In her opening remarks before the Department of the Interior hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget request with Secretary Burgum in attendance, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) said this is “more than just a budget.  It is a blueprint for dismantling the mission of the Department of the Interior ——– making it impossible to protect our natural resources and iconic national parks or uphold our commitments to Tribal communities now and for future generations.”

Congresswoman Pingree told Secretary of the Interior Burgum that in just four months, the Department has been destablished and there has been a stunning decline in its ability to meet this mission………”In partnership with Elon Musk’s rogue ‘agency’ DOGE, you illegally canceled grants for conservation, for ecosystem restoration, and other important work.  Over 1,700 probationary employees have been recklessly fired and 7,600 (or 11%) of the Interior workforce have been forced to resign.  These are not just numbers ——- those people are experts and dedicated public servants with decades of programmatic and institutional knowledge that is critically needed to ensure the Department fulfills its mission as a guardian of our public lands.”

“……………..you instituted a hiring freeze and are considering even further reductions in force…………..employees are hamstrung from accomplishing everyday tasks by absurdly limiting credit card expenditures to $1. “………….. even the National Park Service is under attack:  Ahead of peak season, you have gutted staff ———leaving National Parks like Acadia in my home state of Maine understaffed and without the resources needed to keep summer visitors safe and our parks pristine and protected………..”

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee.

“Why do you suppose the ‘Collins Press Herald’ is not reporting this cut by the Trump administration?  Do you suppose the daily newspaper supports these cuts to a rural state?” wonders this blogger.  “Don’t forget that Maine is home to the very popular Acadia National Park – home to moose, bear, whales and seabirds.  It was established in 1916.”