Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman quickly make his point?

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. MICHAUD. Not at this time, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the biggest problem I see when you talk about veterans benefits and health care, sometimes those in the administration really do not understand the distance veterans have to go to get their health care. The issue I want to bring forward is we have a lot of BSOs, and I hear a lot of complaint in the State of Maine. If a veteran in the northern part of the State has to get health care services and they go to Togas and then they have to get shipped to Boston, they stay overnight in Togas, then another day they go to Boston; they stay overnight in Boston, then they come back to Togas, then back up to the northern part. It is a 4-day trip. That is wrong. I do not think veterans should have to go through that. It is wrong. We have to make sure they are taken care of, not only their health care, but this disability tax is another issue that I think we definitely should be voting on.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, talking about the disabled tax, that has been a very discouraging thing. I have heard a lot of veterans in Maine who do not receive much funding at all.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman. Another issue I would like to discuss, and it is an issue that has plagued our veterans community for over 100 years, it is the issue of concurrent receipt, also known as the disabled veterans tax. H.R. 303 which would address this issue has 382 bipartisan cosponsors, but this bill has not been brought to the floor by Republican leadership. My good friend the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall) has filed a discharge petition, but has only been able to get 206 signatures as a result of this action. And the grassroot movement, the veterans around the country, we were able to actually take a small step to address this issue in the national defense authorization. But it is a crying shame, because when you look at in my State of Maine alone, two-thirds of the military retirees were left out of this provision, and I fully support total elimination of the ban on both the disability and retirement pay. I do not think we should stop until we get the full repeal of it.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the good congressman. And I do not know what it is going to take because both the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Strickland) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan) also sit on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and I do not know what it is going to take, because in earlier years, as they know, we have got this independent budget for fiscal year 2005 where they spell out the money that they need to take care of our veterans here in this country, and it was unanimous. Then the President's own task force reported earlier the final report in 2003, Improved Health Care, Delivering for our Nation's Veterans, it says right in there that there is a significant mismatch in the VA between demand and available funding. Something has to be done to take care of our veterans, and it is a matter of priority. I served in the legislature for 22 years, and a lot of those years I served on the appropriations committee and we had to make the tough decisions. We had to live within a balanced budget because the Constitution of Maine requires that. So we had to prioritize. That is what this is all about, is prioritization. I do not think the priorities of this Congress and this administration are set in the right places. I think definitely the veterans are a top priority and we ought to take care of them. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan) talked about the cutting of some of the research funding for our veterans. I had a chance to go visit Walter Reed hospital and went into the amputee ward. I am glad I did. I had a chance to talk to a lot of the soldiers that were there, and it really opened my eyes. That is one area we definitely should not be cutting back, because the war in Iraq and Afghanistan will be over with eventually and people will tend to forget about it, but the people who will never forget about the war in Iraq or Afghanistan are those who lost a loved one or a veteran who came home and is missing a limb or two. They will never forget. That is always going to be on their minds. That is why it is incumbent upon this Congress to make sure that we have adequate funding. And as stated by my good colleague the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen), actually when Secretary Principi came before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to talk about his budget, he admitted they cut him back $1.2 billion. That is wrong, and that is not where my priorities are.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen).

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, we are here this evening to discuss an issue that I believe should be one of the highest priorities in the budget, one of the highest priorities for Members of Congress and one of the highest priorities for our government. We are here this evening to discuss caring for our veterans and their families. We are here on the floor to show them the respect they deserve. Since the beginning of our Nation's history, our veterans have answered the call to duty with dignity, with courage and with great honor. These brave men and women have never flinched in the face of danger and as we speak on the floor this evening, a new generation of veterans is being made in Iraq and Afghanistan. Like all Members of this body, I pray for their safety and hope that they may return home to their loved ones as soon as possible. Like the veterans before them, these brave men and women deserve our respect, our gratitude and our care, not just while they are in harm's way but also when they come home and take off the uniform. There are so many issues facing our veterans community now that we must address so that the VA can care for the needs of our newest generation of heroes. I believe we must encourage all veterans to enroll within the VA so they can fully understand the need within our communities. There is a program in my home State of Maine called Operation I Served which is working to identify and enroll as many veterans as it can. I believe this is a noble effort and one that I fully support. I personally ask all veterans to enroll in the programs. Mr. Speaker, one of my greatest concerns when I came to Washington was to give over 150,000 veterans in my State a stronger voice on the issues that are important to them. I have been honored with being ranking member on the House veterans benefits subcommittee. During my time on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I have learned a great deal from the full committee ranking member the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) and from the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman. The bipartisan effort of our committee has resulted in the passage of good legislation, including improved veterans education benefits, the enhanced self-employment opportunities and improvement in home loans and adapted housing benefits. The housing veterans' affairs committee has achieved a great deal for veterans because of the bipartisan spirit with which it pursues issues important to veterans and their families. Unfortunately, that bipartisan desire to care for veterans does not reach into the administration's budget request. Veterans in this country are all too aware of the growing mismatch between the demands for veterans services and the funding allocation to supply these services. Some would have us address this issue of mismatch by decreasing the demand for VA services by limiting access to certain veterans or by increasing copayments to those veterans. I believe this is absolutely the wrong policy to pursue. If we truly value the sacrifice our veterans have made for this country, we will work to ensure that all veterans have access to high quality care. We must make caring for our veterans a priority, not only in words but also in our budgets and we should give the VA the mandatory funding that it needs to take care of our veterans. I look forward to discussing this issue further this evening with my colleagues here. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, communities around the country and in my district celebrated Older Americans Month this May. The theme for 2004 was ``Aging Well, Living Well'', a goal I'm sure we all hope to achieve as we enter into our golden years. Every day in our country, some 6,000 people turn age 65 and become eligible for Social Security, Medicare and other age-based entitlements. In less than 7 years, the daily tally of Americans celebrating their 65th birthday will increase by more than 50 percent to 10,000 a day. It is in the spirit of Older Americans Month and our support for these individuals that I bring to my colleagues' attention the work of the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. For more than 75 years, The Jackson Lab has worked tirelessly for the benefit of older Americans and has been at the forefront of discovering cures for human diseases. Their research into the specific diseases of old age as well as the overall mechanisms of aging have helped pave the way to important discoveries that serve to improve quality of life for all older Americans. As we take a moment to honor Older Americans, we should recognize those individuals and institutions that do all they can to enhance the human condition as we grow older. The good news is that many older Americans see retirement as a time to enjoy the fruits of their earlier labors. A 2002 survey by Peter D. Hart Research Associates found that more that 59 percent of individuals aged 50 and over see retirement as ``a time to be active and involved, to start new activities, and to set new goals.'' Recent studies, such as the MacArthur Foundation's ``Study of Aging in America'' demonstrate that engaging in life is a key component of successful aging. Americans are pleased and proud that in our country, most people are enjoying the blessings of longer and healthier lives. Meanwhile, we know that scientists searching for answers to the diseases of aging such as cancer and Alzheimer's are likely to succeed in adding even more healthy and vital years to the average life span. However, for many Americans, the concept of ``growing old gracefully'' is now, and will always be, unattainable. The combination of reduced income, increased health care needs, and decreased quality of life create more problems than opportunities for too many in our aging population. Over 5 million older Americans live at or near the poverty level. The median level of income is around $19,000 per year. At the same time, most older Americans have at least one chronic condition (such as hypertension or diabetes). These conditions contribute to increased health care costs at precisely the time when their incomes are reduced. Policymakers have a responsibility to better understand the challenging issues facing our country as we press the boundaries of human aging and health. What level of funding should Congress invest to further extend human longevity? What impact will longer and healthier lives have on the economy and on the costs of health care? It is part of our responsibility as legislators and representatives to stay informed at the crossroads of science and human aging. Sooner than we may expect, Congress may be called upon to render judgments in public policy on these issues. That is why I was so pleased to learn of The Jackson Laboratory's participation in a powerful new on-line forum called SAGE (for ``Science of Aging'') Crossroads (www.SAGECrossroads.net). Launched in March, 2003, www.SAGECrossroads combines the high journalistic standards of SCIENCE magazine, with the immediacy and interactivity of the Internet. A particularly exciting centerpiece of the project is a monthly debate that is webcast live to viewers who participate in these timely discussions as they are happening. Through this series of innovative and thought-provoking discussions, SAGE Crossroads invites researchers, policymakers and concerned citizens to interact with respected thought leaders. For example, Dr. David Harrison of the Jackson Lab recently participated in a debate entitled ``Are Biomarkers the Key to the Fountain of Youth? `` This particular debate considered the issue of whether resources are better spent on seeking to cure the specific causes of various diseases, or whether to work to identify the key biomarkers of aging that might lead us to a better understanding of aging in its entirety. Other debate topics have ranged in recent months from contrasting views of life extending and life enhancing technologies to appropriate uses of information about individual genetic risks to disease. Through this forum, leaders in the aging research community address questions such as whether a person's age should count in rationing limited health care resources or whether public policy considerations impact the scope of scientific research. The people in my district, as well as people across the country, are very interested in what it will take to maintain health and enjoy a high quality of life as they age. As policymakers, we know that the forward march of the life sciences will raise as many questions as it settles. I urge my colleagues to draw upon the wisdom of some of our most provocative and learned thought leaders by signing on to www.SAGECrossroads.net and registering to participate in future debates.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 260. This important measure recognizes and honors the service of individuals who volunteer as honor guards during funeral and memorial services at national cemeteries. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith), the ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), and my good friend, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Benefits, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown), for their steady leadership of veterans issues in the committee. I also want to commend the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Bono) for her work on this resolution, and I want to thank all my colleagues who helped to bring this before us today. Additionally, I would like to recognize the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) for her work on a similar resolution that recognizes the United States Army Volunteer Reserve for its distinguished service to veterans and their families. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to represent the Second Congressional District in the State of Maine. My State has one of the highest percentage of veterans populations in the country. I am sure that they support this resolution and join me when I say that the veterans of this Nation deserve nothing less than an honorable and dignified final resting place. I would like to personally recognize the 23 members of Maine's honor guard for their service. Ten of these individuals are currently deployed and we pray for their quick and safe return. These 23 soldiers serve above and beyond their normal duties to participate in the honor guard, performing over 50 missions a year. Without their effort and sacrifice, our Nation would not shine so bright and we would not live as free as we do today. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, many of the brave men and women who put on the uniform to protect us during World War II and the Korean War are passing away every day. We also find ourselves engaged in hostilities in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world, and, because of this, we are now burying veterans of a new generation much too soon. Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility to provide our brave men and women in uniform an honorable and dignified memorial service. Indeed, without the sacrifice of these volunteer honor guards, we would have a more difficult time fulfilling our responsibility. I thank them for their service and appreciate their efforts. Mr. Speaker, I support this measure, and I urge all Members to do so. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of President Ronald Wilson Reagan and to extend my condolences to the entire Reagan family. Regardless of political affiliation, I think we can all agree that President Reagan was a tireless public servant who cared a great deal about this country. Leading our country during a difficult period President Reagan earned the respect of many throughout the world--a respect that has become all the more evident since his passing on Saturday. As this body and our Nation remembers the late President throughout the week, we would be remiss not to reflect upon the disease with which he was afflicted--Alzheimer's. President Reagan's leadership extended to the fight against Alzheimer's beginning in 1983, when he designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Month, and continuing in 1994 when he announced that he was affected by the disease. In 1995 he and his wife Nancy lent their name to create the Alzheimer's Association's Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute. As was evident in President Reagan's battle with the disease, Alzheimer's does not discriminate: It afflicts the rich and the poor, the famous and the regular hardworking citizen alike. Four and a half million Americans live with Alzheimer's, and it is the fourth leading killer of older Americans. It is a progressive disease that robs many of precious memories and beautiful relationships. With an aging baby boom generation, our country will soon see a sharp increase in those affected by Alzheimer's. The time to act is now. As a member of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease, I urge my colleagues to renew our efforts to battle this disease. I can think of no better tribute to President Reagan than to join together to fight the disease that afflicted him in his later years.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Tuesday, June 1, 2004, the House had votes on H. Con. Res. 295, H. Res. 612, and H. Con. Res. 417. On these House rollcall votes--#210, #211 and #212--I was unavoidably detained at the airport while in transit. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those who have served our country so selflessly and given their lives to defend our freedom. We realize the sacrifice that these soldiers have made for our country can never truly be repaid, so we honor them by remembering their heroic deeds and what they have meant for America. Those who served and are presently serving in our military have helped defend our Nation from harm, allowing the citizens of my State of Maine and the citizens of our entire country to enjoy the liberties that we cherish so deeply. Maine's population, as much as any State, has felt the burden of war for many years. With 154,000 veterans, a large percentage of Maine's small population has served and protected our country. Most Mainers have several relatives or friends who have defended our home. Our State's dedication to service continues as over 3,000 Maine citizens are putting their lives in harm's way overseas. This Memorial Day is especially meaningful because we also remember those who have recently made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in a war where danger is still present today. Over 300,000 Americans have bravely faced the violence that still ravages Iraq and sadly over 700 servicemen and servicewomen have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Maine has not been immune from loss in this current conflict, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of those who gave their lives for our country. These sacrifices are fresh in our memory and should not and will not be forgotten. Today we say thank you to those who gave their lives. Tomorrow we must make sure to honor their memory by caring for their families. We must forever recognize and respect the ultimate sacrifices that so many great men and women made so that the many citizens of our country can enjoy the blessings that they do today.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of House Joint Resolution 91, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. This joint resolution commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. On June 22, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law the GI Bill of Rights establishing what many believed to be one of the most socially progressive and economically effective legislative measures ever passed by the United States Congress. Former Senator Dale Bumpers of Arkansas has stated that he ``considers it to be the best single investment the Federal Government has ever made.'' A noted author, James Michener, said of the GI bill that he ``judged the law one of the two or three finest Congress has ever passed since our Constitution took effect.'' A congressional research study found that for every dollar invested in the GI bill, the country recouped between $5 and $12 through revenue generated by veterans taking advantage of the program's benefits. Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to note that the GI Bill of Rights was originally drafted as an economic stimulus package, not necessarily as an education program. The GI bill benefits originally included education and training; loan guarantees for homes, small businesses and farms; unemployment pay of $20 a week for up to 52 weeks; and job training services. Many social and political leaders of the day remembered the high unemployment, homelessness, and frustration faced by World War I veterans upon their return to a country in the throes of a deep economic recession. These leaders wanted to avoid the regrettable Bonus March on Washington of 1932, and they understood that nearly double the number of World War II veterans would return than after World War I. It was essential to our Nation's welfare that action be taken to assist veterans' transition back into civilian life. What they did not realize was how popular and effective the education benefits were going to be under the new law. Of the approximately 16 million individuals who served in World War II, the GI Bill of Rights provided nearly 7.8 million veterans with education and training benefits; 2.2 million veterans chose to study at the college and university level; and by 1947, half of all college students were veterans. This influx changed the face of higher education. No longer was college limited to the upper class. Former servicemembers of all socio- economic classes, races, and religions broke open the doors of higher education, including nearly 60,000 women. The Greatest Generation went to college. World War II veterans also had a tremendous effect on the housing market. With the assistance of the GI bill home loan benefit, many veterans purchased homes. By 1955, approximately 4 million home loans had been granted, and veterans and their families owned nearly 20 percent of all new homes built. This housing boom allowed FDR's administration to stave off a post- war recession. The unemployment benefits, small business and farm loans, job training services, and education benefits allowed the Greatest Generation to successfully transition from soldiers to civilian leaders. By 1956, the year the original GI bill expired, the Federal Government had invested over $14 billion in the program, and the veterans of our Nation made good on that investment. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that the increase in tax revenue of World War II veterans alone was several times the amount appropriated for the benefit. Mr. Speaker, the GI Bill of Rights was unquestionably one of the greatest legislative accomplishments. It was a catalyst for the development of the United States middle class and provided our Greatest Generation with an opportunity to succeed. Indeed, the impact of the original GI bill continues today. Subsequent related acts have provided education and training benefits to more than 21.5 million veterans and guaranteed more than 17.5 million home loans to veterans and their families. I know very well that the GI Bill of Rights and subsequent acts have provided many generations of veterans in the State of Maine quality benefits and an opportunity to succeed. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that today we come together in this great body to recognize and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the GI Bill of Rights. I encourage all Members to recognize the importance and power of this law and to continue to work together to provide our veterans the quality benefits that they earned through their service to our Nation. This joint resolution deserves the support of all Members. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and, in closing, I do want to thank the good gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chair of the committee, as well as the ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), and the chair of the Subcommittee on Benefits, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown), for all the hard work that they do dealing with veterans' issues, as well as staff on both sides of the aisle. They work very well together. I do want to thank staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work in making sure we do what is right for the veterans here in this country. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member of the committee.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the conclusion of Israel Week. From April 18th through April 27th, we commemorate the lasting friendship and mutual goals of freedom, democracy and peace that we share with Israel. This is a time for both celebration and reflection beginning with Yom Ha Shoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and ending with Yom Hazikharon, Israel's National Memorial Day for the Fallen Victim's of Terror. What we remember during Israel Week is not simply Jewish or Israeli history; it is a shared history of the struggle to overcome oppression, tyranny and hatred. I believe this message is significant to all peoples of the world. We remember the events of our shared history so that we may work together to end the fear, hatred and violence that plague our world. The United States and Israel have been allies since the United States first recognized Israel as an independent state in 1948. Since that time, our two countries have grown closer as a result of our shared democratic, religious and cultural values. As we move towards our seventh decade of friendship, I believe the United States must take an active role in helping to achieve permanent security and peace for Israel and its neighbors. Israel Week is not only a time to remember the past; it is a time to look toward the future. We must continue to actively pursue the dream we all share of peace, freedom and security.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, today is Earth Day, and the President is coming to my home State of Maine to speak about the environment. Unfortunately, the administration has taken us backward in protecting the environment, and Maine is worse off because of it. In August, the EPA rolled back pollution controls for coal-burning plants in the Midwest and just recently announced plans to allow more mercury to be emitted into the air, just as we find that many parts of Maine do not meet quality air standards. This is not just bad for air. It is bad for jobs. When the EPA rolled back mercury regulations in August, hundreds of pipe fitters were laid off because the pollution-control equipment they installed was no longer needed. Protecting our air is not a partisan issue. Clean air improves public health, saves money, and can create jobs for Americans. The administration cannot just ``outsource'' the responsibility for protecting our environment to another country.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, yesterday I learned that one member of the 133rd Engineering Battalion from my State of Maine was killed and four were seriously wounded when serving their country in Iraq. My thoughts and prayers are with these soldiers and their families. Unfortunately, sacrifices like these make it very clear that the Guard and Reserve face the same grave dangers as other military personnel. They are an essential part of our total fighting force, and they deserve the best our country can give. I believe this bill before us today is a good first step in the right direction, but there is still so much more we should be doing for our soldiers and their families. Instead of simply allowing them to pull out their retirement money early to help pay the bills, we should provide better pay and assistance for their families. Indeed, they face the same problems when they return home as other workers. Anyone who has been unemployed for an extended period should have the same ability to use their retirement funds to make ends meet. Even more important, Reservists must return home to a country that can provide good jobs for them so they can care for their families. That is the best way to honor our veterans.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, the motion before the House today is very simple. The question is: Do we want to pay for spending and tax cuts or do we want to pass this burden off on our children? Will we run the government like there is no limit to our debts or will we act responsibly, and work to balance our books? The other body has passed responsible pay as you go rules thanks to bipartisan support, especially from the delegation representing my home State of Maine. The State of Maine is full of small business owners, farmers, and fisherman--working families that must balance their own books. Before my time here, I spent 22 years in the Maine Legislature. We always worked together in a bipartisan way to pass balanced budgets. Pay as you go budget rules should allow us the opportunity to work in that same bipartisan way here in Washington. Nearly all of us can agree that we need to return the budget to balance. The American people know, and we know that we cannot run deficits in excess of $230 billion year after year. The best way that we can do this is to make sure that any policy that would increase the deficit is paid for. The American people want to run our own government responsibly. I urge my colleagues in both parties to pass this motion and show the American people that we will work to balance the books.