Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Dinner. Each year, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses, business leaders, community service projects and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy business environment. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and increasing prosperity in Maine. This year's award recipients include: Megan Williams, recipient of the Rising Star Award; Bert Languet, recipient of the Outstanding Professional Award; Michelle LePage, recipient of the Customer Service Stardom Award; the Waterville Opera House, recipient of the Community Service Project of the Year Award; Peter Schutte, recipient of the Business Person of the Year Award; Delta Ambulance, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Shawn Michaud, recipient of the Elias A. Joseph Award; and Scott Bullock, recipient of the Distinguished Community Service 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 again in congratulating the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and these individuals and businesses on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Maine's maple syrup producers in celebrating Maine Maple Sunday on March 24, 2013. The history of maple syrup in Maine dates back to before the colonists first landed on our shores. Native American tribes from throughout the Northeast first developed the practice of drawing sugar and syrup from the sap of maple trees. Hundreds of years later, maple syrup remains a staple of Maine's economy and cultural heritage. Maine Maple Sunday is always held on the fourth Sunday in March. Sugarhouses open their doors on this day to offer free samples and demonstrations to enthusiastic customers from all over the Northeast. Nurtured by Maine's unique soils and climate, the maple syrup on display during Maple Sunday is among the finest in the world. I would like to extend a special thank you to Arnold and Elaine Luce of Anson, T.A. Greene of Sebago, the family of the late Linwood Foster of Skowhegan, John Hodgkins of Yarmouth, Robert Smith of Skowhegan, the family of the late Chester Basford of Fairfield, John and Eva Steeves of Skowhegan, and Pete Tracy of Farmington for their hard work in making Maine Maple Sunday possible. Their efforts are responsible for the successful continuation of one of Maine's oldest and proudest traditions. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Maine's maple syrup producers on putting together another Maine Maple Sunday.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Harold O. Bouchard of Hermon, Maine, who passed away on February 22, at the age of 77. Harold will be long remembered as an astute businessman who was well known for his philanthropy and community service. From a single dump truck he purchased in 1958, Harold grew a business that today employs 175 people and stands at 100 trucks strong. He became an innovator and fierce advocate for the trucking industry. Harold worked tirelessly to develop safer and more efficient trucks. As an advocate, he sought to ensure lawmakers understood that heavier six axle trucks were safe and important for businesses to compete. Because of Harold's efforts, Maine's roads are safer and Maine's businesses are stronger. Harold also maintained a strong presence in the community, helping to found the American Loggers Council and the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine. Harold was also involved with the Maine Forest Products Council, the Forest Resource Association, Maine Motor Transportation Association, the Maine Better Transportation Association, and the Associated General Contractors of Maine. The Northeast Loggers Association, of which he was also a member, named him Outstanding Logger of the Year in 1991. Few people can claim to embody the spirit of charity and community engagement as completely as Harold. He was instrumental in helping to raise $13 million to improve cancer treatment services at Eastern Maine Medical Center. In 2003, Harold received the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce's Norbert X. Dowd Award for his contributions to his industry and for his community service. I was fortunate to have Harold as a supporter and ally in my ongoing efforts to allow states to increase the weight of trucks allowed on their highways. The work he did on this cause was instrumental in helping to make this goal a reality in Maine today. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Mr. Harold O. Bouchard.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipients of the 2013 Annual Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Awards. Representing over 400 area businesses and organizations, the Oxford Hills Chamber has been instrumental in advocating for economic growth throughout the greater Oxford County region. Each year, the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses, business leaders, and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy economic environment. These honorees embody the kind of entrepreneurism and resourcefulness which has helped the state to weather one of the harshest economic climates in American history. This year's award recipients include Business of the Year, Oxford Casino; Employee of the Year, Steve Holbrook, teacher at Oxford Hills Christian Academy; Rising Star of the Year, ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration of Oxford. Additionally, the staff at Responsible Pet Care will receive the Community Service Award. These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and to the region, Maine is a better place to live and to do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Oxford Hills Region Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cyndi Robbins and the ``Gems of 26'' for their outstanding efforts to honor our nation's veterans. Over the last three years, Cyndi Robbins and the staff of the Poland Spring Inn welcomed more than 600 members of military and veteran families for short getaways in scenic Western Maine. Thanks to a unique partnership formed between a group of unique sites along Route 26 called the ``Gems of 26,'' military and veteran families have been treated to lodging, meals, boat rentals, and free access to a variety of activities and historic sites in Maine's western mountains. In addition to the Poland Spring Resort, the generous ``Gems of 26,'' include the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, the Poland Spring Preservation Society in Poland Spring, and the grounds of the McLaughlin Garden in South Paris. The Maine Military and Community network has also played an important role in helping eligible families participate in the program. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Cyndi Robbins, the Poland Spring Resort, and these historic Maine attractions for their commitment to serving our veteran and military families.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of the 2013 Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet 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 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 Barbara Dagley of Carbonite Inc, recipient of Business Leadership Award for a Larger Company; Kurk Lalemand of Next Level Business Coaching and John Stass of Katahdin Furniture, recipients of the Business Leadership Awards for Smaller Companies; Larry Raymond of Issacson and Raymond, recipient of the Ray Geiger Award; Rita Dube, Julia Sleeper and Kim Pelletier, recipients of the Community Service Leadership Awards; Rick Jones of Jones Associates, recipient of the Poland Business Award; Nick Benoit of Benoit's Bakery and Wine Cellar, recipient of the Lisbon Business Award; Nancy Ricker of Ricker Hill Orchards, recipient of the Turner Business Award; Russ Barlow, Principal of the Franklin Alternative School in Auburn is the recipient of the Education Award; Sherry Spencer of Proctor and Gamble-Tambrands, recipient of the ``Cool Chamber Award;'' Dick Roy of Mechanics Savings Bank, recipient of the Ken Addition Small Business Advocate Award; Kim Jacques of Revelation Massage, recipient of the 2013 New Member of the Year Award; and Susan Hall of The Vault and Kevin Dean and Emil Clavet of Electricity Maine, 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 again in congratulating the Androscoggin 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 2013 Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet 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 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 Barbara Dagley of Carbonite Inc., recipient of Business Leadership Award for a Larger Company; Kurk Lalemand of Next Level Business Coaching and John Stass of Katandin Furniture, recipients of the Business Leadership Awards for Smaller Companies; Larry Raymond of Issacson and Raymond, recipient of the Ray Geiger Award; Rita Dube, Julia Sleeper and Kim Pelletier, recipients of the Community Service Leadership Awards; Rick Jones of Jones Associates, recipient of the Poland Business Award; Nick Benoit of Benoit's Bakery and Wine Cellar, recipient of the Lisbon Business Award; Nancy Ricker of Ricker Hill Orchards, recipient of the Turner Business Award; Russ Barlow, Principal of the Franklin Alternative School in Auburn is the recipient of the Education Award; Sherry Spencer of Proctor and Gamble--Tambrands, recipient of the ``Cool Chamber Award;'' Dick Roy of Mechanics Savings Bank, recipient of the Ken Addition Small Business Advocate Award; Kim Jacques of Revelation Massage, recipient of the 2013 New Member of the Year Award; and Susan Hall of The Vault and Kevin Dean and Emil Clavet of Electricity Maine, 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 again in congratulating the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pantheon- Bourgeois Guitars, LLC on winning the first annual Achievement Award from the Small Enterprise Growth Fund (SEGO. Pantheon-Bourgeois Guitars was formed in 2000 after Dana Bourgeois, a well known luthier, and a group of new business investors collaborated over a shared vision. In just over 12 years, the company has built a reputation among professional musicians for being among the finest crafted acoustic guitars in the world. Today, Dana and his craftsmen build about thirty guitars every month in the historic Roy Continental Mill in Lewiston, Maine. Pantheon-Bourgeois Guitars was recently honored by SEGF with its first annual Achievement Award, which recognizes the company's tremendous revenue growth and exceptional productivity in the past year. This award follows a fruitful collaboration with Maine's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which provides business and technical assistance to help our state's small businesses thrive. With the help of Maine MEP, Pantheon-Bourgeois Guitars expanded its weekly production by 50 percent. The company has additional plans to implement improvements that will boost future productivity and efficiency. A professionally-managed venture capital fund, the SEGF has been investing only in Maine companies who exhibit the potential for growth and public benefit since 1997. This well deserved award solidifies Pantheon-Bourgeois Guitars as valued member of Maine's business community. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Pantheon- Bourgeois Guitars on earning SEGF's Achievement Award.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of the 2013 Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Dinner. 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 award recipients include J.S. McCarthy Printers, recipient of Business of the Year; Peter E. Prescott, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; Scott Bolduc, recipient of Business Person of the Year; Andy and Sheree Wess, recipients of the President's Award; Deborah Shepherd of the Family Violence Project, recipient of the Community Service Award; Mike Seitzinger, Esq., recipient of the Community Service Award; Randy and Teresa Hutchins of O'Connor Auto Group, recipient of the President's Award; and Laura Benedict of The Red Barn, recipient 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 again in congratulating the Kennebec Valley 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 2013 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner. Founded in 1911, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce serves Bangor and 21 surrounding communities. The positive economic effects of the Bangor Chamber's committed advocacy can always be felt throughout 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 Peter Vigue of Cianbro Pipe Fabrication and Coating Facility, recipient of the Norbert X. Dowd Award; Senator Richard Rosen, recipient of the Catherine Lebowitz Award for Public Service; Andy Hamilton of Eaton Peabody, recipient of the Arthur A. Comstock Professional Service Award; Geaghan's Pub and Craft Brewery, recipient of the Bion and Dorain Foster Entrepreneurship Award; WBRC Architects and Engineers, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Hammond Street Senior Center, recipient of the Community Service Award; Children's Miracle Network Hospitals of Eastern Maine Health Care Systems, recipient of the Non-Profit of the Year Award; and Kathy Hunt of Starboard Leadership Consulting LLC, recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award. These eight recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and to the region, Maine is a better place to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Bangor Region 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 2013 Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Dinner. The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the Lewiston-Auburn area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the State. Each year, the Androscoggin 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 Barbara Dagley of Carbonite Inc., recipient of Business Leadership Award for a Larger Company; Kurk Lalemand of Next Level Business Coaching and John Stass of Katandin Furniture, recipients of the Business Leadership Awards for Smaller Companies; Larry Raymond of Issacson and Raymond, recipient of Ray Geiger Award; Rita Dube, Julia Sleeper and Kim Pelletier, recipients of the Community Service Leadership Awards; Rick Jones of Jones Associates, recipient of the Poland Business Award; Nick Benoit of Benoit's Bakery and Wine Cellar, recipient of the Lisbon Business Award; Nancy Ricker of Ricker Hill Orchards, recipient of the Turner Business Award; Russ Barlow, recipient of the Education Award; Sherry Spencer of Proctor and Gamble-Tambrands, recipient of the ``Cool Chamber Award;'' Dick Roy of Mechanics Savings Bank, recipient of the Ken Addition Small Business Advocate Award; Kim Jacques of Revelation Massage, recipient of the 2013 New Member of the Year Award; and Susan Hall of the Vault and Kevin Dean and Emil Clavet of Electricity Maine, 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 again in congratulating the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. First of all, I would like to thank the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and the staff of both the majority and the minority for their work in putting these two bills together before us today. I rise today in support of this bill, H.R. 4057, a bill requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning, and for other purposes. Mr. Speaker, our brave men and women of this country put their lives in harm's way to ensure that our freedom is protected. Their actions are without reservation or consideration to what may become of their lives. We must honor their service by ensuring that they have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream when they come home. This includes making it affordable for them to buy a home, protecting their employment while they are deployed, and allowing them to pursue a postsecondary education. Our servicemembers are trained for the worst when they are deployed, ready to fight in combat, and, if necessary, make the ultimate sacrifice. But when they return home, the battle to transition to civilian life can be difficult and frustrating. With the passage of the post-9/11 GI Bill, which provided generous education benefits, many veterans and their dependents took this opportunity to pursue a higher education and a better life. However, it is not enough to provide a benefit if the veterans do not have the proper information on the educational opportunities available to them. They need the right tools at the right time to help them determine which school is the best one for them. That is why I support strongly H.R. 4057. This bill will provide our veterans with the necessary information to make an intelligent and informed decision when deciding to pursue a postsecondary education or vocational training opportunity. Education is a key factor for a successful professional life, particularly for servicemembers that may have some difficulty translating their military skill to civilian employment. This bill requires a collective effort from agencies, institutions of higher learning, and Congress to help veterans succeed. Furthermore, this bill can help ensure a better, well-trained workforce for a more competitive America. I ask my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 4057, and I respectfully reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MICHAUD. I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The bill before us today, the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012, S. 3202, is a minibus collection of veterans measures that primarily focus on ensuring that our veterans receive proper burials that reflect and honor their service. The bill also establishes and expands several health care and transition assistance benefits, and it names four VA health facilities after Americans with distinguished honor. I appreciate the hard work of all of our colleagues in the House and in the Senate and of our staffs on the measures that were included in this bill. We all share the same goal--helping our veterans and their families receive the benefits that they have earned and deserve. This bill advances that goal, and I support its passage. Title I of this bill will allow the Secretary of the VA to provide a casket or urn to those veterans who die without a known next of kin, without identification or without financial means, thereby ensuring that these veterans are laid to rest with the utmost dignity. Mr. Speaker, there is also an allocation of $5 million in this title to attempt to address the longstanding maintenance, operation, and ownership issues at Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Philippines. Along with soldiers and civilians of other nationalities, over 2,200 American veterans are buried at Clark. This provision will honor their sacrifices by setting up the process for Clark to become a permanent cemetery administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Clark continues to accept burials, including those from the Iraq war; and to ensure a smooth transition, it is critical that an agreement is reached between the two governments before it can become a permanent cemetery. I am confident that the ABMC will bring this cemetery up to its impeccable standards and that Congress will provide it the resources to do so. Title II of the bill contains a vital provision requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs, with help from the Department of Defense, to establish a burn pit registry. This registry would be for our men and women who may have been exposed to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits. Every time we send our men and women into combat, we need to do all that we can to properly assess their risks of exposure to toxins. It has been decades, and we still do not fully understand the risks associated with one's exposure to agent orange, an exposure causing many veterans to suffer without compensation. We should learn from this history, and this bill puts us on track to avoid repeating it again. Title II would also enhance VA transportation services to help more veterans access VA health care, and it contains a very timely measure that would extend the reporting requirement for posttraumatic stress disorder through 2016. The rate of PTSD remains high in the veteran population, and we must continue to keep this issue at the top of our radar as well as before Congress and the public so that we can continue to provide the funding that's needed. Finally, Mr. Speaker, title III of this bill contains an important section that would direct the Department of Labor to provide the Transition Assistance Program, TAP, at locations other than at military installations. This 2-year pilot program will benefit our servicemembers and their spouses by providing additional opportunity to attend TAP and to learn about their earned benefits. Too many returning servicemembers are unable to take advantage of TAP. This is especially true for members of the National Guard and Reserve who often return from war to find that they lack the support military communities provide them. The TAP program is critical to a servicemember's successful transition back into civilian life, and I am glad to see it expanded. Again, I want to thank the members and Chairman Miller for their leadership on this bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to support its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer my support of H.R. 3197, a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, the Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Private First Class Joe Mann served with the 101st Airborne division during World War II. He lost his life in the Netherlands, courageously absorbing the blast of a hand grenade with his body to protect those around him while in battle. Later, in 1954, Private First Class Mann received the Medal of Honor. Platoon Sergeant Bruce Grandstaff also received the Medal of Honor after his death. Having served in Vietnam, Sergeant Grandstaff found his platoon surrounded by the enemy near the Cambodia border and crawled through the front lines to save his comrades. Despite his wounds, he was able to notify the U.S. helicopters of their location and valiantly called for artillery in order to prevent the enemy from advancing. Private First Class Mann and Sergeant Grandstaff went above and beyond the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. It is most appropriate that the VA Medical Center in Spokane be renamed in honor of these two heroes. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) such time as she may consume.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I now would yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer my support of H.R. 6443, a bill to designate a Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Sunrise, Florida, as the ``William `Bill' Kling VA Clinic.'' Mr. Kling was a World War II veteran, having served as a radar technician in the United States Navy. He went on to serve as a staunch advocate for the veterans of Florida, including: 27 years as President of the Broward County Veterans Council, 8 years as Florida's Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, and Memberships with The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jewish War Veterans and Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Kling fought for greater access to healthcare for his fellow veterans, which after 13 years of advocacy, led to the opening of this facility in Sunrise in 2008. Moreover, Mr. Kling was also a key player in the opening of the South Florida National Cemetery in 2007 and the State Veterans Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines in 2001. While Mr. Kling is no longer with us, his tireless advocacy on behalf of our Nation's veterans lives makes him the perfect candidate for the naming of the VA clinic in Sunrise. Before yielding back my time, I'd also like to thank Chairman Miller and your entire staff for working with the minority staff to bring these two bills before the House. But I also want to thank you for your friendship and your guidance over the years as we both served on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. I look forward to my new role as the ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and look forward to working with you and your staff as well. I want to thank you for your strong advocacy for our veterans. That's one of the reasons why I think we work very well together--we have a common goal, a common purpose to help our veterans and their families out. So I want to thank you and look forward to working with you in the upcoming Congress as well as the remainder of this Congress. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Representative DeLauro of Connecticut and I introduced legislation to increase the specifics and the strength of U.S. enforcement efforts of Russia's WTO membership. As our experience with China has shown, if there isn't a robust enforcement mechanism, American jobs will be lost. I am pleased that the bill being debated today includes similar language to strengthen our enforcement of Russia's WTO membership, but I do have lingering concerns that USTR may be reluctant to fully implement these provisions, both in letter and in spirit. First, I am worried that USTR may not interpret the bill's reporting requirements in a way that will make it possible for Members of Congress or American businesses to fully understand Russia's WTO commitment. The Working Party Report, alone, is hundreds of pages and is hard to decipher. In addition, I'm concerned that USTR may not include in their report when they decide not to take action against Russia, even when they are not in compliance. Can you assure me that you will work with me to ensure that Members of Congress and our businesses are made aware of all of Russia's WTO commitments and whether or not they are in full compliance? I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. MICHAUD. I thank the gentleman for his answer. My next concern is that USTR's report that Congress may not give sufficient attention to Russia's compliance with their manufacturing- related commitments. I know you and I share a deep commitment to American manufacturing. Will my friend work with me to ensure that USTR reports to Congress include assessments on their compliance with manufacturing-related obligations?