News

Maine Rep. Pingree warns of impacts caused by “Big, Beautiful Bill” during roundtable event

Maine Rep. Pingree warns of impacts caused by “Big, Beautiful Bill” during roundtable event

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Maine Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree called a tax and spending bill backed by the White House “reckless” at a roundtable discussion on Wednesday.

Pingree held the meeting at Planned Parenthood in Portland, which she says could lose funding if the “Big, Beautiful Bill” is passed.

Pingree, who represents Maine’s liberal 1st Congressional District, also said the bill would defund Planned Parenthood and gut Medicaid.

She also says proposed work requirements and other changes to Medicaid would impact vulnerable people.

“They’re going after funding for some of the most vulnerable people and most vulnerable services, to provide funding for some of the wealthiest people in our country,” Pingree said.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 10.3 million people would lose coverage by 2034 if the bill goes through.

Leaders in the Trump administration say too many able-bodied Americans are choosing not to work so they can stay on Medicaid.

The Trump White House has also called the bill “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cement an America First agenda of prosperity, opportunity, and security into law.”

The bill narrowly passed in the U.S. House last week, and heads to the Senate next.

Latest Headlines

16 hours ago in Entertainment

‘Stand by Me’ stars reflect on the movie, Rob Reiner and its return to theaters 40 years later

Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman and Wil Wheaton were already thinking about "Stand by Me" when Rob Reiner died in December. Just a week prior, the trio spent a weekend together attending some screenings of Reiner's beloved coming-of-age film, which was about to turn 40.

16 hours ago in Sports, Trending

March Madness: Here’s one thing you need to know about each of the 16 teams remaining in men’s field

Florida isn't around to defend its title anymore, but all the other top seeds in this year's NCAA Tournament are still around. And many of them are winning convincingly.

16 hours ago in Entertainment

Stephen Colbert and son will co-write a ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie

Stephen Colbert, famous devotee to J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, is co-writing a "Lord of the Rings" movie with his son. Warner Bros. announced early Wednesday that Colbert will script "The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past" along with series veteran Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee, Colbert's son.

2 days ago in Lifestyle

Here’s how to recycle those old laptops, iPhones and earbuds lying around

Many consumers are guilty of filling drawers or closets with old laptops, cellphones, fitness trackers and other electronic devices once they are no longer needed. It's hard to know where to recycle those items, or it seems costly and inconvenient.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

Now a true pop star, Miley Cyrus returns to her ‘Hannah Montana’ roots to fete anniversary special

Sporting that "Hannah Montana" blond hair and bangs, Miley Cyrus went back to her roots — celebrating 20 years of the TV show that launched the career of a real-life pop star.