Chellie Pingree

Thank you to Chairwoman Castor, Ranking Member Graves, and Members of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for holding this Member's Day event and for the opportunity to speak today.

I am working on myself, on a bill related to agriculture and climate change.

I have been an organic farmer since the 1970s and I have seen a huge transition of when that was, sort of, a funny back to the land idea to $50 billion industry.

I have been an organic farmer and run a certified organic farm since some time in the 1970s.

I understand the Forest Service spent $3.3 million on the climate hubs in 2016, which I think is great, but the 2019 estimate is $400,000.

I know the Forest Service is trying to streamline the NEPA review to make it easier for people to manage forests without significant environmental review.

By promoting the value of working forests in the United States and recognizing the continual cycle of growth, harvesting, and replanting, our working forests provide a carbon solution.

The Forest Service has an FY 2020 list of 25 Land and Water Conservation Fund priority projects for acquisition.

I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting H.R. 1941, because sacrificing our coastline to further this Nation's dependence on fossil fuels is nothing short of irresponsible.

I am out of time, but thank you very much for saying that you are going to shorten this process.

It is completely unacceptable that you are going to suggest that we are going to have a proposed rule this year.

I can't emphasize enough that organic research, cost-share, all the support things, technical assistance, it is part of what has made a big difference in Maine.

Everything that the USDA can do to support that transition has been, and is, critically important.

It shows the increased interest in, and our Members understanding that there are real opportunities in their districts for organic farmers.

I claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Maine is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

Lastly, Madam Speaker, the bill includes language preventing the USDA from relocating the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Economic Research Service. I am deeply disappointed that the administration is moving forward with…

VVA would like to thank Congresswoman Luria for her hard work and dedication to women veterans.

The bill, when enacted into law, would amend Title 38, United States Code, to expand health care and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs for military sexual trauma and for other purposes.

I thank you again for having this hearing, my colleague from New Hampshire for sharing her own experience, and just reminding us all that it sort of doesn't matter what position you take on in life.

I have waited over 20 years to tell anyone and I don't know if I can go on.

Women and men who had experienced military sexual trauma came to my office seeking help as a desperate last resort.

Thank you for focusing attention on proper compensation for those who have suffered sexual trauma during their military service.

Organic agriculture is based on practices that not only protect environmental health, but also strive to improve it.

I am also a certified organic farmer, so I am well aware of these challenges...

I really appreciated all of your remarks and testimony.