March 15, 1820, marked our separation from Massachusetts, and hence the establishment of our statehood. Although we recognize 1820 as a vitally important year, the fact is that communities have thrived in Maine for millennia.
North Haven — the island community I call home — is also home to one of Maine’s most significant archeological digs, which showed the presence of indigenous people as early as 5,000 years ago and other settlements after that. …
Throughout his campaign for president, Donald Trump assured Americans he would “do everything within [his] power not to touch Social Security, to leave it the way it is.” He made similar vows to protect other critical social programs, including Medicare. Despite these clear promises, President Trump’s recently released budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2021 does the exact opposite; demanding irreparable cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and the Affordable Care Act. The new Trump budget is the latest iteration of his government’s callous and short-sighted approach to health care.
Given Republicans’ repeated attacks on these vital programs and their…
Consumers have the right to know what harmful chemicals are in their homes and should have the ability to choose products that keep their families and the environment safe. That’s why protecting consumers is one of my top priorities in Congress.
Earlier this month, I voted to finally regulate PFAS chemicals, a class of chemicals found in many consumer items. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, two types of PFAS chemicals — also known as PFOA and PFOS — were used for decades to make water-, grease-, and stain-repellant coatings. …
The United Nation’s (UN) 25th annual Conference of the Parties (COP25) — a meeting of nearly 200 countries to discuss international action on climate change — took place in Madrid earlier this month. Around 25,000 people attended and focused, among other topics, their efforts on the role of oceans in the climate crisis.
Our oceans, including the Gulf of Maine, are already feeling the effects of climate change. Ocean acidification and sea level rise threaten Maine’s coastal communities and economy. A recent report by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy shows that, without action on climate change…
Our servicemembers and veterans are owed a tremendous debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they’ve made for our nation. When democracy has been tested and our values threatened, I’m thankful there were Americans brave enough to answer our nation’s call. What would this country be had they not?
I believe the best way to honor the Mainers who’ve put themselves in harm’s way is for us to support them and their families when they return home. As a member of Congress, I’ve made it a priority to address the veteran suicide crisis, support Hire a Vet programs, ensure Blue Water…
Domestic Violence Awareness month is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come to address this public health problem and the continued steps we must take to eliminate it.
The first shelter for battered women did not open in the United States until 1974. At that time, people looking to leave violent partners had few resources. Domestic violence was not openly discussed and, in most cases, the stigma left those experiencing this private pain without many options. …
Since 1960, the United States has experienced the most rapid and significant drug cost increases in the world. Adjusting for inflation, annual American spending on prescription drugs per person has surged from $90 in 1960 to $1,025 in 2017. We’ve seen prices skyrocket for lifesaving drugs that have already been on the market for decades. Insulin is just one shocking example, with prices increasing by 700% over the last 20 years.
This is a life or death issue. A recent report from AARP Maine found that one in four Mainers will stop taking prescribed medicine because they cannot afford it…
The Great Depression was a turning point for our country. $26 billion of wealth completely disappeared overnight; unemployment exceeded 25 percent; 10,000 banks failed. The volatility of American markets devastated the economic security of rich and poor families alike. People stood for hours in bread lines for a ration of food that they could no longer afford.
President Franklin Roosevelt proposed the New Deal to create a social safety net to mitigate human suffering if an economic downturn ever happened again. President Roosevelt’s Labor Secretary, Frances Perkins — a Mainer and the first woman to hold a Cabinet post —…
Each June, people around the world celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month. It’s a time for us to mark the progress the LGBTQ community has made toward equal rights — and a time to recognize the ground still left to cover.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. On June 28, 1969, LGBTQ New Yorkers, led by trans women of color, took to the streets of Greenwich Village to push back against brutality and violence. They ignited a grassroots fight for visibility, acceptance and safety for the community. …
By Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine
In its first 100 days, the 116th Congress moved swiftly to counteract eight years of inaction on climate change.
House committees have held dozens of hearings on how to address the climate crisis — a strong contrast from the previous majority, which never held a single hearing on this urgent threat to our health, economy, and environment.
And the Green New Deal outlined an ambitious blueprint to move the nation from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Farmer, mother, Maine islander, Member of Congress, lover of root vegetables