Pingree Presses Pentagon Officials on Brunswick Commissary/Exchange

Press Release

During a Congressional hearing in Washington today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree told top Pentagon officials that a continued commissary and exchange should remain in Brunswick after the Navy base there closes.

Pingree is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and during a hearing today questioned Robert Gordon, an Undersecretary of Defense who overseas the commissary system.

"Given the significant active duty, reserve and retiree population that continues to serve and reside in the Midcoast Maine area, is the Navy's decision to close these stores really consistent with DoD guidelines," Pingree asked.
When Gordon said the Department of Defense wanted to wait for a GAO report on the Brunswick commissary, Pingree told him it was a mistake to schedule the commissary for closing in the first place.

"I disagree with that decision," Pingree said.

Since taking office in 2009, Pingree has been fighting to keep a commissary and exchange in Brunswick after the Brunswick Naval Air Station closes. Last year Pingree introduced a bill that would keep the commissary open at least until mid September (originally the facilities were scheduled to close next month.) Pingree's proposal was eventually included in a defense appropriations bill that finally passed the House and Senate and was signed by President Obama.

"The entire Maine delegation is united in our effort to keep a commissary and exchange in Brunswick," Pingree said. "It is a benefit that both active duty and retired military personnel deserve."

According to the Defense Department, the average commissary shopper saves over 30% on their grocery bill, which translates into a savings of about $4,400 annually for a family of four.

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