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Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have been at sea for more than 250 days. The sailors are reportedly dealing with poor living conditions, leading to deteriorating mental health. 

The carrier has been positioned in the Middle East, supporting the war effort in Iran. Democratic lawmakers are calling for the Pentagon to investigate conditions aboard the ship.

“For some people, it's going to become more of a crisis than others,” said Minnesota U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.  “We're seeing this reach crisis level with sailors now trying to jump off the ship.” 

McCollum told MPR News host Clay Masters that she and other members of Congress are taking the Pentagon at their word that there’s an increase in counseling and help and that a Pacific-based aircraft carrier, the 

“This is not a partisan issue,'“ said McCollum. “I've spoken to a couple of members that I serve with on the Appropriations Committee and on the committee that does the authorizations for the Department of Defense, and they're very alarmed — Republicans, yes.” 

Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump dismissed reports about the dire conditions aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier.

“For the president, when he was asked a question if the ship's deployment had gone on for too long, he stated, ‘No, it's not gone on nearly long enough’ is an outrageous statement and unfitting for someone who's a commander in chief who should have the well-being for our armed services in the forefront of his mind all the time,” McCollum said, adding, “I was appalled by that statement.”

Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.

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All Things Considered

Clay Masters

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Matthew Alvarez

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MPR News host Clay Masters spoke with Minnesota Democratic U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum about her call to investigate conditions aboard the ship.

Rep. Betty McCollum seeks answers on conditions abroad the USS Abraham Lincoln

A representative listens during a hearing.

Rep. McCollum seeks answers on conditions abroad the USS Abraham Lincoln

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