Chellie Pingree

Agricultural Management Assistance Act of 2026

Agricultural Management Assistance Act of 2026 This bill expands and revises the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) programs, which help agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing, or natural resource conservation practices. (AMA is available in 16 designated states where participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program is historically low.) Specifically, the bill expands the eligible uses for financial assistance funds for producers to include soil health improvements, the development of sustainable water sources and irrigation, composting, and other conservation practices determined to reduce the risk to a farm of financial loss due to the regional impacts of climate change. The bill also specifies that funds provided to mitigate financial risk through production or marketing diversification may be used for food safety certification. The bill provides additional funding for the program and changes the payment limitation for farmers to $200,000 over five years (currently $50,000 per year). The bill also expands those eligible for assistance under AMA programs to include federal crop insurance providers, in particular providers of Whole-Farm Revenue Protection plans.

Stop ICE Intimidation Act of 2026

The bill would place new restrictions on how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can conduct operations, likely limiting workplace raids, home searches, and other enforcement actions that advocates say intimidate immigrant communities. The measure would affect both undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families, as well as ICE agents and employers who work with immigration authorities. The bill aims to reduce what supporters view as aggressive enforcement tactics while opponents may argue it hampers immigration law enforcement.

PAPERS Act of 2026

The bill would establish new requirements for how immigration documents and records are processed and stored by federal agencies. It likely aims to improve the handling, verification, or accessibility of immigration paperwork for both government officials and individuals navigating the immigration system.

Produce Prescriptions for Veterans Act

This bill would allow veterans to receive prescriptions from the Department of Veterans Affairs for fresh produce and other healthy foods as part of their medical care, similar to how they currently receive prescriptions for medications. The goal is to help veterans improve their health and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease through better nutrition. Veterans would be able to use these food prescriptions at participating grocery stores or farmers markets.

Supporting the designation of the "International Year of the Woman Farmer" to recognize and honor the critical role of women in agriculture.

This resolution supports the designation of the International Year of the Woman Farmer and recognizes the critical role of women in agriculture. The resolution also encourages citizens to celebrate the impact these women have on the food systems and agricultural workforce of the United States by encouraging and empowering women to pursue careers in agriculture and cultivate leadership opportunities.

Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act

The legislation would provide financial assistance and support to farmers whose land or water has been contaminated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), chemicals commonly found in firefighting foam and industrial products. Affected farmers could receive compensation for crop losses, remediation costs, and other damages caused by this contamination. The bill aims to help agricultural communities deal with the health and economic impacts of PFAS pollution on their operations.

Food Date Labeling Act of 2025

The proposal would create a uniform national standard for food date labels, replacing the current confusing patchwork of different expiration and "best by" dates that vary by state and manufacturer. This would help consumers better understand when food is actually unsafe to eat versus when it simply may lose quality, potentially reducing food waste while protecting public health. Food manufacturers, retailers, and shoppers would all be affected by the standardized labeling system.

Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2025

Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2025 This bill revises provisions related to meat and poultry processing establishments, including by establishing grants and a database to assist smaller establishments (i.e., at least 10 but fewer than 500 employees) and very small establishments (i.e., fewer than 10 employees or annual sales of less than $2.5 million). For example, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish a searchable database of peer-reviewed validation studies for use in developing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans for smaller and very small establishments. The bill increases the maximum federal cost shares for (1) state meat and poultry inspection programs (from 50% to 65%), and (2) the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program (from 60% to 80%). The CIS program allows state-inspected facilities to operate as federally-inspected facilities and ship their products in interstate commerce and internationally. Additionally, USDA must conduct outreach to states that have meat and poultry inspection programs, but do not participate in the CIS program. The bill also allows certain establishments with up to 50 employees (currently up to 25 employees) to participate in the program. USDA must also award grants to increase resiliency and diversification of the meat processing system, including activities that support (1) the health and safety of meat and poultry plant employees, suppliers, and customers; (2) increased processing capacity; and (3) the resilience of the small meat and poultry processing sector. Further, the bill establishes a grant program for meat and poultry processing career training programs, including structured apprenticeships.

Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025

This bill likely aims to create economic opportunities and encourage innovation in ocean-related industries and coastal communities, possibly through grants, partnerships, or new programs that support fishing, renewable energy, tourism, or marine research. The legislation would affect coastal workers, fishing communities, businesses involved in ocean industries, and potentially state and local governments managing ocean resources. By focusing on regional development, the bill appears designed to help coastal areas benefit economically from ocean resources while potentially supporting sustainable practices.

Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act of 2025

This bill would make it easier for fishing businesses and commercial fishermen to access loans and credit by improving government lending programs and guarantees specifically designed for the fishing industry. The changes would help fishing operations get financing for equipment, boats, and other business needs that might otherwise be difficult to obtain through traditional banks. Fishermen and seafood companies would be the primary beneficiaries of these expanded credit opportunities.

NO TIME TO Waste Act

New Opportunities for Technological Innovation, Mitigation, and Education To Overcome Waste Act or the NO TIME TO Waste Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reduce U.S. food loss and waste (FLW) through federal coordination, grants, and education. Under the bill, food loss means the food that does not reach a consumer as a result of an issue in the production, storage, processing, or distribution phase. Food waste means that food intended for human consumption is unconsumed for any reason at the retail or consumption phase. The bill requires USDA to collaborate with the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a December, 17, 2020, agreement to coordinate federal efforts to cut FLW. Further, USDA must establish an Office of Food Loss and Waste to support the existing role of the Food Loss and Waste Liaison. The office must also, among other things, establish a grant program to support collecting data on existing state and local FLW policies (and the office must use the data to establish model policies for state and local governments); a block grant program for states and Indian tribes to develop and support food recovery infrastructure and innovative food distribution models; and a grant program to incentivize state, municipal, local, and tribal governments to establish public-private partnerships that commit to reducing FLW by 50% by 2030. The Office of Food Loss and Waste must also initiate a national FLW education and public awareness campaign.

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 This bill modifies and implements policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which is generally defined as physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was serving in the military. In the case of any veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on MST was incurred or aggravated by active service, the VA must consider (1) a diagnosis of the condition by a mental health professional, (2) a medically proven link between current symptoms and MST, and (3) credible corroborating evidence that MST occurred. The VA may not deny a veteran's claim of compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST without first (1) advising the veteran that nonmilitary evidence and behavioral evidence may constitute credible corroborating evidence, and (2) allowing the veteran an opportunity to furnish the corroborating evidence or advise the VA of potential sources of such evidence. The Veterans Benefits Administration must conduct an annual special focus review on the accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation for disabilities relating to MST. Additionally, the bill (1) expands eligibility for MST counseling and treatment to former members of the reserve components regardless of duty status, and (2) requires various outreach by the VA to inform potentially eligible individuals about MST care.

Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act of 2025

This bill would protect commercial fishing, shipping, and other working waterfront activities from being restricted or displaced by environmental regulations or land-use policies. It likely aims to ensure that ports, harbors, and coastal areas can continue industrial and commercial operations without facing new limitations that could harm fishing communities, maritime workers, and businesses that depend on waterfront access. The legislation reflects a focus on balancing environmental concerns with the economic needs of workers and industries that rely on America's coasts and waterways.