Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes and 35 seconds to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall).

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 4812, the Honor Flight Act, which honors our World War II veterans, who have sacrificed much for this country, with a small but significant token of gratitude. H.R. 4812 requires the Administrator of the Transportation Security Authority to ensure expedited and dignified screening for veterans travelling through airports on special chartered flights to visit war memorials built in their honor. The Honor Flight program was created in 2005 by Earl Morse, a private pilot and former physician's assistant at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Morse realized the depth of his patients' desire to visit the newly-built World War II Memorial. However, he realized many of these patients lacked the financial resources to pay for the long trip on their own. Mr. Morse understood what seeing this memorial meant to his patients, so he found a way to facilitate them having that opportunity. The average soldier in World War II was 26 years old, making many of them in their nineties today. Long airport lines and invasive TSA procedures are tiring for anyone. For our soldiers who fought in war 40, 50, and 60 years ago, especially those now in wheel chairs, it is arduous. Sadly, these long and frustrating security protocols often discourage veterans from making these wonderful and meaningful journeys. Mr. Speaker, our World War II veterans have done their duty. It is our duty now to reduce the hardship they might face in any way we can. The TSA is doing a wonderful job of ensuring that our airports are secure and safe. Nothing in the Honor Flight Act would change that. The bill seeks to work entirely within their security requirements to ensure safety while minimizing the stress felt by our veterans when visiting a memorial through the Honor Flight program. It is a simple, low cost way to recognize our veterans' service. I want to thank the Homeland Security Committee for bringing this bill before us today and offer my strong support.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Aroostook Farm of Presque Isle, Maine as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1914, the Aroostook Farm has served as a center for agricultural research and development, not only for Presque Isle, but for the entire state of Maine. As part of the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station, the Aroostook Farm works in tandem with the University of Maine as a prominent research and development facility for the Maine potato industry, a staple crop in the state's agriculture. In more recent years, the Aroostook Farm has expanded their existing research to work toward developing sustainable agricultural practices. On Wednesday, August 13th, the Aroostook Farm will recognize 100 years of research, community involvement, and advancement in agriculture. The Aroostook Farm embodies Maine values by representing the importance of agriculture and educational advancement, practices that have taken place on the farm for the last 100 years. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the Aroostook Farm in Congress, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to help celebrate its 100th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Aroostook Farm and its involved community, and wishing them well on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Loring Job Corps Center as it joins 125 other campuses across the nation in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Job Corps. The Job Corps program was established in 1964 as the central initiative of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty. The program was established to administer free-of-charge education and vocational training to youth ages 16 to 24. Providing support specifically for young unemployed men and women, the program was modeled after the highly successful Civilian Conservation Corps of the New Deal, which was discontinued after World War II. Since its inception under the Economic Opportunity Act, Job Corps has served more than two million young people, with approximately 60,000 students enrolled annually at centers throughout the country. The U.S. Department of Labor began developing a Job Corps Center in Limestone, Maine, on the former Strategic Air Command's Loring Air Force Base in 1994. The first students to arrive at Loring in January of 1997 transferred there in order to major in the University of Maine's Outdoor Recreation Associates Degree Program. Since it was first established, Loring has offered an excellent opportunity for students to obtain their GED, receive vocational and technical training, and utilize on-the-job training to find permanent employment--all at no cost. I am proud to recognize the Loring Job Corps Center for its years of committed service, and I look forward to its continued success in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Loring Job Corps Center as it celebrates 50 years of the Job Corps program.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlelady for yielding, and I rise in strong support of this amendment. The Water Power Program supports critical private sector research, development, deployment, and commercialization for new American hydropower technologies and marine hydrokinetic energy. Water power research helps to reduce costs and environmental impacts of these reliable, renewable energy sources and is very critical for private sector investment. In Maine, the Ocean Renewable Power Company has deployed our Nation's first grid-connected marine hydrokinetic energy system, the first in the country, and they are working to deploy additional units in other areas of the country. They have invested nearly $30 million in the local economy while creating or retaining over 100 quality jobs. Countries like Japan, Chile, and Australia have shown an interest in this American technology, and it presents a great opportunity for exporting American technology. So not only will the development of new domestic water power technology create jobs and reduce the energy costs for homes and businesses across the country, but it represents an opportunity for the U.S. to lead the world in an emerging area of renewable and abundant energy. Now is not the time for a drastic cut in these important programs. I urge my colleagues to support this very modest amount of money while at the same time realizing that we do have fiscal constraints.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Town of Newport, Maine, as it celebrates its 200th anniversary. Located on the western boundary of Penobscot County, Newport is a town steeped in the history of Maine and known best for the bounty of its farms and fields. First known as East Pond Plantation, Newport was settled in 1800 and incorporated as the 208th town in the District of Maine on June 14, 1814. Like many Maine towns, it grew from a small farming village into a prospering mill town by harnessing the power of the east branch of the Sebasticook River, and aided by the extension of the Maine Central Railroad. On Monday, the people of Newport will begin a week-long celebration of 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 Newport 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 Newport 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 Newport and wishing them well on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I support the motion to concur in the Senate amendments, and a further amendment, and I support the motion to go to conference. The crisis within the VA is of national interest and must be a congressional priority. America's veterans deserve timely access to the care and benefits they have earned. They fought for us. Now is the time that we fight for them. But our fight should not be just about the failures in Phoenix and other facilities. The House has worked hard to develop important and much-needed legislation to address other failures within the VA. Enhanced programs ensure the VA is working on behalf of the veterans. I am disappointed that we have not included in this amendment all relevant bills that have passed the House to ensure that these important matters are included. I am disappointed that we are not moving forward with a more comprehensive package of reforms. I am also disappointed that the House amendment is limited to two measures we have recently passed, H.R. 4031 and H.R. 4810. Limiting ourselves to just Republican-sponsored legislation, no matter how widely supported, runs counter to the bipartisan spirit of the committee and fails to recognize the great work of all committee Members. Republicans and Democrats have worked together to improve programs for the VA. Finally, I am disappointed that H.R. 4399 was not included in the House amendment to H.R. 3230. Without it, we are falling short of our responsibility to hold all VA executives--I want to emphasize all VA executives--accountable for the grave failures lately. I will work with Chairman Miller and my Senate colleagues to ensure that the final agreement we reach regarding the accountability provisions of H.R. 3230 are as comprehensive and effective as possible. I urge all conferees, once appointed, to adopt the spirit of bipartisanship that is the tradition of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. When our servicemembers do their jobs to earn these veterans benefits, they work together in a spirit of cooperation toward a national goal. We should do no less as we move forward with legislation to address reforms within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the motion to concur with the Senate amendments with a further amendment and the motion to go to conference. Let us work together quickly and effectively to begin to address the problems facing the VA. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent on Tuesday, June 17th in order to attend the funeral of a close family friend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3375 (rollcall vote 313) and ``yea'' on H.R. 1671 (rollcall vote 314).

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the Small Business Administration's Annual Awards Luncheon. Each year, the Maine District Office of the Small Business Administration recognizes businesses and business leaders who make significant contributions to the business environment and economy of our region. This year's award recipients include: Alan Spear and Mary Allen Lindeman of Coffee By Design, recipients of the Maine Small Business Persons of the Year Award; Brian and Kimberly Plavnick of G-Force Laser Tag Corp., recipients of the Maine Micro-Enterprise of the Year Award; Cyndi Price of LooHoo LLC, the Home-Based Small Business Champion for Maine and New England; Mitch and Ray DeBlois of DeBlois Electric, Inc., recipients of the Jeffrey Butland Award; Terry Trickey of Bangor Savings Bank, the Financial Services Champion; Peter McVety of McVety's Hearth and Home, the Maine Veteran Small Business Champion; Amy Bouchard of Isamax Snacks, Inc., the Maine Woman in Business Champion; Joshua Davis and Bruno Tropeano of Gelato Fiasco, the Young Entrepreneurs of the Year for Maine and New England; and Eric J. Smith of EJ Drywall, the Region 1 Prime Contractor of the Year. The following businesses are also recognized for receiving District Director Awards for Fiscal Year 2013: Bangor Savings Bank, Overall Top Performing SBA lender; Katahdin Trust Company, Top 7(a) Dollar Volume Lender; People's United Bank, Top Performing 3rd Party Lender; Granite State Economic Development Corp., Top Performing 504 Lender; NorState Federal Credit Union, Top Performing Credit Union; CEI, Top Performing Microlender; and Eastern Maine Development Corp., Top Community Advantage Lender. These recipients are among the best that Maine and New England have to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities, Maine and New England are better places in which to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the honorees of the Small Business Administration's Annual Awards Luncheon on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I have a couple of speakers, but they are not here so I will close. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4810, the Veteran Access to Care Act of 2014. I want to thank the chairman once again for bringing this bill before the Chamber so we can vote on it. Good quality health care is important for our veterans, but it doesn't do any good unless they can have access to that quality care. This legislation will definitely provide that access through non-VA care that our veterans need in certain areas. I encourage my colleagues to support it. I once again want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for working in a bipartisan manner to bring this bill before us today for a vote. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas, Dr. Cuellar.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barrow), a former member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Brownley).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4810, the Veteran Access to Care Act of 2014. I want to thank the chairman for bringing this bill forward. I also want to thank the chairman and the staff on both the majority and minority side for all the work that they have been doing to get to the bottom of this crisis within the Department. Access to timely, quality health care for veterans is a top priority for the Veterans' Affairs Committee. We often hear that the care that veterans receive at the VA facilities is second to none--that is, if you can get in. As we have recently learned, tens of thousands of veterans are not getting in, having to wait weeks and even months to access VA medical centers throughout the country. The gravity of the delay in care that veterans from all areas are experiencing cannot be overstated and is totally unacceptable. This legislation would help to alleviate the backlog of veteran patients waiting to be seen at VA medical facilities both for specialty care and primary care appointments. Specifically, it requires the VA to provide access to non-VA care to any enrolled veteran who lives more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility, has waited longer than the wait time goals for a medical appointment, or has been notified by the VA that an appointment is not available within the wait time goals. More importantly, it gives the veteran the option to elect to receive care at a non-VA facility or, if the veteran chooses, to wait to be seen at the VA medical center. When our young men and women sign up to serve their country, we promise them quality, accessible health care. Thanks to many caring frontline clinicians, we have achieved the first, high-quality medical care. Now we must work on the second timely, and that is access issues. I encourage my colleagues to support this very important piece of legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of Maine's National History Day competition who are eligible to represent our State in the national competition. Maine's National History Day program is a partnership between the University of Maine and the Margaret Chase Smith Foundation that promotes the study of history in schools. This year, the students were tasked with pursuing projects centered on the theme of ``Rights & Responsibilities in History.'' Among those eligible to represent Maine at the national competition are 30 students from across Maine's Second Congressional District. The following students are eligible to represent Maine at the national competition: Sydney McDonald and Kathleen Dunn of Bangor High School; Abby Boucher of Penobscot Christian School; Lily Waddell of the William S. Cohen School; Dennis Wescott, Norliyana Menes, Jordyn Bennett, and Brooklyn Hutchins of Buckfield Jr/Sr High School; Sela R. Smith and Ben Buck of Dingo High School; Jacob Brown, Josie Champagne, and Tiana Gordon of Lawrence High School; Damian Sheffer, Cecilia Doering, Cannon Breen, and Trey Stimpel of Holbrook Middle School; Anderson Huston, Samantha Grandahl, and Alyssa Thompson of Monmouth Academy; Lauren Grant of Center Drive School; Katelyn Dufour, Nathalie Theriault, Madeline Tiner, Sydney Gosselin, Katelynn Green, Morgan Brousseau, Sarah Moody, and Bailee Kinney of Bruce M. Whittier Middle School; Ben Voter, Chandler Plante, Mariah Lancaster, Jaime Withrow, Abigail Stevens, Thomas Leo, and Emily Michaud of Skowhegan Area Middle School; and Jessica Doucette, Jenna Doucette, and Margaret Bragg of Hartford Sumner Elementary School. These talented students and the history educators that support them are a testament to the creative and dynamic spirit of Maine. I look forward to hearing about their progress as they participate in the national contest at the University of Maryland, College Park from June 15-19, 2014. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating these students for their outstanding achievements and in wishing them the best of luck at the national competition.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Chairman, the Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller and I rise to ask that the House pause to remember the courageous sacrifice that our men and women went through when they lost their lives on the beaches of Normandy, France, during the Allied invasion of June 6, 1944. We request a moment of silence in honor of the brave Americans who were lost 70 years ago on D-day and the families who mourn their loss.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I am joined here today by my colleagues from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the French Caucus so that we may pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the American soldiers who landed at Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. This marks the 70th anniversary of D-day. Next week, Members of the House will travel to Normandy to join President Obama and other Allied heads of state to honor and remember the heroism of ``the longest day.'' 130,000 soldiers stormed the beaches at Normandy, long stretches with no cover from the enemy, fire that rained down from the hillsides above. Others parachuted or glided into the countryside, while at Pointe du Hoc, situated between Utah and Omaha, the 2nd Rangers climbed straight up the high cliffs, dodging gunfire and grenades and straight into the sights of the enemy cannons. It was a daunting, terrifying battlefield, but our troops answered the call with first-class bravery, and they got the job done as they always do. The historic victory came at a price. The Allied casualties that June day were tragically high: 1,100 Canadians, 2,700 British, 15,000 to 20,000 Free French, and 6,000 Americans perished. Their bravery, their sacrifice, and their courage changed the very course of world history. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the World War II Memorial. I want to thank the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for the key role she played in ensuring it was built. The memorial provides a place for solemn reflection and gives World War II veterans the chance to share their memories with each other as they participate and Honor Flights from across the country with their sons and daughters and grandchildren. A living piece of history. The World War II Memorial and the Veterans History Projects are employing every tool possible to catalogue, preserve, and make these firsthand memories for future generations. This effort is very important because there is a story that we must never forget. In closing, Mr. Speaker, to the sailors, soldiers, marines, and airmen who stormed the beaches, parachuted into the thorny hedgerows, scaled the cliffs, and fought their way inland, America and the world owes you, our Greatest Generation, a debt we can never repay. May God bless each and every one you, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Town of Gouldsboro, Maine as it celebrates its 225th anniversary. Located on the Schoodic Peninsula in Hancock County, the Town of Gouldsboro includes the four villages of Corea, Prospect Harbor, West Gouldsboro and Birch Harbor. Named for one of its original proprietors, Robert Gould, the town was first incorporated into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1789, predating Maine's statehood. Known for its scenic harbors, long coastline, fishing community, and views of Acadia National Park, the Town of Gouldsboro truly embodies the spirit of coastal Maine. Gouldsboro is also home to four sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Prospect Harbor Light Station; Soderholtz, Eric E., Cottage; West Gouldsboro Union Church; and West Gouldsboro Village Library. The Town of Gouldsboro reflects the values of the hardworking people of Maine who take great pride in the rich history they have created over the past 225 years. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Gouldsboro in Congress, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to help them commemorate the town's 225th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the people of Gouldsboro and wishing them well on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Dinner. The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business communities of the region, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the area and the state. Each year, the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses, business leaders, and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy business environment. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity, prosperity, and community service in Maine. The 2014 award winners are: Merrill Enterprises, Top Drawer Award; Eleanor Jones, Citizen of the Year; Friends and Family, Customer Service Award; Shinbashi, Revitalization Award; and Z Photography, Chamber New Business of the Year. These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and their incredible commitment to their communities and to the region, Maine is a better place in which to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce and the award recipients on their outstanding service and achievements.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Yes.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I want to thank the chairman, but I will reiterate that the Secretary currently does have the authority to fire any Senior Executive Servicemember if he is not performing his job. This bill does not address the problem systemically within the VA. We are dealing with the Veterans Health Administration. This bill only covers 165 SES's who work in the Veterans Health Administration, but there are 400 throughout the VA. The legislation that I would much prefer voting on today deals with not only the SES's, but also with the title 38 employees. The reason it is important to deal with the title 38 employees--and it is important to note--is that one of the executives implicated in manipulating the wait times in Phoenix is a title 38 employee. This bill does not address that employee. The bill also does not address some of the most egregious examples of failure in the system within the Department. As I mentioned earlier, a doctor was provided partial performance pay, even though he had let his license expire, because that was not part of the performance objective. I will be supporting this legislation, so we can move it through the process and so we can go to conference to actually address some of these issues. I hope that we will be able to address these issues. They are very serious issues, and they are issues that are important to our veterans. It is important for us on the committee that we deal with this, and I hope, Mr. Chairman, that we will work together like we have in the past, but I am disappointed that this bill is before us, as we were not able to improve upon the bill. I would also hope that the President would look very seriously at the performance evaluations within the Department of Veterans Affairs and that he would immediately issue an executive order, similar to the legislation that I have submitted, which will address a lot of the systemic problems within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is unacceptable, and we must move forward to deal with this issue. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would encourage my colleagues to support the legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire, is the gentleman from Florida ready to close?