The Journal

Honored

2012-11-09T13:54:19+00:00

I am honored that Maine voters are giving me the privilege of continuing to serve them in Washington and look forward to getting back to Congress next week—thank you. We have a lot of work to do and some tough decisions to make and I plan to keep fighting for the solutions that protect and support working families and our local economy.

Heroes

2012-10-15T12:08:49+00:00

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has fought to increase funding for veterans health care and has gone to bat for veterans to make sure they get the benefits the deserve.

Make it in Maine

2012-10-15T12:04:54+00:00

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has fought to strengthen local farming, to develop new markets for the lobster fishery and to make sure that repair work for a damaged submarine is done right here in Maine.

Keeping Grounded

2012-09-26T17:26:49+00:00

Chellie Pingree says she is still guided by her time as tax assessor and school board chair on North Haven. She's called the island of less than 400 year-round residents home for 40 years. She says it's where she goes to keep grounded, see her children and grandchildren and visit with her neighbors.

Tell House Republicans: Don’t Cancel Our Health Insurance!

2012-07-10T14:44:36+00:00

Last month, the Supreme Court issued a historic decision upholding the Affordable Care Act and making sure all Americans have access to quality health care. No longer will insurance companies be able to discriminate against a child because of a preexisting condition, and no longer will insurance companies be able to charge women more simply because of their gender. Seniors will pay less for prescription drugs and nothing for wellness checkups, helping make sure that no one is forced to choose between groceries and life-saving medication. To the Supreme Court, this was a matter of technical legal issues. But to us, it's a matter of basic human decency.

Republicans in Congress are threatening to cancel the health insurance of these and countless other hardworking Americans. We're not going to let that happen.

Sign My Petition and Tell House Republicans: Don't cancel our health insurance!

Chellie and Hannah on MSNBC

2012-05-14T18:52:04+00:00

Watch Chellie and Hannah talk with MSNBC host Chris Hayes.

Will you help meet the deadline?

2012-03-02T19:01:41+00:00

We have just thirteen days until March 15 to collect 2,000 signatures from Maine Democrats, and Chellie would be honored to have your help to qualify to run for U.S. Senate.

Chellie knows that it is critical that we continue the fight to protect health care for women, create clean energy jobs here in Maine, and create an economy that works for the middle class. As she carefully considers running for the U.S. Senate, Chellie needs your help collecting the 2,000 signatures required to get on the primary ballot for U.S. Senate.

Will you sign up today to help Chellie meet this deadline? Click here to volunteer. http://action.chelliepingree.com/page/s/chellie-for-senate-sigs

Your support is vital and I can't thank you enough.

Statement of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree

2012-02-29T13:44:25+00:00

I consider it a privilege to serve the people in Maine in the House. I certainly hadn't planned to run for the Senate. I have been honored by the outpouring of support from people all over the state, and I am carefully considering how best I can serve Maine.

Chellie Pingree with Rachel Maddow

2011-11-09T19:34:24+00:00

Watch Chellie talk with Rachel Maddow about a victory for voters rights in Maine.

Chellie Works to Create Opportunities for Small Businesses and Farmers

2011-11-02T15:00:01+00:00

Chellie believes that it’s time to turn around the years of government subsidies aimed at growing big factory farms, and re-invest in small agricultural businesses that are the key to creating jobs and building a stronger economy.

This week, Chellie introduced the Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act to create opportunities for farmers and small businesses focused on agriculture to support local, family farmers in a way that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has failed to do in the past.

Become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of the Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act to show your support for sustainable agriculture and help increase our ability to buy healthy food grown close to home. To find out more about the bill, click here.

Chellie Interviewed on Rachel Maddow

2011-06-22T19:04:35+00:00

This June, Republicans spearheaded and passed a bill to eliminate same-day voter registration in Maine. Governor LePage signed this repeal of a 37-year old Maine tradition into law on June 21, 2011.

Last year over 60,000 Mainers registered to vote on election day, and once again we had one of the highest voter turnouts in the county. In the decades since this law has been in place it has been linked to just one case of voter fraud. But statehouse Republican legislators seem to be taking a page from a conservative national playbook and have repealed this law, making it harder for Mainers to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

Chellie spoke with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC on Monday, June 15 about the Republicans' efforts to undermine voters' rights.

Watch the video:

Withdraw from Afghanistan

2011-05-02T19:32:01+00:00

Last night, President Obama announced that Osama bin Laden had been captured and killed by US forces. This is welcome news which I hope provides a certain amount of closure for the families of the 9/11 victims. Now that we have accomplished this mission, there is no excuse for continuing our military engagement in Afghanistan. Please sign my petition, which I will deliver to President Obama. If enough of us sign, he'll get the message loud and clear that progressives, Mainers and Americans want to end the war in Afghanistan quickly.

Sign the petition »

Chellie continues fight for campaign finance reform

2011-04-08T12:47:04+00:00

Chellie is continuing the fight to reform our current campaign finance system by introducing a bill this week that would create a system of public financing for Congressional campaigns, similar to one already in place in Maine.

Chellie announced the bill yesterday at a press conference with Congressman John Larson (D-CT) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). Actor Alec Baldwin also spoke at the press conference.

“The American people deserve a better government than they are getting,” Chellie said. “The big banks and drug companies have way too much influence in Washington. If they want to invest in our government, let them pay their fair share of taxes rather than paying for politicians who’ll write them special tax breaks. It’s time to get corporate money out of politics and put elections back in the hands of ordinary Americans.”

"If cash is speech, the person with the most cash speaks the loudest and that's the problem. It winds up giving some people a very unfair advantage," Baldwin said.

The Fair Elections Now Act, which would create a voluntary system limiting Congressional campaign contributions to $100, emphasizes grassroots support and bring campaign finance reform into the 21st Century.

Chellie said the current system of campaign contributions makes it harder to make big changes in policy because of the influence of contributions from entrenched special interests.

“It is completely unacceptable to the public. And it changes the way we spend our time,” she said. “Today, we should be spending our time thinking about people who have lost their jobs, lost their health insurance or lost their homes– and not about where the next campaign contribution is going to come from.”

Chellie asks VA Secretary to ease rules for victims of sexual assault

2011-04-07T14:45:24+00:00

Nearly two dozen members of the U.S. House have written to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki asking him to ease the rules for victims of sexual assault in the military who now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The changes, similar to those that would be required in a bill Chellie has introduced, would relax burdensome requirements for proving the occurrence of rape or sexual assault that make it difficult to receive disability benefits and coverage for their medical care.

“It’s very difficult to prove sexual assault within the current system, which makes it just as difficult for veterans who have been victims to qualify for the treatments and benefits they need to recover,” Chellie said. “It’s a classic case of adding insult to injury.”

Chellie has been an outspoken advocate for victims of military sexual trauma.

“These are women and men who have signed up to serve and who are willing to risk their lives to defend our country. It is bad enough when they become victims of sexual assault, but denying them benefits they deserve is outrageous and simply unacceptable.”

Background:
In July, 2010, the VA changed its rules for most veterans who file claims for PTSD. Under these new rules, veterans need only to show a diagnosis of PTSD, a medical link to the diagnosis and a medical opinion that the claimed stressor is consistent with the circumstances of the veteran’s service. This change removes the burden many veterans faced by having to locate documentation verifying the traumatic event. Pingree welcomed this change; however it did not apply to veterans who filed mental health claims based on sexual assault or harassment. Pingree’s bill would require that military sexual trauma (MST) victims only need to show a diagnosis of PTSD accompanied by a medical opinion that the claimed assault could support a diagnosis, therefore giving MST victims the same level of requirements their fellow veterans have.

Recently Chellie recently met with five women who had all been victims of rape while serving in the military. Even though they had all reported the attacks, they all told Pingree their attackers had never been punished.

Chellie says regulations working, Maine fishermen playing by the rules

2011-04-06T14:36:35+00:00

As Massachusetts fishermen met in Washington Tuesday to demand higher catch limits and millions of dollars in federal aid, Chellie is urging regulators to stick with the current system.

“Maine fishermen are innovative and have realized that the reduction in fishing quotas over the years harms both their businesses and the resource. Sectors allow them to develop sustainable business plans and not waste fish, which means for the most part they are making more money under the new system,” Chellie said.

Last May, the “days at sea” regulatory system was replaced with a system that allocates catch based on sectors. Under the sector system, revenue for Maine fishermen is up over the previous year. Fishermen can opt to fish under the old days at sea but preliminary data from the fishing year that ends April 30th indicates that fishermen in sectors are doing better.

Massachusetts fishermen have requested tens of millions of dollars in emergency economic relief and an increase in catch allotments, a request that has been turned down by the U.S. Commerce Department, the White House, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

“Sectors have successfully reduced the by-catch in the fishery and while there are still some issues to work through and improvements to be made in the science, we can’t afford unnecessary bailouts that don’t help the resource and reward bad behavior,” Chellie said.

Chellie recently spoke with Eric Schwaab, the top federal fisheries regulator, and reinforced her support for the new sectors management system and urged him to stay the course.

Chellie speaks at opening of Maine’s newest airport

2011-04-04T14:26:54+00:00

Chellie helped cut the ribbon for Maine’s newest airport this afternoon—the Brunswick Executive Airport at the Brunswick Naval Air Station (BNAS.)

“The opening of the Brunswick Executive Airport is a critical step in the redevelopment of the base,” Chellie said. “Already new jobs have been created and we can expect to see many more in the months and years ahead. Although it’s sad to see the Navy leave Brunswick, there are some exciting opportunities ahead.”

Although the base isn’t slated to close completely until this fall, the Navy stopped using the runways last year and with today’s ribbon cutting the airport will be open to the public for general aviation use.

Chellie talked about the economic impact that general aviation has in Maine, and the jobs she expects to be created in Brunswick in the future.

“General aviation already contributes over half a billion dollars to the Maine economy and supports over 400 jobs,” she said. “Kestrel Aircraft will probably add another 300 to that total right here in Brunswick.”

Kestrel Aircraft has chosen the former Brunswick Naval Air Station to manufacture a new, high-end composite aircraft.

Chellie also said federal investment in BNAS is helping with the base redevelopment. She cited over $70 million in land and buildings that have been transferred to Southern Maine Community College. And thanks to legislation Pingree wrote, more real estate on the base is expected to be transferred to the local redevelopment authority at low or no-cost.

Chellie urges House leaders not to hijack budget bill with environmental rollbacks

2011-04-01T14:21:17+00:00

Chellie is urging House Republican leaders not to use a budget bill to rush through 19 separate environmental rollbacks that would make it harder to stop air and water pollutions.

“The Republicans are using the budget bill that will keep the government operating to try and push through 40 years of bipartisan environmental regulation,” Chellie said. “These provisions are a handout to big corporate polluters, would endanger public health and would do nothing to reduce our budget deficit.”

The 19 “riders” are attached to a spending bill that would keep the government operating for the remainder of the year, and include provisions that would block the EPA from enforcing regulations to regulate greenhouse gas and other toxic air pollutants and protecting certain endangered species.

Chellie has written a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, which has been signed by over 50 of her fellow Democrats, urging him not to include the anti-environmental provisions in the Continuing Resolution budget bill.

“We would like to work with you to find common ground on a CR to fund the government for the remainder of FY11, but we would have very strong reservations about supporting a long-term CR that limits the Administration’s authority to protect air, water, and environmental quality, and its Supreme Court-mandated duty to protect public health,” the letter says.

Click here to read the full text of the letter.

Chellie says federal grant for Memorial Bridge now secure

2011-03-31T14:08:33+00:00

Chellie said on Wednesday that federal officials were signing the final documents necessary to secure a $20 million federal grant to help pay for a replacement for the Memorial Bridge in Kittery. The bridge, between Kittery and Portsmouth, is in desperate need of repair and is currently closed to truck traffic.

“As soon as those papers are signed this afternoon the funding for this critical bridge will be safe and can’t be rescinded, no matter what happens with politics in Washington,” Chellie said. “Replacing the Memorial Bridge is essential for Seacoast Communities and that’s why the Congressional Delegations of both states worked so hard to get this funding in the first place.”

Chellie worked with members of Maine and New Hampshire’s delegation to help secure the Tiger II grant last year, but this year Republicans in the House and Senate voted for a budget proposal that would cut that critical transportation funding if it wasn’t “obligated” quickly. State transportation officials had to have a number of documents approved in order for that to happen, and final federal approval is expected shortly, Chellie said.

A short-term budget bill that Chellie supported last week gave officials the extra time necessary to obligate the funding.

Chellie called Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood last month to urge quick federal approval of the funding and the Congressional delegations of both Maine and New Hampshire have been putting pressure on the Obama Administration to obligate the funding.

Chellie asking Pentagon to preserve sexual assault records

2011-03-31T13:16:54+00:00

Chellie is backing a bill that would require the Department of Defense to preserve records of sexual assault against military personnel. The Support for Survivors Act, which was introduced Wednesday, would replace current Pentagon policy of destroying sexual assault records only a year after the assault is reported.

“We already make it too difficult for veterans who suffer sexual assault to get the benefits they deserve,” Chellie said. “Destroying the records of the crime after a year makes the problem worse and just doesn’t make any sense.”

Earlier this year Chellie, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced a bill that would ease the burden of proof for veterans who were sexually assaulted and are seeking benefits and treatment from the VA.

“I’ve met with too many veterans who were raped or sexually assaulted but because of the way the system is set up, it has been impossible for them to prove it. These are women and men who have served our country and when they become victims of sexual assault we are letting them down. It’s time to fix this system,” she said.

Chellie expects federal grant for Memorial Bridge to be secured

2011-03-29T19:14:25+00:00

Chellie said Monday that a $20 million federal grant to help pay for a replacement for the Memorial Bridge in Kittery will likely be secured before the current government budget authority runs out at the end of next week. The funding has been threatened by budget proposals being debated in Congress.

“This bridge is critical to Kittery and Portsmouth and we won that grant fair and square, in a very competitive process,” she said. “I expect all the paperwork to guarantee that funding will be completed shortly. And once that happens it can’t be rescinded, no matter what happens with the budget in Washington.”

Chellie worked with members of Maine and New Hampshire’s delegation to help secure the Tiger II grant last year, but this year Republicans in the House and Senate voted for a budget proposal that would cut that critical transportation funding if it wasn’t “obligated” quickly. State transportation officials had to have a number of documents approved in order for that to happen, and final federal approval is expected shortly.

A short-term budget bill that Chellie supported last week gave officials the extra time necessary to obligate the funding.

Chellie called Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood last month to urge quick federal approval of the funding and the Congressional delegations of both Maine and New Hampshire have been putting pressure on the Obama Administration to obligate the funding.

Chellie in the News

2011-03-25T19:35:07+00:00

This was a big week for Chellie as her daughter Hannah welcomed her first child, Elsie. Elsie is Chellie's second grandchild joining Smith, Chellie's grandson from her son Asa. Also this week came the welcome news that the Navy wants to spend $100 million next year on upgrades at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Chellie expressed her frustration over the oil crisis and how it's affecting Maine families, continued urging the military to ease the path to a Purple Heart for soldiers who received traumatic brain injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq, and attended an event hosted by Emerge Maine to celebrate Women's History Month and raise funds for the Democratic organization's campaign training program for women.

Shipyard request awaits action by Congress
http://www.pressherald.com/news/shipyard-request-awaits-action-by-congress_2011-03-21.html

Pingree's second grandchild born
http://www.pressherald.com/blogs/maine_washington_politics/118371689.html

Rep. Chellie Pingree: Oil is driving Mainers to the brink
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110324/GJOPINION03/703249878/-1/SANNEWS

Emerge Maine encourages women to lead
http://www.pressherald.com/blogs/kamila/118547449.html

Pingree to Pentagon: be consistent on Purple Heart awards
http://www.pressherald.com/blogs/maine_washington_politics/118496599.html

HR 1054 Introduced to Congress: Access to Certified Professional Midwives Act of 2011
http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2011/03/17/hr-1054-introduced-to-congress-access-to-certified-professional-midwives-act-of-2011/

Chellie welcomes Army decision on Purple Heart rules

2011-03-24T14:18:50+00:00

Last week Chellie said she was pleased that the Army is “clarifying” rules for awarding Purple Heart medals and urged Army veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and have been denied the medal to try again.

“The rules on awarding the Purple Heart haven’t kept up with the kind of injuries suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan. Too many military personnel who suffered traumatic brain injuries after IED explosions have been denied the honor they deserve.

Chellie wrote to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates last fall, asking him to look into reports that the Army was denying the Purple Heart to some soldiers who suffered traumatic brain injuries. Sometimes the denials were for minor reasons, including receiving minimal medical care or not receiving care from someone with the rank of officer.

“I’m glad the Pentagon listened and the Army has clarified these rules, but those same reforms should apply to all branches of the military and I plan to ask Pentagon officials to make sure that happens,” she said.

This week Chellie has been urging the Pentagon to ease rules for awarding Purple Hearts asking top official to make changes in all branches to make it easier for all military personnel who have suffered traumatic brain injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan to be awarded a Purple Heart.

“We asked the Department of Defense to make this change last year and this week the Army came around and made the change,” she said. “Now it’s time for the other services to follow suit.”

In a letter on Wednesday to Under Secretary of Defense Clifford Stanley, Chellie wrote “It is my hope that…you develop a consistent, Service-wide policy that ensures our military members who receive concussion-like wounds at the hands of the enemy are awarded the Purple Heart Medal. For many of these heroes, these invisible wounds last long after they return home from the battle field, and for that injury not to be recognized with the appropriate Award is simply unacceptable.”

Chellie contacted Secretary of Defense Robert Gates last fall, asking him to look into reports that the Army was denying the Purple Heart to some soldiers who were wounded by enemy explosions and received concussion-like injuries. Sometimes the denials were for minor reasons, including receiving minimal medical care or not receiving care from someone with the rank of officer.

The text of her letter can be seen here.

“Genetically engineered” crops?

2011-03-22T14:19:24+00:00

When I first started farming in 1973, I hadn't even heard of "genetically engineered" seeds. The seeds we got came from the local garden supply store and I knew that with work and a little bit of luck a few months later they would produce a crop of organic, wholesome vegetables that we could sell to our friends and neighbors.

Now, thirty years later, big corporations have changed the face of farming in America and companies like Monsanto are trying to push through the use of genetically engineered (GE) seeds to grow alfalfa, sugar beets, soybeans and other important crops. My history as an organic farmer and the challenges we face in growing sustainable, healthy food are the main reasons I have begun work on the House Agriculture Committee. We face some significant decisions in the weeks, months and years ahead and I intend to bring my perspective to the work that Congress will do.

Last month I was disappointed that the USDA decided to deregulate the use of GE alfalfa. I think we need to put the brakes on the rapid spread of GE crops so we can fully understand the consequences of this technology.

As I begin my work on the Agriculture Committee, your feedback is welcome and encouraged. In fact, I'd like to hear from you now about what you think the biggest concerns are facing our food supply.

Click here to express your concerns about the challenges we face in growing sustainable and healthy foods: http://action.chelliepingree.com/page/signup/AG_Challenges

As always, your feedback is important to me. I really appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts!

Chellie in the News

2011-03-18T18:27:26+00:00

Last week Chellie was joined by other colleagues in Congress in signing a letter calling on President Obama to release oil from the reserve to help aid Maine families and the slowing economic growth. She received confirmation that the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will receive approximately $100 million toward facility modernization and repair projects. And finally, she confirmed a hearing in mid-April in Portland giving fishermen a chance to weigh in on proposed bluefin tuna fishing regulations.

Maine US reps. call for oil reserve release
http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2011/03/09/maine_us_rep_calls_for_strategic_oil_release/

$100M in Navy budget for shipyard work
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110311-NEWS-103110393

Bill Nemitz: Interns still look at Washington with wonder
http://www.pressherald.com/news/interns-still-look-at-washington-with-wonder_2011-03-13.html

House OKs budget with $6 billion in cuts
http://www.pressherald.com/news/nationworld/house-oks-budget-with-_6-billion-in-cuts_2011-03-16.html

Rep. Pingree says anglers will get op to talk tuna
http://www.pressherald.com/news/Rep-Pingree-says-anglers-will-get-op-to-talk-tuna-.html
Locke unveils new rules to answer fishermen's complaints
http://portlanddailysun.me/news/story/locke-unveils-new-rules-answer-fishermens-complaints

Chellie on fisheries enforcement, NPR funding and Afghanistan troop removal

2011-03-18T16:26:00+00:00

This week Chellie saw much needed reforms to the way NOAA has been enforcing fisheries regulations, she voted to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by end of the year and voted in support of funding for NPR.

Chellie welcomes reforms to fisheries enforcement system

Chellie welcomed the news Wednesday that federal officials are reforming the way they handle complaints about enforcement of fisheries regulations.

“I’ve been really troubled by the way NOAA has unfairly enforced fisheries regulations,” she said. “This announcement shows that Secretary Locke wants to improve that. We shouldn’t treat fishermen like they are criminals.”

NOAA announced today that fishermen and businesses will have until May 6 to submit complaints about excessive penalties and request a stay of federal fines while the complaints are being reviewed.

Last spring Chellie brought Eric Schwaab, the top federal fisheries official, to Maine and talked to him about fisheries enforcement problems. Then late last year Chellie and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke met with Maine fishermen to talk about this issue.

“All we are asking is for federal officials to listen to fishermen,” Chellie said. “I’m glad that NOAA is taking this step and it’s a sign they are willing to work to address this important issue.”

Chellie votes to remove troops from Afghanistan by end of the year

On Thursday Chellie voted for a resolution that would force the Pentagon to remove all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year. The proposal failed by a vote of 93-321.

“Every day I hear from more and more people who simply want this war to end,” Chellie said. “But we heard this week from the Pentagon that they plan to keep us in Afghanistan for at least another three years and probably longer. The military leaders tell us we need to stay, but the American people want us out.”

Chellie said the direct cost of the war in Afghanistan has already surpassed $450 billion.

“Of course the highest price is paid by the brave men and women who don’t come home, and the fathers, mothers, sons and daughters who have lost a loved one,” she said.

On Wednesday Chellie pressed General David Petreaus about the ongoing war.

“General Petraeus, nearly seventy five percent of Americans say that a substantial number of combat troops should be removed from Afghanistan this summer, according to a national ABC poll released yesterday. Many, like myself, are deeply concerned that this will not be a reality come July. Every day more Americans are looking for an end to this war, but as we sit here today there seems to be no end in sight."

Chellie to supports NPR funding

Chellie said Thursday she planned to vote against a Republican effort to strip National Public Radio of all federal funding.

“This is an all-out attack on NPR and public radio programming in general. Not only would it strip NPR of all their federal funding, it would seriously limit the ability of all public radio stations to pay for programming of any kind.”

The bill being considered by the House on Thursday would strip NPR of all federal funding and prohibit all independent public radio stations from using federal funds to purchase programming.

“In Maine, MPBN provides an incredibly valuable service by bringing news and public affairs coverage to the entire state, including rural areas like Aroostook County and Downeast Maine,” Chellie said. “This bill would make it much harder for them and all the 900 public radio stations across the country to continue to provide this service.”

“I don’t know what the Republican leadership has against Prairie Home Companion, Car Talk and in-depth news coverage, but with rising gas prices and continued high unemployment, I honestly think there are far more important issues that they should be focusing on right now,” she said.

Update from Washington

2011-03-17T18:12:01+00:00

These are challenging times, but I hope you are doing well and looking forward to Spring as I am. The first few months of 2011 have been quite busy in Maine and in Washington and I wanted to take a moment to fill you in on some of the things that I've been working on.

I am so proud of the innovative work happening in Maine farming and food, and now, as a member of the Agriculture Committee, it's a real pleasure for me to work to strengthen this part of Maine. Making good, local food more accessible to more people - whether it's kids in school cafeterias or communities in need of a farmers' market — is an important goal for me.

I've been pleased with some of our early committee meetings, and look forward to working with Russell Libby of MOFGA and many other friends on some of the most crucial issues facing our food issues.

I also continue to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, where General David Petraeus recently testified. As I said to him at that hearing, every day more and more Americans are looking for an end to the war in Afghanistan, but it seems as though there isn’t one in sight. You can see our exchange here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOCUQkWL3rg

Some tragic stories of sexual assault in our military have been in the news a lot recently and this is one of many Military Personnel issues I am interested in. After meeting with five brave and patriotic women who had been sexually assaulted while serving in the military, I decided to introduce legislation that would make it easier for these victims to get the coverage and benefits they deserve. I recently talked about this bill on MSNBC, which you can see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZCGS7vD-Hs

The Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) have done good work on this difficult issue. You can be in touch with SWAN for additional information about issues around military sexual trauma or if you know someone in need of assistance.

A very different issue that spurred a lot of letters to me has to do with the House cafeteria. As you know, Republicans have taken over leadership in the House, which includes many of the detailed ways in which the campus is administered. I was disappointed that one of the first things that they did was get rid of the biodegradable cups, plates and utensils used in the House cafeteria and replaced them with Styrofoam. I’ve heard from many of you on this and both the Biddeford Journal Tribune and the Times Record have editorialized on this ridiculous decision.

This is a busy time of year for Mainers visiting Washington and it's been great to see so many familiar faces in my office. Just recently, we met with the Professional Firefighters of Maine, the Maine Municipal Association, the local AMVETS Chapter, MaineHealth, and many more. I always appreciate these meetings and I am proud that so many Mainers take such an active part in government.

Some of the most important work of my office is the work we get to do in Maine, especially helping the many people who call for help with the Veteran's Administration, Social Security, passports or to cut through government bureaucracy. And of course I am always pleased to get out and talk to people face to face — whether it’s the First Friday Art Walk or Flower Show in Portland or a visit to a small business in York County or the Midcoast.

Thank you for all that you have done to help me continue in this work – please stay in touch!

Chellie questions Petraeus on Afghanistan war

2011-03-17T12:40:53+00:00

During a hearing in Washington on Wednesday, Chellie questioned General David Petraeus about the ongoing war in Afghanistan.

“Nearly seventy five percent of Americans say that a 'substantial number' of combat troops should be removed from Afghanistan this summer, according to a national ABC poll released yesterday. Many, like myself, are deeply concerned that this will not be a reality come July. Every day more Americans are looking for an end to this war, but as we sit here today there seems to be no end in sight,” she said.

Chellie questioned General Petraeus about a reduction in the amount of information coming from the Pentagon about the Afghan war. The Obama Administration has said a key part of their strategy is for the Afghan people to have faith in their government, but the Pentagon did not report on the success in that area in their last quarterly report to Congress.

“I am interested whether a decision has been made to no longer collect this data, and if not, why was it omitted from the report?” Chellie asked.

She also talked about the ongoing cost of the war.

“As you may know, Maine bears an extraordinarily high burden of the ongoing war in Afghanistan – a total cost of over $3.4 billion. I continue to hear from my constituents about the astronomical cost of this war — in both lives lost and the resources we sacrifice at home to support the ongoing mission in Afghanistan,” she said.

Chellie on big oil, tuna regs and spending bills

2011-03-16T17:36:55+00:00

Yesterday Chellie voted for a short-term budget bill to keep the government operating for the next three weeks. She also announced she has cosponsored legislation to hold federal big oil companies accountable for exploiting oil crisis for profit through price gouging and asked the nation’s top fisheries regulator to hold a hearing in Maine and allow more time for comment on proposed bluefin tuna fishing regulations.

Chellie votes for short-term spending bill

Chellie issued the following statement yesterday after voting for a short-term budget bill to keep the government operating for the next three weeks.

“I voted today to keep the government operating while Congressional leaders negotiate a long-term bill to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year. I also felt it was necessary to give ourselves a little more time to make sure we have secured crucial funding for the Memorial Bridge in Kittery and full funding of the extension of the passenger rail service to Brunswick. Some of that funding could be in jeopardy under the spending bills supported by Republicans in Congress, but this short-term bill creates additional time to make sure that funding is obligated and can’t be taken back.”

“Even though I voted for the bill today, this is no way to run a government. These short-term bills create too much uncertainty in government programs and the private sector. It’s time for Congressional leaders to come up with a bill that will keep the government operating through the rest of the year while preserving the investments necessary to keep our economic recovery moving forward.”

Chellie calls on Congressional leaders to end subsidies for Big Oil

Yesterday morning Chellie announced she has cosponsored legislation to hold federal big oil companies accountable for exploiting oil crisis for profit through price gouging.

“During the latest oil crisis, consumers have found skyrocketing gas prices unbearable, and it’s going to continue to get worse this summer. Right now there’s not much to stop big oil companies from using our numbness at the pump to increase the price a few cents more for their gain. We need to make sure companies aren’t exploiting bad market conditions for extra profit. It’s unfair to consumers who rely on this resource and it’s damaging to the recovering economy,” she said.

The legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to institute civil and criminal penalties for unjustifiably excessive prices during periods the President proclaims as an international crisis affecting oil markets. Fines would be up to $100 million for civil penalties, and $500 million for criminal. The FTC would give enforcement priority to companies with total gasoline sales of over $10 billion a year.

“This is not about going after corner gas stations, the vast majority of which perform an honest and vital service for our communities,” said Chellie. “This legislation is about protecting those small businesses from the big companies who would gouge them and make it even harder to meet their bottom line. Consumers and local dealers are both hurt when we let big oil take advantage of them.”

Chellie has supported a number of steps to deal with skyrocketing gas and heating oil prices in the short term, including releasing oil from the strategic oil reserve and taking proposed heating assistance budget cuts off the table.

“These short-term efforts are critical to helping people during this crisis, but we need to work much harder to stop them altogether. That means further steps to make our country more energy efficient and developing clean energy from renewable resources,” said Chellie. “I’m very disappointed that so many of my colleagues are instead proposing an agenda to make us even more dependent on oil by cutting funds for weatherization and clean energy. If anything, this crisis shows us we need to move away from this volatile, dwindling, and increasingly expensive resource.”

Chellie asks federal government to hold hearings on tuna regs in Maine (updated)

Chellie asked the nation’s top fisheries regulator to hold a hearing in Maine and allow more time for comment on proposed bluefin tuna fishing regulations.

“The Obama Administration is proposing rules that would impact Maine fishermen, but aren’t giving Maine fishermen a chance to weigh in on the rules without having to drive to Massachusetts for a hearing next week. Dropping everything and going to Gloucester with no more than a week’s notice just isn’t practical for many commercial fishermen,” she said.

On Tuesday Chellie called Eric Schwaab, head of the National Marine Fisheries Service and urged him to schedule a hearing on the proposed rules in Maine and extend the comment period. Four hearings on the proposal have been scheduled up and down the East Coast, but the only New England hearing is next week in Massachusetts.

Last year Chellie criticized the Obama Administration for considering an endangered species listing for bluefin tuna. “I’m concerned that the Administration isn’t in touch with what is actually happening in Maine,” she said. “For decades Maine tuna fishermen have acted responsibly, they’ve conducted research at their own expense and done everything they can to make sure that tuna aren’t over fished. Now I’m concerned that they will be subjected to unnecessary regulations that could put them out of business.”

NOTE: This is an update about bluefin tuna regulations.

Chellie said Wednesday afternoon that federal officials have agreed to her request to schedule a hearing in Portland and extend the comment period on the proposed rules by an additional 15 days.

“I’m glad NOAA is giving Maine fishermen a chance to make their voices heard. They play by the rules and depend upon this valuable fishery, and it’s important that they weigh in on any proposed rules,” she said.

Federal officials said they will hold a hearing in Portland, probably in mid-April, to allow fishermen to comment on the proposed rules.

Chellie calls on Congressional leaders to end subsidies for Big Oil

2011-03-14T14:13:07+00:00

On Friday Chellie called on Congressional leaders to take up a bill she is co-sponsoring that would end billions of dollars in subsidies for big oil and gas companies.

“These oil companies are taking advantage of high gas prices to rack up record profits. They are awash in cash and the last thing they need is taxpayer subsidies. It’s working families who need the help right now, not big oil and gas companies,” she said.

Chellie is a co-sponsor of the “End Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act,” which would repeal tax breaks for big oil and gas companies and save taxpayers $40 billion over 5 years. The bill was introduced earlier this year but Republican leaders have failed to bring it up for a vote.

“High gas and oil prices are squeezing Maine families,” Chellie said. “The average family is paying more to fill up their vehicle, more to heat their home and more for basic necessities like groceries. The long-term solution is to get off our dependence on oil but unfortunately Republicans in Congress are doing everything they can to keep us hooked on petroleum.”

Chellie criticized Republican Congressional leaders for trying to end programs that save Americans money by helping them make energy efficiency improvements and for opposing investments in clean energy.

“Instead of handing out billions of dollars to big oil, we should be investing in helping homeowners save money on energy and developing new sources of clean energy that will create jobs right here at home,” she said.

In a press conference Friday afternoon, President Obama talked about how clean energy innovation is already creating jobs but spoke of the need to create millions more in the years ahead.

Chellie announces major Navy investment in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

2011-03-11T16:23:04+00:00

Chellie says the Navy is planning to invest about $100 million in making the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery more efficient and competitive.

“The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has built a world class reputation for top quality work and an efficient operation. But the yard needs continued investment to maintain their competitive advantage—and that’s exactly what this money will do,” she said.

The funding is part of the Navy’s budget for next year, which still has to be approved by Congress. Chellie, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, says she plans to fight for the funding in Congress.

“This is just the kind of funding I talked to Navy Secretary Mabus about last week and the kind of funding I plan to fight for when this bill comes to my Committee,” she said.

The funding would be divided into four projects:

Restoring and modernizing submarine enclosures. $16 million
Renovation and improvement of a waterfront support facility. $42 million
Upgrading the 160 year old waterfront tool crib $1.7 million
Energy and structural repairs to modernize material handling to make major efficiency improvements. $41 million