Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, today joined House Democrats in voting to pass the bipartisan continuing resolution, once again stepping in to avert a government shutdown. The continuing resolution keeps the government funded until March 14, 2025, while also providing crucial disaster relief funds to communities and national parks impacted by recent natural disasters. After the vote, Pingree released the following statement:

The dysfunction and uncertainty we–and the American people–endured over the past few days thanks to Republicans, Donald Trump, and Elon Musk was entirely avoidable. Because Democrats stood our ground and fought back against Trump’s ludicrous 11th hour demands, the debt ceiling addition was dropped from the bill that was put before us tonight.

While far from perfect, the passage of this bipartisan funding package is essential to ensuring that the government remains operational, and that critical programs supporting hard working Americans and their families continue uninterrupted. From the devastating storms in Maine last winter, to the hurricanes in the southeast, and wildfires in the West, natural disasters have devastated countless communities. This package delivers billions in essential relief, including millions for Maine, to help families rebuild their homes, restore local economies, and fortify critical infrastructure.

As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, I am pleased that this bill includes $2.26 billion for the National Park Service to address storm damage at impacted parks across the country, including Acadia. There is also $14 million that will help Maine address the spread of spruce budworm, an invasive species that kills balsam fir and spruce trees. 

While I was glad to see that the package retained disaster relief and farm aid, the bill did not include funding for a slew of critical bipartisan health care provisions, including support for pediatric cancer research, treating substance use disorder, and pandemic prevention. In addition, the bill was stripped of funding for orphan Farm Bill programs, such as the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program, that will otherwise go unsupported and protections against SNAP benefit skimming, which has become more common in Maine. These protections are crucial to safeguarding food security for vulnerable families and ensuring stability for those who rely on federal support during these challenging times.

I share the frustrations of many of my colleagues that, under Republican control, Congress has been unable to pass bipartisan agreements, let alone full-year funding bills. As we continue negotiations on final appropriations for fiscal year 2025, I remain committed to delivering for Maine families and communities—and helping build a better future for our country. 

###