William Keating

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce upon its fiftieth anniversary. The Chamber of Commerce plays an essential role in the Yarmouth community, connecting local businesses and offering visitors an insider's perspective on much of what this beautiful coastal town has to offer. Founded in 1962, the Chamber of Commerce has grown to be comprised of nearly 400 members. From museums and charities to banks, churches, and seaside restaurants, the Chamber represents a diverse array of the organizations that help to give Yarmouth its unique character. Every day, these businesses provide vital services to Yarmouth's year-round residents and to its countless visitors. The many years of hard work by the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce have been essential in developing Yarmouth's vitality, a characteristic that draws so many to this beachside town every year. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, its leaders, and the hundreds of businesses and organizations for their years of service to the town of Yarmouth. I am certain that the Chamber's and its member organizations' futures will be bright.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Brian Rothschild on his receipt of the 2012 Prince Henry Society Award. On October 20, he will be recognized for his contributions to the maritime and fishing industries. Dr. Rothschild has long dedicated his life in pursuit of better science and instruction. He currently serves as Co-Director of the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute at the School for Marine Science and Technology at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. His contributions to the marine fisheries industry extend from studies of population dynamics and biological oceanography to fisheries management and natural resources policy. This is not the first time his expertise has been recognized. In 2004, he received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists and in 2008 he was recognized by The Standard-Times as the ``South Coast Man of the Year.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Dr. Rothschild on his receipt of the 2012 Prince Henry Society Award. We thank him for his role in marine sciences and eagerly anticipate his continued contributions to the field.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Bob Murray for his long and distinguished career helping families on Cape Cod. For the past twenty-five years, Bob has been one of the Cape's strongest advocates for those who are in need of a home. He first became involved with helping the homeless when he was a small business owner and town selectman in Arlington, Massachusetts. Upon his retirement, Bob, like many in Massachusetts, chose to relocate to the Cape. Unlike most, however, his work did not end there. Instead, Bob chose to dedicate himself to helping those who are struggling with homelessness. When he found out that several local families were living in hotels, and threatened with losing even that form of shelter, he went into action, visiting every local pastor in the town of Harwich and raising money to help these families establish new homes. This grassroots initiative quickly grew into the Harwich Ecumenical Council for Housing, or HECH, an organization that has helped countless families since it was officially founded in 1990. Today, HECH's many responsibilities include the management of a portfolio of fifty-eight of its own rental units, one-to-one assistance with homeownership opportunities, and individual counseling. In addition, HECH founded The Children's Center of Harwich, a year-round childcare program that has proven to be an important resource for the area's working families. Bob's compassion for those struggling with homelessness has reached nearly every corner of Cape Cod. In addition to being the president and founder of HECH, Bob was also a founding board member of the Family Pantry of Cape Cod, an organization that has provided food and clothing to those in need for nearly twenty-three years. He also founded the Falmouth Service Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts, a one-stop organization that provides housing opportunities, clothing, and community resources to local families. Nonprofits nationwide now turn to Bob for consulting, as his story is seen as a model of what can be accomplished when one is truly dedicated to helping others. Residents of Cape Cod's shoreline know Bob as the man who loves to raise awareness for a good cause. For the past twenty years, Bob has organized the annual Housing with Love Walk on Cape Cod, leading others as they walk along the coast from Provincetown to Sandwich in order to raise awareness for the issues faced by the homeless. This year, Bob's organizations joined forces with several other local nonprofits, and over a quarter of a million dollars was raised for those in need. Known as an ``entrepreneur with a deep heart,'' Bob is well-loved by his friends and coworkers. He continues to work tirelessly with his wife, Judy, in ensuring that no family on Cape Cod faces the incredible hardship of homelessness. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Bob Murray for his extraordinary career in helping others. I am proud to call him my friend and I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring all that he has done for the families of Cape Cod.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pocasset Community Club upon its centennial anniversary. The Pocasset Community Club traces its roots to seventeen women who lived in the region over a century ago. Together, they formed a club to promote scholarly exchanges amongst themselves. These women had wanderlust for travel but had neither the economic means nor the opportunity to see the world. So, they decided to do the second best thing, and named their group ``The Travelers Club.'' The members would take turns presenting a report of a travel experience they would like to have, and would then discuss these destinations and the journeys necessary to get there. Before long, the club became quite popular in Pocasset, and it was no longer possible to meet in members' homes. The Travelers Club created a fund to erect their own building, starting the fund with just $25.90. By 1912, enough money had been saved, and the first Travelers Club meeting was held in the group's new building on October 3rd of that year. In 1948, ownership of the building was transferred to a group of town residents who renamed it as the Pocasset Community Club. As more and more families moved to the area, the Club's popularity grew quickly. Saturday night dinners, dances for the local teenagers, and family movie nights ensured that the Club was a popular spot for the people of Pocasset. Travelers Club meetings continued to thrive, and other groups found their home in the building as well. Today, the Pocasset Village Association ensures that the original mission of the Community Club remains in place. The building continues to be a beloved location for the town, hosting Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts meetings, 4H events, and countless other town proceedings. The Pocasset community will celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of its Community Club building by honoring the original founders of the Travelers Club, a group of courageous women who were certainly ahead of their time in establishing their own organization when women's suffrage was over a decade away. The many groups who have since then kept the Community Club an active location in Pocasset will also be remembered during this celebration. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Pocasset Community Club upon its centennial anniversary, as well as the countless men and women whose work has made the Club a central fixture in the Pocasset community. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring these outstanding organizations.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Margaret Burns, a resident of my district in Pocasset, Massachusetts, as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Margaret was born on September 29, 1912 in Braintree, Massachusetts. After finishing high school she went on to work at Armstrong Cork Flooring, now World Industries, as a secretary. In 1953, Margaret, met the love of her life, Garrett Burns. Together they have raised two children, Tom and Carol, who gave them six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Margaret considers herself lucky for having been ``happily married for nearly sixty years.'' Some of her most memorable moments were with her husband at the Beacon Inn in New Hampshire where they would go for weekends. In addition to spending time with her husband, Margaret was always involved with her children. She was a devoted attendee of Parent- Teacher Association meetings when her children were young. Today, she loves to cook for her many family gatherings, she enjoys weaving rugs, and she looks forward to the many bridge games she plays with her friends. Margaret does not attribute her longevity to any one thing except her overall happiness. She makes sure to mention that her successful marriage has helped her to live a long and content life. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Margaret Burns on this joyous occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of happiness and health.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of the Quincy District Courthouse as the Francis X. Bellotti Courthouse. Francis X. Bellotti is known for his more than sixty years of public service in the state of Massachusetts, and it is highly fitting that we dedicate the Quincy District Courthouse in his honor, as his long career began here. After graduating from Boston College Law School and passing the bar exam in 1952, Mr. Bellotti opened up his own law practice not too far from the courthouse that is now to be named for him. For the next ten years, Mr. Bellotti spent countless hours in that very courthouse, appearing hundreds of times for both civil and criminal cases. In 1962, this career of public service brought Mr. Bellotti from the courthouse to the State House when he was elected lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In his later role as Attorney General of Massachusetts, Mr. Bellotti was well-loved by his many employees, and he received national praise and recognition for the changes that he brought to his office. In particular, Mr. Bellotti implemented a new merit-based hiring system, which soon became the model for countless other prosecutors throughout the nation. This innovation led the National Association of Attorneys General to award Mr. Bellotti with the Louis C. Wyman Award, and for the association's Consumer Protection Committee to elect him as their chairman in 1984. Throughout his career, Mr. Bellotti has continuously proven himself to be a skilled attorney and a dedicated public servant for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He remains a celebrated public figure in our state's recent history, and I can think of no better way to honor a man who has given so much to Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the dedication of the Quincy District Courthouse in honor of Francis X. Bellotti. He is an extraordinary member of the Massachusetts community and his years of public service are an inspiration to us all. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing this dedication, and in congratulating Mr. Bellotti for his many years of service.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 300th anniversary of Pembroke, Massachusetts, a scenic and vibrant town in southeastern Massachusetts. Native American tribes had wintered along the North River in modern day Pembroke and had called the region home for many generations by the time the area saw its first European settlers. These settlers, Englishmen Robert Barker and Dolor Davis, established their homes in the area of Herring Brook in 1650. The town of Pembroke was later incorporated in the year 1712. This small town is known for its plentiful timber, water, and fish. In fact, the herring found in the town's ponds, streams and marshes were prized so much that in 1741 Pembroke began regulating the fishing of its waters. Herring are celebrated in Pembroke every year at the town's annual ``Grande Old Fish Fry.'' It is also home to rich woodland, providing timber for both residential and industrial use, and is especially known for its shipbuilding. The five shipyards off the shores of the North River produced over one thousand ships between 1678 and 1871, including the Beaver, one of the ships used in the Boston Tea Party. Other notable ships that came out of these historic shipyards were the Columbia, the Bedford and the Maria. The Columbia, for which Columbia River is named, was the first ship to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. The Bedford was the first ship to sail into British waters with the American flag proudly hoisted upon its jack staff, while the Maria is depicted on the Pembroke town seal. Throughout its storied history, the town of Pembroke has also been home to other industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. In the early 1900s, cranberry growers and poultry farmers became well established in the town. There were also rubber works, shoe box manufacturing companies and crate constructing companies located in Pembroke throughout the early 20th century. Today, however, this South Shore town has grown into to a bustling suburban community that still maintains its rural charm, continuing to attract vacationers to its picturesque landscape. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the town of Pembroke and the entire Pembroke community on the celebration of their 300th anniversary. May this beautiful Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee as the organization celebrates its twenty- fifth year of service. The Canoe River Advisory Committee, otherwise known as CRAAC, is comprised of representatives from the Massachusetts towns of Foxborough, Sharon, Mansfield, Easton, and Norton. Its many duties include educating the public about the benefits of preserving the beautiful Canoe River Aquifer, a wetland region that flows for nearly sixteen miles through these five towns, as well as emphasizing the importance of protecting the delicate ecosystem that is found within the region. Since CRAAC was formally created by the Massachusetts State Legislature in October of 1987, nearly forty individuals have served on the committee, ranging from town selectmen to local residents who care deeply about their local environment. Currently, each town sends three appointed members to the Committee, and these individuals work diligently to ensure that the aquifer--which provides the five towns with approximately half of their water supplies--remains viable and well-cared for. As this region has been declared an Area of Critical Environmental Concern by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and designated as a Sole Source Aquifer by the federal government, the work that this committee does to ensure its protection is essential. Today, the work that CRAAC does to protect the Canoe River Aquifer ranges from advising municipal officials and residents on developmental impacts and conservation practices to sponsoring educational conferences and meetings. The committee is highly regarded by the people of Massachusetts, and it is seen as a statewide model for a volunteer-run regional environmental entity. I have witnessed CRAAC's success over the years, and I am confident that the committee will continue to serve as an example of what can be done at the local level to preserve the unique landscapes of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great joy to recognize the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee. I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking its members for all that they have done for their local environment, and in congratulating the Committee for twenty-five successful years of service.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my support for the wind production tax credit and the investment tax credit for offshore wind. The production tax credit has encouraged nearly $20 billion in nationwide private investment annually over the last 5 years, while the ITC serves as the most fundamental Federal tax incentive for offshore wind development. As we promote investments that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and serve as a central part in our fight against climate change, it's essential to remember the spillover of job creation and specialized expertise that will follow. In Massachusetts, we've witnessed firsthand the critical economic development opportunities of renewable energy projects provided to our States. Our region has undergone an economic regeneration with the development of Cape Wind, the Nation's first offshore wind fund. From the Port of New Bedford, which will serve as the staging area for turbine assembly, to the ferry captains who will provide eco-tours of the turbines, few communities will not be benefited by this. Massachusetts is already recognized as one of the top three States for clean energy. We're home to nearly 5,000 individual clean energy companies, and nearly 2 percent of all Massachusetts jobs are now in this field. It's important, as we go forward, that we not let this void occur, and we fill it with jobs made in America.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated public servant from Nantucket, Massachusetts. This year, John Buckey was honored as the Massachusetts High School Principal of the Year. A lifelong learner himself, John received his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Asbury College and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education Leadership at Northeastern University. Sixteen years ago, John began his career in education as a Spanish teacher and Chair of the World Language Department at the Lexington School in Lexington, Kentucky. From there, he pursued a Master of Education from Harvard University and began his first--of many--administrative assignments serving as Assistant Principal and then Principal of Littleton High School in Littleton, Massachusetts. Four years ago, he took over as Principal of Nantucket High School during one of the most difficult periods in the high school's history. It was his leadership, along with the help of the school and greater community that Nantucket High School has achieved tremendous growth over this period. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Principal John Buckey on this joyous occasion. He is an extraordinary member of our community and I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating him for this prestigious award.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gosnold on Cape Cod as the facility celebrates its fortieth year of service to southeastern Massachusetts. Gosnold on Cape Cod is the largest provider of addiction and mental health services on the Cape and has been helping individuals on the road to recovery since 1972. It has grown since its founding, when it was originally known as the Pocasset Detox Center, and has continuously expanded throughout the years in order to better serve its patients. Two years after it first opened its doors, Gosnold incorporated one of the first residential treatment programs in the country designed exclusively for women, and expanded again in 1996 to treat individuals with mental and emotional disorders in addition to individuals suffering from addiction. Gosnold has been recognized nationally for its excellence as it has grown. In 1987, Forbes Magazine recognized Gosnold as one of the twelve leading substance abuse treatment programs in the country, and in 1995, the Emerson House Pregnancy Program, Gosnold's residential treatment center for pregnant women and women with children, was selected to be featured on ABC's Nightline. Recently, the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association named Gosnold as the 2010-2011 Mental Health Agency of the Year. These are all such fitting accolades for a center whose employees have worked tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the treatment they need, along with the compassion they deserve. Focusing on individualized treatment as well as group therapy, twelve-step principles, family involvement, and continuing care, the specialists at the Gosnold center understand that addiction is a chronic disease requiring lifelong management. Gosnold's mission--to excel in addiction and mental health treatment, to serve men, women, and families affected by these illnesses, and to promote lasting recovery--has guided the center since its inception. Surrounded by the restorative and calming qualities of the Cape Cod shoreline, Gosnold has allowed those affected by addiction and mental illness to find peace and stability after turmoil. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to honor Gosnold on Cape Cod as it celebrates its fortieth year of service to its patients and to Massachusetts. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the center for its steadfast leadership in the treatment of addiction, and for its dedication to the patients it serves.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I along with my colleague, Mr. Neal, rise today to recognize Mrs. Helen Fressola on her ninetieth birthday. Born Helen Haluszka on September 14, 1922, Helen has experienced much throughout her ninety years. Raised in Chicopee as one of three siblings, Helen grew up in Western Massachusetts and also often spent time in Cape Cod, which she considered her second home. Helen began work as a branch manager for Springfield Institution Savings Bank as a young woman, and remained there until her retirement. She also worked as a real estate agent for many years, helping families throughout Massachusetts to find the right home. In her spare time, Helen enjoyed ``flipping'' houses--the act of purchasing, remodeling, and then selling old homes--and eventually, she expanded this hobby to include restaurants as well. The many homes and restaurants that she renovated remain scattered throughout western Massachusetts and Connecticut. Today, Helen's life is dominated by her love of the ocean, and she is an active member of the Hyannis Yacht Club. She has been interested in politics for decades, and recalls attending events on the Cape that were hosted by members of the Kennedy family. She attributes her longevity to staying young at heart, a way of life that Helen has personified. Even at ninety, she enjoys going out to dinner with her friends and visiting her favorite casino, and she still insists on driving herself to every social occasion that she attends. Helen spends much of her time with her ever-expanding family in Massachusetts. She is the proud mother of son Alfred and daughter Carol, grandmother of Joan, and great-grandmother of Shyloe. Mr. Speaker, we are proud to honor Helen Fressola as she celebrates the joyous occasion of her ninetieth birthday. She is an extraordinary member of our community and her positive spirit is an inspiration to us all. We ask that our colleagues join us in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first annual Stand Down event at Cape Cod Academy. On August 11, 2012, at its Stand Down event, Cape Cod Academy in Osterville will open its doors to local veterans and will provide these men and women with a variety of services and support. The term ``stand down'' originated as a military term, designating that a combat unit was temporarily moved away from the front lines for rest and rehabilitation. The tradition of hosting service-oriented events for veterans, and giving them the ``Stand Down'' name, originated in the United States after the Civil War, when returning soldiers were offered food and medical treatment in the towns they passed on their long journeys home. Modern Stand Down events have evolved as an opportunity to provide needed services to local veterans. The Stand Down event at Cape Cod Academy will provide services--such as general health screenings and dental care, benefits assistance, registry of motor vehicles services, the availability of clergy, and free clothing and hygiene items--in a safe and welcoming environment. Most of the volunteers at this event will be Cape Cod Academy students. It is truly admirable that these young people are ready and willing to give their time on a Saturday afternoon to honor our local veterans. As more than thirty thousand veterans call Cape Cod home, it is crucial that we offer assistance to the men and women who have served our nation. Cape Cod Academy, its students, and its faculty have truly done the community a great service by planning and hosting this event. I look forward to seeing the Academy's success as it continues this newly-annual tradition in the future. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize the first annual Stand Down event at Cape Cod Academy. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the students and faculty who have worked to bring this event to life, and the importance that this event will have to the Cape Cod community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Against the Tide, a competitive race benefitting the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, MBCC, an organization dedicated to ending breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and second leading cause of death for women. Studies estimate that in 2012, breast cancer will claim the lives of over 39,000 women in the United States. Statistics also show that approximately 1 in 8 women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. The citizens of my home state of Massachusetts have been severely impacted by breast cancer. Our state has the highest incident rate of breast cancer in the United States, affecting 139.5 per 100,000 women in Massachusetts, as compared to a national average of 121.9 per 100,000 women. Additionally, the highest incident rates of breast cancer are within the counties of Dukes, Nantucket and Barnstable, which are all located in my district. The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, the MBCC, was founded in 1991 to combat breast cancer. The organization challenges the commercialization and exploitation of breast cancer by corporations which stand to profit from the disease and those companies whose products contain carcinogens linked to breast cancer. Its mission to combat cancer through prevention has led the MBCC to advocate the investigation of environmental links to breast cancer, to dispel misconceptions about the realities of breast cancer, and to reject the concept of breast cancer as a chronic disease. Through the funds raised by the Against the Tide race, the MBCC has been able to continue its cause to combat breast cancer. 2012 is the twentieth consecutive year the MBCC will hold this popular race, which unites people of all ages and backgrounds in a common fight against breast cancer. Mr. Speaker, please join me in applauding the efforts of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition to fight this devastating epidemic and wish them the best of luck for a successful race.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the arrival of a delegation from Shichigahama, Japan, in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This August, the Town of Plymouth will be welcoming individuals from its sister city, the Town of Shichigahama in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, for a week-long stay. This visit is particularly special to the people of the two towns, as it is the first opportunity that they have had to reconnect since the devastating earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Shichigahama's community and surrounding region in 2011. For nearly twenty-two years, Plymouth and Shichigahama have shared this unique status as sister cities, an appropriate relationship as the two cities have many commonalities. They both are coastal towns that are surrounded by beautiful scenery with similar industries and population statistics. The people of Plymouth and Shichigahama have long taken in each others' high school students on exchange trips, and they have supported each other during times of tragedy. In particular, the Town of Plymouth organized a number of fundraising events in order to aid Shichigahama following the 2011 tsunami. The deep bond that these two towns share is a prime example of how distance, variance in language, and cultural differences can all be overcome in the interest of shared human experience and unity. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great joy to recognize the arrival of a delegation from Shichigahama, Japan, to its sister city of Plymouth. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the significance of this visit, in welcoming our friends from Plymouth's sister city to the United States, and in wishing the delegation a pleasant stay.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Pinkham and Mark Flaherty, the two honorees at this year's ``Thanks Labor'' Day Cookout in Lakeville, Massachusetts. Mr. Pinkham and Mr. Flaherty are the President and Secretary/ Treasurer, respectively, of the Plymouth-Bristol Central Labor Council, which represents union members living and working in Plymouth and Bristol County in Massachusetts. It is not an overstatement to say that they have dedicated their lives to protecting the rights of workers and ensuring that the hardworking people of Plymouth and Bristol County are adequately represented in their unions. Mr. Pinkham is a lifelong member of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 369 and a former Boston Edison employee. Mr. Flaherty is a member of the Boston and Carmen's Union and has been involved with union activities throughout his tenure as an MBTA employee. As leaders of the Plymouth-Bristol Central Labor Council, Mr. Pinkham and Mr. Flaherty represent nurses, teachers, electrical utility workers, law enforcement and public safety personnel, construction workers, public sector employees, and other working men and women of Massachusetts. Throughout their careers as union representatives, they have worked with companies to bring more jobs to the state, ensuring that the jobs brought are ones that come with fair wages and working conditions. They have also walked picket lines, worked voter registration tables, and organized educational campaigns, all civic activities with great importance for our communities. Their efforts strengthen Massachusetts' economy and workforce, and they are an essential part of the Commonwealth's effort to make the state a better place to live and work. Labor union representatives play a critical role in Massachusetts, ensuring that wages and benefits are fair and that working conditions are safe for the hardworking individuals who drive our economy. Our sincere recognition is due to the men and women who ensure that these unions run smoothly and successfully, as they often remain unsung heroes in our society. As longtime advocates of the workers of southeastern Massachusetts, Mr. Pinkham and Mr. Flaherty are highly deserving of the honor that is being bestowed upon them. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize Jim Pinkham and Mark Flaherty, this year's honorees at the ``Thanks Labor'' Day Cookout. I am proud to call them friends and I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing these two individuals who have worked so hard to represent the workers of southeastern Massachusetts.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 125th annual meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, a professional organization representing over 330 cranberry growers throughout Massachusetts. Established in 1888 to standardize the 100 pound barrel, the measure with which cranberries are sold, the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, CCCGA, is one of the oldest farmer organizations in the country. Since its creation, the CCCGA has stayed true to its original goal--to support and promote the interests of Massachusetts cranberry growers. To execute its mission, the CCCGA's professional staff continuously sponsors professional development seminars for growers, assists growers in regulatory compliance, provides resources for environmental sustainability, and supports community and professional outreach activities. Through investments of over $500,000 dollars in studies and research efforts to improve the efficiency of cranberry farmers as well as to promote environmentally compatible farming techniques, the CCCGA promotes the sustainable success of the Massachusetts cranberry grower. Cranberries are synonymous with Massachusetts and the significance of the Commonwealth's cranberry industry is illustrated by the revenues generated in 2012, which exceeded $120 million and the roughly 5,000 workers employed in the industry. In addition to supporting large, commercial enterprises, the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association provides assistance to small, family owned and operated businesses. Approximately seventy percent of CCCGA businesses are family owned and operated, and some have been continuously run by the same family for as many as five generations. The importance of the resources provided to sustain the success of such hard-working growers cannot be overstated. Through its continued support, the CCCGA is working to ensure that Massachusetts cranberry farmers can adapt to environmental changes, that they survive urbanization, and that they continue to experience success and growth into the future. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 125th annual meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association. May the CCCGA continue to fulfill its mission and be a strong, viable supporter of Massachusetts cranberry growers.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the opening of the new Veterans Outreach Clinic in Plymouth. Our veterans in the South Shore of Massachusetts have long been calling for a local veterans' medical center of their own. After many years of working toward achieving this goal, the Department of Veterans Affairs' regional office in Boston was proud to announce that they would be opening a new Veterans Outreach Clinic in the Town of Plymouth. For the first time, veterans in the Plymouth area will no longer need to travel to Cape Cod, Brockton, or Boston in order to receive care. In particular, this new addition to the VA Boston Healthcare system will make a tremendous difference to those unable to seek medical care due to limited mobility or transportation resources. As approximately 40,000 veterans live in Plymouth County alone, the new Veterans Outreach Clinic will go a long way towards providing the quality care that our veterans deserve without overburdening them with long travel. When the Veterans Outreach Clinic opens next spring, it will already have the capacity to care for up to six hundred patients. A doctor, a nurse, an LPN, and a medical assistant will be on hand five days a week to treat veterans and to assist them with the various challenges that they may face. It is essential that we do not forget the sacrifices that our veteran population has made for our country. We must continue to care for these men and women once they return home, and ensuring access to medical services is a necessary facet of the long-term care that our veterans deserve. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize the opening of the new Veterans Outreach Clinic in Plymouth. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of this new facility, and of the valuable role that it will play in the lives of many local veterans.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the rededication of American Legion Post 40 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, honoring PFC Edward Ribiero. In the spring of 2010, heavy rains caused Little West Pond in Plymouth, Massachusetts to overflow, flooding American Legion Post 40. The flooding occurred not long after renovations had been completed on the Post and caused damage. The damage was so extensive that the entire building needed to be demolished. The Post's members began construction on a new, larger building in the hope of funding some construction costs by renting out their function room and gaining new members. Even when faced with such adversity and loss, the members of American Legion Post 40 persevered. They remained committed to pushing forward the reconstruction of a new building, and did not falter. Such determination is a testament to the character and integrity of the men and women who have defended our nation both past and present, and to Post members who undertook this project. The role of American Legion Posts cannot be understated. They remain sacred places for our veterans, playing a vital role in helping reintegrate our servicemen and women into society, especially those recently returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. That is why the rebuilding of American Legion Post 40 is such a great accomplishment. The members of the Post realized the important need for veterans to have a support community and they remained committed to ensuring that Plymouth had that in the new Post. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the members of American Legion Post 40 for their hard work and determination. I am certain Post 40 will serve the community for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. I would like to thank Congressman Rahall for organizing this morning-hour on prescription drug abuse. I would also like to thank Chairman Rogers for his work as well as Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, Congressman Steve Lynch, and all Members with the Prescription Drug Abuse Caucus. Prescription drug abuse is defined now as an epidemic in this country, and the cost of this epidemic is more than $70 billion a year. This is by no means just a criminal issue, and that's where the stigma sometimes makes this issue more difficult. It is, indeed, a public health issue, and for this reason Congress needs to step in. Painkillers account for the country's fastest growing area of drug abuse, which is ahead of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Throughout my 12-year career as a Norfolk County district attorney in Massachusetts, the susceptibility of new users, particularly of teenagers, to these drugs has been a recurring theme. As district attorney, I have seen in concrete terms that this scourge goes across every social and economic boundary that exists. I have seen law enforcement officials, while on duty and who were involved in automobile accidents, take these painkillers, become addicted and actually go out with their guns and rob--armed robbery-- banks and other institutions in order to just try and feed their habits. I've seen real estate professionals get involved and go to open houses just to search medicine cabinets in order to fulfill their habits. I have also seen young people begin addictions and abuses of prescription drugs from their families' medicine cabinets, finding that later on they cannot afford their habits, and move to a cheaper, purer form of heroin. I've seen the public health effects of this as well. I've seen the HIV disease spread to people. I've seen 14-year-old girls with hepatitis C as a result of trying to deal with this scourge that is an epidemic around our country. In Massachusetts alone, 1.7 people every day die of an opiate- derivative overdose. In 2010, the National Institute of Drug Abuse showed that 2.7 percent of eighth-graders, 7.7 percent of 10th-graders, and 8 percent of 12th-graders abused Vicodin. Over 2 percent of eighth- graders, almost 5 percent of 10th-graders, and over 5 percent of 12th- graders abused OxyContin for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to that survey. This is why I've introduced the Stop Tampering of Prescription Pills Act, the STOPP Act of 2012, with Chairman Rogers, Congresswoman Bono Mack, and my other colleagues. Currently, tamper-resistant mechanisms are in use for some drugs, but this bill is the first of its kind Federal legislation to put a clear pathway for others to come to market. The process outlined in the bill applies both to brand name and generic drugs, both to time-release and to immediate-release pills. Initially, we will incentivize the use of these tamper-resistant processes. Then, in time, they'll be required. This bill is not a silver bullet by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a very important piece in preventing new users from abusing painkillers and safeguarding against overdose. Just as seatbelts and airbags in cars cannot prevent all car accidents, tamper-resistant formulations will not prevent all instances of drug abuse, but it is a necessary tool in protecting vulnerable populations like the adolescents I have spoken about. With this bill, we're also preparing for the potential onslaught of pure hydrocodone pills. These are currently being developed, and without proper physical and pharmaceutical barriers in place to prevent the tampering of these painkillers, this potential advent of pure hydrocodone will dramatically increase the already alarming rates of abuse and addiction. The bill would mandate the tamper resistance of these pills, as well as many others. These pills provide great relief for many Americans in terms of extreme pain, but we must do something about another type of pain, a terminal pain, a pain that family members and loved ones feel when they have lost someone to the disease that results in this type of addiction. I encourage all my colleagues in the House to cosponsor H.R. 6160, and further encourage the development of these tamper-resistant mechanisms. It's not a silver bullet, but it's an important first step.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. I don't have a lot of time to watch television these days. But I think most of us have seen on television a commercial comes up time and time again. It's a commercial with beautiful coastal scenes in it, telling people, Come to Louisiana, Come to Mississippi, Come to Florida, Come to the coast. And I looked at that. And I said, That's great marketing. At the end of the commercial, I was surprised to see it was sponsored by BP. Now why was that sponsored by BP? It was sponsored by BP because of Deepwater Horizon and the damage that that did. And this bill is just another attempt at giving Big Oil a handout, putting oil companies and their profits above both the American taxpayers and American treasures. Now my district includes the south shore of Massachusetts, the Cape, the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket and the south coast. We're a maritime community, one that respects the ocean and one that has prospered from its resources. This bill would threaten our shores, our marine life, and the industries that rely upon them by opening up the waters of the east coast from Maine to South Carolina for quote-unquote ``required oil and gases.'' Now I ask my colleagues, is this necessary? Why put hundreds of miles of ocean waters and the livelihoods of our fishing and tourism industries at risk when our Nation's oil imports are already down to their lowest level in nearly two decades, and production is up? Now in the spirit of compromise, I would like to offer a suggestion that will help the oil companies increase their profits. And that would be this: Let's defeat this bill, and the oil companies won't have to spend all that money paying for TV commercials to lure people to areas that are our Nation's treasures because they've been damaged.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum on its twentieth anniversary. For the past two decades, the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum has been providing Cape Cod residents and visitors with a glimpse into the life that President Kennedy and his family led on the Cape. Founded in 1992 by the Hyannis Chamber of Commerce, the Museum has since served as a favorite Main Street destination in the town, showcasing rare photographs and family artifacts that reflect the laid-back summer vacations enjoyed by the Kennedys on the beaches of Hyannis. Guests of the museum are greeted with a bronze statue of the President just outside the main entrance, pensively walking along a sandy beach, which calls to mind the President once saying that ``the Cape is the one place I can think and be alone.'' Once inside, the main gallery houses photos from family albums and clips from home movies. These images, of the Kennedys relaxing on the beach and enjoying time with their friends, could come from the album of any American family. Even though the Kennedys' other home was the White House at the time that many of these pictures were taken, the Kennedy Hyannis Museum's display accurately portrays the truly down-to-earth family that the Kennedys were. The Museum is also famous in the Hyannis area for hosting many special exhibits and lecture series. The now-sold-out series, Mrs. Kennedy and Me, opened this past June, and details what it was like to be a secret service agent during the Kennedy presidency. Jackie Kennedy--Life on Cape Cod is another special exhibit that the Museum launched this summer, achieving great critical success. As the Museum showcases such an important aspect of our local and national history, it continues to thrive, and it remains a celebrated destination in downtown Hyannis. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum on its twentieth anniversary. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Museum for its many years of success, and in applauding it for preserving this important era of Cape Cod's history.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Daniel Burbank of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, on his successful completion of Expedition 29/30 to the International Space Station (ISS). Captain Burbank has a long and distinguished career in service to our nation. He received his commission from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1985 and served with the Coast Guard until 1996, when he was recognized for his elite abilities and selected by NASA for its space program. Following several years of training, he flew on a twelve-day mission on the Space Shuttle Atlantis in September 2000, during which he and his fellow astronauts successfully prepared the ISS for the arrival of its first permanent crew. Captain Burbank again flew to the International Space Station on Atlantis in September of 2006, this time assisting in the installment of new solar arrays to provide the ISS with one quarter of the station's electrical power, and performing unprecedented robotics activity using the Shuttle and ISS robotic arms. His third and most recent venture to the International Space Station launched on November 13, 2011. After 165 days in space, of which 163 days were spent in research, Captain Burbank safely and successfully returned home this past May. As a result of his outstanding service, Captain Burbank has been the recipient of several awards and special honors. In particular, he has received a NASA Exceptional Service Medal, two NASA Space Flight Medals, two Defense Superior Service medals, and two Coast Guard Commendation Medals. He was also awarded the Orville Wright Achievement Award by the Order of Daedalians as the top naval flight training graduate during the period of January 1 to June 30, 1988, as well as that year's Texas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Achievement Award as the top Coast Guard Graduate on flight training. Such a long list of awards and accolades certainly are indicative of the level of service that Captain Burbank has given to our nation. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Captain Daniel Burbank on the completion of Expedition 29/30 to the International Space Station, as well as for his long and outstanding career of service. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating him on his successful flight, in applauding his noteworthy career, and in welcoming him home.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Steven Patrick Moynihan for being awarded a James Madison Fellowship. This extremely competitive fellowship is directed toward current and prospective teachers of American history and civic studies, and it supports such individuals as they study the principles of the Constitution of the United States. Founded by Congress in 1986 and named in honor of the fourth president of the United States--the credited ``Father of our Constitution and Bill of Rights,'' the award aims to recognize distinguished teachers and to strengthen their knowledge of the origins and progression of American constitutional governance. This year, only 58 fellowships were awarded and Mr. Moynihan, a teacher at Barnstable High School in Hyannis, Massachusetts, was selected for one among the applicants from across the nation. The James Madison Fellowship will fund up to $24,000 of Mr. Moynihan's course of study toward an advanced degree. Mr. Speaker, it always brings me great pride to honor a dedicated and deserving teacher, such as Steven Patrick Moynihan. I congratulate him for being awarded a James Madison Fellowship and urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of this award and of Mr. Moynihan's service to the students of Barnstable.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 175th birthday of The Patriot Ledger, the long-standing newspaper of record for Massachusetts' South Shore communities. Headquartered and published in Quincy since its inception, The Patriot Ledger is one of Massachusetts' oldest local daily newspapers and serves twenty-six communities on the South Shore with approximately 55,000 residents in its circulation. Founded on January 7, 1837, the paper was originally known as the Quincy Patriot and was once the hometown newspaper of President John Quincy Adams. When Adams was serving in the House of Representatives following his presidency, he frequently wrote letters to the editor regarding the many issues that the House was facing at the time, such as the abolishment of slavery, the admission of Texas as a state, and the heated debates that Members of Congress often had with one another. The Patriot Ledger has served as a trusted chronicler of local and national news ever since, and it continues to be one of the region's most popular daily papers. In addition to providing important and reliable news to the South Shore every day, The Patriot Ledger has frequently been at the forefront of many aspects of newspaper production and technology. In the 1950's, experimentation by the paper's printing staff led to the development of the first practical photo-typesetting machine, an innovation that attracted the attention of newspaper executives around the world. The paper was also among the first in the nation to establish zoned editions for local news and advertising, and it paved the way in establishing many other modern features of the print news industry. Such features pioneered by The Patriot Ledger include the use of 35-millimeter photography, the transmission of daily editions to the printer via facsimile, the use of a computer editing system, and the installation of a two-way radio system for spot news coverage. While many newspapers struggle with the technological advancements of the twenty-first century, The Patriot Ledger continues to grow and move forward. As a result of its excellence in reporting and its frequent innovation, The Patriot Ledger has been the recipient of many awards throughout its 175-year tenure. It was named as the New England Press Association's Newspaper of the Year in 2005 and 2006, and won the title of the New England Newspaper Association's Newspaper of the Year in 2007. Among the awards The Patriot Ledger received in 2011 were seven national journalism awards from Suburban Newspapers of America and six additional awards from the New England Associated Press News Executives Association. Already this year, the paper has been awarded two national prizes from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, including the General Excellence award for the paper's business section. Notably, The Patriot Ledger was the only daily paper with a circulation of less than 100,000 to be recognized. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to honor The Patriot Ledger as the newspaper celebrates 175 years of publication. I fondly remember reading it when I was young and look forward to reading it for many more years to come. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this great paper that has long been woven into the fabric of our country's history.