Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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211 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "ME" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-irresponsible-short-term-continuing-resolution | Pingree Statement on Irresponsible Short-term Continuing Resolution | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) released the following statement on a short-term continuing resolution. She voted against the resolution today. No one wants to see a government shutdown, but the Republican proposal is inadequate and irresponsible. We just spent the last week voting on a holiday giveaway to the wealthy when we should have been working out a way to reliably meet the countrys real needs in the year ahead. This short-term CR leaves inadequate resources to address many pressing issues, including the opioid epidemic, a funding shortfall at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and protecting the nations environmental health. We shouldnt be going home when so many Americans have been waiting on Congress for months to pass the bipartisan DREAM Act and long-term reauthorizations of vital initiatives like the Childrens Health Insurance Program and Community Health Centers. Its simply unacceptable to kick the can down the road any longer. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/2017-what-year | 2017: What A Year | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | The last year has certainly been one of the most eventfulif not the most eventfulof my time in Congress. The presidency of Donald Trump has taken our country in new and frightening directions, making my work in Congress all the more important. Throughout, I've been focused on how policy decisions in Washington and events around the nation and world impact the lives of Mainers. That's led me to oppose many negative actions taken in the last year, but also find opportunities for bipartisan victories that benefit our state. Here are some highlights from a roller coaster of a year. --Chellie Opposing Repeal of the Affordable Care Act One of the first actions Republicans took in 2017 was passing a budget resolution that allowed them to repeal the Affordable Care Act with a simple majority vote in the Senate. As Trumpcare took shapewhich in its various forms would have taken health-care coverage away from 22 million AmericansI hosted a town hall to get feedback from my constituents. One by one, they told me how Trumpcare would hurt them and their family. While I'm glad the law did not end up passing, and that Maine voters approved expanding Medicaid coverage in a historic vote, I've been dismayed to see Republicans find back-door ways to weaken the ACA. The GOP Tax Scam, which repeals the individual mandate and will lead to great numbers of uninsured and higher premiums for others, is just the latest. Sitting Out President Trump's Inauguration I hadn't planned on sitting out President Trump's inauguration, but when he belittled Civil Rights hero Representative John Lewis, I knew I couldn't attend. Instead, I spent the day with my constituentsserving breakfast at Preble Street Resource Center, meeting with Planned Parenthood staff and clients, and watching the inauguration on TV with a group of New Mainers at Portland Adult Education. Holding President Trump Accountable I think it's critical that we hold President Trump accountable for his words and actions. I've supported legislation to create an indep… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-today-s-tax-vote-us-house | Pingree Statement on Todays Tax Vote in U.S. House | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) today voted against the tax plan compromise reached by Republicans in the House and Senate. She released the following statement. This is a bad bill thats going to have a major negative impact on generations to come. The latest analysis from the Tax Policy Center shows just how bad: 86 million middle-class Americans will pay higher taxes and 83 percent of the benefits will go to the wealthiest 1 percent. Middle-class families who do see some benefit wont for long, because their cuts are temporary while the handouts to corporations will be permanent. Because the bill explodes the deficit, you can bet that it will lead to cuts to programs we all depend onlike Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Securitywhen Republicans come back next year and say theres no money. And in ending the individual mandate, millions more Americans will go uninsured, destabilizing the insurance market, bankrupting families with uncovered health costs, and driving up premiums for everyone who decides to keep their coverage. The Center for American Program estimates that in Maine it would lead to 50,000 more uninsured by 2025 and a $2,350 Marketplace premium increase by 2019. Its so clear that this bill is bad for the country and the people we represent. Im absolutely appalled that Republicans have blindly pushed it forward despite all the warnings. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-defazio-delauro-kind-pingree-call-usda-withdrawal-organic-livestock | Reps. DeFazio, DeLauro, Kind & Pingree Call USDA Withdrawal of Organic Livestock Rules Indefensible | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Ron Kind (D-WI) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) issued a joint statement today on the USDAs withdrawal of Obama-era Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rules. USDAs decision to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rules after three pointless delays is outrageous and shows complete disregard for the public comment process and the agency's role in providing stability in the organic marketplace. For years now, consumers have asked for high welfare standards for animals raised under organic practices and organic farmers have wanted clarity and a level playing field. The Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rules would finally have taken steps in the right direction to protect the high standards of the organic label. Despite its stated justification for withdrawing these rules, the USDA not only has the authority but also the responsibility to develop these rules under the Organic Foods Production Act. This is like the net neutrality decision all over again. Just like the FCCs partisan vote, this is a clear case of the Trump Administration ignoring public feedback to follow through on its own politicized wishes. When asked for feedback, over 40,000 people submitted comments in support of implementing the rules immediatelyonly 28 individuals wanted them withdrawn. This undermining of the public process is absolutely indefensible and should not be allowed to stand. Starting this Monday, December 18, the public will have 30 days to submit their feedback on the withdrawal of the rules. Comments can be made here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-says-courts-must-block-fcc-overstep-net-neutrality-backs | Pingree Says Courts Must Block FCC Overstep on Net Neutrality, Backs Congressional Resolution | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement regarding today’s FCC decision to rollback Obama-era net neutrality regulations: “Since FCC Chairman Pai announced his intention to rollback net neutrality rules, I’ve heard from thousands of Mainers who are outraged by his willingness to sacrifice a free and open internet for bigger telecommunications profits. Despite millions of faked public comments and overwhelming public outcry from individuals and elected officials, FCC Chairman Pai pressed forward with a razor-thin, partisan vote to determine the future of the internet. I am sickened by the lack of transparency in this process and that my constituents’ voices were drowned out by hacked comments. I call on the courts to block this major overstep by the FCC and all of my House colleagues to enact Congressman Mike Doyle's resolution to overturn this decision using the authority granted by the Congressional Review Act." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-joins-colleague-oppose-repeal-net-neutrality-protections | Pingree Joins Colleague to Oppose Repeal of Net Neutrality Protections | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.--Ahead of tomorrow’s FCC vote, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) joined over 30 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Chairman Ajit Pai voicing their opposition to his proposal to repeal net neutrality protections. “The future of the Internet is at stake with tomorrow’s vote. If net neutrality protections are repealed, it will allow Internet service providers to game the system for their benefit like they did before the rules were in place,” said Pingree. “Creating fast and slow lanes on the Internet will allow these corporations to exploit consumers while stifling real innovation. My colleagues are doing everything in our power to keep that from happening.” Pingree has also called on the FCC to delay its vote in light of reports finding that millions of comments submitted during the public comment period were likely fake. The letter was led by Rep. Keith Ellison. A pdf is available here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-delegation-applauds-va-announcement-fund-veteran-support | Maine Delegation Applauds VA Announcement to Fund Veteran Support Specialists in Maine | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin today applauded the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) announcement that it will fund three new positions in Maine to better serve the needs of justice-involved Maine veterans confronting homelessness, mental health, or substance abuse issues. The funding will support a Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Specialist, a Health Care for Re-entry Veterans (HCRV) coordinator, and a specialist focused on veteran suicide prevention. VA Deputy Secretary Thomas Bowman made the announcement during the First Annual Military Veteran Symposium in Portland this morning. “Maine veterans answered the call to uphold our freedoms, and those struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, or homelessness deserve our comprehensive support,” Senator King said. “These new positions in Maine provide veterans with expanded access to specialists so they can get the treatments and services they need. Maine is a community – we care for our neighbors and for each other – and with the VA’s announcement today, we have taken an important step to strengthen our community and better care for veterans across the state.” “As our population of veterans has grown, aged, and diversified, the Togus VA Medical Center has adapted to these changes to meet the needs of patients,” said Senator Collins. “Today’s announcement that the VA is funding three critical positions at Togus to help promote suicide prevention, assist veterans returning to society, and prevent unnecessary criminalization of those with mental illness will enhance the hospital’s work to provide high-quality care for veterans. I applaud the VA for making this important investment.” "The high rate of veteran suicides is one of the most heartbreaking issues our country faces. We owe it to these brave men and women to do everything we can to prevent these tragedies and ensure they have someone to turn to. I appreciate the VA giving attention… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-joins-colleagues-call-investigation-sexual-misconduct | Pingree Joins Colleagues to Call For Investigation into Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against President Trump | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | At a press conference this afternoon, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) joined fellow members of the Democratic Women’s Working Group calling on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for an official investigation into 17 sexual misconduct claims against President Trump. Pingree was one of 59 members to sign a letter to the Committee making a formal request for an investigation. This morning, Pingree also responded to Trump’s Twitter attacks on the women who have accused him of sexual harassment. .@POTUS denying stories of women on Twitter makes an even stronger case for investigating allegations of #sexualharassment against him. We all heard the bus tape, @RealDonaldTrump. I'm one of 56 Members of Congress demanding accountability. #mepolitics https://t.co/tN0MkB70rT — Chellie Pingree (@chelliepingree) December 12, 2017 TEXT OF THE LETTER TO THE COMMITTEE: Dear Chairman Gowdy and Ranking Member Cummings, The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is the principal oversight committee of the House of Representatives and may at “any time” investigate “any matter” as set forth in House Rule X. In that regard, as Members of the Democratic Women’s Working Group, we are requesting that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform investigate the reports of sexual misconduct raised against President Trump, many of which he has denied. The American people deserve a full inquiry into the truth of these allegations. At least 17 women have publicly accused the President of sexual misconduct. Natasha Stoynoff recounted how the President pushed her against a wall and forced his tongue down her throat. Jill Harth described how the President attempted to get up her dress. Kristin Anderson detailed how the President touched her genitals through her underwear. Mariah Billado, Rachel Crooks, Tasha Dixon, Jessica Drake, Cathy Heller, Samantha Holvey, Ninni Laaksonen, Jessica Leeds, Temple Taggart McDowell, Mindy McGillivray, Cassandra Searles, Bridget Sullivan, Karena Virginia, a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-cosponsors-legislation-reauthorize-critical-health-care-programs | Pingree Cosponsors Legislation to Reauthorize Critical Health Care Programs that Serve Thousands of Maine Families | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.— As partisan politics have needlessly held up the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Community Health Centers and other important public health programs, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) is co-sponsoring a bill (H.R. 4541) that reauthorizes all of these programs and pays for it in a commonsense way that does not strip funds from other health care programs. Funding for CHIP expired on September 30, putting health care for nine million American kids at risk. “Maine is actually one of the few states where the number of uninsured children has gone up in recent years. We can’t afford to lose even more ground by not reauthorizing CHIP, which about 11,000 Maine children rely on for their health care. On top of that, partisan politics have also jeopardized the future of the Community Health Centers that serve over 200,000 Mainers every year,” Pingree said. “The reauthorization of these and other critical programs have been stalled because Congressional Republicans want to pay for them by undermining the country’s health care system in other ways. This is our answer to their unacceptable proposal: reauthorizing CHIP, Community Health Centers and other important public health programs while funding them in a commonsense way that doesn’t strip health insurance and services away from kids and families.” The legislation fully extends CHIP for five years, and Community Health Centers (CHCs) and other important public health programs for two years. It also takes important steps to address the critical health care needs of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The bill pays for these programs by shifting the timing of payments to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-urges-fcc-delay-net-neutrality-vote-fully-investigate-fake | Pingree Urges FCC to Delay Net Neutrality Vote to Fully Investigate Fake Public Comments | 2017-12-08 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) is urging the FCC to delay its vote next Thursday, December 14 regarding net neutrality protections in order to investigate a slew of potentially fake comments submitted during the public comment period. An investigation by the New York Attorney General’s office found hundreds of thousands of Americans had their identities stolen and used in a spam campaign to support repealing net neutrality. Pingree also released a video message via Twitter asking her constituents to enter their names at https://ag.ny.gov/fakecomments and see if they were used in the fake comment scam. Watch Pingree’s video here. “We’ve already seen how bots have been used to spread misinformation and influence our elections. Now, they’re trying to sway our regulatory process on an issue that’s absolutely critical to the future of innovation and the economy. The FCC should delay its vote on net neutrality to fully investigate to what extent the public process was compromised, who was behind it, and what was their intention. I've heard from thousands of Mainers who do not want the FCC to create fast and slow lanes on the Internet by rolling back net neutrality. Their voices should not be drowned out by bots.” Pingree is cosigning two letters to the FCC with colleagues that will be sent early next week: one opposing the rollback of net neutrality protections and the other calling on the FCC to cancel next Thursday’s vote. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/winners-2017-congressional-app-challenge-maine-s-1st-district-develop | Winners of 2017 Congressional App Challenge for Maines 1st District Develop Innovative Program for Diagnosing Concussions | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | As part of Computer Science Education Week, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that Falmouth High School students John Wahlig and Pawan Yerramilli have won the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for Maine’s 1st District. The team developed an innovative smartphone app to help coaches, athletes, and parents quickly diagnose potential concussions. “Every day, digital devices and the streams of code that run them become a larger and larger part of our lives. The Congressional App Challenge is a great chance for Maine students to learn about everything that goes into developing these products and even start exploring it as a career,” said Pingree. “I applaud John and Pawan for developing an app that not only looks incredibly professional, but could have a valuable public benefit on the nation’s playing fields. My congratulations as well to all this year’s participants for completing such well conceived and executed programs.” Wahlig and Yerramalli’s app works by testing several criteria for gauging concussions outlined by the American Neurological Association: critical thinking, reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and short-term memory. Designed with athletics in mind, the tests involve color patterns, number lists, and targets that move across the screen, as well as a questionnaire. If the tests are failed, the app recommends seeking medical attention. The students produced a video to show how the app works. Pingree also recognized two honorable mentions. Jean Claude Zarate and Julian Bernard of Baxter Academy for Technology and Science in Portland developed baterio, an app to track battery usage for First Robotics Competition robots. Tyler Hansen of South Portland High School developed Meteor Multiplication to test multiplication skills in a fun video game environment. The Maine Technology Institute assembled a panel of Maine technology professionals and entrepreneurs to judge the competition. The submissions were judged equally on the criteria of concept, design, and coding skill. The Congressiona… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/briefing-highlights-success-produce-prescriptions-which-pingree-bill | Briefing Highlights Success of Produce Prescriptions, Which Pingree Bill Would Expand | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—At the Capitol today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) hosted a briefing on produce prescription programs, an element of the food is medicine movement that is proving effective at improving people’s diets and health outcomes by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Launching a national produce prescription pilot program called Harvesting Health is one provision of HR 3491, the Local FARMS Act, a bipartisan bill Pingree has introduced with Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Patrick Maloney (D-NY) to increase consumer access to healthy food in the Farm Bill. “Everyone knows that eating enough fruits and vegetables can help keep us healthy—but our food system hasn’t gotten the message. The least expensive foods are the least healthy for us and that’s leading to obesity, heart disease, and other health conditions that cost our country billions of dollars every year,” Pingree said. “A simple idea is helping change that bit by bit—having doctors write prescriptions for fruits and vegetables and offering vouchers to help their patients purchase them. The results so far have been very encouraging, and I think we need to see what would happen if we ran this initiative on a larger scale.” Pingree was joined at the briefing by Michel Nischan, CEO of Wholesome Wave, which run its Fruits and Vegetables Prescription (FVRx) Program at 34 sites across the country. It works with healthcare providers and public health promoters to write prescriptions for fruits and vegetables, and with retailers to unlock affordability for the families that need it most. According to the organization, nearly all participants (93%) met their fruit and vegetable recommendations by the end of the program, nearly half (47%) decreased their BMI, and 45% reported increased food security. “Doctors tell us that when they can prescribe produce, patients go from eating no fruits and vegetables at all, to eating several servings every day. And over time, that can turn their health around,” said Nischan. “If this provision p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-slams-today-s-vote-hr-38-nra-giveaway | Pingree Slams Todays Vote on H.R. 38 as NRA Giveaway | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement on H.R. 38, the first piece of legislation relative to guns that the House has taken up following more than 327 mass shootings in this calendar year alone. Pingree will vote against the bill, H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. The vote is expected around 4:30 p.m. today. “Seeing this bill come to the floor a week before the fifth anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting is absolutely sickening. In 2017 so far, the U.S. has seen 14,398 gun violence deaths, including 327 deaths from mass shootings alone. In the never-ending current of these horrific tragedies, Congressional Republicans have blocked all efforts to enact common sense gun legislation. Now, they actually want to make it harder for local law enforcement to do their jobs. This blatant giveaway to the NRA is so far off-base from what the American people have been calling on Congress to do." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-secretary-zinke-s-report-regarding-maine-s-katahdin-woods-and | Statement on Secretary Zinkes Report Regarding Maines Katahdin Woods and Waters Monument | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding new reports stating that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will recommend President Trump preserve Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters Monument: “The Trump Administration’s attack on public lands is disturbing and, as has been reported, the largest elimination of protected areas in U.S. history. While I am pleased Secretary Zinke has said he’ll recommend that Katahdin Woods & Waters Monument stay intact, I would like the opportunity to read his full report and ensure Maine’s monument is safeguarded from the attacks Bears Ears and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments have suffered. “Katahdin Woods and Waters Monument has spurred much-needed economic growth in the North Woods region and drawn thousands of new visitors to our state. It would be a mistake for the Trump Administration to reduce or revoke monument that has breathed life into Northern Maine’s economy and introduced thousands to the natural beauty of Maine.” Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, which oversees funding for the Department of the Interior. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-calls-national-monument-reductions-deeply-troubling | Pingree calls national monument reductions deeply troubling | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on President Trump’s decision to slash the acreage of both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. She is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, which oversees funding for the Department of the Interior. “President Trump’s decision to severely shrink these national monuments is deeply troubling for the precedent he is setting. If he is allowed to undermine the process our country has for conserving its most special places, how can we know if any public lands are truly protected for the future? “The entirety of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments are worth conserving for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. Bears Ears itself is sacred to several Native American tribes. It’s disgraceful and disheartening to see them opened up for the exploitation of their natural resources. “The review of national monuments by President Trump’s administration has also been troubling for its lack of transparency. We still have yet to see compelling justifications for these decisions and it remains unclear if the President has this authority at all.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-nominates-28-maine-students-united-states-service-academies | Pingree nominates 28 Maine students to United States Service Academies | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Portland, Maine—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) has announced her office’s nominees to the United States Service Academies—the 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 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. The full list of nominations is below. Contact information is available upon request. United States Naval Academy Kelsey Brayboy, Eliot, Marshwood High School Jack Freeman, Owls Head, Oceanside High School Zach Grant, Brunswick, Brunswick High School Brinley Harrison, South Bristol, Lincoln Academy Eric Heiman, Arundel, Thornton Academy Dana Hirschhorn, Kennebunkport, Waynflete Ray Horne, Berwick, Noble High School Jake Lapierre, Winslow, Winslow High School Payje Leclerc, Old Orchard Beach, Old Orchard Beach High School Marco Manfra, Scarborough, Scarborough High School Richard Mann, Bowdoinham, Baxter Academy James Mannette, Windham, Northwestern Preparatory School, Windham High School (prior), Eric Quirk, Scarborough, Scarborough High School Aiden Roberts, Hope, Phillips Exeter Academy Sean Scanlon, Bath, Cheverus High School Brendan Sullivan, Berwic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-flynn-guilty-plea-pingree-calls-potus-release-tax-returns | Following Flynn Guilty Plea, Pingree Calls for POTUS to Release Tax Returns, Reiterates Call for Independent Investigation | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement after President Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, pleaded guilty to lying to FBI investigators about his connections to Russia: “Within a year of taking office, four of President Trump’s advisers have been criminally charged in the investigation into Russian election hacking. Earlier this year, when Michael Flynn resigned in disgrace I called for an independent, outside investigation into the President’s ties to Russia. Now that Michael Flynn has plead guilty to lying to FBI officials, I am reissuing that call and calling on the President to finally release all of his tax returns. President Trump has done everything he can to undermine Mr. Mueller’s investigation in the eyes of the public and mislead Americans about the severity of Russia’s influence over his White House. As Republicans push a tax plan that will ensure a windfall for the wealthiest at the expense of middle-class Americans, it is imperative that the President finally disclose his personal finances and make clear if he has financial ties to Russia.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cultivating-community-receive-nearly-600000-federal-grant-train-new | Cultivating Community to Receive Nearly $600,000 Federal Grant to Train New Farmers | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Pingree meeting with veteran farmers earlier this year. PORTLAND, MAINE—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announced today that Portland-based Cultivating Community would receive a $597,252 grant from the USDA to train and help support the growth of New American and veteran farmers in Maine. “It’s been so exciting to see new groups of Mainers enter farming in recent years, thanks to organizations like Cultivating Community that have helped them get started and to grow their businesses. Agriculture has been especially beneficial in creating economic opportunities for Maine’s New American and veteran populations,” said Pingree. “This grant will help keep up that momentum by building on recruitment, training, and assistance efforts that have already led to the creation of over 50 new farms. My sincere thanks to Cultivating Community and its partners for their work to diversify and strengthen Maine’s farming economy.” “We in Maine and New England need to produce more of our own food. It's what's right for our people and our land and it's an increasingly important economic driver for the region,” said Cultivating Community Executive Director Craig Lapine. “Our work generally and this project specifically is about making sure that all Maine people—whether they're young or old, whether their families have been in the region three centuries or three years—can have an impact and make a living through agriculture.” The USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) grant will be used to provide land access, new opportunities for product diversification and market access, and four levels of training to New American, veteran and other small-scale producers. Among other initiatives, the project will expand an existing gardener-to-farmer pipeline, provide intensive training to new farmers at varying levels of expertise, and work to address land access issues. This project builds on the success of existing training programs supported by BFRDP grants in 2014 and 2009 that have resulted in the cr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-pushes-bill-end-taxpayer-funded-secret-harassment-settlements | Pingree Pushes Bill to End Taxpayer Funded Secret Harassment Settlements, Require Disclosure of Past Payments | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – In light of revelations that Congress has spent $17 million in order to settle 260 harassment scandals since 1997, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) has cosponsored legislation to eliminate this unethical hush fund and reveal details of past secret settlements. “Buying silence with taxpayer money is flat-out corrupt. It’s sad that we need an act of Congress to get to the bottom of these secret settlements and hold perpetrators accountable, but apparently that’s what it takes,” said Pingree. “The bill I’ve cosponsored would ensure taxpayers know how their money was spent and require those who used this hush fund to pay the public back with interest.” Pingree is one of 33 original cosponsors of the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act, introduced by Representatives DeSantis, Blackburn, Cooper, Gabbard, and Rice. Pingree is also a cosponsor of Representative Speier’s Me Too bill to reform the Office of Compliance and H. Res 630 to mandate anti-harassment training in Congress, which unanimously passed the House yesterday. The Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act would: · prohibit the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims; · disclose all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed); · require perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest; · prohibit nondisclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims; and · permit victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed nondisclosure agreement. SUMMARY OF THE CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND HUSH FUND ELIMINATION ACT PROHIBITING USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS TO PAY SETTLEMENT CLAIMS WHICH ARISE FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Prohibits the use of public funds for se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-floor-pingree-shares-stories-mainers-who-would-be-harmed-gop-tax | On House floor, Pingree Shares Stories of Mainers Who Would be Harmed by GOP Tax Plan | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) took to the House floor today to share stories of Mainers who would be hurt by the Republican tax plan. After meeting with a group of constituents, Pingree voted against the legislation when it came to a House vote two weeks ago. The Senate is currently considering its own version. Full text of her remarks as drafted below. Mr. Speaker, I recently sat down with Mainers who are terrified of the Republican tax plan. In tears, a high-school teacher listed the items she purchased for her students in need. Under this plan, she’ll no longer be able to deduct them. A cancer survivor told me she now writes off thousands of dollars of medical expenses every year. No more under the tax plan. A recent college graduate wondered how difficult it would be to achieve his career goals while paying off his student loan debt without a deduction for the interest. A dairy farmer talked about a tax exemption that has allowed farmers to have more control over their businesses by forming co-ops. That’s gone under this GOP tax scam. In 10 years, one in five Mainers will pay more in federal taxes under this plan. Their sacrifices—and our national debt—will pay for generous benefits to massive corporations, foreign investors, and the wealthiest of the wealthy. I urge my colleagues to withdraw this thinly veiled handout for the 1-percenters and bring forth tax reform that will actually benefit the middle class. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-backs-mandatory-harassment-training-says-not-enough-reform | Pingree Backs Mandatory Harassment Training, Says Not Enough to Reform Culture of Secrecy & Predatory Behavior in Congress | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following the unanimous passage of H. Res 630 mandating workforce harassment training in Congress, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement: “As women and minorities in the workforce have long known, harassment and discrimination are pervasive in every industry. This systemic abuse of power is deeply wrong and continues to go unchecked in professional environments where victims are disempowered. Until now Congress hasn’t required even basic workforce harassment training to prevent a culture of secrecy and predatory behavior from running amok. “I’ve co-sponsored legislation to make training mandatory for members, staff and officers and voted in favor of H. Res 630 today because everyone deserves to be treated with dignity in the workforce. Making this training mandatory is an important first step in changing the culture of Congress, but we must also urgently reform the Office of Compliance so that accountability, transparency, and safety are upheld for every single person who works here. I urge Speaker Ryan to bring the bipartisan Me Too bill to the floor so we can begin reform a system that has for too long shielded the powerful from consequences.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/why-i-oppose-gop-tax-plan | Why I Oppose the GOP Tax Plan | 2017-11-17 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | The following is a piece distributed to local newspapers in November 2017 Earlier this month, I sat down with a group of Mainers who would be negatively impacted by the House Republicans’ tax plan. Among them were a teacher, a cancer survivor, a recent college graduate, and a dairy farmer, who all told me how the plan would hurt them and their families. It was for them—and thousands of other hard-working Mainers—that I voted against the plan. I was incredibly disappointed to see it pass along party lines with the exception of a few Republicans who voted in opposition. To be clear, I’m not opposed to tax reform that streamlines filing, helps small businesses grow, and offers relief to working families. But this is not that kind of plan—not by a long shot. Despite what Republican leaders have said, this is not tax reform for the middle class. This is a giveaway to big corporations, foreign investors, and the wealthiest of the wealthy. If passed by the Senate and enacted, nearly half of the total cuts in this plan would go to the richest 1 percent of Americans. As tax cuts for the wealthy grow year by year, they will be reduced for the middle class. In 10 years, 90,000 Maine households earning less than $148,000 annually will actually pay more in federal taxes. Do you think this what tax reform should look like? The wealthy get a number of tax breaks in this plan like total repeal of the estate tax. Currently, this tax is charged only when an estate worth more than $5.5 million is inherited by an individual—about 2 of every 1,000 estates. The plan also eliminates the alternative minimum tax, which currently ensures that millionaires and billionaires can’t use creative accounting to pay next to nothing in taxes. President Trump’s 2005 tax return, for instance, showed that he would have paid much less if it weren’t for the alternative minimum tax. (Since we haven’t seen his other tax returns, however, we don’t know all the ways he’ll benefit from this plan—but he most certainly will.) Meanwhile, Mainers will lose… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-votes-against-house-republican-tax-plan | Pingree Votes Against House Republican Tax Plan | 2017-11-16 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement after the House voted to approve the Republican tax plan today. She voted against the bill after holding a roundtable earlier this week with Mainers who would be harmed under the plan. “I’m incredibly disappointed to see the House pass this bill. I support tax reform that helps our small businesses and working families, but this is not that kind of plan—not by a long shot. “For the wealthiest of the wealthy, the tax cuts under this bill get bigger and bigger every year, while they get smaller and smaller for everyone else. At the end of 10 years, many middle-class Mainers will actually be paying more in taxes. And for some, the harmful impacts will come immediately, in the form of repealing important deductions that help offer relief to graduates, teachers, those with high medical expenses, and many others. “And don’t forget that this unfunded tax cut adds $1.5 trillion to the national debt—which, under sequestration, would automatically trigger $25 billion in cuts to Medicare. Hard-working Maine families deserve much better than what this plan has to offer.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-will-vote-against-republican-tax-plan | Pingree Will Vote Against Republican Tax Plan | 2017-11-13 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE—A cancer survivor, a school teacher, a recent college graduate and several others told Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) how the Republican tax plan would harm them during a roundtable she held today. At the event, Pingree announced that she would vote against the plan, which is expected to come for a vote in the House this week. “I think it will come as no surprise that I am opposed to the Republican bill and plan to vote no on it this week. There are a variety of reasons I am frustrated with this bill. Basically, it’s going to be a giveaway to corporations and some of the wealthiest people in the country,” Pingree said at the event. “They’re dropping the corporate tax rate from 35 to 20 percent, a $5 trillion benefit to some of the wealthiest people in the country. They’re eliminating $3 trillion in tax cuts. And then they’ll be adding $1 to $2 trillion to the deficit. That means they’re going to come to us in no time and say that now we don’t have enough money for Medicare or Medicaid.” At the event, Sarah Austin, a policy analyst at the Maine Center for Economic Policy, offered an analysis of how the plan would impact real Mainers. “Something Republicans have been saying is that this bill is about is the middle class. When you look at the data, there’s actually no way that is possible,” Austin said. “We’re looking at a tax proposal where the top 1 percent get half of the benefit by 2027. Across the board, foreign investors will get more in tax breaks than the bottom 60 percent of Americans by income. So this is not America first, not for the middle class. It’s structured in ways that are going to harm real people.” Pingree then heard from several Mainers about tax deductions that are eliminated or reduced in the Republican plan. Jonathan Brown, a 2016 college grad who will use the student loan interest deduction in this tax year. Sue Clifford, a breast cancer survivor from Freeport has relied on the medical expense deduction. Jodie Hall, a local advocat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-backs-bipartisan-bill-increase-federal-investment-rural | Pingree Backs Bipartisan Bill to Increase Federal Investment in Rural Broadband | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) has cosponsored a bipartisan, bicameral bill to offer rural communities more federal investment to improve broadband Internet access and boost their economies. “Maine ranks 49th out of 50 states when it comes to broadband access. Across the state, Internet speeds are well below the national average. In today’s economy, where so much relies on technology, that’s a serious handicap for our state,” Congresswoman Pingree said. “I’m proud to support this legislation to help our rural communities access the technology they need to succeed in the 21st Century.” The Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-CROP) Act would make grants available to rural areas, funding between 50 and 75 percent of a broadband project’s cost. Grants would be combined with loans administered by the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service—the bill increases authorized funding for the agency’s loan programs to $50 million annually. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate. “In many areas, especially rural Maine, broadband is essential for communities to survive and thrive. Whether it’s telemedicine, access to markets for small businesses, education for our children and adults, or just a chance to stay connected with family, quality high-speed broadband is an essential utility,” said Peggy Schaffer of the Maine Broadband Coalition. “We are thrilled that Congresswoman Pingree recognizes this and has joined in this bipartisan effort to make sure rural Maine is not left behind.” “Broadband infrastructure is critical to the economic future of Maine’s coastal communities. Having workable, high-quality Internet is essential for local businesses and will help attract young families,” said Stephenie MacLagan, community broadband expert at the Island Institute in Rockland. “This legislation helps focus much deserved attention on the expansion of broadband in rural areas. 21st Century high-speed internet is needed to serve all Maine communities well into the future.” Maine Broad… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-house-unanimously-passes-pingree-bill-assist-veterans-va-debt | U.S. House Unanimously Passes Pingree Bill to Assist Veterans with VA Debt | 2017-11-08 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously passed Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s (D-Maine) bill, the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act. The legislation provides veterans with more timely and understandable notifications about possible debts with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “This bill offers a common sense fix to frustrations that veterans across the country have experienced with the VA’s debt management system. Veterans in Maine have called my office shocked to find out they owe the VA money,” Pingree said during a floor speech before the vote. “Some are confused by the letters they receive. Others are told by the VA that they’ve missed important deadlines to dispute, seek forgiveness, or create a payment plan for the alleged debt. Regardless of whether the debt is real or a mistake by the VA, we shouldn’t make it so hard for veterans to know their rights and obligations.” Last Thursday, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs passed an amended version of Pingree’s bill. In September, Pingree testified before committee members on her legislation. The intention of the bill is to provide veterans with more timely and understandable notifications when they have a possible debt with the Department of Veterans Affairs for overpayment of benefits. Pingree’s office has worked with multiple veterans who did not learn of their debt until it was too late for them to take action. As amended by the committee, the legislation directs the VA to: 1. Work with veterans service organizations to draft a plain language notification, 2. Create a system for sending notifications electronically in combination with mail, and 3. Study the problem of veterans not receiving notifications and the costs of sending letters by certified mail. Congresswoman Pingree’s Floor statement on H.R. 3705, the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act Thank you for yielding the time. I rise in support of the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act. This bill offers a common sense fix to frustrations that veterans across the count… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/keep-americas-waterfronts-working-act-statements-support | Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act Statements of Support | 2017-11-02 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | "Working waterfronts are an integral part of the nation's coastal and Great Lakes economy and culture. Working waterfronts face multiple challenges, including permanent conversion to non-water-dependent uses and storm damage to already compromised waterfront infrastructure. Businesses that depend on working waterfront, from commercial fishermen to tour boat operators to waterborne trade, need solutions to work with states and municipalities to protect and enhance these critical economic assets." --Natalie Springuel, a founder of the National Working Waterfront Network and extension associate with Maine Sea Grant. “As a lobsterman working on the regional ocean planning process, I've always said that fishermen need two basic things; a healthy stock to fish on, and the ability to access that resource. That access begins in the harbor at the shoreline. Without places to work on, store, load and unload, their catch, gear and boats, fishing, as we know it in Maine, will cease to exist.” --Richard Nelson, Fishermen, Friendship, Maine. “Working waterfronts are an integral part of coastal economies. In Maine, tens of thousands of jobs are connected to working waterfronts. Federal efforts such as Congresswoman Pingree’s Keep America’s Working Waterfronts bill are so important to rural economic health. In Rockland Maine, for example, the Municipal Fish Pier has been an integral part of the midcoast working waterfront for many decades. It is one of a very few deep-water docks in the region where herring carriers and sein boats can land their catch, and this is vital to the entire Maine lobstering bait industry. Over 25 local lobstermen, scalloper draggers and islanders use this pier to land catch, take on supplies, and maintain their vessels. There are three buying stations on site. There also is a proposal to moor the only marine fuel delivery service vessels for the entire midcoast of Maine delivering vital fuel to local island communities for home heating and commercial vessels. The future of this pier depend depends… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-committee-approves-pingree-initiative-help-veterans-debt-va | House Committee Approves Pingree Initiative to Help Veterans in Debt to VA | 2017-11-02 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—The House Committee on Veterans Affairs today passed an amended version of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s legislation—H.R. 3705, the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act—to help veterans who have a debt with the Department of Veteran Affairs. The bill could come to the House floor as soon as next week. “Too many veterans don’t learn about their possible debts with the VA until it’s too late for them to take action. That’s simply unacceptable, especially in light of the commonsense changes that can be made to make sure veterans are properly notified,” Pingree said. “Today’s vote is an important first step in addressing this problem, giving clear and timely information to veterans about their rights and steps they can take to resolve their debt. I’m pleased that this bipartisan effort will move forward.” Congresswoman Pingree testified at a September 13 Veterans Committee hearing in support of her bill. Video of her testimony can be seen here.The Committee held an oversight hearing on October 25 on the underlying issue of VA overpayments. Pingree’s bill originated from assisting veteran constituents who only learned about their debt with the VA once their benefits had been withheld or loans rejected. Having never received notifications about their debt with the VA, they missed deadlines to appeal the debt, apply for a waiver, or set up a payment plan. Sent by standard mail, notifications had gone to outdated addresses or ones where veterans had never lived at all. The Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act Pingree introduced would require the VA to send these notifications by certified mail—ensuring that their receipt is confirmed—as well as to use plain language. As amended by the committee, the bill wouldn’t require the VA to use certified mail, but it does take several other steps to ensure more timely and understandable notifications: Directs the VA to work with veterans service organizations to come up with a standard letter with plain language to explain why the veteran owes the debt and what his/or … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-announces-15-million-usda-investment-energy-improvements-maine-s | Pingree Announces $1.5 million USDA Investment for Energy Improvements in Maines Fox Islands | 2017-11-02 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the Fox Islands Electric Co-Op in Vinalhaven and North Haven, Maine, would receive a $1,579,000 loan from USDA Rural Development to make electrical system improvements. “Most people probably don’t realize that many of Maine’s year-round island communities actually run their own electrical systems. Upkeeping those systems can be costly and, when taken with some of the highest electricity rates in the country, can be tough for these small, hard-working communities to handle,” Pingree said. “I’m so glad that USDA Rural Development is investing in the Fox Islands Electric Co-Op to make these critical improvements financially possible.” According to USDA Rural Development, funds will be used to improve 5 miles of line and make other system improvements. The Fox Islands Electric Cooperative is owned by the Maine island communities of Vinalhaven and North Haven, where Congresswoman Pingree is a resident. The electrical energy for the islands' grid is partly purchased from the mainland through our submarine cable, but most of it is generated on Vinalhaven by a community-owned wind farm. The cooperative has approximately 1,950 members. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-pingree-testifies-hearing-her-bipartisan-bill-preserve-working | VIDEO: Pingree Testifies at Hearing on Her Bipartisan Bill to Preserve Working Waterfronts | 2017-11-02 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) advocated today for increased federal resources to help states preserve their working waterfronts at a hearing on her bipartisan bill, HR 1176, the Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act. The hearing was held by the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans. “The men and women who work on the waterfront want to stay there. These are their communities and their work. Unfortunately, waterfront access is quickly disappearing under pressure from incompatible development. It truly puts our communities and their economies at risk,” Congresswoman Pingree testified. “The federal government should be supporting this work (of preserving working waterfronts) with the same dedication that we have at the state level. Not duplicating efforts, but maximizing dollars, bringing in more resources, and making sure that the goals and plans that communities create can be brought to life.” Full text of Pingree’s testimony is below. At Pingree’s invitation, Rob Snyder, President of the Rockland-based Island Institute, testified before the committee in support of the bill. A number of other local organizations submitted testimony. (Three quotes are below but more are available here.) “With a history of boatbuilding that spans more than 400 years in Maine, we are delighted to see that Rep. Pingree has continued her efforts to ensure the protection of working waterfronts for the businesses, people and communities whose livelihoods and economies are dependent on access to the water,” said Susan Swanton, Executive Director, Maine Marine Trades Association. “In Maine, tens of thousands of jobs are connected to working waterfronts. Federal efforts such as Congresswoman Pingree’s Keep America’s Working Waterfronts bill are so important to rural economic health,” said Matt Ripley, Harbor Master for Rockland, Maine. “As a lobsterman working on the regional ocean planning process, I've always said that fishermen need two basic things; a healthy stock to fish on,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/psa-pingree-reminds-mainers-aca-open-enrollment-begins-tomorrow | In PSA, Pingree Reminds Mainers ACA Open Enrollment Begins Tomorrow | 2017-10-31 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME—Since mid-September Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) has been getting the word out about the 2018 Open Enrollment to purchase coverage on the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace with a public service announcement running on three local television stations—WPXT-TV (The CW), WPME-TV (MyTV), and ME-TV (Memorable Entertainment). Pingree recorded the PSA, which will run until the close of Open Enrollment on December 15, to remind Mainers that they only have 45 days to sign up this year, and make up for the Trump Administration’s lack of ACA outreach. In contrast to President Obama’s extensive ACA outreach over the past five years, the Trump Administration has decided to shut down Healthcare.gov during peak hours of Open Enrollment, cut the window of time to sign up for coverage in half, and not to advertise for the brief 45-day window when Americans must purchase health insurance. “Despite the Trump Administration’s efforts to suppress enrollment in the Marketplace, Mainers need to know they have options to shop for and enroll in coverage beginning tomorrow, November 1,” said Pingree. “With many plan changes this year, it’s really important that Mainers explore Healthcare.gov before December 15.” Transcript of PSA: Hello, I’m Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. The Affordable Care Act has helped thousands of Mainers purchase the health insurance they need—and I want to make sure you can, too. For 2018 coverage, you have from November 1 to December 15 to sign up or change plans. It is important to shop for the insurance that is best for you as there have been a number of plan changes. Most Mainers qualify for subsidies to lower their premiums. So visit www.healthcare.gov to learn about your coverage options or to identify where to get local assistance and begin enrolling on November 1. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-indictment-trump-advisers | Statement on Indictment of Trump Advisers | 2017-10-30 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—After special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, issued criminal indictments for two of President Trump’s campaign advisers, Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, as well as a plea deal for George Papadopoulos, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement: “A special prosecutor and congressional inquiries have revealed criminal actions by Trump’s advisers, but preserving democracy requires full transparency. After Michael Flynn resigned in February, I called for an outside, independent investigation into Russian interference in last year’s election. We should not be in a position where President Trump can undermine those charged with uncovering the truth about Russian interference in our elections." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-selected-serve-board-advising-national-endowment-arts | Pingree Selected to Serve on Board Advising National Endowment for the Arts | 2017-10-26 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Pingree with NEA Chairman Jane Chu at a 2015 event in Portland. WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) has been selected as an ex-officio member of the National Council on the Arts, which advises the National Endowment for the Arts on its grant programs and other priorities. She will participate in her first meeting with the council later today. “The National Endowment for the Arts plays a pivotal role in supporting the arts and creative economy in Maine. It’s an honor to help advance the NEA’s work through the National Council on the Arts,” said Pingree. “The public investments we make in the arts are important not just for our culture, but for jobs and the economy. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ve been proud to advocate for that funding and tout what it’s made in possible in Maine—from arts exhibitions in Rockland to film festivals in Waterville. I’m excited to use my experience as a Member of Congress to help strengthen the NEA’s efforts however I can.” Pingree is one of two non-voting Members of Congress currently serving on the council—the other is Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). The major areas in which the Council advises the agency and its Chairman are: • Applications for Federal grant funds recommended by advisory panels; • Guidelines outlining funding categories, objectives, and eligibility; • Leadership initiatives and partnership agreements with other agencies; • Agency budget levels, allocations, and funding priorities; • Policy directions involving Congressional legislation and other issues of importance to the arts nationally; and • Recommending individuals and organizations to receive the National Medal of Arts Pingree—Dedicated Advocate for the Arts Pingree has long been recognized as an advocate for the arts in Maine and the NEA. She has hosted the last two NEA Chairmen—Rocco Landesman and Jane Chu—on visits to Maine to see NEA funds in action. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environmen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-votes-against-tax-cuts-billionaires-adding-15-trillion-national | Pingree Votes Against Tax Cuts for Billionaires & Adding $1.5 Trillion to National Debt | 2017-10-26 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) voted against a disastrous Republican budget proposal that was rammed through the U.S. House without a conference committee. Pingree issued the following statement following the vote: "By fast-tracking this budget, Republicans are trying to pull the wool over the eyes of working families. This budget is a tax giveaway to those who already have plenty at the expense of those who are struggling to make ends meet. Not only will this Republican budget add $1.5 trillion to our national deficit, it will cut billions from Medicare, infrastructure projects, Pell Grants, Head Start, low-income heating assistance, and NIH research in order to give the wealthiest Americans massive tax cuts. Republicans always claim to be the party of fiscal responsibility, but raiding essential services and adding more than a trillion dollars to our national debt is flat out irresponsible. I am disappointed by this process and voting no on this reckless budget.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-receives-leadership-award-james-beard-foundation | Pingree Receives Leadership Award from James Beard Foundation | 2017-10-24 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | NEW YORK CITY—At an awards dinner last night, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) received a 2017 Leadership Award from the James Beard Foundation for her work on national food system reform. “I’m deeply honored to receive a James Beard Leadership Award and indebted to everyone I’ve learned from and worked with through the years to strengthen the nation’s food system,” said Pingree. “We’ve had some important victories, but there is still much to do to ensure that every American can access healthy, sustainable food no matter their zip code and that our farmers and fishermen have the resources they need to produce it. With this award comes a great responsibility to keep pushing toward those goals by using my experience as a farmer and advocate to help shape food and agriculture policy in Congress.” Pingree was introduced at the dinner by John Piotti, former executive director of Maine Farmland Trust who now leads American Farmland Trust. Her children—Asa, Cecily and Hannah Pingree—also attended the event (photo attached). VIDEO: The James Beard Foundation produced a video tribute to Pingree available at https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/2017-leadership-award-winner-chellie-pingree? VIDEO: Earlier in the day, Pingree gave a presentation at the JBF Food Summit on how consumers are influencing food policy decisions in Washington. A video of her remarks is online at https://livestream.com/jamesbeardfoundation/foodsummit2017/videos/164857805 The James Beard Leadership Award recognizes visionaries across a broad range of backgrounds who influence how, why, and what we eat. Recipients are chosen by previous honorees, which include former First Lady Michelle Obama, Wendell Berry, Michael Pollan, and Eliot Coleman. Pingree is a longtime organic farmer who has made food system reform a priority in Congress. The last reauthorization of the Farm Bill contained numerous provisions she introduced to increase investments for local farmers and broaden access to healthy, sustainable food. In the current session of Congress, she … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trump-administrations-withdraws-new-protections-american-farmers | Trump Administrations Withdraws New Protections for American Farmers | 2017-10-17 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement today on the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw the USDA’s Farmer Fair Practice Rules, which would have helped level the playing field between contract poultry farmers and the large processors they contract with. “The Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw these long-awaited and much-needed protections for American farmers is extremely disappointing but not surprising. From big banks to fossil-fuel giants, the Trump Administration has consistently put the interests of the largest corporations before those of hard-working Americans. Now, you can add the handful of meat and poultry processors that dominate the market to that list. “I’ve sat down to talk with contract poultry farmers about the terrible conditions they work under. Their lopsided contracts with giant processors have put their families into poverty or caused them to lose their homes. They can’t even speak out without fear retribution from these companies. “After nearly 10 years of delay, these rules were finally going to help restore a more level playing field for farmers. It’s terrible that the Trump Administration would yank them back just as farmers could see light at the end of the tunnel.” On the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Congresswoman Pingree has actively fought against appropriations amendments that blocked the USDA from writing the rules for years. She helped defeat such an amendment last year, which allowed the Obama Administration to finally release the rules in December 2016. The Trump Administration quickly moved to delay their implementation before deciding this week to withdraw them totally. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-calls-va-uphold-core-mission-delivering-quality-care-veterans | Pingree Calls on VA to Uphold Core Mission of Delivering Quality Care to Veterans With Accountability | 2017-10-13 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME –Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement on the recent report detailing malpractice at VA facilities: “I was deeply concerned to hear from leadership at Togus that our state’s veterans had received substandard care and a formal investigation was underway. This is an inexcusable situation—one that has again raised alarm bells about the quality of care at VA health facilities and eroded trust in the VA’s mission of ‘caring for those who have borne the battle.’ It is long past time for the VA to uphold their purported mission of delivering quality health care with accountability. Our veterans deserve the best. Whether in Maine or at VA hospitals across the nation, these failures in oversight and accountability cannot stand and I will work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that this does not happen again.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-supports-house-disaster-relief-package-blasts-trump-threatening | Pingree Supports House Disaster Relief Package, Blasts Trump for Threatening to Abandon Puerto Rico | 2017-10-12 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) today voted in support of a $36.5 billion House package to provide disaster relief to communities affected by recent hurricanes and wildfires, while criticizing President Trump for his tweets on Puerto Rico. “Whether it’s because of wildfires in California, or hurricanes in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico, Americans who are suffering in the wake of these horrific disasters need to know that we will not leave them behind,” Pingree said. “I’m glad to support this relief package to make sure these communities have the resources they need right now.” The relief package contained: $18.67 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund $16 billion for cancellation of debt incurred by the National Flood Insurance Program $1.27 billion for disaster nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). $576.5 million for wildland fire suppression, including: $184.5 million for the U.S. Forest Service for firefighting operations; $342 million for the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund and to replenish Department of Agriculture accounts from which funding had been transferred to meet urgent firefighting obligations; $50 million for wildland suppression at the Department of the Interior and to repay transfers needed for these costs. Pingree went on to criticize President Trump, who earlier today threatened to pull federal disaster responders out of Puerto Rico though the U.S. territory is still under dire circumstances. “President Trump still doesn’t get it. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens who deserve all the resources they need to recover and rebuild—they don’t need him to pour salt in their wounds,” Pingree said. “Our country’s responsibility is to provide aid to Puerto Rico as long as it’s needed to save lives and get the island back in working order.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-trump-executive-order-undermine-health-care-mainers | Statement on Trump Executive Order to Undermine Health Care for Mainers | 2017-10-12 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order that will spike premiums for Mainers with pre-existing conditions and push individuals toward health insurance plans without consumer protections: "The Executive Order signed today by President Trump is the equivalent of giving a backpack without a parachute to someone jumping from an airplane. Health insurance is useless if it doesn’t cover your health care needs, but this Executive Order opens the door to the bare bones plans that were insufficient for so many before the Affordable Care Act was passed. It’s yet another attempt by the Trump Administration to sabotage and undermine the Affordable Care Act, despite the unprecedented level of support shown by Americans who want to preserve its fundamental consumer protections." "We need to focus on what’s important – making sure that this year’s open enrollment is successful and that Mainers have the information and support they need to make coverage decisions for themselves and their families." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-passing-former-maine-state-legislator-ed-mazurek | Statement on the Passing of Former Maine State Legislator Ed Mazurek | 2017-10-06 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME—Today Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) issued the following statement on the passing of Ed Mazurek of Rockland, ME. “Ed was so devoted to his family, his community, and his state. His tireless leadership and fierce advocacy will be impossible to replace. I know Ed will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and so many others who had the pleasure of knowing him as I did.” Ed Mazurek moved to Rockland in 1975, where he and his wife Mary Ellen continued their careers and raised their three children. A Xavier graduate, he was drafted by the NFL’s Chicago (now Arizona) Cardinals, and finished his career with the New York Giants. After his football career, Ed went on to coach football and softball and teach social studies for 35 years. After he retired from coaching and teaching, Ed ran successfully for the Rockland City Council (serving as Mayor twice), the Maine State House of Representatives, and the Maine State Senate. He declined to seek re-election in 2014. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-announces-more-1-million-federal-funding-support-maine-local | Pingree Announces More than $1 Million in Federal Funding to Support Maine Local Food Economy | 2017-10-05 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) today announced over $1 million in USDA funding to support a number of local food projects throughout Maine, including a $500,000 award to build up Greater Portland’s food processing infrastructure. “Increasing the production and consumption of local food represents a fantastic opportunity for Maine jobs and businesses,” Pingree said. “From boosting local food processing in Greater Portland to marketing locally caught seafood, these federal investments will be terrific assets to building Maine’s food-based economy. That’s why I’ve advocated so hard for these kinds of investments in Washington and am actively working to strengthen them.” Yesterday, Pingree introduced the bipartisan Local FARMS Act to help producers meet the growing demand for local products and increase consumer access to healthy, local food. Senator Sherrod Brown introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The Greater Portland Council of Governments is receiving a $500,000 USDA Local Food Promotion Grant for its project, “Scaling for Growth in the Portland Foodshed” to address a lack of food processing infrastructure and an inefficient distribution network. The project will add processing capacity, reduce food waste by finding inefficiencies, and increase local food purchasing among retailers and institutions by $7.5 million. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute will receive a $99,473 Local Food Promotion Program Grant to work with New England fishermen to address marketing local seafood to local markets. “We are thrilled to begin working with regional fishermen to address the barriers preventing them from marketing their catch to local restaurants, retailers, and institutions,” said Kyle Foley, Sustainable Seafood Program Manager at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. “What’s more, this is an exciting sign that the USDA recognizes seafood is an important part of our regional food system, which is great for both fishermen and consumers.” Coastal Enterprises Inc. will receiv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-leads-bipartisan-local-farms-act | Congresswoman Pingree leads bipartisan "Local FARMS Act" | 2017-10-04 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Today Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), and Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) introduced HR 3941, the Local Food And Regional Market Supply Act (Local FARMS Act). The Local FARMS Act builds on the success of local and regional food economies by helping farmers tap into growing markets and helping consumers access healthy food. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has introduced a companion bill in the Senate. Among other provisions, the legislation would consolidate and streamline a number of federal local food programs; help farmers implement food safety practices; create a new food-as-medicine pilot program to support fruit and vegetable prescriptions for low-income individuals; expand the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program to include veterans; and provide schools more resources to purchase food locally. Bill details and statements of support are available at pingree.house.gov/localfarmsact. “More and more consumers want to know where their food comes from, who grew it, and how it was produced. This growing demand has been a game changer in Maine and around the country, increasing sales of local food and providing a bright spot for U.S. agriculture,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. “It’s been exciting to see the impact this growth has had on local economies, but imagine what the effect would be if our country invested in it the way we should or if more Americans could access it. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Local FARMS Act so our farmers can take full advantage of the opportunities in the local food movement and so more consumers can reap its benefits as well.” “The Local FARMS Act is another creative way in which federal policy can expand the agricultural family, helping reconnect the local farm to the local community and the urban to the rural, with the added benefit of reinvigorating localized economies,” said Representative Jeff Fortenberry, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I’m proud … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-says-enough-enough-after-mass-shooting-las-vegas | Pingree Says "Enough is Enough" After Mass Shooting in Las Vegas | 2017-10-02 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on the mass shooting in Las Vegas that has claimed 58 lives and injured more than 500. Today, America woke to the deadliest mass shooting in modern history. The fear, sadness, and heartbreak felt in Las Vegas reverberates in our communities and leaves us wondering how we could allow this to happen once again. The 58 dead and more than 500 injured deserve more than our sympathies and sentiments—they deserve to know their lives and losses prevented another tragedy. Last June, in the wake of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, House Democrats demanded action on common-sense gun legislation. I sat with my Democratic colleagues on the floor of the U.S. House and said no one else should die at the hands of a reckless gunman because of Congressional inaction. Republicans blocked our effort and never allowed for debate on the bill. More than a year later, the nation is reeling from the most devastating mass shooting in modern history with no sign of a safer tomorrow. Four out of five Americans support universal background checks, so why won't Congress listen to their constituents and pass a bill to prevent weapons from getting into the hands of irresponsible gun owners once again? Recently, House Republicans have pushed to take up bills that would reduce restrictions on silencers and allow greater access to armor piercing bullets. Not only are these bills completely out-of-touch, they would make it more difficult to know where gunshots are being fired and put law enforcement officers in danger. Enough is enough. Unless Congress stands on the side of public safety to pass common-sense gun legislation now, what happened in Las Vegas today could happen anywhere in America tomorrow. I urge Speaker Ryan to allow a vote on legislation that would help prevent future mass shootings immediately. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-passing-farm-table-pioneer-gus-schumacher | Pingree Statement on Passing of Farm-to-Table Pioneer Gus Schumacher | 2017-09-28 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) released the following statement on the passing of Gus Schumacher, a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement and dedicated advocate for helping low-income families access healthy, local food. “I will dearly miss Gus, who was a good friend and a trusted partner in our shared work to reform the food system. He was one of the first to connect local farmers to local chefs in New England, which has fundamentally changed our restaurants. But he also made sure that fresh, local food was available to all, not just a few. As co-founder of Wholesome Wave, he was an effective advocate for giving low-income families more buying power to purchase fresh food. And you don’t have to look very far at USDA to see the profound impact he had on federal farm and nutrition programs as an undersecretary. His legacy will live on, showing just how dedicated, creative, and successful Gus was in championing a better food system.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senators-collins-king-and-representative-pingree-announce-agreement | Senators Collins, King and Representative Pingree Announce Agreement Between BIW, Navy to Build Two New Destroyers | 2017-09-28 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Senators Collins, King and Representative Pingree Announce Agreement Between BIW, Navy to Build Two New Destroyers Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announced today that the U.S. Navy awarded contracts to Bath Iron Works to build two new DDG-51 destroyers. The first ship will be in the Flight IIA configuration, and the second will be in the Flight III configuration. The Flight III ship will incorporate the SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and upgrade the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes. These contracts to construct two new DDG-51 class destroyers in Bath demonstrates the Navy's commitment to BIW and its confidence in the highly skilled, hard-working employees at the shipyard. There is no workforce in the world better positioned to build these ships, said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. As the workhorses of the Navy, destroyers' ability to deliver capability and presence has been demonstrated many times over. These ships will strengthen our naval fleet and allow the Navy to promote stability and security in the face of proliferating threats around the globe. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins secured the $433 million in additional DDG-51 funding in the Defense Appropriations bill that became law in May 2017. The funding builds on the $1 billion Senator Collins secured toward the construction of an additional DDG-51 destroyer in 2015. One of the ship contracts awarded today to BIW is a direct result of that funding. The additional destroyer was included on the Navy's list of unmet requirements. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King worked to authorize more than $5.62 billion for the Navy destroyer programs in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including more than $5 billion for the procurement of three DDG-51 Arleigh Burke destroyers in fiscal … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-welcomes-454000-federal-grant-create-maine-mass-timber | Pingree Welcomes $454,000 Federal Grant to Create Maine Mass Timber Commercialization Center | 2017-09-27 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) today welcomed news of a major federal grant from the Economic Development Administration to create the Maine Mass Timber Commercialization Center at the University of Maine. “The first step to revitalizing Maine’s critical forest products industry—and bringing back the jobs it has supported for generations—is finding and commercializing new innovations for those products. The University of Maine has done fantastic work in this regard, notably in mass timber products that can compete with concrete and steel in building practices,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “With our natural resources and hard-working labor force, Maine is in a great position to capitalize on that potential. I’m excited to see what developments come out of the Maine Mass Timber Commercialization Center and have been proud to work with Maine’s Congressional Delegation to help bring federal resources to help write the next chapter of Maine’s forest products industry.” Mass timber products, such as cross-laminated timber, have the increased strength needed to build taller, multi-story buildings than with conventional lumber. The Economic Development Administration i6 grant is for $454,532. According to the EDA, “This EDA investment funds the creation of the Maine Mass Timber Commercialization Center, based at the University of Maine. The Center will team up with industrial partners, trade organizations, construction firms, architects, and other stakeholders in the region to revitalize and diversify Maine’s forest-based economy by bringing innovative mass timber manufacturing to the State of Maine. The emergence of this new innovation based industry cluster will result in positive economic impacts to both local and regional economies, particularly in Maine’s rural communities.” Pingree has worked work with the rest of Maine’s Congressional Delegation to bring an Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT) to Maine to study ways to revitalize the state's forest products economy and bring federal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-anthem-s-departure-maine-s-aca-marketplace | Statement on Anthems Departure from Maines ACA Marketplace | 2017-09-27 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement regarding Anthem Blue Cross’s decision to leave Maine’s ACA marketplace: “I’m deeply disappointed by Anthem Blue Cross’s choice not to participate in our state's health insurance marketplace, which will eliminate coverage options for tens of thousands of Mainers. Anthem was clear that the Trump Administration’s lack of commitment to market stability and lack of clarity about future decision-making made participation too difficult. From putting cost-sharing reductions in limbo, to shortening the 2018 open enrollment period and slashing the advertising budget, to planning to shut down Healthcare.gov during peak hours, the Trump Administration has chosen to undermine our current health care system and Mainers will be harmed. I have long advocated for Congress to pass bipartisan fixes to the Affordable Care Act. Instead, Republican leadership has spent the year pushing disastrous ACA repeal plans that would throw millions off of health insurance. We now see that inaction in Congress along with the extreme actions of the Trump Administration have resulted in fewer options for Mainers instead of more affordable, quality health care. It’s time Congress came together to pass legislation to support the individual marketplace.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/urging-trump-administration-send-more-military-assets-address | Urging Trump Administration to Send More Military Assets to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands | 2017-09-27 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC—Responding to the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, Congresswoman Pingree (D-Maine) co-authored a letter with 144 of her Congressional colleagues calling on President Trump to dramatically increase the amount of military assets on the ground in the U.S. Territories. “Right now the number of people in Puerto Rico who are without access to drinkable water is greater than the entire population of Maine. The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that demands greater military support,” said Congresswoman Pingree (D-Maine) “It’s incumbent on President Trump to put more military resources into action to help our citizens and bring order to the devastation that’s occurred on American soil. Meanwhile, I urge Republican leadership to bring a hurricane relief package to a vote so that these areas can begin to rebuild just as Houston and Florida have." Pingree’s full letter is available here. Text of the letter is as follows: September 26, 2017 President Donald J. Trump 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: On September 20th, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands endured a direct impact from Hurricane Maria. With winds up to 160 mph, Hurricane Maria devastated these islands, caused significant power outages, destroyed telecommunications infrastructure, and thereby paralyzed region. Given the impact of the damage and the population of 3.6 million American citizens affected, we are concerned that federal efforts to date have been insufficient to address the severity of the situation. We know there are DOD elements helping today, and all the service members involved are working very hard, but we are concerned that the scale of DOD assets supporting the operation are inadequate. Thus, we write to urge you to further mobilize the Department of Defense to immediately deploy additional assets in support of Puerto Rican and U.S. Virgin Island recovery eff… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-poliquin-introduce-house-resolution-recognize-today-national | Pingree, Poliquin Introduce House Resolution To Recognize Today as National Lobster Day | 2017-09-25 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Maine Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin have introduced a resolution in the House to recognize today, September 25, 2017, as National Lobster Day. The resolution is a companion to one passed in the Senate after being introduced by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. “Maine’s Congressional Delegation has been united in supporting and promoting our state’s lobster industry. I’m proud to work with Representative Poliquin to support those efforts in the House by recognizing today as National Lobster Day,” Pingree said. “Lobsters form the economic backbone of Maine’s coastline, thanks to the hard work of the fishermen who catch them and everyone else who supports them. But more than that, lobsters are a part of Maine’s identity—millions come to our state to eat the best lobster in the world. And we want to keep it that way by spreading the word.” “Maine’s lobster industry, and the more than 10,000 jobs it supports statewide, is one of the most important parts of our State’s history, economy and culture,” said Congressman Poliquin. “I’m proud to work with Maine’s Congressional Delegation in recognizing the significance the lobster trade has for our State and continuing to work together to ensure that the industry continues to thrive for generations to come.” Text of the resolution is below: RESOLUTION Designating September 25, 2017, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’. Whereas the American lobster is recognized around the world as a prized and flavorful culinary delicacy; Whereas lobster fishing has served as an economic engine and family tradition in the United States for centuries; Whereas thousands of families in the United States make their livelihoods from lobster fishing and processing; Whereas, with approximately 150,000,000 pounds of lobster landed each year in the United States, at an annual value of more than $500,000,000, lobster represents one of the most valuable catches in the United States; Whereas foreign markets for lobster from the United States are booming, with expor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-produces-open-enrollment-psa-pushes-back-trump-administration-s | Pingree Produces Open Enrollment PSA, Pushes Back on Trump Administrations Effort to Sabotage Affordable Care Act | 2017-09-25 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME—In response to the Trump Administration’s decision to shut down Healthcare.gov during peak hours of Open Enrollment and not to advertise for the brief 90-day window when Americans must purchase health insurance, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) is doing her part to ensure Mainers know Open Enrollment begins on November 1st. Pingree recorded a 30-second public service announcement which will run on WPXT-TV (The CW), WPME-TV (MyTV), and ME-TV (Memorable Entertainment) from now until the close of 2018 Open Enrollment on December 15th. Transcript of PSA: Hello, I’m Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. The Affordable Care Act has helped thousands of Mainers purchase the health insurance they need—and I want to make sure you can, too. For 2018 coverage, you have from November 1st to December 15th to sign up or change plans. It is important to shop for the insurance that is best for you as there have been a number of plan changes. Most Mainers qualify for subsidies to lower their premiums. So visit www.healthcare.gov to learn about your coverage options or to identify where to get local assistance and begin enrolling on November 1st. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/katahdin-woods-and-waters-recommendations-create-uncertainty-region | Katahdin Woods and Waters Recommendations Create Uncertainty for Region | 2017-09-18 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on a leaked report from the Department of Interior concerning the future of recently designated National Monuments, including the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. “The lack of transparency in this entire review process has been extremely concerning—even more so now that Interior Secretary Zinke’s report comes out three weeks after it was sent to the President and only after being leaked. “The recommendation of opening Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument to active timber management creates confusion and unnecessary uncertainty. The National Park Service already has the authority to manage the forest for the resource’s health, so this report raises questions about what it really opens the door for. Economic investments are being made in the region right now because the monument is drawing visitors to experience this incredible natural environment. It’s foolish to endanger that momentum by leaving unanswered questions about how it will be managed in the future. “As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, my concerns also extend to the other monuments specified for changes. It seems that the Administration has decided to put a greater priority on exploiting the natural resources of these special places rather than protecting them for the future.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/usda-s-office-inspector-general-s-report-recommends-changes-protect | USDAs Office of Inspector Generals Report Recommends Changes to Protect Integrity of Organic Imports | 2017-09-18 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME), a member of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement on a report the Office of Inspector General released today on organic integrity. During appropriations hearings earlier this year, Congresswoman Pingree questioned Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong about the integrity of organic imports. “Integrity is the cornerstone of the organic label. Organic farmers in my district and across the country deserve a fair playing field when it comes to the enforcement of organic standards. I’m very concerned by the loopholes USDA Office of Inspector General’s found in the verification and inspection process that have allowed non-organic food from other countries to be sold as organic in the U.S. The recommendations in this audit provide a good road map for addressing these concerns and strengthening the integrity of organic imports. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the House Committee on Appropriations to ensure that USDA has the resources it needs to accomplish the recommendations outlined in the report." Pingree is a longtime certified organic farmer in Maine. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-welcomes-pelosi-schumer-trump-agreement-daca | Pingree Welcomes Pelosi-Schumer-Trump Agreement on DACA | 2017-09-14 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) welcomed news that Democratic leadership in the U.S. House and Senate had reached tentative agreement with President Trump to provide a path to legalization for young immigrants known as “dreamers.” She also praised President Trump’s reported decision to separate a solution on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program from his request for billions of dollars for an ineffective Mexican border wall. Pingree said of the agreement: “It’s encouraging to see President Trump working with Democratic leadership to ensure tens of thousands of young DREAMers are not deported to countries completely unknown to them. I hope he follows through on this promise. For the 800,000 Americans—including nearly 100 Mainers—enrolled in DACA, America is where they’ve build roots as neighbors, business owners, colleagues, and obviously taxpayers,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. “The economic loss of deporting tens of thousands of DREAMers is nothing short of devastating, but the message it would send about America’s values is even more damaging. America is a nation made up immigrants and very few of us can trace our ancestry directly to this land. That’s why I am a proud co-sponsor of the DREAM Act and urge my House colleagues to swiftly approve this bill.” Pingree continued, “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, we’ve seen Draconian budget cuts requested from the Trump Administration. In the face of cuts to low-income heating for seniors and Meals on Wheels, it was completely absurd for the President to request billions of dollars for a border wall that would do nothing to address our nation’s immigration challenges. I am pleased to see President Trump appears to be backing away from this ridiculous request and acknowledging that a DACA fix can be done separately, which will increase the chances of accomplishing thoughtful immigration reform.” Pingree is a co-sponsor of the DREAM Act (H.R. 3440). A copy of the bill i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-testifies-hearing-her-legislation-assist-veterans-va-debt | Pingree Testifies at Hearing on Her Legislation to Assist Veterans with VA Debt | 2017-09-13 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) testified today at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in support of H.R. 3705, the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act. The legislation she’s introduced assists veterans who find themselves with debts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “We’ve seen single mom veterans who can’t get a home loan and newly transitioned service members who struggle to re-integrate with garnished pay, recouped tax returns and reduced disability payments, all because of assigned debts they knew nothing about because something got ‘lost in the mail,’” Pingree told the committee in her testimony. “H.R. 3705, the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act, proposes a straightforward solution. It requires the VA to modify its regulations so that debt notifications are sent by certified mail. Thus, the VA would know that the veteran has actually received the letter.” Full text of her testimony is below. Several national veteran service organizations submitted testimony to the committee in support of the bill, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. During her time in Congress, Congresswoman Pingree has been contacted by many veteran constituents who’ve been surprised to find out that they owe the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) money for overpayment of benefits. Often, these veterans only learn about the debt when their benefits are withheld. Having never received a prior notification, they miss deadlines for appealing the debt, setting up a payment plan, or applying for a waiver. The shock of learning that they owe money when they can no longer do anything to address it adds undue stress to veterans who may be dealing with service-connected disabilities and challenges, such as homelessness. Even when some veterans have sent a timely response, the VA has said they … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-16th-anniversary-911-attacks | Statement on 16th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks | 2017-09-11 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) released the following statement today on the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9/11. “May we never forget the 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrible and senseless attacks on 9/11. They included beloved friends and family members, devoted community members, and heroes who spent the last moments of their lives saving others. On that fateful day, we all held our heads in our hands over their tragic loss—16 years later, we continue to do so. I hope we will all take a moment today to honor their lives as well as the first responders and service members who made incredible sacrifices in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-hurricane-relief-continuing-appropriations-and-debt-limit | House Passes Hurricane Relief, Continuing Appropriations, and Debt Limit Package | 2017-09-08 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) voted in support of a legislative package today containing hurricane relief funding as well as a three-month extension of the debt limit and continuing appropriations. She released the following statement on the legislation. “Today’s bipartisan vote lets Americans whose communities are being ravaged by hurricanes know that we have their backs and that relief is on the way. It also gives Congress the next three months to work on reaching a budget deal that hopefully will be better for the country than the crippling package of cuts and policy riders the House has been debating this week. I hope this bipartisan momentum carries over to writing DACA into law so hard-working young DREAMers can stay in the only country they’ve ever known and continue making valuable contributions to our communities.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-poliquin-successfully-add-amendment-house-spending-bill-remove | Pingree, Poliquin Successfully Add Amendment To Remove Regulatory Burdens on Maine Sea Urchin and Sea Cucumber Businesses | 2017-09-07 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — In a win for Maine’s sea urchin and sea cucumber harvesting industry and businesses, Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin had their bipartisan amendment, the Poliquin Amendment, included into one of the major spending bills being considered by the House. The amendment, which is similar to the representatives’ bipartisan bill introduced earlier this year, will make it easier for Maine seafood dealers to export sea urchins and sea cucumbers outside of the United States. This amendment puts an end to repetitive, mandatory inspections of urchins and sea cucumbers being exported from the country, which are causing the highly perishable product to be held in warehouses for prolonged periods and spoiling. Since the 1980s, certain shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster, urchins and cucumbers, have been exempt from certain inspections. In 2011, Federal officials started requiring inspections of sea urchins and sea cucumbers entering and leaving the United States. Federal officials claimed that technically urchins are echinoderms instead of shellfish. “This amendment is a huge victory for hundreds of hardworking Mainers who dive for, harvest and process urchins and cucumbers. We must continue to ensure the federal government is there to help—not hurt—our jobs, local businesses and communities in Maine,” said Representatives Poliquin and Pingree of their legislation. “It is time to revise burdensome regulations in order to support the more than 650 Maine jobs in our State’s urchin and cucumber industry.” The representatives have long fought for the easing of these duplicative regulatory burdens. Earlier this year, the two reintroduced their bipartisan bill to remove the regulations. Last Congress, the Maine representatives’ bill passed the House and the Senate with bipartisan support. The two also testified before the House Natural Resources Committee during a hearing held at the request of Poliquin. This year, Representative Poliquin also sent a letter to U.S. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-submits-bipartisan-amicus-brief-supreme-court-calling-end | Pingree Submits Bipartisan Amicus Brief To Supreme Court Calling For End to Extreme Partisan Gerrymandering | 2017-09-06 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) joined dozens of current and former Members of Congress in submitting an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court regarding a pending case before the High Court that could stop the undemocratic partisan gerrymandering of political districts. “Government accountability is only possible when every vote counts. The integrity of our democracy relies on the ability of all voters to be heard, counted, and represented,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of the amicus brief filed on Monday night. “I am proud to work across the aisle with so many current and former members of Congress, including Maine’s own Senator Snowe, to stop gerrymandering.” “Extreme partisan gerrymandering harms our political system, and harms the functioning of the House in particular,” wrote the Members in the brief. “Extreme partisan gerrymandering is undemocratic, and cannot be reconciled with the Framers’ idea of a House of Representatives that would be directly accountable to the People through competitive and broad-based elections. Partisan gerrymandering makes it more difficult for Members to do the one job voters expect above all: delivering results for their constituents.” The case before the Court, Gill v. Whitford, involves a group of Wisconsin voters who in 2015 challenged the Wisconsin state legislature’s 2011 redistricting map in federal court as an excessively partisan gerrymander barred by the Constitution. A lower court ruling last year found the map violated both the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause and the plaintiffs’ First Amendment freedom of association. This fall, the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on the appeal to the lower court ruling. In the brief, the Members point out that the Supreme Court explained in 2015: “[T]he core principle of republican government [is] that voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.” When legislators’ draw districts that ignore traditional criteria such… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-votes-provide-aid-victims-hurricane-harvey | Pingree Votes to Provide Aid to Victims of Hurricane Harvey | 2017-09-06 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today voted in support of a $7.8 billion supplemental appropriations bill which will provide disaster relief to devastated areas in Texas and Louisiana. Under the FY17 Supplemental Appropriations bill approved by the House, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will receive $7.4 Billion and the Small Business Administration will receive $450 million to support residents impacted by last week’s hurricane. “Over the past week, strangers have stepped up to help one another in the face of this natural disaster, and I am grateful that today the House has put politics aside to do the same. This spending allocation marks the beginning of a long road to recovery for residents of Texas and Louisiana,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. “Congress must continue to monitor the needs of the people impacted by Hurricane Harvey and work to ease the burden of rebuilding their communities.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/portland-shipyard-receives-nearly-1-million-federal-grant-replace-aging | Portland Shipyard Receives Nearly $1 Million Federal Grant to Replace Aging Boat Lift | 2017-09-06 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announced today that Portland Ship Yard would receive a $990,500 federal Small Shipyard Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Funds will be used to replace an aging boat lift that has hindered the shipyard’s ability to serve Casco Bay’s commercial fleet. “Anyone who makes their living on the water knows that a day without an operational boat means a day of losing money. With so many commercial vessels in Casco Bay, the local economy depends on having a place like Portland Ship Yard to get boats back on the water as quickly as possible,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “With frequent needs for repairs, the shipyard’s aging lift created many delays and other challenges. This federal investment will enable Portland Shipyard to replace a piece of equipment that is essential to keeping our commercial fleet up and running.” According to the U.S. DOT’s Maritime Administration, the Small Shipyard Grant Program provides grants for capital and related improvements to qualified shipyard facilities to fostering efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration. Portland Shipyard serves a bustling port with a healthy commercial fishing fleet, public agency vessels, such as fireboats and pilot boats, and ferries serving rural islands throughout Casco Bay. Its aging mobile boat hoist, however, has challenged operations. Portland Shipyard’s current mobile boat hoist has sustained down time on at least 225 days since the beginning of 2014. Safety concerns also have made the current lift practically unusable for all but the lightest vessels, as heavier vessels challenge the limits of the aging machine’s capabilities. The grant will replace the lift with a new 330-ton mobile boat hoist. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-trump-administrations-decision-end-deferred-action-childhood | Statement on Trump Administration's Decision to End Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) Program | 2017-09-05 | 2017 | 2017-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program within six months: “Yet again President Trump has created a crisis that Congress must solve. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including Speaker Ryan, urged the President not to walk away from our promise to DREAMers, and now we must work together in order to clean up the mess he’s made. Putting the futures of 800,000 young people enrolled in DACA into limbo is irresponsible and inhumane. Nearly one hundred Maine residents will be immediately impacted by President Trump’s decision to deport young people who grew up here and are contributing members of our communities, and countless more minors will be forced into the shadows because DHS will no longer accept new DACA applications. Not only is it cruel to deport people to a country they wouldn’t even recognize, it would be a major disruption to our economy. I hope the House will act swiftly to pass legislation to give DREAMers a pathway to remain in the only country they’ve ever known.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/secretary-zinke-s-decides-preserve-katahdin-woods-waters-monument | Secretary Zinkes Decides to Preserve Katahdin Woods & Waters Monument | 2017-08-24 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE – Congresswoman Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement in response to Secretary Zinke’s executive summary report recommending that Maine’s Katahdin Woods & Waters Monument be protected: “While I look forward to reviewing the full details of Secretary Zinke's report and assessing its impact on Maine, I am encouraged that he has recommended Katahdin Woods & Waters Monument be preserved. "One year ago this week, Katahdin Woods and Waters Monument welcomed its first visitors. Within twelve months, these visitors have breathed new life into the region. Businesses have grown, tourism has prospered, and people have experienced even more of Maine’s natural, uninterrupted beauty. When President Trump tasked Secretary Zinke with reviewing Katahdin Woods & Waters Monument, I invited him to visit the site and see for himself how it has transformed the area. He took a canoe ride and met with locals. He heard for himself how many hours of public deliberation went into the establishment of the Monument and how important it had become to the local community. I applaud Secretary Zinke’s deliberative study of the Monument, his recommendation to protect it, and look forward to learning more of the details of his report. I hope President Trump will act on Secretary Zinke’s recommendation to protect all of our beautiful national monuments.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-new-england-congressional-leaders-call-usda-provide-relief-dairy | Pingree, New England Congressional Leaders Call on USDA to Provide Relief to Dairy Farmers | 2017-08-23 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and more than two dozen federal lawmakers from across New England sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting that dairy milk be designated as an agricultural commodity eligible for Federal Crop Insurance and that the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to develop additional insurance products for dairy farmers. Farm milk prices have dropped almost 40% in the last few years, and dairy farmers in New England are struggling to bring in the revenues they need to stay afloat. Pingree has been outspoken in urging the USDA to provide emergency assistance to dairy farmers and to take greater action to support New England dairy producers. The New England Congressional leaders—including Maine’s entire federal delegation—wrote: Dear Secretary Perdue: We write today to urge the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use its existing authority to provide relief to dairy farmers in New England and across the country. Specifically, we request you take necessary steps to make milk an agricultural commodity eligible for Federal Crop Insurance and ask that you work with the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to develop additional insurance products for dairy farmers. While New England dairy farms tend to be smaller, our dairy community is doing its best to run productive operations that turn a profit. New England’s nearly 1,500 dairy farms are almost all family owned and operated. These dairy farms produced 4.25 billion pounds of milk in 2016, an increase of 68 million pounds from 2014. Despite this growth and efficiency, dairy farmers have had to cope with double-digit price declines year over year since 2014. These struggles are amplified by ongoing difficulties with the Margin Protection Program (MPP) and a lack of other risk management options. In 2015, over 700 New England farms enrolled in MPP buy-up coverage. The program’s failure contributed to its dramatic decline in participation.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-regarding-repair-contract-award-uss-fitzgerald | Statement Regarding Repair Contract Award for USS Fitzgerald | 2017-08-23 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding the Navy’s decision not to award the USS Fitzgerald repair contract to Bath Iron Works: "I am extremely disappointed that the skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works were not selected to rebuild the USS Fitzgerald. I’ve made it known to the Secretary of the Navy that I am displeased with the lack of transparency in the process of selecting a yard for this repair and will urge him to have a more open process for future repairs." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-president-trump-s-plan-send-more-troops-afghanistan | Pingree Statement on President Trumps Plan to Send More Troops to Afghanistan | 2017-08-21 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME—Congresswoman Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s plan to raise troop levels in Afghanistan: “I was disappointed to hear President Trump take pride in repealing Obama-era rules on civilian casualties which were put in place to reduce resentment among the population and decrease terrorism. His plan for Afghanistan is over-reliant on military action and, in removing all timetables, there is no end in sight for our nation’s longest war. I’ve long-opposed the war in Afghanistan and advocated for another Authorization for Military Force (AUMF) to be voted on in Congress. Since the war in Afghanistan began, thousands of Americans have lost their lives, while more than 20,000 have been wounded. Congress must have a long overdue debate about the merits of this war and revoke the President’s blank check to declare it. Committing more troops and resources to this conflict makes our exit strategy even more uncertain and it should not be done using an AUMF from nearly two decades ago.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-has-signed-resolution-censure-president-trump-charlottesville | Pingree has signed onto resolution to censure President Trump for Charlottesville response | 2017-08-17 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today signed on to a resolution that will censure President Trump for failing to immediately and specifically name and condemn the white supremacist groups responsible for actions of domestic terrorism in Charlottesville, Virginia and employing people in the White House with ties to white nationalist movements. The resolution also calls for the President to fire any and all advisors who have urged him to cater to white supremacist groups in the United States. The resolution introduced by Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-New York) is still open to House cosponsors. “From the White House to the State House, elected leaders must acknowledge and denounce the violence in Charlottesville as an act of domestic terrorism by white nationalists. To call it anything else is an injustice to those who confront bigotry every day and those who lost their lives in Virginia last weekend,” said Congresswoman Pingree. ”Thousands of Mainers have called, written, or commented online saying they are disgusted that President Trump is unwilling to disavow white nationalists. I share their views and believe that there must be consequences for this type of reckless rhetoric from elected officials.” Resolution Text Censuring and condemning President Donald Trump. 115th CONGRESS 1st Session August 18, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. NADLER, Ms. WATSON COLEMAN, and Ms. PRAMILA JAYAPAL submitted the following resolution, which was referred to the Committee on _______; RESOLUTION Censuring and condemning President Donald Trump. Whereas on August 11, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia, a gathering of white supremacists, including neo-Nazis, Klu Klux Klan (KKK) members, and other alt-Right, white nationalist groups, marched through the streets with torches as part of a coordinated ‘Unite the Right’ rally spewing racism, anti-Semitism, bigotry and hatred; Whereas on August 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia, a car driven by James Alex Fields, Jr. ra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-praises-signing-law-expanding-gi-bill-benefits-more-veterans | Pingree Praises Signing of Law Expanding GI Bill Benefits to More Veterans | 2017-08-17 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today praised the signing of the Forever GI Bill, which expands educational assistance benefits to veterans who had been denied because of technicalities. The legislation is similar to a bill she has introduced, the Chris Kotch Act, named for a disabled Maine veteran who was denied his full GI benefits because of a loophole. “It’s terrible to hear stories of veterans, like Chris Kotch, who made incredible sacrifices for our country, but can’t receive the full GI Bill benefit they’ve earned because of technicalities. The Forever GI Bill is a big step in the right direction in making Purple Heart recipients like Chris eligible,” said Pingree. “I’m so grateful that many more veterans will finally receive the full benefits they have earned, but we must continue working to ensure that no obstacles are left to stand in their way.” “It was a pretty discouraging and degrading experience to have to fight for a benefit that should have been a given; to call agency after agency only to be told that there was nothing they could do. The issue didn’t stop me from pursuing my education, but it did mean that I had to take out loans when I shouldn’t have had to,” said Kotch, who recently graduated with a master’s in social work. “I appreciate that veterans in my kind of situation will no longer have to fight for their education.” Currently, to be eligible for full GI Bill benefits—which cover in-state tuition, a housing allowance, and stipend—a veteran must have had at least 3 years of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, or were discharged for a service-connected disability after at least 30 days. Service members who were on active duty for at least 90 days but less than 3 years are eligible for reduced benefits. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also called the Forever GI Bill, made a change to allow those who have been awarded the Purple Heart for service occurring on or after September 11… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/charlottesville | Pingree Calls on President Trump to Fire White Supremacist Supporters in White House | 2017-08-16 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) has cosponsored a Congressional resolution condemning the white supremacist violence in Charlottesville and calling on President Trump to disavow the support he has received from hate groups like the neo-Nazis and the KKK, and to terminate the employment of any of these groups’ supporters in the White House. “I never thought Congress would have to take the step of explicitly condemning white supremacists and asking the White House to do the same. But after President Trump doubled-down to defend and legitimize these groups—emboldening them and inspiring more violence—that’s where we are. It’s sickening,” said Pingree. “My office’s phone is ringing off the hook today with constituents who are incensed with his statements and others who fear for their families’ safety because of them. It’s important to show them that—unlike the President—Congress believes there’s no place for hate groups in the White House. It’s long past time for bigoted, white supremacist sympathizers like Steve Bannon, Sebastian Gorka, and Stephen Miller to go.” Introduced by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), the resolution: Condemns the white supremacist violence that occurred in Charlottesville Denounces the increase in organizing by hate groups like the KKK and neo-Nazis Offers condolences to the families of Heather Heyer, who was killed in an act of white supremacist terrorism, and of the two State Troopers who lost their lives in the line of duty, Lt. H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot, Berke M.M. Bates Strongly urges President Trump to disavow the support he has received from white supremacist, neo-Nazi, KKK and other hate groups Terminate employment and prohibit the hiring of individuals in the Trump Administration and White House who have supported or encouraged support for white supremacists. The full resolution can be viewed here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-signs-legislation-paving-way-expanded-portland-veterans | President Trump Signs Legislation Paving Way for Expanded Portland Veterans Clinic | 2017-08-15 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND,ME—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement today on President Trump signing veterans’ legislation over the weekend that approved leases for expanded VA clinics across the country, including one in Portland. “The much-needed expansion of the Portland VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic is something Maine’s Congressional Delegation has been pushing for a long time now. It’s very exciting to see that our efforts will pay off so Maine veterans can get improved access to the care they have earned and deserve. “From bureaucratic hurdles to Congressional holdups, the frustrating delay of this expansion was classic Washington. It was terrible that political debates were coming before our veterans. I’m proud to have had a role in pushing through a legislative fix and ensuring that the Administration knew it was a priority for Maine. “I’m eager to see this project move forward in the months ahead and know our veterans are as well. Seeing the first veterans go through the doors of the new clinic will certainly be cause for celebration.” Pingree worked for over a year to have the leases approved in Congress—which had been held up because of the way they are accounted for in the budget. She led a letter to the leadership of the House Veterans Committee in July 2016 to authorize the leases. She then joined Maine Rep. Bruce Poliquin to introduce legislation to do so and to have its provisions included in legislation to extend the VA Choice Program. The House passed that bill on July 28. Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King led similar efforts in the Senate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-urges-restraint-and-diplomacy-administration-s-dealings-north | Pingree Urges Restraint and Diplomacy in Administrations Dealings with North Korea | 2017-08-14 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined more than 60 colleagues late last week in sending a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to urge restraint and diplomacy when addressing rising tensions with North Korea. “From ‘fire and fury’ to ‘locked and loaded,’ President Trump’s rash comments are only serving to further inflame an already tense situation with North Korea. I’m relieved that the State Department is taking a more measured and diplomatic approach, but the President undercuts those efforts with every Tweet,” said Pingree. “We want to send the message to Secretary of State Tillerson to maintain diplomacy and rein in unproductive comments from the rest of the Administration while also stressing that any military action whatsoever requires Congress’ consent.” The letter was signed by over 60 members of Congress. Full text is available here and also below. Dear Secretary Tillerson, We write to express our profound concern over the statements made by President Trump that dramatically increased tensions with North Korea and raised the specter of nuclear war. These statements are irresponsible and dangerous, and also senselessly provide a boon to domestic North Korean propaganda which has long sought to portray the United States as a threat to their people. Accordingly, we respectfully but firmly urge you to do everything in your power to ensure that President Trump and other Administration officials understand the importance of speaking and acting with the utmost caution and restraint on this delicate issue. Congress and the American public will hold President Trump responsible if a careless or ill-advised miscalculation results in conflict that endangers our servicemembers and regional allies. To allay these concerns, the Trump Administration should publicly declare its agreement with the constitutional requirement that any preemptive attack on North Korea must be debated and authorized by Congress. As 64 Members of Congress wrote in May, “Military action against North Korea was… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-pingree-statement-advance-vigils-charlottesville-victims-be-held | VIDEO: Pingree Statement in Advance of Vigils for Charlottesville Victims to be Held Throughout Maine | 2017-08-13 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME – Following acts of domestic terrorism incited by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, Congresswoman Pingree (D-Maine) issued a video message and statement to Mainers who are attending vigils for victims in Charlottesville this evening. Pingree also released the following written statement: “Just one week after President Trump was sworn in as President, the KKK circulated fliers throughout Maine in order to recruit members and intimidate our communities1. The KKK, neo-Nazis, and white supremacists have been emboldened by political rhetoric that harkens back to an America where minorities, women, gay people, and the poor did not have rights or a seat at the table. The horrific resurgence of hate in Charlottesville over the weekend feels like 1968, not 2017. Today, three people are dead and more than a dozen are injured for upholding the values of America in the 21st Century—where equality is our common goal and hate has no place. "I am sorry that I cannot be a part of the vigils happening across Maine tonight because I am traveling with Congressional colleagues overseas. However, I am so grateful to Mainers, from Portland to Bangor, who are coming together in the face of this horrible act tonight. "Elected leaders must call the violence in Virginia what it is: domestic terrorism by white nationalists. To call it anything else is an injustice to those who lost their lives yesterday and those who confront bigotry every single day. "The fight for equality isn’t over, and we cannot go backward. Thank you all for organizing peacefully tonight. I wish I was able to be with you.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-president-trump-s-national-emergency-declaration | Pingree Statement on President Trumps National Emergency Declaration for Opioid Epidemic | 2017-08-11 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement after President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a national emergency: “I’m glad the President has finally taken the much-needed step of declaring the opioid epidemic a national emergency. As Maine and other states suffer horrific losses in our families and communities, we need to acknowledge the incredible severity and direness of the situation. “But a declaration will do nothing on its own. The President needs to follow it with concrete action. Namely, he should call on Congress to provide emergency appropriations to increase resources for treatment and recovery services and ceasing his efforts to take health-care coverage away from millions of Americans, including those seeking help for substance use.” Earlier this week, Pingree joined a group of colleagues in urging President Trump to take bipartisan action to address the national crisis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-president-trumps-comments-north-korea | Statement on President Trump's comments on North Korea | 2017-08-09 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on President Trump's dangerous rhetoric on North Korea "President Trump’s threats of "fire and fury” toward North Korea endanger Americans at home and abroad, including nearly 30,000 soldiers currently stationed in South Korea, and could provoke an unprecedented military conflict. Diplomacy is the most effective option to address concerns over North Korea's nuclear weapons program. President Trump must work with intelligence officials and experienced military officers to map out a viable strategy for containing North Korea’s nuclear arsenal instead of making extreme threats on television or Twitter, which make us all feel less safe." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trump-s-plan-address-opioid-epidemic-does-not-go-far-enough-support | Trumps Plan to Address Opioid Epidemic Does Not Go Far Enough to Support Struggling Mainers | 2017-08-08 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and several of her House colleagues have sent a letter to President Trump calling on him to address the opioid epidemic raging in their states. The letter comes after the President’s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis missed two self-imposed deadlines then finally released its initial findings. The letter, signed by Representatives Chellie Pingree, Annie Kuster (NH-02), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Marcia Fudge (OH-11), outlines the need to increase funding for treatment and recovery services, as well as cease efforts to roll back access to health insurance. “Not enough Mainers are getting the treatment they need. Over the last year, one person a day has died in Maine from a drug-related overdose,” said Congresswoman Pingree said of the letter. “President Trump’s plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, block grant Medicaid, and cut public health funding would worsen, not improve, the state of substance use disorder in Maine.” The Members wrote in their letter to the President, “While we appreciate that the Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis led by Governor Chris Christie finally released its interim report on July 31st, we remain concerned that the Trump Administration has not done enough to prioritize the opioid epidemic.” “…we request that you immediately call on Congress to provide emergency appropriations to combat the opioid epidemic and to cease their efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act,” the Members continued. “Without addressing these two areas of concern, an effective response to this 21st Century public health emergency will be inadequate. “We are all concerned by the impact of this epidemic on our communities across the country and across all demographics. We are prepared to work with you to help fulfill y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/650000-federal-infrastructure-grants-coming-winslow-and-rockland | $650,000 in federal infrastructure grants coming to Winslow and Rockland | 2017-08-04 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that Winslow and Rockland will receive $650,000 in federal infrastructure investments from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), a program she has advocated for in Congress. “The investments being made today will directly support and create jobs for our state by making economic growth possible. In Rockland, an aging fish pier that’s vital to the working waterfront will get a much-needed upgrade. Funding will also allow businesses at the Winslow Business Park to expand and create new jobs,” said Pingree. “The Northern Border Regional Commission continues to be a critical source of economic development and infrastructure funding in Maine, which is why I am helping lead efforts in Congress to reauthorize this program.” Created by Congress in 2008, the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a Federal-State partnership whose mission is to help alleviate economic distress throughout the northern counties of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. Pingree is a lead cosponsor of a bill recently introduced by New Hampshire Congresswoman Annie Kuster to extend the NBRC’s authorization by five years. Local Grant Details Winslow—$300,000 A 1,500-foot left turning lane to the Winslow Business Park will be constructed. This lane is required by Maine Department of Transportation before two companies in Business Park, which plan to create a total of 110 new positions, are allowed to expand. Rockland—$350,000 The city’s fish pier will be renovated to better serve current fishing activities and boat pier will be expanded to serve the growing cruise ship activity. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-statement-bipartisan-russia-sanctions-bill-signed-president | President Trump Signs Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill Signed By President Trump | 2017-08-02 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement after President Trump signed the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill recently approved by Congress: “Last week, Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly voted to put sanctions on Russia because of their undeniable interference in the 2016 Presidential election and annexation of Crimea. At a time when his son, son-in-law, and campaign advisors are at the center of an investigation into their ties to Russia, it is especially significant that President Trump has signed this bipartisan bill. "Russia is not our military, economic, or humanitarian ally. Russia undermined our democracy by meddling in our free elections and violated Ukraine’s sovereignty with their actions in Crimea. America should not work with Vladimir Putin or any other despot who tortures journalists, gay people, or civil dissidents and does not believe in the fundamental importance of democracy. These are not our values and these sanctions are needed immediately.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-says-coast-guard-tall-ship-cutter-eagle-visit-portland-weekend | Pingree Says Coast Guard Tall Ship Cutter Eagle to Visit Portland This Weekend | 2017-08-01 | 2017 | 2017-08 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, MAINE — Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced that the United States Coast Guard's Cutter Eagle will be arriving in Portland Friday morning on Coast Guard Day, the anniversary of the formation of the service in 1790. The Eagle, called “America’s Tall Ship” will be joined by the 200-foot sail training tall ship Oliver Hazard Perry for free tours Saturday and Sunday. “Maine has one of the oldest seafaring traditions in the country. We have depended on the Coast Guard for hundreds of years to protect our coast and the men and women who go to sea, so we are especially proud to welcome the Eagle back to Portland on Coast Guard Day,” said Pingree. The Eagle is a 295-foot tall ship used as a training vessel for cadets from the US Coast Guard Academy and is the only active commissioned sailing vessel in American Military Service. The Eagle and Perry are part of Tall Ships Weekend organized by Tall Ships Portland, a local non-profit committed to sailing education for Maine teens. The Eagle will tie up at 10am Friday and the Perry will arrive early Saturday morning. Both vessels will be open for free tours between 10:00am and 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday at Portland Ocean Terminal, next to Casco Bay Lines. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-intorduces-bicameral-food-recovery-act | Congresswoman Pingree introduces bicameral Food Recovery Act | 2017-07-31 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced H.R. 3444, the Food Recovery Act, comprehensive bicameral legislation to reduce food waste in stores and restaurants, schools and institutions, on farms, and in American homes. Every year in the United States, 40 percent of food produced domestically goes uneaten – meanwhile, domestic food production accounts for 50 percent of United States land use, 80 percent of fresh water consumption and 10 percent of the total energy budget. Food waste in landfills further harms the environment by contributing dramatically to the production of methane and other harmful gases. The Food Recovery Act takes a top to bottom approach to plugging the stream of food waste across all industries and demographics. “This bill would address inefficiencies that lead to waste across all aspects of the food supply chain – curbing the 62 million tons of food thrown out each year in the United States,” said Blumenthal. “Simplifying food date labeling and diverting healthy, wholesome food from landfills won’t just benefit the environment – it will help alleviate food insecurity and save consumers and businesses money. I urge my colleagues to join us and tackle the challenge of food waste with the multifaceted response it demands.” "Food waste in America is a growing problem, but it is also an opportunity,” said Pingree. “We can save money for consumers, create economic opportunity, and feed those in need while keeping perfectly good food out of landfills. I'm proud to introduce the Food Recovery Act with Senator Blumenthal to support and build on efforts already going on in our communities to ensure that more of our food is put to use rather than going to waste.” H.R. 3444, the Food Recovery Act will: Reduce food waste at the consumer level through the inclusion of the Food Date Labeling Act to standardize confusing food date labels; Reduce food wasted in schools by encouraging cafeteria’s to pur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/house-appropriations-debate | House Appropriations Debate | 2017-07-28 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | During debate of a package of Appropriations Bills in the House of Representatives on July 26, 2017, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree spoke out in support of issues important to Maine. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Funding Waterpower and Alternative Energy Programs Ocean Planning | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-poliquin-insert-provision-veterans-choice-bill-authorize-lease | Pingree, Poliquin Insert Provision to Veterans CHOICE Bill to Authorize Lease for Portland VA Health Clinic | 2017-07-28 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, have inserted a provision to a bill to extend funding for the rural Veterans CHOICE program for six months that passed the House today, to authorize the lease for the new Portland VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), as well as several other VA facilities around the country. Because of technicalities in the way the leases are approved, work on the expansion in Portland has been delayed, impacting Veterans’ care. Both Maine representatives spoke on the House Floor today in support of the legislation. “I’m thrilled that the House has approved the much-needed and long-delayed expansion of the Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic and others across the country. It will allow Southern Maine veterans to access a wider array of services without having to drive an hour or more to get them,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. “Maine’s Delegation has been united in its efforts to authorize these leases and I’m hopeful that our goal is finally in sight.” “Any hurdle getting in the way of our Veterans receiving the best and most timely care possible is unacceptable,” said Congressman Poliquin. “Our provision will give our Maine Veterans a new Community Based Outreach Center where they will be able to seek medical and mental health care and allow them to receive better care, closer to home. I’m very pleased and proud to work with my colleague Chellie Pingree in securing this language to help ensure our Maine Veterans are not left without the support they deserve.” At issue is the lease for a 50,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility for a CBOC in Portland. Under current law, Congress must authorize VA medical facility leases with average annual rental payments in excess of $1 million. Beginning in 2012, the Congressional Budget Office began assessing the cost of all VA clinics based on the total obligation for the life of the lease rather than the annual paym… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-us-senate-s-rejection-trumpcare | Statement on U.S. Senates Rejection of Trumpcare | 2017-07-28 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to reject Trumpcare: “Over the past eight months, I’ve had the privilege to hear from Mainers of all sorts about their experiences with the Affordable Care Act—from patients and their families, to providers and advocates and teachers. The rejection of Trumpcare in the Senate is a testament to their dedication and courage. I’m grateful to both of Maine’s Senators for their solidarity in rejecting this effort which would have harmed individuals and communities across our state. I won’t stop fighting to preserve the Affordable Care Act’s fundamental consumer protections. But I also continue to recognize that the law can and should be improved. We must push toward a more accessible and affordable health care system. We won’t solve this until Congress can sit down and have a constructive, bipartisan conversation about a path forward. There are substantive and serious disagreements. I’m a longtime advocate for a single-payer system—others would prefer to deregulate the system entirely. But we need to move beyond political gamesmanship and reform our health care system to serve the needs of our constituents, not just the wealthiest Americans or big pharma—everyone.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-poliquin-invite-maine-students-participate-congressional-app | Pingree, Poliquin invite Maine students to participate in Congressional App Challenge | 2017-07-26 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC — Maine Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin today invited Maine students to participate in the 2017 Congressional App Challenge. Students have until November 1, 2017, to develop and submit their own desktop, web-based or mobile app—a winning app from each of Maine’s Congressional Districts will be chosen to receive national recognition. “I applaud how Maine schools are using STEM education to prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow. This competition is an exciting opportunity to put those skills to the test while learning how to develop the smartphone apps we use every day,” said Pingree. “I hope students give it a shot—I can’t wait to see what they come up with.” “Never has it been more important for our students to have the practical experience to use and master digital technologies,” said Poliquin. “This program will give students across Maine the unique opportunity to broaden their skills and learn in a fun and competitive environment.” Students can participate as individuals or in a team of up to four. The apps can cover any topic. In addition to the app, students must submit a 1-3 minute video explaining their app and how it works. Submissions will be judged on 1) the creativity and originality of the app idea; 2) user experience and design of the idea’s implementation; and 3) quality of coding and programming. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2017. Students can register for the competition here. The Congressional App Challenge is happening in Congressional Districts nationwide—Members of Congress must choose to participate for students in their District to be eligible. Winning apps from each District will be displayed and recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. The Internet Education Foundation coordinates the competition. More information on the competition, as well as resources for teachers and students, can be found at www.congressionalappchallenge.us. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-president-trump-s-plan-ban-transgender-people-serving-their | Statement on President Trumps Plan to Ban Transgender People from Serving Their Country in Uniform | 2017-07-26 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.–In response to President Trump’s tweets indicating he will ban transgender Americans from serving their country in the U.S. Military, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement: "Our all-volunteer military should not turn away Americans willing to risk their lives for our safety, especially as we face new threats around globe. President Trump's statement on transgender patriots is bigoted and wrong. We are grateful to all Americans willing to serve our nation in harm’s way. If President Trump acts on his tweets, 15,000 transgender people now serving openly in the military will be pushed out. Taking this action would undermine our contract with these dedicated service members and hurt our ability to recruit others." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-senate-vote-will-endanger-wellbeing-millions-americans | Pingree: Senate Vote Will Endanger Wellbeing of Millions of Americans | 2017-07-25 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement after Senate Republicans passed a motion to proceed with debate on the House-passed Trumpcare bill: “Without a single public hearing, the Senate has passed the Motion to Proceed, which advances a health care agenda that will endanger the wellbeing of millions of Americans. Today’s vote was an act of cowardice by Republican leadership, many of whom have refused to address to concerns of their constituents—the people who will feel the consequences of this bill in the most personal of ways. "It doesn’t matter how you slice it. Whether the Senate takes up repeal and delay or its own version of Trumpcare, today’s vote brings millions of Americans closer to losing their insurance coverage and, for millions more, skyrocketing premiums. If the Senate does move forward with a bill, I will fight it tooth and nail in the House as so many Mainers have asked me to do.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/why-congressional-appropriations-matter-maine | Why Congressional Appropriations Matter for Maine | 2017-07-24 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | The following is a column distributed to Maine newspapers in July 2017. One of the most important committees in Congress is also the least understood: Appropriations. And it’s not surprising. From “302(b) allocations” to “manager’s amendments,” the workings of this committee are nearly indecipherable to anyone outside Washington. But it’s also true that the House Appropriations Committee—which I have had the privilege of serving on since 2013—is incredibly powerful. While Congress may create federal programs by authorizing or reauthorizing them, the appropriations committees in the House and Senate decide what gets funded and at what levels. In short, they hold Congress’ “power of the purse.” We’re in the thick of the appropriations process right now. I thought this might be a good time to cut through the policy weeds to explain how the committee works and also give an update on what I’m doing to advocate for programs that are important to Maine. First, here’s a bit of a primer. The House Appropriations Committee doesn’t have authority over all federal spending, but quite a bit of it. A large amount of the federal budget is made up of “mandatory” spending—like Social Security and Medicare—that doesn’t fall under the committee. But “discretionary” spending has to be approved by the committee in the form of annual appropriations bills. The committee writes those bills with the input of Congress’ budget resolution—which sets amounts for large categories of federal spending—as well as the President’s budget request. Twelve Appropriations subcommittees receive a certain amount of funding and have to decide how to divide that sum across the federal programs and agencies in their jurisdiction. I sit on two subcommittees. One oversees funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration; the other determines spending at the Department of Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and some smaller agencies like the National Endowment for the Arts. Each subcommittee writes its own app… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/acadia-national-park-wins-competitive-federal-funding-trail-maintenance | Acadia National Park wins competitive federal funding for trail maintenance | 2017-07-24 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Maine's Congressional Delegation at a celebration of Acadia National Park's centennial last summer.PORTLAND, ME — Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced today that Acadia National Park will receive $192,286 in federal funding to perform deferred trail maintenance. Awarded through the National Park Service’s Centennial Challenge program, the funding has been matched by $259,112 privately raised by Friends of Acadia. “I’m thrilled that Acadia National Park will receive funds to improve its incredible network of trails that draws millions of people to our state every year,” said Pingree. “My thanks to Friends of Acadia for their steadfast support of this Maine gem and their work to meet and exceed this grant’s private match requirement.” Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, which oversees funding for the National Park Service. There were 3.3 million visits to the park last year. According to a National Park Service report, Acadia National Park contributed $274.2 million to the state’s economy in 2016 and supported 4,195 full and part-time jobs. “Friends of Acadia is proud to be part of this strong partnership with the Park Service that saw four projects from Acadia successfully compete nationally for Centennial Challenge grant awards. These funds will allow critical work on Acadia’s trails and carriage roads to move forward at a time when these invaluable resources are seeing more interest and more use by the public than ever before,” said Friends of Acadia President David MacDonald. “Friends of Acadia is deeply grateful for the leadership of Congresswoman Pingree and the entire Maine Congressional Delegation for their unified support for re-authorizing the Centennial Challenge legislation last year. Programs like this that allow Congressionally-appropriated funds to match and leverage our privately-raised dollars fit perfectly with the long tradition of public-private partnerships here at Acadia.” Friends o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/appropriations-debate-pingree-advocates-programs-vital-maine | In Appropriations Debate, Pingree Advocates for Programs Vital to Maine | 2017-07-18 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—During last night’s full committee markup of the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development FY 2018 Appropriations Bill, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree fought against cuts to programs that are vital to Maine—including Community Development Block Grants and Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grants. “Maine’s bridges received a C-minus grade and roads a D grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers—taking away TIGER grants is not the right thing to do at this time,” Pingree said in support of an amendment to restore funding for vital transportation infrastructure grants as well as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). “Although it didn’t cut CDBG grants fully, I’m sorry to see there’s 100 million cut in there. The flexibility of the CDBG program makes it a priority for all of our states.” Congresswoman Pingree's remarks start at 38 minutes During debate, she spoke out in support of other members’ amendments that would undo: • A proposed elimination of the TIGER Grant program, which has funded numerous infrastructure replacements and improvements to support Maine’s economy • A $100 million cut to the Community Development Block Grant program—used widely by Maine municipalities • A $100 million cut to the HOME Investments Partnership Program, which has helped build many units of affordable family and elderly housing units in the state. • The sunsetting of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, which ensures states share information and best practices to end homelessness. Pingree also offered an amendment to increase funding for Housing Choice Voucher Program by $1.2 billion to a total of $19.9 billion. If the House bill funding is maintained at $18.7 billion, the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that 140,000 vouchers currently used by individuals and families would not receive renewal funding next year. The amendment did not pass. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-frustrated-dhs-delayed-h-2b-visa-decision-new-regulations-put | Pingree Frustrated with DHS Delayed H-2B Visa Decision, New Regulations Put on Maine Small Business Owners | 2017-07-17 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement in response to the the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s decision to issue only 15,000 H-2B visas and new regulations for small business owners to hire seasonal workers: "I am grateful that DHS has finally approved some additional H-2B visas for this season, but it’s clear the Trump Administration did not consider the economic impact of its delayed decision. Many seasonal business owners in Maine had to scale back operations this year simply because they did not have the staff necessary keep up with demand,” said Pingree. "It’s extremely frustrating that these small business owners will now be forced to compete for far fewer H-2B visas than were authorized by Congress and have to cut through unnecessary red tape in order to fill their open positions in the middle of their busiest season. I hope a permanent solution can be reached in order to support small business owners and address the ongoing seasonal worker shortage facing states like Maine." In May, an Omnibus bill passed Congress giving DHS the authority to increase the number of H-2B visas from 66,000 up to approximately 129,000—an increase of approximately 63,000 for the 2017 season. In June, Congresswoman Pingree authored a letter urging DHS to swiftly raise the cap on available visas for the current fiscal year. The letter may be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/poliquin-pingree-secure-amendment-defense-bill-ensure-biw-remains-track | Poliquin, Pingree Secure Amendment in Defense Bill to Ensure BIW Remains On Track to Build Two DDG-51 Ships, After a Provision Had Threated to Derail Them | 2017-07-14 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) have successfully secured an amendment to the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure that Bath Iron Works (BIW) can remain in contract negotiations and on track to construct a second Fiscal Year 2016 DDG-51 destroyer and a Fiscal Year 2017 DDG-51 destroyer, after a provision had been added in committee that threatened this important shipyard workload. The Poliquin Amendment ensures that an additional DDG-51 destroyer that was authorized in the previous FY16 NDAA stays on track for construction at BIW. The amendment blocks a provision that would have established new requirements for the already-authorized ships, which could have obstructed or at least delayed the potential contracts. “Bath Iron Works, employing thousands of hardworking Mainers, plays an essential role in ensuring our Nation’s defense and strength,” said Congressman Poliquin. “It is critical we support these shipbuilders, who provide for our safety at home and abroad. America’s might around the world depends on these Maine workers at BIW, and I am proud to make sure they can continue their mission.” “Congress shouldn’t be inserting itself into complex contract negotiations like this, especially once they’re underway—doing so unnecessarily threatens the job security of hundreds of hard-working Mainers at Bath Iron Works,” said Congresswoman Pingree. "I’m proud to support this amendment to block these retroactive changes and protect the flow of work at BIW, whose level of shipbuilding is an incredible asset to our national security and our state’s economy.” In the FY16 NDAA, three DDG-51 ships were authorized. One of those FY16 ships is already under contract to BIW, while the additional FY16 ship due BIW remains in contract negotiations with the Navy. The FY17 NDAA authorized two DDG-51 ships—one of which is in contract negotiations with the Navy. However, a provision was added to the House FY18 NDAA that wou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westbrook-raymond-fire-departments-receive-federal-assistance-staff-and | Westbrook, Raymond fire departments to receive federal assistance for staff and equipment needs | 2017-07-13 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today announced that Maine fire departments in Westbrook and Raymond will receive federal assistance to fill staffing and equipment needs. “In an era of tight municipal budgets, Maine fire departments are having a tough time keeping their life-saving equipment up to date and their staffing at needed levels. The federal Assistance to Firefighters and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant programs have been very successful in helping communities throughout Maine fill that gap, which is why I’ve been proud to advocate for them in Congress,” said Pingree. “I’m very glad that Westbrook will receive funding to make new hires and boost its emergency coverage, and that Raymond will be able to purchase critical equipment. These competitive grants are a benefit to public safety and local taxpayers.” The Westbrook Fire Department will receive a $962,000 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to hire eight new firefighters. With the extra firefighters, the currently understaffed department will be able to increase coverage on its engines and free up staff for safety inspections and fire prevention efforts. The Raymond Fire Department will receive a $261,905 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for a new pumper-tanker truck. The truck will replace an aging tractor-trailer that was converted for the department in the ’90s. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/national-day-action-pingree-calls-protection-net-neutrality-rules | On National Day of Action, Pingree Calls for Protection of Net Neutrality Rules | 2017-07-12 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.—As 80,000 websites today protest the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s proposal to reverse net neutrality regulations, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined the call to preserve protections for a free and open Internet. “From its inception, the public has always picked what succeeds and what doesn’t on the Internet and it should stay that way. Reversing net neutrality protections is nothing more than a handout to huge Internet service providers who would seek to pad their profits by turning the Internet into an unfair playing field. Net neutrality regulations have overwhelming support from the public and the FCC should listen before going through with this reckless proposal.” The public has until August 17 to comment on the FCC’s proposal to reverse net neutrality regulations created in 2015. Comments can be made on the FCC’s website. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-committee-passage-fy18-agriculture-appropriations-bill | Statement on Committee passage of FY18 Agriculture Appropriations Bill | 2017-07-12 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, released the following statement on the FY18 Agriculture Appropriations bill. The House Appropriations Committee passed the bill today. “While I would like to have seen more funding for certain programs in this bill, I’m glad that the funding levels generally did not fall in line with the Trump Administration’s request for drastic cuts to programs that are vital to farmers, rural business owners, and consumers.” “In particular, I’m relieved to see funding preserved for the National Organic Program and Organic Transition Program, technical assistance programs for farmers, and rural housing and infrastructure investments. This bill is also largely free of damaging riders that have delayed the implementation of key regulations in the past, such as the Farmer Fair Practices and Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rules. “Several of my priorities have been included in the bill. The bill provides $1 million to research new varieties of hops, which could benefit local growers who are hoping to supply the craft brewing industry in Maine. There is also strong language to ensure that the USDA reports on investigations into allegations of fraud in the organic industry, an issue I raised with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue directly when he came before the Subcommittee.” Pingree recently penned an op-ed in Civil Eats on the urgency of protecting integrity of the organic label. During today’s Committee markup, Pingree was also successful in getting two provisions passed as part of the manager’s amendment. The first provision provides a $200 million increase to the Farm Service Agency program providing guaranteed loans to support farm operations. The second is report language that directs USDA to complete a study on food waste at the farm level, in hopes of identifying new market opportunities for farmers to recover food. Pingree also spoke in opposition to a $8 million mandatory cut to the Rural En… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/environment-maine-recognizes-congresswoman-pingree-environmental | Environment Maine recognizes Congresswoman Pingree for environmental advocacy | 2017-07-10 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today received the first-ever Environmental Champion Award from Environment Maine for her “consistent, strong, and effective leadership” in protecting public health and the environment in Congress. “It’s a privilege to receive the Environmental Champion Award from Environment Maine, a group doing important work to steer our state toward a healthier, more sustainable future. It’s a critical time in Washington to fight for addressing the environmental challenges our communities face,” said Pingree. “The Trump Administration has acted very quickly to give more power to corporate polluters, make our country more dependent on dirty fossil fuels, and ignore the crisis of climate change. These decisions have real consequences for a state like Maine that breathes the air polluted by other states, depends on healthy natural resources for the economy, and whose communities are already feeling the impact of a changing climate. I will continue to keep up my fight in Congress for the health and wellbeing of my constituents.” Pingree is a longtime vice-chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC). She is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, in which she recently had the chance to question EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt about damaging budget cuts to environmental enforcement and weakening of climate change programs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/marinas-rockland-south-portland-receive-18-million-federal-investment | Marinas in Rockland, South Portland receive $1.8 million federal investment | 2017-07-10 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, Maine—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today welcomed news that marinas in Rockland and South Portland will receive over $1.8 million in federal Boating Infrastructure Grants to expand docking space and serve more vessels traveling along the Maine coast. Maine will also receive over $400,000 in Clean Vessel Act funds to improve its system of boat wastewater pumpout stations. “Maine marinas are a critical part of our state’s working waterfront. In serving vessels that are traveling along the coast, they directly support hundreds of jobs and help connect thousands of customers to local economies,” said Pingree. “I’m glad marinas in Rockland and South Portland will be able to use these federal investments to grow the number of vessels they can serve. Clean Vessel Act funds will also enable the State to grow and maintain vital pumpout stations that keep waste out of Maine waters.” Funded through taxes and fees on motorboat fuel and related equipment, the grants are administered by the National Park Service (NPS). Boating Infrastructure Grants Spring Point Marina, South Portland, Maine The Maine Department of Transportation proposes to work with Port Harbor Marine to construct 916 linear feet of berthing space dedicated specifically to eligible transient boaters and provide 15 new power pedestals providing shore power and potable water for up to thirty transient vessels. Federal Funds Requested: $843,405; Non-Fed Match: $877,830; Total: $1,721,235 Yachting Solutions, Rockland, Maine The Maine Department of Transportation proposes to work with Yachting Solutions, LLC on expansions to the Yachting Solutions Boat Basin. This will provide 2,200 linear feet of new dockage at the facility, which will be dedicated solely to eligible transient vessels. Also included are the installation of 100 amp and 480V 3-phase power, in-slip fueling, and the conversion of an existing upland gazebo structure into a well-appointed transient boater's lounge. Federal Funds Requested: $1,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-calls-state-government-shutdown-harmful-maine-s-working-families | Pingree Calls State Government Shutdown Harmful to Maines Working Families | 2017-07-01 | 2017 | 2017-07 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | PORTLAND, ME— Congresswoman Pingree (D-Maine) today issued the following statement in response to Maine’s state government shutdown: “As families gather together to celebrate Independence Day, thousands of state employees across Maine are filled with anxiety and worry that they will not be able to make ends meet because obstructionist politics have prevented a common sense budget to pass in Augusta. It’s harmful to working families in Maine to put their livelihoods in jeopardy with no end game in sight. In the interest of the people of Maine, I urge lawmakers to find common ground and put them selves in the shoes of the state workers who keep our state running.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-applauds-house-appropriations-committee-s-bipartisan-vote-repeal | Pingree Applauds House Appropriations Committees Bipartisan Vote to Repeal Post-9/11 Authorization for War | 2017-06-29 | 2017 | 2017-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC –Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today joined her Republican and Democratic colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee in approving an amendment that will repeal the Authorization for Military Force (AUMF) passed by Congress following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America and force a floor vote on a new AUMF. “The national security threats America faced 16 years ago are different than the threats we face today. Three Presidents have used the post-9/11 Authorization for Military Force to circumvent Congress’s constitutional power to declare war and I think my colleagues on both sides of the aisle finally said enough is enough,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. “It’s overdue and necessary that the U.S. House have an open and detailed debate about America’s evolving war on terrorism.” The amendment passed with near unanimous support and was introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California, who was the only member of Congress to vote against the initial AUMF in 2001. Lee’s amendment would revoke the 2001 AUMF, effective 240 days after the bill is signed into law, forcing Congress to vote on a new AUMF in the interim. Since her election in 2008, Pingree has signed numerous letters to House leadership urging them to hold a vote on legislation to replace the outdated 2001 AUMF. In the House Appropriations Committee and in floor votes, Pingree has been a persistent and outspoken proponent of revoking the President’s blank check to use military force without Congressional approval. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/after-cbo-releases-score-republican-health-care-bill-pingree-says | After CBO Releases Score of Republican Health Care Bill, Pingree says 'Mainers Deserve Better' | 2017-06-27 | 2017 | 2017-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) determined that 22 Million Americans will lose health care coverage under the Republican health care bill currently before in the U.S. Senate: "If Republicans pass a bill that they know will prevent millions of Americans from accessing or affording necessary care, they’ve proven that getting elected means more than the lives of their constituents. From rising out of pocket costs to devastating Medicaid cuts, this CBO score makes clear that the Republican health care bill will have implications for the physical and financial health of our state for decades to come. Mainers deserve better. I strongly urge the Senate to put their constituents before politics and vote against this reckless proposal." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-encourages-farmers-register-upcoming-usda-census-agriculture | Pingree encourages farmers to register for upcoming USDA Census of Agriculture | 2017-06-27 | 2017 | 2017-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | With three days left until the registration deadline, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is encouraging farmers to sign up for the USDA’s 2017 Census of Agriculture and make sure they’re counted. “The USDA Census of Agriculture collects important information every five years about the state of farming in America and how it’s changing. In Congress, the data is key to shaping good policy decisions that reflect where we’re headed rather than where we’ve been,” said Pingree. “The greater the number and diversity of farmers we have represented in the Census, the more accurate it is. I know it’s a busy time on farms right now, but I encourage any farmer who hasn’t participated in the Census before to register—it’s well worth the time.” The deadline to be registered for counting in the Census is June 30—materials will be mailed out in December. To sign up, go to: https://www.agcensus.usda.gov/ Taken in 2012, the last Census of Agriculture found that Maine had bucked national trends in several areas The number of farmers aged 34 and younger had grown nearly 40 percent in the previous five years, the value of Maine products had increased by 24 percent, and the amount of land in cultivation had increased 8 percent. Pingree has led efforts in Congress to continue that growth, ensuring that a number of reforms to support small- and medium-size farms were passed in the last Farm Bill. She is introducing several more ahead of the next reauthorization. A longtime farmer herself, Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/during-ptsd-awareness-month-pingree-recognizes-maine-veterans-group | During PTSD Awareness Month, Pingree recognizes Maine veterans group on House floor | 2017-06-23 | 2017 | 2017-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC — In recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) took to the House floor yesterday to recognize the work of K9s on the Front Line, an innovative organization based in Maine that helps veterans with PTSD train their own service dogs. Because June is PTSD Awareness Month, I rise today to recognize an organization in my district that is making an extraordinary impact on the lives of Maine veterans managing this challenging condition. Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve paid close attention to effective alternative therapies for the symptoms of PTSD—from service dogs to equine therapy, from book and writing groups to yoga and acupuncture. A group in my home state of Maine, K9s on the Front Line, has created an extraordinary model. At no cost to the veteran, volunteer police dog handlers teach participants to train their own dogs—or dogs selected from shelters—to be PTSD service dogs. Many of these veterans have had years of therapy or drug treatment with limited success. Yet, in so many instances, the impact of these service dogs on both veterans and their families has been nothing short of miraculous. I am proud to honor my constituents at K-9s on the Front Line for improving the lives of Maine veterans with PTSD. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-announces-over-23-million-federal-funding-maine-airport-safety | Pingree announces over $2.3 million in federal funding for Maine airport safety improvements | 2017-06-23 | 2017 | 2017-06 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that airports in Augusta, Brunswick, and Portland will receive a total of over $2.3 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants for safety improvement projects. “Maine’s airports perform an essential service by connecting our state to the rest of the country. They are vital hubs of our nation’s transportation infrastructure and important contributors to local economies,” said Pingree. “The responsibility of maintaining them shouldn’t fall on local municipalities alone, so I’m glad these Maine airports are receiving federal funding to make needed improvements to ensure their safe operation.” Details and amounts for the grants below: Portland Jetport: $2,119,527 To fund the installation of a runway lighting system for Runway 18/36, construction of taxiway shoulders on 4,100 feet of Taxiway C, and the reconstruction of 581,175 square yards of aging terminal apron pavement. Brunswick Executive Airport: $117,964 To fund rehabilitation of 38,500 square yards of the existing apron to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement. Augusta State Airport: $82,581 To fund the installation of a 3,200-foot perimeter fence, remove vegetative obstructions in the Runway 26 approach surface, and seal cracks throughout the existing apron pavement. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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