Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
- url
- Link to the original release on the member's official site
- text
- Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
- has_text
- 1 if body text was successfully extracted
- date_source
- How the publication date was determined
- bioguide_id
- Bioguide ID of the member
183 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "ME" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending
This data as json, CSV (advanced)
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welcoming-decision-lift-ban-blood-donation-gay-men | Welcoming decision to lift ban on blood donation by gay men | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree welcomed news today that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will recommend an end to a decades-old ban on blood donation by gay and bisexual men. Pingree had asked the Obama Administration repeatedly, as recently as this month, to repeal the ban. "This was a policy that should have been scrapped decades ago," Pingree said. "It's an insult to gay and bisexual men, it has no public health value and has unnecessarily kept millions of potential blood donors from giving much-needed blood." The FDA said today that it will recommend an end to the lifetime ban on gay men donating blood, but will recommend replacing it with a one-year ban after homosexual activity. In a letter to a top Obama Administration official earlier this month, Pingree and Congressional colleagues argued for a risk-based assessment of blood donors, and not reject donors based solely on a sexual orientation label. "A one-year deferral policy is a step forward," Pingree and her colleagues wrote. "However, such a policy still prevents many low-risk individuals from donating blood. If we are serious about protecting and enhancing our nation's blood supply, we must embrace science and reject outdated stereotypes. As such, we urge you to implement a risk-based donation policy for men who have sex with men, rather than simply another arbitrary time-based deferral." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-joined-23-other-members-congress-support-lawsuit-against-va | Pingree is joined by 23 other Members of Congress to support lawsuit against VA | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Suit demands VA treat survivors of sexual assault and victims of combat-related PTSD equally Congresswoman Chellie Pingree was joined by 23 other members of the House of Representatives yesterday in filing a friend of the court brief in a lawsuit aimed at forcing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to treatsurvivors of military sexual trauma (MST) the same way they treat veterans suffering from combat-related PTSD. "The VA has done the right thing by making it easier for combat veterans to get benefits for their PTSD but sadly they just won't treat MST survivors equally," Pingree said. "We've asked them again and again to make the same reforms with these survivors but they just haven't done it. It's too bad that this had to end up in court but if that's what it takes to get the VA to reform their practices, I am certainly going to support that lawsuit." Pingree led a group of 24 House members in filing an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit, which was brought by the Service Women's Action Network and the Vietnam Veterans of America against the VA and filed in federal court in Washington this summer. Pingree, who has been a vocal advocate for the rights of MST survivors, said the VA uses a dual standard in handling claims from veterans who suffer from PTSD related to combat and those whose PTSD is related to sexual assault. In order to file for benefits for a disability, a veteran has to show three thingsmedical diagnosis of the disability, a link between the disability and an event that happened while they were serving and evidence that the event actually occurred. Recognizing that it is sometimes hard for veterans in combat to collect evidence of a traumatic event that leads to PTSD, the VA has allowed those veterans to submit their own testimony as evidence. Despite repeated requests, the VA has not extended a similar policy to survivors ofsexual assault. "We know from the Pentagon that the vast majority of sexual assaults in the military go unreported. And I know from the dozens of veterans who have co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-restoring-diplomatic-relations-cuba | Statement on restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree made the following statement on the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba. I strongly support President Obama's decision to reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba. It's a change that is long overdue and I'm optimistic it will lead to increased communication and interaction with the Cuban people. Normalizing relations with Cuba will help boost trade between our two countries, which benefits everyone. But the President can only go so far, and ultimately Congress should lift the 50 year-old economic embargo, a misguided policy which has benefited neither the United States or the Cuban people. Even Alan Gross, who lost five years of his life in a Cuban prison, called for an end to what he described as a "mutually belligerent" policy. Pingree has visited Cuba twice. In 2003 she traveled to the country as a member of the 21-person delegation from to promote economic development and cutltural understanding. Nearly ten years later she returned to the island as a Member of Congress to inspect the U.S. Military base at Guantanamo Bay. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-pingree-amendment-ban-chinese-chicken-school-lunches-included | DeLauro, Pingree amendment to ban Chinese chicken from school lunches included in omnibus funding bill | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Provision would prevent schools, USDA from buying poultry processed in China for nutrition programs An amendment introduced by Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro and cosponsored by Chellie Pingree that would ban the purchase of chicken raised in the US and processed in China for school lunches is heading to the President's desk for signature. The bill passed the House of Representatives last Thursday and the Senate late Saturday night. DeLauro and Pingree, both members of the House Appropriations Committee, successfully added their provision to abill funding the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) earlier this year.Congressional leaders then included the provision in the omnibus spending bill that funds the federal government that was passed over the weekend. Banning Chinese chicken from school meals is a common-sense step to protect our kids, DeLauro said. China's food safety record is atrocious, yet last year USDA deemed poultry processed in China to be as safe as poultry processed here. Children are among the most susceptible to foodborne illness. We cannot take unnecessary risks with their health. "Chinese chicken does not belong in school lunches," Pingree said. "China has such serious food safety problems that even Chinese consumers don't feel safe eating some of the food that is processedthere. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/biw-wins-21-million-contract-ddg51-work | BIW wins $21 million contract for DDG51 work | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said tonight that Bath Iron Works has won a $21 million deal to extend its work on construction of DDG 51 destroyers. Bath Iron Works is the lead designer of the current run of DDG 51s and the contract will allow them to provide engineering and support work for the "follow" shipyardthe Ingalls Shipyard in Pascogoula, Mississippi. "This is a great example of the phrase 'Bath built is best built,'" Pingree said. "BIW has done a great job as the lead shipbuilder on this contract, and it makes sense they get this additional contract to provide this kind of technical service to the other yard building these ships." The contract for $21,192,127 is technically a modification to a previously awarded contract to exercise options for DDG 51 construction | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-gets-funding-new-school-pleasant-point-reservation | Pingree gets funding for new school at Pleasant Point Reservation | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Up to $20 million in funding will fully pay for construction of school to replace aging Beatrice Rafferty School Congresswoman Pingree with Beatrice Rafferty School Principal Michael Chadwick and Congresswoman Betty McCollum earlier this year. Representative Chellie Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said the "Omnibus" spending bill that passed the House late last night contains up to $20 million to fully fund the construction of a new a new K-8 school on the Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Indian Reservation to replace the Beatrice Rafferty School. The school is a U.S. Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) funded school and serves approximately 125 students. There are 183 such schools around the country, mostly on Indian reservations. Pingree, who is on the Appropriations subcommittee that sets the budget for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, has pushed for funding for the school. Pingree visited the school earlier this year with Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the top Democrat on the subcommittee. In the spending bill up for a vote this week, the Pleasant Point school was the only one in the United States to get construction funding in the Bureau's budget. "The school has been targeted for replacement for a decade. It's in terrible shape with mold and weakened walls," Pingree said. "That's a bad learning environment and it's time to replace it. This funding will allow the community to build a new school that will last for generations to come." A spending bill passed earlier this year included funding for planning and design of the new school. The bill that passed the House last night and is expected to pass the Senate by this weekend completes the job by providing full construction funding. Ron Jenkins, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education, said construction could begin as early as April or May and take eighteen months to two years. "This is the best news I've heard in a long time," Jenkins said. "I know how hard Representative Pingree has worked on this and everyone here really appreciates … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-speaks-crowd-hundreds-gathered-oppose-ban-gmo-labeling | Pingree speaks to crowd of hundreds gathered to oppose ban on GMO labeling | 2014-12-10 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Bill would block laws in Maine and other states requiring labels on food containing GMOs Congresswoman Chellie Pingree spoke to hundreds of people from around the country who gathered in Washington today to oppose a bill that would ban GMO labeling laws. "You are here representing the 90% of American people who wantto know what's in their food," Pingree said. "Thank you for making your voices heard." A bill being called the Deny Americans the Right-to-Know or DARK Act had a hearing today in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill would prevent states like Maine from requiring the labeling of foods containing GMO ingredients. The Maine law, passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor LePage this year, would require labeling when five nearby states also adopt similar requirements. Currently 64 other countries around the world require labeling of GMO food. Polling shows nearly all Americans support a similar requirement, but large corporations, like Monsanto, that produce GMOs have fought labeling laws and support the bill now in the House. Dozens of Maine people were set to travel to the rally by bus, but the trip was canceled due to weather. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-cia-torture-report | Statement on CIA torture report | 2014-12-09 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement in response to a report on CIA torture released today by the Senate Intelligence Committee. "This is a brutal report that represents a dark side of the CIA and describes actions that do not reflect American values. Not only were these techniques wrong, the report shows they were not the most effective way to gather intelligence. It is also disturbing to see that the CIA was misleading and dishonest with Congress about their use of torture and even went so far as to break into the computers of the Senate Intelligence Committee to prevent the release of this information." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/27-maine-students-nominated-united-states-service-academies | 27 Maine students nominated to United States Service Academies | 2014-12-08 | 2014 | 2014-12 | 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. Pingree nominated several students to more than one academy. United States Naval Academy Mary Coyne, Yarmouth, Yarmouth High School Chris deWolf, Falmouth, Falmouth High School Julia Ginder, Cape Elizabeth, Cape Elizabeth High School Abigail Goodrich, York, Cheverus High School Nathan Howard, Scarborough, Scarborough High School Eric Kousky, Brunswick, Brunswick High School Joseph Lobley, Waldoboro, Medomak Valley High School Noah Seely, Cumberland, Naval Academy Preparatory School, Governor's Academy (prior) Catherine Sener, Bath, Morse High School Kohl Valle, Falmouth, Falmouth High School United States Military Academy Catherine Call, Scarborough, Scarborough High School Jacob Connors, Kennebunk, Kennebunk High School Harry Crosby, Cumberland Foreside, Hargrave Military Academy Gavin Felch, Union, Medomak Valley High School Abigail Goodrich, York, Cheverus High School Eric Kousky, Brunswick, Brunswick High School Emily Mitchell, York, University of Ne… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-community-get-help-feds-develop-and-expand-local-agriculture | Maine community to get help from feds to develop and expand local agriculture | 2014-12-04 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Town of Unity wins competitive 'Local Foods, Local Places' assistance Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said this week that the Town of Unity has been selected as one of just 26 communities from around the country to participate in a federal initiative called Local Foods, Local Places. The town will receive expert technical advice to help develop and highlight the local agricultural economy. Pingree, a member of the House Agriculture Appropriations Committee, said bringing federal resources to a small town like Unity can go a long way toward growing the local economy. "Unity and the communities in that area understand how valuable agriculture is to their economy and how local farms can be a good source of food and income," Pingree said. "They've done a lot of work to create a development plan that takes advantage of these resources, but with expert technical assistance they canreally take these plans to the next level." The federal designation means the community will get free technical assistance "to create a more connected, walkable community; better market the community's agricultural character; and create a local food system for the town and surrounding region," according to the Obama Administration. In its application, the Town of Unity wrote that "despite recent efforts the Town has made, this small community can only go so far without expert assistance. The ideas are there; the expertise to create the action plans to implement those ideas isnot." A White House announcement is here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-comments-case-being-heard-supreme-court-today | Pingree comments on case being heard by Supreme Court today | 2014-12-03 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Peggy Young is suing UPS for losing her job because she was pregnant Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voiced her support for Peggy Young, whose case against United Parcel Service (UPS) forpregnancy discrimination is being heard before the Supreme Court today. Pregnancy is a necessary fact of life. It shouldn't be grounds for losing your job, which I think the law spells out pretty clearly, said Pingree. UPS should be held accountable for firing Peggy Youngand cutting off her benefits when her family needed them mosteven though she offered to continue working with minimal accommodations. Even more than that, this is about making sure that the anti-discrimination protections women have are upheld. Clearly, they're still needed. Young was a UPS driver when she became pregnant. After telling her employer that she could continue her route with few accommodations, Young was fired for the rest of her pregnancy because her doctor recommended that she not lift more than 20 pounds. She was not offered a light-duty alternative and lost all pay and benefits during that time. In the case, Young is suing UPS for a breach of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1976. Pingree signed onto an amicus brief in support of Young. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-votes-extend-tax-breaks-families-clean-energy-small-business | Pingree votes to extend tax breaks for families, clean energy, small business | 2014-12-03 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Says last-minute deal "is no way to pass sensible tax policy" Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voted to retroactively extend a number of important tax breaks through the end of 2014. The provisions had expired at the end of last year, and without action by Congress families and small businesses would have lost important tax deductions and credits. "Families and businesses are going to start filling out their 2014 tax forms in just a few weeks, so it is important for Congress to act now to make sure they can claim these important deductions," Pingree said. "But to be honest it's shameful that Republican leaders put off this vote until the very last minute. And by only extending these tax breaks through the end of this month, it makes it very hard for businesses to accurately plan for the future. This is no way to pass sensible tax policy." Pingree was especially critical of the short-term extension of the Wind Production Tax Credit through the end of 2014. The Production Tax Credit has supported the wind energy projects in Maine that have created hundreds of good paying jobs. "Clean energy projects rely on the Production Tax Credit to get off the ground, and a long-term extension of the credit is necessary for developers to plan and finance the kind of projects that create jobs here in Maine and around the country," Pingree said. "By waiting until the last minute to pass a short-term extension, Republicans are making that tax credit a lot less effective." The bill Pingree voted for today extends the following tax provisions for one year: A variety of energy-related tax provisions, including such renewable energy tax provisions as the Wind Production Tax Credit; The R&D tax credit; Exclusion for mortgage forgiveness debt relief; The deduction for state and local sales taxes; The Work Opportunity Tax Credit; The New Markets Tax Credit; The deduction for conservation easements. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/york-river-bill-closer-final-passage | York River bill closer to final passage | 2014-12-03 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Federal designation would lead to investment, protection of local environment House and Senate leaders have agreed to include legislation originally written by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree in a major defense spending bill that is expected to pass Congress this week. Pingree's billthe York River Wild and Scenic River Study Actwould create a 3-year study to determine if the river could be included in the National Park Service's Wild and Scenic River program. Being included in the program would bring attention, tourism and federal funding to the river to protect its resources and stimulate the local economy. The bill passed the US House unanimously in 2012, but the Senate failed to vote on the measure. Pingree reintroduced the bill in 2013 and it again passed the House. Meanwhile Senator Angus King introduced companion legislation earlier this year that has now been included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which will be voted on in both the House and Senate this week. "The York River is a special place that is vital to the ecology and economy of the region," Pingree said. "Protecting it is important for the environment but federal designation could also bring more investment and more attention to the 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. "This has really been a community effort," Pingree said. "The people who live and work around the York River have worked hard to get us this far, and, thanks to the leadership of Senator King, this effort is about to take another step forward." King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, where the defense bill that comes up for a vote this week was written. 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 exam… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-about-president-obamas-executive-action-immigration | Statement about President Obama's executive action on immigration | 2014-11-20 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement tonight about President Obama's announced executive action on immigration. Keeping families together who have lived here in the United States for years is a worthy goal and will begood for our economy and our communities. A permanent fix to our broken immigration system needs to come from Congress, but the truth is that Republicans in the House have refused again and again to take up comprehensive reform, so I'm glad that President Obama, like 11 other presidents before him, is taking this first step. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/appeals-court-decision-requires-maine-keep-19-and-20-year-olds-medicaid | Appeals Court decision requires Maine to keep 19- and 20-year-olds on Medicaid | 2014-11-17 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree had asked Obama Administration to reject state's request to roll back Medicaid eligibility Congresswoman Chellie Pingree welcomed a decision by a Federal Appeals Court that the Obama Administration was right to deny a request by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to drop Medicaid coverage for 19- and 20-year olds. In Mayhew v Burwell, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled that the State of Maine is required under the Affordable Care Act's "maintenance of effort" provisions to continue providing Medicaid coverage for these young adults until 2019. Maine officials asked for a waiver to drop the coverage in 2012 and after the Obama Administration denied the waiver, DHHS sought to have that decision overturned. "Maine has covered these young adults for over 20 years, and dropping the coverage now clearly violates the provisions of the AffordableCare Act," Pingree said. "This is good news for thousands of low-income 19- and 20-year olds who faced the loss of health care coverage." Maine officials had argued that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a provision of the ACA pushing states to expand Medicaid meant that the federal government could not force Maine to maintain coverage for youngadults. The Appeals Court rejected that argument. Pingree wrote to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebellius in 2012 urging the rejection of the waiver, saying "elimination of Medicaid coverage would not only adversely affect the health and wellbeing of Maine residents and upset Maine's local economies, it would also be in direct violation of the maintenance of effort requirement, even in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling." Maine Attorney General Janet Mills weighed in on the side of the federal government, saying the decision to reject the waiver was correct and constitutional. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-opposes-bill-give-tar-sands-pipeline-free-pass-environmental | Pingree opposes bill to give tar sands pipeline free pass on environmental standards | 2014-11-14 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Dirty tar sands oil would flow through proposed pipeline for sale overseas As Congress went back to work this week, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said she would vote against a Republican bill that would let the TransCanada Corporation bypass environmental permitting requirements to build the Keystone XL Pipeline. "This is a bad deal for the environment and a bad deal for Americans," Pingree said. "It gives the TransCanada Corporation a free pass on environmental permits to build a tar sands pipeline right through the middle of the country. And much of that oil won't even end up here in the U.S. but end up getting piped through the country on the way to being exported overseas." The bill gives a special deal to the TransCanada Corporation, effectively exempting TransCanada's Keystone XL tar sands pipeline from all federal permitting requirements, including requirements that apply to every other construction project in this country. The bill also exempts TransCanada from paying into the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, which all other crude oil companies must pay into to help pay for future oil spills. Pingree has been a longtime critic of the Keystone Pipeline proposal, as well as potential proposals to reverse the flow of the Portland Montreal Pipeline to bring tar sands oil to ships in Portland Harbor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veterans-day-2014 | Veterans Day 2014 | 2014-11-11 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement commemorating Veterans Day. "We should remember the sacrifice and courage shown by the nation's veterans every day, but particularly on Veterans Day when we pause to recognize the men and women who have served this country in uniform. We are safer every day because of their service, and we owe them our thanks and gratitude. "We have promised our veterans that we will take care of them when they come home, and we should renew our vow to make sure they get the healthcare and benefits they have earned, and make sure they have the economic opportunities that they deserve." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/increase-social-security-payments-helps-doesnt-keep-increasing-costs | Increase in Social Security payments helps, but doesn't keep up with increasing costs | 2014-10-22 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Pingree sponsors bill that would create inflation index tailored to seniors Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said a 1.7% increase in Social Security checks next year will be helpful for seniors and other beneficiaries, but it doesn't make up for the true increase in costs many seniors face. "I'm glad seniors will be getting a cost of living increase next year, and since Medicare premiums are not increasing they'll get to keep all of that," Pingree said. "But as any senior will tell you, the prices they pay for essentials is going up faster than the cost of living increases in their Social Security. The government should change the way they measure inflation for seniors to moreaccurately reflect their rising expenses." Currently, Social Security cost of living (COLA) increases arepegged to the national Consumer Price Index (CPI). Pingree is a cosponsor of a bill that would create a Consumer Price Index-Elderly (CPI-E)an index that does a better job measuring the cost of what seniors spend much of their income on, like prescriptions drugs. The Social Security Administration announced a 1.7% COLA for next year, marking the third year in a row of increases below 2%. However, some years the COLA is completely offset by an increase in Medicare Part B premiums, but this year those premiums did not change, allowing seniors to keep the full COLA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-mike-michaud-and-chellie-pingree-statements-fairpoint | Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree statements on Fairpoint strike | 2014-10-17 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree issued the following statements on the labor dispute between North Carolina-based Fairpoint Communications and thousands of northern New England workers. Congresswoman Pingree speaks at a rally for Fairpoint workers on strike. "This company made an investment they couldn't afford and now they are trying to take it out on the thousands of highly skilled men and women who work for them. Fairpoint employees negotiated in good faith and made huge concessions but the company responded by raiding the retirement fund they had promised their workers, cutting their healthcare and outsourcing jobs. It's time for Fairpoint to come to the table, make a deal that is fair to workers and keep these jobs in Maine," Pingree said. The hardworking men and women at Fairpoint make the company what it is it's through their talent and tireless dedication that Fairpoint is able to provide the backbone infrastructure for much of Maine's telecommunications network, including 911 services, said Michaud. Fairpoint's success is tried to its workforce, and I would strongly encourage its management team to consider that, added Michaud. No one wins in a stalemate not the workers, not management, and not our state as a whole. Fairpoint employees have madeconcessions, and they deserve appropriate benefits and compensation for their work. I call on both sides to keep an open dialogue so that this strike is a short one. It's in everyone's best interests to quickly reach an agreement that treats FairPoint employees with the respect they deserve, allows the company to continue serving its customers, and keeps Maine's businesses and communities connected. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-passing-joy-obrien | Statement on the passing of Joy O'Brien | 2014-10-16 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the death of Joy O'Brien, who served for 25 years as Secretary of the MaineState Senate. I was honored and privileged to have served with Joy during my time in the State Senate. She made her job look easy but I know how demanding and complicated it really was. She taught me so much. She knew the process inside and out, had a great sense of humor and strong convictions. She was kind, hard working and made a huge difference in her lifetime. We lost her way too soon. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-condemns-decision-allow-new-herbicidegmo-seed-combination | Pingree condemns decision to allow new herbicide/GMO seed combination | 2014-10-15 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | EPA decision today will allow big farms to apply a herbicide that contains a chemical used in Agent Orange New herbicide approved by EPA could lead to further declines in Monarch Butterfly populations. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree had harsh words today for a decision by federal regulators that will allow the use of a controversial new herbicide called Enlist Duo. The decision follows the approval last month of genetically engineered corn and soybean seeds designed to be resistant to the new herbicide. The combination is made by Dow Chemical Company and marketed as a successor to Monsanto's GMO seeds and Roundup herbicide. "This is taking a bad idea and making it worse," Pingree said. "Roundup and the GMO seeds that Monsanto pushed on farmers have already led to superweeds and have contributed to a huge decline of Monarchbutterflies. And now regulators have approved an even more toxic herbicide and another strain of GMO crops. It just doesn't make sense." Pingree and others led efforts to encourage farmers and consumers across the country to oppose the approval of these new products. Over half a million people responded and sent comments to federal regulators asking that they not be approved. In Congress, Pingree wrote a letter to the EPA that was signed by 49 of her colleagues asking them to not approve the use of this new herbicide. "Enlist Duo is made up of one chemical used in Agent Orange and another that is used in Roundup. This may kill some weeds in the short term but just imagine the long-term cost to the environment and human health," Pingree said. "And the USDA itself has said this approval will likely lead to farmers spraying upwards of 176 million pounds of this stuff on crops every year by 2020. This is not sustainable and will only end up making the superweed epidemic even worse." Enlist Duo is made up of 2,4-D, one of the components of AgentOrange, and glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup. Scientists say glyphosate is responsible for the disappearance of milkweed in many pa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-announces-federal-funding-confront-coastal-challenges | Pingree announces federal funding to confront coastal challenges | 2014-10-10 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Maine will receive $492,000 for projects concerning severe storms, climate change, lobsters, and more Today Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced that Maine would receive over $492,000 from the federal National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Sea Grant Program for projects to help coastal communities confront today's challenges. Coastal communities are dealing with a number of questions right now, among them, how to deal with climate change and its many impacts on our marine resources. In Maine, these questions are especially difficult because we rely so heavily on our coastal economy, said Pingree. I'm glad Maine will receive funding to research these challenges and plan for how best to address them. Maine Sea Grant, a program at the University of Maine, will use the money to fund several projects, including: Revisiting Age Determination in the American Lobster: Validating Growth Estimates in Contrasting Thermal Regimes; Coastal Flooding and Erosion from Severe Storms in a Changing Climate; and Social and Ecological Factors Influencing Shoreline Hardening in the Northeast: Implications for Vulnerability, Resilience, and Informed Decision Making. Sea Grant is a federal-private partnership of 33 programs based at research universities in every coastal and Great Lakes state as well as Puerto Rico and Guam. Sea Grant leverages federal, academic, and industry partners to support communities impacted by coastal hazards. Sea Grant invests in coastal resiliency research and engages communities through its integrated outreach program, bringing together the collective expertise of on-the-ground extension agents, educators, and communicators to support the development of resilient coastal communities. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cape-air-reselected-provide-essential-air-service-augusta-and-rockland | Cape Air reselected to provide Essential Air Service at Augusta and Rockland airports | 2014-10-09 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree praises federal program that connects rural airports to national network Today Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced that Cape Air has been reselected to provide Essential Air Service from Augusta and Rockland airports to Boston Logan International Airport. Starting Nov. 1, the agreement covers the next four years and ensures daily passenger service at these airports by subsidizing flights. Essential Air Service is a critical program for a state like Maine because it keeps our small airports connected to therest of the nation. To keep these airports vital and valuable to the state's economy, it's important that they have regular flights, said Pingree. I'm glad that Cape Air will continue operations at these airports and that Mainers can keep relying on this important service. When airlines were deregulated in the late 1970s, rural communities were concerned they would lose air service becausecarriers were no longer required to provide regular flights to them. The federal Essential Air Service program was created to address these concerns by subsidizing roundtrip flights from small airports to larger hubs. The subsidies for Augusta and Rockland airports will be close to $2 million each for the next four years. At Augusta, Cape Air will provide 21 weekly roundtrips November to May, and 28 the rest of the year. In Rockland, therewill 21 weekly trips in the winter, 28 in the spring, 42 in the summer, and 28 in the fall. All service will be provided using nine-passenger Cessna 402 aircraft. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/army-tells-michaud-pingree-military-funeral-honors-program-will-continue | Army Tells Michaud, Pingree Military Funeral Honors Program Will Continue | 2014-10-07 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Officials say they funding will be guaranteed to provide honor guard at funerals for veterans WASHINGTON, D.C. Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree said that Army officials contacted them today to assure them that funding for honor guards at the funerals of veterans inMaine and around the country will continue throughout the fiscal year that began October 1st. Honoring the lives and service of our veterans is one of the most sacred ways we can repay those who have sacrificed so much for our country, Michaud and Pingree said in a joint statement. Respecting and preserving the Funeral Honors program isn't a partisan issue, it's something we all support. We are pleased to hear services will continue uninterrupted for the new fiscal year and will do whatever it takes to ensure that veterans and their families will continue to receive this sacred honor in the long-term, beyond this year. The Military Funeral Honors program sends honor guards to over 1,000 veterans' funerals in Maine each year. Budget cuts proposed by House Republicans threatened funding for the program, but Army officials told Michaud and Pingree they will look for ways to increase efficiency in the program. Michaud and Pingree will remain in close touch with Army officials to continue advocating for the importance of fully funding the program, and to monitor any future proposed changes to the program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cruise-ships-continue-buy-maine-lobster | Cruise ships continue to buy Maine lobster | 2014-10-03 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Celebrity Summit to pick up 1,600 live lobsters in Portland today Chellie with John Ready, owner of lobster wholesaler Ready Seafood, in 2012 Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said cruise ships are continuing to buy thousands of pounds of live Maine lobster when they visit Maine. Celebrity Cruises has ordered 1,600 112 pound lobsters for delivery today to the 2,000-passenger Celebrity Summit. That is in addition to 640 lobsters that were purchased last month and another 1,600 more that will be delivered when that ship returns to Portland later this month. "There is nothing more local than live Maine lobsters caught in the waters off our coast," Pingree said. "I'm glad the cruise ship industry is showing a continued commitment to buying local products when visiting Maine and at the same time giving their guests a chance to enjoy the freshest possible Maine seafood." In 2012, when Pingree learned that cruise ships visiting Mainewere not purchasing Maine lobster while in port, she wrote to the CEO's of several major cruise ship companies urging them to buy local. Both Celebrity and Norwegian responded and began purchasing locally. "It's really just common sense for these cruise ships to stock up on Maine lobster when they are in port, but it wasn't happening until we brought it to the attention of the people who run these companies," Pingree said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-receives-600000-help-develop-and-improve-local-food-economy | Maine receives $600,000 to help develop and improve local food economy | 2014-10-02 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Grants help variety of projects, including honeybee research and UMaine partnership to develop hops industry Projects include building the hops industry in Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that Maine will be getting over $600,000 in federal Specialty Crop Block Grants to fund a number of effortsthat will strengthen and grow the local food economy. Pingree authored a provision of the recently passed Farm Bill that provides substantially increased funding for this program. The grants cover a range of projects, from research into pest management for potatoes to a study of the effects of pesticides on honeybees to a joint project with the University of Maine to develop a hop industry in Maine. "Maine has a great variety of small farmers and producers who are already contributing to our economy," Pingree said. "These types of investments were are announcing today will help them grow their operations and get involved in new crops, strengthening the local farm economy." Pingree was the driving force behind a number of local food provisions in the Farm Bill signed by President Obama earlier this year, include a substantial increase in funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The $602,678 grant will go to the Maine Department of Agriculture, which will distribute it to 11 projects around the state: Supporting Maine Specialty Crop Producers with Food Safety Audit Preparation $27,256. Partner with AgMatters LLC to educate specialtycrop growers about changes to produce safety rules as a result of the Food Safety Modernization Act and help them to successfully complete their specific Food Safety audit by providing technical assistance and food safety training for specialty crop producers. Increasing the Nutrition Knowledge and Consumption of Specialty Crops by Maine Children and Adults $29,000. Partner with the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Council to increase consumption of specialty crops in the school cafeterias and purchases from local farmers markets, farm stands and groce… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-urges-social-security-expedite-claims-more-disabled-veterans | Pingree urges Social Security to expedite claims for more disabled veterans | 2014-10-02 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Leads bipartisan letter asking agency to give quicker consideration to veterans the VA has deemed unemployable Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today asked the Social Security Administration to give special consideration in the disability claims process to veterans whom the Department of Veterans Affairs has deemed unemployable due to service-connected disabilities. In a letter signed by 13 other Members of Congress, Pingree asked the SSA both to expedite claims for these veterans and to take their unemployable status into consideration when making the decision on whether to grant benefits. What we have are two federal agencies with different standards of granting disability benefits. Even after veterans have gone through the process of being deemed unemployable by the VA, they have to start all over again at the back of the line with Social Security. Those claims can take 2 or 3 years before a final decision is made, said Pingree. I don't think it's fair to make these disabled veterans wait that long. Social Security should move these cases to the front of the line and give their unemployable status the full weight it deserves. The VA uses a complicated set of factors to rate veterans' service-connected disabilities. Ranging from 10% to 100%, the rating determines the amount of compensation veterans receive for their disabilities. The Social Security Administration already expedites the claims of veterans who have a 100% rating. But the VA can also give a status of Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if the agency deems that a service-connected disability prevents a veteran from maintaining gainful employment. The VA grants these veterans compensation at the 100% level, even if the veteran has a lower rating. Social Security uses different criteria to grant disability benefits, centered on a person's ability to earn income. While it expedites the claims of veterans who have a 100% disability rating, it does not do so for veterans who have TDIU with a rating less than 100%even though the VA… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/two-maine-sites-selected-national-historic-landmarks-program | Two Maine sites selected to National Historic Landmarks Program | 2014-09-30 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree celebrates addition of two Maine sites to National Historic Landmarks Program Eagle Island off of Harpswell and the Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle are named for their significance to nation's history For immediate release September 30, 2014 Contact: Willy Ritch, (207) 841-8400 Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today celebrated the designation of two Maine sites as National Historic LandmarksEagle Island near Harpswell, the longtime summer residence of Arctic explorer and Bowdoin College graduate Robert E. Peary; and the homestead ofFrances Perkins, the country's first female presidential cabinet member, in Newcastle. I'm very excited that these Maine sites have achieved the national distinction they deserve. Both helped shape the lives of two of the most influential individuals of their times, said Pingree. The bluffs and ledges of Eagle Island provided refuge for Admiral Robert Peary when hewasn't exploring the Arctic. Frances Perkins' home, and the community around it, helped form the values that she would draw on while crafting visionary federal programs as Secretary of Labor during the Depression. Mainers have always valued the significance of these places, and now the rest of the country can as well. The roughly 2,500 National Historic Landmarks represent a small subset of the National Register of Historic Places, which has 90,000 listings. Becoming one is a lengthy process (two to five years) thatinvolves a nomination and reviews by a national board and the National Parks Service. Ultimately, sites must be selected by the Secretary of the Interior for their historical significance to the nation as a whole. Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, which overseesfunding for the National Parks Service. Pingree celebrates addition of two Maine sites to National Historic Landmarks Program Eagle Island off of Harpswell and the Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle are named for their significance to nation's … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-death-millie-mcfarland | Congresswoman Pingree on death of Millie McFarland | 2014-09-29 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement today about the death of Millicent "Millie" McFarland, the clerk of the Maine House of Representatives. "Millie was hardworking, fair and well-loved by Democrats and Republicans alike. And you could always depend on her to know the answer to a question about how the Legislature operated. She really was the heart and soul of the House." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-praise-25-million-grant-kennebec-valley-community | Michaud & Pingree Praise $2.5 Million Grant to Kennebec Valley Community College | 2014-09-29 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Michaud & Pingree Praise $2.5 Million Grant to Kennebec Valley Community College WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree are praising a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield. The investment is part of DOL's Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative, and will go toward training programs at Kennebec Valley Community College that will prepare students for jobs in industries including healthcare, construction and social assistance. We need to put more effort into training young people with the concrete skills that translate directly into jobs, Pingree said. KVCC knows how to do that, they have the programs that teach those skills and this grant is a big investment in those programs." This is an important investment for KVCC and will help prepare our students for good jobs that strengthen our communities, said Michaud. As we continue working to grow and strengthen Maine's economy, it's important for us to invest in ensuring that the next generation has the skill sets they need to succeed in the high-demand sectors that help drive our economic engine. According to DOL, the funding will cover an array of activities, including: Hiring or training instructors to expand the capacity for in-demand courses or certifications; Expanding online learning opportunities to accelerate attainment of critical skills; Developing new training models to expand accessibility to classes and certifications; Purchasing needed equipment so students training in specific fields can train using what employers actually use; and Soliciting input from local employers and designing a curriculum based on their feedback. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/biddeford-engineering-firm-getting-10-million-defense-contract | Biddeford engineering firm getting $10 million defense contract | 2014-09-24 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Oak Point Associates to design repairs and improvements at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and other Navy facilities Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that Oak Point Associates in Biddeford has won a $10 million Navy contract to design and engineer improvements to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery and at other Navy facilities on the East Coast. "This is great news for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the local economy," Pingree said. "The design and engineering work that Oak Point is going to do for Portsmouth will improve a number of buildings at the yard and make them more energy efficient. That helps keep the yard competitive and supports good paying local jobs at the same time." Oak Point will be responsible for engineering, design and construction services for projects involving many types of industrial facilities at Navy installations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The first job on the list is a $800,000 project to repair and improve buildings M1, M2 and M3 at PNSY. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-announces-over-600000-federal-funding-midcoast-small-businesses | Pingree announces over $600,000 in federal funding for Midcoast small businesses | 2014-09-24 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Midcoast Council of Government will provide training and distribute loans to businesses in Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and Waldo counties Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced todaythat the Midcoast Council of Governments would receive a $105,000 grant and$500,000 loan from USDA Rural Development through the Rural Micro-entrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). This is a very exciting opportunity to provide small businesses in the Midcoast with the capital and assistance they need to take their operations to the next level and create new jobs. With funding being distributed to so many different small businesses, this valuable investment will have a wide impact, said Pingree. My congratulations and appreciation go to Midcoast Council of Governments for leading this important program. Under RMAP, USDA provides loans to organizations that, in turn, make microloans to eligible small businesses with 10 or fewer employees for start-up or development. RMAP grants are used by organizations to provide technical assistance and training to micro-entrepreneurs. Midcoast Council of Governments will use the funding to make microloans and provide training to very small businesses inKnox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and Waldo counties. Northern Maine Development Commission will also receive a $500,000 RMAP grant for microloans in Aroostook, Washington, Penobscot, and Piscataquis counties. USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, These USDA Rural Development funds will have asignificant impact on business and economic development in nine Maine counties, as well as a substantial impact on business development and job creation and retention in Maine. Through relending of these critical funds, a total of 68 small Maine businesses will be assisted and 165 jobs created or retained throughout our state. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-proposed-food-safety-regulations-better-farmers | New proposed food safety regulations better for farmers | 2014-09-22 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree and others pushed FDA to modify regulations that would have hurt small, local farmers Find text of the proposed rules and links to submitting comments on the FDA's website. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said new food safety regulations proposed by the Food and Drug Administration would be less of a burden on smaller farmers than the rules the agency had originally proposed last year. Pingree said she is still reviewing all the new proposed rules to see how they would affect farmers, but called the FDA's action an improvement over that original proposal. Pingree and others had pressured the FDA to back off the strict new rules they had proposed last year that she says would have been hard on many small operations. "We are in the process of reviewing the full rules more carefully, but from what I've seen so far, the FDA really listened to us on a number of issues, like water testing and using manure to fertilize crops," Pingree said. "And they definitely got the message on spent grains and backed away from rules that would have made it impossible for craft brewers and distillers here in Maine to give their byproducts to dairy farmers. In 2010 Congress passed the Food Safety Modernization Act and early last year the FDA proposed a set of rules regarding farming practices to comply with the law. After complaints from Pingree and farmers around the country, the FDA agreed to change some of the proposed rules. Of particular concern were regulations that would have required frequent testing of water used for irrigation and would have also made it virtually impossible to use manure as fertilizer. And, the original proposed rules included a provision that local craft beer brewers and distillers said would have made it impossible for them to give their spent grain byproducts to local farmers for use as feed. Pingree brought hundreds of farmers and producers together for a meeting in Augusta last summer attended by the top food-safety regulator from the FDA. At that field hearing, dozens of growers expressed o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-receives-federal-grants-rescue-stranded-seals-and-whales-maine | Maine receives federal grants to rescue stranded seals and whales in Maine | 2014-09-18 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree has fought for Congressional funding to continue the critical program Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that two Maine organizations working to rescue stranded seals and whales would receive federal Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grants through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Though funding for the program has faced possible elimination in the President's proposed budget in recent years, Pingree has worked with other lawmakers to make these grants possible through the Congressional appropriations process. It's important to protect the health of our marine mammal populations because they're iconic species for our state and a critical part of the ecosystem. When whales and seals end up stranded on beaches or trapped in shallow water, we depend on having well-trained people who can respond quickly and appropriately, said Pingree. Two Maine organizations are doing fantastic work in coordinating responses for hundreds of animals a year. They've done a great job recruiting volunteers and raising private funds, but the federal government has an obligation to provide support. I'm so glad the organizations will receive these grants to help continue their very important work. Marine Mammal Rescue of Maine will receive a grant for $83,878 to support its work responding to marine mammalstrandings from Kittery to Rockland. The organization has been under increased pressure since the closing of a marine mammal rehabilitation center at UNE last spring. The College of the Atlantic's Allied Whale program will receive $99,934 to support its response in Downeast and Midcoast Maine. The John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program is the sole source of federal funding for stranding response. Since the program was created in 2000, it has supported a national network of organizations that have helped NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service meets its legal mandate to respond to marine mammal strandings. Funding for the program was not included in the President… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/usda-approval-new-gmo-corn-and-soy-step-wrong-direction | USDA approval of new GMO corn and soy is a step in the wrong direction | 2014-09-18 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Urges EPA not to approve toxic herbicide designed to work with new seeds Congresswoman Chellie Pingree expressed disappointment in the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision yesterday to approve the sale of genetically modified corn and soybean seeds designed by Dow Chemical Company and intended to be used with a toxic new herbicide. "Dow is making all sorts of promises about these new GMO products, but they are exactly the same promises that Monsanto made with their Roundup Ready crops," Pingree said. "And now parts of the country are being overrun by super weeds and there have been huge die-offs of milkweed and other plants vital to the Monarch Butterfly population. Monsanto promised their GMO crops were going to result in farmers using fewer chemicals but just the opposite happened and you can expect the same thing to happen with Dow's products." Yesterday USDA approved the sale of corn and soybean seeds designed to be resistant to a new herbicide called 2,4-D. The seeds and herbicide are both made by Dow Chemical and make up what the company calls the Enlist Duo system. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to approve the use of 2,4-D. "There is still hope that the EPA won't approve this toxic new herbicide," Pingree said. "But I'm disappointed that USDA has taken the first step down this dangerous road. They've admitted that if both the seeds and the herbicide are approved, the use of 2,4-D is likely to increase up to 600%. " Enlist Duo is designed to compete with Monsanto's Roundup Ready system, which includes GMO seeds that are resistant to that company's glyphosate herbicide. But widespread use of the herbicide has led to an explosion of "super weeds" that don't respond to the chemical. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-visits-lab-researching-diseases-spread-ticks-and | Congresswoman Pingree visits lab researching diseases spread by ticks and mosquitos | 2014-09-16 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Says more federal funding needed to confront growing problem in Maine and around the country Chellie talking with Dr. Peter Rand and Susan Elias of Maine Medical Center Research Institute's Vector-borne Disease Laboratory. Rand is showing Pingree a "tick flag" that is dragged across grass and vegetation to collect ticks for research. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree met with researchers at Maine Medical Center Research Institute's Vector-borne Disease Laboratory in Scarborough today to discuss the growing problem of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses that are spreading through Maine. Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said she is pushing for increased federal funding for research on Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses. "Maine, especially the midcoast, is really becoming a hot spot for these diseases and I wanted to see first hand the research that isgoing on right here," Pingree said. "The number of cases of Lyme Disease is skyrocketingin fact we are #2 in the country behind Vermont on a per capita basis. But we certainly aren't alone, this is a widespread problem and it deserves more funding and resources toward finding the best ways to prevent these diseases and treat people who contract them." In addition to Lyme Disease, Pingree discussed an increased incidence of other diseases also carried by deer ticks that have begun showing up in Maine, including Powassan, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/two-maine-airports-receive-58-million-federal-grants | Two Maine airports receive $5.8 million in federal grants | 2014-09-15 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Funds will help rebuild a runway in Waterville and construct an equipment building in Brunswick Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today announced Federal Aviation Administration grants totaling $5.8 million to support critical projects at Robert LaFleur Airport in Waterville and Brunswick Executive Airport. Both of these airports are making exciting contributions to Maine's economy, said Pingree. Recent renovations at LaFleur Airport and its status as a foreign trade zone have strengthened its attractiveness to businesses. Brunswick Executive Airport is offering important services to the innovative hub of businesses developing on the former naval base. These federal investments will help the airports keep up the momentum while improving operations and providing work to local contractors. Waterville's Robert LaFleur Airport will receive $4,326,300 to reconstruct the main 5,500-foot runway that has reached the end of its useful life. Construction is expected to start next spring. Brunswick Executive Airport is receiving $1,521,270 to construct a snow removal equipment building. Both grants are through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/20th-anniversary-violence-against-women-act | 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act | 2014-09-13 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the twentieth anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The Violence Against Women Act has not only put more resources toward confronting domestic violence, but it has also contributed to changing attitudes and breaking the silence. Although there has been a real decline in domestic violence in the 20 years since this law passed, we are reminded on a daily basis that the problem is far from solved. In towns and cities across our state and around the country, women are still victimized by family members and partners. The shocking and outrageously slow response of the NFL to the Ray Rice case shows that we are still a long way from a true zero-tolerance attitude toward domestic violence. And here in Maine, nearly half of all assaultsand half of all murdersare domestic-violence related. So we have made progress, but we still have a long way to go. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/replacement-kittery-portsmouth-bridge-getting-25-federal-grant | Replacement for Kittery-Portsmouth Bridge getting $25 federal grant | 2014-09-09 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree made case for funding to Vice President Biden last week Maine and New Hampshire have been awarded a $25 million federal grant to fund a replacement for the aging Sarah Long Bridge between Kittery and Portsmouth, according to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. "That bridge is critical to both of those communities and it simply has to be replaced, there is no way around it. And this federal funding is going to help make that possible and make it more affordable for Maine and New Hampshire," Pingree said. Last week, when Vice President Joe Biden visited the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, made the case for for federal funding. "The Vice President got the message loud and clear that we needed federal funding to help pay for that bridge," Pingree said. "He promised to make sure that the Secretary of Transportation took a close look at the request and act quickly. Maine and New Hampshire had a good case to make and the fact that all the members of Congress from both states were unified in pushing for the bridge had to help." In addition to carrying cars and trucks between Kittery and Portsmouth, the Sarah Long Bridge also has a railroad track that runs to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and is used to transport nuclear waste out of theyard. Pingree and other Members of Congress from the two states made the case that the federal government should help fund a new bridge because the need to transport nuclear waste safely is a national security issue. The $25 million TIGER Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will help pay for the estimated $160 million cost of a replacement for the Sarah Long Bridge. Construction is expected to begin next year. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/two-national-science-foundation-research-grants-maine | Two National Science Foundation research grants for Maine | 2014-09-05 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Projects at the University of New England and Bigelow Laboratory receive $2.5 million in funding Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that two Maine projects will receive research grants from the National Science Foundation totaling $2.5 million. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Boothbay will receive $1.8 million to fund genetic research. The University of New England in Biddeford is receiving over $636,000 to study the best ways to engage STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students by using innovative research projects on the Saco River. I'm proud of the many institutions we have doing world-class research here in Maine. They're an important part of our economy and I'm confident these investments will help build on the state's reputation, said Pingree. These are fascinating projects to further our knowledge and exploration of the world around us in many ways. My congratulations to both institutions. Below are summaries of the project abstracts. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences--$1,836,781 Collaborative research: Untangling the Deep Genealogy of Microbial Dark Matter," under the direction of Ramunas Stepanauskas This project will use breakthrough technologies to unlock secrets of life's early evolution and genealogy. Many new genomes, encoding the blueprints for disparate organisms, will be analyzed to illuminate the genealogy of ancient microbial species, the relative timing of their origins, and the role that horizontal gene transfer among distant relatives may have played in the origin of new species. Samples of the ancient microbial dark matter to be analyzed will come from several unexplored subterranean environments around the world. University of New England--$639,246 "TURBO: The Undergraduate Saco River Biodiversity Observatory -- A Long-Term EcologicalResearch-Style Research Experience to Enhance STEM Education," under the direction of Markus Frederich This project is aimed at helping more students complete STEM courses of study by making them more engagi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-list-25-most-innovative-women-food-and-drink | Congresswoman Pingree on list of 25 Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink by Fortune and Food and Wine magazines | 2014-09-03 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree #2 on list, behind head of UN World Food Programme Congresswoman Chellie Pingree was recognized today by sister magazines Fortune and Food and Wine as one of the "Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink." Pingree is #2 on the list of 25 women, behind Erthain Cousin, the head of the UN World Food Programme. The list, an extension of Fortune's "Most Powerful Women" series, highlights women who are "permanently changing the way we eat and how we think about food." Pingree's inclusion on the list was featured in a segment of Morning Joe on MSNBC this morning. The editors of the two publications said they "spent months searching for the most groundbreaking women in the food and drink world." "Pingree has made food policy reform one of her big issues in Congress, pushing for legislation that supports local, sustainable agriculture," the editors wrote. "She introduced the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act last year with the intention of getting as many of its provisions as possiblesuch as improved insurance for organic and diversified growersfolded into the federal farm bill. (When the bill passed, many of her initiatives were there.) Pingree can be a strong advocate for farmers in large part because she's one, too: Some 40 years ago she started an organic farm on North Haven, an island off the coast of Maine. In 2008, she bought a new farm on the island that supplies a restaurant and inn she owns and operates." Food and Wine quoted activist and Top Chef host Tom Colicchio, who said, "We can't expect better food policy out of Washington, DC, until we elect more leaders like my friend Chellie Pingree. As one of the only organic farmers in Congress, with more than 40 years of agriculture policy experience, she has a unique vantage point. Through her work on the 2014 Farm Bill, she has tripled the amount of money allocated for farmers' markets and local-food programs." The list includes women from around the world, and ranges from the CEO of Williams-Sonoma to the head of a joint venture with Starbucks in India. The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vice-president-biden-visits-portsmouth-naval-shipyard | Vice President Biden visits Portsmouth Naval Shipyard | 2014-09-03 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree says Kittery yard sets example for entire Defense Department Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined Vice President Joe Biden,Congressman Mike Michaud, Senator Jean Shaheen and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter to tour the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery this morning. "We are so proud of the work that the men and women in Kittery are doing," Pingree said. "They have continually modernized and updated the yard and it shows in productivity and world-class quality. My message to the Vice President was simple: the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a model of quality and efficiency and will continue to be an important part of our nation's defense infrastructure for years to come." Pingree said she also hopes Vice President Biden's visit couldhelp with an application for a $25 million federal grant to partially fund a replacement for the Sarah Long Bridge. "That bridge is critical not just to the communities in this area, but also the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard," Pingree said. " I think we need to urge the Vice President to put in a good word for us." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-vice-presidential-visit-maine | Statement on Vice Presidential visit to Maine | 2014-09-01 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement about Vice President Joe Biden's announced visit to Maine this Wednesday. Pingree will be accompanying Biden as he tours the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. "The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has a world class workforce and we are always proud to show them off to top officials like Vice President Biden. And it's important for people like the Vice President to see first-hand how committed the yard is to efficiency and quality workmanship. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a critical part of the country's military infrastructure, and I'm glad Vice President Biden is going to get a good, close look at the work they are doing there. And while he's there I think we can also remind him of how important it is to get federal funding to help replace the Sarah Long Bridge, which is critically important to the shipyard." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-fairpoint-labor-negotiations | Statement on Fairpoint labor negotiations | 2014-08-29 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement today after FairPoint Communications walked away from labor negotiations with unions representing 2,000 employees. "I am very disappointed that the company has walked away from the bargaining table and is unilaterally imposing a contract on the thousands of men and women who work for them. The unions representing these workers have been negotiating in good faith and have already offered significant concessions. These are highly skilled employees and Fairpoint should come back to the table and offer them a fair deal that keeps these workers on the job and keep these highly skilled jobs in Maine." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-small-businesses-create-over-20-new-jobs-federal-value-added | Maine small businesses to create over 20 new jobs with federal Value Added Producer Grants | 2014-08-19 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree fought successfully for a dramatic increase in funding in the 2014 Farm Bill Today Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced that five Maine small businesses would receive a total of $471,571 in federal Value Added Producer Grants from the USDA. Funding for the program has risen dramaticallyfrom $15 million to $63 million over five yearsthanks to Pingree's successful efforts to have an increase included in the 2014 Farm Bill. Value Added Producer Grants are critical investments to help small food producers like the ones we have in Maine take their businesses to the next level. These funds allow them to expand their operations, find new markets, and develop new products, said Pingree. I couldn't be happier that the increased funding will allow more Maine producers to take this opportunity, creating and saving dozens of jobs in the process. It's exciting to see the new innovations this diverse set of recipients will create with this investment. The 2014 Farm Bill, which sets the nation's agriculture policy every five years, was signed into law by President Obama earlier this year. Pingree wrote and advocated for numerous provisions that will promote local agriculture, sustainable farming, and help young farmers. The projects are estimated to save 46 jobs while creating an additional 21 new jobs. Below is more information and grant amounts for the Maine recipients from USDA. Maine VitaminSea, LLC (Buxton) $99,988 Rural Development funds will be used to provide VitaminSea LLC working capital to support a marketing program to increase sales of seaweed based foods, snacks, and health products harvested in Maine. Sales to specialty food and beauty stores, grocery chains, and food service distributers are projected to grow to 1,000 pounds per week. Funds will also be used to procure unique packaging materials and finance increased production labor costs. VitaminSea LLC intends to save three jobs and create three additional jobs as a result of this grant. Maine Farming Fungi LLC (Sanford) $49,912 Rur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-applauds-effort-improve-education-tribal-schools | Pingree applauds effort to improve education in tribal schools | 2014-08-18 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Secretaries of Interior and Education visit Maine school she has helped secure funding for Congresswoman Chellie Pingree applauded U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell for visiting the Beatrice Rafferty School in Pleasant Point, Maine, later today to highlight needed reforms in how the federal government administers programs to support the education of Native American students. I want to thank both Secretary Duncan and Secretary Jewell for coming to Maine today to get feedback from the Passamaquoddy community about better supporting tribal education. Tribal schools play critical roles in preparing children for the future as well as passing on their cultural heritage to the next generation, but they face a unique set of challenges, said Pingree. One of the most significant challenges is unhealthy and outdated schools buildings, which the Secretaries will be able to see firsthand at Beatrice Rafferty. Along with rethinking the role of federal programs, we need to fix and replace these buildings so teachers and students can focus on their jobs. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior and Environmentwhich oversees funding for the Bureau of Indian EducationPingree has worked to secure funding towards replacing Beatrice Rafferty School. Earlier this year, Pingree's committee passed a bill that would fully fund the $18 million cost of construction for a new school. That bill has not yet been voted on by the full House, and the Senate still has to act on funding for the Department of the Interior. She visited the school in June with fellow Appropriations Committee member Representative Betty McCollum of Minnesota. Schools on the country's tribal reservations receive funds from both the federal Department of Education and Bureau of Indian Education. In Maine, the state also contributes funding. In 2013, Secretaries Jewell and Duncan convened an American Indian Study Group to assess systemic issues within Bureau of Indian Education Sc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-participates-monhegans-quadricentennial-ceremonies | Congresswoman Pingree participates in Monhegan's quadricentennial ceremonies | 2014-08-06 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Unveils plaque marking 400th anniversary of Capt. John Smith's landing on the island Congresswoman Chellie Pingree participated in ceremonies today to mark the 400th anniversary of Capt. John Smith's landing on Monhegan Island, unveiling a commemorative plaque that is a companion to another placed 100 years ago today. It was a complete honor to participate in the festivities celebrating Monhegan's long and rich history. Even before the landing of John Smith and other European explorers, it was an important place to native people for centuries, including the Abenaki and Algonquins, said Pingree. It's amazing to think of how many lives this island has touched and inspired leading up to today. Monhegan is truly an iconic Maine landmark and continues to represent our state's unique way of life. As an island dweller myself, I couldn't be more pleased to be a part of this moment in its history. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-helps-lead-congressional-effort-block-approval-toxic-weed-killer | Pingree helps lead Congressional effort to block approval of toxic weed-killer | 2014-08-05 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | New genetically engineered crops could drastically increase use of Agent Orange' compound With just weeks before a final decision is to be made, 50 members of Congress, led by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon, are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reject new GE herbicide-resistant crops and the subsequent use of extraordinarily potent weed-killer designed to kill the superweeds that have adapted to withstand Monsanto's RoundUp. The herbicide, Dow's Enlist Duo, contains both glyphosate (the active ingredient in RoundUp) as well as 2,4-D, the same compound used in Agent Orange that sickened many Vietnam veterans. Members are concerned EPA and USDA have failed to properly analyze the potentially devastating health and environmental effects of allowing the use of this next generation of herbicide-resistant crops. As the letter to the EPA and the USDA states, the scientific community warned about the dangers of exposure to 2,4-D for decades. 2,4-D is linked to cancer, decreased sperm count liver disease and Parkinson's disease. A recent report shows thousands of schools would be next to spray zones. "The introduction of Roundup Ready GE crops in the 90s sparked a frightening increase in the amount of herbicides in this country. There's no reason to think that the deregulation of 2,4-D resistant plants will be any different," said Pingree. "The overuse of these powerful herbicides has led to superweeds that require an even stronger cocktail of toxic chemicals to control. When will it end? Today, it's Enlist 'Duo.' Tomorrow, it could be 'Triple' or 'Quintet.' The federal government needs to take a hard look at ending this destructive cycle." Right now, we are witnessing agribusiness attempt to wield its powerful influence over federal regulators. They want EPA and USDA to rubberstamp another set of genetically engineered crops rather than listen to the scientific community, DeFazio said. We must stop this toxic treadmil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-cosponsor-bill-strengthen-emergency-responses-rail | Michaud, Pingree cosponsor bill to strengthen emergency responses to rail accidents involving hazardous materials | 2014-07-31 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Legislation would help small communities better prepare amid sharp increase in transport of oil by rail Congressman Mike Michaud and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree have signed on as original cosponsors to the RESPONSE Actlegislation introduced today that would help communities better prepare for derailments, spills, and other accidents involving rail cars transporting hazardous materials, particularly crude oil. In recent years, the amount of crude oil traveling through our communities by rail has skyrocketed. While we need to make sure rail companies use the right equipment and practices to prevent accidents, our communities also need to be prepared to respond if they do happen, said Pingree. The RESPONSE Act takes important steps in identifying the weaknesses in our response plans, training, and resources, as well as steps to address them on both the national and local levels. In particular, small communities like ours in Maine would benefit from the best practices and resources that would come out of these discussions. We have heard time and again that one of the most important things we can do to mitigate the damage of an accident is increase the ability of local communities to respond quickly and effectively, said Michaud, who serves on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and the Rail Subcommittee. These best practices will help our communities and the first responders within them be better prepared for accidents. It will aid us in strengthening coordination, and help us ensure we have the tools and resources in place to effectively respond to accidents when they do occur. The Response Act (Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation) would establish a subcommittee under FEMA's National Advisory Council. The RESPONSE subcommittee would bring together agencies, first responders, technical experts, and the private sector to review training, resources, best practices and unmet needs related to emergency railroad hazmat incidents, particularly crude oil. The s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-announces-136-million-grants-brunswick-executive-airport | Pingree announces $1.36 million in grants for Brunswick Executive Airport | 2014-07-31 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Funds will improve drainage, repair terminal roof, and install a fire protection system Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the Brunswick Executive Airport would receive three federal grants totaling $1,364,130 from the Department of Transportation. Brunswick Executive Airport is a critical piece in the redevelopment of the former Navy base. Having the facility nearby is a draw to the innovative businesses that have come to Brunswick Landing and the area, said Pingree. I'm excited that the airport will be able to make these improvements so it can continue to establish itself as a state-of-the-art facility. Individual grant amounts: $182,088 for rehabilitating the terminal building's roof $748,818 for improving drainage $433,224 for a fire protection system in one of the facility's buildings | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/republican-leaders-wasting-time-over-frivolous-lawsuit | Republican leaders wasting time over frivolous lawsuit | 2014-07-30 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Says Congress should focus on more important issues like emergency unemployment benefits Congresswoman Chellie Pingree criticized Republican leaders in the House for spending one of the last days on the Congressional calendar before a month-long recess debating a politically motivated lawsuit against President Obama. "This is a grudge-match lawsuit against President Obama and it's totally political," Pingree said. "There are so many other things that we should be working on right now, like equal pay for workers, lower refinance rates for student loans orrestoring emergency unemployment benefits that Congress let expire seven months ago." Pingree said she regularly hears from Maine families who are struggling to find work and had counted on emergency unemployment benefits to make ends meet. "These benefits can be the difference between putting food on the table and going hungry or between paying the rent and becoming homeless," Pingree said. "Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for focusing on their frivolous lawsuit against the President instead of the issues that make a real difference to working families." House Republican leaders are bringing a bill up for a vote today that would authorize a lawsuit against President Obama. Legal experts from both sides of the political spectrum agree that the lawsuit would be thrown out by a court if it is filed. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-presents-silver-star-vietnam-veteran-war-memorial-washington | Pingree presents Silver Star to Vietnam Veteran at war memorial in Washington | 2014-07-25 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Maine man who served as a conscientious objector receives nation's third highest military honor Go here for more photos of the ceremony. At a ceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree presented the Silver Star to Rob Jackson of Buxton, Maine, for his heroic actions saving the lives of his fellow soldiers during a fierce battle in 1970. Jackson, who joined the Army as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, repeatedly ran into enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers. Although Jackson was awarded the Silver Star over forty years ago, he never accepted it. He said he didn't want to accept it because some of his fellow soldiers died in the battle, and he didn't think it appropriate to accept a medal at the time. "Over the years I've thought a lot about what happened in Vietnam," he said. "And I came to believe that accepting the medal would complete the circle for me. I still think about my comrades who never came home that day and what their deaths did to their families. And I thought about them today when Congresswoman Pingree pinned that medal on me." Jackson approached Congresswoman Pingree about getting the medal earlier this year. Her office, working with the Pentagon, obtained the Silver Star and three other commendations and arranged a ceremony this morning at the Vietnam War Memorial. Dozens of family members and visitors looked on as Pingree presented Jackson with the medals. "He served our country bravely," Pingree said. " Rob is a humble man, and will always be the first to give credit to others, but today we want to recognize his service and his bravery. He is a hero and he deserves this honor." Text of Silver Star citation presented to Jackson this morning: Award of the Silver Star- Private First Class Robert Jackson, United States Army Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division For gallantry in action: Private First Class Jackson distinguished himself by heroic actions on 15 October 1970, while serving as a medical aidman … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-proposed-rail-safety-rules-include-michaud-pingree-provisions | New Proposed Rail Safety Rules Include Michaud & Pingree Provisions | 2014-07-23 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Maine Reps. successfully advocated for DOT proposed rules eliminating older, less safe tank cars The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a series of proposed rules for increased rail safety this morning, and a large number of the provisions were requested by U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree. The proposals include phasing out the DOT-111 tank cars for shipment of certain types of flammable liquids including most Bakken crude oil within the next two years. In the wake of last year's Lac-Mgantic disaster, Michaud and Pingree had asked DOT to either mandate retrofits or altogether phase out that tank car type. I'm pleased that today's DOT rules reflect many of the measures I requested with the goal of ensuring we can more safely transport hazardous materials through our local communities, said Michaud. I believe the rules proposed today are commonsense steps that will help us prevent another tragedy like Lac-Mgantic, and better position states and local communities to respond quickly when an accident does occur. The current standards for the tank cars are outdated and long overdue for an update. These cars are carrying adangerous cargo and, as we tragically learned with the disaster in Quebec, they just aren't safe enough, said Pingree. I hope that the Obama Administration sticks with these proposed new safety standards and doesn't let the railroad industry water them down before they are finalized." In addition to phasing out the DOT-111 tank cars, other measures that Michaud and Pingree advocated for including in today's proposed rulemaking include: Expanding route planning for hazardous materials shipments in order to better avoid populated and other sensitive areas; Improving oil spill response plans for rail carriers; Enhancing classification and testing of shipments to ensure that hazardous materials are properly classified; Reducing operating speeds for hazardous and flammable shipments, particularly in populated areas; and Codifying measures to notify State emergency … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dramatic-increase-funding-available-farmers-seeking-organic | Dramatic increase in funding available for farmers seeking organic certification | 2014-07-22 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Funding more than doubles this year thanks to Pingree's efforts in Congress Congresswoman Chellie Pingree welcomed the USDA's recent announcement that $13 million is available nationwide this year to assist farmers with the costs of achieving organic certificationup from $5 million the year before. Pingree requested the increased funding in agriculture reforms she proposed in the last reauthorization of the Farm Bill. For small and medium-sized farms, the costs of earning organic certification can be significant. Even if a farmer already uses organic practices, the price can be a barrier, said Pingree. This year's funding means that many more farmers will be able to go through the process without breaking the bank. The assistance will help farmers get a better price for their products, spread sustainable practices, and give consumers better access to the organic foods they've been demanding. It's one of the reforms I fought the hardest for because I knew it would have a powerful impact. According to the USDA, Maine will receive about $228,000 in organic certification cost-share assistance for 2014$20,000 that can be used for either producers or handlers, and $208,000 only for producers. Certification cost share is a crucial program for organic farmers in Maine and throughout the country. Congresswoman Pingree's advocacy was key is seeing the funding approved, and we thank her for that. It will make a tremendous difference for thousands of organic producers, said Ted Quaday, Executive Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Details for applicants This year's funding reimburses costs incurred between October 1, 2013, and September 30, 2014; Assistance covers up to 75 percent of the cost of a certification, with a cap of $750; Farmers should contact the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry to apply for assistance; More information on organic certification in Maine is available at http://www.mofgacertification.org/. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-affordable-care-act-court-rulings | Statement on Affordable Care Act court rulings | 2014-07-22 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement after two federal courts released opposing rulings today concerning tax credits for individuals who purchase health insurance through federal exchanges. The decision by the D.C. Circuit Court today to withhold subsidies from those who access their health insurance through the federal exchange is among the latest attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act. Mainersand those in other states participating in the federal exchangeshould not be punished for the state's failure to set up its own exchange. The goal of the ACA, as well as the result we've seen in the last year, is making health insurance available and affordable for as many people as possible regardless of where they live. While I'm disappointed to see one court's ruling give credence to desperate attempts to weaken a law that has put healthcare coverage within reach for millions of Americans, I am confident that the sound reasoning behind the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals' decision to uphold the subsidies will prevail. While these cases continue to make their way through the courts, Mainers should rest assured that there are no immediate changes to the costs of their coverage. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-votes-legislation-prevent-transportation-cuts | Pingree votes for legislation to prevent transportation cuts | 2014-07-15 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Met yesterday with Maine transportation leaders about addressing shortfalls in the Highway Trust Fund Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today voted for House legislation that would reauthorize federal transportation programs through May 2015 while providing a temporary funding patch to the Highway Trust Fund. Without Congressional action, the Department of Transportation would have implemented a 30% cut in the assistance states use for construction, repaving, and public transportation. I'm glad we could prevent what would have been devastating cuts to transportation programs across the country right in the middle of construction season. It would have brought projects to a halt while threatening jobs and services people rely on everyday, said Pingree. But we absolutely need a long-term solutionwe can't afford this kind of manufactured crisis every few months. I hope it's a wake-up call to get something done in Congress. Revenue from the federal Gas Tax goes to the Highway Trust Fund. Currently at 18 cents a gallon, it has not increased since 1993. Between inflation of construction costs as well as the use of more fuel-efficient vehicles, outlays from the fund have far outpaced revenues in recent years. The Department of Transportation projected that the account would have a zero balance later this summer without an infusion in funding. Yesterday Pingree convened a meeting in Portland of over 40 Maine transportation leaders and policy experts to hear their feedback on addressing the funding shortfall and reauthorizing federal transportation programs. The group included representatives from the Maine Department of Transportation, Maine Turnpike Authority, state lawmakers, transportation planning organizations, construction companies, municipalities, transit providers, and advocacy organizations. The attendees spoke passionately about how important Maine's transportation network is to the economy and how critical federal assistance is in maintaining it. I heard from several people that one of the primary concerns… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-report-shows-maine-leading-way-farming-revival | New report shows Maine leading the way in farming revival | 2014-07-11 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | State leads New England in farmland, sales up nearly 25% over five years Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that farming in Maine is on the increase, with Maine leading New England in the number of farms in operation. "The farm economy in Maine is alive and well and growing," Pingree said. "It's grown by almost 25% over five years and Maine farmers are younger and more likely to be women than in the country overall. And CSAs are more popular in Maine than in nearly any other state in the country." According to Gary Keough, a statistician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, agriculture sales increased by 24% from 2007 to 2012. The average age for Maine farmers is 1.3 years younger than the national average, and 29% of Maine farmers are women, compared to just 17 percent nationally. And Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) arrangements, where consumers pay a fixed price for a share of a farm's output, are more popular in Mainethan almost anywhere else in the country, with Maine ranking third in the number of farms participating in CSAs. "You can see Maine people take high quality local food and farming seriously," Pingree said. "Just look at the growth of organic farming, which increased by over 50% in five years." In 2007 organic products generated $23.3 million in sales in Maine, by 2012 that number had increased to $36.4 million. Pingree, who owns an organic farm on the island of North Haven, wrote and introduced the Local Farm, Food and Jobs Act, which included dozens of provisions to promote local, sustainable agriculture. Many of Pingree's proposals were adopted as part of the Farm Bill, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama earlier this year. Statistics on Maine agriculture are from the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture, a comprehensive report published every five years. More Maine farming statistics, including a link to the USDA report, can be found in this article by Gary Keough at USDA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-and-pingree-help-restore-funding-tidal-power-federal-spending | Michaud and Pingree help restore funding for tidal power in federal spending bill | 2014-07-10 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Says investment will support jobs, new sources of clean energy in Maine Congressman Michael Michaud and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree helped restore $9 million in funding for a program that has already invested over $18 million in Maine tidal projects since 2008. Michaud, who had previously led a House effort to support funding for the program, joined Pingree, a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, to successfully push for an amendment to the bill that sets spending levels for the Department of Energy. Their amendment, which was also sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon, passed the House today by a wide margin, including the support of dozens of Republicans. "It makes sense to invest in this growing industry, which is providing new sources of clean energy and has already created good-paying jobs in every part of Maine," Pingree said. "No other state in the country has benefited from this particular program as much as Maine has, and I'm glad we could restore some of the funding in this bill." The Water Power Program supports critical private-sector research, development, deployment and commercialization for marine hydrokinetic energy technology developed here in Maine, said Michaud. Other countries have already shown interest, presenting great opportunities for exporting American technology. Now is not the time for a drastic cut to this important program. I look forward to working with the Senate to increase funding even more. The amendment restores $9 million in cuts to the portion of the Department of Energy budget that funds the Marine and Hyrdokinetic Energy Program. That program promotes research and development of emerging technology that generates clean energy from the nation's oceans and rivers. Michaud and Pingree's amendment pays for the restored funding by cutting the budget for the Department of Energy's administrative expenses. In Maine, Ocean Renewable Power Company in Portland has been developing technology that generates electricity from tidal current. The company curren… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-sponsor-bill-reverse-hobby-lobby-decision | Pingree to sponsor bill to reverse Hobby Lobby decision | 2014-07-09 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Bill would prevent employers from using their private religious views to deny women contraceptive coverage Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is cosponsoring a bill that would reverse the dangerous Supreme Court decision in the Hobby Lobby case. The decision allows corporations to claim religious views as a reason to deny women coverage for contraception and other forms of reproductive health. "Decisions about women's health should be left to women, and not their bosses," Pingree said. "The Supreme Court was wrong to allow the CEO of a corporation to use his personal beliefs to block the coverage of something as basic as birth control. Almost all women use birth control at some point in their lives and preventative health care for women should not be a controversial issue. I hope Republican leaders in the House let us vote on this bill." The bill, the Protect Women's Health from Corporate Interference Act of 2014, would keep in place protections for genuinely religious institutions, like churches and synagogues, while restoring the mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that requires other employers to provide preventative reproductive health coverage. Since the ACA became law, women in the U.S. have saved $483 million on birth control and 30 million women are now eligible for birth control without a copay. "If we allow for-profit corporations to deny coverage of birth control because of their beliefs, it's only a matter of time before some employers attempt to refuse coverage of other vital services like immunizations, blood transfusions, and HIV treatment all in the name of religion," Pingree said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/225000-federal-grant-greater-portland-paramedic-training | $225,000 federal grant for Greater Portland paramedic training | 2014-07-03 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Coalition of local fire departments will use funds to train 24 EMTs in community paramedicine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the Metro Region Fire Chiefsa coalition of fire departments in Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, and Westbrookwill receive a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $225,090 to train EMTs in community paramedicine. I've always been a proud supporter of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program because it has been a huge asset in making sure Maine's first responders have the up-to-date training and equipment they need to keep our communities safe, Pingree said. The effort of the Metro Region Fire Chiefs is a great example. These funds will help train and certify 24 local EMTs in community paramedicine, an innovative model that is leading to better health outcomes, fewer trips to the emergency room, and lower costs for individuals and communities. In an era of tight municipal budgets, I'm excited these towns will be able to make this investment without putting an additional burden on local taxpayers. Community paramedicine is an emerging model that expands the role of paramedics to help individuals access primary care options that are less expensive than frequent trips to the emergency room and can lead to better long-term outcomes. The Scarborough Fire Department, under Chief B. Michael Thurlow, was the lead department in applying for the grant. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/photos-why-ocean-acidification-such-problem | PHOTOS: Why ocean acidification is such a problem | 2014-07-02 | 2014 | 2014-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | On June 27, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree spoke at a press conference outside her office to join a growing number of voices concerned about the effects of ocean acidification. Much of the carbon released into the atmosphere gets absorbed into the world's ocean, creating a chemical reaction that turns the water more acidic. Among other negative effects, it weakens the shells of many crustaceans, some of which help drive Maine's economy. Pingree has introduced a bill that would study the impact of ocean acidification on coastal communities in Maine and other parts of the country. Scroll below for more images, including a dramatic visual of what's happening to our water. Young clams that ocean acidification puts at risk by weakening their shells. Using dye and a piece of dry ice (carbon dioxide in its solid form), Joe Payne of Friends of Casco Bay shows the effects of carbon on sea water. As the water becomes more acidic to the dye goes from clear to dark red. State Senator Chris Johnson talks about a new panel created by the Legislature to take steps to address ocean acidification in Maine. Eric Horne, an oyster farmer in Casco Bay, speaks to the threats of ocean acidification on Maine's coastal economy. Beth Ahearn of Maine Conservation Voters on the need to protect Maine's natural resources. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/supreme-court-ruling-allows-companies-deny-women-contraceptive-coverage | Supreme Court ruling allows companies to deny women contraceptive coverage | 2014-06-30 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that for-profit corporations cannot be required to provide contraceptive coverage in insurance to employees if it is against the religious beliefs of the owners. I'm extremely disappointed that the court has held the power of corporations over the rights of women to make their own health care decisions. Health insurance is a benefit that these employees have earned, and their policies should cover birth control because it's a fundamental part of a woman's health. Whether she uses it should be up to her alonenot her employer's board of directors. The Supreme Court has again furthered the notion that corporations are people that can use their power and so-called rights to supersede those of individuals. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-supreme-court-decision-regarding-abortion-clinic | Pingree statement on Supreme Court decision regarding abortion clinic buffer zones | 2014-06-26 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision today to strike down a law in Massachusetts that required protesters to stay 35 feet from the entrances of reproductive health clinics. I'm extremely disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision to strike down reasonable steps to protect patient safety at abortion clinics. Protesters have the right to say what they want, but this decision allows them to literally block women's access to their health care providers. Free speech is one thingverbalharassment and physical intimidation is another. A woman shouldn't have to run the gauntlet to see her doctor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/white-house-summit-working-families | White House Summit on Working Families | 2014-06-23 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Pingree attends conference where President spoke to outline reforms to update workplace policies Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today attended the White House Summit on Working Families in Washington, where the President spoke on needed reforms to improve policies for working women and families. I'm so glad the President is leading these important conversations of fairness and flexibility for women in the workplace, said Pingree. More and more, women are the primary breadwinners for their families, but when compared to men, they still only make 77 cents on the dollar and make up a majority of minimum-wage earners. By law, mothers and fathers are allowed to take time off from work after the birth of a child, but many are not able to because the leave is unpaid. And finding quality, affordable childcare is a huge problem for many families. These are not just issues for women, but for entire families. We need better policies to ensure that working mothers are fairly compensated and that family providers have the flexibility they need to meet all their responsibilities. Today's conference featured speeches by the President, Vice President, and First Lady, as well as business leaders and advocates. "Mad Men" actress Christina Hendricks made a surprise appearance, saying that in too many ways today's workplace policies mirror the male-dominated era her character works in. In the 21st Century the only place for a story like Joan's should be on TV, Hendricks said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-leads-effort-urge-va-reform-claims-process-sexual-assault-claims | Pingree leads effort to urge VA to reform claims process for sexual assault claims | 2014-06-20 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Independent evaluation she requested found big differences in how veterans are treated from one office to another Congresswoman Chellie Pingree led 31 of her House colleagues in asking the Department of Veterans Affairs to make changes in the way they handle disability claims for survivors of military sexual assault (MST). In a letter to Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson, Pingree and her colleagues highlighted an independent report Pingree had requested that found the VA is not treating all survivors of MST equally. "The report confirmed what many in Congress have been saying for too longVA continues to struggle in adjudicating MST claims correctly. The current regulation for MST claims discriminates against survivors of sexualassault and must be simplified and improved," Pingree and her colleagues wrote. Since many victims of sexual assault do not report the attack, there is often a lack of documentary evidence to submit for a claim. Pingree and her colleagues pointed out that although the VA allows claims to be submitted with other types of evidence, VA officials aren't always allowing that lower standard of proof. "In 2002, the VA changed the regulation to allow veterans to submit circumstantial evidence, or markers such as reports from law enforcement agencies, mental health counseling centers, statements from family members and evidence of behavioral changes as evidence in support of the assault. However, the regulation does not actually require the VA to accept any of these markers as evidence, and it is entirely up to the VA official(s) adjudicating the claim as to what qualifies as evidence. In 2011, at the urging of Congress and many veteran advocacy organizations, VA began increasing training and awareness about the MST claims process. However, GAO has confirmed that even after 3 years of increased training, there is still much confusion among VA employees on what they aresupposed to accept as evidence in these types of claims," the letter says. Pingree has introduced the Ruth Moore Act, to make it clear th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-applauds-executive-order-prohibit-lgbt-discrimination-federal | Pingree applauds executive order to prohibit LGBT discrimination by federal contractors | 2014-06-16 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Signed a letter with 220 members of Congress urging the President to take action Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today applauded a White House announcement that it will prohibit federal contractors from discriminating against employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This is an important step forward in ensuring that workers are judged on their skills and job performance, not sexual orientation or gender identity, said Pingree. I'm proud to be from a state that already protects against this kind of discrimination in the workplace, but many states do not. The next step will be passing legislation to make sure all workers in the country have these protectionsnot just ones who are employed by federal contractors. But this order sends a strong message and will help protect the rights of thousands across the country. In March, Pingree signed onto a letter with 168 members of the House and 52 of the Senate urging the President to ban federal contractors from engaging in employment discrimination for LGBT Americans. She is also an original cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 (ENDA), which would extend the ban to all employers. The Senate has passed the legislation, but there has been no action in the House. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/national-park-service-preliminary-analysis-out-today-says-york-river | National Park Service preliminary analysis out today says York River would be good candidate for Wild and Scenic status | 2014-06-13 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Legislation Congresswoman Pingree introduced to conduct full study already passed House, awaiting action in the Senate Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today welcomed preliminary findings from the National Park Service that the York River likely meets criteria for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and that a full study would be productive and appropriate. Pingree requested the preliminary survey and introduced the legislation required to fund a full study, which has passed the House and is awaiting action in the Senate. >>>>Go here for all news and updates on the York River study bill>>>> What the survey did was basically look at the different criteria of the Wild and Scenic Rivers program and see, in a general sense, if the York River would have a chance of meeting them. Unequivocally, the report said yes, Pingree said. The findings confirm exactly what community groups have been telling me about the river's value to the area's economy, environment, and character. This is an important step as we continue to work to get the full study bill passed by Congress. The York River feeds the ecology, culture, history, economy and beauty of this region. This new National Park Service survey report highlights the river's many important attributes and outlines possibilities for its future, said Carol Donnelly, founder of Friends of the York River. We are thrilled that the Park Service acknowledges the value of this special place. The House passed Pingree's legislationHR 2197, the York River Wild and Scenic River Billin March. Sen. Angus King has introduced companion legislation, S. 1520, in the Senate. At the request of numerous community groups, businesses, and individuals, Pingree originally introduced the bill in the last session of Congress. If approved by Congress, a full study would determine if the river is eligible for one of three designations under the Wild and Scenic River Program: wild, scenic, or recreational. Then community members would be able to offer the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-death-richard-rockefeller | Statement on death of Richard Rockefeller | 2014-06-13 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement about the death of Richard Rockefeller of Falmouth in a plane crash in Connecticut this morning. "I am deeply saddened by the death of Richard Rockefeller this morning. Richard was an accomplished doctor, a respected member of the community and someone who was deeply dedicated to improving the world he lived in. His recent work on treatment for veterans who suffer from PTSD is just one example of his commitment to giving back to the community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family on this sad day." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-oppose-roll-back-school-nutrition-standards | Congresswoman Pingree to oppose roll back of school nutrition standards | 2014-06-12 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Legislation would roll back nutrition standards that have made for healthier school lunches Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said she will oppose efforts in a House bill to roll back nutrition standards for school lunches that are paid for with federal funds. The provision is part of the Agriculture Appropriations Bill that is being debated on the House floor today. If the federal government is paying for these meals, I believe we should agree that they should be healthy onesespecially in light of the health epidemics our kids are suffering today. These common sense nutrition standards have resulted in lunches that are healthier for students and made with real ingredients, said Pingree. Rolling them back would be a step in the wrong direction. I know this transition has been hard for some schools, but we owe it to our kids, and their futures, to keep moving forward. Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, is supporting an amendment that would prevent schools from opting out of new standards implemented from the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-lobster-roll-vies-title-best-food-nation | Maine lobster roll vies for title of best food in nation | 2014-06-10 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Seaside specialty crushes cheese steak, ham biscuits and boardwalk fries in Congressional Quarterly Roll Call's Taste of America competition Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the Maine lobster roll has made the final round of Congressional Quarterly Roll Call's Taste of America contest, and the polls are currently open for Americans to vote for the title of best food in the nation. >> >>People can vote here online until Friday, June 20 This is a fun competition that happens every year to highlight specialty dishes from each state. We're competing for pride and bragging rights, but it's also a great opportunity to showcase the special foods that make our states unique, said Pingree. The lobster roll has had an incredible run this yearthanks to the votes of thousands of Mainerssoundly defeating three other states to get the finals. We've already shown that Maine food can compete with any others, but it would be especially sweet to take the title just as prime lobster roll season gets off to a start here at home. Timed with the Congressional Baseball Game, the contest has had three preliminary head-to-head rounds with online voting determine which states would advance. So far, the Maine lobster roll has beaten Virginia Ham Biscuits 3,970-243, thePhilly Cheese Steak 2,962-422, and Delaware Boardwalk Fries 6,933-2,099 in the three successive rounds. "So far we've really dominated the competition," Pingree said. "Ham biscuits, cheese steak and boardwalk fries didn't stand a chance. I'm confident the lobster roll can win but we do have some tough competition in the finalround." In the finals, the lobster roll squares off against a veritable pantheon of American dishesUtah Cherry Cobbler, Oregon Blackberry Pie, Iowa Bacon, Illinois Deep Dish Pizza, Maryland Crab Cakes, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and North Carolina Barbecue. The winner will be announced at the Congressional Baseball Game on June 25. Posts about the competition that Pingree has made on her Congressional Facebook page, www.fa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-reacts-investigation-va-treatment-sexual-assault-survivors | Pingree reacts to investigation into VA treatment of sexual assault survivors | 2014-06-09 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Says independent evaluation she requested shows big differences in how veterans are treated from one office to another >> >>The full GAO report can be viewed and downloaded here Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that a Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) report she had requested shows continued problems in the way the Department of Veterans Affairs treats veterans who were the victims of military sexual assault (MST). The report found that in some VA offices as few as 14% of MST claims for disability benefits were approved while in others the rate was as high as 88%. "Essentially the report found exactly what we've been saying to the VA for a few years: the rules around disability claims for MST survivors just aren't being followed and that means veterans are still being denied benefits that they deserve," Pingree said. "Whether or not they get their claim approved shouldn't be a roll of the dice for veterans but, at least with MST cases, that seems to be what is happening." The GAO found that there is a lot of confusion about how claims for disability from sexual assault should be handled, particularly around what kind of evidence should be accepted to prove the veteran's case. In Congress, Pingree introduced the Ruth Moore Act, to make it clear that the VA should consider a medical diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as evidence in MST claims. Although officials at the VA insist that is already policy, the GAO report found in many cases that type of evidence was not accepted. "Despite intensive training and the claims by the VA that they are treating survivors of MST fairly, this report found that simply isn't the case," Pingree said. "The message hasn't gotten out to VA offices around the country and veterans arepaying the price by having their claims denied unfairly." Recently Pingree fought to have the case of Maine Veteran RuthMoore reconsidered and eventually the VA admitted they had wrongly denied her claim in the 1990s, agreeing to pay her over $400,000 in benef… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/casco-bay-lines-receives-25-million-federal-grant-terminal-project | Casco Bay Lines receives $2.5 million federal grant for terminal project | 2014-06-02 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Funding will support second phase of expansion project Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that Casco Bay Lines would receive $2,560,000 from the Federal Transit Administration's Passenger Ferry Grant Program for Phase Two of its ferry terminal improvement project. This is great news for Casco Bay Lines and the thousands of people who use these ferries every year to commute back and forth or experience the island communities that make Maine unique, said Pingree. It's been exciting to see the updates and improvements taking place at the ferry terminal over the last few monthsthey will create a much more enjoyable and convenient experience for passengers while streamlining operations. This grant will allow Casco Bay Lines to build on those improvements even further. Among other improvements in Phase One of the project, which started construction in September 2013, the terminal's waiting area is being expanded and windows installed so passengers can better see the ferries approach. Phase Two will improve access to and from vessels as well as safety and security. As someone who has lived on an offshore island for over 40 years, I can attest to how critical ferry lines are to the sustainability of these year-round communities, said Pingree. As hubs for the ferries, terminals play a key role in making sure the service is safe, reliable, and convenient. I'm so glad Casco Bay Lines is getting some federal assistance to meet these critical needs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-expresses-concern-obama-administration-over-fate-congolese | Pingree expresses concern to Obama Administration over fate of Congolese refugees | 2014-06-02 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Members of Banyamulenge tribe being held in refugee camps in Kenya; Pingree calls on UN to protect the group Congresswoman Chellie Pingree wrote to the Obama Administration last week to express concern for the safety of Banyamulenge refugees at a refugee camp in Kenya. Members of the tribe, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, are worried that they will be the targets of extremist terrorist organizations operating in and around the camp. In 2004, over 150 Banyamulenge refugees were massacred at a refugee camp in Burundi. The Banyamulenge are Christian members of the Tutsi tribe. A significant community of Banyamulenge refugees is located in the Portland area and members recently asked Pingree's office asking for help in bringing international attention to the situation in the refugee camp. "Because of their religion and ethnicity, the Banyamulenge have been targeted in the past," Pingree wrote. "Members of this group are concerned that they could once again be the subject of violent attacks, and are particularly vulnerable in the Dadaab camp." Earlier this month Kenyan police rounded up over 150 men, women and children who are members of the Banyamulenge tribe and relocated them to the camp in Nairobi, Kenya. At Pingree's office, refugees told stories of narrowly escaping death during the 2004 massacre and of family members who were taken to the Kenyan refugee camp earlier this month. In her letter to the State Department, Pingree said the best course of action would be for the Kenyan government to remove the Banyamulenge from the refugee camp and reunite them with their families. In some cases, Pingree said, young children were left alone after the refugees were rounded up and relocated to the Dadaab camp. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/praising-epa-proposal-global-warming-pollution | Praising EPA proposal on global warming pollution | 2014-06-02 | 2014 | 2014-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Says climate change already affecting Maine; new regulations will give a boost to Maine clean energy industry Congresswoman Chellie Pingree had praise today for a proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cut carbon pollution from power plants by 30% by 2030. "I know the big oil and coal companies will try to fight this, but cutting global warming pollution from power plants is the right thing to do. We are already seeing the impact of climate change in Maine and it's taking its toll on the economy," Pingree said. "Severe storms, unpredictable growing seasons and warming ocean temperatures aren't hypothetical future threats, they are real effects we are seeing right now in Maine. Ocean temperatures off the northeast coast are rising twice as fast as the global average and sea level rises are also expected to happen more quickly in our region." In 2011, Maine needed millions of dollars in cleanup assistance from the federal government after Tropical Storm Irene slammed the coast. That same summer, severe weather conditions led to an agricultural disaster declaration for five counties. Meanwhile, ocean temperatures have risen by 2 to 5 degrees in the last decade, according to scientists at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Pingree recently introduced a bill directing the federal government to more carefully examine the impact on ocean acidificationa product of carbon pollutionon coastal economies, including the lobster industry in Maine. Pingree said the result of the proposed regulation would not only result in less greenhouse gas pollution but will also lead to investment in new clean energy technology. "The EPA is giving states flexibility in figuring out how to reduce carbon pollution, but clearly one way to do it is to move away from old coal-fired power plants and invest in clean energy like wind and tidal power. Maine has already started to develop those businesses and this new rule could give a boost to that industry," Pingree said. Pingree also said the proposed reductions in glob… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-representatives-call-attorney-general-holder-support-funding-maine | Maine Representatives Call on Attorney General Holder to Support Funding Maine Cold Case Unit | 2014-05-30 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Dept. of Justice grant would give Maine law enforcement new resources in tackling nearly 100 cold cases Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder today in support of Maine's grant application for federal funding from the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Solving Cold Cases With DNA program. The federal funding would allow Maine to launch a homicide squad dedicated to investigating and solving thestate's cold cases. Last month, Michaud announced he was working with Maine Attorney General Janet Mills to secure the funding. Bringing closure to the cold cases in our state is important for surviving family members, and it's important because it's how our justice system is meant to operate, said Michaud. No one who is murdered or missing deserves to simply be forgotten by the passage of time. I will continue to do everything in my power to secure this funding so that Maine law enforcement officials can undertake this very important work. "Budgets in Maine are tight and federal funding for this important work is critical. Congressman Michaud and I are working hard to secure this funding for Maine," Pingree said. Last month, the DOJ's National Institute of Justice announced it was accepting applications for a new grant that would make available up to $300,000 in federal funding for a variety of activities that would support the cold case unit, including DNA and forensic biology; forensic crime scene analysis and anthropology; finger printing; shoeprint and tire tread examination; review of questioned documents; trace evidence; andforensic toxicology. The grant also could provide funding for the unit's staff. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-resignation-veterans-affairs-secretary-eric-shinseki | Statement on resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki | 2014-05-30 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on news that VA Secretary Eric Shinseki had resigned. I want to thank General Shinseki for his service as VA Secretary. As Secretary, he made substantial changes and improved the lives of many veterans. A combat wounded veteran of the Vietnam War, he spent over 4 decades in uniform and for that we owe him our gratitude. But with all the findings that have come out about the cover-ups of outrageously long wait times at VA hospitals across the country, it's clear that a change in senior leadership was necessary. Secretary Shinseki had become a distraction and it was time for him to step aside. It is my sincere hope that the focus can now be put where it is needed mostmoving forward to resolve these serious issues so our veterans can get the quality, timelycare they have earned and deserve. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-pingree-helps-defeat-legislation-would-have-blocked-fishery | VIDEO: Pingree helps defeat legislation that would have blocked fishery management program | 2014-05-30 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Proposal from Florida Congressman would have prevented further implementation of catch shares system Congresswoman Chellie Pingree helped block a proposal in the U.S. House last night by Florida Congressman Steve Southerland that would prevent future funding for the catch shares management system, which Pingree says is working for Maine fishermen. Southerland had previously described catch shares as a "tactic determined to destroy American freedom" and described the debate as "nothing less than a battle to prevent freedom in our oceans. " Pingree took to the floor to defend the catch shares system, which is currently used to manage groundfish Maine. The amendment was later defeated by a vote of 185-223. "If we remove catch shares as even a management option, we would only be hindering fisheries management efforts around our nation, stifling creativity and innovation within the fishing industry and preventing fishermen from working in an industry that is safer and more profitable. Catch shares work I have seen the benefits first hand in Maine. I don't think we should be denying fishing communities the chance to improve their industry by removing a management option," Pingree said. In her remarks, Pingree talked about the long history of the fishing industry in Maine and how the catch shares system is being used successfully to manage the resource in her state. Currently, fishermen have the option of adopting the new catch shares system instead of the old days at sea scheme, and Southerland's amendment would have prevented any spending to establish new catch share sectors. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-helps-maine-veteran-get-405000-benefits-claims-denied-va | Pingree helps Maine veteran get $405,000 in benefits for claims denied by VA | 2014-05-29 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Ruth Moore was first denied benefits in 1993; Pingree asked officials to reopen case and reconsider decision Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs called Navy Veteran Ruth Moore today to tell her they had made a "clear and unmistakable error" in denying her veterans benefits in 1993 and agreed to pay her over $405,000 in back benefits owed to her. Moore was the victim of sexual assault while serving in the Navy in the mid-1980s. "It was wrong for the VA to deny Ruth's claims over twenty years ago and although nothing can undo the pain and trauma that she has suffered, at last Ruth will be getting the benefits she earned and deserved," Pingree said. "The staff in my office and the current leadership at VA Togus did a lot of work to get this case reopened and reconsidered and I want to thank them for that. They really went the extra mile to correct this decades-old mistake." "It's really validating to know that the government was able to right a wrong that happened twenty-one years ago. The past can't change but this gives me a sense of resolution and peace," Moore said. "It makes me think I've finally won my battle, that I've finally beat something that has been haunting me for all these years. This also gives me hope that the VA can now understand what has happened to my MST brothers and sisters, and they can move forward to help them get the vital help that they need as well. Chellie Pingree and her staff are incredible advocates, but more importantly, they see and understand the horror that MST veterans live with." Over the last two years, working with survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) who have had their disability claims denied, Pingree has helped veterans obtain approximately $900,000 in back benefits owed to them. "The money is important, of course, but for survivors of MST the acknowledgement that the VA has listened to them and believes them is incredibly important. These veterans served our country and if they are suffering from PTSD because of a sexual assault while they were in … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-opposes-roll-back-child-nutrition-standards | Pingree opposes roll back of child nutrition standards | 2014-05-29 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Republicans push through legislation that would allow schools to skip new nutrition standards Congresswoman Chellie Pingree opposed a Republican effort today to roll back new nutrition standards for school lunches. Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which today passed a bill that included a provision that would let school districts opt out of the new standards. "This would be a step backwards for students and a win for big food companies that want to sell more prepackaged, highly processed foods to school lunch programs," Pingree said. "Obesity and diabetes have become huge public health problems and the new nutrition standards are a major step toward addressing the cause of these epidemics. Students deserve a better, healthier lunch and this effort to roll back the standards would make it less likely that they get that." When Pingree's committee took up the bill today she supported an amendment that would have eliminated the opt-out program. Republicans on the committee blocked the amendment, and voted to include the opt-out provision in the final bill. Pingree voted against the overall bill, which funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture, because it contained the language that rolls back the nutrition standards. The standards are part of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and have already led to improvements in the health of students. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/southern-maine-receives-brownfield-grants | Southern Maine receives Brownfield grants | 2014-05-28 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | $2 million will be used to help clean up polluted sites for redevelopment Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that southern Maine communities would receive $2 million in Brownfield grants from the Environmental Protection Agency. These funds are critical to helping clean up polluted sites so they can be redeveloped for new uses. The projects chosen for funding show huge potential for creating new jobs and economic activity, while making communities healthier and safer places to live and work, said Pingree. Maine will receive a total of $3.8 million in grants, with $2 million in Pingree's district. Bath: $400,000 for hazardous material andpetroleum environmental assessment Biddeford: $200,000 for cleaning up the former site of the Maine Energy Recovery Company (MERC) in the heart of downtown Biddeford Kittery: $200,000 to remove hazardous substances on Wood Island, a former Navy and Coast Guard facility that will be redeveloped for community use Lyman: $200,000 to clean up the site of the Lyman Cousens Memorial School, which has been vacant since 2007 Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission: $1,000,000 for a revolving loan fund for site cleanups throughout southern Main | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/memorial-day | Memorial Day | 2014-05-26 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on Memorial Day: For well over 200 years, the men and women of our armed forces have served and sacrificed so that we may enjoy peace here at home. They have left their loved onesbehind. They have traveled to faraway lands. Sadly, many of them never returned. Today we remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country, our values and our freedoms. But today we should also remember our solemn commitment to the veterans who do come homea commitment that the nation has not always lived up to. The recent scandals involving cover-ups of wait times at VA hospitals around the country are unacceptable and an insult to the men and women who have sacrificed so much to serve our country. And I pledge to do everything I can to help veterans and the families of those who served get the care and benefits they have earned. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/major-new-crop-insurance-program-championed-pingree-be-rolled-out-18 | Major new crop insurance program championed by Pingree to be rolled out in 18 states, including Maine | 2014-05-23 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | New program will offer coverage for farmers growing fruits and vegetables and organic growers A major new "whole-farm" insurance program based on a proposal in a bill written by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree was announced yesterday by the Obama Administration. The new program allows diversified farmers who raise a variety of crops access to crop insurance. Since traditional crop insurance was designed mostly for large farms that grow a single crop like corn or soybeans, for many smaller farmers this will be the first time they have been able to buy affordable coverage to insurance against crop losses. "The kind of farmers we have in Maine who are growing the vegetables and fruits sold locally at farmers markets, CSAs and in local grocery stores haven't had access to crop insurance designed for them," Pingree said. "If you are growing thousands of acres of corn in Nebraska you could get coverage, but a small diversified vegetable farm in rural Maine might be out of luck. This new program will change that." Pingree included "whole-farm" insurance in her Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act and the proposal was later picked up and included in the Farm Bill, which passed Congress and was signed by the President earlier this year. "The current crop insurance system just wasn't set up for the kind of farmers that actually grow the kind of food that we eat," Pingree said. "Running a diversified farm is a small business and every small business needs the safety net of insurance. This new program is going to make it easier for these farms to plan for the future, to expand and to weather a down year. That's not only good for these farmers but also good for the economies of the communities they live in." Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak announced the new policy, called Whole-Farm Revenue Protection, in Washington this week. "It reduces the risk of farming to the point people will stay in farming," Vilsack said. "Providing farmers the option to insure their whole farm at once gives farmers more flexibility, promotescrop diversity,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-fire-service-institute-brunswick-receives-155000-federal-grant | Maine Fire Service Institute in Brunswick receives $155,000 federal grant | 2014-05-22 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Funds will be used to purchase training equipment for future firefighters Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the Maine Fire Service Institute would receive a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $154,714 to purchase training equipment. It's essential that our first responders receive the best possible training, for the public's safety and their own, said Pingree. Having the right equipment for that is critical. I'm glad Maine Fire Service Institute will receive this grant support so it can get the equipment it needs to continue providing top-notch training to the men and women our communities depend on. The funds will be used to purchase personal fire protection suits for instructors, as well as portable radios for training and certification exercises. The Maine Fire Service Institute is a department of Southern Maine Community College housed at the SMCC Midcoast Campus in Brunswick. The Maine Fire Service Institute has the legislative authority to train and certify firefighters. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/14-million-federal-investment-coming-maine-airports | $1.4 million federal investment coming to Maine airports | 2014-05-21 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Portland International Jetport to get nearly $500k to improve snow removal; grants also going to Biddeford, Sanford, Brunswick and Rockland Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that the FAA is sending over $1.4 million to Maine for airport improvements in the southern part of the state. The Portland International Jetport and airports in Biddeford, Sanford, Rockland and Brunswick will be getting grant funding. "Improving and maintaining airport infrastructure contributes to the local economy by supporting the jobs necessary to get the work done and by making sure these small and mid-size airports have the capability they need to handle air traffic," Pingree said. Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said the biggest grant will go to the Portland International Jetport. The Jetport will get a total of $484,0000 to buy new snow removal equipment to help keep the runways open during snowstorms. The Biddeford Municipal Airport will get $320,000 to replace an airport beacon and build a security fence. In Sanford, the FAA will invest $315,000 to replace a taxiway and plan for future projects. The new Brunswick Executive Airport (the former Brunswick Naval Air Station) is getting $150,000 to remove obstructions on a runway approach. And the Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland will be getting a federal grant of $135,000 to seal cracks and improve the structural integrity for an entire runway. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-introduces-bill-study-impact-ocean-acidification-coastal | Pingree introduces bill to study impact of ocean acidification on coastal communities | 2014-05-21 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Effects have already been seen with clams, mussels, oysters; lobster fishery could be impacted Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has introduced a bill that would require federal officials to study the effects of ocean acidification on coastal communities in Maine and around the country. "Ocean acidification could be a real threat to the fisheries that are the lifeblood of coastal communities. The truth is we don't fully understand how it would impact a vital industry like the lobster fishery and what the effect would be on Maine," Pingree said. "We know what's causing ocean acidification but now we need to better understand how hard it is going to hit coastal economies." Ocean Acidification (OA) is a product of increased carbon dioxide (C02) in the atmosphere. Much of the C02 released into the atmosphere as greenhouse gas pollution gets absorbed by oceans, where it makes the water more acidic. This makes it harder for clams, mussels and oysters to fully form their shells. The impacts on lobsters is less clear, but there is serious concern that acidification coupled with warming waters could have a significant impact on lobster populations. Pingree's bill would require the NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to study the socioeconomic impacts of ocean acidification on coastal communities. Under her legislation, the Secretary of Commerce would be required to conduct studies to identify which communities are mostdependent on ocean resources and how acidification would affect them if valuable industries like the lobster fishery were impacted. "The first step toward meeting this threat is having good information and, frankly, that is lacking when it comes to the seriousness of the acidification threat. We've spent a lot of time talking about rising sea levels and the other impacts of climate change, but we need to make sure our eyes are open to the effects of acidification," Pingree said. Pingree's bill, the Coastal Communities Acidification Act of 2014 (HR 4692) was introduced yesterday and will be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reaction-presidents-remarks-va-controversy | Reaction to President's remarks on VA controversy | 2014-05-21 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement in reaction to President Obama's remarks today about reported mismanagement of veterans' healthcare. The President was right to speak out on this investigation and promise to hold people accountable if they have cooked the books on wait times at VA facilities. Whether or not this is a systemic issue or isolated incidents, its clear this has been a longstanding problem with the Veterans Health Administration and it needs to stop immediately. It's important that the VA not only figure out who is responsible for these cover-ups, but they also have to do a thorough audit to find out how widespread the problem is, and I am working with my colleagues to make sure the audit is done correctly. I was also glad to hear the President acknowledge that we shouldn't wait for the results of any investigation before we begin to address the problem of unacceptable wait times at VA facilities. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues to fix this issue, veterans deserve no less. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-opening-911-memorial-museum | Statement on the opening of 9/11 Memorial Museum | 2014-05-15 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement after the 9/11 Memorial Museum was officially opened in New York City this morning. The unveiling of the 9/11 Memorial is a reminder of what happened on that day and a tribute to the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives. The Memorial is a fitting tribute that will help generations of Americans understand the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks and a reminder of the way our country responded with hope, perseverance and compassion. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-regional-and-municipal-airports-receive-federal-funding | Maine regional and municipal airports receive federal funding | 2014-05-12 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | $1.2 million will be invested to rehabilitate runways throughout state and make improvements at Knox Country Airport Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that Maine wouldreceive over $1.25 million in grants from the FAA to expand a maintenance building and clear runway approach obstructions at Knox County Airport, as well as rehabilitate runways throughout the state. Municipal and regional airports are a critical part of Maine's transportation system. They connect far corners of our state and makevaluable contributions to local economies, said Pingree. It's important that they get the maintenance they need to be as safe and efficient as possible. I'm glad this federal investment will help do that work without putting more of a burden on local property taxes. Knox County Regional Airport is receiving two grants totaling $925,000. One for $400,000 will be used to remove obstructions in therunway approach. The other, for $525,000, will expand a snow removal equipment building to extend the life of existing equipment. The following airports across the state will receive $301,000 to strengthen and seal runway surfacesAuburn-Lewiston Municipal, Belfast Municipal, Bethel Regional, Central Maine Airport of Norridgewock, Eastern Slopes Regional, Sanford Seacoast Regional, and Wiscasset. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/funding-triples-support-local-food-producers-and-sellers | Funding triples to support local food producers and sellers | 2014-05-09 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Pingree helped triple funding for Farmers Market Promotion Program Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the USDA would be awarding $30 million in grants through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programtriple the amount given out in prior years. The increase is due to Pingree's reforms in the 2014 reauthorization of the Farm Bill. This is a huge victory for Maine farmers, as well as consumers who value buying food directly from the people who produce it. The funding greatly increases the help farmers receive to reach new customers and get their products to market, said Pingree. At the same time, it invests in small businesses that keep the local supply chain running smoothly. It's still a small amount compared to what the government spends on commodity crops, but it's an important step. I fought hard for it because I know it will produce fantastic returns in our communities. The 2014 Farm Bill, which sets the nation's agriculture policy every five years, was signed into law by President Obama earlier this year. Pingree wrote and advocated for numerous provisions that will promote local agriculture, support sustainable farming, and help young farmers. Pingree also announced today that USDA Rural Development is making $48 million in loan guarantees available for local food projects this year through the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. The financing can support such project as food hubs, small-scale processing facilities, cold storage, and distribution networks. The move toward a healthier, more sustainable, and smaller-scale food system in our state has been a huge benefit to Maine's economy. It's created hundreds of jobs and kept millions of dollars in our state, said Pingree. I encourage local producers, businesses, and organizations to apply for these funds to keep the momentum going. Information on applying for the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program is available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_gar.html. Information on applying for grants through the Farme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140510212648/http://pingree.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1466 | Funding triples to support local food producers and sellers | 2014-05-09 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | web.archive.org | legacy | Pingree helped triple funding for Farmers Market Promotion Program Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the USDA would be awarding $30 million in grants through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program—triple the amount given out in prior years. The increase is due to Pingree's reforms in the 2014 reauthorization of the Farm Bill. “This is a huge victory for Maine farmers, as well as consumers who value buying food directly from the people who produce it. The funding greatly increases the help farmers receive to reach new customers and get their products to market,” said Pingree. “At the same time, it invests in small businesses that keep the local supply chain running smoothly. It’s still a small amount compared to what the government spends on commodity crops, but it’s an important step. I fought hard for it because I know it will produce fantastic returns in our communities.” The 2014 Farm Bill, which sets the nation's agriculture policy every five years, was signed into law by President Obama earlier this year. Pingree wrote and advocated for numerous provisions that will promote local agriculture, support sustainable farming, and help young farmers. Pingree also announced today that USDA Rural Development is awarding $48 million in loan guarantees for local food projects this year through the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. The financing can support such project as food hubs, small-scale processing facilities, cold storage, and distribution networks. “The move toward a healthier, more sustainable, and smaller-scale food system in our state has been a huge benefit to Maine’s economy. It’s created hundreds of jobs and kept millions of dollars in our state,” said Pingree. “I encourage local producers, businesses, and organizations to apply for these funds to keep the momentum going.” Information on applying for the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program is available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_gar.html. Information on applying for grants through the Farmers M… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/epa-names-new-superfund-site-maine | EPA names new Superfund site in Maine | 2014-05-08 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Says Windham project would benefit from increased funding Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the site of the Keddy Mill to the national Superfund list. Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee which sets funding levels for the EPA. This is an important next step toward cleaning up the Keddy Mill but now the EPA needs the money needed to get the job done. Cleaning up this site will turn what is now a liability for Windham into an asset by reclaiming a prime piece of real estate in the heart of town. The money needs to be there to do the work however, which is why I have fought and will continue to fight to increase funding for the EPA and the Superfund program. Republicans in the House have proposed slashing the EPA's budget by one-third and letting corporations off the hook for fees they now pay into the Superfund budget. Those kind of cuts would devastate the federal government's ability to clean up sites like Keddy Mill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140516150726/http://pingree.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1467 | EPA names new Superfund site in Maine | 2014-05-08 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | web.archive.org | legacy | Says Windham project would benefit from increased funding Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the site of the Keddy Mill to the national Superfund list. Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee which sets funding levels for the EPA. This is an important next step toward cleaning up the Keddy Mill but now the EPA needs the money needed to get the job done. Cleaning up this site will turn what is now a liability for Windham into an asset by reclaiming a prime piece of real estate in the heart of town. The money needs to be there to do the work however, which is why I have fought and will continue to fight to increase funding for the EPA and the Superfund program. Republicans in the House have proposed slashing the EPA's budget by one-third and letting corporations off the hook for fees they now pay into the Superfund budget. Those kind of cuts would devastate the federal government's ability to clean up sites like Keddy Mill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-climate-assessment-highlights-threats-maine-economy-environment | New climate assessment highlights threats to Maine economy, environment | 2014-05-06 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Comprehensive scientific study show rising sea levels and warming temperatures threaten Maine communities and fisheries Among climate change's many negative impacts for Maine would be sea-level rise, more extreme weather events, and coastal flooding Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said the findings of a new, 4-year scientific assessment of climate change point to significant threats to Maine's coastal communities and economy. The reportthe third National Climate Assessment (NCA)is the product of the work of over two hundred scientists and details the likely affects of climate change: increased heat waves, more rapid melting of glaciers in Alaska, and heightened risk of coastal flooding. "Climate change is real, it is already happening, and this report lays out in detail how these changes could effect Maine," Pingree said. "It's time we started to listen and prepare for the affects of global warming and stopped making excuses and pretending it isn't happening." The report detailed the impacts of a warming climate on Maine and other states in the Northeast: Heat waves, coastal flooding, and river flooding will pose a growing challenge to the region's environmental, social, and economic systems. Infrastructure will be increasingly compromised by climate-related hazards, including sea level rise, coastal flooding, and intense precipitation events. Agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems will be increasingly compromised over the next century by climate change impacts. (Chapter 16) The report says that sea level rise along our coast is expected to increase the global average and could be particularly rapid if the Gulf Stream current is weakened, which some scientists say will happen. Scientists also warned of the impact on fisheries in New England: From 1982 to 2006, sea surface temperature in the coastal waters of the Northeast warmed by close to twice the global rate of warming over this period. Long-term monitoring of bottom dwelling fish communities in New England revealed that the a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140523114428/http://pingree.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1462 | New climate assessment highlights threats to Maine economy, environment | 2014-05-06 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | web.archive.org | legacy | Comprehensive scientific study show rising sea levels and warming temperatures threaten Maine communities and fisheries Among climate change's many negative impacts for Maine would be sea-level rise, more extreme weather events, and coastal flooding Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said the findings of a new, 4-year scientific assessment of climate change point to significant threats to Maine's coastal communities and economy. The report—the third National Climate Assessment (NCA)—is the product of the work of over two hundred scientists and details the likely affects of climate change: increased heat waves, more rapid melting of glaciers in Alaska, and heightened risk of coastal flooding. "Climate change is real, it is already happening, and this report lays out in detail how these changes could effect Maine," Pingree said. "It's time we started to listen and prepare for the affects of global warming and stopped making excuses and pretending it isn't happening." The report detailed the impacts of a warming climate on Maine and other states in the Northeast: Heat waves, coastal flooding, and river flooding will pose a growing challenge to the region’s environmental, social, and economic systems. Infrastructure will be increasingly compromised by climate-related hazards, including sea level rise, coastal flooding, and intense precipitation events. Agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems will be increasingly compromised over the next century by climate change impacts. (Chapter 16) The report says that sea level rise along our coast is expected to increase the global average and could be particularly rapid if the Gulf Stream current is weakened, which some scientists say will happen. Scientists also warned of the impact on fisheries in New England: From 1982 to 2006, sea surface temperature in the coastal waters of the Northeast warmed by close to twice the global rate of warming over this period. Long-term monitoring of bottom dwelling fish communities in New En… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-welcomes-new-online-jobs-database-veterans | Pingree welcomes new online jobs database for veterans | 2014-05-01 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Encourages Maine businesses and organizations to post jobs on site Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today applauded the launch of a new website designed to match veterans with job opportunities that fit well with skills they developed in the military. Throughout the recession, the jobless rate of post-9/11 veterans has been much higher than for civilians. It's still around 10 percent, which is simply unacceptable, said Pingree. I'm hopeful that this new online tool will be a step forward in matching the skills of veterans with needs in the community. I've heard from many business owners in Maine who would love to hire those who served. This is a great opportunity for them to connect with veterans who are eager to get back to work. The site has several features in addition to the job bank, including a resum builder and a skills translator that matches a veteran's Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) with careers and openings well suited to those skills. Employers can post openings and search resums at no cost. The website was a joint effort by theDepartments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Labor, and Education, as well as the Office of Personnel Management. By integrating the search function into one location, the site minimizes duplication and redundancy of current services. One of the things I hear most from veterans is how difficult bureaucracy makes it for them to get the support they need, said Pingree. I'm very happy the Administration has gone forward with this integrated approach so veterans can get everything they need without having to go to a half-dozen places. I hope that veterans visit the site to see what openings are out there and that employers use it to share their opportunities. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140530110616/http://pingree.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1454 | Pingree welcomes new online jobs database for veterans | 2014-05-01 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | web.archive.org | legacy | Encourages Maine businesses and organizations to post jobs on site Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today applauded the launch of a new website designed to match veterans with job opportunities that fit well with skills they developed in the military. “Throughout the recession, the jobless rate of post-9/11 veterans has been much higher than for civilians. It’s still around 10 percent, which is simply unacceptable,” said Pingree. “I’m hopeful that this new online tool will be a step forward in matching the skills of veterans with needs in the community. I’ve heard from many business owners in Maine who would love to hire those who served. This is a great opportunity for them to connect with veterans who are eager to get back to work.” The site has several features in addition to the job bank, including a resumé builder and a “skills translator” that matches a veteran’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) with careers and openings well suited to those skills. Employers can post openings and search resumés at no cost. The website was a joint effort by theDepartments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Labor, and Education, as well as the Office of Personnel Management. By integrating the search function into one location, the site minimizes duplication and redundancy of current services. “One of the things I hear most from veterans is how difficult bureaucracy makes it for them to get the support they need,” said Pingree. “I’m very happy the Administration has gone forward with this integrated approach so veterans can get everything they need without having to go to a half-dozen places. I hope that veterans visit the site to see what openings are out there and that employers use it to share their opportunities.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michaud-pingree-praise-senate-confirmation-jon-levy-district-court-judge | Michaud & Pingree Praise Senate Confirmation of Jon Levy for District Court Judge | 2014-04-30 | 2014 | 2014-04 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree are praising the successful confirmation of Jon Levy of Maine to serve as District Court Judge in the District of Maine. Levy, who was confirmed by a Senate vote today, replaces the Honorable George Z. Singal, who has taken senior status. Jon Levy has served with distinction on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court for more than a decade, and possesses an extensive legal background that perfectly suits him for this appointment. We have no doubt that he will continue that honorable track record through hisservice on the District Court, and congratulate him on this deserved achievement, said Reps. Michaud and Pingree in a joint statement. Reps. Michaud and Pingree, along withSenator Angus King, forwarded Levy's name to the White House for consideration last year following a screening process to fill the judicial vacancy. A bio of Levy, provided by the White House, is below. 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 William W. Justice to serve as a Special Court Monitor of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Justice Levy began his legal career by clerking for Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. of the United States District Court in the Southern District of West Virginia from 1979 to 1981. He received his J.D. in 1979 from the West Virginia University College of Law and his B.S. in 1976 from Syracuse University. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140606184523/http://pingree.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1453 | Michaud & Pingree Praise Senate Confirmation of Jon Levy for District Court Judge | 2014-04-30 | 2014 | 2014-04 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree are praising the successful confirmation of Jon Levy of Maine to serve as District Court Judge in the District of Maine. Levy, who was confirmed by a Senate vote today, replaces the Honorable George Z. Singal, who has taken senior status. “Jon Levy has served with distinction on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court for more than a decade, and possesses an extensive legal background that perfectly suits him for this appointment. We have no doubt that he will continue that honorable track record through hisservice on the District Court, and congratulate him on this deserved achievement,” said Reps. Michaud and Pingree in a joint statement. Reps. Michaud and Pingree, along withSenator Angus King, forwarded Levy’s name to the White House for consideration last year following a screening process to fill the judicial vacancy. A bio of Levy, provided by the White House, is below. 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 William W. Justice to serve as a Special Court Monitor of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Justice Levy began his legal career by clerking for Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. of the United States District Court in the Southern District of West Virginia from 1979 to 1981. He received his J.D. in 1979 from the West Virginia University College of Law and his B.S. in 1976 from Syracuse University. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fda-getting-message-spent-grains | FDA is getting the message on spent grains | 2014-04-25 | 2014 | 2014-04 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Feds agree using byproduct of beer brewing for animal feed presents minimal risk, agree to change proposed rules Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that federal regulators are acknowledging that the centuries-old practice of using the byproduct of beer brewing and distilling as animal feed is safe and should be allowed to continue. Previously the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued a proposed rule that brewers and distillers believe would have effectively ended that practice. "The FDA has gotten the message, loud and clear, that this is a perfectly safe practice and should be allowed to continue," Pingree said. "They have even acknowledged that it just doesn't make sense to create strict new food safety rules thatwould end this age-old practice." In a blog post today, the top food safety official at FDA, Michael Taylor, said "We agree with those in industry and the sustainability community that the recycling of human food by-products to animal feed contributes substantially to the efficiency and sustainability of our food system and is thus a good thing. We have no intention to discourage or disrupt it." Taylor went on to say the FDA agrees that the "the potential for any animal safety hazard to result from this practice is minimal." Pingree had pressed Taylor's boss on the issue, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, at a House Appropriations Committee hearing last month. At the hearing, Pingree had called the proposed regulations "absurd" and Hamburg had promised Pingree that the agency would find a "reasonable solution." The FDA will reissue proposed food safety rules this summer and promised to include language that will allow the practice of using spent grains as animal feed to continue. "We still have to see the details FDA comes out with," Pingree said. "But this is very good news and I'm very hopeful." Taylor's blog post can be seen here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/feds-warn-state-stop-rollout-ebt-photo-identification-until-further | Feds warn state to stop rollout of EBT photo identification until further review | 2014-04-25 | 2014 | 2014-04 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | USDA says not doing so brings threats of lawsuits and loss of funding Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today voiced her agreement with concerns raised in a letter the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) sent to the state regarding plans to require ID photos on EBT cards. The USDA's letter is another message that adding this burden on families and retailers is not the right direction for the state. It doesn't do anything to prevent fraud, but it does make it harder for people to access the benefits they need to feed their families, said Pingree. The USDA clearly said that the state opens itself to a number of risks if it goes forward with this plan, including possible litigation and loss of federal funding. I hope the state takes this as an opportunity to reconsider its plans. The letter states that the state has not given USDA enough time to determine whether the state's implementation plan adequately addresses the agency's concerns, including whether safeguards are adequate to protect beneficiaries' rights and how effectively retailers have been notified of changes. Therefore, Maine should delay any implementation until FNS can fully review and approve the State's plan, USDA said in its letter. Given the risk of losing Federal financial participation, as well as the risk for litigation against the State should the State's implementation of the photo EBT card violate provisions of the Food and Nutrition Act or SNAP regulations, Maine should not rush into implementation. Earlier today, Pingree spoke with USDA Undersecretary Kevin Concannon to voice her concerns about the state's plans and to ask the agency to give them a thorough review. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
Advanced export
JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object
CREATE TABLE [releases] (
[url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
[title] TEXT,
[date] TEXT,
[year] TEXT,
[month] TEXT,
[party] TEXT,
[chamber] TEXT,
[state] TEXT,
[member_name] TEXT,
[bioguide_id] TEXT,
[domain] TEXT,
[scraper] TEXT,
[source] TEXT,
[date_source] TEXT,
[text] TEXT,
[has_text] INTEGER,
[collected_at] TEXT,
[updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);