Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) released the following statement on President Trump’s State of the Union address tonight. 

"I was glad that President Trump touched on a number of issues where we can find agreement, like investing in rural infrastructure, paid family leave, and lowering prices for prescription drugs. The disparity he noted about the higher prices Americans pay for medications compared to other countries is absolutely true, and one I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation to address. 

"The President is also right that the American people want both parties to work together in the country’s interest. The question is whether he will follow through on tonight’s calls for unity with action. We’re still recovering from the longest government shutdown in American history, and he has issued threats to start another if he doesn’t get his way on a border wall. If he is really serious about unity, he should stop demonizing those who seek safety in our country and start working in good faith with Congress on immigration, effective border security, and funding the government. 

"One important thing we didn’t hear from President Trump tonight was addressing climate change. It’s disappointing that the President continues to ignore this real crisis even as he manufactures others. That’s why I thought it was important to bring whistleblower Joel Clement to the speech tonight to help give voice to those the Trump Administration has tried to silence on the issue of climate change."