Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courageous acts and professionalism of dispatchers from Central Maine Regional Communications (CMRCC), Somerset Regional Communications Center (SRCC), and LifeFlight of Maine Communications in the rescue of a grievously injured snowmobiler. These agencies were the recipients of the Critical Incident of the Year Award from the Maine chapter of the National Emergency Numbers Association. On the morning of March 8, 2012, Bonnie Sancomb and several others embarked on a snowmobile ride in Somerset County, Maine. During the course of the adventure Ms. Sancomb missed a tight turn, which catapulted her 45 feet from the marked trail and pinned her underneath the 500-pound sled. All the while, the snowmobile track continued to turn, shredding Ms. Sancomb's clothes and eventually her skin, exposing her internal organs. About 15 minutes later, the rest of Ms. Sancomb's party realized her absence and backtracked to the scene of the accident. A member of the party dialed 911 and was received by a dispatcher at CMRCC, who immediately notified SRCC, mobilizing Maine Warden Service units and LifeFlight of Maine. Complicating the response efforts was the fact that the accident occurred in a remote Unorganized Territory, 13 miles outside of Rockwood Township. All parties remained in constant contact during the rescue mission, which was critically important as the accident's location was determined solely from the GPS coordinates of the caller's cell phone. After close to an hour of sustained communication, LifeFlight of Maine arrived first on the scene and began treating Ms. Sancomb, who only had a few minutes left to live. The truly incredible and coordinated communication efforts by the dispatchers and rescue workers from CMRCC, SRCC and LifeFlight are responsible for saving Ms. Sancomb's life. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Jennifer Berube, Darren Curtis, Joanna Kenefick, Jessica Mihalik, Susan Poulin, Shane Hunt, Margaret Parady, Stephen Crowe, JR Roebuck, and all other dispatchers and first responders involved, for their courageous and truly professional display of emergency communications.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I wholeheartedly support H.R. 671, the Ruth Moore Act of 2013. This bill was introduced by my colleague and good friend of mine from the State of Maine, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. It is named after a constituent of mine, Ruth Moore. This important legislation seeks to better serve those men and women who have become victims of military sexual trauma. This legislation makes clear that we expect the VA to update its regulations in regards to military sexual trauma, which we believe are outdated and do not reflect the needs of those who are living through this awful experience. This bill would encourage the VA to update its regulations to ensure that military sexual trauma is specified as an in-service stressor and that those updated regulations also recognize the full range of physical and mental disabilities that may result. Mr. Speaker, VA did the right thing by our Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange by updating their regulations. We expect VA to also do the right thing by veterans who have been suffering from military sexual trauma. H.R. 671, as amended, contains language to ensure VA follows through on the requirement to do better by those who have suffered military sexual trauma. It will dramatically increase the reporting requirements of VA in the event that these regulations are not updated within 15 months in an appropriate manner. Let's be clear: Congress disagrees with VA's assessment that MST is being adjudicated effectively. We expect VA to take a good, hard look at this issue and update its regulations in a timely fashion. We will be watching, and we will be having oversight hearings to make sure that the reporting requirements are upheld. I would urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 671, the Ruth Moore Act. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 5 minutes to the author of the bill, the gentlewoman from my home State of Maine, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

Mr. MICHAUD. At this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Negrete McLeod). Mrs. NEGRETE McLEOD. Thank you, Ranking Member Michaud. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 671, the Ruth Moore Act of 2013. This bill specifies military sexual trauma as a type of stressor for posttraumatic stress disorder. This is an important step forward in assuring that the VA gives full consideration for disability claims originating from sexual violence committed against military personnel while they serve our country. As a cosponsor of H.R. 671 and as a member of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, I believe we must support our veterans who may confront challenges upon returning to civilian life. This includes obtaining compensation for violence committed by a fellow servicemember.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, today, we can take a meaningful step to ensure the VA better serves veterans who were subject to sexual trauma while serving in our military. These veterans' disabilities were not the result of fire from the enemy, and they were not the result of injury incurred during training. They were the result of the armed services' continual failure to systematically address the culture of sexual assault in the military. This situation is unacceptable and unconscionable, and we must act. With this legislation, we hope to ensure that the VA helps these disabled veterans. We have a duty to make the lives of these men and women a little better. They never should have had to deal with these events in the service of our Nation anyway, so I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation. I also want to thank the chairman of the full committee and the chairman of the subcommittee and their staffs for their hard work in bringing this bill before the floor for us to vote on today. I know the committee staffs on both sides of the aisle have worked very hard to amend this bill so that it's acceptable to both sides of the aisle. I thank the chairman for all his hard efforts, not only on this legislation, but also on legislation as it affects veterans and their families throughout the country. With that, Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the town of Rumford on receiving a national Main Street designation and for joining the Maine Downtown Network program. The National Main Street Program was launched in 1980 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For over three decades, this program has promoted the revitalization of downtowns across the country by leveraging local assets such as cultural or architectural heritage, local enterprise, and community pride. Since 2009, the Maine Downtown Center, MDC, has served as the state coordinator for the National Main Street Program. MDC has done an excellent job building a network of participating communities over the last several years. As a national Main Street designee, Rumford will receive guidance, resources and professional training in community development from MDC. They will also have access to MDC staff, 24-member volunteer Advisory Council and the National Main Street Center resources. Rumford is capitalizing on its distinct character, through a unique public-private partnership, to stimulate economic vitality in the heart of their community. This recognition acknowledges the hard work that the Town of Rumford and its business community have put towards strengthening the local economy. Their efforts are already yielding dividends and making the region a better place to do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the town of Rumford and on their outstanding achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express opposition to H.R. 1919. Specifically, I rise to express concern with section 8 of this bill, which allows prescription drug labeling for physicians, pharmacists, and other health care professionals to be provided solely by electronic means. This provision is flawed on multiple levels. First, Internet access in rural States like mine can often be intermittent at best. In an area with low Internet connectivity or reliability, health care providers would not automatically have the necessary information about the drugs to make sure that they're being administered and prescribed appropriately. This is even true in areas that have good Internet connectivity, but may have been hit by a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy. Second, eliminating the paper labeling requirement will have repercussions for the industry that it supports. There are more than 10,000 jobs nationwide associated with the printing of this sensitive information. In Maine, the paper industry supports 7,000 workers, including hundreds in the pharmaceutical paper industry. These workers are part of an important industry that keeps health care professionals, dispensers, and consumers informed about their drugs. Section 8 would jeopardize the jobs of more than 1,000 Mainers. Finally, legislation passed during the 112th Congress required GAO to conduct a study of the advantages and risks of electronic-only labeling of pharmaceuticals. This study is due to be released next month. Passing this legislation that preempts the finding of this study is bad policy. So I would urge my colleagues to support informed health care professionals and consumers and to fight for more than 10,000 manufacturing jobs across the country. So I would urge a ``no'' vote on H.R. 1919.

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. MICHAUD. I thank both gentlemen for your willingness to look at section 8 more closely.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, I want to thank the chairman of the full committee for all his hard work and for working in a bipartisan manner not only on this piece of legislation but all of the bills that we've been dealing with in the committee this Congress. I rise today in support of H.R. 1412, as amended, the Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013. I want to thank Mr. Coffman for introducing this legislation. I also want to thank committee Chairman Miller and subcommittee Chairman Mr. Flores and Ranking Member Takano for their leadership in assisting and bringing this bill before us today. In these challenging employment markets, we need to use all available means to assist our veterans in obtaining the training that they need to find a good paying job. H.R. 1412 assists veterans by improving and increasing the VA's on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs. In these programs, a veteran employee's salary is paid in part by the employer and in part by the VA, with not less than 50 percent being paid by the program. As a veteran completes the apprenticeship and becomes a fully qualified employee, the employer pays an increasing percentage of the salary, eventually assuming all of it. H.R. 1412 reduces slightly the percentage of the salary the employer pays near the end of the training program. This eases the burden on the employers and is an incentive to employers to increase the number of veterans in the program. The Veterans' Affairs Committee will be closely monitoring this program to ensure that more veterans are being offered training opportunities as a result. Mr. Speaker, we know that on-the-job training and apprenticeship is a highly efficient and cost-effective means of connecting veterans with meaningful, long-term employment. This is good for both veterans and employers. H.R. 1412 enhances the opportunities for both, making it easier for companies to employ veterans and for veterans to find new jobs and careers. Unfortunately, however, too few employers know about this program and how to connect to it. As we pass this legislation, I encourage the VA to do more to inform employers and veterans about the benefits of this program. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I, too, have no further Members who wish to speak, but I do want to, in closing, emphasize that veterans are an asset to any organization, whether it is in the private or public sector. They make the organization better, and they improve the bottom line. This bill is very timely and is very important for our veterans. I also want to thank, once again, Mr. Takano for his leadership on this issue. In his life before he became a Member of Congress, he was in the community college system, and he knows about training and how important apprenticeship programs are. So I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 570, as amended, the American Heroes COLA Act. I wish to thank Mr. Runyan, the sponsor of H.R. 570, and the chairman of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, as well as Ms. Titus, our subcommittee ranking member, for their hard work on this measure. I'd also like to thank Chairman Miller for working closely with me, and with the veterans groups, to make the key improvements in this particular bill. H.R. 570 would permanently index the annual veterans cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, to the increase provided to Social Security beneficiaries, but only if the Social Security COLA continues to be determined using the current methodologies. This guards against automatically passing on any decrease to veterans that result from any future actions to implement a chained CPI regime. Second, H.R. 570 extends a COLA round-down provision set to expire this year for 5 years, instead of making it permanent. This round-down provision was implemented many years ago as a means of budget savings, and many veterans groups voiced opposition to making such a decrease permanent. Third, the savings generated from the round-down extension will be reinvested in veterans programs, namely, increasing the monthly amount provided to some of our veterans most in need of assistance and care. H.R. 570 would increase the amount of what is called a ``special monthly compensation'' paid to catastrophically disabled veterans in need of aid and attendance. This monthly amount would be increased from $2,002 to $3,163, and for those most in need of care from $2,983 to $4,713. These final payments would be phased in to comply with PAYGO requirements. H.R. 570, as amended, is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time I'd like to yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. O'Rourke).

Mr. MICHAUD. In closing, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 570, as amended, is a solid piece of legislation that the veterans service organizations support, that the committee supports, and I would urge my colleagues to support this bill. With that, Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Thank you very much for yielding. I want to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for his leadership in the No Label Problem Solving group, and I really enjoy working with you. I came to Congress after serving in the Maine Legislature for 22 years--a place where Democrats, Independents, and Republicans did work together to get things done. The House Veterans' Affairs Committee also works on a bipartisan basis, and I'm proud to serve on the committee. Chairman Miller and myself work very well together, along with our committee members, to try to find solutions to the problems that our veterans are facing today. We are doing it in a nonpartisan way, and that's how things should work. However, I do remain concerned about Congress, and Washington as a whole. There is too much division, gamesmanship, and too little cooperation. But the group that you see here tonight on this floor that I'm speaking of is a group that actually gives me hope, a group of individuals, Republicans, Democrats, from all different facets of life, from different parts of the country, that are willing to sit down and work together to get things done. I'm very proud to join my fellow Problem Solvers because it's long past time to work together and get things done for the American people.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the law enforcement officers from Maine and around the world that are joining us for National Police Week. Every year, thousands come to Washington to honor and remember those who valiantly gave their lives serving their communities. We honor the memory and sacrifice of the fallen officers throughout the world that strive to make our lives safe. Each day, law enforcement officials like Maine State Trooper Douglas Cropper risk their safety for our protection. Just last summer, Trooper Cropper raced ahead of a driver going in the wrong direction on a very busy interstate. Cropper, without hesitation, pulled in front of the disoriented driver so that his Police vehicle would collide into the oncoming vehicle. The vehicle came to rest, preventing any serious injury to the driver and possibly saving lives of innocent motorists. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the thousands of law enforcement officers like Trooper Cropper who selflessly put their safety on the line every day.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Mr. Laird Covey, who is retiring this month after more than 23 years of dedicated service to the Central Maine Medical Center and the surrounding community. The State of Maine has long benefited from Laird's tenure in the health care field. In addition to serving as President of CMMC since July 2008, Laird has also helped direct the center as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Medical Affairs. Outside of CMMC, he spent 3 years serving as Chief Executive Officer at Bridgton Hospital in Bridgton, Maine and was Vice President at North Country Hospital in Newport, Vermont. Few people can claim to embody the spirit of compassion and community engagement as completely as Laird. He is a proud and active member of the Lewiston Auburn Future Forum, which has been a driving force behind community efforts to make Lewiston and Auburn a better place to live. He has also served as Chairman of the Board at the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice (AHCH) and as President of the Board at Camp Sunshine, an institution for families of children with life-threatening diseases in Casco, Maine. In 2011, I was proud to join Laird in announcing CMMC's collaboration with Maine Research Associates on a new medical research expansion project. The study, which focuses on treatments for conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, has enabled hundreds of patients in Maine to access cutting-edge medicines. It also helped draw national attention to the important work being done in Maine to help solve some of our nation's most persistent health challenges. This project would not have been able to move forward so successfully without Laird's leadership. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Mr. Laird Covey on an exceptional career in the field of public health.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Aroostook Medical Center (TAMC) on becoming the first facility in Maine, and second in the Nation, to use compressed natural gas for both heat and cooling. For over 100 years, TAMC has played a vital role in providing health services to Maine's northern communities. TAMC is one of the area's largest economic drivers, employing over 1000 staff members and 60 physicians. On May 13, 2013, this Maine institution will cement its role as an environmental leader as well, kicking-off National Hospital Week by officially transitioning from oil fuel to compressed natural gas (CNG). According to TAMC's Vice President of Diagnostic and Support Services James McKenney, CNG produces about 45 percent less carbon dioxide than coal, 30 percent less than oil, and 15 percent less than wood. In addition to dramatically reducing its environmental footprint, the conversion is expected to save the hospital between $400,000 and $500,000 each year. TAMC's ``valve turning'' ceremony on the 13th is just part of the hospital's broader efforts to improve its environmental impact. The Food Service Department has eliminated foam cups and trays, while incentivizing staff to purchase coffee with mugs rather than paper cups. The hospital is also revamping its recycling processes, expanding composting activities, and switching to environmentally friendly chemicals wherever possible. These efforts have brought TAMC closer to local producers, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and the City of Presque Isle itself. I am pleased to join countless families across northern Maine in helping TAMC celebrate this exciting new chapter. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating TAMC for taking this important next step forward.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the four outstanding individuals being inducted into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame this year. Father Jacques LaPointe of Madawaska, Dr. Lisa Marrache of Waterville, Cindy Larouck of Lewiston, and Judge Michael Cantara of Biddeford are representative of the enduring strength and influence of Maine's French heritage. This year's inductees join the ranks of Maine's finest Franco- American leaders. Each of these honorees have made enormous contributions to the preservation and advancement of our state's unique history and culture. Father Jacques LaPointe is a key member of the greater Madawaska community and a respected author on the history of the St. John Valley. Lisa Marrache is an accomplished physician and legislator who has long worked to preserve French culture in Maine, including as a founder of the Franco-American Heritage Society of the Kennebec Valley. Cindy Larouck is well-known across her hometown of Lewiston and the state of Maine for her efforts to share and revive her love of traditional Franco-American dance and music. Michael Cantara is a highly regarded public servant, having previously served as Mayor of his hometown of Biddeford, York County District Attorney, Maine Public Safety Commissioner, and now as a District Court Judge. He has long been an unyielding force for the preservation of Maine's Franco-American heritage. The Franco-American Hall of Fame will also posthumously honor five Mainers for their outstanding contributions to the State of Maine: Leon Albert Guimond, Adolphe and Napoleon Gingras, Louis Phillipe Gagne, and Camille Bolduc. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring these outstanding individuals as they are permanently and fittingly recognized for their tremendous contributions to the state of Maine and Franco-American culture.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support National Arson Awareness Week, which runs from May 5th-11th this year. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has made tremendous strides in educating the public about the dangers of Arson during its annual Arson Awareness Week. This year's theme, ``Reducing Residential Arson,'' is focused on ways for community members to come together and develop plans to combat arson in their neighborhoods. According to USFA, over 14,700 law enforcement agencies report 43,400 arsons every year. This is an issue that hits home for my constituents in the city of Lewiston, who have endured three large fires during the past week. The fires have destroyed over 79 apartments and left roughly 200 people homeless. Firefighters from Lewiston and the surrounding communities have performed heroically to contain the fires and protect residents from harm. These brave men and women place themselves at enormous risk every day to keep us safe, and I applaud them for their efforts. USFA is recommending a number of strategies to help communities better protect themselves against arson. Neighborhood cleanups have enabled residents to remove flammable materials and identify possible hazards. Groups have also had success by improving internal and external security for their homes and at abandoned properties. Working together, we can all help make our communities a safer place to live. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing National Arson Awareness Week for its role in helping our communities educate themselves about ways to combat arson.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the leadership of John Stevens, former Chief of the Passamaquoddy and Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the State of Maine. Chief Stevens is known throughout Maine as a man of great wisdom and compassion. His distinguished career in public service has led him to serve the state's native peoples in a variety of capacities. As a Tribal Councilor, John worked to strengthen Passamaquoddy cultural values and promote economic progress. During his terms as Chief, John worked effectively to combat unemployment and crippling debt. He also played an enormous role in the legal battle that would eventually result in Congressional Legislation to grant federal recognition to the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Maliseet. Chief Stevens would also go on to serve as the first Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the State of Maine. In addition to his devotion for the native peoples of Maine, John is also a proud veteran of the Korean War. He has often cited the war- devastated villages he encountered overseas as an inspiration behind his efforts to improve conditions for his own people. Today, the Passamaquoddy Tribe owns more than 200,000 acres of land in the State. I consider myself privileged to have had the opportunity to work with John as a fellow public servant and as a friend. On May 9, 2013, Chief Joseph Socobasin, Vice Chief Clayton Sockabasin and the Indian Township Tribal Council will dedicate the Tribal Government Office Building in Chief Stevens' honor. I can think of no one more deserving of this tremendous honor. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in honoring Chief John Stevens for his long and remarkable career of public service.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Auburn Manufacturing, Inc. as it breaks ground on a significant expansion to its Auburn, Maine Kittyhawk Industrial Park location. Founded by President and CEO Kathie Leonard more than three decades ago, Auburn Manufacturing is known across the world as a leader in extreme temperature textiles. Kathie and her former business partner founded Auburn Manufacturing in 1979. In the intervening years, the company has grown to employ 50 employees, with its upcoming expansion set to create jobs for four new individuals. Kathie has never strayed from her core commitment to producing American-made textiles, seeking to enhance or improve Auburn Manufacturing's unique products without reinventing the wheel. It should come as no surprise that MaineBiz named Kathie one of its ``Women to Watch'' in 2009. Auburn Manufacturing is the only manufacturer of extreme temperature fabrics to make its product line entirely in the United States. The company's commitment to producing ``Made in the USA'' products is in no small part because of Kathie's strong belief that domestic manufacturing is the key to innovation. With another major expansion in Auburn Manufacturing's business plan, I have no doubt that Kathie and her employees will continue to turn out quality American made products for years and years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me on congratulating Kathie Leonard and her employees as they begin this tremendous next chapter for Auburn Manufacturing.