The Journal

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 But statehouse Republican legislators seem to be taking a page from a conservative national playbook and have repealed this law, making it harder for Mainers to make their voices heard at the ballot box.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

Chellie calls on President Obama to release oil from strategic reserve

2011-03-10T19:20:03+00:00

On Wednesday Chellie said that rising energy prices are creating a crisis situation for Maine families and that President Obama should release oil held in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

“Speculation by the big oil companies is driving up prices of gas and heating oil and making it even harder for working families to make ends meet," said Chellie. "And it’s not just the cost of driving your car or heating your home either. Rising diesel prices are also pushing up the price of groceries and other necessities. For families still struggling in this weak economy, this is a real crisis."

Chellie said tapping into the oil reserves would have an immediate effect on prices.

“The last three Presidents have all released oil from the SPR and in each case prices went down,” she said. “Based on those experiences, oil prices could go down by at least 10% and possibly by as much as a third.”

Chellie says a variety of factors have been driving prices upward.

“The turmoil in the Middle East is out of our control, but there are also other factors that are driving up prices, like excessive speculation. The big oil companies are taking advantage of the situation in oil producing countries to drive up prices with speculation. That has to stop.”

Chellie also called for a long-term solution to our energy problems.

“We need to act now to try and bring some relief to families who are struggling to make ends meet, but we also have to work to create an American-made solution to our long-term energy problems. That means getting off imported oil and switching to new sources of renewable energy that we generate here at home,” she said.

Chellie and a group of her colleagues wrote to President Obama this week to make the case for releasing oil from the SPR. Text of the letter can be viewed here.

Chellie in the News

2011-03-09T16:45:47+00:00

Last week Chellie introduced legislation to make it easier for veterans who have suffered sexual assault during their military service to get the benefits they deserve. She also asked top Navy official Ray Mabus to make federal funding available for improvements to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, voted against the resolution and the amendments to cut federal funding to Title X and Planned Parenthood, and joined Mike Michaud, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins on a letter sent to the secretary of the Air Force petitioning for 179 new aerial refueling planes to be stationed in Bangor.

And finally, after working with US Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Chellie saw Portland Shellfish Company employees head back to work after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave them approval following a company closure that lasted six weeks due to a federal order.

Pingree seeks Portsmouth shipyard funding
http://www.pressherald.com/blogs/maine_washington_politics/117194223.html

Maine family planning clinics caught in fight for funds
http://www.pressherald.com/news/standing-up-for-clinic-funding_2011-03-02.html

Federal budget move buys time for Memorial monies
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110302-NEWS-103020367

Portland Shellfish back in business
http://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear=&day=7&id=40971&l=e&special=&ndb=1%20target=

Bill would ease compensation for sexual trauma
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/03/military-sexual-assault-trauma-veterans-compensation-030811w/

Guard, Maine delegation urge new tankers for Bangor base
http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/03/08/news/bangor/air-national-guard%E2%80%99s-airbridge-program-extended/

Chellie introduces bill to help veterans who suffered sexual assault during their service

2011-03-04T15:41:39+00:00

On Thursday Chellie introduced legislation to make it easier for veterans who have suffered sexual assault during their military service to get the benefits they deserve. The bill would relax burdensome requirements for proving the occurrence of rape or sexual assault that make it difficult to receive benefits and coverage for their medical care.

“It’s outrageous that men and women who sign up to defend our country end up being victims of sexual assault in the first place. Then to deny them the help they need to recover is simply unacceptable,” she said.

Chellie plans on talking to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to ask him to make the change in policy without waiting for legislation to pass.

“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.”

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.

Sexual assault is a serious problem in the military:

Recently Chellie 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 Chellie that their attackers had never been punished.
Last year the Pentagon said there were over 3,000 cases of reported sexual assault in the military, but said that only 10% of all sexual attacks are ever reported.

“We have to face up to the fact that the system of military justice has failed over and over again to protect the victims of rape and sexual assault and failed to punish the perpetrators,” Chellie said. “It’s a system that needs to be fixed, but in the meantime we need to change the rules so veterans who have been victims can get the care and benefits they deserve.”

Chellie votes in favor of short-term budget proposal

2011-03-02T14:18:34+00:00

Chellie voted in favor of a proposed temporary budget bill yesterday afternoon and issued the following statement on her vote:

“I’m not happy with some of the cuts in this budget but voted for it because it keeps the government operating while we debate a long term solution to our budget problems. In addition, this stop gap measure will give Maine and New Hampshire an extra two weeks to make sure they don’t lose funding we had previously secured for a new bridge in Kittery.”

The previous budget bill passed by the House last month would end funding for TIGER II projects, including a $20 million grant to help replace the Memorial Bridge between Kittery and Portsmouth. However, if the funding is obligated to the states before the cuts take place Maine and New Hampshire would not lose the funding. The budget had been set to expire this Friday. If the bill that passed the House today is approved in the Senate the two states will effectively get a two-week extension to secure the funding.

The Senate is expected to vote on this measure by Friday.

House budget bill full of “misplaced priorities”

2011-02-22T14:25:56+00:00

After all night debate House passes budget bill early this morning Chellie voted against a proposal that would eliminate funding for basic women’s health care, block the EPA from enforcing pollution standards and make it impossible to implement the health care reform law passed last year.

“The priorities in this bill were all wrong,” Chellie said. “We need to reduce unnecessary and wasteful spending but taking away women’s access to cervical cancer screening or making it impossible for the EPA to crack down on polluters isn’t the way to do it.”

The vote, which came around 4:30am Saturday morning, followed debate that lasted all night and included over 600 amendments that covered a wide variety of government programs ranging from cuts in Pell Grants for college students to a ban on spending to enforce the Wall Street reform law passed last year. Congress has to pass a bill funding the government through the end of the year before March 4th to avoid a government shut down. This bill now goes to the Senate.

“Sadly this bill was more about politics than it about eliminating unnecessary spending,” said Chellie. “Passing a ban on spending to enforce health care or Wall Street reform might be a nice treat for big insurance companies and banks but it doesn’t do much to help balance the budget.”

Voting largely along party lines, the House failed to pass an amendment limiting spending on the war in Afghanistan, a provision that Chellie supported.

Chellie says budget proposal will deny basic health services for Maine women

2011-02-18T14:23:56+00:00

Chellie said Friday that she opposes efforts in Congress to end funding for basic women’s health services, including cervical cancer and breast cancer screening, immunization and family planning services.

“The budget proposals we are voting on this week would take away basic health care services for thousands and thousands of Maine women,” she said. “Eliminating this funding means eliminating access to life-saving health care like vaccinations and cancer screenings.”

Republicans in the House have proposed completely eliminating Title X funding for women’s health services in their current budget proposal and, in addition, an amendment passed today would prohibit Planned Parenthood from getting federal funding from other sources as well. Chellie voted against the amendment, which passed largely along party lines.

Current federal law prohibits federal funding of abortion services, so current Title X funding is used exclusively for other services like cervical cancer screening, breast cancer exams, infertility treatment, immunization and birth control.

“Last year in Maine over 4,000 women got breast and cervical cancer screenings because of these programs, and now Republicans in the Congress want to end them,” Chellie said. “Not only is that bad for women’s health, it’s doesn’t make economic sense.”

According to a recent report for every dollar invested in family planning, $3.74 is saved in Medicaid-related costs. (SOURCE: Frost, Jennifer J., et al. (2010). Contraceptive Needs and Services: National and State Data, 2008 Update. New York: Guttmacher Institute.)

Fighter engine program shut down, could add 500 jobs

2011-02-17T12:46:00+00:00

The House voted yesterday to approve an amendment to a broader spending bill that will block funding for the F-35 second engine program. After the vote, Chellie said:

“I was glad to see that both Democrats and Republicans could see how wasteful and unnecessary this program was and voted to save taxpayers $3 billion by ending it.”

Chellie was continuing her efforts to block spending for the jet fighter engine that she says was wasteful and unnecessary.

“The Bush Administration didn’t want this engine, the Obama Administration doesn’t want this engine and the Pentagon tells us it’s unnecessary,” Chellie said. “The only reason it keeps getting funded is because it’s a giveaway to a powerful defense contractor who hires the lobbyists that keep it alive.”

“The current engine is built by world-class workers around the country, including right here in Maine. If a second engine is funded at least 40 percent of it would be built in the UK, eliminating jobs in the United States,” Chellie said.

Chellie, along with one other Democrat and two Republican Congressmen, sponsored an amendment to a major spending bill that would end funding for a second engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The main
engine for the plane is built in part at Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick, but General Electric and Rolls Royce have fought to fund a second “alternative” engine for the plane. Chellie said funding the engine for the rest of this year would cost over $400 million and altogether would cost taxpayers nearly $3 billion.

Chellie has been fighting to end the funding since coming to Congress. Last year an amendment to a spending bill sponsored by Chellie won wide spread bipartisan support, but fell short of passing Congress. This time, Chellie says she was hopeful that the result would be different.

“There are a lot of new Members of Congress who got elected with promises of cutting wasteful spending and I’m hopeful they will be with us on this issue,” Chellie said.

The vote could mean up to 500 new jobs at the Pratt and Whitney plant in North Berwick, which employs residents of both Maine and New Hampshire.

“It’s big for both those regions,” Chellie said.

Chellie stands up against cuts to heating assistance

2011-02-16T20:10:41+00:00

The proposed cuts in the President’s budget to LIHEAP (Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program) could be devastating to the thousands of Maine families who depend on the funds to heat their homes during cold Northeast winters Chellie said on Monday.

“I’m very disappointed that the budget takes such a drastic approach to cutting this program. So many Maine families and seniors depend on that support to get through our tough winters,” she said. “They’ve already turned down the thermostat and cut their budget to the bare bones. What more can we ask them to do?”

The President’s proposal would cut funding for LIHEAP in half, from $5.1 to $2.57 billion. Maine’s estimated allocation would go down from $54.3 million this year to $26.5 million in 2012.

LIHEAP helps nearly 70,000 Maine households make ends meet by offsetting home-heating costs. Funding is especially important for Maine since the state has some of the country’s oldest housing stock and is heavily dependent on oil for heating.

After prices dipped to a low of about $2.25 at the beginning of the economic downturn, the average cost of heating oil in Maine has continued to rise to $3.35 a gallon.

“Maine communities are still struggling in the down economy. Slashing funding for this program makes it even harder for them to recover,” said Chellie. “Not only do these cuts put people at risk, but they take money from families who would spend it at the local grocery store or mechanic. At this vulnerable time of economic recovery, we just can’t afford to go backward like this.”

On Tuesday Chellie took her opposition of proposed heating assistance cuts to the floor of the House of Representatives telling her colleagues how slashing LIHEAP would hurt Maine families.

“This issue will be a problem for my constituents in Maine. LIHEAP helps nearly 70,000 Maine households make ends meet by offsetting heating costs. We are one of the most dependent states on heating oil and the cost is going up,” Chellie said. “Slashing funding for this program will not promote recovery and it should be removed from the President’s budget.”