William Keating

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gertrude Knowlton of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, who celebrated her 100th birthday this year. Gertrude was born on January 13, 1912. The youngest of four children, she grew up in the greater Boston area. She lived and raised her family there, eventually relocating to Southborough. In 1990, she moved to Martha's Vineyard with her daughter and has lived on the island ever since. There, Gertrude enjoys displaying her watercolor paintings in local fairs, as well as reading new bestsellers as soon as they arrive in the local library. Even as a centenarian, she has maintained a very active and busy life on the Vineyard. Born just months before the Titanic sank and Fenway Park opened, Gertrude's story is truly a living history of major American events. She has lived through two world wars, Prohibition and the Depression, the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement. She recalls seeing five- cent silent movies and attending big-band concerts led by Guy Lombardo and Rudy Valee. She remembers being voted ``best dancer'' in high school and of dressing in the flapper style of the 1920s as a teenager. During World War II, she worked at a drugstore lunch counter in Milford. Gertrude grew up in a time before automobiles or airplanes were commonplace and before most people had landlines or radios in their homes, but lived to see a man walk on the moon and the establishment of instant worldwide connectivity through the Internet. Gertrude raised six children--five of her own as well as a teenage girl who she took in--and has seen her family grow by four generations. She has three surviving children, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Gertrude believes that the secret to living to the age of 100 is always to have a good attitude toward life, and I couldn't agree more. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Gertrude Knowlton as she celebrates this joyous occasion. She is an extraordinary member of our community and I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen Rollins upon his retirement after twenty-five years of public service as Town Administrator and Town Manager of Hanover. Mr. Rollins' career in public service began in 1973 when he worked for the Illinois Department of Local Government Affairs following his graduation from The University of Vermont. Since then, he has proved himself to be an innovative and efficient administrator in a variety of public service roles. He was a leader in the centralization of the Hanover town government, and was instrumental in streamlining the town's process for grants and expenditures. Mr. Rollins has received national recognition for his work on Hanover's health plan and local praise for his simplification of the town's yearly budget. As town administrator, Mr. Rollins demonstrated his flexibility and leadership ability. Not only were these characteristics seen in the day-to-day operations of local government, but they were also evident in crisis situations--perhaps, most memorably, when Hanover's town hall was severely damaged in a fire. As de facto contractor overseeing the town hall's renovations, Mr. Rollins repeatedly demonstrated his ability to improvise and assume unconventional roles when necessary. It was therefore very fitting when he was given the title of Town Manager in August of 2010, and became the town's first person to occupy this position. In his role as a representative of Hanover, Mr. Rollins typified the best of what the town has to offer. Always putting the community first, he dedicated his career to making local government work for the people. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Stephen Rollins on this remarkable occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him a wonderful retirement and many years of happiness, as well as in thanking him for working tirelessly to build the town of Hanover into the beautiful community we know today.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize A Safe Place, its Board of Trustees, its counselors, and its volunteers as the organization celebrates its milestone of twenty-five years of service to the community. A Safe Place is an organization on Nantucket that helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as they start over and rebuild their lives. They were founded in 1987 by five members of the Nantucket Women's Bar Association and, since then, have continued to provide free and confidential services to these survivors. Over the years, the organization's outreach has expanded to also include specialized assistance to children whose lives have been affected by violence in the home. Today, A Safe Place provides a 24-hour hotline that people can call when they are in immediate need of assistance, and its counselors often will meet with survivors in the local hospital or police station as soon as the need arises. It has even organized a network of ``safe houses'' on the island through its Safe Home initiative, a program though which volunteers offer emergency accommodation in their own homes to those leaving an abusive situation. The organization provides assistance with relocation as survivors work to rebuild their lives. When a survivor must confront her abuser in court, a counselor from A Safe Place is often right by her side. A Safe Place offers comfort and assistance to hundreds of people each year, and it is considered to be an invaluable service to the Nantucket community by local law enforcement and healthcare providers. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to honor A Safe Place, its Board of Trustees, its counselors and its volunteers as the organization celebrates twenty-five years of service. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of this organization to the Nantucket community and its significance to those whose lives have been changed by its support.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 300th Anniversary of Abington, Massachusetts, a town that represents the pioneering spirit that helped launch America. In 1650, the land that would eventually become Abington was purchased from the great leader Massasoit and the Wampanoag tribe. The shoemaking, lumbering and milling trades all helped the town develop in its early days, as colonists forged their way in their new home. As our young nation approached its most difficult trial--the Civil War-- Abington became closely associated with the Abolition movement, holding open-air Abolition meetings as early as the 1840s. It also expanded its hold on certain trades. During the Civil War, half of the Union Army's shoes were manufactured in Abington. And the town's contribution to the lumber and milling industries greatly contributed to the Commonwealth's economic development. The development of the Old Colony Railroad in 1845 connected Abington to Boston, allowing residents to easily commute between the two places. Approximately 25 years later, Abington was divided, with Rockland and Whitman becoming independent towns. Today, with a population of over 15,000 residents, Abington still stands as an important town and a proud suburb of the Commonwealth's capital. Among its storied history, however, is an even more important fact. The Town of Abington has an unwavering tradition of loyalty with an exceptional record of community service dating back to the Civil War, when residents tried to help better the lives of those who had fled to the Union. The town has also been recognized for its contributions to the Old Colony & Fall River Railroads, which service residents throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the town of Abington and the entire Abington community on the celebration of their 300 years of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the United States. May this beautiful Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Chatham, Massachusetts, a small, quaint town that has long been synonymous with the beauty of Cape Cod. In 1606, Samuel de Champlain was the first European to traverse the area now known as Chatham. At the time of Champlain's arrival and until William Nickerson purchased land in 1656, the area was inhabited by the Monomoyick people. In 1664, William Nickerson settled his family in the area and eventually founded the town forty-eight years later on June 11, 1712. The first 100 years of Chatham's recorded history indicate a struggle to establish a stable population and economy. The French and Indian Wars and the smallpox epidemic of 1760 claimed lives and money from the residents of the new town. After the Revolutionary War, however, fishing exports, whaling, ship building and salt production flourished, fueling the growth of the local economy. By the late 1800's, the town began to benefit from the growing popularity of seaside vacationing. Wealthy vacationers and summer residents provided the basis for the new economic growth, and the popularity of this seaside haven among vacationers continued to expand throughout the 20th century. By 1950, the summer population of 5,000 greatly outnumbered 2,457 year-round residents. Present day Chatham has continued its expansion and popularity. The small-town charm and pristine coastline have kept generations of vacationers and summer residents coming back each year. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 300th anniversary of Chatham, Massachusetts. May this beautiful Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, with respect and admiration I, along with my colleague, Ms. Tsongas gather today to recognize June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month, and to reaffirm our commitment to fighting a potentially debilitating medical condition that afflicts over 7 million Americans. National Scoliosis Awareness Month brings together all members of the scoliosis community, including physicians, patients, families, and businesspeople to raise awareness and educate the public about this condition. Diagnosing scoliosis is a simple procedure that takes less than 30 seconds, and early detection allows physicians to monitor the condition and, if necessary, begin treatment before serious complications--including chronic back pain and impacted heart and lung function--even begin. Raising awareness is therefore crucial to the fight against scoliosis. Between two and three percent of the American population suffers from scoliosis, and the number of family and friends who are impacted by this condition numbers many millions more. While serious complications of scoliosis are largely preventable, affordable care and public awareness are necessary in order to maximize the effectiveness of treatment. National Scoliosis Awareness Month promotes a positive public awareness message that elevates the visibility of scoliosis and empowers those individuals whose lives have been touched by this condition. It is a time for us to recommit ourselves to reducing its impact in the future. Mr. Speaker, please join us in recognizing June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month, and in thanking organizations such as the National Scoliosis Foundation and the Scoliosis Research Society, as well as their many supporters, for making it all possible.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th Anniversary of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce plays an essential role in the Cape Cod community, networking local businesses and offering visitors an insider's perspective on much of what the Cape has to offer. Founded in 1922, the Chamber of Commerce has grown to represent almost 1,400 members. From charities and museums to banks, churches and wildlife sanctuaries, the Chamber represents a diverse array of organizations on the Cape that help to define its unique character. These businesses provide vital services to both residents and visitors. Without the hard work the Chamber has done over the course of its long history, and without the numerous organizations it represents, the business community on the Cape could never have developed the vitality and ingenuity that makes it so remarkable. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and its CEO, Wendy Northcross--as well as the hundreds of business and organizations that make it all possible--for their years of hard work. I am certain the Chamber's and their member organizations' futures will be bright.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cape Verdean Historical Trust, its members and the upcoming So Sabi! exhibit. On June 16th, So Sabi! will open its doors and invite the public to explore Cape Verdean music, art and literature and the influence of the oldest Creole culture in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. So Sabi! allows all residents of Massachusetts--those of Cape Verdean descent and those not--to learn and appreciate the impact those first immigrants have had on shaping the modern culture and economy of our Commonwealth, where nearly 300,000 descendents of Cape Verdean immigrants make their home. My district, which includes Cape Cod, the Islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and the towns of Southeastern Massachusetts, is home to the fastest growing Cape Verdean populations in the United States. This comes as no surprise, given the stark similarities in lifestyle and resources between the Commonwealth and this island community. In the mid 19th century, Cape Verdean migrants flocked to New England ports on whaling vessels in pursuit of prosperity and opportunity. Today, many of Massachusetts' fishermen still bear the names of their Cape Verdean grandparents. These settlers easily transitioned into the fishing and agricultural sectors--helping the early whaling, commercial fishing and cranberry industries blossom with their sailing and harvesting expertise. In fact, several Cape Verdean publications and journals live on in Southeastern Massachusetts--allowing Cape Verdean- Americans to keep their culture's stories and traditions alive. It brings me great pride to note that the opening of So Sabi! coincides with the second Millennium Challenge Corporation compact awarded to the nation of Cape Verde. This historic award marks the first time that the Millennium Challenge Corporation has approved a second compact for any country. This decision was based on Cape Verde's remarkable achievements in reducing poverty through sustainable economic growth and domestic efforts that the nation has made as a result of its first grant. I was proud to support Cape Verde's endorsement for a second compact, and prouder still to recognize the magnitude of Cape Verde's accomplishments in my capacity as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Mr. Speaker, as the Cape Verdean Historical Trust proudly unveils its So Sabi! exhibit in honor of Massachusetts' Cape Verdean culture and the nation of Cape Verde welcomes its second compact from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the historical and educational significance of the June 16th event.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 375th anniversary of the town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, a beautiful coastal haven on the State's historic South Shore. While the town itself was incorporated in 1637, people have inhabited the area for as much as 12,000 years. The Wampanoag tribe called the area now known as Duxbury ``Mattakesset,'' meaning ``place of many fish.'' Indeed, Duxbury is blessed with bountiful natural resources, including not only fish but shellfish, cranberries, rivers, ponds and idyllic beaches. Its English name was chosen by Myles Standish--an officer serving as a military advisor to the Pilgrims--who named it after Duxbury Woods in Great Britain. Colonists in Duxbury fought in several early American wars, and during the Revolutionary War, the town maintained a militia of 60 minutemen under the leadership of Ichabod Alden. One of Duxbury's first natives, George Partridge, went on to represent the State of Massachusetts at the Continental Congress and was elected to the First Continental Congress. The fishing industry developed rapidly after the Revolutionary War, when fishing rights were granted following the Treaty of Paris. What began as a small operation involving no more than a few families with two-masted schooners eventually grew into the largest ship-building port in the world. At the peak of the shipbuilding era, Duxbury boasted 20 shipyards and produced an average of 10 large sailing vessels every year. Eventually, swift clippers that required deep harbors superseded the brigs built in the shallower waters surrounding Duxbury, and the center of American shipbuilding shifted to Boston. However, several historical monuments to this era remain standing today. The shift in the shipbuilding industry made way for a new industry to dominate Duxbury's economy--tourism. Thanks to its coastal location and natural beauty, Duxbury soon became a popular summer resort destination. Several area landmarks were built during this period, including the 130-foot Myles Standish Monument. The elegant Standish Hotel, originally built to accommodate the influx of summer visitors, survives today as two private residences. Duxbury's population further boomed with the construction of Route 3, which made Boston and the surrounding region more accessible. The rapid growth that occurred in subsequent years helped shape Duxbury into the vibrant community it is today. Mr. Speaker, the 375th anniversary of Duxbury is an opportunity both to reflect on its past accomplishments and look forward to its future. Its long history embodies the richness of American history and the indomitable spirit of the American people. May this remarkable Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Cancer Survivors Day celebration that will be cosponsored by Falmouth Hospital, Cape Cod Healthcare, and the Falmouth Public Library. National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual and honored worldwide celebration of life that is held in hundreds of communities across the globe. Participants in these events unite on the first Sunday in June to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive. The local Cape Cod event, to be cosponsored by Falmouth Hospital, Cape Cod Healthcare and Falmouth Public Library, is part of a biannual celebration for cancer survivors and caregivers of upper Cape Cod. At the event, the ``Survivors Quilt,'' or the Quilt of Hope, will be unveiled, which is made up of handmade squares contributed by local cancer survivors to celebrate their resilience and determination. The cosponsors of the Cape's National Cancer Survivors Day event are local leaders who have led the effort to eradicate cancer and to assist cancer patients, their caregivers, and survivors. Cape Cod Healthcare, which is one of the top ten healthcare systems in the nation, provides the latest diagnostic imaging technology at health facilities throughout the Cape. As for Falmouth Hospital, its cancer program has received significant endorsements from accreditation agencies, such as the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Falmouth Hospital's Clark Cancer Center provides local access to the latest, most sophisticated, and most reliable cancer therapies available, and is the only hospital in which many Cape Cod residents can receive such treatments. Additionally, the hospital's Seifer Women's Health and Imaging Center, along with the Wilkens Outpatient Medical Complex in Hyannis, are the two Cape Cod Healthcare centers that provide certain types of digital screening and diagnostic services to Cape residents. The work of these organizations is invaluable to the local community, as the American Cancer Society estimates that Massachusetts will see over 38,000 new cancer diagnoses this year. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to honor these local organizations in their continuous fight against cancer and to commemorate their celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of their work in the local community as well as the significance of National Cancer Survivors Day.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of nine-year- old Brendan Haas, a resident of Kingston, Massachusetts, who has displayed the most profound sense of generosity and caring to the family of a fallen soldier. In February, Brendan set up a Facebook page called ``A Soldier for a Soldier,'' which involves ``trading up'' items for something bigger and better. His intention was always to donate the best item he received to a military family. Through this project, Brendan began with a single toy soldier and spent three months dedicated to trading for bigger and better things before he received the item he wanted to donate. Brendan then held a raffle with the names of families across the country and ended up drawing the name Liberty Hope Steele, the daughter of Timothy Steele, a soldier from his native Massachusetts who was killed in Afghanistan last August. On Memorial Day, Brendan presented the Steele family with a free vacation to Disney World. Brendan's generosity knows no bounds, as he recently demonstrated a second time. Recognized for his actions during the morning telecast of ``Good Morning America,'' Brendan was informed that the Walt Disney Company was awarding him and his family an all-expense paid vacation to Disney World for what he had done on behalf of the Steele family. Brendan; however, refused to accept the trip for himself; instead, he said it would be raffled away to another military family. This type of selflessness is years beyond what we would expect of a young boy. Brendan has made his community and his country very proud. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Brendan Haas for his remarkable spirit, dedication and generosity. I know we will see more great things from him in the future.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as co-chair of the Congressional Lupus Caucus, to recognize and honor Lupus Awareness Week. As Members of Congress, we need to do all that we can to get the word out about this little understood, yet life-threatening autoimmune disease. Lupus affects 1.5 million Americans, of which 90% are female, yet no one patient experiences the same pattern of symptoms. In fact, a wide variety of medications must be used to treat the disease since the manifestations of Lupus vary dramatically from one person to another. Unfortunately, many more people suffer in silence as they have yet to be diagnosed with Lupus. Many symptoms of Lupus mimic those of other illnesses, and symptoms can come and go over time, which makes diagnosis difficult. Consequently, an accurate diagnosis of Lupus can take as long as four years and usually comes after visits to more than three physicians. But, through Lupus awareness month and other grassroots efforts to raise awareness, more and more people with Lupus are leading healthier lives and living longer than at any time in history. Furthermore, researchers are working to better understand the complexity of lupus and are making great strides in the quest for more effective treatments. Today, there are more than two dozen potential drugs for Lupus in the development pipeline. Lupus is still complex and unpredictable, but with each day that passes, we are coming closer to greater relief from this disease. For this reason, I will continue to raise awareness and do what I can to secure the resources needed to build upon the steady strides already achieved in Lupus research and development.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Family Pantry of Cape Cod and its dedicated staff and volunteers. The Family Pantry of Cape Cod has consistently provided such essentials as food and clothing to those in need for nearly 23 years. The organization serves an average of 900 families each month, making it the largest food pantry on Cape Cod, and has more than doubled the supply of food and services to those in need over the past five years. They do this not with a large budget, but with a very dedicated set of volunteers, embodying the spirit of community and reminding us all what it truly means to be a good neighbor. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Family Pantry of Cape Cod as it continues to fight against hunger in Massachusetts today.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vital contributions that independent, not-for-profit standards development organizations (SDOs) make to our nation's economy and Americans' quality of life. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), headquartered in my district in Quincy, Massachusetts, is a leading SDO. I am familiar with the work of the NFPA and other, similar non-profit SDOs through my service on the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Safety, where model fire codes and sprinkler standards developed and updated by SDOs were integral to the Joint Committee's statewide effort to promote fire safety. SDOs and the voluntary consensus standards that they develop are crucial to preserving the quality of life that we, as Americans' enjoy. From the safety of industrial machinery to standard interfaces for audio equipment, SDOs such as, the NFPA, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and ASTM International, have been safeguarding our health, safety and prosperity for over a century. Additionally, standardization is essential to the health of our economy. Uniform methods, specifications, and interfaces improve efficiency and reduce uncertainties in the marketplace. The Federal government has repeatedly affirmed the benefits of SDOs. In his first term, President Ronald Reagan directed all Federal agencies to turn to private-sector voluntary consensus standards whenever appropriate, rather than developing separate government standards. In 1995, Congress codified this policy with the passage of the National Technology Transfer Advancement Act. This legislation recognizes the expertise of private-sector specialists, and their ability to react to emerging challenges more nimbly than their government counterparts. It also recognizes the value of a stakeholder- driven process oriented towards achieving consensus. NFPA recently demonstrated this responsiveness in the wake of the tragic explosion that occurred during the final stages of construction at Kleen Energy Plant. Six workers died and nearly 50 others were injured in the explosion. An investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) revealed that the explosion was caused by the use of natural gas to remove construction debris from the plant's piping. After its investigation and subsequent safety recommendations, the CSB turned to the NFPA to develop a new safety standard to prevent such explosions in the future. After seeking input from numerous interested parties, the NFPA Standards Council voted in October 2010 to establish a consensus technical committee to develop new standards for gas process safety. Just 18 months after the accident, the NFPA committee issued a new industry standard to prevent future fires and explosions during gas pipe cleaning and purging. I applaud the NFPA for its prompt response to this tragedy. This is just one example of the benefits that standard development organizations provide. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the important work that not-for-profit standards development organizations contribute to developing health, safety and environmental standards that serve the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the unveiling of the high water mark sign in Bourne, Massachusetts, commemorating the hurricane that struck the northeastern United States on September 21, 1938. This storm was among the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded in the region. Striking with virtually no warning, the hurricane devastated the unprepared Northeast and resulted in over 500 deaths and over 1,700 injuries. In the upper Buzzards Bay region, the hurricane produced a storm surge of 11 to 13 feet across. This resulted in significant financial damages, including the total destruction of 2,600 boats and almost 9,000 homes, as well as severe damage to businesses, roads, and railroads. In addition to record-setting gusts and devastating floods, the hurricane severed power lines in Connecticut, sparking catastrophic fires. The 1938 hurricane serves as a sobering reminder of the raw power of nature, and of the constant need to safeguard our coasts against these deadly storms. We must never forget the contributions and sacrifices that public safety officials make daily to protect us from disaster, and we must never forget the need to support their critical endeavors. Preparedness is every bit as necessary now as it was in 1938, and we neglect the danger posed by tropical storms at our own peril. Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering the lives lost on September 21, 1938, as well as reaffirming our commitment to protecting our nation from the ever-present threat of natural disasters.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Lussier, President and CEO of Webster First Federal Credit Union, as he completes his tenure as Chairman of the Board at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU). Elected to the NAFCU Board in 2005, Mike has been a devoted and effective leader in the credit union industry. Given the challenges the country faces in recovering from the financial crisis, Mike's responsibilities as chair have been particularly strenuous. Nonetheless, he has done a masterful job balancing his time as Chairman of the NAFCU Board and his responsibilities at Webster First Federal Credit Union where he first became President/CEO in 1990 at the age of 29. Originally founded as a Polish-ethnic credit union in the 1920's, Webster First currently serves over 47,000 member-owners in Massachusetts' Worcester, Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties. Throughout his tenure as Chairman of the NAFCU Board of Directors, Mike has been a tireless advocate for credit unions and the members they proudly serve. He has testified before both chambers of Congress on regulatory relief issues for credit unions ranging from member business lending to those stemming from the Dodd-Frank financial reform legislation signed into law in 2010. Mike is also currently a board member of Mass Share Insurance Corp (MSIC) and on the board of Pentegra Retirement Services. Over the years, he has been a trustee of Becker College, on the boards of the Better Business Bureau, Rotary Club, local hospitals, and the American Red Cross. Mike is also a licensed General Aviation Pilot. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Michael Lussier as he reaches the end of his tenure as the NAFCU Board Chairman. It is my understanding that Mike will remain on the NAFCU Board in another capacity and I am sure his experience in credit union management will continue to be an asset to the NAFCU and the larger credit union community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KEATING. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Don't be presumptuous enough to tell me my motivations. We looked for many pay-fors in this plan. What we have is plain and simple. We have enhancement of the security of our country because we have a plan that works and that will save lives and help us resolve missile-defense issues by tracking them versus a pay-for that we located that was $400 million over budget. I only took 9 percent of that, leaving 91 percent of that intact because I think this tradeoff enhances our security. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining on each side?

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KEATING. In the important debate to save National Guard units, we made some steps forward in this bill and, unfortunately, also took steps backward. Many in the Chamber may assume that all the National Guard units were restored in the markup of this bill. That's simply not the case. A vital and unique group of Air National Guard units, known as C- NAFs, have a full-time mission to support Active Duty bases. These augmentation units take on a large chunk of the workload while only accounting for a small percentage of the mission's workforce--and the work is all done domestically. In and of itself, that provides a higher degree of security because there are discrete sites that are isolated and more easily secured here in the United States. These units were created because they're cost effective, and eliminating them will result in unfinished business, displaced costs and, perhaps the most alarming of all consequences, endangered lives. To illustrate, the 102nd Air Operations Group at Otis Air National Guard Base works 24/7 365 days of the year to conduct 30 percent of the Air Force Global Strike Command's surveillance mission, and only accounts for 10 percent of the Command's workforce--30 percent of the mission and 10 percent of the Command's workforce. The 102nd Air Operations Group's counterparts at Barksdale Air Base in Louisiana rely on these great men and women to examine realtime footage and spot out threats. When I talk about consequences, including the endangering of lives, the work of this unit has helped our servicemen and -women avoid concealed insurgents on the battlefield, and it tracks the proliferation of nuclear weapons as these events are occurring. It has the backs of our soldiers in the field, and it affords its own level of defense against nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, Mr. Chairman, the Air Force is only now realizing the impact of this loss. I apologize for all of the acronyms that are here, but I wanted to take the actual slide from the Air Force's presentation. This slide is from May 2. It is an Air Force briefing to Lieutenant General Herbert Carlisle, deputy chief of staff for operations for the Air Force. It proves that units like the 102nd AOG are essential. According to this slide, which is only 2 weeks old, the 102nd Air Operations Group is ``essential to the U.S. Strategic Command's time-sensitive planning mission,'' and the impact of losing this unit will render the Air Force ``unable to fully support extended time-sensitive scenarios.'' Furthermore, the Air Force reiterates that without the 102nd Air Operations Group, the mission of the Global Strike Command will not be supported, and the Rapid Assessment Team currently in place at Barksdale cannot take on more surveillance duties without the 102nd AOG. But perhaps the most glaring piece of information on this slide is on the last line, which simply states: The National Guard Bureau did not coordinate this cut with USSTRATCOM, Global Strike Command and the 8th Air Force. Mr. Chairman, clearly, even the Air Force knows that a big mistake was made in the decision to eliminate these Guard units. My amendment simply freezes cuts to the Air National Guard units to support the Air Force until the impact of the unit's loss is determined and reported to Congress. This language leaves room to sort out the units that are essential to our national security and to cut where duplicative missions exist. For these reasons, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, although I support the Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors (STOP) grant program, I regretfully had to vote no on final passage of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization (VAWA). Even with the changes in the manager's amendment, the bill that came to the floor today remains a partisan, extremist bill that provides far fewer protections for domestic violence victims than the strong, bipartisan Senate-passed bill. This bill would put victims of domestic violence in greater danger by rolling back key protections in current law and by excluding entire populations of women, particularly in the LGBT and Native American communities, from these valuable victim protections. Even though VAWA is a critical grant program, I could not support the House GOP version, as such I voted ``nay.''

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Boston Carmen's Union, Local 589, who for the past 100 years has been a strong voice for transportation professionals in Boston and the surrounding areas. As it celebrates its centennial, the Boston Carmen's Union represents 6,000 union members and is a part of the Amalgamated Transit Union, the largest labor union in America with over 190,000 members. The union was born in the same way as the labor movement itself: with a great deal of cooperation, dedication and perseverance. In 1912, after a number of failed attempts to meet with management to assert their rights and address their grievances, the first organized Boston Elevated Carmen's Union voted to strike-- 1,389 votes to eight. During the strike, the newly-formed union faced uncooperative tactics and strike breakers hired by the transit company. Despite these challenges, the union members fought for their rights, enjoying strong support from the labor community, and soon after, from District Attorney Joseph Pelletier, Governor Eugene Foss and legendary Boston Mayor John ``Honey Fitz'' Fitzgerald. Finally, after more than six weeks of striking, the union was able to come to a settlement and gained recognition from Boston Elevated Company. In the years to come, the Carmen's Union continued to grow and collaborate with other local unions, evolving with the changing transit industry to best serve its members. As it marks this centennial milestone, the Boston Carmen's Union has both served and represented the many transportation professionals whose important work forms the backbone of our city and the surrounding area's infrastructure. It is with their help that the employees of the MBTA have been able to stand up for better working conditions, hours and wages. The Boston Carmen's Union has a stellar record of activism and community service. This year, the union participated in the National Day of Action for Transportation on April 4th. The event gathered the Carmen's membership and supporters to demand fair treatment for transit workers and to demonstrate that available, affordable and well-maintained public transit is an issue of civil rights. The union also works hard to build awareness about the crucial role transportation professionals play in the daily life of every Bostonian. From subway drivers to mechanics to baggage handlers, and so many more, members of the Local 589 provide integral services to their communities every single day. Along with its efforts to improve working conditions for its membership and empower them to assert their rights as an employee, the Boston Carmen's Union values its ability to play a positive role in the community. When firefighters, policemen or other public servants are killed in the line of duty, members of Local 589 routinely volunteer their time and services to provide transport to and from the memorial service. I applaud the Boston Carmen's Union both for its dedication to its mission of empowering transportation and allied professionals and for its commitment to serving the Boston community and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Boston Carmen's Union, Local 589, its President John Lee and the entire community on the celebration of 100 years of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Specialist Jason Branch, the winner of the Massachusetts Army National Guard's 2012 Best Warrior Competition. To be eligible for the grueling contest, Spc. Branch was first selected by his unit, the 189th Engineer Detachment, as the most qualified candidate. The Massachusetts Best Warrior Competition is known to test participants with rigorous physical and mental challenges. Now in its fourth year, the competition continues to evolve to meet the caliber of the contestants. This year's event included tests of physical fitness and marksmanship, a written exam and a challenging mock urban combat situation. The demanding weekend culminated in an interview with a board of Command Sergeants Major testing each participant's knowledge on a variety of subjects. Throughout the competition, Spc. Branch demonstrated the dedication, ingenuity and perseverance that make an excellent soldier, and in the end, emerged victorious amongst the commissioned officers competing. When not in uniform, he continues to serve his community as a Unit Manager at Plymouth's Radius HealthCare and Pediatric Center, playing a vital role in the rehabilitation of the center's patients. Spc. Branch truly represents the very best of our community and our country. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Spc. Jason Branch as he is honored for his excellence as a soldier, and we wish him the best of luck as he moves on to the regional stage of the competition.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. I thank the gentleman from Virginia for his leadership and his willingness to preserve resources for marine mammal stranding response in the fiscal year 2013 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill. I understand that the House Report 112 463 includes language encouraging NOAA to maintain funding for essential marine mammal stranding grants. The competitive Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance grant program is a cost-effective, community-oriented program that works with stranded mammals, enables the collection of data to prevent future strandings, and deals with the practical dilemma communities face with beached dolphins weighing 200 to 500 pounds, as well as with right whales. Based on conversations with the chairman and ranking member, I will not be offering my amendment specifying this grant at this time. I look forward, rather, to working with the gentleman from Virginia towards inserting this language in conference.