Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. O'Rourke).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I would encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 2189, as amended. Once again, I want to thank Chairman Miller and his staff for working very diligently on this piece of legislation, along with my staff on the minority side, and for bringing this forward. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 2481, as amended, the Veterans Economic Opportunity Act of 2013, and yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2481, as amended, makes several significant improvements to VA's structure as well as several benefits programs. This bill represents the work of Members, both on and off the Veterans' Affairs Committee, to improve veterans lives. I want to take a few minutes to highlight two of the key provisions of this measure. Mr. Cummings of Maryland originally introduced H.R. 1842, the Military Family Home Protection Act. Language from this measure is included in H.R. 2481, as amended, and aims to strengthen the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act foreclosure protections for servicemembers and their families during the course of deployment, regardless of when the home was purchased. Military homeowners deserve these protections so they can have peace of mind while they serve. We all have heard the horror stories of families fighting for their homes and, sadly, losing their homes while the family members were in harm's way in Iraq or Afghanistan. The 5-year extension of the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program in this bill is vital to veterans. There are still approximately 62,000 homeless veterans on the streets each night. This program provides services to assist in reintegrating them into meaningful employment in the labor force. The HVRP is the only nationwide program that focuses on assisting homeless veterans by connecting them to employment. If we are to meet the goal of ending homeless veterans by 2015, we need to extend the help that is included in this bill. I strongly support H.R. 2481, as amended, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, once again, I would like to thank Chairman Miller for bringing this bill to the floor, as well as Chairman Flores and Ranking Member Takano of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity for their work on this particular bill, and I would encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it unanimously. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 2011, the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013. The Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the administration of education and training programs for veterans and servicemembers, Reservists and Guard personnel, and dependents of veterans. The Advisory Committee is composed of veterans and persons who are eminent in their respective fields of education, labor, and management and are representatives of institutions and establishments furnishing education to veterans. Besides providing advice to the Secretary, the Advisory Committee recommends new educational benefits and services. It also plays a key role in the long-range planning and development of existing education benefit programs for our veterans. Mr. Speaker, as our post-9/11 GI Bill continues to evolve and be fully understood by the VA, colleges, veterans, and their dependents, the Advisory Committee is crucial to full implementation and resolving lingering issues. The authority for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education is slated to end on December 31, 2013. H.R. 2011 would extend this authority for 2 years so that the Advisory Committee can continue its important work in ensuring that veterans receive the full value of their educational benefits. I wish to thank Representative Delaney of Maryland for introducing this bill and Chairman Miller for bringing it to the floor today. I wish also to thank Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Flores and Ranking Member Takano for their hard work on this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Delaney).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I also have no further requests for time. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2011, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Theresa M. Desfosses of Scarborough, Maine on being inducted into the RV/ Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame. In August 2013, Theresa Desfosses was inducted into the RV/ Manufactured Housing (RV/MH) Hall of Fame, becoming only the fifth member from New England, one of only a few women, and the first Mainer to receive the honor. Inducting its first class in 1972, the RV/MH Hall of Fame was established by the RV/MH Heritage Foundation to recognize individuals that have made a significant, positive impact on the manufactured housing industry. Throughout her career, Theresa has helped grow and advance the manufactured housing industry on the national and state levels. On the national level, she most recently served on the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee, advising the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on manufactured housing regulations and safety standards. On the state level, Theresa was instrumental in establishing the Manufactured Housing Association of Maine as well as Maine's Manufactured Housing Board, serving on its Board of Directors for many years. Theresa has not only helped transform the manufactured housing industry, but has also had a direct impact on the lives of her fellow Mainers. As owner of State Manufactured Homes, a third-generation family business, Theresa has provided affordable, accessible homes to more than 700 Maine families. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to Maine have made our state a better place to live. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of Theresa M. Desfosses and congratulating her on being inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, Ed Hamm, Jr. of East Millinocket, Maine, on receiving the Hometown Hero award from the Modern Woodmen of America. The Hometown Hero award is given to individuals and groups who selflessly commit themselves to their communities, asking for nothing in return. As a coach, business owner, and member of several recreational and fraternal organizations, Ed is truly a renaissance man when it comes to community engagement, and to those who know Ed, it is no mystery why he has been selected to receive this award. Few people can claim involvement in as many different aspects of their community as Ed. He has served as a basketball coach at the Junior Varsity, Junior High School and Pee Wee levels, including traveling all-star teams. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Shriners International, the Masonic Society, and the East Millinocket Recreation Committee. Perhaps most famously, Ed owned and operated the Hamlet Motel, later known as the Hamlet Pub, from 1976 to 2011. The Hamlet served as a home base and meeting point for many in the community, especially the athletes of Schenck High School who frequently enjoyed meals there before major competitions. The Hamlet's slogan, ``you are a stranger here but once,'' truly exemplifies Ed's attitude towards those in his community. On Thursday, October 17, 2013, at Medway Middle School, Ed Hamm, Jr. will be recognized for his extraordinary record in community service during a dinner and awards ceremony. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing East Millinocket's Hometown Hero, Ed Hamm, Jr., for his outstanding community service.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of Farmington, Maine, who continue to aid and assist the residents of their ``sister city,'' the town of Lac-Megantic, a small town located near the Canadian border. Early on the morning of July 6, 2013, a train derailment and horrendous explosion devastated the center of this scenic lake-side town of 6,000 residents. 40 buildings were destroyed, 47 people lost their lives, 2,000 residents were displaced and countless lives were forever changed. The heroism of the local fire department aided by fire crews from the Franklin County towns of Chesterville, Eustis, Farmington, New Vineyard, Phillips, Rangeley and Strong helped to avert an even greater tragedy. In rural Maine, people know what it means to be a good neighbor, and I am heartened by the outpouring of support that has come from the local communities. Four days after the tragedy, local business leaders and municipalities joined together to launch the Lac-Megantic Relief Fund, a fundraising campaign to assist the town to recover from this disaster. At last report, over $32,000 has been raised, and I know that this generosity will help the town through this difficult time. On Saturday, October 12, 2013, a benefit concert will be held in the University of Maine at Farmington's South Dining Hall, and the community will host Lac-Megantie's mayor, police chief and head of the Chamber of Commerce. I want to thank Farmington Selectman Ryan Morgan, the Wilton Selectmen, and Maine State Senator Tom Saviello for their hard work in organizing what will be a wonderful evening of entertainment, fellowship and solidarity. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring all of the first-responder heroes who responded to the Lac-Megantic tragedy and those fellow Mainers who continue to support this community as it rebuilds and recovers.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Maine at Farmington as it begins celebrating its sesquicentennial this academic year. More than 150 years ago, teachers from Franklin County petitioned the Maine State Legislature to establish a State Normal School. In March 1863, after heated debate, the Legislature passed the Normal School Act. That fall, Farmington was chosen as the site for the Western State Normal School, the first public institution of higher learning in the State of Maine. Originally a teachers' college with an emphasis on liberal arts, the Western State Normal School first opened its doors on August 24, 1864 to 31 students who convened in the attic of a building in downtown Farmington. Over 100 years and several name changes later, the school merged into the University of Maine System in 1968 and became formally known as the University of Maine at Farmington, or UMF, in 1971. UMF currently enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and the world. It continues to be a national leader in producing exceptional teaching professionals that have a direct impact on the state of Maine. Approximately seventeen percent of Maine's educators earned their degree from the University of Maine at Farmington, including four of the last six Maine ``Teacher of the Year'' recipients. In addition to maintaining its commitment to training quality educators, UMF has made efforts to strengthen other academic areas, such as the arts and sciences, health, and rehabilitation. Today, October 9th, also known as Charter Day, marks 150 years to the day since the Maine Legislature signed the school's charter and is the highlight of the Sesquicentennial celebration. The day's events feature a ceremony honoring notable dignitaries, an array of cultural events, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the restoration of Abbot Park, and an evening of visual and performing art. The anniversary will continue to be observed throughout the academic year focusing on the six key academic disciplines of education, psychology, English, biology, mathematics and history. I am proud to have the opportunity to share the impressive accomplishments of the University of Maine at Farmington and look forward to watching the University continue its growth during the years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University of Maine at Farmington as they celebrate their sesquicentennial.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Redington Memorial Home as it celebrates its 75th year of providing quality, affordable, assisted living to Maine's seniors. More than 75 years ago, John R. McClellan bequeathed his will funds to transform the former home of Civil War General Russell B. Shepard into an affordable and safe retirement residence for the elderly women of the Skowhegan community. Since Redington Memorial Home first opened its doors on October 15, 1938, it has grown and prospered, offering a wide range of support and care for many senior citizens of Skowhegan, Maine. Redington Home supports the individuality and independence of its residents, encouraging recreational fitness and social activities, as well as facilitating engagement in community affairs. It also provides a dining experience unmatched by most retirement homes, as the culinary staff offers a nutritious, diverse menu and accommodates the individual preferences of residents. Additionally, in 2007, Redington Home completed a significant expansion to provide state of the art facilities for its residents and to accommodate more of Maine's seniors. On October 10, 2013, Redington Memorial Home will commemorate the 75th anniversary of its opening by hosting a reception with residents and members of the greater community. I am delighted to recognize the accomplishments of this wonderful facility and look forward to its continued success in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Redington Memorial Home on 75 years of exceptional service.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this bill, which is nothing more than a political ploy. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle say a vote against this bill is a vote to block veterans services. It's actually this government shutdown, which they have caused, that threatens VA's ability to provide the services for our veterans. If Republicans in this House were really serious about helping our veterans, they'd pass a clean CR and end this government shutdown that they have caused. If they really want to guarantee veterans services are adequate, they would bring forward in this House H.R. 813, as amended, to the floor. This bipartisan bill would fund all the VA through future advanced appropriations, and take this political football off the table forever. Passing that bill will help make sure that veterans will no longer be used like they are being used today, as the pawns of a political party scheme. This is outrageous. And I would encourage my Republican colleagues to bring up H.R. 813, as amended, to the full floor so we can stop playing political football with the men and women who served this great Nation of ours. It's unbelievable that you'd do such a thing. And if you think that you're convincing the VSOs that if we don't fund this then we're not supporting veterans, they know the difference. They see through the political football. They are tired of it, and I would encourage you to encourage the Speaker to bring up once again H.R. 813, as amended, passed unanimously by the Veterans' Affairs Committee, for a full vote in this House. This is outrageous and nothing but a political gimmick today.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the city of Ellsworth, Maine as it celebrates its 250th anniversary. Located in the heart of Hancock County, and a gateway to Acadia National Park, Ellsworth is one of our state's fastest growing and picturesque communities. It serves as the county seat and is a regional center for Downeast Maine, with agricultural, commercial, and educational resources that are utilized and embraced by thousands of nearby Mainers. The town was settled in 1763 and named after Oliver Ellsworth, a delegate to the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention. The city combines a comfortable small town feel with the beautiful scenery of Maine's coastline. One of Ellsworth's many attractions includes the Downeast Scenic Railroad, which begins in the town and travels along the historic, recently renovated, Calais Branch line. The residents of Ellsworth embody the values of the hardworking people of Maine, and they take great pride in the rich heritage they have created over the past 250 years. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Ellsworth in Congress, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to help the town celebrate its 250th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the people of Ellsworth and wishing them well on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hope Carroll, winner of the Stars and Stripes Spectacular essay contest, for her inspiring essay titled ``What Freedom Means to Me.'' I had the pleasure of listening to Hope read her essay at the annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular on July 4th in Portland, Maine. One of the best parts of my job as a member of Congress is having the opportunity to witness the great talent and potential of our nation's young people. This rising 6th grader, from Lincoln Middle School, represents the best and brightest among them. I would like to take this opportunity to share Hope Carroll's essay with the House of Representatives. Freedom is bravery, confidence and love. Bravery is standing up for your freedom, confidence helps you believe in your freedom, confidence helps you believe in your freedom and love takes care of it. Freedom is laughing and crying. When my family laughs together there is not a care in the world and that is freedom. We cry together, it is the way we express our sadness, that is freedom. Freedom is dancing around the room when no is watching because being silly and happy is freedom. Freedom is nature, beautiful trees and lovely pink flowers. Freedom is bravery, confidence, love, laughing, crying, silly, happy and beautiful. Hope showed bravery and confidence well beyond her years in reading her essay, and I look forward to following her progress as a writer. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Hope Carroll, winner of the Stars and Stripes Spectacular essay contest.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the town of Machias, Maine as it celebrates its 250th anniversary. Located in the heart of Washington County and known as the ``Blueberry Capital of the World,'' Machias is one of our state's most historic and picturesque communities. It serves as the county seat and is a regional center for Downeast Maine, with agricultural, commercial, and educational resources that are utilized and embraced by thousands of nearby Mainers. The town was settled in 1763 and is home to the Burnham Tavern, a National Historic Site carefully maintained by members of the Hannah Weston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1775, Machias was the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution. Author James Fenimore Cooper described the infamous battle and the capture of the English schooner HMS Margaretta in his History Of The Navy Of The United States Of America, as ``the Lexington of the seas, for like that celebrated land conflict, it was a rising of the people against a regular force, was characterized by a long chase, a bloody struggle, and a triumph.'' The residents of Machias embody the values of the hardworking people of Maine, and they may take great pride in the rich heritage they have created over the past 250 years. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Machias in Congress, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to help the town celebrate its 250th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the people of Machias and wishing them well on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the town of St. Albans, Maine, as they celebrate their community's bicentennial. Like many of Maine's early settlements, the Town of St. Albans began as part of Massachusetts and has been in existence longer than the State of Maine itself. In 1794, the land first known as Township No. 5--located in the 4th range of townships, north of the Waldo patent in the county of Somerset--was surveyed and in 1799, it was purchased by the renowned Boston doctor, John Warren. While its name changed several times from Township 5 to Berlin, and then to Fairhaven, this community would later be incorporated on June 14, 1813, as the town of St. Albans and it became the 199th town in the District of Maine. This weekend, the people of St. Albans will celebrate the bicentennial of their town filled with the same local spirit and sense of common purpose that filled those first residents who first petitioned to have their community recognized. The residents of St. Albans embody the values of the hardworking people of Maine and can take great pride in the rich heritage they have created over the past 200 years. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of St. Albans in Congress, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to help the town celebrate its 200th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the people of St. Albans and wishing them well on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Chair, I rise today to support the Tsongas-Michaud amendment, which will strengthen the Department of Defenses' (DOD) Buy America requirements. According to the Berry Amendment, the Department of Defense (DOD) cannot procure clothing items unless they are produced in the United States. In recent years, however, DOD has circumvented this policy by issuing cash allowances to soldiers for their own purchase of physical training shoes. The amendment that Representative Tsongas and I sponsored to the Defense Authorization bill would require that any footwear furnished or provided by cash allowance to members of the Armed Forces upon initial entry be Berry compliant. Two major, domestic athletic footwear brands--New Balance and Wolverine World Wide--are already prepared to produce 100% Berry compliant athletic shoes for the U.S. military. And at least one of those companies can do so at a lower price than the value of the cash allowances DOD gives soldiers now. If DOD started complying with the Berry Amendment, I feel confident many more companies would jump into the market as well. This would be good for our troops and good for our economy. This amendment makes Congress' intent of the Berry Amendment explicit and will ensure that all components of our troops' PT uniforms are made in the U.S.A. Madam Chair, this amendment will guarantee our troops fight and train in American-made uniforms from head to toe.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Colonel Andrew Gibson as today's guest chaplain. Colonel Gibson is from Pittsfield, Maine. He is a decorated veteran who served in the Maine Army National Guard for 25 years. Before being deployed to Afghanistan in 2006, he served in Bosnia in 1997 as one of the first two National Guard chaplains to ever be deployed to a hostile fire zone. Currently, Colonel Gibson is the Joint Forces Headquarters Maine chaplain and the director of Deployment Cycle Support. In these roles, he oversees the spiritual needs of the Maine Guard's soldiers and families. He also coordinates a team of health professionals who provide support to our servicemembers, veterans, and military families. Colonel Gibson's service also extends deep into our communities. He is a key organizer of Maine's annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast. Colonel Gibson is a true asset to our State of Maine and our country. I'm proud that he is my constituent, and it's an honor to have him deliver today's prayer.