Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 17h

Seriously though: The American people *want* us back to work—so we can stop the growing health care crisis and continue fighting this out-of-control president*.

(*Release the damn files.)

3 6

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 17h

9 days into the Republican shutdown, Speaker Johnson still refuses to call us back because he’s afraid the Epstein files will finally be released.

Meanwhile, Trump is threatening to invade American cities and jail his political opponents.

At least my tiny kiwis are healthy and normal!

3 13 35

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 18h

When I see the passion and energy of young people like Hailey, a @howard.edu student who’s helping her peers embrace slow fashion, I can’t help but feel hopeful for the future.

“Celebrating is a form of action.”

I love that!

So honored to participate in this piece for @reportinglabs.bsky.social.

The Howard University program that’s making carbon-consciousness chic

YouTube video by PBS NewsHour

www.youtube.com

10 20

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 20h

Israel and Hamas must both abide by the ceasefire, and the hostages must be released without delay. It is imperative that both sides commit to a future where peace, prosperity, and a two-state solution are more than just empty promises. (3/3)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 20h

We still have a long way to go. There’s no guarantee the ceasefire will hold. There is immense work to be done, and the international community must follow through on a commitment to peace. But it’s a promising development—and a hopeful one. (2/3)

1

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 20h

After two years of unfathomable bloodshed, I’m relieved a ceasefire has been reached.

From the heinous attacks of October 7, to the unconscionable collective punishment of the Palestinians, to the countless lives brutally snuffed out by bullets and bombs, the human toll has been devastating. (1/3)

Palestinians in Gaza express relief and caution as ceasefire deal raises hopes of ending the war

Palestinians in Gaza have welcomed the news of an agreement on the first phase of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas.

apnews.com

1 1 9

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 23h

One of the most deceptive Republican myths about the shutdown: We don’t need to act on health care right now, because the ACA tax credits don’t expire until 12/31.

FACT: People are already receiving notices that their premiums will skyrocket (by more than 93% in ME on average).

This is a crisis.

4 27 63

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 1d

HUGE thanks to everyone who tuned in to my town hall with AARP Maine! The questions were so thoughtful.

Social Security and Medicare are lifelines for hundreds of thousands of Mainers. I will do everything in my power to protect these vital programs—for today’s seniors, and for future generations.

In AARP Tele-Town Hall, Pingree Stresses Urgent Need to Safeguard Social Security

YouTube video by Congresswoman Pingree

www.youtube.com

1 9 27

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 1d

That’s why we have to stand up, speak out, and push back NOW.

I stand with Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson—and every public official who is fighting to protect our Constitution, our democracy, and the American people from this reckless regime. (3/3)

4 28 160

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 1d

The Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of federal forces to execute domestic laws. The whole point was to prevent the president from using troops as a domestic police force!

If Trump gets his way, and he's allowed to call *any* defiance an act of “insurrection,” all bets are off. (2/3)

4 36 150

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 1d

🧵

Yesterday, Stephen Miller had one of the most terrifying Freudian slips I've ever heard.

He claimed Trump has plenary authority (absolute power)—before cutting himself off.

Today, Trump said Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson should be *jailed*.

This is how authoritarian regimes talk. (1/3)

39 320 790

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 1d

I get why people are frustrated about our health care system. It’s broken in many ways.

But the claim that undocumented immigrants are getting free health care is simply untrue.

Republicans use this lie to distract from the harsh reality: Families are struggling because of their terrible policies.

2 8 23

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 2d

Day 7 of the Republican Shutdown.

I'll be joining @c-span.bsky.social's Washington Journal this morning at the top of the hour.

TUNE IN 👇

10/08/2025

Wall Street Journal's Sadie Gurman on James Comey's arraignment on charges today and also Attorney General Pam Bondi's recent appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee and Democratic Maine Repr...

www.c-span.org

5 3 16

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 2d

It’s cruel, it’s petty, it’s illegal, and we will not let them do this to our hardworking federal employees.

Republicans need to negotiate with us on a bill that:

1️⃣ Keeps the government running (and pays people)

2️⃣ Doesn’t force millions of Americans to pay *DOUBLE*—or more—for their health care

15

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 2d

On Day 1 of the Republican Shutdown, I requested that my pay be withheld.

~750K federal workers are now working for free. You’d think Republicans would feel bad about that.

Instead, they’re suggesting *not* paying furloughed workers what they’re owed—in violation of a law TRUMP signed in 2019!

Image of letter sent by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to the House Chief Administrative Officer requesting to withhold her pay until an appropriations agreement has been reached.

7 15 52

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 2d

... I have questions:

1️⃣ What the hell is a “tariff shelf”?

2️⃣ Does Trump think he can spend tariff money on whatever he wants?

3️⃣ Remind me, who actually pays for these tariffs?

He really doesn’t know how *any* of this works.

Sorry, last thing:

4️⃣ Which shelf are the Epstein files sitting on?

8 48 120

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 2d

The horrific events of October 7 must never be forgotten.

Today, we mourn for the victims and their loved ones.

We wish for the safe return of all hostages.

And we pray, with every ounce of hope we have, that the unfathomable death and destruction of this war will finally be brought to an end.

4 2 17

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 3d

From illegal funding cuts to shortsighted tariffs, Trump’s reckless policies are putting the squeeze on Maine farmers.

The ongoing drought is making things worse.

If Trump can find $20 billion to bail out Argentina (and its soybean producers), surely he'll help struggling American farmers, right?

Persistent drought takes toll on Maine farmers

After a wet spring, farmers hoped for blue summer skies, but also got a drought that caused crop losses and may last through winter.

www.pressherald.com

1 4 13

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 3d

You might be hearing Republicans talk about how they’re just trying to pass a “clean” continuing resolution (C.R.) to keep the government open—and that it’s Democrats who are sabotaging the process.

Please.

There is *nothing* clean about this disaster of a bill.

4 29 86

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 3d

This myth about giving health care to undocumented immigrants is lazy, cruel, and intentionally inflammatory.

Don’t fall for it. (6/6)

1 1 21

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 3d

Once again, Republicans are trying to create a ridiculous straw man to distract from the fact that *they’re* the ones who refuse to negotiate—and are apparently more than happy to let millions of Americans lose their coverage (or pay sky-high premiums) if it means giving Trump what he wants. (5/6)

1 1 14

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 3d

There's a longstanding law that requires hospitals to provide care to *anyone* who shows up in the E.R.

You know who signed it? Ronald Reagan.

It has nothing to do with Medicare or Medicaid. It has everything to do with not letting people die while trying to prove their citizenship. (4/6)

1 1 6

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 3d

Undocumented immigrants cannot access federal health care programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the ACA. It's illegal. Period.

In fact, Republicans are the ones trying to strip health care away from *documented* immigrants—those who are here legally and are playing by the rules. (3/6)

Graphic reading "FACT: Undocumented individuals cannot purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act or receive comprehensive Medicare or Medicaid Coverage. NO ONE IS PROPOSING TO CHANGE THAT."

1 4 6

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 3d

Here’s what Democrats actually want:

1. Extend the ACA premium tax credits. This would provide *enormous* relief to families across the country (including thousands in Maine).

2. Undo the reckless cuts to Medicaid included in the Big Ugly Bill—so 15 million people don’t lose their coverage. (2/6)

1 3 7

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree @pingree.house.gov · 3d

🧵

I’ve watched Republicans peddle some serious bullshit over the years.

But saying that Democrats shut down the government just so they can give health care to "illegal aliens" has to be one of the most baseless and deceptive ploys I’ve ever seen. (1/6)

3 14 42