Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. I thank my friend for his response. And I know it will come as no surprise that I have approached this legislation and debate with skepticism. Since China joined the WTO more than 10 years ago, nearly 2 million U.S. jobs have been shipped overseas. Although I have advocated for and supported U.S. enforcement efforts at the WTO, these actions have not been enough to counter China's persistent trade violation, including their currency manipulation. I do not want us to repeat this mistake with Russia. I think the enforcement provisions in this legislation are a good start, but it will take a proactive Congress to make sure our businesses benefit from this agreement. Can my friend assure me that he will work with me to use all the tools at our disposal, including section 301 authority, if needed, to make sure that Russia lives up to the WTO commitment?

Mr. MICHAUD. I appreciate the gentleman's comment, and I look forward to working with him on these issues. You and I have worked closely together on trade enforcement over the past few years, and I sincerely hope this effort between our offices will further strengthen our dialogue and collaboration on trade policy going forward. It will be even more important that we work together to make sure that TPP is a good deal for American workers and that its implementation legislation as well, should it ever reach the floor, include strict enforcement measures. This legislation represents an unprecedented step towards improving enforcement of our trade agreements. I want to thank you for working with us to improve this legislation and for agreeing to work with me on my outstanding concerns that we currently have. As a result of these improvements and the strong human rights language in the bill, I'll be supporting this legislation when the House votes on it today. And I want to thank the gentleman from Michigan very much for his efforts in that regard.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 2012 Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner. The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce serves the people and the business community in order to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the State of Maine. Each year, the Franklin County Chamber recognizes local businesses, business leaders, organizations and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy business environment. Each honoree is committed to strengthening opportunity and prosperity in this western Maine county. This year's honorees are Barclays, the Daily Bulldog and the Wilton Blueberry Festival. These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer and through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and the region, Maine is a better place in which to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and these honorees on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Paul Caron for his work in writing and composing ``Lewiston: A New Home''--the definitive musical history of Lewiston-Auburn, Maine. Dr. Caron is a tremendously gifted educator who has taught courses in math and science at St. Joseph's College, and the University of Southern Maine. In addition to his distinguished credentials in mathematics, science, and administration from Boston College, Paul has also studied musical theater at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. He has been a mainstay in the local theater community for over 35 years. A few years ago, Dr. Caron decided to devote himself to the composition of a musical about his hometown of Lewiston-Auburn. His work chronicles the rise and decline of one of Maine's great cities through the perspective of its families. Paul expertly wrote each of the show's 17 songs, which reach across a broad spectrum of time and style. The production has since received the prestigious Moss Hart Award from the New England Theater Conference. Meanwhile, the script, musical score and a DVD of the production are being formally held and cataloged in the Library of Congress. The success of Dr. Caron's opus is a remarkable achievement that will undoubtedly by treasured by the community for years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Dr. Paul Caron on his spectacular musical, ``Lewiston: A New Home.''

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Adrian J. Cyr, who will be celebrating his 100th birthday on November 9, 2012. I am honored to have the opportunity to share in the celebration of a centenarian. As a devoted family man, a proud veteran, and an entrepreneur, Adrian Cyr can look back on a life well lived. A native of Van Buren, Adrian began his lifelong dedication to education in a one room school house and went on to study at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. During the Great Depression, he enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps and built roads in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Adrian served in the U.S. Soil Conservation Service to help protect potato fields from wash-outs, and was a certified inspector for the Maine Department of Agriculture. This is all before he began a 34-year career as a licensed water treatment plant operator at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone and as an owner of several local businesses. Adrian proudly served his country in World War II. On January 26, 1943, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and after completing Basic Training was assigned to Battery D, 539th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. He is beloved by his wife Aurore, whom he married within a year after leaving the Army, as well as the Van Buren and Caribou communities. On November 10, Adrian's family and friends will gather together at the American Legion Post 49 to celebrate this remarkable milestone. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Mr. Cyr on his 100th birthday.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the historic Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor, Maine, for its continued commitment to showcasing world-renowned lecturers and talented performers each summer. Since 1884, the Claremont has provided a getaway for travelers across the world and a gateway to Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, and Acadia National Park. Every summer, the Claremont brings knowledgeable and interesting lecturers and talented performers to the Maine Coast to share their insights and gifts with native Mainer and tourist alike. Please join me in honoring each of the Claremont Hotel's 2012 summer lecturers for their contributions to this year's successful program: Nancy Wetzel, Landscape Gardener and Garden Historian for the Sarah Orne Jewett House, ``Shoals & Tidewater: Thaxter's Island Garden to Tyson's River Garden''; William Bigelow, M. Div., Student of Jungian Psychoanalysis, C.G. Jung Institute of Boston, ``Shadow and Light: Carl Jung, and the Opposites That Dwell Within Each of Us''; Susan Danly, Senior Curator, Portland Museum of Art, ``Apogees: Mount Desert and Katahdin in the Art and Life of Frederic Edwin Church''; Tom Hayward, Humanities Reference Librarian at Bates College, ``George Gershwin, 1898-1937: A Sampling of His Music from the Year of His Death''; Walter Butts, Poet Laureate of New Hampshire, ``The Language of Cinema: Techniques of Image and Composition in Poetry & Film''; David Hanna, Author, Knights of the Sea, ``Knights of the Sea: The True Story of the Boxer and the Enterprise and the War of 1812''; Peter Der Manuelian, Phillip J. King Professor of Egyptology at Harvard University, ``The Giza Pyramids in 3D: Ancient Egypt and the Harvard--MFA Expedition''; Dr. Ralph Nurnberger, Professor of International Relations at Georgetown University and Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, ``The Potential of a Nuclear Iran in the New Middle East''; and David Arnold, a freelance writer, photographer of coral reefs, and web video producer of travel/adventure stories targeted to newspapers, magazines, and websites, ``Climate Change: Photographing the Reality Above and Below the Waterline.'' The hotel also welcomed many talented performers this summer. Please join me in recognizing Anastasia Antonacos, classical Pianist and founder of the Bayside Trio; the Hot Club of Portland; the Acadia Chamber Players; the Thomas Snow Trio; Jerks of Grass; and, Judith Gordon, classical pianist and assistant Professor of music at Smith College. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Claremont and its guests on a wonderful 2012 summer season.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Joseph Hospital on being recognized as a Thomson Reuters Top 100 Hospital. Founded in 1947 by the Felician Sisters, St. Joseph Hospital has proudly served community members from the Bangor area for three quarters of a century. St. Joseph is committed to wellness promotion and holistic healing by providing healthcare services which embody compassion, competence and community. It is this commitment that has helped them secure the Reuters Top 100 Hospital designation. The Thompson Reuters 100 Hospital study evaluates performance in a variety of areas, including patient safety, average patient stay, expenses, medical complications and patient satisfaction. St. Joseph was chosen from nearly 3,000 U.S. hospitals for demonstrating high- quality patient care and overall organizational excellence. St. Joseph Hospital, under the umbrella of St. Joseph Healthcare, is a 112-bed acute community hospital. They provide a comprehensive range of health care services, including primary care, specialty services, diagnostics imaging and screening, outpatient and inpatient surgery. The Hospital is consistently recognized for its quality of care and patient satisfaction scores. In addition to this praise, the St. Joseph's commitment to providing low cost care reinforces the organization as an indispensible piece of the greater Bangor community. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating St. Joseph Hospital, and their parent organization St. Joseph Healthcare on their designation as Thomson Reuters Top 100 Hospital.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members of the James W. Williams American Legion Post 12 for their commitment to the City of Bangor. I would also like to congratulate them as they celebrate their 92nd anniversary. The James W. Williams Post No. 12 was founded in August of 1920, and they will celebrate their 92nd anniversary this year. The post is named for Cpl. James W. Williams of Bangor, who proudly served in the Maine National Guard during World War I. Cpl. Williams was killed in action on July 17th, 1918 at the battle of Champagne-Marne in Germany. From its founding, members of the James W. Williams Post No. 12 have dedicated themselves to serving our veterans, members of the armed forces, and the Bangor community. Its members have long been known to offer financial support to the Boy Scouts, the American Cancer Society, and the Eastern Maine Medical Center. The Post also established a Bangor High School JROTC scholarship and Boys State scholarship. Post members were instrumental in supporting the construction of a fifth Veterans Home in Bangor, and they continue to regularly provide comfort to its residents. Today, we celebrate the tremendous success of the James W. Williams American Legion Post 12 and 92 years of community support and engagement. They have truly made a difference to the city of Bangor and our veterans population. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the members of the James W. Williams American Legion Post 12 on their 92nd anniversary.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Roy Driver who will be retiring after 32 years of outstanding work for the Vet Centers and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Roy has dedicated more than 30 years to improving the lives of veterans and their families. Prior to his time with the Vet Centers, Roy served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1960-1970 as a Sonar/ Oceanographic Technician. He has attended the Greater Hartford Community College, Central Connecticut State College and Southern Connecticut State College. From 1974 to 1978 he served as a Veterans Affairs Coordinator for two colleges in Connecticut. In 1980, he was the Team Leader of the Hartford Connecticut Vet Center, one of the first in the nation. During his time in Hartford, two additional Vet Centers were opened as satellites. Maine veterans were fortunate that in 1991, Roy moved to the Portland, Maine Vet Center, where he remained until 2004, when he became Team Leader of the Lewiston Vet Center. It is always with some lingering sadness that I pass along my best wishes for the retirement of people like Roy. Throughout his career, he has been an important part of the lives of many combat veterans and their families, helping them to work through the issues that resulted from their service to our nation. You can never truly quantify the work of such an individual. On behalf of the people of Maine, I congratulate Roy and wish him the best of luck on his retirement and in his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Roy Driver for his unwavering dedication to our veterans and their families.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Franco American War Veterans (FAWV) on their 80th Anniversary, and Post 31 of Lewiston, Maine on their 25th Anniversary. In early 1932, veterans of World War I began meeting in Massachusetts to establish a veteran's organization for veterans of French decent. They gathered signatures and were granted a charter by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In the succeeding years, posts were formed around Massachusetts, and quickly expanded to Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine. This year, Post 31 of Lewiston, Maine celebrates its 25th Anniversary. Post 31 is an integral part of the Lewiston/Auburn community. Members of the Post have served as national officers in FAWV, and as leaders in the community. Among their many accomplishments, members of Post 31, through their work on the L/A Veterans' Council, helped establish and maintain the Veterans' Park in Lewiston and helped convince the Department of Veterans' Affairs to locate its new community based outpatient clinic in Lewiston. In addition, the Post 31 Color Guard participates in many ceremonies each year, and their presence helps enhance the ceremony. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Franco American War Veterans on their 80th Anniversary and Post 31 of Lewiston, Maine, on their 25th Anniversary.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colby College as it prepares to celebrate its bicentennial in 2013. Nearly 200 years ago, residents of Kennebec County raised over $4,000 to secure land for a locally-based theological institution. The petition establishing what was then the Maine Literary and Theological Institution was formally adopted by the Massachusetts Legislature on February 27, 1813, making it the 33rd chartered college in the country. Today, Colby College enrolls over 1,800 students from 46 states and 76 countries. As one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the country, its graduates have gone on to become international business leaders, critically acclaimed writers, noted statesmen, and even members of my Congressional staff. Throughout its history, Colby College has fostered a culture of social justice at its very core. In 1833, students launched the first college-based anti-slavery society. In 1871, Colby College became the first all-male college in New England to admit women, the first of whom was Mary Caffrey Low, valedictorian of the Class of 1875 and one of the five founding members of the Sigma Kappa sorority. In 1985, students successfully protested for College divestment in South Africa in protest of apartheid. More recently, Colby has made ever increasing strides to attract students with diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, to reduce the college's carbon footprint, and to develop new partnerships with the community. The College will kick off its bicentennial celebration this October. Special lectures, panel discussions, and festivities will be held throughout the year both on campus, as well as in downtown Waterville. I am pleased to have the opportunity to join the community's celebration of Colby, and I look forward to watching the College continue its growth during the years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Colby College as they celebrate their bicentennial.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bill, H.R. 5948, which is a mini-omnibus of veterans' measures that run the gamut of issues, such as improving the policy on notification of data breaches of veterans' personal information, to reforming of the Department of Veterans Affairs' fiduciary program, to ensuring that veterans with no known next of kin receive the dignified burial they deserve. I thank all of the Members for their hard work on these measures, particularly Chairman Miller and Ranking Mr. Filner; Chairman Runyan of New Jersey and Mr. McNerney of California, the chair and ranking member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee; Mr. Johnson of Ohio and Mr. Donnelly of Indiana, chair and ranking member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. Their bipartisan work on the committee, along with the staff efforts, have helped ensure that the provisions of this bill are meaningful and sound for veterans on all fronts. H.R. 5948 contains language from a bill introduced by Mr. Donnelly which will significantly improve the VA's notification requirements following a data breach involving a veteran's sensitive personal information. We must work harder to protect veterans' personal identifiable information, including their Social Security number. And rapid notification procedures when breaches occur will stem the tide of harm any veteran, their family, or a survivor has to incur. In that same vein of protecting our veterans, this bill also contains a long-overdue overhaul of the VA fiduciary program. The additional provisions seek to ensure that our most vulnerable VA beneficiaries who cannot manage on their own are provided the utmost protections of their hard-earned benefits. In my district, the number one concern among the constituents that are brought before my congressional offices deals with veterans issues. And I'm so pleased that H.R. 5948 includes a provision to grant county veterans service officers, other State and local employees, as well as staff of Members of Congress greater access to veterans' claims information and for tracking purposes. I wholeheartedly support the mission of this measure and the work of our county veterans service officers and the tireless work of my staff, as I know other Members of Congress' staff, as it relates to veterans' issues. Finally, this bill will establish a Place of Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery for unidentified cremated remains of our servicemen and -women. This will ensure that not one of our veterans or servicemembers is left behind or forgotten. Mr. Speaker, according to the Department of Defense, more than 48,000 servicemembers have been wounded in action while serving in the recent conflicts. Today, 18 veterans and servicemembers will take their lives by their own hands. These are sobering statistics. In caring for the injured men and women in uniform, we must continue to address their needs so they may live in dignity after their honorable military service. I have only begun to name a few important provisions of this bill, and I want to thank the chairman for his work to bring this bill before the committee. I would urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I respectfully reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, it's my understanding Chairman Miller has no further speakers.

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I'd like to thank my colleagues for the hard work and effort on this very important bill as well. Each year, as we assess the construction needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, we do so with the safety and health of our veterans in mind, as well as fulfilling our statutory requirements to authorize major medical facility projects. This is a responsibility that we do not take lightly. H.R. 6375, the VA Major Construction Authorization and Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2012, would authorize approximately over $377 million for major medical facility projects. Specifically included is the authorization for a mental health building at the VA Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, and for a spinal cord injury facility at the VA Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Speaker, these authorizations provide the Department of Veterans Affairs the ability to provide state-of-the-art health care and services to our Nation's veterans wherever they choose to live. I would like to take a few moments to comment on section 102, which provides the authority for the renovation of the surgical suite and the operating rooms at the VA Medical Center in Miami, Florida. Earlier this year, it was brought to the committee's attention that VA was going to need additional authorization to finish the renovation of the operating suites in Miami. It is my understanding that, during the design phase of the original projects, an assessment was conducted, and the recommendation was to completely close down the surgical suite because of infection control and safety issues related to construction. Because of these, two smaller Miami projects were combined, and the cost exceeded the monetary threshold of $10 million that governs the need to seek congressional authority. Working in a bipartisan manner, with the concerns for the safe continuation of surgery in the Miami VA Medical Center always first and foremost in our minds, we have included this project so that VA can move forward without delay. In addition to major facility projects, H.R. 6375 provides for the extension of certain expiring authorities. I am pleased to strongly support the extensions of the programs that directly affect some of our most vulnerable veterans--the serious mentally ill and homeless. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we have also included an extension of VA's contract authority with private providers of compensation and pension exams. I support these provisions, but I also want to ensure that we remain vigilant in our oversight of this authority. As such, I am pleased to see 1-year extensions of these authorities, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6375. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this particular piece of legislation, which is very important for our veterans. I would be remiss, though, if I didn't say that, like my colleague from New York earlier, I am disappointed that we are leaving Washington when we have a lot of work to do, such as the middle class tax cuts, the farm bill, the Violence Against Women Act, and responsible deficit reduction, as well as my bill that addresses the issue of our military, members of which are supposed to be clothed from head to toe with American-made clothing. The fact that the administration is not complying with the Berry amendment is very disappointing. Hopefully, we will be able to address these issues before the end of the year so that we can take care of a lot of the concerns that my constituents have brought forth. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize yesterday's passage in the House of H.R. 1775, the Stolen Valor Act. I, unfortunately, was not able to vote on passage of this important bill because of a commitment back in my district. I joined with New Balance associates at the factory in Norridgewock, Maine to press U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk on the importance of preserving current footwear tariffs, which are threatened by the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multinational free trade agreement that is currently being negotiated. I truly appreciated Ambassador Kirk's visit and the opportunity to join him and New Balance's highly skilled workers, but I regret that this prevented me from helping to pass H.R. 1775, the Stolen Valor Act. Had I been able to be present for the vote, I would have vote for the Stolen Valor Act. This Act appropriately creates penalties for individuals who benefit from lying about military decorations or medals. Our service members and veterans make an unparalleled commitment to our nation. They earn military honors through their sacrifices, and I am pleased that the Stolen Valor Act has passed the House to better protect the interests of those who have served our country.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my distinguished friend and colleague from Illinois, Jerry Costello, as he enters his final days serving the Prairie State in Congress. Jerry has been a loyal advocate and dedicated fighter for the people of Southern and Southwestern Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jerry's unyielding commitment to Illinois, however, dates back even further--to his early days working as a full-time law enforcement officer as he worked his way through college. No matter how far Jerry traveled, his heart has always remained with his community-- and his family, at home in Belleville. Since I first arrived in Congress in 2003, I have had the privilege of serving as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. During our service together, I have continually been impressed by Jerry's understanding of key issues, especially those pertaining to aviation, as well as his knowledge and passion for the legislative process. Members of Congress and influential figures on both sides of the aisle have praised Jerry for his willingness to work across party lines to get things done for his constituents and the nation. As the rough winds of partisanship have made getting things done in Washington difficult, Illinois and Congress have benefitted from an experienced pilot who still believes that by working together, Congress can push ahead through turbulence to a better flight plan for our nation. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring my friend and colleague, Jerry Costello, for his eleven terms in Congress and his continued dedication to our nation.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. I want to thank the gentleman for his strong support for veterans over the years and look forward to continuing to work with him through the rest of this Congress. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor and a strong supporter of this bill. Each section of it makes important changes that will improve the care and services we provide our veterans. I'm especially proud that it creates a comprehensive educational outreach policy, recognizes that military service meets the standards of many civilian job certifications, and that it establishes an open burn pit registry. All three of these provisions are the result of the hard work of veterans and their advocates. I had many meetings with veterans who not only identified these issues, but they also provided solutions for the issues as well. In my time of serving on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I've always appreciated that it's one of the places in Congress where bipartisan efforts are working and things do get done. I'm pleased this is the tradition in this particular bill as well. I want to thank all of my colleagues on the Veterans Affairs' Committee, Chairman Miller of the full committee, Chairwoman Buerkle of the Health Subcommittee, and Tim Walz, who has also been a true advocate of veterans' issues, and I thank him for his service as well for this great Nation of ours. I would encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4057.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail's completion. On the 18th of August, 1937, the last mile of the original Appalachian Trail (AT) was completed at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine's Carabassett Valley. Although the idea of a super trail on the scale of the AT had been discussed for years, it was the vision and determination of Benton Mackaye and Myron Avery who truly gave the project life. The legacy of the trail was not always secure however, with severe weather, the Great Depression, and World War II threatening its continuity. Fortunately, the tremendous efforts of trail enthusiasts, lead by Mainer Stanley Murray, launched a campaign to save the AT and preserve it for future generations. Maine's Appalachian Trail Club will be hosting a 75th anniversary celebration of the AT's completion 75 years ago. Members of the Club, Maine's Appalachian Trail Land Trust, the Trust for Public Land, the High Peaks Alliance, the University of Maine, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy will be present. The event will be an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of the trail and honor the countless volunteers who have helped to sustain this national treasure throughout the years. The enormous significance of the Appalachian Trail to the state cannot be overstated. Many of our local economies benefit from the thousands of hikers that are drawn to Maine every year along its paths. I am deeply proud to share in this celebration of Maine and American history. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in commemorating this momentous anniversary.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the nominations of Barbara Anthony, Valdine Atwood, Barbara Drisko, and Sally Jacobs for the Mighty Women of Washington County Elder Award. The Mighty Women of Washington County is a group of strong, compassionate women who collaborate with businesses in Washington County to promote positive social and economic change in the community. This self sustaining organization continues to draw together talented and dedicated women who are committed to the region. Since 2006, the Mighty Women of Washington County have grown their membership to over 180 strong representing business owners, government workers and volunteers. Together, their remarkable efforts have made a positive impact in the areas of homelessness, health care and other social issues. In June of this year, the organization held its first event ``Celebrating the Mighty Women of Washington County'' in the town of Machias. At the event, Barbara Anthony, Valdine Atwood, Barbara Drisko, and Sally Jacobs were nominated for the Mighty Women Elder Award. This recognition is offered to members of the organization who embody exceptional character and citizenship. Each of these women is a pillar of the Washington County community and they are all tremendously deserving of this recognition. Their energy, commitment to helping others, and devotion to the region are an inspiration to future generations of Washington County women and to Mainers throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating these exceptional women for being recognized through this honor and thanking them all that they do for their community.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1627, as amended, the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. This bill represents the hard work of both Chambers and of both sides of the aisle. I want to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Filner, as well as Senator Murray and Senator Burr and all of my colleagues on the Veterans' Affairs Committees in both Chambers, for all of the work that went into crafting this legislation. This bill provides health care benefits to veterans and family members who have suffered illnesses due to exposure to harmful chemicals through drinking contaminated water while stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This bill also provides important improvements to enable the VA to better care for veterans living in rural areas. These veterans constitute 40 percent of the veterans who seek care at VA. These improvements include: waiving the collections of copayments for veterans who use telehealth or telemedicine services; authorizing VA to pay travel benefits to veterans seeking care at vet centers; requiring VA to establish and operate Centers of Excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; finally, requiring VA to create a system for the consultation and assessment of mental health, traumatic brain injury, and other conditions through teleconsultation. A provision I am particularly proud of will improve the care provided to our elderly veterans and to those who are 70-percent disabled or higher in our State veterans' nursing homes. This bill makes improvements in the area of veterans' benefits and the claims process. One such improvement, a provision based on a measure introduced by Ranking Member Filner, enables a veteran or a family member, on an appeal, to waive the current requirement that new evidence be first considered by the VA. This provision would enable the Board of Veterans' Appeals to review evidence submitted directly to it instead of waiting for a redecision at the agency level. This bill includes important housing provisions as well. One provision would help veterans with vision impairments and veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member by aligning VA's definition of ``blindness'' with the definition of ``blindness'' under existing Federal laws. This bill provides that the amount made available to veterans who receive a temporary residence adaptation grant is not counted against the maximum allowable under the Specially Adapted Housing program. Also, this bill makes permanent the authority of VA to guarantee adjustable rate and hybrid rate mortgages. Mr. Speaker, I have only highlighted a few of the important parts of this bill that were found in H.R. 1627, as amended. I would encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this very important veterans' measure. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell). (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)