I called the office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME), who sits on the House Rules Committee, this morning to request that the amendments requiring E-Verify be retained in the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" (H.R. 1). Imagine my surprise when my call was answered by an Australian who told me he was here working as a political intern! While this may be perfectly legal, constituents of Congresswoman Pingree's in the 1st District of Maine may wonder why an Australian is being given--at Maine taxpayer expense--both employment and an education in the United States political process which could have gone to a United States citizen instead. I also wonder how many U.S. citizens are awarded positions as "political interns" within the Australian government?

Congresswoman Pingree takes emails from contituents only at her official website:
http://www.pingree.house.gov/

They and others also may contact her as follows:

Washington, DC Office
Chellie Pingree 1037 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6116
Fax: (202) 225-5590

District Office
Chellie Pingree 57 Exchange Street, Suite 302
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 774-5019
Fax: (207) 871-0720