Member of Congress

Susan Collins

Role
Current Senator
State
ME
Party
Republican

Speeches

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20162016-05-16

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Blunt amendment No. 3900 be modified with the changes that are at the desk.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, that allowed us to move forward on the appropriations bill we are now considering. I am very pleased, and I thank the ranking member for working so cooperatively, and I thank all of the sponsors of these amendments for working with us so we can start to make real progress on this appropriations bill.

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MORNING BUSINESS2016-05-16

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

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NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL ASSESSMENT CENTER WEEK2016-05-16

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of and the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 403.

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CONGRATULATING THE HISTORIC COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY ON ITS 100TH YEAR2016-05-16

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Environment and Public Works Committee be discharged from further consideration of and the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 387.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

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ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, MAY 17, 20162016-05-16

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 17; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 2577, with the time until 12:30 p.m. and from 2:15 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. equally divided between the managers or their designees; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the Senate vote on the motions to invoke cloture at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow.

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ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. TOMORROW2016-05-16

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

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ARIEL RIOS FEDERAL BUILDING2016-05-16

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 4957, which was received from the House.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

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TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20162016-05-12

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I call up the Collins-Kirk substitute amendment No. 3896.

Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am pleased to begin the Senate debate on the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. This bill funds many programs that are essential to the American people. Let me begin by thanking the committee chairman, Senator Cochran, and the vice chairwoman, Senator Mikulski, for their leadership in advancing this bill. I also want to pay a special thank-you and acknowledge the hard work and commitment of Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member of the subcommittee. The two of us have worked together so closely in drafting this bill, and we have worked to incorporate the recommendations of more than 70 Senators from both sides of the aisle. This bill targets limited resources to programs that meet our most essential transportation and housing needs. It makes vital investments in our Nation's transportation infrastructure, providing $16.9 billion for the Department of Transportation to support much needed upgrades to our roads, bridges, seaports, railroads, transit systems, and airports. The bill will also provide $39.2 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to meet the housing needs of low-income, disabled, and older Americans, to shelter the homeless, and to create jobs in our communities through economic development programs. I want to underscore for our colleagues that we have met these essential needs in a fiscally responsible manner. Our bill is $827 million below the current enacted funding levels, and $2.9 billion below the President's budget request. We have also ignored gimmicks in the President's budget request that would shift more than $7 billion in transportation programs from discretionary to mandatory spending. The bill before us is critical to meeting the vast needs of our Nation's crumbling infrastructure. The TIGER Program is an example of a valuable program that helps do just that. We provide $525 million for this oversubscribed program, which supports not only much needed infrastructure projects but also helps to create jobs and boost economic development in every one of our home States. The need for the TIGER Program is demonstrated by the statistics. Last year, 625 applicants from all 50 States and territories requested nearly $10 billion in assistance illustrating the need for and the popularity of this vital program. To maintain our Nation's airspace and ensure that it remains the safest in the world, $16.4 billion is provided to the Federal Aviation Administration. Funding is increased to continue to modernize the Nation's air traffic control system, support the research and safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the airspace, and to help improve our Nation's airport infrastructure. Consistent with the FAST Act, which we passed at the end of last year, $44 billion is made available for the Federal-Aid Highway Programs, including the new freight program and the FASTLANE grant for critical freight and highway projects. I also want to highlight several safety-related provisions included in our bill that will enhance the safety of commercial motor carrier vehicles. Regrettably, the Department of Transportation has continued to delay its proposed rule on speed governors which will improve safety on our Nation's roadways by preventing commercial trucks and busdrivers from speeding. Once again, our bill requires the Department to issue the proposed rule expeditiously since the Department has already missed the deadline established in last year's omnibus funding bill by Congress. The growth of autonomous vehicle technologies, or driverless cars, has led the Department to reexamine existing regulations and policies that could affect the safe deployment of these vehicles. Our bill provides additional funding to ensure the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles onto our Nation's roadways and to reduce the cyber security vulnerabilities in their electronics. The bill also builds on the critical infrastructure investments for rail, providing $50 million for railway safety grants to address the serious and troubling problem of rail accidents. Additional funding is provided to help address the substantial backlog of rail infrastructure needing repair. For housing programs, this bill provides sufficient funding to renew all existing rental assistance for section 8, for public housing, elderly, and disabled housing programs. The Appropriations Committee continues to face constraints that required us to make difficult decisions regarding funding at a time when resources are limited under the 2015 budget agreement. Our priority is to ensure that our Nation's most vulnerable individuals and families do not lose assistance that prevents many of them from being at risk of homelessness. Therefore, the bill provides necessary funding to keep pace with the rising cost of housing to these families who might otherwise become homeless. It is important that rental assistance supports those who truly need it. However, we are aware of a recent HUD inspector general report that found that more than 25,000 households had incomes in excess of qualifying limits. We don't have extra money available to pour into households where the individuals don't meet the eligibility requirements. In response to this finding by the IG, we have included language prompting HUD to update its regulations that ensure there is a process in place to identify and transition such households out of public housing when it is appropriate. The transportation-housing appropriations bill faces challenges stemming from these unavoidable increases for rental assistance for low-income families and disabled and elderly individuals. In fact, rental assistance alone consumes more than half of our subcommittee's allocation and is a shocking 84 percent of HUD's budget. That makes funding other important needs difficult. Nevertheless, Senator Reed and I share a passion about reducing and ending homelessness. Therefore, we have included $2.33 billion for homeless assistance grants, and we have also managed to make critical investments to reduce homelessness among our veterans and our youth. To further help homeless young people, we provided $40 million in grants that are targeting this underserved population. Additionally, to better support youth who are exiting the Foster Care Program, the system includes $20 million for family unification vouchers and makes changes to this program to improve its effectiveness. I know many Members share our concern that young people who age out of the Foster Care Program should have--must have--somewhere safe to go. For our Nation's homeless veterans, the bill provides $57 million, including $7 million to serve our Native American veterans living on tribal lands. Despite the administration once again this year proposing to eliminate this program, the subcommittee continues to provide funding, recognizing that while we are making progress--veterans homelessness has decreased by 36 percent since the year 2010--we have yet to reach the goal of ending homelessness among our veterans. As the percentage of homeless veterans continues to decrease, less funding will be needed. Senator Reed played an absolutely essential role in another important issue that we address in this bill; that is, the presence of lead paint in homes, which is of particular concern to families with children under the age of 6. Our bill requires HUD to expeditiously complete its rulemaking to update its lead standards based on the most current CDC guidelines, an action Senator Reed and I requested in a February letter to the HUD Secretary. While this bill helps families in need, it also recognizes the hardships local communities are facing. Boosting local economies is critical to job creation and helping families obtain financial security. Thus, our bill supports local development efforts by providing $3 billion through the Community Development Block Grant Program and $950 million through the HOME Program. These programs support the development of affordable housing and other infrastructure projects, which again promote economic development and lead to job creation in ways that allow local communities to tailor the programs to meet their specific needs. The bill before us does not solve every problem facing our transportation system or our housing program. We simply don't have the money to do that, even if we had a higher allocation in this era of very high debt. This is a fiscally responsible bill, and it is a bill that sets and reflects important priorities. I very much appreciate the opportunity to present this legislation to the Chamber as we begin the debate on the Transportation-HUD appropriations bill. I urge my colleagues to consider the careful balance struck by the compromises and the negotiations our committee worked so hard to achieve. Again, I thank the ranking member for being such an extraordinary partner as we sought to write this very important bill.

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WORK OF THE SENATE2016-05-12

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, before the Senator from Tennessee leaves the floor, I, too, wish to commend him for his excellent stewardship of this highly complex appropriations bill and for the cooperative way in which he worked with the ranking member, Senator Feinstein, and indeed all of the Members, not only those on the Appropriations Committee but the entire Senate. Senator Alexander deserves a great deal of credit. I also commend our leader for making it a priority for us to get the appropriations work done. Never before in recent years have we started the process so early. The Appropriations Committee has completed its hearings, we have marked up several bills, and we are proceeding with floor consideration. This will avoid a situation that I believe all of us really abhor, and that is being faced with voting for repeated continuing resolutions at the end of the fiscal year which lock in last year's priorities and do not reflect this year's priorities, or the bills are bundled together into an omnibus bill that is many thousands of pages long and does not receive the kind of in-depth debate and amendments it deserves. I commend the leader of the Senate for making this a priority and for ensuring that we are all doing our job. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senator from Arizona be permitted to speak in morning business for up to 5 minutes.

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RECOGNIZING HAFSAT ABIOLA, KHANIM LATIF, YOANI SANCHEZ, AND AKANKSHA HAZARI FOR THEIR SELFLESSNESS AND DEDICATION TO THEIR RESPECTIVE CAUSES2016-05-10

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I wish to honor and congratulate the Vital Voices Global Partnership and the 2016 Vital Voices Award recipients. Over the last 15 years, the Vital Voices Global Partnership has trained and mentored more than 14,000 women in 144 countries. Vital Voices equips these women leaders with the management, business development, marketing, and communication skills required to expand their enterprises, provide for their families, and create jobs in their communities. By helping to identify, invest in, and bring visibility to these extraordinary women around the world, Vital Voices is helping to unleash the enormous leadership potential of these women to transform lives and accelerate the pace of peace and prosperity. This year's award recipients include: Hafsat Abiola of Nigeria, founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy that campaigns to end violence against women--Hafsat trains young female leaders and works to increase civic participation; Khanim Latif of Iraq, the director of Asuda--Khanim places her life at risk to provide safe-haven to victims of sexual and gender-based violence, works to protect survivors of domestic violence, and fights threats of honor killings, female genital cutting, and sexual violence; Yoani Sanchez of Cuba, creator of Generacion Y--Yoani created this blog in April 2007 to capture daily life in Cuba in an effort to encourage political change and increase public awareness and engagement; and Akanksha Hazari of India--Akanksha fights to deliver basic necessities such as clean water and electricity to impoverished communities and to empower the underserved in India. Such leaders, through their selfless efforts and advocacy, continue to advance social justice, support democracy, and work to increase stability across the globe. I am pleased to have submitted this resolution, along with my friend and colleague Senator Feinstein, recognizing the 2016 Vital Voices Global Partnership Award recipients and commending them for their efforts to advance economic opportunity, increase political and public leadership, combat violence against women, and empower women to address global instability.

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DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY2016-04-28

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I wish to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the boys and young men who suffer from this devastating disease. Duchenne muscular dystrophy was first brought to my attention 15 years ago, when I met Brian and Alice Denger of Biddeford, ME. The Dengers had two wonderful sons, Matthew and Patrick, who were both born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Patrick, now 19, is a student at the University of New England. He recently received his driver's license and enjoys driving in Maine. His brother Matthew was a 20-year-old student at UNE when he died from the disease about 3 years ago. The Dengers also have a daughter, Rachel, with juvenile diabetes. They are a loving and courageous family whose strength and spirit directly inspired me to become involved in the fight for research funding to combat muscular dystrophy. Brian Denger was the first to tell me of the terrible progression of this type of muscular dystrophy. Symptoms begin in early childhood, and boys quickly experience severe and rapidly progressing muscle degeneration, which often results in their losing the ability to walk. Tragically, most die prematurely as a result of muscle-related cardiac and respiratory problems. In 2001, what really caught my attention was that the treatment options for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were incredibly limited and aimed at managing symptoms in an attempt to optimize quality of life for the limited time that these children would have to share with us. Research had not yielded any meaningful way to extend the lifespan of children suffering from the disease. That is why I joined with the late Senator Paul Wellstone in introducing the MD CARE Act, to raise awareness and expand Federal support for research into this debilitating disease. It was signed into law and last reauthorized in 2014 and has resulted in dramatically improved and standardized clinical care for those with the disease. I have also fought diligently for increased funding for the Duchenne programs at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Today there is some good news for the boys--and now--young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families. A number of therapeutic strategies are currently under development, and we have made dramatic progress to improve the quality and length of life for those who suffer from the disease. In fact, the average lifespan of Duchenne patients has increased by about a decade since the MD CARE Act became law. Given our Nation's wealth of scientific expertise, however, we can and should do more for families like the Dengers. We are making progress, but this is no time to take our foot off the accelerator. The $2 billion increase in funding for NIH that was included in the fiscal year 2016 funding bill will pay dividends for patients and their families. I urge my colleagues to continue to work collaboratively to sustain this commitment to biomedical research, which holds tremendous promise for finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for devastating diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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CALLING FOR RENEWED ATTENTION TO BOKO HARAM2016-04-18

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to bring renewed attention to the continued violence perpetrated by Boko Haram against women and children. It has now been 2 years since the horrific kidnapping of 279 school girls in Nigeria. In the aftermath of this brazen attack, Senator Mikulski and I, joined by the other women in the Senate, strongly advocated for the imposition of sanctions on Boko Haram, and the international community responded by doing just that. We were grateful for Secretary Kerry's swift action to get this done at the United Nations, and Boko Haram is now subject to a complete asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo. In addition, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that I authored to require a comprehensive, 5-year strategy to combat Boko Haram at the end of last year. Next week, I am sending a letter signed by many of the cosponsors of this legislation to our colleagues in the House of Representatives, urging them to take up this important measure. Nevertheless, Boko Haram has continued to wage its relentless war on innocent civilians in Nigeria and throughout the Lake Chad Basin since it declared its allegiance to ISIS last year. More women and more girls have been kidnapped. Although some of the captives have escaped, most are still lost, likely subjected to forced marriages, religious conversions, sexual trafficking, slavery, and possibly forced to carry out suicide bombings on behalf of Boko Haram. According to UNICEF, 39 out of 89 Boko Haram suicide bombings in 2015 were carried out by women, and the number of children involved in suicide bombings increased tenfold in just one year. The fact that children are being used as weapons in Boko Haram's terror campaign speaks to the inhumanity and total disregard for life that is at the core of this terrorist group's perverse ideology. As Boko Haram increasingly relies upon women and children to carry out its attacks, survivors who have lived through such unimaginable ordeals are often met with suspicion when they return to their communities. Such marginalization extends their suffering. In a letter to Nigeria's bishops, Pope Francis wrote: ``Do not grow tired of doing what is right.'' He urged: ``Go forward on the way of peace. Accompany the victims! Come to the aid of the poor! Teach the youth!'' I could not agree more. We must keep fighting to ensure that all Nigerians can live in peace and that young girls everywhere can pursue an education without fear of violence or intimidation.

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RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SUPERINTENDENTS OF U.S. NAVAL SHORE ESTABLISHMENTS2016-04-13

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the contributions of the National Association of Superintendents of U.S. Naval Shore Establishments, NAS NSE, on the occasion of its 100th national convention. Since its founding near the time of World War I, NAS NSE has worked to promote the welfare of its members and increase the efficiency of work at Navy yards and naval stations. The members of NAS NSE encompass diverse trades, including shop superintendents and senior managers from engineering, project management, financial, business office, facilities, base operations, and resource management. Despite their varied backgrounds, these professionals possess a common ability to lead, educate, and manage, as well as a true dedication to the protection of our country. In particular, the NAS NSE chapter at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is committed to ensuring the Navy's submarines are maintained, repaired, and modernized to the highest degree in order to fulfill the Navy's mission of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas. As threats facing our Nation increase and become more complex, the Navy's ability to project power and uniquely provide worldwide presence plays an increasingly critical role in protecting our national security. As such, it is critical that our naval fleet is properly maintained so it can be positioned around the world where and when we need it. NAS NSE members play a vital role in ensuring that our ships are ready to deploy on schedule and in good condition. Over the past 100 conventions, NAS NSE has worked on many important issues, including many shipyard safety and leadership issues. This year, their efforts continue to focus on empowering shipyard workers to be leaders, helping new employees to efficiently achieve proficiency in necessary skills, and developing innovation in the shipyard. Through these and many other initiatives aimed at increasing the safety and abilities of its members, NAS NSE has improved both the lives of shipyard workers and the efficiency of our shipyards. I commend the organization for its commitment to passing on a strong and healthy program of naval maintenance, so that future generations can benefit from a Navy ready to defend our freedoms. It is an honor for me to pay tribute to the National Association of Superintendents of U.S. Naval Shore Establishments as they celebrate 100 years of meeting to work on behalf of our shipyard workers and our naval shipyards.

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AMERICA'S SMALL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF ACT OF 20152016-04-12

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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SENATE RESOLUTION 418--RECOGNIZING HAFSAT ABIOLA, KHANIM LATIF, YOANI SANCHEZ, AND AKANKSHA HAZARI FOR THEIR SELFLESSNESS AND DEDICATION TO THEIR RESPECTIVE CAUSES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES2016-04-12

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise to honor and congratulate the Vital Voices Global Partnership and the 2016 Vital Voices Award recipients: Hafsat Abiola, Khanim Latif, Yoani Sanchez, and Akanksha Hazari. The Vital Voices Global Partnership identifies, invests in, and brings visibility to extraordinary women around the world by unleashing their leadership potential to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity. Vital Voices equips such leaders with the management, business development, marketing, and communications skills required to expand their enterprises, to provide for their families, and create jobs in their communities. Vital Voices seeks to empower these women leaders to create a better world for us all. The Vital Voices Global Partnership has trained and mentored over 14,000 women in 144 countries over the last 15 years, in addition to this year's award recipients Hafsat Abiola of Nigeria, founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, campaigns to end violence against women, trains young female leaders, and works to increase civic participation. Khanim Latif of Iraq, the Director of Asuda, places her life at risk to provide safe haven to victims of sexual and gender- based violence, and fights threats of honor killings and female genital cutting. Yoani Sanchez of Cuba, founder of ``Generacion Y'', created a blog that captures daily life in Cuba in an effort to encourage political change and increase public awareness and engagement; and Akanksha Hazari of India fights to deliver basic necessities such as clean water and electricity to impoverished communities and to empower the underserved in India. Such leaders, supported by the Vital Voices Global Partnership Fund, and through their selfless efforts and advocacy, continue to advance social justice, support democracy, and strengthen the rule of law across the globe. With this in mind, I am pleased to offer this resolution with Senator Feinstein.

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200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF KINGFIELD, MAINE2016-04-11

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the town of Kingfield, ME. Known today as a gateway to the rugged and beautiful Longfellow Mountains, Kingfield was built with a spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today. Kingfield's incorporation on January 24, 1816, was but one milestone on a long journey of progress. For thousands of years, the mountains and river valleys of western Maine were the hunting grounds of the Abenaki Tribe. The reverence the Abenaki had for the natural beauty and resources of the region is upheld by the people of Kingfield today. The town's namesake is a central figure in Maine history. In 1807, merchant and shipbuilder William King and his partners purchased lands in the wilderness and began attracting settlers. In 1820, Maine achieved statehood, and William King, by then a respected statesman and decorated military officer, became its first Governor. The early settlers were drawn by fertile soil, vast forests, and fast-moving waters, which they turned into productive farms and busy mills. Roads and a railway were built, and the wealth produced by hard work and determination was invested in schools and churches to create a true community. Among the earliest settlers was Salomon Stanley, whose descendants became the business, social, and religious leaders of the town. At the dawn of the 20th century, his twin sons Francis Edgar and Freelan Oscar invented the groundbreaking Stanley Steamer automobile and were renowned violin makers. Along with their sister, Chansonetta, they introduced many technological and artistic advancements to the growing field of photography. The Stanley Museum, located in a beautiful century-old Georgian schoolhouse, celebrates the genius of a remarkable family. When industry in Kingfield began to decline in the 1950s, outdoor recreation rose to prominence, driven by the energy, enthusiasm, and vision of the townspeople. Today skiing at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, hiking, golf, and snowmobiling, along with some of the most spectacular scenery of the Appalachian Trail, place Kingfield among America's favorite destinations for the outdoor enthusiast. The decision by Nestle's Poland Spring to open a bottling plant in the town is a testament to the region's pristine environment and diversifying economy. From the valiant service of Colonel William King in the War of 1812 to the conflicts of our time, Kingfield is a town of patriots. It is significant that the town's plans for its yearlong bicentennial celebration include enhancements to the memorials honoring Kingfield veterans. Kingfield is also a town of involved citizens. The active historical society, volunteer fire department, and library are evidence of a strong community spirit. The planning and volunteerism that have gone into the bicentennial festivities are evidence that Kingfield's spirit only grows stronger. This 200th anniversary is not just about something that is measured in calendar years; it is about human accomplishment and an occasion to celebrate the people who, for more than two centuries, have worked together and cared for one another. Thanks to those who came before, Kingfield has a wonderful past. Thanks to those who are there today, Kingfield has a bright future.

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CONGRATULATING LEONARD MINSKY2016-04-11

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, at its 214th commencement on May 14, 2016, the University of Maine at Orono will award an honorary doctorate degree to Leonard Minsky of Bangor. Today I wish to congratulate my dear friend for this recognition and to join people throughout Maine in thanking him for his uncommon generosity, vision, and dedication that have made our university's flagship campus a center for the arts and humanities. A member of the class of 1950, Leonard received an outstanding education at UMaine and has never stopped giving back. His passion for the arts and commitment to the highest expressions of human ideals are evident throughout the beautiful Orono campus. Minsky Recital Hall in the school of performing arts is a marvelous place for students, faculty, and world-class visiting artists to perform. In recent years, I have had the pleasure of hearing the University Singers, which included my niece, perform there. The Minsky Gallery in the Maine Center for the Arts celebrates the visual arts around the world. The Minsky Culture Lab at the Hudson Museum offers interactive, hands-on experiences for Maine schoolchildren and UMaine students. With Leonard's support, the UMaine Museum of Art in downtown Bangor features the best in modern and contemporary art, from Andrew Wyeth to Andy Warhol. Leonard's partner in these endeavors is his partner in life, his extraordinary wife, Renee. Leonard's service has included leadership roles on the university's development council, the Campaign for Maine, and the UMaine Board of Visitors. Renee, one of the first volunteer docents at the Hudson Museum, has held leadership roles on advisory boards for both the Hudson Museum and the Maine Center for the Arts. Both have been active Patrons of the Arts, the UMaine program that supports tours by university performing arts ensembles and that encourages student involvement in the arts through outreach to elementary and secondary schools across Maine. The university's Fogler Library, Maine's largest research library, is home to the Minsky Jewish Heritage Collection. This priceless cultural and historical resource is a gift from Renee and Leonard Minsky, along with his brother, Norman. For several years, I had the good fortune to live just across the street in Bangor from Renee and Leonard Minsky. They were wonderful neighbors. Since that time, I have been blessed with their friendship and inspired by their leadership. Students, faculty, and visitors to the UMaine campus cannot help but feel similarly blessed and inspired. The energy and excitement of the University of Maine's arts and humanities community that Leonard Minsky has helped to create enriches our State today and will do so for generations to come.

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