Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 2014 Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the greater Lewiston/Auburn area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state. Each year, the Androscoggin County 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: Jason Levesque of Argo Marketing, recipient of the Business Leadership Award for a Larger Company; John Grenier of Rainbow Bicycle, recipient of the Business Leadership Award for a Smaller Company; Art Boulay of Strategic Talent Management, recipient of the Ray Geiger Award; Kathy Durgin-Leighton of YWCA, recipient of the Community Service Leadership Award; Positive Change Lisbon, recipient of the Lisbon Business Award; Jodi Cornelio of Turner Publishing, recipient of the Turner Business Award; Hurricane Cafe and Deli, recipient of the Greene Business Award; Community Credit Union, recipient of the Education Award; Pettengill Academy, recipient of the ``Cool Chamber Award;'' Craig Saddlemire, recipient of the Public Service Leadership Award; Sandra Jones and Shanna Rogers, recipients of the Young Professionals of the Lewiston Auburn Area (YPLAA) Award; and John Story of L-A Harley-Davidson and Rinck Advertising, 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 in which to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 2014 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the greater Bangor area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state. Each year, the Bangor Region 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: Miles Theeman, recipient of the Norbert X. Dowd Award; Hollywood Casino, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Senator Edward Youngblood, recipient of the Catherine Lebowitz Award for Public Service; the City of Bangor, recipient of the Community Service Award; Acadia Hospital, recipient of the Non-Profit of the Year Award; Steve Pound, recipient of the Arthur A. Comstock Professional Service Award; Cerahelix, recipient of the Bion and Dorain Foster Entrepreneurship 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 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, today we can take a meaningful step to ensure the sanctity of our national cemeteries. These grounds are hallowed for the men and women who fought selflessly on our behalf. With that, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I support this legislation to allow the VA or the Secretary of the Army to reconsider their decisions to inter individuals at our Veterans National Cemeteries, to include Arlington National Cemetery. With this legislation, individuals who may have committed a Federal or State capital crime, but were not convicted by reason of unavailability for trial due to death or flight to avoid prosecution, may be considered for disinterment. Being buried in our national cemeteries is one of the highest honors our Nation bestows upon veterans and their dependents for their service and sacrifice. This legislation also closes a loophole in the current law. Currently, veterans and their dependents who have been convicted of capital crimes may not be buried in Arlington National Cemetery or any national cemetery. If there is a mistake and they are inappropriately buried in one of these cemeteries, the Army and/or VA cannot correct the mistake. This legislation would correct this issue and allow the Secretaries of the Army and the VA to reconsider the original interment and exhume the body for interment elsewhere. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Scott Karczewski on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of Veterans' Affairs after 36 years of dedicated service. Scott's service to our country began in 1971, when he joined the U.S. Navy, serving on board the USS John F. Kennedy for more than three years. He began his VA career in 1977 at the Togus VA hospital as a temporary warehouse worker. He was quickly promoted to a full time file clerk position in the Regional Office, while still attending college at the University of Maine. Scott has held several positions at the Togus Regional Office including Claims Examiner, Senior Claims Examiner, Rating Specialist, Assistant Veterans Service Center Manager, Veterans Service Center Manager, and most recently as Director of the Regional Office. Under his leadership, the Togus Regional Office has continued its exceptional performance as one of the top regional offices in the Nation, efficiently and accurately processing claims for Maine's veterans. The performance of the Togus Regional Office has been recognized with the establishment of two special missions, a rating resource center and a development resource center. These missions assist other regional offices with their backlogged claims and have contributed greatly towards the reduction in the claims backlog nationally. Through his dedication and valued work, Scott has earned well- deserved appreciation and accolades including a Commendation Award in 1986 from the Chief Benefits Administrator, and the Eastern Area Leadership Award in 2007. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Scott Karczewski on his many years of outstanding service to our veterans and wishing him a rewarding and enjoyable retirement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again thank Chairman Miller for his collaborative effort in bringing both of these bills before the House today and his continued support to make sure that we do everything we can to pass legislation that will help our veterans. I also want to thank the staffs on both the majority and the minority side for working so well together to get these bills before the floor. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1402, as amended. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Negrete McLeod). Mrs. NEGRETE McLEOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1402 that extends VA housing programs for homeless veterans. The California district which I represent is home to over 20,000 veterans. Like the Nation, homelessness among veterans is a serious problem in my district. It will take continued coordination between VA and local organizations to ensure that veterans are able to take advantage of housing assistance programs. As a member of the House VA Subcommittee on Health, in August of this year I hosted a town hall with the VA and local organizations. Over 200 veterans attended and signed up for VA veterans benefits for the very first time. This is a great example of better coordination in helping our veterans.

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

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in full support of H.R. 1402, as amended, the VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013. Mr. Speaker, this bill, as amended, would extend a number of critical programs administered by the VA. It is a bipartisan measure. I appreciate the highly collaborative efforts of the committee staffs and the cooperative efforts of our colleagues in the other body. H.R. 1402, as amended, would extend the authorization of appropriations for the VA to provide monthly stipends to athletes competing in large-scale adaptive sports programs and extend the authority of the VA to provide grants to entities that plan and carry out adaptive sports programs. This bill represents a bipartisan and bicameral agreement to modify the existing program and to provide more stringent oversight of the program. H.R. 1402, as amended, would also extend to the end of next year the authority of the VA to transport certain individuals to and from VA facilities, to operate the regional office in the Philippines, and to contract with non- VA physicians to conduct medical disability examinations. H.R. 1402, as amended, would also extend the requirement that VA provide nursing home care to certain veterans, extend the authority to provide treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, and extend the authority of the VA to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans. Finally, this bill would extend the authority for two advisory committees--the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans and the Advisory Committee on Education--as well as extend the authority for requirements relating to the sale of vendee loans by the VA. Mr. Speaker, we have passed many veterans bills out of the House this year. It is my hope that some of these bills will become law before the year is out. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to make sure that we get this bill passed. The job at hand today is to pass this extenders bill, send it over to the Senate for quick consideration, and get it to the President's desk before the end of the year before the authority to continue these vital programs lapses. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, once again I would urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3521, as amended. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 3521, the Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act of 2013. Mr. Speaker, this bill would authorize a number of major medical facility leases that will ensure veterans continue to receive care in safe, efficient, and modern clinics closer to home. Last year, much to our disappointment, we were unable to pass a lease authorization bill. As a result, H.R. 3521 contains lease requests for fiscal years 2013 and 2014. Twenty-seven leases are included in this bill. From New Jersey to Hawaii, veterans can expect long awaited expansions to cramped community-based outpatient clinics, new clinical research space, and sorely needed replacement facilities. This bill is a bipartisan bill and in the best interest of America's veterans. I appreciate the efforts of my colleagues across the aisle, especially Chairman Miller, for the collaborative effort that permitted this important legislation to move forward. Mr. Speaker, I know you will agree with me that it is our obligation to ensure that our veterans are provided the best care possible in a timely and safe manner. I believe H.R. 3521, as amended, will do just that. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lewiston Firefighters Association for its service to Maine's children through its partnership with Operation Warm. As firefighters, the members of the Lewiston Firefighters Association are committed to putting the safety and interests of the community before themselves, and their partnership with Operation Warm is a continuation of this tradition of selfless service. Throughout the fall, the Lewiston Firefighters Association engaged in a community outreach effort to raise funds to keep our children warm during Maine's harsh winter months. As a result of their outreach efforts, the Lewiston Firefighters Association will be donating one hundred, brand new winter coats to the children of Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care. Since 1998, Operation Warm has partnered with organizations like the Lewiston Firefighters Association to provide winter coats to more than one million children in need. Especially in a state like Maine, where winter temperatures routinely fall far below freezing, our children are highly susceptible to illness, jeopardizing their health and education. By keeping our children warm and healthy, these coats minimize the chance that they will have to miss school. On Tuesday, November 26, 2013, the Lewiston Firefighters Association will donate one hundred coats to the children of Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care at the Lewiston Central Fire Station in Lewiston, Maine. Through their commitment to service, these firefighters serve as exemplary role models for our children and truly represent the strong community spirit of the people of Maine. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing the Lewiston Firefighters Association for its partnership with Operation Warm and efforts on behalf of Maine's neediest children.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado, to recognize the inauguration of the Congressional Montenegro Caucus and welcome the President of the Montenegrin Parliament to Washington, D.C. Tonight, we will join with many of our colleagues to formally mark our commitment to strengthen an existing friendship with a young friend but vitally important ally in the Balkans. Together, our nations work to advance peace and prosperity in the region and across the world. Montenegro has demonstrated a strong commitment to regional stability and peacekeeping efforts. Its openness to American businesses and investors make Montenegro an important economic partner. For eight years, Montenegro has participated in the National Guard's State Partnership Program, partnering with Maine as the Montenegrin military transitions to an all-volunteer force. Now, the partnership between our two nations grows even stronger with the establishment of the Congressional Montenegro Caucus. We are especially pleased to welcome the President of the Parliament of Montenegro and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Ranko Krivokapic, to Washington, D.C. as we celebrate the founding of this important caucus. We look forward to many more years of cooperation and friendship between our countries. Mr. Speaker, please join us again in celebrating the inauguration of the Congressional Montenegro Caucus.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Argo Marketing Group as it celebrates being awarded the 2013 Inc. Hire Power Award as the number one job creator in Lewiston, Maine. Argo Marketing Group was founded in 2003 by Jason Levesque, a veteran of the United States Army. It provides quality third-party customer service to its clients' customers around the world. In the past 10 years, the firm has grown from being the brainchild of one determined individual to a fast-growing industry pioneer with three Maine offices. This year, Argo Marketing Group has invested $2.4 million in turning a dilapidated building in Lewiston's downtown into a 25,000 square foot headquarters with space for 250 jobs. With the addition of the new Lewiston facility, Argo Marketing Group expects to have a total of 350 call center seats and 500 employees. For these efforts, the firm placed first on the 2013 Inc. Hire Power list of job creators in Lewiston. Throughout the Group's rapid expansion, it has remained devoted to community service. It has lent its support to groups including the Lewiston Public Theater, Sand Castle preschool, and Maine's National Guard and Reserve Family Readiness Program. Founded by a veteran, the firm is committed to giving back to Maine service members by offering hiring bonuses to military veterans, active members and veterans of the Maine National Guard and Reserve, and their spouses. Argo Marketing Group is truly a testament to the creative and dynamic spirit of Maine. As a job-builder and community member, its efforts help make Maine a great place to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Argo Marketing Group on being awarded the 2013 Inc. Hire Power Award for their outstanding job creation in the city of Lewiston, Maine.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Yesterday was Veterans Day. Its origin began 95 years ago on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The armistice was signed marking the end of World War I. The next year we saw the first commemoration of Armistice Day, which became Veterans Day in 1954. Every Veterans Day since then has been a day of remembrance and commemoration for all of our veterans. Today, we have the opportunity to put the thoughts and feelings of Veterans Day into practical action. Today, with the agreement of the House, we will ensure that veterans continue to receive the support they need. On October 28, the Senate passed S. 893, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013, which provides that veterans receive a projected 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment beginning in January. This bill directs the VA to increase the rate of basic compensation for disabled veterans and the rate of dependency and indemnity compensation for their survivors and dependents. Since 1976, Congress has acted annually to increase these benefits by an amount estimated to keep pace with inflation. This year's increase is the same as that provided to Social Security recipients. Without this annual COLA increase, veterans, their families, and survivors would see the value of their hard-earned benefits slowly erode. Many of the millions of veterans and survivors who receive monthly benefits depend upon these payments in order to make ends meet. For some, it is their only source of income. Providing for a cost-of-living increase is an important thing that we all can do to help veterans and ensure that the value of their benefits does not decrease over time due to inflation. It is a way that we can, the day after Veterans Day, thank our veterans again for their service and their sacrifice. I urge my colleagues to support S. 893. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the efforts of The Summit Project and its leader and founder, United States Marine Corps Major David J. Cote, to memorialize Maine's fallen service members since September 11, 2001. Major Cote launched The Summit Project on Memorial Day of 2013. This outstanding initiative will recognize and pay proper tribute to the sacrifices made by our fallen service members and their families. Beginning on Memorial Day 2014, volunteers will carry memorial stones to the summit of Mt. Katandin to honor each fallen Maine hero who was given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country during recent conflicts. Each engraved stone will bear the initials, birth year, death year, rank, and service branch of the Maine heroes who valiantly gave their lives while defending our country. The act of carrying memorial stones during tribute hikes across mountains in Maine will become a symbol of solidarity that recognizes the sacrifice of our brave Maine service members and their families. I grew up and still live in the heart of Maine's Katandin Region, a part of our state built on a strong work ethic and devotion to service above self. Since I was a child, I have been acutely aware of the significant number of Mainers from across the region and the state who choose a life of military service to protect and defend the United States at home and abroad. I can't think of a better place than Mt. Katandin to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and the Maine values that defined their character. As a living memorial, the Summit Project was created to honor the fallen while challenging the living. The Summit Project ensures that the spirit and sacrifice of our fallen Maine heroes will not be forgotten, and it creates an environment in which their surviving family and friends may continue the healing process. The project exemplifies the values of the people of Maine: service, loyalty, patriotism, and selflessness. It is an honor and a privilege to represent Maine, the creators of the Summit Project, and the Katandin Region in Congress. Soon, Maine's highest peak will host a fitting dedication to the memory of Maine's bravest. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the members of The Summit Project and Major David J. Cote as they honor the service members from Maine who lost their lives protecting our freedom.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the ten honorees of the 2013 Mainebiz Next List. Mainebiz has long been a leading source of business news and analysis for Maine's businesses community. Through its comprehensive website, print publications, events, videos and emails, Mainebiz helps Maine's business leaders innovate, grow and succeed. Each year, Mainebiz recognizes outstanding business leaders who will have the greatest influence on Maine's business community in the coming years. Mainebiz recognizes these honorees as ``Nexters'', exceptional entrepreneurs and innovators who are advancing Maine's economy for the better. Many captains of industry throughout the state are nominated to be on Mainebiz's Next List, but only the best of the best are selected after an extensive vetting process. This year's Next List field truly exemplifies the diverse and dynamic business community in Maine: Gayle Brazeau, College of Pharmacy Dean and Professor at the University of New England; Douglas Fletcher, CEO of Maine Wood Concepts; Sylvia Getman, President and CEO of the Aroostook Medical Center; Tom Hall, President of Hall Internet Marketing; Terry Ingram, CEO of Allagash International; Masey Kaplan, Owner of Close Buy Catalog; Chris Kilgour, CEO of C&L Aerospace; Joshua Shea, Publisher of the Lewiston Auburn Magazine and Founder of the Lewiston Auburn Film Festival; Kevin Strange, Director of the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory; and Voot Yin, Assistant Professor of Regenerative Biology at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory. Today, November 12, 2013, Mainebiz will celebrate the achievements of the ten Next List honorees at an awards reception at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine. Additionally, these honorees were featured in the October 14th issue of Mainebiz. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and congratulating the 2013 Mainebiz Next List honorees. These men and women represent the best that Maine and this country have to offer.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Halle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cate Street Capital and recipient of Spurwink Services' 2013 Humanitarian of the Year Award. Since 1987, Spurwink Services, a non-profit organization that provides mental health and educational services throughout New England, has presented its annual Humanitarian Award to an individual who works to improve the lives of others within the community and state of Maine. Spurwink made an excellent choice in presenting its 2013 Humanitarian of the Year award to John Halle, who has displayed his deep commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people of Maine through raising funds and awareness for this important organization. In addition to his outstanding fundraising efforts, John has positively impacted the state of Maine through his business ventures and forward-looking vision. In 2009, after 25 years with a number of high-growth financial companies, John founded Cate Street Capital, which invests in sustainable and innovative technologies that not only create jobs but also help to preserve and protect the environment for future generations. More recently, John and Cate Street Capital have focused much of their efforts on reviving Great Northern Paper in East Millinocket, Maine. John's efforts have helped restore one of Maine's proudest and most iconic industries and led to the creation of more than 250 jobs. On November 9, 2013, John Halle will be honored as Spurwink Services' 2013 Humanitarian of the Year at a dinner gala and award ceremony at the Portland Marriot at Sable Oaks in South Portland, Maine. I am looking forward to being in attendance as John receives this much deserved award. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating John Halle on being named Spurwink Services' Humanitarian of the Year and recognizing his tremendous contributions to the state of Maine.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Finance Authority of Maine as it celebrates 30 years of helping Maine citizens pursue business and higher education opportunities, as well as the recipients of its 2013 Showcase Maine Awards. The Finance Authority of Maine, also known as FAME, was founded in 1983 as the state's business finance agency. By increasing access to capital, its innovative programs enable the start up and growth of the state's business community. Since 1990, FAME has also been responsible for administering Maine's higher education finance programs, helping Maine students and families meet the costs of higher education through a variety of loan, grant and scholarship programs. It also administers an outreach and counseling program that helps inspire and empower young people to pursue higher education. Each year, the Finance Authority of Maine honors community members that have been exceptional partners in their efforts to aid the Maine business community and Maine students at the Showcase Maine Awards. This year's award recipients include: the Hodgdon Group, recipient of the Business at Work for Maine Award; Jim Wellehan, recipient of the Education at Work for Maine Award; the Honorable Mary Nelson, recipient of the Dirigo Legislative Champion Award; and Camden National Bank, recipient of the Financial Institution of the Year Award. These award-winners exemplify the hard-working and innovative spirit of Maine. Their dedication and leadership make Maine a better place to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Finance Authority of Maine and the 2013 Showcase Maine Award recipients on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Richmond Area Health Center as it celebrates its third year of providing outstanding medical care through its ``Star Program.'' The Richmond Area Health Center is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center site, providing primary care to 3,500 people in a medically underserved community. The Health Center has worked over the last several years to improve health outcomes and lowers costs by inspiring individuals to change their lifestyles. The Health Center's ``Star Program'' incorporates healthy lifestyle strategies and affirmations into every primary care visit to improve patients' health and well- being. This no-cost program has helped approximately 900 patients collectively lose more than 11,000 pounds. By helping patients make lifestyle changes, the team at Richmond Area Healthcare Center has been able to reduce the number of medications it prescribes and diagnostic tests it orders. The Health Center's model of lowering costs and empowering patients is now serving as a model for several similar programs throughout the state of Maine. On October 18, 2013, the Richmond Area Health Center celebrated three years of exceptional healthcare by hosting a reception with patients and members of the greater community. I am delighted to recognize the accomplishments of this dedicated team of healthcare workers and look forward to their continued success in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Richmond Area Health Center on three years of exceptional patient care.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2189, as amended, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2189, as amended, is a bipartisan omnibus bill addressing veterans' disability benefits and compensation. This bill includes provisions from nine other measures. These bills are part of the slate of commonsense legislation introduced in May of this year. It provides the Department of Veterans Affairs with additional tools and reforms to assist in eliminating the backlog. Included are provisions from H.R. 2086, the Pay As You Rate Act, introduced by the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee ranking member, Representative Titus of Nevada; H.R. 1809, the Faster Filing Act, introduced by Representative O'Rourke from Texas; H.R. 1623, the Claims Efficiency Through Information Act, introduced by Representative Negrete McLeod of California; H.R. 1759, introduced by Representative Ruiz of California; H.R. 1805, the Veterans Claims Efficiency Through Automation Act, introduced by Representative Kuster of New Hampshire; H.R. 1824, the VA Regional Office Accountability Act, introduced by Representative Meng of New York; H.R. 1521, the Disabled Veterans Red Tape Reduction Act, introduced by Representative Sean Patrick Maloney of New York; H.R. 864, which will designate at least one city in the United States each year as an ``American World War II City,'' introduced by Representative McIntyre of North Carolina; and H.R. 1288, the World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act, introduced by Representative Butterfield of North Carolina. Collectively, H.R. 2189, as amended, gives VA real, useful tools they can begin using now. These tools will assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in making significant progress on its goal of eliminating the backlog by 2015. The legislation will require VA to pay veterans more quickly. It will provide them with information that may lead to veterans receiving a quicker decision on their claims. It will formulate a task force to attack the growing appeals backlog, and it will require the VA to start tracking information that will help them better understand the claims inventory. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their bipartisan effort to create a smart, pragmatic solution. Together we will help VA provide better benefits and services to our veterans. I also want to thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their work on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2189, as amended. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Negrete McLeod). Mrs. NEGRETE McLEOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 2189, which includes provisions from the VA Claims Efficiency Through Information Act of 2013, which I introduced in April, that will require VA to track the time spent evaluating each medical condition in a disability compensation claim. VA would have to report the number of completed claims by region and by medical condition for the current and preceding month and year. As Veterans Day approaches, we should remember veterans who are struggling to find work while living with service-connected disabilities. VA compensation is needed so veterans can support themselves and avoid homelessness. The VA's legacy paper system has made it difficult to process claims of older veterans who need additional compensation later in life. Claims of younger veterans can also take longer to process because they have multiple medical conditions. The claims backlog is a serious problem for the VA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Since July, the Los Angeles regional office has reduced the average time to process claims from 600 days to 400 days. The VA still has a long way to go to meet its own goal of 125 days, and the backlog will not end overnight and may even go up as more men and women apply for benefits. No one is looking at directing blame but, instead, searching for a way to work together, and Congress and the VA must be willing to explore new methods for delivering services to veterans in the 21st century for the growing veteran population. I thank Mr. Miller for allowing my bill to be included in his.