NEWSLETTER: January 19, 2018
Dear Friends,
On Thursday night, we learned that Donald Trump ordered the firing of Special Counsel Mueller back in June, and only backed down once his own lawyer threatened to quit over the decision. Mr. Mueller must be allowed to continue his investigation without interference from the president or Congress. We have to follow the facts wherever they lead. I am eagerly awaiting the completion of the Special Counsel's report. No one is above the law.
Sending a message to Paul Ryan that short-term funding bills are not a responsible way to run our government
Speaker Paul Ryan and his Republican House have mismanaged the affairs of the greatest country in the world. This is very sad, but it is also dangerous and unfair to the people of New Hampshire. My ‘no’ vote on the continuing resolution was a message to Speaker Ryan and Congressional Republicans that time has run out, and they need to lead or get out of the way.
They have been unable and unwilling to manage government budgets and business, and they can’t even enact spending bills, even though they have a large majority in the House. They missed the September 30th deadline to fund for a year the military and other programs that are essential for the people of New Hampshire. At the time, they requested, and I voted for, a three-month extension to do their job. Instead of doing that, they worked on tax breaks for the wealthiest. Some Members told them that donors had said that if they didn’t pass tax cuts, the donors would stop giving Republicans political contributions.
Then they voted for another CR, to cover December 8th through December 22nd. They failed to get the job done then, so on December 21st, they voted for a third CR, covering December 22nd through January 19th, 2018. Now, they want another extension for 17 days, with no promise from Speaker Ryan that he will even try to address infrastructure, national security, our military, the opioid crisis, funding for community health centers, disaster funding, immigration, or any other pressing issues. Without any sign, even a tiny one, that Speaker Ryan and his team have a plan, I had to vote ‘no’.
Spotlighting the risks of offshore drilling off the coast of New Hampshire
Last Thursday, I convened a roundtable of scientists, experts, and regional stakeholders at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye to discuss the potential consequences of the Trump administration’s decision to open New Hampshire’s shoreline to offshore oil and gas drilling.
On January 4, the administration, without any local input, released new regulations that will open all of New England’s coastline to offshore drilling. Tourism is New Hampshire’s second largest industry, and an oil spill would damage tourism, our local fishing industry, and the many small businesses and restaurants along our beautiful coast. The environmental damage and the financial cost of a cleanup would also be devastating. Fortunately, the governor and the delegation are united in our opposition to this new policy, and it’s important to share information with Granite Staters.
Brian Gennaco, owner of the Virgin Oyster Company, an oyster farm in Great Bay, described the tedious and slow process of growing oysters from tiny seeds to three-inch oysters and how important good water quality is for oyster farmers.
Dr. Erik Chapman, Acting Director of NH Sea Grant, read a statement from New Hampshire Coastal Marine Natural Resources and Environment Commission: “The New Hampshire Coastal Marine Natural Resources and Environment Commission expresses concern over the offshore drilling…”
Earlier last week, Dr. Chapman said this about the impact of offshore drilling: “New Hampshire’s important coastal and marine environments, fisheries, and aquaculture depend on clean waters. Seismic blasting and drilling, as well as transportation of crude oil and drilling equipment, would put those interests at risk.”
Rob Werner, Director of the League of Conservation Voters – NH, urged the audience to speak up and express their opinion during the public comment period.
Peter Shelly of the Conservation Law Center described just a few of the many important reasons why the President’s proposal is a bad idea. He described how the circular current patterns in the Gulf of Maine and the ocean around George’s Bank would mix oil with critical elements of the ocean food pyramid.
Speaking up about proposed cuts to the Office of National Drug Control Policy
The Trump administration’s response to the opioid crisis has been absolutely pathetic, and the decision to cut funding for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) by 95 percent is yet another example of the profound failure of this administration to understand both the devastating nature and the urgency of this crisis. President Trump must reverse this decision and fully fund the ONDCP. Anything else would have a catastrophic impact on all those who are working every single day to turn the tide in this deadly crisis.
Calling for Pease to be included in nationwide health impact study
I joined my colleagues in the delegation in sending a letter to the Defense Department asking it to include Pease Tradeport in the nationwide health impact study created by legislation I wrote with Senator Shaheen. The Pease Tradeport, which formerly served as an Air Force base, has experienced considerable ground and drinking water contamination from PFAS chemicals. In May 2014, the city of Portsmouth closed the Haven well at Pease after the Air Force found levels of PFAS chemicals at 12.5 times higher than what was then the provisional health advisory from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Moreover, state health officials have determined that more than 1,500 people, including children who attended day care centers near the site, have elevated levels of PFAS in their blood from drinking contaminated groundwater near Pease.
In the letter, we described the diligent efforts of town officials and community leaders to work with state and federal governments to mitigate the contamination at Pease and surrounding areas. We believe that the Pease International Tradeport must be included in the health study and urged the agencies responsible implement this study without delay.
Continuing the fight for net neutrality protections
I have cosponsored a resolution to reverse the FCC’s shameful decision to repeal net neutrality protections. We can’t stand by as the FCC and big corporations steal our right to equal access to the Internet. The FCC’s decision will allow Internet service providers to favor big businesses over startups, hurting New Hampshire innovators. It needs to be stopped. The resolution has the support of 50 Senators, just one vote shy of what would be needed to reverse the FCC’s decision using Congressional Review Act procedures.
Repairing North Country roads
The Federal Highway Administration has awarded a $750,000 grant to the Forest Service to repair federal roads in the North Country that were severely damaged by the late October storms. The federal government must ensure that federal roads in New Hampshire are repaired and restored to good condition. I am pleased that the Federal Highway Administration is assisting the Forest Service with this important responsibility. This is just one example of why the federal government needs to be properly funded.
Photo courtesy of US Forest Service
Closing thoughts
Saturday was International Holocaust Remembrance Day, when we honor the victims, survivors, and courageous individuals who fought to rescue and liberate the millions of innocents targeted by the evil Nazi regime. We can never forget Nazi atrocities. We are all morally obligated to speak out against anti-Semitism and acts of hate in our own country and around the globe.
Best Wishes,
Carol Shea-Porter
Member of Congress
Recent Press Releases
- Shea-Porter, Regional Experts, and Stakeholders Spotlight Risks of Offshore Drilling Near New Hampshire
- Shea-Porter Statement on Office of Special Counsel Report on Manchester VA Medical Center
- Shea-Porter Votes ‘no’ on Three-Week Continuing Resolution
- Shea-Porter Statement on Shutdown of Federal Government
- Shea-Porter Statement on Reports of 95 Percent Cut to the Office of National Drug Control Policy
- Shea-Porter, Kuster Back Bill to Strengthen Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries
- Shea-Porter Statement on House Continuing Resolution Vote
- NH Congressional Delegation Announces $750,000 Federal Highway Grant for North Country Roads
- NH Delegation Calls for Pease to Be Included in Nationwide Health Impact Study
ICYMI
NH delegation pushes for Pease inclusion in national health study
Portsmouth Herald // Jeff McMenemy
PORTSMOUTH -- New Hampshire’s congressional delegation sent a letter to top federal officials calling for the Seacoast community to be included in a national health study on people exposed to dangerous chemicals in their drinking water at the former Pease Air Force Base. An amendment drafted by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter established the first-ever PFAS health study, and it was recently signed into law by President Trump as part of the annual defense authorization bill.
Congressional delegation applauds $750,000 for road repairs
Conway Daily Sun // Staff
WASHINGTON — Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and U.S. Reps. Carol Shea-Porter (D-Rochester) and Annie Kuster (D-Hopkinton) announced Thursday that the Federal Highway Administration has awarded a $750,000 grant to the Forest Service to repair federal roads in the North Country that were severely damaged by the late October storms.
