Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Chair of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, today voted for the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, legislation to provide $1.9 billion in funding The emergency security supplemental contains funding in the jurisdiction of six Appropriations Subcommittees, including the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Chair Pingree delivered a floor speech in support of the legislation, available to stream or download here.

“The activities of January 6^th were terrifying, whether you were sitting here in this chamber, or whether you were watching from anywhere around this country or around the world, viewing a violent assault on our democracy,” said Chair Pingree in her floor speech. “That is why I rise today in support of this emergency security supplemental appropriations bill. The bill is the product of months of careful and deliberate analysis of the resource needs to enhance the security of the Capitol. As House Interior Appropriations Chair, I am requesting funds to backfill the agency’s resources that were unexpectedly depleted during the January 6 attack and prepare the Park Service for possible future threats. It is critical that Congress provides sufficient resources to meet our security challenges, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.”

The bill addresses the insurrection with $1.9 billion in funding to respond to the tragic events of that day. Informed by the recommendations of the Task Force 1-6 Capitol Security Review led by Lieutenant General (Retired) Russel L. Honoré and comprised of senior retired military leaders and law enforcement experts, it will secure the safety of the Capitol, protect facilities, Members, employees, and visitors going forward, and provide for safe and healthy Congressional operations. 

The legislation responds to the direct costs incurred by the violent January 6^th attack on the Capitol; protects facilities, members, employees, and visitors by strengthening security; and provides funding for reimbursements to ensure safe and healthy Congressional operations throughout the pandemic. An in-depth summary of the legislation is available online here.

As Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Pingree included $1.4 million for the National Parks Service in H.R. 3237. The funding will backfill overtime costs and pay for resource damages that occurred while responding to the January 6 insurrection. 

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