like this make it easier to understand why victims of sexual assault in the military are extremely reluctant to trust anyone in positions of authority and are oftenunwilling to report these crimes. Pingree is the sponsor of the Ruth Moore Act, which makes iteasier for veterans who are the survivors of sexual assault to get the benefits they are owed. Because so many sexual assault cases in the military go unreported, many veterans are denied benefits because of the difficulty in documenting those attacks. Pingree's bill seeks to ease the standard of proof that veterans have to meet. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/navy-avoids-furloughs-kittery-shipyard-workers | Navy avoids furloughs for Kittery shipyard workers | 2013-05-14 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the Department of Defense's reported decision to avoid furlough days for public shipyard workers, including those at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. "The Pentagon made the right decision in letting the Navy exempt shipyard workers. Forced, unpaid furlough days are bad for the local economy and would probably end up costing the Navy in the long run because of inefficiencies. Family budgets are tight and the furloughs would have amounted to a significant pay cut for the men and women at the Kittery yard, so I'm glad the Navy will be able to avoid that. However, the sequester continues to hurt Maine families with indiscriminate cuts to programs like Meals on Wheels, Head Start and affordable housing, which is why I voted against it in the first place and continue to call for its repeal." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-welcomes-600000-brownfield-grants-york-county | Pingree welcomes $600,000 in Brownfield Grants for York County | 2013-05-13 | 2013 | 2013-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today welcomed news that York County would receive $600,000 in Brownfield Grants from the Environmental Protection Agency to assess and clean up polluted sites for redevelopment. With York County's long manufacturing history, Brownfield funds have been especially helpful in cleaning up mill sites so they can be redeveloped for new uses. They've already made a significant difference for several projects over the last few years, said Pingree. It's been great to see these unused, polluted sites become thriving economic drivers again. This latest round of funding will be a big help in continuing that important work in York County. There were two Brownfield recipients for York County. $200,000 to the City of Biddeford to cleanup hazardous substances from former River Dam Mill complex off Laconia Street. The site had been used for textiles production and was later used to store electrical transformers. More information available athttp://1.usa.gov/10di76e. $400,000 to the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission to conduct environmental site assessments. More information available athttp://1.usa.gov/12gJuwk. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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