Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) at a Meeting on Maine Vet Homelessness at Hanaford Hall, USM, Portland, Last Year. Senator Collins Did Not Attend.
“The Department of Veterans Affairs abrupt termination of more than 1,000 employees — without clear justiication or consideration for continuity of care — is a disservice to our nation’s veterans. The progress the VA has made to staff its healthcare facilities over the past four years should be built on not erased. Maine veterans, especially those in rural communities with limited healthcare options rely on Togus for consistent, high-qualilty care. Even a single staffing change can disrupt the entire system, let alone cuts of this magnitude,” said Congresswoman Chellie PIngree (D) in a statement released this morning on the firings at Togus in Augusta.
Congrsswoman Chellie Pingree’s statement continued: “It is unacceptable that Congressional offices continue to learn of such sigificant personnel decisions through news reports and affected constituents — only after the fact. These reckless actions have real consequences for the quality of care veterans’ receive and the Admdinistration’s continued lack of transparency undermines our ability to advocate for them effectively.”
Meanwhile, the normally unemotional Senator Angus King (I-ME) really got his dander up when he appeared on MSNBC cable news early this morning. He admonished his Republican colleagues for not standing up for our Constitution and implored them to stand up to Convicted Felon Trump for his many illegal actions that are hurting our nation. Normally, he is more temperate in his public statements than he was this morning on “Morning Joe.” Maybe the Senator, also an attorney, was inspired by Governor Mills’ statement to CF at the White House recently: “See you in Court.” She also said she would follow the law and the constitution. CF reponded: “I am the law.”
Simultaneously, despite multiple efforts to reach either the DC or Portland offices of Senator Susan Collins (R) for her comment on the firings of 1,000 employees of Togus, in Augusta, this blogger was unable to penetrate the telephone system! In other words, once again the Senator’s two offices were not accepting telephone calls from the public. She must be feeling the heat! Or maybe she’s more inspired by Musk’s money than Governor Mills character! Who cares what she says; it’s how she votes that is an issue for her. She has voted in support of most of CF’s cabinet nominations.
Furthermore, the Senator from Caribou has a long standing reputation for ignoring her constitutions in southern Maine. Her nickname, “No Show Collins” is well-known in the southern part of the state because she only makes private appearances where she is well protected from any accountability from constituents in the state. Her Washington, DC office number is: 202 – 224-2523 and her Portland office number is: 207 – 618-5560 if you want to let her know of your concerns about her votes in support of CF’s cabinet nominations. Or contact her press person Blake Kernen with your concerns.