Chellie Pingree

I believe the problem is so big you are focusing on that.

H.R. 671 (Rep. Pingree, D-ME) would revise policy for adjudicating service-connection for veterans with a mental health condition.

With the Ruth Moore Act, we can change the VA's policy so veterans who survive a sexual assault can at least get the benefits they deserve.

This bill also requires the VA to report MST related claims information back to Congress.

I appreciate the opportunity to talk more about this bill and why I think we desperately need it to become law.

I would like to encourage all of you to support H.R. 602, the Veterans' Second Amendment Protection Act.

Taking away a constitutional right is a serious action and one that should not be taken lightly, particularly when it concerns our Nation's veterans.

H.R. 671 seeks to ensure that more is done to eliminate these hurdles.

We found that the overall accuracy of that focused review was that 86.19 percent were accurate.

I am very supportive of Chellie Pingree's bill before us today about sexual assault.

The burden of proof has been on the veteran and it needs to change now.

I am very grateful that you are considering the Ruth Moore Act in this afternoon's legislative hearing and I appreciate the opportunity just to talk a little bit more about this bill and why I desperately think it needs to become the law.

As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to ensure that the VA is providing timely and accurate decisions to veterans, but we cannot do that without sufficient data.

The Ruth Moore Act would relax the evidentiary standards for survivors of military sexual trauma who file claims for mental health conditions with the VA.

I always feel lucky to be from Maine, which was once an agricultural powerhouse State.

I think that it is wonderful to have you all as a research brain trust.

I certainly won't argue with you, because I am just glad to see that you are working on possible ways to utilize the facility and infrastructure.

I appreciate the fact that you are thinking broadly and thinking of ways to be able to keep the facility working.

I would love an update. I get asked all the time about when this rule is going to be finished.

One of the tragic consequences of the unplanned sequester... is that we spend a relentless amount of time trying to figure out, now what should we do, and how to do it better, and how did we get to this position without planning.

All of these things that I think we keep thinking are way out in the future are already about to harm a lot of our communities.

Lobster fishing is an $80 million business. It is a huge impact to our communities and to our fisheries business.

I am just kind of encouraged but also concerned about how are we going to be able to accomplish all of our goals?

Thank you for your public service, the work you have done with us in Maine.

People are throwing up their hands in confusion not knowing exactly what is going on and how could it happen so quickly.