Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

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

Mr. MICHAUD. May I inquire from the Speaker how much time I have remaining?

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Brown).

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. David Scott).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our Nation's veterans and in support of action that will fundamentally address the systematic failures that are clearly occurring across the Department of Veterans Affairs. I reluctantly support this legislation because I believe we owe it to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our Nation to do everything in our power to ensure the VA is accountable for its performance. I share with the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller), my good friend and colleague, fundamental goals of addressing shortcomings in VA leadership. I am proud of our bipartisan working relationship. Not only does our working together usually allow us to get more done, but I believe it makes our efforts better. I am disappointed, however, that the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs was not given the opportunity to consider this bill. I believe that members of the committee, Republicans and Democrats, could have improved this bill before it was brought to the floor. I believe this bill would be stronger and more reflective of the substantive reforms necessary in the Department if it had been allowed to go through the committee markup process. H.R. 4031 has been put forth as an accountability bill, but it falls short of providing substantive beneficial changes in the VA's executive performance management system. The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs already has the authority to fire any employee, including executives who are not doing their job. This bill will simply turn approximately 400 senior executive civil service positions across the VA into essentially at- will positions, of which 165 are in the Veterans Health Administration. More importantly, H.R. 4031 does not adequately address the performance metrics of VA executives. It doesn't provide any framework for ensuring problems and failures don't occur in the first place. I introduced H.R. 4399, which the American Legion also supports, which establishes upfront organizational goals and expected outcomes for veterans that every single VA senior leader must deliver. It would require these goals and their outcomes to be the driving factor in performance assessment for these executives and the basis for any awards or bonuses. This bill before us today does not address the senior physicians and dentists, known as title 38 employees, who receive executive-level pay and have organizational-level responsibility for veteran care and services. This is important because one of the executives implicated in manipulating the wait times in Phoenix was a title 38 employee, which this bill does not cover that we are voting on today. So the very individual responsible for the catastrophic failures that we have seen across the VA recently may not even be impacted by the current legislation that we are dealing with. My bill, H.R. 4399, does address title 38 physicians and dentists, which covers approximately 80,000 employees within the VA, title 38 employees, mandating standardized, rigorous performance management tools that hold employees accountable and justifies any performance pay. Finally, my bill would prohibit one of the most egregious examples of the failure of the current system as it applies to title 38 employees. A doctor was provided partial performance pay even though he had failed to maintain a current license. That is correct. He received partial performance pay even though he failed to maintain a current license, because maintaining a valid license was not one of his performance objectives. This bill that we are dealing with today does not address that issue. Good policy, good legislation comes from conversation, collaboration, and compromise. I am supporting moving this bill forward today because I believe we need to begin this discussion as how to best ensure VA employees are held accountable when they fail to perform. Let me be clear. We can and we must do more to ensure that our veterans get the quality services that they deserve and have earned. I am hopeful that we can have the necessary dialogue in conference to ensure that any bill that we send to the President is a more comprehensive reform measure that is well-considered and actually has the desired and needed impact of changing the VA and ensuring the best outcomes for our Nation's veterans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Chaplain Donald Williams as today's guest chaplain. Chaplain Williams is originally from Springfield, Missouri, but he came to Maine in 1985, where he served as pastor of the Fellowship Baptist Church. Chaplain Williams was sworn in as deputy sheriff and chaplain for the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office in 1987. In addition to serving as chaplain for the Maine State Police and Augusta Police Department, he is involved with the Maine Law Enforcement Chaplain Corps and the State's Criminal Justice Academy. Chaplain Williams has gone above and beyond in serving the spiritual needs of Maine's police force for over 20 years. His remarkable service was reflected in his nomination for the 2010 National Sheriff's Association Chaplain of the Year award. He is a true asset to our State and our country. I am proud to stand with him here today.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame's Annual Induction Banquet and Scholar- Athlete Awards Ceremony. This Sunday, the Maine Sports Hall of Fame will honor Maine athletes and sports figures who have exemplified a tireless commitment to their sport and to their community. Recognition awards and scholarships also will be presented to five of Maine's outstanding high school scholar- athletes. Each of the honorees have distinguished themselves on and off the field and are most deserving of this recognition. This year's inductees to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame are: Julia Faith Dawson Clukey, Augusta; Jack W. Cosgrove, Bangor; Joseph L. Ferris, Brewer; Edward J. Flaherty, Portland; William (Bill) Green, Cumberland; Eleanor D. Logan, Boothbay Harbor; George J. Mitchell, New York City; Steven M. Pound, Greenville; and Abigail L. (Abby) Spector, Waterville. This year's scholar-athlete honorees are: Carsyn Koch, Washburn District High School; Ian Lee, Madawaska High School; Alexandra Logan, Cheverus High School, Portland; Mikayla Turner, Messalonskee High School, Oakland; and Rayne Whitten, Massabesic High School, Waterboro. The President's Award is presented to ``an individual who has bettered sports and athletics and has become a leader at state and national levels.'' This year's recipient is William E. Haggett of West Bath. Each of these honorees is among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and their incredible commitment to their sport, to their communities, and to our state, Maine is a better place in which to live. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating each of the award recipients on their outstanding achievements and service.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Representative Michael Carey. A native of Leeds, Maine and graduate of Dartmouth College, Michael Carey has served the State of Maine through four terms in the Maine House of Representatives as well as through his membership on the board of several community organizations and local businesses. Representative Carey currently serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and as Chair of the House Committee on Elections. He has also served on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, Transportation Committee, as well as the special committees on Regulatory Fairness and Reform and Maine's Energy Future during his time in the Maine Legislature. Representative Carey's long list of legislative achievements includes playing an instrumental role in the development and passage of the state's biennial and supplemental budgets. He has also sponsored successful legislation to strengthen penalties for violations of election laws, improve the Freedom of Access Act, preserve Code Enforcement Officer Training and Certification, improve lobbyist disclosure policies, help non-profit organizations take part in the legislative process and assist local towns in providing tax relief to residents. In addition to his legislative accomplishments, Representative Carey has served Maine through his membership on the board of several local organizations and businesses, including Community Concepts, AVESTA Housing and Androscoggin County Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Representative Michael Carey for his service to the state of Maine and in wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Maine State Senator Margaret Craven. A native of Galway, Ireland, Senator Craven immigrated to Massachusetts at the age of 17 and later moved to Maine where she adopted Lewiston as her home city. Senator Craven was first elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2002 and later to the Maine Senate in 2008. Senator Craven currently serves as Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and as a member of the Government Oversight Committee, and has previously served on the Appropriations Committee. During her time in the Maine Legislature, Senator Craven has fought tirelessly on behalf of Maine's most vulnerable citizens, including veterans, the elderly, the disabled, women and children. Among her most significant accomplishments is her work on the Commission to Study Long-Term Care Facilities, which provided recommendations for addressing long-term care challenges in Maine. In addition to her service in the Maine Legislature, Senator Craven has served her community through other means as a hospice volunteer and board member for several organizations, including Lewiston Public Library, Healthy Androscoggin, and Community Concepts. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Maine State Senator Margaret Craven for her service to the state of Maine and in wishing her the best of luck in future endeavors.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce's 51st Annual Awards Dinner. The Mid- Maine 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 Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses, business leaders, and individuals who promote and advance a vital and a healthy business environment. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity, prosperity, and community service in Maine. The 2013 award winners are: John and Jackie Dalton, Distinguished Community Service Award; Bart Stevens of Century 21 Nason Realty, Elias A. Joseph Award; Shane Savage of Fairfield, Oakland, Unity, and Winslow Pharmacies, Business Person of the Year; Kennebec Behavioral Health, Business of the Year; Darlene Ratte of the Best Western Plus, Outstanding Professional; Maine Film Center, Community Service Project of the Year; Joshua Reny of the Town of Fairfield, Rising Star Award; and Doreen Brown of the Hampton Inn Waterville, Customer Service Stardom Award. 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 Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and the award recipients on their outstanding service and achievements.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Maine's Public Safety Dispatchers for their essential service to our communities in times of emergency. Maine's public safety telecommunicators are committed to putting the safety and interests of the community before themselves, and I would like to commend them for their invaluable hard work and commitment to ensuring our safety. These unsung heroes are our country's ``unseen first responders.'' They are the men and women who answer the calls of those citizens asking for help with a promise that help is, in fact, on its way. We place our trust in these individuals every day of the year and rely on their knowledge and professionalism as they make critical decisions, obtain information, and quickly dispatch needed aid. Regardless of the call, they always answer with compassion, persistence, and patience. As a result, their work is imperative to our country's citizens, police, fire and emergency medical assistance personnel. They remain calm in times of crisis and helpful in times of hurting. Their voices guide a young mother through infant CPR, talk an accident victim out of going into shock, and provide comfort to those who have been harmed or injured as they wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Yet, they seldom witness the product of their good work because they do not see the young mother's face when her infant begins to breathe again or the accident victim's face as first responders come into sight. It is for these reasons that they deserve our special appreciation and recognition. In addition to the services they directly provide to the general public, they also handle governmental communications related to forestry, conservation, highway safety, and natural disasters. This means that while most individuals seek shelter during a flood or blizzard, the public safety telecommunicators are at their posts ensuring that everyone in their communities, including the police officers and firefighters, return home safely. These telecommunicators are selfless, skilled, and often overlooked. Their daily service to the public goes without due recognition by the many beneficiaries of their services. Today, I would like to take a moment and extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of the state of Maine and applaud them for their honorable service. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognition and appreciation of the many public safety telecommunicators of Maine.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the members of the American volunteer group known as the Flying Tigers for their heroic service to the United States of America during World War II. The Flying Tigers consisted of ex-personnel from the Navy, Marines, and the Army Air Corps. Operating out of China, they trained in secret, and shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor began a series of heroic battles against the Japanese aircraft squadrons. Working together with the Chinese and the Royal Air Force, the Flying Tigers drove back attacks on the port of Rangoon in Burma, and became celebrated for their tactical victories. On July 4, 1942, the Flying Tigers were absorbed into the 23rd Fighter Group, and their distinctive shark-faced planes remain among the most recognizable of any aircraft from World War II. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring the members of the Flying Tigers for their brave service to our great country.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Mrs. Thelda Dobbins. Thelda Kirschner Dobbins was born on April 26, 1914 in Lisbon Falls, Maine. She graduated from Lisbon Falls High School in 1930 at the age of 16 and went on to receive a teaching degree from Farmington State Normal School, now known as the University of Maine at Farmington, as a member of the Class of 1932. Thelda went on to teach grade school in Durham, Maine for three years, making $12 a week during the Great Depression. Thelda continued to teach until she married Lester Dobbins in 1938, and the couple gave birth to their only child, Herb, in 1941. After the onset of World War II, Thelda returned to teaching in Sabattus and then at Pettingill School in Lewiston until her retirement in 1971. Thelda and Lester enjoyed over 60 years of marriage until Lester passed away in 2000. Thelda continues to be an active member of the Auburn community as a resident of The Chapman House. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in celebrating the 100th birthday of Mrs. Thelda Dobbins, who has led an extraordinary life dedicated to her family and the education of Maine's children.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Dr. James Warhola to the Capitol. Dr. Warhola is the Chair of the Political Science Department at the University of Maine, where he has taught for more than three decades. Dr. Warhola is an accomplished scholar who has written extensively on the relationship between the United States and Russia. Today, Dr. Warhola will share his perspective on our nation's still-evolving relationship with Russia at a briefing hosted by the U.S. Commission on Security & Cooperation in Europe. As Congress continues to weigh the implications of the unfolding situation in Crimea, Dr. Warhola's lecture will provide critical insight to Members of Congress and their staffs who are monitoring this situation. As the Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Warhola for his service in the United States Air Force and the Ohio Air National Guard. Mr. Speaker, please join me in welcoming James W. Warhola to Washington.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lamey-Wellehan on its 100th anniversary. One hundred years ago last week, Dan Wellehan and Charlie Lamey opened Lamey-Wellehan Shoes on Lisbon Street in Lewiston, ME. Despite Dan being sent to fight in World War I and Charlie tragically passing away at a young age, this Maine institution has persisted for a century, expanding to six locations and more than 100 employees, fitting countless young Mainers with their first pair of shoes. Since the death of Dan Wellehan in 1976, Lamey-Wellehan has been under the stewardship of his son, Jim Wellehan, who began working in the store's stockroom as a young high school student. Under Jim's leadership, Lamey-Wellehan has continued to grow, build strong relationships in Maine's communities and separated itself as an environmentally conscious business. Over the years, Lamey-Wellehan has made concerted efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by recycling up to 96 percent of its solid waste, increasing its use of solar energy, and most recently ceasing its use of plastic bags. Although Jim Wellehan does not have specific retirement plans, he is working to ensure that when he does retire the company remains in good hands by slowly having his employees buy the business. As Lamey- Wellehan moves into its second century of business, I am confident that it will continue to successfully serve Mainers in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing Lamey-Wellehan's 100th anniversary.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Award Winners. The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business communities of central and western Maine, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state. Each year, the Oxford Hills 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 and prosperity in Maine. This year's award recipients include: Oxford Federal Credit Union, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Ronald Kugell, recipient of the Community Service Award; Catherine Fanjoy-Coffey, recipient of the Employee of the Year Award; and Buy the Fire, recipient of the Rising Star Award. These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. 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 Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce and these award recipients on their outstanding service and achievements.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the York River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2013. I want to thank my friend and colleague, Representative Pingree, for her leadership on this bill. A healthy York River is important to the economic and environmental vitality of Southern Maine. The river is used daily by fishermen and recreational boat users, and its beauty is a significant part of the tourist economy that is so integral to Southern Maine. The river is an important home for wildlife, providing a home to more than 100 waterbirds and 28 species of fish. This important legislation would create a study to determine whether or not the York River and its tributaries should be included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. The study would help evaluate current and future demands on the river, and determine whether or not extra federal protection is necessary to keep the river strong and healthy. Individuals, businesses, and wildlife depend on the York River. We must keep it strong and healthy for years to come. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Lucerne Inn as it celebrates its bicentennial. In the early 1800s, Nathan Phillips built a family home in Dedham, Maine, overlooking Phillips Lake, on land granted to John Phillips for his service in the Revolutionary War. Conveniently situated as the only stop on the road connecting the Brewer and Bangor area to Ellsworth and other points Down East, by 1814, the home quickly became a popular location for travelers of all stripes to stay and enjoy a meal. This led to the eventual transformation of the home into The Lucerne Inn. Over the years, The Lucerne Inn has made a number of changes to include modern amenities while also maintaining its 19th century charm. The Inn currently has 31 rooms overlooking Phillips Lake and the scenic Dedham Hills. Each room includes a flat screen television, gas fireplace, and a heated towel bar. The Inn also features several dining areas that offer a diverse menu of progressive American cuisine and an award-winning wine collection. Bordering the Inn is the Lucerne-in- Maine Golf Course, which offers discounted rates and packages to guests of the Inn. The Inn plays host to numerous weddings each year, as well as its annual October bridal show, which is attended by more than 100 brides. Additionally, many memorial ceremonies, Christmas parties, baby showers and business meetings choose The Lucerne Inn as their venue. Accommodations such as free wifi, LCD projectors and flip charts are available for such events. To commemorate The Lucerne Inn's bicentennial, the owners, Steve and Rhonda Jones, are planning several special events and deals for guests and patrons of the Inn. These events include a public open house, wine and menu specials priced at $18.14, and special rates for guests. I am delighted to recognize the accomplishments of this wonderful establishment and look forward to its continued success in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating The Lucerne Inn on its bicentennial.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 2014 Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet. The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the Augusta area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state. Each year, the Kennebec Valley 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 and prosperity in Maine. This year's honorees include: MaineGeneral Health, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Norman Pomerleau of NRF Distributors, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; John Babb and Cassie Babb of J&S Oil, recipients of the Business Person of the Year Award; Charlie and Nancy Shuman of Charlie's Motor Mall, recipients of the Special Service Award; Sue Grenier, recipient of the Community Service Award; Amanda Bartlett, recipient of the Young Professional Award; Linda Markham of Cape Air, recipient of the President's Award; Mike and Kim Meservey of the Downtown Diner, recipients of the President's Award; and Scott Cowager and Vince Hannan of Maple Hill Farm Inn & Conference Center, recipients of the President's Award. These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and the region, Maine is a better place to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.